It had been a full week, and to be honest, he was exhausted from the schedule Ned kept him on. After his date with Cara, Chad went on three more one-on-one dates.
He took Brandi hiking through the trails, up in the hills, overlooking the lake. He’d planned an afternoon massage for the both of them, so they could lie side by side, overlooking the majestic scenery that surrounded them.
He took Chantal up in a helicopter, to the coastline at Galveston, where they spent the afternoon on the beach getting to know one another. Then he’d planned a night of dancing under the stars.
And last night, he brought Brooklyn to a secret cavern, where he used to escape with his fellow campers, as a child. He’d had the wardrobe department to get them authentic Indiana Jones attire, so they could explore throughout. He had a candle lit dinner awaiting them at the end of their journey.
Chad personally planned each date, and tried to make them as unique and as romantic as possible. He catered to each woman’s personality. For example, he knew Chantal liked adventure, so a helicopter ride would be fun for her. Brooklyn had majored in science, so he thought a cavern might appeal to her on that level.
Each date was enjoyable. The conversation was easy, for the most part. There were a few lulls, but these girls were strangers … that would be expected.
However, on each date – his mind wondered back to one person in particular … Anne. He couldn’t help but wonder what she was doing back at camp, while he was taking her friends out.
So, this morning, even though he was as tired as he’d ever been, he dragged himself up before dawn. He’d recently found out from one of the production crew what time Anne liked to take off running alone through the hills outside camp in the early morning hours.
As he laced up his shoes, he hoped he could find her out there. And although there were cameras along with him, he hoped for sort of intimacy between them, like there was on their date.
“You guys ready?” He asked the two cameramen, who were assigned to today’s shoot. They nodded, and Chad took off.
He wound his way through the trees, toward the outskirts of the campgrounds, where he saw a bright light in the distance.
That has to be a camera light. There she is!
Chad jumped over a log, almost twisting his ankle but recovered in time to pound down the dirt path toward Anne.
By now, it was almost normal having cameras around, but Anne was irritated that one was trailing her this morning. This was normally her alone time, and she didn’t appreciate the intrusion.
Why are they following me? In seconds, she got her answer.
Chad jogged up behind her, slightly out of breath.
“You’re a hard woman to find.” He smiled in her direction. “Mind if I join you?”
She sent him a look, and kept running. Anne, who was trying to run in solace, now had two cameras, three staff members, and a bachelor trailing her. She quickly decided enough was enough, and picked up her pace.
Besides after all she’d heard about from Cara after her date – Chad wasn’t who she really wanted to see right now. He was the reason she was up so early this week running her butt off. It was how she was keeping her sanity.
“Suit yourself … if you can keep up.” In a burst, she went a jog to a fast paced run.
“Oh boy. This is going to hurt.” It wasn’t the reception he’d hoped for. Now, not only would he have to run in double time, but also it looked like he’d have to smooth out some feathers afterward.
He watched as her long legs pumped harder and harder, until she was a good thirty yards in front of him. He paused to catch his breath, and then dug down deep. He would not lose sight of her.
Chad would have thought this was comical if it weren’t oh-dark thirty in the morning. Here he was running after someone, who was not making it easy for him.
His mind flashed back to early man, who hunted his prey and took his women by force. He certainly wouldn’t take Anne by force, but he’d catch her for sure. After all, his man-card was at stake on national television.
He looked into one of the cameras, with a sly smile, and took off as fast as his legs would let him. Within five minutes, he finally caught up to her at the base of a cliff.
“Hey, wait.” He puffed. By now, his legs and lungs were burning.
As Anne turned, she almost felt sorry for him. He looked miserable. Out of pity, she slowed her pace, still saying nothing in return.
Chad knew it wasn’t a victory, but he’d take it.
“You almost left me in the dust.” He gasped between breaths.
Anne looked behind them and saw bright lights in the distance.
“They’re going to catch up.” Anne’s head fell back and she groaned, “Great. I just wanted some solitude.”
Making a split decision, he grabbed her hand, puling her from the running path, into the woods.
“This way, quick!” He panted.
He wasn’t sure if it was adrenaline kicking back into his system or pure joy surging through him, but hearing her giggle as he led her through the thick trees was all he needed to feel better.
There’s still a connection. Or so he hoped.
“Duck!” He pulled her down beside him, as the camera crew jogged by.
“I think they went this way.” Janie, the production assistant, hollered, leading the way. “Man, I don’t get paid enough for this.”
Anne cringed, feeling bad for ditching them, but not so bad that the joy of being off camera didn’t sway her into a better mood.
The fact that Chad had conveniently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in tight, didn’t leave her much more to think about other than his touch. Any other time, it would have elated her but not today.
No matter what his motive, whether it was out of necessity to keep from being seen, or just because he was trying to get close to her – she wasn’t on board this morning. Although relieved to ditch the camera crew for a few minutes, it was time to get back to business.
“Thanks.” She stood, making efforts to put some distance between them. “It was nice bumping in to you. Gotta get back to my run.”
Anne didn’t give him a second look, before jumping back to the running trail.
“Anne, wait.” He said, exasperated. “Will you just wait a minute?” He leaped over a bush, and watched her backside, as she kept running.
