Love 'Em or Leave 'Em

by Angie Stanton

  Luke sat mesmerized at her surrender. She deeply inhaled the taste of the drink and the pure mountain air. Her cheeks were rosy in the coolness of the day.

  Luke replaced the cap and returned the flask to the protection of her bosom. He leaned forward and placed his moist lips against hers, tenderly sealing their drink with a kiss. He sensed her momentary surprise, and felt her relax in his arms as she welcomed his advances. He tasted the sweet chocolate on her lips. A small moan came from the back of her throat. Luke pulled away and watched her eyes flutter open, wide and innocent. He felt her warm breath upon his cheek.

  Luke was entranced by this unusual beauty. She acted uninterested and tried to avoid him. She even said he wasn't her type and she wanted to get off the show. But whenever he got her alone and cornered her, he saw her sexy, fun side.

  His lips parted slowly from hers. "Not your type, huh?"

  They had reached the pinnacle of the mountain. Ashley turned to him, visibly disturbed. She shook her head. "It's all downhill from here"

  "I wish it were me tonight," Gwen said longingly as she dipped her speared meat into the hot oil to cook.

  The women feasted on fondue around a low table in the great room. Liz and Kate were out with Luke on another date. The rest had settled in for an evening of relaxation.

  "Me too," drawled Shelby, nibbling on a crisp piece of zucchini. "I can't get enough of that man!"

  Not me, thought Ashley, glad she'd been left alone for a while and away from his piercing stares that always seemed to see too much. After the antics on the ski trip, Ashley was happy to hide back in the security of the mansion. She couldn't get Luke-or the way his lips had felt when he'd kissed her-out of her mind. Each time the image popped into her mind her belly tingled and her toes curled up in a happy sort of way.

  "I wish he'd kiss me," said Jenny with a far-off look as she prepared her skewer of steamed broccoli for the cheese fondue.

  "He didn't kiss you?" asked Shelby, amazed but with a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

  Most of them seemed surprised at Jenny's comment. It appeared as if they'd all received a kiss from Luke. Suddenly Ashley's intoxicating kiss on the chairlift didn't seem so hot. Apparently the man would lock lips with anything that moved. Except Jenny.

  "Well, no, but it doesn't mean anything," defended Jenny. "He doesn't go around kissing everyone" She hesitated. "Does he?" She turned to Cricket for an answer.

  Cricket gave her a nervous smile and shrugged her shoulders, a guilty look on her face.

  Jenny swallowed and looked down at her broccoli, blinking back tears.

  "Oh honey, it's all right," added Shelby, patting Jenny's hand. "The timing must have been off."

  "That's right," crooned Tami in her haughty, overconfident way. "It's all about the timing. Of course, whenever I'm with Luke, it's time."

  Tami crossed her legs as she leaned back into the plush cushions on the couch and flicked her tongue across her collagen-filled upper lip. "Let me tell you, that man has the moves and he knows how to use them"

  "Are you sure those were his moves and not yours?" asked Shelby, with the perfect hint of Southern sarcasm.

  Ashley caught Rachel's eye and winked in agreement. Tami glared her darkly shadowed eyes at Shelby.

  If looks could kill ...

  "Gee, Tami," interrupted Rachel politely as she picked at the hot meat on her skewer. "Slapping and scratching are the only moves I saw you make on our fishing date, and that was at the bugs swarming all over you" Rachel nibbled at the meat. "I could be wrong, but Luke didn't seem too impressed."

  On an earlier date, Rachel and Tami had joined Luke on a fishing trip. They'd left the mansion at 4:30 A.M. to drive to the boondocks and sit in a boat for six hours.

  Tami had worn a cute little halter top and miniskirt along with her designer perfume. It'd turned out to be more than just a nice scent. According to Rachel, the perfume had attracted biting flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. Luke offered her bug spray a number of times, but Tami had said there was no way she would ever spray something that smelled so vile on her body. By the end of the trip Tami had gotten covered in bite welts up and down her shapely legs and even on her previously well-made-up face.

