I take a bite. “Oh, this is so good, Rhett.”
He laughs. “It’s just a sandwich, Sunny. It would taste the same no matter who made it.”
“He’s so modest,” I say to Maggie. She gives me a knowing smile.
“So, how do you feel about your big win?” he asks me.
“Great! I totally didn’t expect to win, though.”
“You should believe in yourself, Sunny. You have what it takes to go to the end.” He bites into his sandwich, which gives me a chance to glance at Maggie. She’s eating like the cat that swallowed the canary, looking at me with so many unspoken words in her eyes. She knows something is happening but has no idea it’s a big game of pretend.
“Thanks,” I say, biting into my sandwich again.
After we finish our sandwiches, it’s time for bed. It feels weird not to have Rhett coming to my room with a chain hanging between us. I never thought I’d miss a chain.
Now, I have to sleep next to Lainey again. Lovely.
The three of us walk upstairs, passing Connor and Lainey making out near the front door—ick—and head to the hallway of bedrooms. Maggie quickly escapes to the bathroom, leaving Rhett and me alone.
“Well, I guess this is goodnight,” Rhett says. Do I hear nerves in his voice?
“I guess so.”
“Congrats again, Sunny. You did great.”
“You did great, too.”
“But it wasn’t enough to beat you,” he laughs.
“We’re even now.” I let out a yawn I couldn’t stifle.
“Go get some sleep. We have a lot more challenges coming up.”
“Goodnight, Rhett.”
“Goodnight, Savannah.”
I walk into my room feeling like I just went on a very modest date, but I didn’t. As much as my heart is fluttering right now, I convince myself I just need to see a cardiologist. It has nothing—and I mean nothing—to do with having feelings for Rhett Jennings.
This is dangerous territory. I want to win on my own merits. I don’t want to win because I made at-home viewers think we’re dating. I have to keep my distance from him as much as possible. It may hurt, but how can it hurt when it doesn’t exist anyway?
CHAPTER 20
MORNING CONFESSIONAL
Producer: So, Rhett, how did you feel about Savannah’s win last night?
Rhett, beaming with joy: I think she deserved it, and I’m absolutely thrilled for her. And proud.
Producer: Proud?
Rhett: She’s a great person, and I was so happy to see her finally win a challenge.
Producer: Are you still claiming nothing is going on with the two of you? I mean, we did see you slow dance in the kitchen the other night.
Rhett: We couldn’t sleep. You know, it’s kind of hard to sleep when you’re chained together.
Producer: Is that all?