Love or Lust (LOL Series Part 2) - Rachael Brownell Page 0,2

there a love connection going on that I’ve been too busy with my own shit to notice? I’ll have to pay attention tonight. Maybe I’ll pick up on some clues.

To everyone’s surprise, Ed’s waiting for us outside the bowling alley when we arrive. He has a devious grin on his face, telling me I’m probably not going to like what he has to say.

“Congratulations on making it to week three,” he starts as we all crowd around him. “As you all know, this week you’ll be off the ranch going on one-on-one dates with each other. While you’re out on the town, I want you to pay attention and keep a few things in mind. As much as you will get to know each other, it’s also about putting into play what you you’ve already learned. The guys are choosing the dates this week, so this is their opportunity to prove they’ve been paying attention the last few weeks. Their choice of activity should impress you. It’s all about the ladies this week!

“Sunday morning, the ladies will be receiving a special delivery to your villas, similar to the package the guys received yesterday.” Say what? What did they get? “The most important thing in the package this week will be a card you’ll need to give to Claudia before you vote on Sunday night. One guy will be granted immunity, and the ladies will decide who the lucky one is.”

Stepping aside, Ed motions for us to head inside but not before adding some parting words that make me want to roll my eyes at him. Of course, there’s a damn camera in my face, so I can’t.

“Good luck. Have fun. And, ladies . . . no one can save you from going home this week except yourselves. If you want to be here, do whatever it takes to ensure you’re the one they’re thinking about when they vote on Sunday.”

Not exactly a pep talk. More like encouraging us to sleep our way to the top. Which is not how I plan to ensure my safety. At the end of the day, this is still a game, and I won’t compromise my morals to win.

After we all have our shoes and are situated at the lanes, Milo and Callen head off to grab drinks while the rest of the guys go in search of bowling balls for everyone. Sliding my feet into my shoes, I notice Natasha is on her phone, her fingers flying across the screen. There’s a sly grin on her face that promptly disappears when Milo and Callen make their way back to us, each with two pitchers of beer.

Wanting to help, I take the stack of plastic cups Milo tucked under his arm and whisper in his ear.

“Everything okay with you and Natasha? She seems like she’s acting a little cold toward you today.”

He lets out a grunt, looks over my shoulder at her, and glares.

“Fine.”

“You’re a horrible liar, in case you were wondering, but I’m a great listener if you want to talk about it later,” I offer, pouring myself a cup of beer and taking a sip.

“I might take you up on that,” he notes as everyone else starts gathering around and pouring themselves a drink.

Lennon sets up the lanes, girls versus guys, while Drake walks around and collects twenty dollars from everyone. Whichever team has the best overall score wins the pot. Whichever player on the team has the highest score gets all the cash.

Not a bad deal. I don’t mind risking a little money to make a bunch.

Not everyone wants to participate, though. Natasha refuses to wear the shoes, too many germs or something, and thus refuses to play. Teegan seems indifferent and somewhat quiet today. Almost like a storm is raging beneath the surface and she’s holding herself back from going off on someone. Bella is her normal, sweet self, trying to be encouraging. Which leaves me and Courtney, and we’re both watching the girls interact with raised eyebrows.

Nope, not at all like when we hang out by the pool.

Yes, I’m happy the rest of the week I get some alone time with the guys. There are entirely too many hormones floating around right now, and I’m here to have fun, not sit around and look pissy.

We’re in the second frame when Natasha disappears for half an hour. No one seems to notice except me. She doesn’t return until the beginning of the sixth frame, and it looks like she’s been given