Authors: Ashlynn Monroe
“Each week you’ll receive your score. You aren’t children. You won’t be reminded of what your chore is or when to do it. Sleep well tonight, everyone. Tomorrow you will all meet Mind Man, so get your beauty sleep.”
Nelly flipped her hair over her shoulder. “Some of us don’t need any,” she said dramatically.
Dina made sure the camera wasn’t on her as she rolled her eyes. “That’s very nice for you, but I hope you still have a comfortable first night in your cabin.”
The camera followed the women as they trudged down the hill and back to the cabins. A glorious pink and orange sunset reflected off the lake. The color filtered through the trees, giving everything a warm hue. Various bird calls sounded from the trees. Earlier Dina had been too tired and nervous to care, but now she took a moment to let the natural beauty sink in. This place was so lovely. When she’d been locked in the dungeon as a child, she’d imagined herself in a place like this, breathing the fresh air, and feeling the sun on her face. The simple wonder of standing there, alive, hit her for a moment. Sucking in a deep breath while forcing the dark memories away, she sighed.
The contestants probably weren’t as happy to be in this quiet wilderness. When she found time to work on the video, she’d be hearing all their complaints about her as she edited the footage. She stretched. Her body ached, and she was exhausted. Being the host and the producer was far more challenging than just being the producer. She had so much behind-the-scenes work to do, and hadn’t done any of it. Dina went into the audio-video trailer and began doing what she should have done during her short nap.
Hours slipped away. When Dina’s eyes finally started to blur she looked at her cellphone. It was late. She wrapped up her work and went back to her RV.
She wasn’t under the water rationing restrictions so she took a quick shower. The late spring heat had left her a bit sweaty. Her water pressure sucked, but otherwise she felt satisfied and refreshed when she stepped out and wrapped herself in a big, fluffy towel. She plugged in her phone and her laptop so that everything would be charged. Then she locked the door before throwing on a t-shirt and panties. Dina crawled into bed and sighed softly as she closed her eyes. She was asleep quickly. When her dreams began, she felt exactly as she had all those years ago.
Zane smelled good. He’d just used the shower. His hair was still damp. Running her fingers through the wet locks, she pulled his face closer to hers. The kiss left her wet, wanting more of his lips. When she pulled back, the look on his face made her feel whole, for the first time in her life she truly knew what home felt like. His arms were the only home she’d ever need.
The others were out. Her head was on his shoulder, so he didn’t see her secret smile. They didn’t flaunt the fact they were having sex, not wanting the others to feel uncomfortable. Bridget and Aaron kept their relationship on the down-low too, but Dina was extra cautious. She knew how Ella felt. If Zane had picked her sister, she’d be hurt too.
He pushed a loose strand of long, straight chestnut hair out of her face, pulling back to see her expression. “What are you thinking?”
“Don’t you know?”
His chuckle rumbled though him, and she felt his body shake as he held her. “I’m not a mind reader, I can just do things. Even if I could read minds, I wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Really? Why?”
“Because I love you. I’d never hurt you, Dina—ever.”
He pulled her back to his lips. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She wanted him so much. If she lived to be a hundred years old she’d never have enough of this man.
Her alarm blared. Dina rolled over in bed, slapping into the air. She sat up with a start, feeling the discombobulation of waking up in a strange place. It took a second, but she remembered why she wasn’t home. Yawning, she stretched and rolled over to the other side where her alarm clock sat on a built in storage cabinet next to the bed.
Her mood hadn’t improved with sleep. She was grumpy and irritable. Thinking about Zane so much was bringing back all the old feelings and memories. Dina wanted to scream. She’d left by choice, but her heart hadn’t had a say in the decision. Her head had made that call all alone.
She crawled out of bed and dressed quickly. Stepping out of her trailer, she could smell coffee and headed in the fragrant direction. Vinny, the cameraman, handed her a cup. “Thanks, Vinny,” she muttered as she took a sip of the hot, bitter brew. Heaven. She drank another small sip.
“Don’t mention it, D. So what’s the plan for today? Anything different from what we talked about last week?” Vinny asked before taking a swig from his own cup.
