Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Bobby

“Oi, c’mon Bobby! You have to do it!”

It was Saturday night at the local pub with the kitchen crew. I was leaning against the bar with Big Johno waiting for our pints. The other lads were scattered around the room, some conversing among themselves, others talking up girls who caught their eyes. The pub was crowded, full of laughter and good spirits, softening the sound of the big raindrops hitting the windows. Raining in Glasgow? Again? Unbelievable.

“I’m not going to do it,” looking down at the phone in Big Johno’s large hands. The screen showed an open casting call for an “popular ITV dating show” searching for "eligible singles” and promised a “tropical trip of a lifetime.”

Johno lightly smacked me on the shoulder, “Why not?”

I sighed, “Because we don’t even know what show they’re casting for or if it’s legitimate.”

“It’s Love Island, Bobby!” Johno exclaimed, his brown eyes wide in disbelief. “Love Island.”

“We don’t know if it’s Love Island,” I shook my head. “That could be anything.”

“But it’s not anything!” Johno rapidly tapped the screen, liking and unliking the post. “It’s Love Island.”

In truth, I knew it was Love Island. Big Johno was right, what else could it be? The post looked legitimate, too. The profile that posted the ad was a real casting and talent agency, Johno made sure that I actually looked at the page.

“Then you go on!” I retorted, “Why don’t you go on Love Island then?”

Johno looked at me, a little taken aback, “Mate, you know I’m seeing Elsie. She’s my girl.”

I instantly felt shit for saying that. Big Johno and Elsie had been dating for six months now, and I’ve never seen my best mate happier. Elsie was a sweet woman, too. They met at the hospital, Johno catering with me, Elsie volunteering. She hosted biweekly game nights, bought rounds of drinks when Johno wasn’t looking every time she came out with us, and even picked any of the kitchen crew from the airport, no matter the day or time. I was so happy for them, and so happy to have gained a friend.

The thing is, when you have friends who are happy and in love, they want you to be happy, too. This led to multiple blind dates between me and every single woman Elsie knew. Or at least it seemed like every woman Elsie knew. The dates had been fine. Some ended with going back to their flat or mine. Others were just an awkward hug goodbye. Big Johno and Elsie never pressured me but there was always a tinge of disappointment that their matchmaking abilities lead nowhere. They cared about me so much, it pained me that I’d never felt the spark that they had. They couldn’t understand. It was love at first sight when they locked eyes in the hospital corridor. And that sort of thing never happens. That’ll never happen to me.

“I’m sorry, mate,” I looked at Johno with an apologetic face. “That’s not how I meant it.”

“It’s already forgotten," the large man put an arm around my shoulders, he began to use the other for visualization. “Picture this: It’s you.”

“Aye,” I let out a chuckle. “I know what I look like.”

“Let me finish!”

I held up my hands, scrunching my shoulders a bit, “Okay, okay! Continue, big man.”

Johno cleared his throat, as if he needed to be louder than he already was, "it’s not just you, it’s you in swim wear.”

I opened my mouth, “I know wha–”

“It’s you in swimwear,” Johno ignored me, only getting louder to drown out my voice. “You’re on a tropical island. It’s beautiful, it’s hot, the sun actually sets at a reasonable time.”

“That would be the latitude,” I quipped, instantly catching nasty side eye by the prolific story teller.

“You’re in a huge mansion, with a pool, a big kitchen full of any food or ingredients you could ever want, and more.”

I had not considered that. I tilted my head a bit, picturing it in my mind’s eye. A big kitchen, endless supplies and I could use it at my disposal all summer. That doesn’t sound half bad but what apron would I bring?

“And they keep throwing fit women in there, loads of them, constantly coming at you. Each fitter than the last. Every single one in a bikini day after day, for weeks. Your only job is to woo them and be their dream man. It’s—” Big Johno uses his free hand to slowly glide his hand in the air, as if revealing each letter, “Love Island.”

My mate turned slightly to get a better look at my face. I was squinting a bit, my mouth down turned, nodding my head, genuinely considering it. A tropical vacation, no work, living in a house of beautiful women, and all I have to do is date them?

No.

“No,” I said, flatly as our pints arrived. I turn to face the bar again, exchanging money. “Cheers.”

Johno stands there, mouth hanging open above his dark beard, taking the drink I handed him, “Wha– what? What do you mean 'no'? What part of that isn’t appealing to you?”

I don’t know, maybe the pressure to “woo” limitless women, being rejected by limitless women, and having the whole world see it. While I’m shirtless. Yeah, that was it.

“Oh, so you don’t want to be surrounded by women who are interested in you?” My best mate asked. “You just want to come to the pub every weekend and go home alone?”

“Hey!” I said defensively, "I do alright for me self” I huffed a bit. I had taken plenty of women from the pub home with me. No one ever complained. Nothing ever turned serious but multiple women came back for another go or two.

“Yeah, you do alright,” Johno admitted, taking a sip of the ale. “But don’t you want to do better than alright?”

***

After dropping Big Johno at Elsie’s flat, where he drunkenly yelled, “LOVE ISLAND!” multiple times at a confused Elsie before getting him inside the door, I walked back to my place.

Dropping my keys, wallet, and phone on the table next to the door, I turned on the lights and looked into the mirror hung above it. I studied my reflection, slowly rotating my head, examining each side of my face. I looked at the many freckles that dotted my brown skin, noticing the way they were placed on my nose, ascending to my high cheekbones. I quite liked my eyes, lighter brown shade with flecks of gold stared back at me. Holding out a finger, I traced along my jawline, lifting my head a bit when I got to my chin. I brought the same finger up to my lips, feeling their softness. Girls have complimented my lips before so I guess they were fine. 

“Not too bad,” talking to myself, with a shrug of my shoulders.

Taking a step back, I stared at my body. Not being able to see much of it under the layers I was wearing, I stripped down to my pants. I was a little over six feet tall, on the leaner side but with some muscle. I worked out a bit but wasn’t a gym rat by any means. The stress of the kitchen took most of the credit for my physique. I glided my hands down my torso, going over each abdominal muscle, down to the ‘v’ shape that met the elastic of my underwear. The freckles on my face matched the ones speckled on my body. I stretched my hands out in front of me to admire them. I knew my hands were good, though. I could say that with confidence as many lovely people have complimented them.

