Free Taking the Heat by Kate J. Squires

because the producers of this show are wily sons-of-bitches. Young love, torn apart—that’s great TV.
    Especially when one of them is oblivious. ‘Why don’t you say something to him? You guys seemed like you had a pretty good connection last night. If he knows who you are, maybe he’ll see things differently.’
    She shook her head, the copper-coloured curls flying. ‘No. I’ve dreamed of Callum for the last decade. No man has ever come close to what we had together. If he doesn’t recognise me yet, I don’t want to force him. I’ll wait, and when he finally sees the little girl he loved in my eyes, ah …’
    â€˜Meghan—’
    â€˜It’ll be so beautiful. He’ll remember, you’ll see.’ She stood and reached for my hand, squeezing it in gratitude. ‘Thank you, Tara. You won’t say anything to him, will you?’
    â€˜I won’t. I promise.’
    Clattering feet drew our attention down the walkway. A cameraman, sound guy and unit manager ran towards us, dragging heavy bags of gear. ‘Wait! Don’t say another word until we’re rolling!’
    â€˜Too late, we’re done.’ I couldn’t help but grin as their faces fell.
    The manager said, ‘It’s fine. We’ll make do with the tree cameras.’ He pointed out several tiny black dots, nestled in the branches around us.
    â€˜Uh, hullo?’ Henry’s fair head poked around behind the crew. ‘Tara, can I have a word, please?
    Am I a bad person if I say no? It isn’t that I don’t like Henry, I just really wanted some time away from the drama.
    â€˜Um … I’ll go and leave you to it, then?’ Meghan looked knowingly between us, a romantic glint in her eyes.
    I rolled my own eyes. ‘Thanks, Meghan. Nice to chat with you.’
    As she trotted back along the planks towards her own room, she winked at Henry. ‘You’ve got a good ’un there, Henry.’
    â€˜Thank you,’ he said, eyes on me.
    The camera crew were practically wetting themselves with glee. ‘Tara, Henry, can we please set up on the balcony inside? The light is much better out there.’
    â€˜Sure!’ I said with forced brightness. ‘Come on in, everybody.’
    Inside my room, the crew scattered, delightedly playing with booms and reflectors. Someone had left the air-conditioning running at arctic temperatures, and I shuddered in my swimsuit and hopelessly thin cover-up. I grabbed a cotton bathrobe from the cupboard and slipped into it gratefully.
    Henry stood awkwardly by the door, his eyes darting around nervously. ‘Oh. Oh. Do you want me to step out while you change?’
    I smiled at his embarrassment. How on earth will this quaint, old-worldly gentleman survive his time here on the island? I wondered. ‘It’s fine, Henry, it’s just a robe. Come on, let’s sit outside.’
    I dropped into the plush bamboo lounge and patted the cushion next to me. Henry eased down, pulling the creases from his pants, as if he wore a tuxedo rather than board shorts. I’ve only heard of the term ‘English rose’ in relation to women before, but it suits Henry rather well too. His sandy hair, porcelain skin and brushed pink cheeks combine perfectly with his brown eyes. He really is divine to look at.
    â€˜So, Tara, I suppose you’re wondering what on earth I’m doing here, yes?’
    â€˜I like you, Henry,’ I said, because I do. ‘I don’t mind if you drop by.’
    His already sun-kissed skin glowed an even brighter red. ‘Gosh. Thank you for saying so. You see, I find that I like you too. Rather a lot, considering it’s only been a day. I really just wanted to check in on you, after the trouble at the challenge today.’
    â€˜Trouble?’ I said, searching my mind. ‘Oh, you mean Clara. Don’t worry about her; she didn’t hurt me and that’s just who