Page 42 of The Billionaire Love Match

Colt groaned and ran a hand through his hair. “Next up I have to try to keep Becca from shoving her tongue down my throat on a scuba cruise.”

“The weather sucks for diving, so you’re not likely to get off the boat. Have fun with that.”

“That’s not the word I’d use.”

Ty leaned forward. “Look, this whole thing is a mess. You’re in an impossible situation, even if you did put yourself there. I’m not sure what to tell you other than I think you’re right to pursue Casey in real life.”

“So Ty stamp of approval?”

“And then some. You know how rarely I give that out, so do what you can to hold onto this one. Can I ask what’s supposed to happen at the end of this show?”

Colt looked down at the floor and swallowed. “I’m supposed to propose to someone.”

“You signed on for that? Really, Colt?”

“That’s just standard for these shows. Typically within five weeks post-production, it’s over. No big deal. It’s expected.”

Ty didn’t speak and Colt looked up to see his friend looking angrier than he’d seen him in a long time. “I don’t know what to say to that.”

“How can I fix this? I feel like I’m just on this train that’s barreling along, passing all the stops.”

“You got on the train, Colt. I’m just...surprised. Honestly? Have your lawyers—not the BeaconWood ones—look at the contract you signed. See what you actually have to do and what you can get out of. My fear is this: you’re going down in flames. Taking Casey with you. And that’s just not fair.”

“For a good friend, you sure know how to make someone feel terrible.”

Ty held up his hands and smiled, but it was a tired smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Best friends aren’t there to stroke your ego. They’re the ones who speak the truth.”

Colt grabbed Ty in a hug, smacking him on the back.

“What is this?” Ty said.

“Shut up. It’s a hug.”

Colt pulled back and looked hard at Ty. “Pray for me?”

“Always.”

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NINETY MINUTES LATER, Colt was riding over choppy waters on a small charter, trying to keep Becca out of his lap. Every time the boat cut through a wave, she’d use that as an excuse to bounce closer to him. He used the same momentum to pull away. It was getting to be an exhausting game. She snuggled up against his shoulder.

He thought of Casey, the exact sign that you were on a date with the wrong person. He had pulled her aside before he left, Becca stamping her feet impatiently by the door. Casey still looked pale as he gave a quick apology, all he could afford before producers dragged him away.

But what she did not know was his involvement in this. And his mother’s. The deal he had struck. She had asked him for honesty. He wasn’t lying, but Colt realized suddenly just how big of a deal these omissions might be to her.

The rain had stopped, though it was still cloudy over the water. Visibility for scuba was going to suck, so the one-on-one scuba session turned into an afternoon cruise. At least with diving, Colt could swim away from Becca. He felt trapped and claustrophobic. The only slightly redeeming factor was watching the cameramen try to keep their feet.

The pilot cut the motor and the boat slowed to a stop. Becca sat up and clapped her hands as the first mate (who was really just one of the production assistants) brought out champagne and two glasses.

“Could I get a water?” Colt asked.

Becca stuck out her lower lip. “Drink with me! Let’s celebrate.”

Colt wondered if that look worked on other guys. Becca was gorgeous, but it was like paint on a canvas—beautiful, but flat. Maybe that was being too generous, because her personality, which was cloying, manipulative, and artificially sweet, colored everything about her.

“Just water,” Colt said. “I can still toast with water.”

“What are we toasting?” Becca said. “Us?” She held up her glass of champagne expectantly.

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