  After the date Rachel and Luke had struggled to keep straight faces as they'd filed in behind Tami, who'd stomped her way upstairs as her dainty little handbag swung to the beat of her rage.

  The rest of the group had stood in stunned silence to see the beautiful Tami with her feathers ruffled. There had been a general air of happiness to see her put out for a change.

  Tami aimed daggers at Rachel for reminding her of this low point.

  The dunking and nibbling continued. The women moved from the hot oil and the cheese fondue to the melted chocolate complete with strawberries, bananas and angel food cake. They became more relaxed as the night wore on.

  "So, what do you think Luke wants in a woman?" Cricket wondered aloud as she cozied into a pile of pillows with a plate of chocolate-laden fruit.

  "Greatlooks," blurted Shelby, biting into a plump, juicy strawberry.

  "Brains," added Rachel thoughtfully.

  "Affection," Jenny said hopefully.

  "Personality?" squeaked Gwen.

  The room went silent. They looked at Gwen in pseudohorror, and then all burst into laughter at once, including Gwen.

  "He wants a woman he can get close to" Tami ran her hands sensually over her neck and shoulders, moving down over her flat stomach and hips.

  Ashley could imagine that. It certainly supported his playboy image. He was so not her type-she needed to remember that.

  "Ashley, what do you think?" Tami asked, interrupting her private Luke thoughts. Ashley knew the witch wanted her to admit her attraction to him.

  "Oh no. I am not going there." The last thing she needed was to talk about Luke in front of the others, not to mention the pesky cameras set off in the corners as though they weren't really there catching every word. "You can leave me out of this discussion."

  "He wants a woman he can tell what to do, like a player on a football team," giggled another.

  "Yes, exactly!" agreed Jenny.

  "Actually, he wants a woman who's a challenge," announced Meg with a voice of authority. "Someone he can meet eye-to-eye."

  Meg was an interesting and beautiful creature. She was into all kinds of kooky psychic stuff. She always talked about energy and spirits, which got her a lot of questionable looks from the other girls. Her beautiful curly auburn hair surrounded her face in a whimsical cinnamon swirl.

  "It's not my eyes I want him meeting," Shelby said, gazing down with satisfaction at her ample cleavage.

  Ignoring the comment, Meg continued. "He wants a self-assured woman who won't back down all the time. He doesn't want someone he can walk all over. He wants an equal partner in life."

  Each woman pondered Meg's analysis. Perhaps she was right.

  "But he also wants a woman who is not afraid to take over. A confident woman," Meg continued matterof-factly.

  "Holy moly," Rachel murmured.

  The group stared at Meg in wonderment.

  "Where'd you come up with that?" Ashley encouraged her to continue.

  "I did a reading."

  "A what?"

  "I did a card reading on him the other night. Kind of like Tarot cards, but for love. It makes sense."

  Right. Of course. Now it makes sense. Confused looks filled the room.

  "He's a powerful and confident man who enjoys control."

  No argument there. He exuded control and confidence.

  "However, he is also a sensitive soul who wants and needs to be loved and cared for." Meg seemed unaware of the odd looks directed her way. "He is wild, but he's also responsible. He wants it all" She shrugged her shoulders.

  "Who doesn't?" Tami pointed out.

  "No kidding. I could go for that," agreed Jenny.

  "Wow, you're good. You came up with all that from a deck of cards?" Cricket asked in amaz
ement.

  "Mm-hmm. It's all in the interpretation, but it was pretty straightforward."

  "I need a deck of those cards," said Gwen as she sat back against the couch cushions.

  Tami and Shelby were out by the pool, working on their tans and future melanomas, while Ashley sat with Liz and a few others in the kitchen, drinking coffee and eating breakfast. Most of the girls ate fresh fruit or cereal. Ashley found a half-empty bag of Cheetos and devoured them with delight.

  The casual chitchat and munching were suddenly interrupted by the sound of a commotion in the other room. In walked three cameramen armed and loaded. Clay, the anti-host, wore a sneaky grin as he appeared in the doorway with bachelor extraordinaire Luke, who looked fresh, crisp, and wide awake. It was obvious that the two men were prepared for this impromptu gathering, even if no one else was.