Okay, two can play at this game, He thought as he took off after her. He kept his distance, but was still determined to follow her no matter what.
He doesn’t give up! She shook her head, and increased her pace.
As she looked over her shoulder, she saw his feeble attempts to wave her down. She rolled her eyes and ignored him. She wasn’t about to stop. Today she’d hoped to put in five miles, but knew without water, Chad wouldn’t last that long. She tightened the straps of her hydration backpack, thinking she’d push him as far as he could go.
Once she hit the three miles mark, she expected him to drop off but when she glanced behind her, she saw him keeping a steady pace. However, it was obvious he was nearing the end of his limit.
Chad was trying to stay tough, but hadn’t prepared to run this far without hydration or stretching. Even though he was struggling, he wouldn’t let her see him suffering.
Anne’s conscience finally kicked in. Give the guy a break.
She dropped her head, and slowed her pace, to turn and jog toward him.
Seeing her double back was all he needed to put more of a valiant effort in. He knew he couldn’t make it much further, but her concession gave him what he needed.
“Here.” She said, jogging in place. She took off her pack from her shoulders, and handed it to him.
“Thanks.” He panted, and eagerly placed the tube in his mouth, drinking in as much water as it let him. “Are you going to talk to me now?”
“Can you make it up the peak? The sun’s about to rise.”
“I think so.” He gulped down one more swig of water.
As he
handed her the backpack, she swung her arms through it, and took off with a slow jog. “It’s time to start cooling down. Let’s go for a slower pace.”
Chad, who was drenched with sweat, followed her lead. At this point, it was obvious she knew about his date with Cara. Nothing else would have given her reason to keep her distance like this.
Part of him was worried, but most of him was hopeful. If she’s upset about Cara – it means she cares.
Anne slowed to a brisk walk as they came up to the pass. Once on top, they could see the entire valley below just as the sun was beginning its climb over the water.
Bold colors bounced and reflected, weaving an intricate pattern across the lake and lighting up the valley.
“This is the prettiest thing I’ve seen since I’ve been here.” Chad sat on a large bolder and began stretching his hamstrings.
“Even after all your dates?” Anne said quietly, before dropping her pack to stretch. She’d given herself a lot of distance between the two of them.
“Come here.” Chad offered his hand.
Anne stayed. “That’s okay. I need to stretch.” She lifted an elbow behind her head, and pulled it behind her with her other hand. Her feet were set squarely in place. She wasn’t budging.
“Anne, please believe me. This is a show, but there are no cameras around right now. I haven’t been able to tell you exactly what I feel without jeopardizing the integrity of the show.” Chad stood and walked toward her.
“Don’t,” she said, putting her hand up. “Just don’t. Don’t you think I know it’s a show? I know you’re a nice guy, but Cara? Puleeese! She’s so … ugh.” Anne stepped into a lunge to stretch her hamstrings, but quickly stood up to continue. “And, if you have feelings enough for her to strip down and practically skinny dip and then kiss her … you’re not the guy I thought you were.”
She turned her back to him, and walked to the edge of the cliff. She really didn’t want to like him, but he made it so hard when he looked so sincere, as he defended himself. The last thing she needed was to look him in the eyes, and end up guessing herself.
“I’m not your ex,” he said softly, as he walked up behind her.
“How do you know about him?” She whipped around, eyes ablaze.
“I hear things.” He hoped he didn’t just get his mom in trouble.
“For your information … I’m over him. And yes, this dating multiple women situation has me a bit perplexed, but I’m dealing with it – because I know its part of the show. And for the record, I didn’t rant about your other dates this week … only the one with Cara.” Anne was fuming. Who did he think he was?
“I’m sorry.” Chad looked toward the sky out of exasperation, and took a step back. “For your information, none of those dates mattered.”
She gave him a look that left little to interpret.
“They didn’t!” He tried once more to approach her. “And swimming with Cara wasn’t my idea.”
“Skinny dipping.” Anne sent him the evil eye.
“No, I wasn’t in the buff. I swam in my boxers, which are the same as swim trunks.” Chad saw the look in Anne’s eyes, and almost laughed but continued. “You’re almost cracking me up.”
“You think this is funny?” Anne wanted to take off running once more. “I’ll leave you out here you know.”
“It wasn’t my idea. Neither was the kiss. I didn’t kiss her. And yes, it’s funny because none of them have anything on you. And the whole time I was with them, I kept wondering what you were doing. Why else would I be crazy enough to chase you through the woods?”
He threw his arms open and spun around, yelling out for anyone to hear him. He didn’t care if he looked crazy, because he was at that point.
Anne’s lips twitched for a moment, but then she bit her upper lip and turned her head, so he couldn’t see.
“Don’t smile.” Chad grinned and finally closed the distance between them. “Don’t do that to me. I’m already a goner.” He slowly brought his arms and encircled her waist, pulling her in.
“You were thinking about me?” She looked up at him from under her eyelids.
“I’ve been thinking about you since the moment we met in L.A.” He stroked her face. “Why do you think Timberly was so rude? She was jealous.”
