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  “It’ll be a fun day,” Travis said as we got closer to the SUV where the other girls were climbing in.

  “Agreed. I’m just glad we get to go swimming on this hot day—and not like… hiking or something.” I eyed him, knowing how he loved all these outdoor activities.

  “Swimming is so much better.” Travis agreed. “Plus, I get to see you in your new swimsuit.” He leaned in and whispered in my ear, leaving butterflies in my stomach.

  I wanted to smack him, but he quickly hopped in the passenger seat with a wicked grin.

  Shaking my head, I squeezed into the back seat between Taylor and Kara. I slid my sunglasses over my eyes and leaned my head back against the headrest, hoping the drive to the swimming hole would be quick, because Nicki had already started complaining.

  We arrived at the swimming hole in less than twenty minutes. Everyone quickly scrambled out of the car, mostly, I’m sure, to get away from Nicki who hadn’t stopped complaining since we left the driveway.

  “Ladies, this way,” Travis called, leading us down a winding path to the sparkling blue water.

  We had parked at the top of the cliff, which was really only about fifteen feet high. A small creek ran through somewhere behind where we parked, and spit out a small waterfall into the swimming hole.

  The swimming area was about as large as half a football field, which trickled out into another little creek. Since the pool was spring fed, I knew it was going to be nice and cool. I had only been outside for a few minutes and I could already feel the sweat beading up on my skin. Not only was it supposed to reach 85 degrees today, but it was supposed to be humid as hell. A thunderstorm late tonight was inevitable.

  “Has anyone ever gone cliff jumping before?” Travis asked as he dropped his bag on the small beach and quickly kicked off his flip-flops.

  I have!

  But Travis already knew that, and I wasn’t going to say it out loud in front of these girls. They were already eyeing me, waiting for me to say something, since apparently I do all the adventurous things. If only they knew…

  “I have.” Taylor quickly spit out. We all turned to look at her and she flushed a deep red. “I mean, I’ve done it once when I was on vacation with my family, years ago. And it was a tiny jump.”

  I glanced back at Travis who had a slow grin creeping across his face. “That’s awesome!” he shouted, running over to Taylor. “Want to jump with me first?”

  He looked like a child at Christmas time, all bubbly excitement. My smile stopped short when he scooped her up over his shoulder and started running with her up the path to the top of the cliff.

  “We’ll be right back down!” he called out over Taylor’s giggles.

  I twisted my hands around my bag so tightly I started to lose feeling in my fingers. I plopped down on the sand and released my hands from my bag, tossing it to the side. Ugh, was I really jealous of Taylor?

  Yes, yes I was.

  Oh that was ridiculous. I knew how Travis felt about me, I knew what he was doing was because we are on this stupid show and are currently surrounded by five different cameras. He had to do it—and it’s not like he was making out with her or anything, he was just going to jump off a cliff with her.

  But why did he have to toss her over his shoulder? That seemed too…intimate.

  I rolled my eyes at myself. I was overreacting. I glanced up at the cliff as they made their way to the edge. Travis leaned down to whisper something in Taylor’s ear and she beamed back at him, laughing lightly. He grabbed her hand and I felt my heart ache a little. As I watched, he counted down until the two of them leapt from the cliff and were falling into the water. They hit with a splash and quickly resurfaced laughing and splashing each other.

  Oh, I’d had enough, time to get in the water with them. I stood, slipped out of my flip-flops and shed my shorts and tank.

  I called to Kara who was sitting close by, “Let’s get in the water!”

  She launched to her feet. “Thank God, it is hot as hell out here!” And with that, we both took off running into the crisp, cool sparkling water.

  We stayed in the shallow end of the water, to keep the water under the cliff clear for anyone who wanted to jump. The water where we were was up to our chests and felt amazing.

  “That was exhilarating!” Taylor squealed as she swam up to us.

  “It looked like fun; I really want to try it now! Though, it may be more fun with Travis,” Kara mentioned glancing around the swimming hole.

