Love or Lust - Rachael Brownell Page 0,11

an outdoor adventure. A “bonding” trip. Off-roading on ATVs. Camping overnight. Off the ranch. Away from the girls.

To say I’m a little irritated is an understatement.

Hence the reason I’m ready for this to be over with. So there isn’t anyone telling me what to do anymore. I figured at some point I would feel trapped here. Held hostage on the ranch.

Today is that day.

Sadly, my fellow captives are Bella and Teegan.

Sweet, innocent Bella who tries to make peace because she’s a good person. You can tell she has a big heart and only wants to see the best in and for others.

Slutty, ruthless Teegan. The polar opposite of Bella. Her eyes are locked on the prize, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. The prize being Jace.

As much as it’s felt like this is a competition, it’s never felt more prevalent as it has this week. The game is nearing the end, and everyone is pulling out all the stops. One final push to get to the finish line. It doesn’t matter who’s standing in your way. Knock them over and keep going.

“It’s so quiet. I’m not sure I can handle this,” Bella says from next to me. We’ve been sunbathing for the last hour. I thought she was asleep until she rolled onto her stomach a few minutes ago.

“I know. I’d normally welcome the reprieve, but after spending the last few weeks here, I’ve become accustomed to the noise and chaos.”

“Yes!” she exclaims. “That’s exactly it. At home, I’d be perfectly fine to spend the day by the pool by myself, but here I miss the guys shouting and splashing around in the water.”

“I can’t believe the guys won’t be back until tomorrow morning. I don’t understand why we’re not all on the camping trip.”

“Lennon thinks it has something to do with creating a competition between the guys. There’s been practically no drama between them, and I have a feeling the show is struggling. Think about it. Aside from a few outbursts between the girls, nothing major has happened. That’s not great for reality TV. Who wants to watch a bunch of people live together and get along? Conflict sells. It keeps people watching. They want to see how it all ends.”

She has a good point, though I was yelled at for having an outburst on live television. Probably because they couldn’t cut the clip into pieces and splice it back together the way they wanted to.

“We should have gotten a trip too,” I whine, setting my book aside and standing to stretch.

“Would you really want to go camping?”

“I love camping. I’d love it even more if I got to see Teegan struggle. She doesn’t strike me as the camping type. More like glamping,” I mutter when I spot Teegan walking this way. “Speak of the devil.”

Bella doesn’t even bother to lift her head. “I hate camping. I’m more of a city girl. I’d rather be pampered and take a hot shower. Don’t get me wrong, I like to sit around a campfire and roast marshmallows as much as the next person, but I’d rather do that in someone’s backyard where I have the option to go inside and use the bathroom. I had to squat in the woods once when I was little, and I think it scarred me for life.”

Bella’s face scrunches up, her cheekbones lifting her sunglasses slightly. I can’t help but laugh as Teegan finally joins us, sliding onto the lounger on the other side of Bella.

“What did I miss?” Teegan asks, her question directed at Bella.

“We were talking about how I don’t like camping.”

“Thank God we didn’t have to go with them. Although, I wouldn’t mind cuddling under the stars.” I can’t see her eyes, but Teegan turns to face me as she speaks. “That might make it worth it.”

“I didn’t realize you and Milo had a thing,” I remark, turning my back to her as I make my way over to the bar. Jace isn’t here to make drinks, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t getting drunk. If I have to spend my afternoon and evening in Teegan’s presence, I’m going to need at least a few to keep me from punching her in her perfect nose.

“Milo couldn’t handle me. Plus, there’s only one set of arms I want wrapped around me.”

Clenching my fists, I search the mini-fridge for something stronger than spiked lemonade. That’s when I spot Jace’s candy infused vodka. Pouring a heavy-handed amount of the red, cherry-flavored