“What? I thought she was … huh.” Anne’s mind was racing. “You didn’t have to say yes to Cara, but I know you were probably put on the spot. She can be kind of demanding.”
“Tell me about it. She practically ordered me to jump in and swim.” Chad chuckled.
Anne’s eyes narrowed. “Still though...” Her voice trailed.
He completely understood. “If the roles were reversed, I would be going crazy at the thought of you with another guy. And if you kissed him or he kissed you – I would hate it.”
Anne nodded and leaned her head on his chest. “I hate it that I’m vulnerable. I promised myself I’d never be that girl again.”
“You know why I like you?” He lifted her chin, so to look into her eyes.
She shook her head and then smirked. “Because I can out run you.”
Chad thought about that for a second, and truth be told he thought she was awesome for making him chase her on many levels.
“That and the fact that you’re real. You don’t have an agenda. You’re you. And I like you, as that girl … the vulnerable one. I feel just as exposed. Trust me.” Chad wanted to kiss her so bad.
“No, you were more exposed with Cara.” She snickered.
Chad let out a loud laugh, which echoed down the pass, and then dipped his head, softly saying, “You’re amazing. You know that?”
He cupped her face and brought it in.
“I wanted to do this so bad after our first date,” he said, placing his lips on hers.
Anne’s heart lit up. Any anxiety she’d held in slowly released, as Chad wrapped her in his arms and drew her in. When he kissed her, it was like everything had balance in her life again. Not even her ex-boyfriend’s kisses affected her like his did.
His lips were soft yet aggressive. His kiss was intimate yet playful, but the best part is that she felt like kissing him was the most natural thing in the world … like they were meant for one another. Anne knew that if she weren’t very careful, she could see herself getting lost in this guy very quickly.
For Chad, it felt like his heart was on fire. He had never been a believer of love at first sight until he saw Anne, and now that he’d kissed her – he knew she was his future.
He slowly pulled away, and rested his chin on her head. He thought she was the perfect height, fitting in exactly where he could lace his arms around hers and meld every part of him into her.
“That was worth the wait.”
“I still didn’t get the first kiss, but you’re right, this was worth the wait.” She laid her cheek on his chest, and listened to his heart, which was beating rapidly.
“Oh, you got the first kiss. Trust me … and the second and the third.” Chad leaned in once more to discover more about Anne. She made him feel like he was on top of the world.
Janie had all but given up finding the elusive couple, and was about to call it quits when she heard his laugh echo from above.
As the sun rose over the pass, she could barely make out their surroundings … but high above, she saw their silhouettes, as the sun shone directly behind them. It gave them a perfect set up for taping.
“Get that!” She ordered. It was too late to join them on top the cliff, but she certainly could film from down below. And as the sun shone all around them, they caught the couple in a very intimate embrace in the middle of nowhere.
“Now - that’s romantic.” Janie sighed.
Chapter 21
All thirteen girls were suited up in short shorts and baseball jerseys, which had been refashioned as half shirts. As they all stretched on the field, Chad looked around the field and thought himself to be the luckiest guy on the planet. Although he only had intentions for one girl her
e so far, a little scenery couldn’t hurt. And these women, who were trying their best to get his attention, were definitely scenery.
In true fashion of the game, he wore the traditional black umpire shorts and a striped shirt. He blew into his whistle and hollered to bring the girls in.
“Hustle up girls!” Chad waved them to home plate.
“Since there are only thirteen of you, we’re playing uneven. I’ve decided that one of you needs to join me as ump, especially since I can’t see everything on the field at once. We’re going to draw a random name as an ump in the field, while I’m behind home plate.” He looked to the girls and saw a myriad of emotions displayed across their faces.
“So if the winning team gets a group date with you, how does that work for the one of us, who has to ump?” Kamryn asked.
“Good question ... the ump gets to go on the winning team’s date. So for one girl, it doesn’t matter who wins. But they have to ump with impartiality.” He pulled a black velvet bag from the pocket of his shorts, and widened the opening for someone’s hand. “Okay, will you mix this up?”
Kamryn dipped her hand inside, and rotated the tiny pieces of papers in rapid circle, mixing them all up.
“Done.” She gleamed. “Want me to pick?”
“Thanks, but this is a team effort.” He scanned the group, coming to rest on one girl in particular, Staci, who’d yet to come out of her shell. “Here, reach in and grab a name.”
Staci edged her way to the front, and happily reached in the bag. She swirled the names for good measure, and pulled one out, handing it to Chad, who tossed the bag to Kammy, his sister slash undercover assistant, for safekeeping.
He then opened up the folded paper and read aloud, “Treana! Congrats! Suit up.”
Treana, a member of Cara’s entourage, yelped and practically jumped into Chad’s arms for a tight hug.
“I’m so excited.” She leaned into him, as Allyson handed her a new striped jersey.
“This will be fun. Just make sure to keep it fair out there.” He reminded her. “Put it on, and then listen up as I lay out the rules.”
Treana didn’t want to release Chad, but had no choice as she had to don a new top. She slipped the baggy shirt over her more revealing one, which made her feel like a frump compared to the rest of the girls.
Coming Home Page 13
