Matched

by Angela Graham

  I watch as Oakley and I walk into the house together. I see him spinning me in his arms on the beach, kissing me, and proposing to me. Then the music changes, and it’s…the challenge where Cruz licks me, me sunbathing by the pool with Cruz’s eyes glued to me from a distance, the grotto…and the hammock!

  It’s too much. I leap up and barely make it down and off the bleachers without falling, crying as I run backstage. Exit. Where’s the damn exit?

  “Stop. Please.”

  I freeze in place, the sound of his deep plea behind me chilling me to the bone.

  “Will you look at me?”

  I can’t move or stop the tears. “Where’s Emma?” is all I grate out, my back still to him.

  His hands grip my waist and spin me to face him. “She’s fine, I swear to you.”

  “Then why isn’t she here? What aren’t you telling me?” I sniffle, hating him seeing me like this, with tears still pouring out.

  “She couldn’t make it. But you’ll hear from her soon—promise.” His thumb strokes my cheek and I recoil, not caring about the frown deepening over his beautiful lips I’ve missed so much.

  He doesn’t move away, though. “I know you got tested to be a match for her, Harlow. You didn’t have to do that, and the fact that you did…thank you.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t.” I choke on a sob and his face contorts, pained either by the sound or the fact that I didn’t match his sister.

  He crushes my body against his. “My gorgeous girl, inside and out. I missed you so damn much.” He sighs against my hair, where his cheek rests. “Feels amazing to hold you again.”

  “Then why didn’t you call or text?” I try to push away, but he doesn’t budge. My anger’s waning; I’m enjoying him this close way too much. “Where’ve you been?”

  “I should have.” He lifts his head, and his eyes find mine. “It’s been crazy lately—and not lame-excuse, cop-out crazy. I honestly couldn’t tell you if I’ve remembered to eat, bathe, and sleep enough over the last couple days. Since Emma got home from the island, it’s been constantly going.”

  “You left before her. Why not call then?”

  “I stayed at the resort on the island until she was done filming, while you were in Aspen, and I still had no cellphone. I haven’t memorized your number quite yet, but I will.” He winks. “I know I should’ve called or texted you the week after, you’re absolutely right, and…I’m sorry.” His gaze clouds with regret. “It wasn’t because I wasn’t thinking about you—I always was, even when I felt guilty for letting my mind wander selfishly.

  “It’s just…I’ve never had a girlfriend—again, no excuse—but this is new for me, and life’s been a whirlwind. Time got away from me, and before I knew it…” He sighs. “I knew you’d be hurt, but I’d die before I hurt you intentionally, gorgeous. Please forgive me. I’ll do anything to make it up to you.” He steps back and cradles my face. “I’ll explain everything, and swear to never keep anything from you again. But right now, can you go on blind faith till this is over?”

  His eyes always give him away, speaking louder than his lips ever could. And the begging blue gems are telling me he’s being honest.

  “Yes,” I whisper.

  His mouth devours mine. His lips are forceful but lush, his tongue ruthless. I bite it.

  “Fuck!” He flinches, holding it between his thumb and forefinger for a second. “What was that?”

  “A text takes approximately twenty seconds to send. Next time, find the time. I deserve that much.”

  A slow smile spreads over his lips. “You got it, gorgeous.” He winks and leans in hesitantly. “You mad about anything else?”

  “No.”

  “Then don’t hurt me this time.” He chuckles and kisses me again, slowly and for a long time.

  “Looks like Cruz and Harlow have decided to rejoin us. Welcome back,” Tom says as we take our seats.

  “Thanks, asshole,” Cruz answers for the both of us. “Oakley?”

  “Yeah?” He turns to look at Cruz.

  “All good?”

  Oakley considers Callie thoughtfully, then looks at me. A barrage of emotion flickers in his eyes before all I can see is content respect. “Yeah, man. All good.”

  Cruz laces his fingers through mine and rests our joined hands on his leg. “Somebody catch us up?”

