Page 73 of The Billionaire Love Match

“I’m sorry, Colton.”

“For what?” He knew that the cocky grin would not have fooled Casey and likely did not fool his own mother. “This is a show. A farce. You told me when it started that it was not about falling in love, that I shouldn’t consider any woman who would try out for a reality show. And you were right. No worries. I hadn’t planned to ask anyone to marry me today.”

“What? You weren’t going to ask Casey?”

“Nope. Surprised?”

“I just thought...what about Tessa?”

“Nah. She’s not my type. Very nice girl. But not for me. And I checked the contract with my legal team. It’s okay if I don’t propose. I still get the studio.”

“Colton—”

“I’m sorry. That sounded crass.”

His mother looked down at her shoes. Colt didn’t know shoes well, but could tell that these cost as much if not more than her suit. “I deserved that. I really did shove this show down your throat.”

“You did, but that doesn’t mean you deserve it. Look, I hope this makes your streaming deal a smashing success. I think it’s wildly outperformed what you intended.”

“Colton, are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m perfect. And ready to get started, so let’s get hair and makeup back in here so we can call this thing a wrap.”

****

CASEY STOOD ON A SMALLdais overlooking the Pacific crashing down below. Rose petals made a pathway to where she stood from the house, which was all metal and glass—cold but beautiful. They’d filmed her looking pensively out to sea and, despite the current state of her decimated heart, she had to hold back giggles.

“Can you furrow your brow? Turn just a bit this way. More, more, more—there. Stop right there. Sad eyes. Look at the clouds. Now down at your feet.”

You put your right arm in, you put your right arm out...That’s what all the commands made her think of. She had almost laughed out loud as the Hokey Pokey started playing in her head. That’s what it’s all about!

She knew that she was dangling by a thread, slightly or maybe completely manic.

Would she be proposed to by Colt, the man she swore two days ago that she was falling in love with?

Was he even the man she felt like she was falling in love with?

Or would he reject her to propose to Tessa, who was actually an actress pretending to be in love with him?

And if he asked her, would she even say yes?

Would a yes be tainted since she was getting paid?

Why did she sign that contract?

Casey leaned on the railing, trying to steady her breathing and heartrate. Her hair was perfect. Makeup too. She had insisted on waterproof mascara, but the makeup artist apologized and said they weren’t allowed to use waterproof for the finale. Of course. Because who doesn’t love a jilted woman with black tears on live television?

“Casey, Colt is here. We need you standing, with your back to the water. Just look natural. Remember why you’re here. Big smile. You’re waiting for the billionaire bachelor that you love to pop the question. I’m going to need more excitement.”

“This is all the excitement I have right now,” Casey said through gritted teeth. “Take it or leave it.”

Colt came out of the house and immediately she knew something was off. He wasn’t walking, or running as he had to reach her in the restaurant. He swaggered.

Mr. Casual.

That was the moment she knew that he was not going to propose to her.

Hold it together. Do not cry. This man played with your heart and designed a gauntlet of a show to bring you misery. You do not care about him. You do not care if he walks away on television.

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