Page 19 of Falling Double: The Mating Grounds

“Oh, most definitely.”

Chapter 14

6 Months After The Choosing

Reid

As I finally sit down at the kitchen table with Fiona and Eli, I ready myself to make what may be the biggest ask of all time. I’m essentially organizing an arranged pairing here. The only way I can think of to help Imani and Parker stay together is if we are all paired off and they are the only two left.

We will all have to be damn convincing. But if six out of seven couples are head over heels in love with each other, surely the seventh couple can be excused for being a bit shy or something?

Gods. I’m a selfish asshole for even bringing this to them. I know it. Maybe I completely misread the vibes, and they are actually pursuing other people in the house, and the pairings aren't as set as I thought. One way to find out, I guess…

“So, let me get this straight. You need us to pair up, so Imani and Parker can pair up, so you have a shot with Dominique?” Eli asks, looking like he’s calculating some intense equation in his head.

“You know they will not allow Parker and Imani to be together, right?” Fiona adds. “Stupid as that is. Anyone with eyes can see they are perfect for each other,” she sighs wistfully.

“That’s exactly why it’s genius,” Eli explains. “They will be the only ones left if we all pair off. It’s the best chance they’ve got. Especially since some couples are already expecting. The council of governors isn’t about to break up a family.” He gives me a look of pure admiration, finally seeing the true scope of my plan.

“What do you think, Fiona? Do you want to think about it? I know it’s a huge ask,” I say, hoping dearly that my observations of her hold true. That she’s a romantic and a matchmaker, and that she sees through our roommates’ act as much as I do.

“Reid, I knew coming into this that I could end up assigned to someone. And as partners go, I’m not unhappy with Eli. We get along great, and love grows in good friendships.” She smiles and takes Eli’s hand. “I’m in if you are?”

Eli gives her a searching look. “I’d never say no to you, but I want you to be sure.”

“I’m sure!” She beams at him, and my heart does a little victory dance in my chest. These two are kind of adorable. Self-sacrificing, but adorable.

“Sounds like we have a plan. Let’s confirm with everyone else and get this in motion.”

We split up and run through the house, whispering our plan in everyone’s ear, while trying to keep it a surprise from Dominique.

Leo cracks a shit-eating grin and thumps me on the back. “Finally, taking some action! Good on you, man!”

Quinn rolls her eyes at him but smiles and agrees to go along with it all.

Slowly, we check off each pairing, and I realize we may actually have a shot at this. I quickly calculate in my head how long it has been since the last supply caravan and how long it is until the next one. Not long now.

Dominique

Everyone in the house is being super weird. Whispering behind their hands, making eyes at each other and ‌avoiding my sister and I.

I don’t know what’s in the air, but it makes me paranoid. I go to the bathroom to check myself in the mirror at least three times before lunch, just to make sure I don’t have something on my face.

My answer comes shortly after Imani and I get back from doing a few loops on the track around the compound. I was getting too fidgety, and she herded me out here to “work off some energy.”

As we come round the bend and head for the back door, I see a tall blond head peek out the window, then retreat quickly.

What the hell are you up to, Reid?

As I walk into the living room, I immediately see what he was sneaking around to do.

Pages, ripped out of books, plaster the wall, with each page featuring a letter written large enough to fill the whole page. Together, all the pages read:

Dominique, I never believed in love at first sight until I saw you. Now that I have, I want to fall in love with you again and again, every day, from now until forever.

Reid is down on one knee, looking up at me with those sultry eyes, and my heart feels like it has lodged itself somewhere in my throat.

“Gods, Reid. Are you serious?” I blurt, still unable to believe my eyes.

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