  “Oh, pick me!” Callie squeals sarcastically. “We revisited the orgy that almost was, in which Jensen the Devious Rapist Wannabe did nothing to help anyone. Number ninety-six here,” she says, clapping Oakley on the shoulder, “is gonna kill him later. Nadia’s still a whore who’s fucking said dead man, which makes her a necrophiliac. And the viewers asked Miranda how she felt about it all, to which she responded—”

  “I hope it fucking rots and falls off the bastard!” Miranda finishes.

  “Tom, did I miss anything?” Callie asks, batting her eyelashes.

  “See why I love them?” I hear Miles mumble to Zeffrey, who laughs, nodding.

  “Um…no, I think that about, er…covers it.” Holy shit, Tom’s tongue-tied. He looks to the crew, who throw a signal…and he’s back! “So, Cruz…you matched with Miranda, but are obviously pretty friendly with Harlow. Care to enlighten us?”

  He leans in to kiss my temple and whispers, “Hold on tight,” before addressing Tom. “Sure. I’m honored to have matched with Miranda. She’s a beautiful person, and since my lady’s best friends with her, I’m happy she’ll be around.

  “And I’m more than friendly with Harlow—I’m crazy about her. I sat back and respected her relationship with Oakley, even though I wanted her the minute you welcomed us to the island. They were well broken up before I so much as brushed my hand on hers, but it’s on now.” He looks at me, smiling. “If that’s all right with her, I mean. How ’bout it, gorgeous? Sound good?”

  “Very,” I whisper, only to him.

  “Keep holding.” He kisses my nose. “And Tom, I wish the same happiness for Miranda. Got a video for her?” he asks.

  “As a matter of fact, I do. As you all know, your producer was replaced because, well…he just couldn’t seem to stay behind the camera. Let’s take a look.”

  “What the hell?” I growl in Cruz’s ear.

  “Trust me.”

  The studio lights dim, and a video plays on the screen. I’m stunned as I watch, tears wetting my cheeks as “Try a Little Tenderness” provides the soundtrack to a montage of things I missed. I see Adam watching her, waving, smiling, pointing, pulling her into corners to whisper, gliding a hand down her cheek, tucking her hair behind her ear.

  It keeps going until my heart clenches at a clip of him saving her from the tub, whisking her into his jeep, and—oh my God—peeking in at her asleep and adjusting her blanket. They installed cameras in his bungalow! Did he even know?

  “Told ya,” Cruz whispers in my ear as the song ends and the lights flick back on.

  And there stands Adam in the flesh, looking bold and sensuous in an all-black suit and red tie. Damn.

  “Miranda,” he says, walking toward her end of the bleachers.

  “Adam,” she says. Her tone is unexpectedly cold.

  “I’m afraid they’re onto us.” He smirks. I didn’t know his face did that.

  “Fuck you,” she bites, standing and making her way down. She’s ready to leave, but he’s quicker, shifting to block her.

  “That would be more than I deserve, but I won’t say no.”

  Shit. She must’ve heard me snicker, because she cuts me a scathing glare.

  “You made it very clear you wanted nothing to do with me,” she replies, turning her focus back on Adam. “I accepted that, and moved on. You don’t get to show up now and act all knight-in-shining-armor for ratings. Now move!”

  She shoves at his chest, but he grabs her hand and kisses it.

  “I believe what I said was, ‘If it were another time and different circumstances, things could be different.’ It’s another time now, beautiful—and far differen
t circumstances. I’m no longer affiliated with my father’s network. I’m here solely as a guest…for you. That video—I signed off rights, so you could see.

  “It’s you. Always has been. I rearranged everything I needed to in order to be everything you deserve. And now I’m here—and you’re leaving with me.”

  I glance over at Callie. Her cheeks are as tear-streaked as mine, and we share a smile. “I never doubted him for a minute,” I whisper, and Cruz laughs quietly, tugging me closer to kiss my hair.

  “If that’s the story you’re going with, I’ll never say a word,” he replies.

  Adam tilts his head, and a dazzling smile breaks through Miranda’s weakening defenses. “Now, finish your show, and I’ll be waiting right over there.” Adam points to the wings.

  “We’ll see.” Miranda shrugs.

  “We certainly will, very soon.” He hooks a hand around her neck and pulls her into a clash of their mouths that would definitely spike ratings…on, like, the XXX channel.

