Page 37 of The Dating Show

Stella felt the camera settle over her shoulder to get a good angle of Ocean. “We are, but you and Denver were in violation of the rules when you snuck into Denver’s room to get together.”

Her words were followed by chaos. Everyone gasped, while Denver slid next to Ocean, putting her arms around her.

“Come on, we knew this was a possibility. Let’s go get packed,” Denver said.

Ocean and Denver stood, holding hands as they left the room. Monica and Lou followed to ensure they would leave quietly.

Stella took in the rest of the women. Her eyes landed on Avery, who looked pale at the revelation. She was huddled near Riley, presumably trading notes to see if either of them had missed any clues. The four of them were the closest in the house, which now felt damn near drafty with how few were left. Stella waited until everyone had quieted down, then she cleared her throat.

“I know this has been a trying couple of weeks. Please keep the rules in mind. We’ll talk more tomorrow about the next few weeks.”

“And suddenly, there were four,” Riley said, as she turned back to Avery.

The end of the show couldn’t come soon enough.

Chapter 11

I’m too Sexy

Avery laughed at the story Elizabeth was telling. She looked down at her cards, fully aware she might lose this round, too, but it didn’t matter. After the drama of the past few days, sitting around playing cards with the rest of the contestants, plus Quinn and Stella, was precisely what they all needed.

With only four contestants left, they pushed the couches together and decided on a night in. The producers relied on the hidden cameras around the house, giving an illusion of comfort. It was like they were all friends hanging out and not on a show vying for Quinn’s attention, and it was working. The drinks were flowing, along with the crasser stories.

It felt good to let loose. It felt better to have Stella’s thigh pressed against her own on the loveseat. Avery couldn’t remember how they had managed the seating arrangement, but she wasn’t complaining.

“Should we play truth or dare?” Riley asked after going all in on a hand and losing badly. Turned out Quinn was a card shark.

“Ohh, I love that idea.” Quinn burrowed in the chair she shared with Tanya and Elizabeth.

Avery was skeptical. Truth or dare could backfire spectacularly, but she appeared to be in the minority as everyone else excitedly cleared the table.

“I should let you play your game.” Stella moved to stand.

“Nonsense.” Quinn motioned for her to stay where she was. “Avery, grab her. She’s not getting away that easily.”

Avery wasn’t about to hold someone against their will, but she did hope that Stella would change her mind.

“I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions. I think you’ll be able to relax more if I’m not here.”

A chorus of “no, stay” echoed around them. Peer pressure won out. Avery had to hide the giddiness she felt when Stella settled back next to her.

Quinn clapped twice. “The game is truth or dare. We don’t want anyone kicked out for something that’s not allowed while we’re staying at the house. Stella, does that mean we can’t dare a kiss?”

Avery watched from the corner of her eye as Stella thought through the bylaws. If Avery remembered correctly, the rules were clear: They were allowed to kiss Quinn with her permission, but the contestants couldn’t, under any circumstance, hook up with each other.

“Denver and Ocean were caught sneaking around. With respect to them and the rest of the contestants, I say we take kissing off the table.” Stella did an excellent job of not looking at Avery when she answered.

“Party pooper.” Quinn pouted. “Fine, everyone knows how to play, right? This is definitely a drinking game, so get your refills now.”

Once everyone settled back with fresh drinks, Quinn held up her cup. “I’ll go first. Riley, truth or dare?”

Riley gulped, then took a fortifying gulp of her rum and Coke before answering, “Truth.”

“Playing it safe, I could have guessed that from you,” Quinn teased. “Truth. Let’s see. Have you ever cheated on a partner?”

Groaning, Riley hid her face. “Yes. It was at the end of a relationship, and instead of ending it, I had sex with my coworker in the executive bathroom.”

“How long were you together?” Tanya asked.

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