Page 89 of Surviving Love

“Why not? Today is the perfect day. It would be easy to sneak off alone because everyone is buzzed. There are so many people, no one would even miss us.”

“You’re way too sure of yourself.” My knees felt weak because there was no denying I wanted him. I knew it was stupid to keep giving in to him, but it was also tempting. It was lonely out here, and the feel of Jack’s warm hands on my body comforted me.

“I’m not that sure of myself. Although I do happen to have a condom and packet of lube actually in my pocket as we speak.” He smirked.

I stifled the shiver that ran through me. “Sherry will be happy to know that.”

His cocky smile turned into a scowl. “Very funny.”

“Why are you insulted? I’m not willing, but I’m sure she would be.”

“I’m not attracted to Sherry. To be more accurate, I’m not attracted to women. And for the record, I’m not so shallow that I can just replace the person I want with a willing body. Jesus, Mason.”

“Shhh, keep your voice down.” I glanced around. “You’re the one who made a point of saying the sex between us was meaningless.”

He sighed. “I only said that because you were struggling with voting me off. I didn’t want you to blow up your game just to protect me.”

I hesitated because he sounded so sincere. “Really?”

“Yes.” He nodded, his expression sulky. “But never mind. The mood is ruined.”

“What mood? We’re standing at a buffet table.”

His lips twitched. “You have a point.”

“Is this where you do your best work?”

He laughed. “Shut up.”

“I mean, I’ve never really thought of a potluck as sexy, but maybe you know something I don’t.”

“I’m going to throttle you if you don’t stop mocking me.” The smile in his voice softened this words. “To think I was going to tell you I’d decided to take you to the final two with me.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

I sipped my champagne, feeling oddly happy. I couldn’t begin to figure Jack out, but it felt better knowing the sex had been more for him too. I hadn’t been the only one feeling a connection.

He said softly, “I mean it though. I will have you one of these days, Mason.”

Afraid he’d see excitement in my eyes, I avoided looking at him. “I guess that’s one reason to keep you around a little longer.”

“I like that answer. It gives me hope.”

“Of course, I could always get voted out tomorrow.”

He leaned in and whispered against my ear, “Then I’d just have to come find you.”

I smiled. “Yeah, I highly doubt you’d fly to LA for a booty call.”

He twisted his lips, as if trying not to smile. “I’m a complicated man. There’s no telling what I might do.”

I laughed and shook my head. “I’ll believe it when I see it, Jack.”

Chapter Nineteen

The two tribes blended well, which was a relief. The Karangalan tribe had one less person than us, but since it was now more of an individual game, that didn’t matter as much. The new tribal name both tribes agreed upon was Tagumpay, which meant victory in Tagalog.