Free My Bachelor by Tess Oliver Page A

him Finkelton just for payback.” The clamor of equipment being loaded on trailers scared a bird from the tree branch overhead. “And about the real Rafe Rockclyffe, I’m sure you’re still just getting used to the cameras and everyone standing around watching. It’ll get easier.”
    “Yeah, maybe. But I’m going stir crazy in that house. I’m used to being active.” 
    The crew dismantled the set. The women were all standing in a huddle around the lunch table, fixing themselves plates and keeping a close eye on me.
    Eliot glanced at her phone as it buzzed. She turned and waved to her friend. “Jackson needs me to help him take down the picnic set.” She looked in the direction of the women. “You know, you are allowed to talk to them during down time. It might help you in your decision. It’s sort of hard to meet and fall in love with someone in front of cameras. Not terribly intimate, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.” She climbed off the bench.
    I stayed seated but swung my legs around to face her. “That makes sense. And yet, I’m just not in the mood to stand with them right now.” I lifted my hat and combed my hair back with my fingers before pressing it on again. “I’m beginning to think it would have been much better if I had just shaved my head.”
    Eliot stared down at me and tilted her head in confusion. The curl slid to the side, and I had to fight an urge to reach up and touch it. “You could shave off your hair, but I don’t think that would wipe away the starry eyed gazes from that group down there.”
    “No, that’s not what I meant. The bet I told you about—my friend and I were rock climbing, and we started a race to the top. Loser would have to make an honest attempt at being picked as the bachelor on Sealed with a Kiss. But we both had to agree to consequences if the loser didn’t get picked for the show. Noah was going to have to sell his prized vintage Corvette, and I was going to have to shave off my hair.”
    Eliot put her hands on her hips and seemed to be considering what I’d just told her. “So your friend agreed that that was an even bet? His car. Your hair.”
    “Yep. It’s all about the hair, baby.”
    Her slightly lopsided smile was starting to become pleasantly familiar. “Sorry, it’s not. The hair is a bonus, I’ll give you that. But it’s not just the hair. And after the clip of you saving the screaming woman on the runaway horse airs during prime time, it’s going to be about way, way more than the hair.”
    I stood up. “Are you saying there’s more about me that you like?”
    She peered up at me. “If you’re fishing for a compliment, Sir Galahad, I will remind you about the group of beautiful women across the way who have not taken their eyes off of you since you walked over here. I’m sure you can get all the complimenting you need over there at the refreshment table.” She turned to walk away.
    I couldn’t stop myself. I took hold of her hand. Eliot froze and then turned back to me.
    “But the hard won compliments are the only ones worth earning.” Again my self control was no match for my urge to touch her. I reached up and brushed away the curl.
    Her smile faded and a more stern expression crossed her face. “Rafe, some of those girls are actually here because they want to find the love of their lives. Yes, some are here for their fifteen minutes of fame, and who knows, some might even be here on a bet or because of some twisted truth or dare game, like one of the contestants on season three. She lost, by the way. She had this weird fetish with the bachelor’s moustache. Anyhow, I’m just saying, you need to keep that in mind.”
    “I know, El. And you’re right. I will take this more seriously. That’s why I need you to come by the house this afternoon so I can toss some ideas around. You know, like a debriefing. I value your opinion. And since I’ve been cut off from all my friends—” I stopped, reminding myself of the glue I’d