  Ashley sat frozen, a Cheeto halfway to her mouth. Everyone at the table stopped what they were doing and exchanged curious glances. Luke never showed up unannounced or without a big prearranged to-do. Something was up.

  "Morning, ladies !" Luke said as he took in their various stages of undress and relaxed morning ritual. "I thought I'd come by to see what happens in the mornings when I'm not here" He pulled up a chair, as if ready to join their coffee klatch and gossip.

  The back door opened as the others were rounded up. Meg spent her mornings on the beach doing yoga and clearing her aura. Tami and Shelby spent each day out by the pool. They all entered with the same curious, confused expressions on their face.

  Luke's eyes roamed over the glistening bodies of Tami and Shelby. "You're looking well today"

  Tami flashed Luke a sizzling look.

  "What's going on?" Meg asked, moving into the room.

  Cameras rolling, Clay stepped forward, his chest puffed up. "Actually, Luke, we're not here just to see how the ladies spend their mornings. We have a great surprise for all of you."

  Several of the women squealed and jumped up and down in anticipation. Luke, eyes veiled with suspicion, stared at Clay.

  "In a few minutes there will be an impromptu rose ceremony and four of you will be going home"

  Silence filled the room. Shocked faces turned to each other for answers. It was obvious that the news was a surprise to Luke as well. He was quiet and pensive.

  "So, without further ado, I'd like everyone to step into the great room. We're ready to begin," said Clay.

  There was an instant barrage of objections and questions.

  "We need more time to prepare"

  "I haven't had a single date yet!"

  "Why now? Can't we go change and get ready?"

  "How many roses will there be?"

  "I am not going out there until I brush my teeth."

  Clay appeared to be flying high with all the turmoil around him. "Ladies, I know this is a big surprise, but it will be fun. You all look beautiful in your natural state. Plus, it gives Luke an opportunity to see what you look like when you're not dressed up with your hair and makeup done"

  Ashley peered down at her old gray sweatpants cut off to sleeping shorts and her stretched-out, faded yellow tank top. Her hair was mussed from sleep, telltale residue from yesterday's mascara lay under her eyes, and she wasn't wearing a bra.

  "I'm ready. Let's go," boasted Tami, parading herself in front of Luke. She wore a hot pink bikini, her body oiled up like a greased pig, a stylish clip holding up her hair.

  Luke pushed Clay off into the corner. He was not happy. Clay looked like he'd pee his pants any second as Luke towered over him.

  "What the heck is going on?" Luke demanded. "And why wasn't I told about this?" All six feet two, two hundred pounds of powerful anger was focused on Clay.

  "The producers planned it," Clay answered, his smile weak. His eyes darted around. "It'll be great for ratings."

  "This is my life, you arrogant little jerk. Don't pull this crap on me" Luke tried unsuccessfully to keep his voice down. "The least that I-and they-deserve is an honest chance. How can I send more home? I'm not ready to do this. I haven't even thought it through yet"

  "Well, I guess you'll just have to work more quickly in the future. Just pick the six prettiest ones. That's what I'd do," Clay said.

  Luke wanted to smack the smug expression off the weasel's face.

  "Don't play with my life. I will not be made a fool of." Luke poked him in the chest with each word. "Don't screw with me! Got it?" Luke glared at the little man.

  Clay scanned the room, looking for help. "Hey, don't kill the messenger. It wasn't my decision."

  Jim, the producer, noticed their confrontation and walked over to intercede. "Relax, Luke. Just go with the flow. No one is out to get you. Remember, we're all here to have fun and make a great show. You can't make a bad choice out there. They're all winners."

  Luke took a deep breath in an effort to calm himself and regain control of the situation. He'd been thrown into bad circumstances in the past and had always pulled through. The producer was right-the women were all nice enough. He was a quarterback and used to having control.

  Today he'd just have to punt.

  The women were quickly ushered into the great room while crews put the final touches on lighting and sound. The producer moved to stage the girls in two rows. They were all in different levels of panic and frustration as they tried to fix their appearances with nothing to aid them.

