Page 28 of The Prince's Game
We didn’t know who was going on the yacht with Evan tomorrow. Process of elimination would tell us the names for the two-on-one date. Carrie held the cards that dictated our fate and wouldn’t read them out loud until the producers gave her the go-ahead. Despite my arrangement with the prince, I wasn’t sure what to expect next. We didn’t see each other after the ceremony last night thanks to post-elimination interviews for the episode.
“I wouldn’t mind those odds if it meant I could get more alone time with him again.” Tiffany toyed with the strings of her blue bikini and frowned. “Amber monopolized our two-on-one.”
“That doesn’t surprise me at all,” Lily muttered. “She kept pulling him away for one-on-one time during our group date. Sarah, I think you were the only one he spent any intimate time with besides her, but it was in front of everyone.”
Her narrowed gaze made me grimace. He kissed me, and I didn’t regret kissing him back. I was embarrassed that I lost myself in the moment, but that was an internal issue. It implied deeper feelings that I wasn’t allowed to harbor for an unavailable man.
“He’s a really good dancer?” I wasn’t sure what else to say.
She scoffed at that. “Clearly.”
“Ladies,” Carrie called. She was standing in the doorway that joined the outdoor swimming area to the indoor pool. Her floor-length ball gown did not fit the bikini theme. “Gather around.” She waved the infamous blue envelope with tomorrow’s plans and waggled her auburn brows at the camera.
The three of us exited the hot tub and joined the other contestants as we formed a semicircle around our hostess. Goosebumps cascaded down my arms. A reaction to the chilly March air coupled with the anticipation. It was hard not to get caught up in the tense atmosphere. Iwantedto know if I was going on the yacht tomorrow, because I wanted to see Evan again.I’m so screwed.
“Okay, as you know, tomorrow Evan is taking six of you on a yacht. As for who...” She slipped her manicured nail through the envelope and pulled out a card. Her blue eyes danced over us, thickening the excitement. “Lily, Tiffany, Kristin, Kathy, Gretchen, and Jan.” She met each woman’s gaze as she read their names. “Leaving Leanne and Sarah as the two going on the two-on-one date. Congratulations, ladies. I look forward to seeing who comes back.” She gave the camera a simpering smile and left the pool area.
Two-on-one date. I met Leanne’s gaze. Her grin wasn’t friendly. “I wonder where we’re going,” she said.
“Hopefully not somewhere that involves dancing,” Kristin replied. “Or you’re going home.”
She’s going home either way. “I doubt it’ll involve dancing.” Evan wouldn’t be that cruel. I went back to the hot tub and ignored the comments that followed me.
The girls on the group date returned with stars in their eyes. Amber was among them, not that I was surprised. Despite Evan’s suspicion that his parents hired the woman, he seemed interested in her. The idea that he could feel something for her made my stomach hurt. I blamed the intense sexual attraction. All the heavy kissing, without much action besides the occasional grope, put my hormones on edge. We were going to have to negotiate the next level soon or cease the evening foreplay. The former appealed to me more.
There was a text message waiting for me when I got back to my room.See you in an hour. It was time-stamped thirty minutes ago. I showered and changed into shorts and a tank top. It was my signature evening wear, and I didn’t mind Evan seeing me in it. But he wasn’t the one sprawled out on my couch when I walked out of the bathroom.
“Hello, Sarah.”
“Uh, hey, Will.”How many skeleton keys exist in this hotel? And what was up with the men not knocking first? I sat on the bed and curled my legs beneath me. “A warning would have been nice.”
“Sorry, I didn’t want to get caught lingering in the hallway. Evan turned off the security feeds to the floor, but you never know who might be wandering around.”
“Oh.” I drummed my fingers against my thigh. “So, you came by to chat?”
“Sure. Ellen and Jonah were giving me a headache, and I thought, ‘Why not visit Sarah?’ Evan’s always in a good mood after he sees you. Figured I’d come see what all the fun’s about.” His suggestive tone was belied by his grin.Tease.
“I doubt he would appreciate me putting you in the same mood.” Not that Evan wouldreallycare. He was dating a dozen other girls. Who knew how many of them he was kissing on the side. My stomach revolted at the idea. It wasn’t my business what he did with the others, just as it wasn’t his business what I did. Not that Iwanted anyone else right now. Tall, dark, and handsome was my current addiction.
“Probably not, but I didn’t come here for whatever it is you two have been doing. I want to know more about that gorgeous friend of yours.”
“Rachel?”
“That would be the one.” The biceps under his snug grey shirt bulged as he tucked his arms behind his head on the armrest. His feet were kicked up on the other side. “She has spirit.”
I rolled my eyes. “What is it with you men always going after the unattainable?”
“I don’t know about the others, but I’ve always enjoyed a good challenge.”
“I’m sure you do, but Rachel isn’t a challenge you’ll win. Ask all the guys who have come before you.”
“Oh, sweetheart, you have no idea what I’m capable of doing to get what I want.”
I didn’t doubt it. “She’ll give you the biggest fight of your life.”
“I’m counting on it.”
I grinned. He had no idea what he was getting himself into. If sex was what he wanted, he stood a chance. Anything beyond that was a lost cause. He was successful and came from old money. She’d never grant him access to her heart.