  Tom clears his throat awkwardly before speaking up. “Okay, thank you Adam. And while Miranda takes her seat, let’s recap.” Miranda’s expression is torn and completely dazed when she sits, and Adam walks back to the shadows.

  Tom continues. “Our soulmates, in order of elimination, were Dana and Dalton, Ivy and Wyatt, Rachel and Peyton, Callie and Oakley, Harlow and Court, Nadia and Jensen, and Miranda and Cruz. Our winners were…Emma and Miles!

  “The money earned, both in the main bank and individually, totaled over $200,000. Many of you ended up with hefty sums for your individual charities, but the main bank all went to one. And Oakley Abrams’ football team, the North Bay Ravens, were generous enough to add to the pot. So I’m happy to announce that $500,000 was paid to the Alport Syndrome Research and Cure Foundation!”

  For the first time, we all applaud as one. And as a different screen comes down, Cruz wraps both his arms around me.

  “Joining us via satellite, everyone say hello to Emma and Court!” Tom announces.

  “Hey everybody!” Emma greets us with her beautiful smile and a wave, from her spot in a hospital bed…with Court in one right beside her.

  I inhale through my mouth in loud gulps since no air can get through my stuffy nose, my chest heaving with happy sobs. Miranda quickly—and very dexterously, I might add—crab-crawls backward up a few bleachers and leans into me. Cruz adjusts to put a hand on her, too.

  “Hi, Em-Emma,” Callie manages through a broken sob.

  “Hey there, Em, Court. Y’all good?” Cruz asks.

  “Doin’ great. We miss bein’ there with you guys, but my lil’ darlin’ here needed some time to recover.”

  “You too, man,” Cruz tells Court. “You too.”

  I have so many questions, but I can’t stop wiping away tears so I can see her and find my voice.

  Toms helps me out, which is a first. “Cruz, it seems some things have changed. You appear on…dare I say jovial terms with the man seemingly smitten with your sister.”

  “Well, he had to give her a kidney first, but yeah, it’s cool.” Cruz chuckles, and I gasp along with everyone.

  “Harlow?”

  My head pops up when I hear her sweet little voice. “Yeah, Em?”

  “I found my perfect match.”

  Epilogue: Six Months Later

  “I vow to spend every day I’m given at your side—laughing, living, and loving you. I’m better, happier, and only whole with you; my rock. With this ring, I thee wed.”

  “I vow to honor, protect, and worship you every day of my life—the life that only started when you chose me. Your beauty, your heart, your wisdom, your kindness…I thank God for each second you share them with me. In all the world, you are the rarest, most flawless of diamonds. I love you, and with this ring, I forever wed myself to you.”

  Cruz catches my teary eyes and winks, blowing me a kiss.

  Miles, ordained and grinning from ear to ear, says the words we’ve been waiting to hear. “By the power vested in me by the Republic of Seychelles, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride.”

  I cry harder, and hear Cruz clapping with an “Attaboy!” as Adam dips Miranda back, kissing her slowly and lovingly.

  When he raises her back up, her cheeks flushed and her smile as bright as you’d expect of a flawless diamond, I finally take a deep breath. My first wedding was planned and looks to be sealed without a hitch!

  Oh, and one of my best friends is happily married, of course.

  “Adam and Miranda, they dated, and I assume mated, ’cause they were always fated! Let’s celebrate!” Miles whoops. “Reception in the white tent just south down the shoreline.”

  “Woo-hoo! Carry me to the fake champagne and dance floor, cowboy!” Emma squeals, jumping up to be caught instinctually by Court for a piggyback ride. Her bridesmaid dress is long and flowing, allowing her legs to wrap around him as he sets off.

  Miranda comes to me, clasping both my hands in hers. “Thank you, Harlow—for the beautiful wedding, your undying faith in me and my happily ever after…and especially for being my best friend. I mean, besides Adam.” Her laughter highlights the joy in her tears. “I do wish Callie could’ve been here. It was sweet they sent a gift, but not the same.”

  “That’s football life.” I roll my eyes, grateful for my new routine and schedule. “And you’re welcome, beautiful. Now go be with your husband.” I kiss her cheek.