  “Where did he go?” Taylor asked glancing out to the beach to see if Travis had made his way over there.

  I felt something brush against my ankle, then my knee and my thigh before finally settling on my waist. “Oh shit!” I exclaimed as the hands around my waist quickly pulled me under the water. I opened my eyes, blinking to adjust them and saw Travis grin at me before surfacing. I quickly made my way to the surface and took a deep breath. Travis and the girls were laughing and I quickly splashed all of them.

  “Not funny!” I splashed at them again, causing them to laugh harder. I tried to give them my best glare, but knew I was going to start laughing too, so instead I turned and started heading out of the water.

  “Oh, come back, I was just having fun!” Travis called out to me.

  I turned and smirked, “Well, I want to have a little fun too, and jump.” I turned back around and started making my way up the path.

  I heard the sound of feet running up behind me, before I was scooped into Travis’ arms. We went around one of the bends in the path, blocking us from the other girls.

  “You want to jump with me?” Travis breathed, nuzzling his nose against my neck.

  Oh boy, can’t think here.

  I pushed him back, “I suppose you’ll do.”

  He grinned and planted a quick, chaste kiss on my lips before grabbing my hand and pulling me up the path.

  “I knew that swimsuit would look great on you.” Travis’ eyes slowly dragged from my legs up to my chest.

  I crossed my arms, forcing him to look up at my face. “I don’t know why you just don’t say the clothes are from you.”

  Travis just shrugged and gave me his sexy smirk.

  “Does your ankle hurt at all?” I was worried about the jumping, I didn’t want it to set him back any farther than he already was.

  “No, not at all, it actually feels good to be out of that damn boot.”

  “Well, if it does start to hurt, make sure you put that boot back on and no more jumping.”

  “Don’t worry, Mom, I will,” Travis said as he rolled his eyes at me.

  “Um, I hope you don’t kiss your Mom the way you kissed me.” I laughed when Travis stopped and let the words sink in.

  “That’s so…..ehhhh.” Travis shuddered at the thought.

  “Good, don’t call me that again. I’m just worried about you, that’s all.”

  “I know Riles, and that’s why I love you.” He pulled on my hand as I stumbled over my feet.

  Loved me? We’ve said “I love you” to each other many times, but this time it felt different somehow.

  We had made it to the edge of the cliff. I looked down and saw Kara and Taylor where I had left them. They smiled and waved up at me.

  “Go Riley!” Taylor screamed up at me.

  I smiled down at her and gave them a small wave back. I noticed Addison and Erin had ventured out into the water, but Nicki was currently sprawled out on her beach towel, soaking up the sun.

  “She doesn’t look like she’s enjoying this date,” I whispered up to Travis, nodding my head in Nicki’s direction.

  He glanced her way. “She doesn’t seem to care for adventure.”

  “And she’s the girl for you?” I asked, wondering why he still kept her here.

  “Riles, I think you know the answer to that.” He rolled his eyes at me again, squeezing my hand.

  “You ready?” I asked. I was so ready to get back into the water. Just in the short time we were out of the water, the sweat
had already started to bead up again.

  Travis nodded, “On three. Ready. One, two, three!”

  We jumped out and away from the cliff and started to free fall towards the water. Travis squeezed my hand, not letting it go, until we splashed into the water.

  I quickly kicked my way to the surface, popping my head into the air a second before Travis. He grinned at me and quickly circled his arms around me, giving me a quick squeeze and a light kiss on the cheek.

  “God I love this!” he breathed out, looking totally relaxed.

  “It was the perfect day to do this. I couldn’t imagine going mini golfing in this heat.” I winked at him remembering our date yesterday.

  Holy shit, was that really just yesterday?

  It felt like ages ago. So much had happened since then.

  Travis smiled lazily at me, so I splashed him lightly and quickly took off swimming towards Kara and Taylor.

  We spent the next few hours swimming, jumping and splashing around. We finally called it quits when we started hearing thunder off in the distance. Well, Jim came and called us out of the water saying it was time to head home. He also mentioned there would be an elimination tonight, which none of us, including Travis, knew about.

