Page 416 of On A Manhunt: Complete Series

LUKE

For once, it was great to be famous. I wasn’t turned away at the ranch entrance by someone hired to keep people–just like me and my parents–out.

All it took was a big smile, an autograph on a napkin my mother found in her purse, and we were in.

I parked my rental car on an unplowed field with all the others.

The set had been built on an open field so the property’s barn, an old cottonwood tree and a pond beyond it was the backdrop.

While it was all out in the open–the weather Gods were working with the show today–the raised platform where the bachelorette and bachelors were placed was in the shade.

Someone obviously planned it so the contestants weren’t sweating in the hot sun on live TV.

I ensured my parents had a seat before I went backstage, using my famous face and hair to get me through.

I needed to talk to Aspen, and I needed to do it now. Mrs. Waddle had filled me in–she didn’t want to be left behind–on the show as we drove to the ranch.

No way was Aspen picking one of the three men who were chatting backstage.

Shit, the producers had chosen well. If I were a woman, I’d be thrilled with the bachelor options.

All were fit, muscular, and attractive. I wasn’t sure if they usually sported jeans, big belt buckles, snap shirts, and cowboy hats in their everyday wardrobe or not, but they matched the show’s title perfectly.

“Hey, guys,” I said, offering them a big smile.

Their eyes widened and they smiled back.

“Wow, hey. Nice to meet you,” one said.

I shook their hands and they introduced themselves.

“They didn’t tell us you were part of the program,” another added.

“Yeah,” I said, scratching my neck. I totally wasn’t. “You guys seen Aspen?”

“Who?” the dark haired one asked.

Who? WHO?

“The bachelorette,” I said, trying not to grit my teeth.

“Nah, man,” the third commented. “Haven’t seen her yet. They’re keeping her away from us. Heard she’s beautiful. Can’t wait to get her to Hawaii.”

I wanted to rip his head off for complimenting her, but that would be stupid.

“If she picks you. She’s gonna pick me,” the first one said.

“Nah, me.” The second guy patted his chest.

Not any of them, if I had my way.

“Know which trailer’s hers?” I asked.

A small man with a headset on came over and pointed to the large gap in the set which would take them to their seats in front of the cameras and the audience. “Places guys,” he whispered.

I could hear the host talking, meaning we were already live. I had no idea what he was saying until he said “Aspen!” and the audience began to clap and cheer.

Shit. I’d missed her. She was on TV. Now.

Ready to pick one of these three cowboys to be hers.

Not fucking happening.

I didn’t care if it was a game show. If it was fake or silly or whatever. No way in hell was she going with any one of them to Hawaii.

They turned as one to make their way on stage.

Fuck. FUCK! I ran a hand through my hair in frustration.

No way could I let this happen.

I reached out, grabbed one guy’s arm. “Wait.”

He turned, giving me an easy smile. “Yeah?”

“Sorry, dude, but Aspen’s my girl.”

“What?” he asked, frowning.

I didn’t answer but ran onto the stage behind the other two bachelors. One down, two to go.