I guess this is how I’d look on TV… if I was applying… which I’m not.

Picking up my phone, I snapped a picture of myself in the mirror before walking to my bedroom. I sat on the edge of my bed, looking at the picture, when I got a text from Big Johno. Opening it, it was a link to the casting application accompanied by a text that simply read “LVE ILAN” in all caps. I then got another text with the same link, this time from Elsie. John insisted I texted you this and told me to tell you “it’s love island.” IDK what he’s on about but he won’t go to bed unless I promised to do so.

Chuckling, I looked at the messages. I raised one hand to my hair, rolling one of my short dreadlocks around with my fingers, contemplating before clicking on the link. It’s just for a laugh, I thought, a chance to have a fun summer, all expenses paid. While this is what I told myself, I knew why I really wanted to do it. A small voice in my head revealed the truth. Or maybe to find real love.

***

Weeks went by before I heard anything. Taking my lunch break, I sat at the hospital cafe, eating a special sandwich I’d made. I was quite chuffed with myself, the bread I’d made for the sandwich went perfectly with all the flavors. It wasn't my dream comedically tall cartoon come to life sandwich, but it was still tasty. Taking a bite, I looked at my inbox where I spotted an email from the production company. That’s nice, they’re telling me no. I didn’t think they’d get back to me at all. How thoughtful.

With another bite of my lunch, I opened the email. Instantly the word "Congratulations!" stuck out in big, bold letters. I choked on my food. I dropped my sandwich on the ground.

“What the hell?”

Bliss

I was shocked when a casting producer from Love Island DM'd me. I had been with Dani, my best friend, at the flat that we shared in Dublin. We were watching a stupid made for TV movie that I randomly remembered seeing back when I lived in America. Sat on the floor in front of the sofa, our two empty stemless wine glasses rested on the coffee table in front of us, as we laughed at the awful movie.

“They put this on TV?” Dani choked out between laughs.

“I never said it was good!” I giggled while holding my sides. “I know it’s not a RTÉ creation or up to BBC standards, but it did make it on Lifetime.”

Dani looked back at me. “What the hell is Lifetime?”

“It’s a TV station with questionable productions, like TLC,” I tried to explain. “Well, not TLC. It’s classier, more like the Hallmark Channel.”

“Hallmark? Like the cards?”

“Yes.”

“They have a whole channel over in America?”

“Correct. They mostly make Christmas romance movies.”

“What are you on about?”

“You know, a successful city woman goes back to her home town for the holidays, falls in love with a guy that sells Christmas trees or snow globes or something, the woman quits her high demand job that she worked really hard for, and moves back home to marry the guy. That sort of thing. My mom loves them.”

This made Dani lose it again, which made me laugh again. That made Dani laugh harder, which made me laugh harder. We were rolling on the floor gasping for air when my phone lit up. I sat up to grab it from the couch cushion it rested on.

“No!” Dani whined from the floor, her strawberry blonde hair sticking up everywhere from the static electricity rolling around on the carpet created. “No phones! We said no phones tonight!”

“No, you said no phones,” I reminded her as I swiped to unlock the screen. “You know I told my sister to keep me updated while she’s traveling. I just got a DM, I bet Gracie made it to Japan.”

But it was not my sister. The user’s handle was unfamiliar to me. Weird, I thought my privacy settings were stronger than this. I looked down confused as I opened the message. The message, however, was even more puzzling. “What the hell?”

Dani shot up from the floor, her green eyes wide with concern, “What is it? Is she okay?” She moved to peek over my shoulder but I turned to hand her my phone instead.

“Hi Bliss,” Dani read aloud. “How are you? My name is Mel, I am part of the casting team at ITV Studios. We are currently casting for an ITV2 series. We’re on the hunt for singles and your profile caught our eye! Are you single, and if so, are you interested in applying? We promise a tropical trip of a lifetime, and maybe a chance to find the love of your life. If you would like to have a chat and find out more, drop me your phone number. Thank you!"

Dani put my phone back on the couch cushion. We looked at each other, too stunned to speak. Our expressions mirrored one another; eyes wide, mouths agape, and momentarily frozen.

Dani cleared her throat, “‘A tropical trip of a lifetime.’”

“Do you think it’s…” I paused, waiting for Dani to answer.

“Do you think it is?” Dani pushed back, eyebrows raised.

“I think it’s—”

“Love Island!” We shouted in unison. For some reason, this conclusion had us jumping up and down, hugging each other as we squealed incoherently for several moments. Sorry, neighbors.

“Well shit,” Dani said as we let go of each other. “I guess that settles it.”

I gave Dani an incredulous look, “Settles what? You don’t seriously think I’d go on Love Island.”

“Why not?” Dani raised an eyebrow. “You’re hot, they think you’re hot, they put hot people on TV. This is a no brainer as far as I’m concerned.”

I looked at Dani as if she was speaking another language. “Oh come on! You’ve seen the way those girls look. They’re thin and petite and I’m just…” I gesture to myself.

“Hot,” Dani said blankly. “You are hot. You’re beautiful. You’ve got tits, ass, and an hourglass figure. I’ve seen the way men look at you. Hell, I’ve seen the way women look at you!”

I knew I wasn't bad looking but I’m not Love Island hot, that’s for sure. I’m curvy, Antarctica white and hate fake tan. I’m more “alternative” than the contestants I’d watched. I wasn't going to change that either, even if there was a grand prize on the line. Besides, if I was going to be in a bikini all summer, I wouldn’t be able to hide the botanicals tattooed from my lower stomach and up to the sides of my ribcage. I already tried that on a family trip to the south of France. My mom is still mad.

On top of everything, I was American. I moved to Ireland for university, got citizenship and was even enrolled in classes to learn Irish. None of that would matter, though. I’d be the first American on Love Island UK, and if I did anything dumb, said something stupid, or deemed “too American,” I’d be meme’d to death. Absolutely not.

“You’re going,” Dani commanded.

“Pffft,” I scoffed. “No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.”

“Fat chance.”

And here I am, several months later, exiting a Jeep in front of the Villa’s door. On TV. In a bikini.

My block heels hit the pebbles on the driveway as I tried to take everything in. We were in Mallorca, the weather was lovely, and in front of me was a huge terracotta mansion, full of hot singles, all looking for love.