  I smoothed my hands down the side of my shirt. I had opted for a dressier floral sleeveless shirt for tonight’s elimination show. I paired it with my favorite jeans that hugged my curves just right.

  I was seriously hoping Nicki would go home tonight. She hadn’t participated in the group date, at all. She didn’t even get in the water, saying something about how non-chlorinated water messes with her skin. I honestly would never understand that woman. I don’t know how the producers could keep her on the show much longer. I mean, she doesn’t even do anything! She whines and complains about most dates, and she is the polar opposite of Travis. How is this going to boost ratings?

  I don’t know, maybe I just missed my quiet, uncomplicated, bitch-free life.

  A crack of thunder from the storm raging outside made me jump and brought me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the clock and realized I needed to be downstairs in five minutes.

  One more look in the mirror and I was out my door. I met up with Taylor in the hallway.

  “Hey, that’s a nasty storm out there.” She winced as lightning flashed through the hallway window.

  “I’m sure it’ll be over soon.” I shrugged and patted her lightly on the shoulder. “But if it gets worse, I’m sure the basement here is just as amazing as the rest of the house.” I smiled lightly letting her know I was joking, but her face was ashen white.

  “Oh, please don’t say that!” she squeaked out.

  “Afraid of storms.” It wasn’t a question. By her body language, it was a fact.

  She nodded and jumped at the crack of thunder.

  I put my arm around her shoulders. “You’ll be fine.” I reassured her, leading her down to the living room.

  The night sky was brilliant through the wall of windows, which I’m sure terrified poor Taylor even more. Lightning danced across the sky every few seconds. Rain was pelting down from the sky at such a quick and rapid pace, you could already see it starting to flood a little in the low places of the backyard.

  It seemed like it would be a quick and fierce storm, dropping tons of rain on us, but passing by within the hour. Which I kind of hoped would happen for Taylor’s sake, considering she was visibly shaking in her spot.

  Travis and Tessa quickly made their way into the room and stood before us, commanding our attention.

  “Okay ladies, we’re going to make this quick tonight. The storm outside is currently mild but is supposed to get worse, so we want to be able to assure that the eliminated girl is safe at the hotel before it takes a turn,” Tessa said this cheerfully, like she was telling us there was a huge sale at Target.

  Taylor shuddered and groaned slightly at the news. I reached out and grabbed her hand, hoping maybe it would calm her. She relaxed slightly and gave me a small smile.

  “First bracelet please, Travis.” Tessa ushered Travis to the box holding the bracelets, which were charcoal gray this time.

  “This bracelet is going to the girl…” Travis started but was interrupted by Tessa.

  “I’m sorry Travis, but no explanations tonight, we need to make this quick. Just say the girl’s names, please.”

  Travis glanced over to Jim who nodded and glanced outside.

  “Oh, okay,” Travis mumbled, “Um, Taylor.”

  I gave Taylor’s hand a squeeze before releasing her so she could get the bracelet. Travis put it on her and gave her a hug before she returned back to her spot. She seemed slightly more relaxed then earlier, but maybe that was because she wasn’t the girl who had to go out into the storm tonight and as soon the elimination finished she was probably going to make her way to the basement.

  Travis held up another bracelet, “Riley.”

  I walked down to him and he slipped the bracelet on next to my other ones, before pulling me into a hug. “If the weather keeps up like this, can I bunk with you?” he whispered.

  I laughed loudly pushing him back and shaking my head. He grinned at me and shrugged his shoulders.

  Turning, I walked back to my spot, past a glaring Nicki, I couldn’t help but smirk at her as I walked by.

  “What was that about?” Taylor whispered when I got back to my spot.

  “Oh, nothing. Just a stupid joke.” I shrugged it off, turning my attention back to Travis.

  “Addison.” Travis held up another bracelet and slid it on Addison’s wrist when she bounced her way up to him. After a quick hug she ran back to her spot all smiles. Travis picked up another bracelet. “Kara.” Kara smiled and made her way to Travis who repeated the process.