She gazed out over the lake. The sun was just coming up on the horizon and Dina could see a loon floating in the water. The cabins were quiet; the contestants must still be sleeping. Glancing at Vinny, she took another cautious drink of the steaming java. Her eyes closed and she savored the taste for a moment. “Survive,” she muttered with a shrug.
He snorted out a little laugh. “Good advice, D,” he replied to her back as she walked away.
She talked to the hair and makeup artists about what looks she was hoping to portray for each woman. They took notes. She had a lot to do today. Movement caught her eye and she turned to see up the hill. Some of the women were already up and heading for the showers. She motioned for Vinny to follow. He nodded and grabbed the large camera, hurrying up the hill after his quarry.
The smart women wanted to get to the hot water before it was too late. When some of the contestants remained in their cabins, she and the camera crew went down to them and loudly woke them up by pounding on the doors. The whining and grumbling, all caught on camera, would certainly be included in the final edit.
When all the girls were dressed, primped, and assembled in front of the shelter, Dina accessed them. The bright sun shown down on the group, and each woman looked excited and nervous. Dina checked the time on her phone.
He’d better be on time.
Zane popped up in front of his group of potential mates exactly at nine. They all took an involuntary step back as a gasp of surprise seemed to erupt collectively.
Ha, I’m not the only woman who hates that, s
he thought, but wished she could shout it gleefully at him.
“Hello, ladies.” His voice boomed confidently. Over time, he’d developed a persona when he wore the Mind Man costume. He didn’t interact with the media much, but when he did he puffed out his chest and carried himself differently.
She compressed her lips to hide the smile that threatened. She didn’t want the women to see her expression or, worse, hear the little laugh that wanted out. He surprised her with his enthusiasm. Enjoying himself, he walked around the group as if checking out their attributes from all angles. A pang hit her in the stomach.
This isn’t really my Zane. Okay, I gave up my Zane, but this isn’t Zane.
Her mind fought to justify his lack of reluctance. He really seemed interested in the assorted offerings she’d assembled.
He smiled, doing a double take when he noticed Amber’s ample chest, and Dina inwardly bristled. This situation was all her own doing, but she hated the emotions raging inside of her. Sure, she’d felt a bit resentful, and yes, even a little jealous during the casting. These women had the chance to openly flirt with Zane, but she hadn’t expected him to like it. He was supposed to hate it.
I’m such a jerk. I should be happy he doesn’t hate this. Duh, he’s doing this for me. What the hell is wrong with me? I need some professional help.
She’d thought of seeing a counselor about her childhood drama, but because she couldn’t fully explain what’d happened she’d never gone to one, but maybe it was time. She was twisted. Expecting him to dislike being pimped out to beautiful women…yep, she was an idiot. She should be focusing on the ratings, not on how hot he was in all that spandex. The ugly green monster roared to life within her heart, and she looked down at her planner, pretending to focus on the pages. She looked back up and took a deep, cleansing breath, doing her best to squelch the pain before the camera caught the look on her face.
“Welcome to Love Lake Campgrounds. You’re the vigilante known as Mind Man. We all know the hero, but not the man. Everyone needs someone to love, and we’re here to help you realize that dream. These women have been selected out of hundreds of would-be candidates for your affection. Tonight, you’ll all have to share this hero, but tomorrow he’ll select three of you he’d like to get to know a little better.”
The girls all began to flock around him. Zane appeared to love every minute. Surrounded with their attention he stood tall, smiling for the camera. Dina couldn’t believe what she was seeing. He was totally into this. He stood proud, heroically, and the ladies loved him. They’d have to be blind not to enjoy the sight of him, but they were all over him.
How dare he enjoy this?
Dina shook her head as if trying to dispel the demon of jealousy.
Fuck, I instigated this. Stop it. Just think of the job security and let it go.
Chapter 8
Dina bit her tongue to keep herself from ruining everything by demanding that Zane explain his fickle heart. She was the one always pushing him away, but she’d never seriously considered the way she’d feel the day he really let her go. For years, she’d pined for him, and she just expected him to do the same for her.
Isn’t that just common courtesy in this type of situation? I guess I can’t expect him to live like a monk.