Nope.

I turned around to get back in the Jeep but it was already at the end of the driveway. I nearly ran after it when a different Jeep pulled up. Exiting the vehicle in a pair of expensive strappy heels, a beautiful woman with deep skin and long braids held up in a red headscarf stood in front of me.

“Oh wow, hi!” The woman greeted me with a big smile. “That outfit is incredible.”

I looked down at the bikini I was wearing, as if I hadn’t spent most of my morning trying to put it on. The swimsuit was dark green that went under my bust, around my back, and came up again to cover my breast, tying in a knot at the center of my cleavage. How it was holding me up while also exposing so much under boob defied physics. This was the most complicated out of all the swimsuits Dani made me buy. I wore it day one just to get it over with. The bottoms were much simpler but just as revealing, thin strings rested high on my hips and left quite a bit of my backside exposed. Damn you, Dani!

“Thank you!” I replied, returning her smile. The gorgeous woman wore a multi-colored checkered triangle bikini, with rose gold straps that ran down her torso to connect with her matching string bottoms. While we were showing around the same amount of skin, the woman had also opted for a sheer green cover up tied around her waist. Dani said cover ups were “lame” and insisted that “nobody wears them on Love Island,” convincing me that it’d be "a huge waste of money.” Once again, damn you, Dani!

“I love yours as well!” returning the compliment.

“I’m Hope,” She said as she reached out to hug me. “What’s your name, hun?”

“Oh, I’m Bliss,” I told her, wrapping my arms around her.

“Ooh, unique name,” Hope squeezed me. “Is that an American accent?”

“You caught me!” I laughed as we broke apart.

Hope smiled at me again, “It’s so nice to meet you. Can you believe that we’re actually here?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head while answering. “This is insane. I’m so nervous.”

Yes, you are insane. Actually, the jeep is coming back with a tranquilizer gun and grippy socks because why the hell would you agree to be on this show?

“Babe, stick with me and you’ll be fine,” Hope squeezed my shoulder. “I was so excited I almost tripped jumping out of that car. I nearly started my summer of love flat on my face. Can you imagine how that would have looked?”

“Well that’s because you’re drop-dead gorgeous,” I said with a wink.

Hope laughed, “Babes, thank you! You’re stunning too. These boys are definitely in trouble.”

Ah, yes, the boys.

“I can’t wait to get a look at all the gorgeous guys we’re going to be hooking up with,” Hope mused, biting down on her bottom lip.

Feeling brave, I asked Hope to take the next step. “Shall we go inside then? Take a look around?”

“Yes!” She answers enthusiastically. “I want to check out the bedroom.”

Hope takes my hand and pushes the front door open. Her bracelets hit each other, making a “cling” sound as she pulls me inside. I look back at the driveway for a moment before the door closes. Not a car in sight.

Oh, what the hell.

Chapter Text

Bobby

It was a hot, sunny day in June as I arrived at the Villa. Production had put each contestant in isolated hotel rooms to prevent us getting to know one another before the cameras started rolling. The room was dead nice, fancier than any hotel I’d ever stayed in. King sized bed, huge rainfall shower, an even bigger bathtub, a ginormous flat screen TV mounted to the wall. I could order room service at all hours of the day, fresh sheets and new towels every day. 

There was even a balcony attached to the room. The balcony was covered in such a manner that I couldn’t see who was in the rooms to the left or right of me, or above or below me. The view was incredible though. My room faced the Balearic Sea, the turquoise waters lapped against the land, creating an incredible sound that I loved. I spent my mornings on the balcony, taking in the fresh sea air when housekeeping came to change the linens and tidy up the room, even though I insisted that it wasn’t necessary and I’d be okay with sleeping in the same sheets for a few days, I could reuse the towels. 

“No necesito… um como se dice ‘clean’?,” I tried to tell the staff, my Glaswegian accent butchering the pronunciation. Elsie had taught me a few key words in Spanish but I also learned that many people in the region spoke Catalan as their first language. Even with my best efforts, the housekeeping staff would just smile and nod at me, only to turn around and start cleaning again. At least I tried. 

Despite how lovely the arrangements were, I started to go stir crazy. My phone had been taken away by production and in return they gave me my very own chaperone, named Alfie, to make sure I didn’t leave the room. The man was tall and broad, with bronze skin and a clean fade. While I was allowed to stream movies with supervision, even that got old. On good days, I could get Alfie to play cards with me. Which also got old as I only really knew the rules to Go Fish.  

“What about Uno?” I begged Alfie. “You gotta have Uno, right.”

Alfie looked at me, lack of emotion coated his face, “We have Uno.”

YAY!

“But I can’t play Uno. I am banned from Uno,” he replied, sucking all the hope I had yet.

Ugh.

Finally, after multiple days, Alfie told me we were going to the villa. I quickly packed up the belongings I had, strewn all across the room, when housekeeping arrived.

“Muchas gracias,” I thanked the two women who had come to strip the room. I tried handing one of the women a few euros from my wallet. While tipping wasn't customary I still wanted to thank them. They deserved it, they were lovely.

The woman shook both of her hands in front of her, not taking the note. “No.”

“Por favor, um, take,” my limited Spanish exhausted. “Dinero. Buen, um, buen trabajo.”

The woman looked at me, expression hard to read. Then she shrugged her shoulders and took the note. “Okay, thank you. Have fun on the rest of your trip!”

I was shocked, “You spoke English this whole time?”

“Yes,” she said, smiling slightly. “We all do but it’s fun this way.”

“Your Spanish is bad,” the other woman laughed. “But it’s funny. We all laugh.”

I burst out a big belly laugh, unable to control it. The two women joined, more so giggling at my amusement. Alfie returned to stand in front of the open door, coming to collect me and take me to the van.

“Alfie!” I tried to breathe but couldn’t through the humor of it all. I wiped my tears away, “Alfie, mate, guess what! These two can speak English! The whole resort can speak English!” 

“Yes, I’m aware,” Alfie replied as if it was obvious. “Your Spanish is bad. It’s funny. We all laugh.”

This only made me laugh harder. Alfie waited patiently for my fit of laughter to end. When it was finally over, I grabbed my things, thanked the staff again– this time in English– and followed Alfie to the van. The drive was fantastic. The change of scenery was invigorating. I felt free.