  Finally it was down to two, Nicki and Erin, who were called up by Tessa to stand in front of Travis.

  Oh please oh please let it be Nicki who leaves.

  I reached over and gripped Taylor’s hand, needing her support. She glanced over at me and gave me a big smile. I was obviously not the only one who wanted Nicki to leave.

  “And the final bracelet goes to?” Tessa broke the silence.

  Travis twisted the bracelet in his hands looking between the two girls. His eyes quickly glanced over to Jim. I whipped my head over to see Jim give a slight nod. I turned back to Travis as he held up the bracelet.

  “Nicki.” Travis held the bracelet out to her, and got a scream in response. Everyone in the room jumped as Nicki jumped on Travis, wrapping her legs around him while giving him a hug.

  Travis gave her a quick hug and pushed her gently off of him, then turned to Erin to say his goodbye while walking her to the door.

  “Well that blows,” Kara said coming up to us.

  “I don’t even know what is going on anymore,” I muttered to them. “Apparently we can all be a total drag on the group dates and we’ll still be here in the morning. Ridiculous.”

  I needed a drink. I couldn’t handle this stupid situation anymore. I turned and stalked over to the bar, Kara and Taylor on my trail. I grabbed a hard cider from the fridge, holding it out to the two of them, who nodded their heads quickly. I grabbed two more, handing them to the girls, before popping the top off mine and taking a huge drink.

  Travis came back into the room and walked over to the bar where we were still standing.

  “Can I have one of those?” he asked nodding to my drink.

  I grabbed another one from the fridge and slid it to him.

  “Tough night?” I asked taking a sip of my drink.

  “Yeah. It felt too rushed. I wish I could have at least talked and explained why I was choosing you girls.” Travis took a drink of his hard cider, staring out into the backyard. “But this storm is supposed to get pretty bad, so I guess it’s good that Erin is well on her way to the hotel by now.”

  “Ugh, I hate storms!” Taylor exclaimed, chugging her drink. She nodded her head at me and I quickly grabbed her another.

  “I
t’ll be fine,” Travis said placing his arm around her shoulder and pulling her into him.

  I clenched my hands around my bottle, eyeing the two of them standing there. They looked cute together and she looked completely relaxed in his arms.

  Damnit, get your hands off of her Travis!

  I could feel the jealousy rage through my body and was tempted to jump over the bar and claim what was mine. Or…what I thought was mine.

  Just as I turned to talk to Kara to take my eyes and mind off the two of them cuddling, a flash of lightning filled the sky outside, followed quickly by an ear splitting crack of thunder—and then the room went pitch black.

  Taylor screamed, followed by a few other gasps.

  “Okay ladies, everything is okay. We’ll get the weather radio out and see what this storm is doing. Someone from the crew is going to be coming around in a minute handing out flashlights. Once you get your flashlight, if you could make your way to the basement, we want to take every safety precaution we can,” Jim called out to us from the other side of the room.

  “Taylor, it’ll be okay, calm down,” Travis said gently. I could only see them whenever the lightning flashed outside. But could tell Travis still had his arm around her and Taylor was now shaking uncontrollably.

  “Come on Taylor, let’s get to the basement.” I walked around the bar and took her out of Travis’ arm, glaring up at him, even though he couldn’t see me.

  “But we have to wait for the flashlights,” Taylor muttered.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll grab one on the way.” I held on to her as I lead her through the living room, careful to not bump into any of the furniture. We had made it to the doorway when a crew member came up from the hallway with a flashlight in hand and carrying a box under his arm.

  “Here you go ladies.” He handed both of us a flashlight. I quickly turned mine on.

  “Come, let’s get downstairs.” I tugged on Taylor, who was limply holding the flashlight in her hand.

  “I just hate storms so much.” She sniffled.

  “I know. Once we get in the basement you’ll feel better, promise.” I found the basement door open with a crew member at the top.