  Rachel pulled Ashley aside. "Promise to stay in touch when this is over, okay?"

  "Sure, of course I will." Ashley wondered what was on her mind. "Why do you say that?"

  "Well, I know you and Luke haven't really hit it off and you don't seem very interested in being here anyway. Don't get me wrong-I think you're great. I just wanted to be sure I had a chance to say good-bye."

  "All right," she answered as she walked away awkwardly, not sure what to think. Apparently Rachel assumed she'd be off today. Maybe so.

  Ashley ran her fingers through her sleep-mussed hair, knowing how awful she would look next to Tami and Shelby. The rest of the girls were in various modes of casual wear. Meg wore a loose cover-up, and Kate had just returned from her morning run and wore a coordinated Nike running ensemble. Liz and Rachel were in their pj's, but had at least brushed their hair before they'd come down.

  Ashley stood in the front row feeling totally humiliated. One by one she sucked each finger to get rid of the built-up cheese coating from her Cheeto breakfast. She glanced up and noticed Luke next to the rose table watching her every move. Amusement glinted in his eyes. He wore a smirk on his face as he watched her remove another finger from her mouth and lick it off. She'd never thought there was anything provocative about sucking Cheeto residue off her fingers. She did it all the time. But the look on Luke's face made her rethink it. She quickly stopped and rubbed her hands on the back of her shorts. Luke quietly laughed.

  "Well, ladies, aren't you a sight to be seen?" said Clay, leering at them.

  An odd array of swimwear, sportswear, sleepwear, and grunge, they were a sight to behold. It was so dramatically opposite of opening night, when they'd been gussied up in their designer gowns and pushup bras. Tami was in her element. Ashley would have sworn she somehow knew about the surprise. Tami stood with hips thrust forward in a pose that made every other part of her look perfect too. The cameramen could barely keep their cameras or eyes off her.

  Gwen stood next to Tami. Her lower lip quivered, her eyes glassy and ready to tear. Her long, pale blond hair framed a face devoid of color. Without expertly applied makeup, her long lashes were all but transparent. Her natural eye color of light gray was a shocking difference from her usual look of contact-tinted big baby blues surrounded by dark lashes and eyeliner. Normally, Gwen's eyes popped. Today they were barely noticeable.

  Ashley struggled to prepare her game face. Normally she gave a lot of thought to her approach for each ceremony and how she would play it to her benefit and advantage-mainly to get kicked off. Now her only hope of getting axed was the lack of time she and Lu
ke had spent together and, maybe, how horrible she currently appeared in her natural state. After all, they'd only had the ski date and a few chance meetings. Not enough time to make a good, solid impression.

  She did want off the show, but it was difficult not to get caught up in the excitement and fun. She wouldn't mind another kiss from Luke. She felt so confused. What did she want?

  Luke looked each of them over, as if trying to make the selections quickly in his mind. Ashley didn't envy him his position. Cutting four of them with no time to prepare was a huge endeavor.

  Clay looked smug now that he was no longer in danger of physical harm. "Ladies, thank you for your cooperation in this impromptu rose ceremony. Luke, you may begin." Clay stepped off to the side and out of sight.

  Luke took one rose from the basket and held it between his thumb and forefinger, gently twirling it as he stood thinking.

  "Before I begin, I want to take a moment to let you know I am as surprised by this as you are" He scanned the ragtag cast of contestants. "I'm not ready to do this. I'm not prepared to send four of you home. I haven't had the opportunity to get to know some of you as well as I wanted to" He made eye contact with each girl as he shared his feelings.

  "As a quarterback, I'm used to making surprise decisions in a clutch, so that's what we're going to do here today. I don't mean to hurt anyone. Obviously you aren't ready either. If I had my way, I wouldn't send any of you home, but that's not an option. So let's get this over with."

  Ashley was relieved he felt rushed. She might finally get her wish to go home. A twinge of regret fluttered in her gut, but it would be a relief to escape the constant vigil of the cameras catching her every bad move. She refused to believe the butterflies could have anything to do with Luke. After all, she wasn't interested in him.