Well, until we got to the villa. Then I was bricking it.

Alfie took me around to the gate to the back yard where I’d either be spending weeks enjoying my summer, or possibly just one day before getting brutally dumped. Shit, I’d hate to be the first one eliminated. 

I was the last boy to arrive, Alfie gave me a supportive pat on the back and joined the rest of the chaperones. We, the contestants, were able to introduce ourselves, share our excitement, and get ready to meet the girls. Production proceeded to line us up, each of us standing on a pink circular platform.  

At the far end stood Gary, a crane operator with blonde hair and a matching beard from Chatham. He was huge; broad shoulders, big muscular arms, even larger pecs.

“I’m at the gym seven days a week,” he told us. “Sometimes twice in one day, if I’m not operating the crane.”

He talked as if his crane at work was his wife of fifteen years. He even had a tattoo on his forearm dedicated to what he called, "The only woman in my life, besides my nan, of course.”

May the crane of his dreams roll through those villa doors this summer.

Noah was an interesting bloke. He was very tall, at least six foot three, with brown skin a shade or so darker than mine, with a strong build. How he was a librarian and not a model made no sense. He was probably the fittest librarian to ever walk the earth, or at least in Britain. He was quiet, as his profession alluded to, but observant. I could tell he was getting the lay of the land, waiting for when he wanted to use his words. A true man of mystery.

Rocco, however, was the free spirited type, a traveler with a food truck, connected to some broad sense of spirituality, and only agreed to be on the show because he’d done an ayahuasca retreat where he had a vision of meeting his “twin flame” on a tropical island. “The vision revealed that I would find a beautiful woman in earthly paradise, where the whole world will watch as our souls join together.”

Rocco also has, unsurprisingly, a Chinese character tattooed right on his right pec. I couldn’t wait to look it up when I got internet access again. It probably says something stupid like soup. I bet the kitchen crew already has. They’ll create a broth called “Rocco” before day two airs. Aside from the cliché, he was a good looking lad with green eyes and an Irish accent. He would do fine.

A professional golfer from Birmingham called Ibrahim stood to my right. Continuing the pattern, he was the tall, muscular type with deep skin, and a bright smile. Fuck, where the hell do they find these men?

He was so good looking that they put him in a Men of Golf calendar, which Gary had actually recognized him from. "My nan has your calendar! You’re Mr. June!”

He was probably the most nervous of us, which was saying something because I felt like I was going to pass out just in anticipation of meeting the girls. He tried rehearsing pick up lines with us, struggling to get the words right. “Girl, I’d like to grand slam you. I won all four tournaments!”

We tried very hard to discourage him from using any lines but he was slowly getting better with practice.  

Usually, I was a really outgoing person, the clown, the life of the party but I was bricking it. The thing is though, it’s not a party. It’s, as Big Johno would say, Love Island. Being on TV added pressure that no one could prepare you for, it was so abnormal. In a pub, people were mostly grouped or coupled together. Their attention was focused on who they were talking to, not looking at the crowd like a security camera mounted high in the corner of the room. In here? On Love Island? I already lost count of how many cameras were being pointed at us and I knew there would be a dozen or so more hidden throughout the ginormous house. All eyes on us.

When our host, the beautiful Gemma Taylor, arrived on set in a flowing dress that matched the sea, we knew it was getting real.

“Hiya, boys!” Gemma’s long, wavy blonde hair caught up in the breeze as she greeted us. “Are you ready for Love Island?”

“Absolutely!” Gary bellowed. “Let’s find Gary a bird!”

Gemma smiled, continuing her hosting duties like a pro. “Boys, it’s time to meet the girls. There are five sexy women waiting to meet you. Each girl will take it in turns to make an entrance and pick a boy. However, you boys are all still up for grabs until every girl has chosen. Will you be chosen by the girl of your dreams or will you be the last man standing?”

Shit. Looking down at the line of boys I felt like it was obvious who’d be picked last. I didn’t have the muscles Ibrahim had, I wasn’t tall, dark, and handsome like Noah, I wasn’t as manly as Gary, and I wasn’t as… well I wasn’t like Rocco that’s for sure. I was just a bloke who liked to bake, listen to punk music, and just wanted everyone to get along.

“Now boys, are you ready to meet the first girl?” Gemma asked.

No, not at all. I’ve never been less prepared in my whole life. Where is Alfie? Can he take me back to the hotel? We could get sangria and play Uno until sunrise. I looked over to the corner where some of the crew was standing and found Alfie, who gave me a reassuring thumbs up.

“Yes!” I joined the chorus of the group.

“Please welcome our first girl, the lovely Bliss.”

The door opens. Out stepped the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen. She had porcelain skin and long legs. Her thick, long brown hair fell in loose curls and waves down her back. Her breasts were full, covered by a green wrapped top. My eyes followed the curve of her chest, down to where her waist cinched, continuing to the slope of hips and ass. Her soft skin was adorned with multiple black lined and shaded tattoos, most notably the vines that started below the hem of her bikini and natural silhouette. Fuck.

The woman walked directly over to Gemma, not even glancing at the line of us men. Her hips swished back and forth, mesmerizing. I wasn’t the only one who saw what I saw. Gary let out a low whistle, Ibrahim was slack jawed, and I shit you not, Rocco literally bit down on his knuckle. She struck a pose, still only looking at Gemma.

“Hello, Bliss,” Gemma greets me with a warm smile. “You look stunning, isn’t she stunning boys?”

“Yes,” I said quickly and rather louder than I meant to. The other boys agreed with me.

Bliss turned her head, getting a good look at the men in front of her. It felt like she was taking ages to look in my direction, time moving in slow motion. Look at me, look at me please. I need to see more of you. I need to see all of you. As if reading my mind, her whole body turned to me. Her fringe framed her face in a way that made her high cheekbones pop, the flush of her cheeks matched the color of her full lips, complementing the cutest smile I’d ever seen. I don’t know anything about art but I’m certain she’d escaped from a renaissance painting. How are you real? 

