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spread across her face. “Yes, Grant?” she said prettily.
    “Stephanie,” he said, trying to sound as friendly as possible. “I admire your sense of adventure. That was the first time I’ve been skydiving, and I assure you, it won’t be my last.”
    “Isn’t it exhilarating?” she breathed.
    “It is,” he agreed. “But for a group date, I’m not sure it was the right choice. It seemed to me that your motives were to put the others at a disadvantage, and while I know there will be game playing involved here on the show, I didn’t appreciate how much your activity choice tested the other women. The goal is to stand out, of course. I’m just not sure you did that in the best way.”
    Stephanie’s face fell dramatically. “Oh. I see.”
    “For that reason,” he said, slowly handing her the sweet peas, “I’m saying goodbye to you tonight. I hope we can still be friends.”
    Chris Legend broke the awkward silence that followed by stepping into camera view and putting forth his best host voice. Grant wondered where he learned to talk with such a pleasant and endearing tone. Certainly not while he was talking trash on the football field back in the day. “All right, ladies,” Chris said. “So we’ve gotten a glimpse at how our bachelor thinks now. For those who are staying, I would certainly take note. For Stephanie, this is farewell. You have one hour to collect your belongings and leave the mansion.”
    Stephanie’s twin sister Cassandra threw her arms around her in a fierce embrace while the other women began to file back into the mansion in varying degrees of shock and elation. Only Chelle stayed behind.
    Their eyes locked. Her glower was unmistakable. She had expected to be the one voted off. Rage emanated off her as she slowly made her way toward him, past the hugging twins. She didn’t stop until her nose almost touched Grant’s chin. Chris, who was standing nearby, instructed the crew to stop filming.
    “This won’t ever make it to air anyway,” he muttered. Obviously Richie’d had a chat with him about their unique circumstances. Especially after the Cozy Couch session.
    “You’ve made a wrong choice,” Rochelle said in a low voice.
    “Are you feeling better?” he whispered.
    She turned on her heel and strode away, shoulders square. The twins gave her an evil look as she passed, and she casually flipped them the bird. He watched as she disappeared into the house, his decision made.
    I’m coming for you, Rochelle Ransom .

Chapter Nine
    R ochelle cursed under her breath as she assessed herself in the mirror. It was the stringiest bikini she’d ever worn. It left nothing to the imagination, revealing every flaw she had. Her hips were too wide. Her legs weren’t nearly as toned as they should have been. And the top felt two sizes too small, the little triangles barely covering her nipples. She’d had to get a Brazilian just to wear the bottom properly, which dug so high up her butt cheeks, she feared she’d never get the fabric back out.
    This was all Grant Drake’s fault.
    Yet, it was bittersweet.
    It was his turn to choose a group date, and he chose to have them all participate in a charity festival—which benefited battered women. Why would he choose that? He knew it hit close to home for her; her father had abused her mother for years, even before she and Grant met in college. He understood how she felt about helping battered women find their voice–find safety. Is he purposely doing this so I’ll try to win the prize—a one-on-one session with him? And if so, why?
    Have I not made it clear that I hate the entirety of his guts?
    She pulled on a white T-shirt and jeans. What reason did he have to keep her here? Was he trying to peel the scab off the wound in her heart? Was he really that cruel?
    She shook her head, pulling on her shoes. At least she’d raise the money for this charity in a way that would throw it all back in his face. Each of the contestants was responsible