Page 82

Laurie huffed out a breath before resuming her seat. Madi looked like she wanted to run away rather than sit back down again, but she slowly returned to her chair.

We went on to play a game of “would you rather” and followed that up with charades. Thankfully, neither of the games had as much potential for drama as truth or dare. There was no more bickering or fighting, and I began to forget about the incident between Madi and Laurie. Angus must have felt it was becoming too dull though, because he pulled me aside halfway through a game of telephone.

“I want you to pick one girl to take away for some alone time,” he said.

I nodded, and my eyes automatically drifted toward Madi.

“Not Madi,” Angus said, watching me closely.

“Why not?” I asked, my gaze shooting back to meet his.

“Because the audience already like her and we need them to start worrying that she’s in trouble so they’ll spend more money on votes. I want you to pick Teagan.”

I frowned at him. “That’s messed up, Angus.”

“Whatever,” he replied. “Just make it happen.”

I grumbled the whole way back to the campfire. Angus was forcing my hand simply to garner votes, and I didn’t like the feeling of being manipulated, or the feeling of manipulating the girls. As soon as I got back, I announced Teagan as my selection.

I wasn’t watching Teagan’s reaction though. It was Madi who kept my attention. I could see her deflate as I announced another girl’s name. I kept trying to tell her with my eyes that Teagan wasn’t my choice. She seemed to understand because she gave me a nod, but I still wasn’t sure if she was convinced.

Teagan seemed confused as we walked off for our date.

“Why did you pick me?” she whispered, glancing over her shoulder at Brett who was still readying his camera to start filming.

“I thought we’d have a nice time,” I said, smiling and trying not to let my face reveal the lie.

Teagan frowned in response though. “You’d make a terrible actor, Cole. Anyone with eyes can see you like Madi.”

My shoulders slouched and I let out a breath. “Am I that obvious?”

“Ah, yes,” she replied.

“I’m sorry, Teagan,” I said. I felt like I was letting her down. A part of me worried she’d be upset that I’d asked her on a date when it wasn’t for real.

She waved my apology away though. “Don’t worry about me,” she said. “But why did you pick me when you should have asked Madi?”

“Angus,” was my one-word response.

“Ah.”

We both fell silent as Brett lifted his camera in our direction and Angus approached, ushering us toward a small clearing where a second campfire had been made. There was a delicious looking cheese board by the fire and a telescope just beyond it that I assumed Angus wanted us to use for some romantic stargazing. I felt painfully awkward having to be on the date after everything I’d just admitted to Teagan.

She took it all well though and laughed when she caught my expression.

“It’s just cheese and a picnic rug, Cole,” she said, walking over and settling herself down by the fire. She popped a piece of cheese in her mouth as if to prove her point.

I laughed and went to join her. “You okay with just cheese and a picnic rug?” I asked.

“Just cheese and a picnic rug is my favorite,” she replied.

I let out a breath and chuckled with relief. I’d been worried I’d hurt Teagan’s feelings, but it seemed she was okay with just being friends. I relaxed and allowed myself to enjoy the date. For most of it, I even forgot the cameras were there.

By the time Teagan and I finished on our date, it was growing late. The night had been surprisingly fun, and I was actually sad for it to end. Most of the time it had felt less like a forced group date and more like hanging out with friends.

When Teagan and I returned to the others, I hugged each of the girls goodnight before making my way to my tent. I made sure that Madi was the last hug.

“I’m sorry about Teagan,” I whispered into her hair. “Angus didn’t give me a choice.”