Something changed when our eyes met, hers an icy grey and mine golden in hue. It  was like I’d been hit by lightning. Suddenly a fierce rush of euphoria pulsed through my body. Everything was blurred, it was like the villa, the islanders, the crew weren’t even there. It was just her, so clear and bright. What was shocking is that I felt like I already knew her, intimately, deeply. Knowing her didn’t make me any less nervous. The butterflies in my stomach intensified, migrating all over my body, I could feel the millions of wings from my head down to my toes. My palms dripped with sweat. She enveloped me. I need her.   

Suddenly, everything became so intense, as if she was the sun and my eyes were stuck to the sky. We tore our eyes from one another, our timing in perfect sync. My whole body felt warm, I could feel the blood rushing to my face, and out the corner of my eye, I swore I saw the same thing happening to Bliss. Bliss. The summer of Bliss. That was my only focus now.

What the hell?  

Bliss

The Villa is exactly how it looks on TV. I would know. Dani and I binged watched every single episode in preparation. The neon lights display phrases like “it was always you” and “extra chill” adorned the walls. The bright color palette was almost overwhelming, accents of murals and textured furniture decorated in every room. Damn, how much did they spend at B&Q?

Still holding hands, Hope and I made it to our destination: the communal bedroom. Five beds lined up against the wall. A small, white chest of draws placed at the foot of the bed and matching shelf stuck out of the wall on each side of the beds.

“Oh, this is right nice!” Hope said as she touched the duvet of one bed, “I wonder what the thread count is.”

Hope continues to explore while I find myself motionless except for my rapidly beating heart. Being outside of the Villa had been surreal, sure. But now being inside the bedroom, looking at the beds, knowing that I would be going to sleep next to a complete stranger that night, the reality of the situation hit me. What am I doing here?

“It’s so fresh,” Hope continued, unknowingly talking to herself while I start to feel a panic attack on the rise.”But I can’t imagine what it will look like tomorrow.”

Tomorrow? Holy shit. I gotta be here tomorrow too? And the next day? And the next?

Hope calls me name, “Bliss?”

I shake my head, hearing my name snapping me out of my internal monologue, “Yeah, so cool. I just hope I fancy one of them.”

“I’m sure they’re all gorgeous,” Hope offered a reassuring smile. “I’m obviously looking for something long term, but I’ve not been on any dates in six months. How about you?”

I feel my cheeks instantly go red, embarrassed of the truth. I had not been out with anyone since my last relationship ended in catastrophe two years ago. Sure, I’d gotten sloshed a few times, met someone at a pub or a club or a party, leading to drunken kisses, sneaking off somewhere private… and then I’d start bawling my eyes out, crying, ‘why did he do that to me?’ It killed the vibe. I was starting to get a reputation and had to swear off my frequent weekend spots. Now Dani and I are regulars at  a wine bar where the crowd was a bit older. We still get hit on sometimes but Dani never let me get sloppy under her supervision. Between Dani and years of therapy, my drunken catastrophes were a thing of the past. 

“Oh, yeah it’s been ages,” keeping it vague as I faked a chuckle. 

“It’s really hard with my schedule,” Hope didn’t ask for more details. “I like the strong-and-silent type, too, which are hard to find.”

 We suddenly hear the door open, both whipping our heads around to see a new woman making her entrance. “Hey girls!”

She’s beautiful, bleach white hair with pink ombre color in her curled locks. Her makeup is incredible, dark red lips and a smoky eye with a wing that was just as sharp as the spikes on her tall heels. The dark purple bikini top she’s wearing is crossed in a pentagram, with matching cut out bottoms exposing her torso. The woman was just about as fair skinned as I was, making the large tattoos that adorned her body pop. Tattooed baddie! Tattooed baddie!

“You guys are going to be some stiff competition,” she says with a smirk before running over to us, throwing her arms around Hope and me. “I’m Lottie.”

“Nice to meet you, babes,” Hope spoke as we ended the hug. “I’m Hope.”

“I’m Bliss,” smiling at Lottie, I admired the tattoo on her arm that extended up on her neck. “Talk about competition, you’re gorgeous. Your line work is amazing. Is that a raven?”

“Thank you, it is a raven,” Lottie points to the botanicals on my sides and stomach. “I love these! My stomach is next on my list but I’m not looking forward to the pain.”

“Neither was I,” I said in reflection. “It turns out I have a really high pain tolerance and a dislike for multiple sessions.”

“Shit, you did that in one session?” I nodded and Lottie whistled low, “that's hard core.”

Hardcore, hard headed, what’s the difference?

Lottie turns to complement Hope, “Your makeup is stunning. It must take you ages to get ready.”

“Thank you!” Hope beamed. “Getting my look perfect is really important to me.”

Lottie looks back at me, batting her long eyelashes and winks, “How about you?”

“I love playing with makeup but tend to keep it more ‘natural’ on the day to day,” I answered before adding, “but I love blush. Is it blush blindness if you know it’s already a lot?”

Lottie laughed, “Not in my book, it really suits you.”

“I wish I was as brave as Lottie with my look,” commended Hope. “But I have to keep it somewhat ‘classic’ because of my work. I’m a retail ambassador”

“Mine isn’t a look,” Lottie corrected. “I’m actually a makeup artist. Have to go all out to showcase my skills.”

“That’s so cool!” Hope chirped.

“So that would explain the dagger sharp wing,” I remarked. “You’re so talented!”

“I love my job, I really do,” she explained. “But it’s not exactly the best way to meet boys… well boys who like girls, that is.”

Hope turns to me, “What about you Bliss, what do you do?”

“Oh, I’m a social worker. I work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault," I responded. And I just sucked the air out of the room. This is why I tell baristas I’m a balloon artist. It’s a little too heavy for the seven AM crowd. 

The two women’s faces fell a bit, obviously not expecting to hear that 20 minutes into their summer of fun. I knew this would be the reaction and had initially thought lying or keeping my profession vague, just to avoid the reaction. But I was proud of my work. I was proud to serve survivors. That being said, I could also count down to what Hope or Lottie would say next.

Three… two… one…

“Oh, wow,” Hope broke the silence, right on cue. “That must be so rewarding.”

I never know what to say. Rewarding. Sometimes it is rewarding. Sometimes you work with a survivor, you see how hard they work, see their confidence grow, and how they are able to reclaim their lives. It’s beautiful. I love it. But sometimes, honestly a lot of the time, I hit walls. There are not enough resources for survivors, the system is broken, and justice never comes. It’s hard. But when a survivor hits a milestone or achieves one of their goals? It’s beautiful. It’s hopeful. It fuels me. 