  As she returns to Adam’s waiting arms, he smiles my way and I return the expression. It’s an exchange of genuine cheerfulness between us, and it’s really wonderful.

  Cruz is across the room, waiting impatiently in the same spot. He smirks, because he knows it’s my favorite, and crooks his finger at me…because he knows it’s also my favorite.

  “You gonna give me a piggyback ride?” I ask, sashaying toward him. “Then I might think you’re the best man.”

  “I’ve got something much better planned for you, gorgeous maid of honor. Right this way.” He weaves his fingers through mine and guides us in the opposite direction of the reception.

  “Cruz, we have to give the speeches!”

  “We have plenty of time, love. Adam’ll be busy consummating his marriage for a while, trust me. Now move that sweet ass before I throw it over my shoulder.” He pins me with a stare that clearly states, “I want you—now.”

  “You consummate on the wedding night.”

  “Not Adam. I guarantee you he’s planning differently.” He tugs me closer and whispers, “I know I would be.”

  I shiver at the suggestion, but still can’t imagine Miranda and Adam skipping out, even if only for a short while, to have sex—that is, until I catch them out of the corner of my eye and turn my head fully. My mouth drops at the sight of Adam carrying her into the small tent we’d set up for the bridal party to get ready in.

  Now I understand why Adam requested the chaise lounge be added to it.

  “Told you.” Cruz chuckles and I elbow him in the stomach, but he only laughs louder.

  I pout, just to toy with his waning control. “Fine, but we’ve got to hurry.”

  “I never hurry with you.” He kisses my hand he’s holding, drawing us deeper into the foliage that serves as a cove of sorts before turning to face me. “See anything you like?”

  I glance over his shoulder and gasp. “A hammock?”

  “A hammock,” he hums, reaching behind me to slowly unzip my dress. His warm breath sizzles across the nape of my neck. “I love you, Harlow—love you more every day, if that’s even possible.” He slides the straps off my shoulders and gently pushes the dress down my body, letting it fall around my feet.

  “Step out,” he groans, and I do. His eyes sweep over the length of me, standing in a simple white lace thong and matching bra. “I’m about to show you what a man does to the woman he loves.”

  “Is that so?”

  He nods, pulling me with him as he walks backward toward the hammock, a wicked grin curving his lips. He ta
unts me right back, taking an excruciating amount of time to loosen his tie and slip it over his head before he tosses it at me. “Wanna help?”

  “No,” I whisper, biting my bottom lip. “I want to watch.” I saunter past him and lie in the hammock, propping both hands behind my head.

  He turns around to face me and untucks his shirt with a rough tug, undoing the buttons slowly, one by one. “Anything else you want?”

  I point at him, then crook the same finger for him to come closer.

  “Me?” he teases with a raised brow, pointing at himself. “You sure that’s all? ’Cause I’d be more than happy to film it.”

  For More Co-Written Books by

  S.E. Hall & Angela Graham

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  But maybe not quite this sexy..."Lay back for me."

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  One lonely woman. One mysterious man. Not all secret admirers write poetry. As intrigued and aroused as she is frightened and appalled by the continuous stream of profound-yet-perverse letters arriving in her office mailbox, shy wallflower Amelia Hill, thinks she’s going insane. Notes turn to text messages, luring her to meet the elusive stranger in a room as dark and hidden as his intentions. Once there, Amelia realizes gut instincts should be heard louder than the deceptive call of temptation. Will one night be enough, or too much?

  Handled 1 & 2

  Nothing makes my cock stand at attention like my lil' Firecracker. She thinks she can hide behind that sharp tongue and those succulent pink lips, but it only makes her taste all the sweeter. I can't get enough...if only she could say the same.

  Acknowledgments

  We’d like to thank so many who helped us through this journey. This part always makes us nervous, mortal fear of forgetting someone.

  To our husbands and children: We promise we’ll make it up to you! Thank you for enduring the snippiness in our replies, and the exhaustion when asked to move and/or participate in anything other than writing. Thank you for forgiving us when we checked our phones while pretending to “be in the moment” with you, yet still cashing all our rain checks. You’re the most forgiving and supportive people with whom we could blessed…and we really hope you still like us, because WE LOVE YOU!