Page 59 of Ex Marks the Spot

Wait, does she mean the Wise Guys elimination plan? Because in case she forgot, Nikki is standing right here, and the producers have made it very clear that they have a zero-tolerance policy for cheating.

“Nothing that comes to mind.” I turn on the faucet and work a pump of soap into a lather.

“So he hasn’t mentioned anything about your breakup?”

Surprise has me snapping my eyes to hers in the mirror. “What? No.”

“Stupid boys,” she mutters to herself. “Hartley, Court never cheated on you.”

“That’s impossible. I literally saw it with my own eyes.”

Her expression twists into an odd combination of sympathy and hope. “I think it’s time for you to ask him who he brought to the gallery that night.”

CHAPTER 12

COURT

Day 10—China

Standings after leg 5, China

1. A Team (Mitchell and Kennedy)

2. Old Bay (Haylee and Kadeeja)

3. Alaska Girls (Stephanie and Marcail)

4. Bombshells (Gianna and Alexis)

5. Us

6. Wise Guys (DeAngelo and Big Mike)

7. Kick Asspen (Treva and Boyd)

8. Niles (Padma and Bobby)

Hartley enters the hotel lobby a few minutes after I arrive looking about as rested as I feel, which is to say: not very. I thought having a room to myself for a change (more specifically, not being subjected to the intoxicating aroma of her fresh out of the shower) would allow me to relax easier andsleep better.

Turns out, all it did was make me toss and turn while my brain treated me to a slideshow of her wearing that damn bikini. I tried everything—and I meaneverything— to fall asleep and failed miserably.

“How was your night?” I ask her around a yawn.

“I got an hour of sleep if I’m lucky.”

“Same.” We have about twenty minutes before it’s time to meet the crew, so I hook a thumb toward the breakfast area. “Caffeine?”

“Absolutely.”

As we enter the dining room, I spot an open table near the wall. “You want to grab that one while I get the coffee?”

She starts for the table, then hesitates. “I can take your backpack. It’ll make it easier with all the people walking around.”

A week ago, I’d have been worried that she was planting a bomb or throwing away my toiletries. But lately, things have been...nice. Enjoyable. I’d even go so far as to classify yesterday as fun.

“Thanks.” I unsling my bag and hand it over. “Two sugars and drenched in cream, right?”

Her brows rise. “How do you remember that?”

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