“Um,” I hesitated. “It’s–”

As if the producers planned to end this depressing conversation, which is probably what they actually did, a red haired beauty peeks her head out of the door.

The new woman's expression turned from anxious to relieved. “Hi! I’m so glad I’m not the first one here.”

“Hi, cutie!” I hollered, also feeling relieved, “Get over here!”

The new girl was young and pretty, a total girl-next-door type. Her long copper locks were plaited in a long braid, ending slightly past her waist. Her features were soft with freckles sprinkled across her whole face. She had striking, electric blue eyes, framed with long, thick lashes. The soft pink color on her nails matched her full lips, and complimented her frilly baby blue swimsuit. 

Our new islander approached the trio gingerly, moving to hug us each in turn. “I’m Hannah, have you all been here long? I hope I haven’t missed any good boy talk!”

“Not at all!” I exclaim, not giving either Lottie or Hope a chance to continue the previous conversation. I pulled a devilish smile, “But we should start some.”

“Yes! Boy talk!” Hope cheered, “Bliss and I were talking about how we’ve both been single for what feels like forever.”

You feel like it’s been forever. For me, it has actually been forever.

Hannah exhaled, “It’s nice to hear someone else say that. I thought it was just me!”

“I was starting to feel like all of my relationships were cursed,” Lottie grimaced and put an arm over Hannah’s shoulders. “Liars, cheaters, men who think ‘getting ready’ just means two squirts of aftershave…”

“Wow, two whole squirts of aftershave, just for you?” I asked sarcastically, “And you still cut him loose, Lottie?”

“And if it’s not that, it’s insecure men who don’t like that don’t want their partners to be more successful than them,” Hope interjected. “I’m very career driven and it’s hard enough to find the time to date with my schedule.”

“What about you, Bliss?” Hanna asks.

“Yeah, you’re gorgeous. How come you’re single?” Inquired Lottie.

Well Lottie, if you must know, the man I shared a life with for four years completely fucked me up and made the idea of dating entirely disgusting.

I wasn’t going to say that, though. It's been two years and I’ve done a lot of healing, gotten over it with help from Dani, Gracie and my therapist, but it still hurts to talk about. I hated going into details. Much to Dani’s chagrin, I made a promise that I wasn’t going to tell anyone. Besides Dani, my sister, and my therapist (obviously excluded from this because they weren’t just anyone, they were my everything) I had kept that promise. Truthfully I didn’t want anyone to know either.

“Oh, I was in a long term relationship that didn’t work out,” keeping my reply vague. “My work also strained the relationship, so we parted ways.” Which was not technically not true but I still felt bad not being fully honest. These women are being so open with me and yet I can’t return the same vulnerability.

“Like, where are all the good men out there?” Hannah whined.

“I think they’re all dating other people,” I shrugged.

Hannah’s lips pouted, “Books always make it seem like the right guy is just going to appear if you wait for him…” Hannah paused before sighing, “But I guess mine never got the message.”

Why do I have the feeling she’s waiting on Prince Charming? Oh yeah, because she looks like baby forest animals helped her get ready this morning.

Trying to be positive, I smile at Hannah, “Maybe you’ll find him here.”

Hannah beamed, “Oh gosh, I really hope so!” 

May a handsome prince of a royal kingdom and his finest horse come prancing through the villa doors.

“We’re all here because we’re single, we should help each other find the right guy,” Lottie stated. "I feel like we’re going to be this team of awesome women all looking to get each other coupled up.” 

“Like a girl gang?” I asked.

“Yeah, like a girl gang,” Lottie paused. “I don’t want to end up fighting with you guys over some man.”

We’re interrupted again by the sound of high heels hitting the floor. A petite woman enters the room, “Hello ladies, I’m Marisol!”

Marisol was also beautiful– is every girl going to be more beautiful than the next? Her curled balayage reached her chest. The red lipstick she wore popped on her tan skin and the cat eye glasses she wore were giving total sexy librarian vibes. Her off the shoulder swimwear complimented her curves. Though in pointy black heels, Marisol was still the shortest amongst us. Marisol’s hips swayed as she made her way to us, giving us all air kisses on both cheeks when she reached her destination.

“That’s such a pretty name,” Hope complemented our new islander.

“Thank you!” Marisol returned a smile before raising a brow at us. “I see you’ve all met already.”

“Not at all,” Hope swatted the air and promptly introduced each of us.

Lottie continued, almost as if she was suspicious of Marisol from the jump, “We were just saying it’s important that the girls support each other.”

“I respect that we should be friends, but I go after what I want,” Marisol stated, adjusting her glasses a little. “I won’t compete for the sake of it, but if I see someone I like…”

She trails off, realizing all eyes were on her. Marisol regained her composure and picked up where she left off, “Look, I didn’t come here to make enemies but I’m not going to miss a chance at love because of someone else’s feelings.”

Lottie frowned at Marisol. Uh-oh.

Hannah’s doe eyes widened, “That’s pretty hardcore, but I kind of like it. I wish I was brave enough to go for what I want.”

“Babe,” Hope puts her arm around our youngest Islander. “You’ve got to be brave if you’re going to find love.”

“And in just a few short hours, you’ll be sharing a bed with a man you just met in a room full of cameras,” I added

Lottie joined, giving Hannah’s hand a squeeze, “If you can do that, you can do anything.”

“Here here," Marisol commented.

Hope gasped, “Babes, we’ve been here for ages and not one of us has popped a bottle yet.”

“I will rectify that immediately,” I assured Hope, reaching for the bottle in the ice bucket. Marisol gathered the plastic champagne flutes, passing one to each woman.

“Do you need me to pop it?” Hope asked me with a stretched out a manicured hand.

“Nah, I got it,” brushing her off a bit. “I was actually a bottle girl many, many moons ago. This is my party trick.” I remove the cage from the neck of the cold bottle, making sure that my thumb was perfectly on the cork before twisting the bottle base. I slowly turned the bottom of the bottle until the pressure released the cork with a big, ol’ ‘POP!’