The worst realization struck her. He was young, hot, and available. Just how many women had felt all that masculine strength pressed against them? She swallowed, feeling sick.
Maybe I don’t know him at all. There’s no way he’s been without a woman in his bed all these years.
“It’s time to introduce the contestants.” She paused to meet Zane’s eyes. “Ladies, please line up and we will go down the row. Tell Mind Man your name and a little bit about yourself, please.”
The women hurried with a purposeful chaos as they followed her orders. She pointed at the first woman in line.
Amber looked a little flustered. “Hi, I just want you to know I’m your biggest fan,” she gushed. “My name is Amber. I’m a bartender.” She gazed adoringly at Zane.
He gave her a nod. “It’s nice to meet you, Amber.” The girl flushed.
“I’m Nelly, the pretty twin. We grew up down in Atlanta, but Daddy moved us up here when he took over as CEO of Becker Foods.” She looked at the camera as she said the national grocery chain name. Dina had a feeling her father had put her up to that.
“I’m Virginia, and I’m the
pretty
one. I graduated college two years ago so I guess that makes me the smart one too.” Nelly gave her sister a dirty look.
“Hello, ladies. I’ve always found twins to be fascinating,” Zane replied in a sexy tone. He glanced at Dina, and she did her best to keep a neutral expression on her face.
“I’m Candy. I’m a dancer to pay for college. I’m studying communications.”
“Dancing is a beautiful art form.” Zane’s voice was soft.
Candy bit her lip, then smiled widely. “I’ll have to dance for you sometime,” she replied huskily. The camera zoomed in on her lusty expression. Zane grinned.
Dina knew what kind of dancer she was—and it wasn’t ballet. She felt her blood pressure rising.
Zane pulled his eyes from Candy and looked at the next woman in line.
“I’m Sally Kane. I have two kids, both boys. Their names are Eric and Bradley.”
After all the heat between Zane and Candy, Sally looked a bit uncomfortable. Dancing was a tough act to follow.
Zane smiled warmly. “I bet they’ll be missing you while you’re here.”
A sad look crossed her face. “I know I’m missing them. My sister has them while I’m here, and they’ll be spoiled rotten by the time I get home.”
“Hi, Mind Man. My name is Lacy. I design clothing,” Lacy interrupted.
Before he could say anything else to Lacy, Alexi moved to stand between them. “I’m Alexi. I’m currently between jobs, but I play the drums for a band. We’re called Disturbing Divas. We play something that’s sort of a techno and rock mix. It’s fun. I think we’re pretty good.” She looked at the camera and waived. “Hi, Jen. Hi, Ally. Those are my girls, go D Divas. Woohoo!”
Zane moved down the line.
“I’m Susan. I’m a nurse at Tri State General. I’ve met more than one person who has you to thank for being alive. I don’t know what our city would do without you.”
Zane reached out and took the woman’s hand. He placed a lingering kiss on her knuckles. His eyes met hers and she gave him a shy smile.
He glanced at the next woman.
“Hi, Mind Man. My name is Purity Faithful.”
Zane cocked an eyebrow.
Purity flushed. “My parents were missionaries,” she explained quietly.
Zane grinned. “I’m sure the name suits you.”
Her cheeks deepened to a dark scarlet color.
He walked over at the oldest woman in line.
“My name is Regina. I’ve been divorced for the last two years. I don’t have any children. I’m an aerospace engineer.”
“Impressive, I’d like to hear about your work,” Zane responded.
The woman smiled brightly and nodded. With the introductions over the camera returned to Dina. “Now that you’ve met your lovely ladies, it’s time for our first competition.”
Five baskets sat on a pretty table covered in a white linen cloth and fresh wild flowers. The camera panned over the display.
She cleared her throat and the camera focused on her. “Ladies and Mind Man, for your first ‘date’, we’ve had a special picnic catered for you. You will be in teams of two for this contest. I hope you’re hungry, Mind Man, because the way to man’s heart is through his stomach, and there are ten ladies who want to be the one to fulfill you.” She indicated the baskets with a dramatic flourish of her arm. “Ladies, would some of you grab a basket and everyone can follow me down to the lake.”