The girls cheered. It was always a big hit at parties. Who doesn’t love that sound? If we had been at a club or a party I would have totally sprayed the liquid everywhere, happy drunk people liked that the best. While I only worked at the club the first year of university, it was where I met Dani. She was loud, she was funny, she didn’t take anyone’s shit, and she was beautiful. We actually had matching tattoos of two broken flutes to commemorate the time we both ran into each other by accident and smashed our bottles, the corks with the lit sparkler zoomed right behind the bar and into a row of glass wear. We were fired immediately, and inseparable ever since. God bless Dani O’Connor, patron saint of the club.

I expertly poured the prosecco into each glass with one hand just to show off. Still got it.

“Wait!” Hope stopped Marisol from taking a sip from her flute. “Shouldn’t someone give a toast?”

“A toast to what?” Questioned Marisol, taking her red lips away from the rim.

“To finding true love?” Hannah blushed. 

“How about to loyalty? Sticking together, watching each other’s backs,” Lottie suggested, slowly eyeing us to gauge our reactions.

“What about if we cheers to being brave?” I offered. “We can do anything. A toast to anything.”

Being brave was the first step in this journey for me. Even though I joke that it was Dani’s fault that I came on the show, it was me who decided to be here. For the first time in a long time, I was taking a risk. The only way to make the most out of this experience was to take a leap of faith. To be brave. I was treating the toast as a promise that I couldn’t break.

“To anything!” I held my plastic flute up high, each girl following me with theirs.

“To anything!” The girls joined, as plastic tapped together where there should have been the ‘ting’ of a glass.

We all took our first sip. I felt the bubbles of the prosecco move past my lips and onto my tongue. It’s not top shelf but I’ll take it. 

Before we could celebrate further, the sound of a familiar chime interrupted us.

Marisol looked around, confused, “What’s that noise?”

“I might have an idea,” Lottie replies with an impish smile. “I got a text!”

We erupted with glee, cheering and yelling, dancing and jumping. It was our first official text after all.

“Here we go ladies!” Hope hollered.

“Girls,” Lottie read from her phone. “It’s time to meet the boys! There’s five sexy men waiting to meet you on the lawn. You’ll take it in turns to make an entrance and pick a boy. But don’t relax once you’ve coupled up! The boys all stay up for grabs until every girl has chosen/ Will the next girl out steal your hunk and put you on the bench? #picknmix #standbyyourman.”

Hannah squealed, “It’s happening! Who do you think will get to go first?”

We didn’t have to wait for an answer. A text was sent to my phone immediately.

“I got a text! It says the girl going first will be…” I paused momentarily before another message appeared in the chat. “Bliss. I mean me. It’s me. I’m Bliss.”

All the girls look at me expectantly. My nerves hit me like a title wave. I start to feel shaky and frenzied, kind of like the way I go nervous before public speaking or presenting at work. Get it together, girl!

“Do I look okay?” I asked, more rhetorically than anything, as I rushed to the closest mirror. “Is my makeup okay? Does my hair look good? Is my swimsuit bunched up?” 

Without hesitation, all of the girls joined me in the mirror and turned me around to face them. Lottie smoothed the bit of mascara that had smudged on my cheek bone, Hope adjusted my bangs, Marisol gave my bikini the all clear, and sweet Hannah just said, “You look so beautiful!”

Everyone took a step back. Unsure what to do, I found my drink again and gulped down the remainder, instantly regretting it as I forced the bubbles down my throat. I make a path to the doors before taking one last look at the girls. Am I really doing this?

“Go get ‘em, girl,” Lottie winks at me as the others smile, waving me off as a production assistant guides me out of the room. I’m walking through the house overwhelmed with my new surroundings. Everything was pristine, shiny, and slick. I imagine the logistics of being in such close proximity to a giant pool, the smooth flooring, and me, clumsy and balance impaired. The After Sun blooper reel is going to kill.

It was then I was reminded that every single day might only be one or two days total for me if I couldn’t find someone I liked or someone who liked me. I wasn’t sure what was worse though; not being able to find someone I liked in the villa or having no islanders in the villa like me weighed equally on me. It’d be a shame to take leave from my job, buy all the clothes and makeup, take a trip to Spain, and only last the night. I knew that I didn’t want that to happen but I equally didn’t want any of the islanders I just met to go through that too. Maybe it’ll be a boy? But what if I met them and they’re all amazing too? What if I’m their obstacle to a beautiful life? If it came down to it, I knew I’d do the right thing and leave. Human sacrifice.

Caught up in my mind that would not calm down, I didn’t notice that the PA and I were just on the other side of the entrance into the garden. The PA repeated the text to make sure I understood what to do when I exited. 

“Basically, you just walk out, there’s a clear path to the boys,” the production assistant named Tilly briefed me. “There’s a big mark where you’re supposed to stand, you can’t miss it. Even if you do, Gemma is a pro and can guide you.”

“Oh, okay…” I give Tilly a look that I can only imagine had been similar to WWII soldiers when they were told to jump out of a plane on the beaches of Normandy. 

Tilly pulls out a tissue and dabs my face gingerly. I was apparently profusely sweating. Hot.

Tilly put the tissue back in her pocket and then readjusted the microphone around my neck. “So many girls have done this before you. So many girls were the first girl of their season. Many made it to the finale, many.”

“Okay, okay,” I repeated to her. While that was nice and all, Tilly didn’t know that I was actually going to be the first islander to spontaneously combust the minute my foot hit the deck. 

Tilly grabbed my hands in hers, “Listen, you were picked for a reason. Don’t let yourself get in your own way.”

I smile at Tilly, because for some reason, that settled me down some. It gave me something to think about, to dissect in my own mind. Don’t let yourself get in your own way. What the hell did that mean?

Tilly’s radio goes off, “Is the first girl ready? Over.”

“Right and ready,” Tilly responds, giving me a wink that only we share. “Over.”

I hear Gemma Taylor introduce me, as I wait for my cue. “Alight boys, please welcome our first girl, the lovely Bliss.” Tilly opens the door and I take one big step out. 

I stop dead in my tracks as I walk outside. Everything looked exactly how it appeared on TV but it felt so much warmer and brighter. It had everything; a big pool, the fire pit, the swing seat, huge outdoor kitchen, day beds, bean bags, fake grass. You know, the works. A breeze sends notes of citrus from the nearby groves and salt water from the sea that we could see from the villa. The sun was just as warm as it was bright, rays hit me as I took everything in. If only it had a zipline.

“Bliss!” Tilly hissed behind me, startling me. “Keep going!”

“Sorry! My bad!” I whisper shouted, making extra effort to stand up straight, switch my hips, and give a smile that was less Miss America and more Victoria Secret, as the path I followed mimicked a runway. With each step I try to tell myself to not do anything stupid, weird, or unattractive, which seems impossible as I get closer and closer to my destination.

Finally, I see Gemma and lock eyes with her. The boys do not matter right now, I have to find my mark and I have to make Gemma Taylor like me, too. Tilly was right, though. On the deck flooring is a comically large red “X” created with two pieces of duct tape. I reach it and try to stand in some alluring way, the boys become more and more real in my line of vision.

“Hello, Bliss,” Gemma greets me with a warm smile. “You look stunning, isn’t she stunning boys?”

There are some responses from the boys. I drag my eyes away from Gemma and take a peek at the five men I was meant to get to know. There was a blonde guy, big with tattoos that looked like machinery. A tall, dark, and handsome type next to him. The man in the middle had wavy auburn hair and some sort of symbol on his bicep whose green eyes carried an intensity that made me uneasy. To his right, a man with deep skin and washboard abs gave me a bright smile. The last boy, to the right of him, was…

The most attractive man I’ve seen in my whole life. He was easily six feet tall, leaner than most of the other boys but equally as toned. His dark hair twisted into short dreadlocks. My view of his torso ended at the elastic of his purple swim trunks, a sharp “v” shape practically leading my eyes to glance lower. A slight happy trail only intrigued me more.

His skin was the color of toffee, beautiful dark brown freckles danced along his skin but the best ones were reserved for his face. Each dot was placed perfectly along his high cheekbones and the bridge of his nose, as if they’d been drawn on his face by the same artist who cut his strong jaw. His profile was only accentuated by the bright sun, a flush reached his face. The shade of his perfect pink lips held my attention before I glanced up to meet his amber eyes and then…

BAM!

I was struck with an intense bolt of electricity. My whole body broke out in goosebumps as heat radiated in my body head to toe. My insides were buzzing like a bee hive. My heart beat rapidly, my breath became shallow, uneven exhales left my lungs. Euphoria pulsed through my veins, sending chills down my spine as if I had a fever. There was an irresistible quality to this man. I wanted to leave my mark and ask him every question in the world. I wanted to touch each freckle that lived on his skin, commit them to memory. This was not a feeling I’ve ever had before and it was crazy but I felt like I already knew all of the answers he would give. I already knew where each freckle existed on his body. 

Though it felt like our eyes were meant to meet, this intense feeling overwhelmed me. It was like I was naked and cut open on the deck, completely bare to him and his eyes only. It had a whisper of a distant feeling I felt long ago, but stronger, more deep, and overpowering. As if he felt it too, the man and I broke eye contact. I instantly ached to see his face again, to fall into his honey eyes over and over again. It was insane but I already felt as if he was mine and I was his. Like everything in my life had led to this. I want more, I need more, I yearn for more.

“Now Bliss,” Gemma’s voice dragged me back into reality. “We have five irresistible men lined up in front of you.”

No you don’t. You have one irresistible man. Send the rest home. Hell, send me and him wherever. I want to start a life together. Oh my god, am I hearing myself? Now there are grounds to actually institutionalize me. Please reserve me your finest pair of grippy socks.  

Gemma continued, “We have Gary here.”

“Alright?” The man with the mechanical tattoo asked. I responded with a nice smile and a light wave.

“Next to Gary is Noah,” Gemma introduced the tall, dark and handsome looking man, who remained silent. Who replied with a quick “hi” and nothing more.

Gemma continued to go down the line, “In the middle is Rocco.”

“Hi beautiful,” the man with the shaggy curls greeted me with an accent from the north of Ireland.

“Belfast?” I questioned him. I could now see that the character on his pectoral muscle was Asian, maybe Mandarin. There is no way that tattoo means whatever he thinks it does. It probably means something stupid like ceiling fan or soup. 

Rocco gave me a smirk and raised an eyebrow, eyes still penetrating me, “Yes, how did you know?”

“I’ve been living in Dublin for seven years. You pick up on accents,” I gave a half smile and a shrug.

“I look forward to making a connection with you, American girl,” Rocco gave me a wink. He embodied all the men I’d met at hostels when Dan and I backpacked through Taiwan all rolled into one. 

“Second to last is Ibrahim,” Gemma takes over introductions once more.

“Girl, you’re like winning all four major golf tournaments in one year,” the built man with the deep skin and bright smile said to me. 

“What?” I gave him a puzzled look. Was that a golf reference? Where is this going?

“Because you’re a Grand Slam!” Ibrihim finished his joke with an expectant smile. I give him a polite golf clap, which elicits a chuckle or two, notably from the unknown man. 

“And last but certainly not least, we have Bobby,” Gemma gets to the grand finale, the star of the show, the only guy I want to know. 

I turn to meet his face again, my breath hitches. He was even more irresistible up close. His warm golden eyes captivated me, his pink lips framed a smile that melted me. The overwhelming feeling of euphoria washed over me again. I instantly had the urge to write “Bobby” on my underwear like I did as a teenager when I’d try to copy almost everything Lux Lisbon would do. Almost.  

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby.

“Hey gorgeous,” his words escaped from his mouth, the tone of his voice followed by his Scottish accent hit my ears.

When I first moved to Ireland accents were a weakness of mine. I was just barely 18 when I moved for university and it’s very easy to impress a teenager. At university there were so many different accents from all over. It was a big reason why I was attracted to my ex, though he was not Irish. My accent brought nothing to the table. Coated in west coast and desert dwelling dialect, habitually dropping my Ts and dripping with unique vocabulary, my voice annoyed me. Now, having lived in Ireland for almost a decade, accents rarely impress me. 

But Bobby? Bobby’s accent got me.

“Saving the best for last, were you,” Bobby flirted. With me. Bobby flirted with me. Give my civilian phone back, I gotta call Dani!

I give him a coy smile, “It appears that way.”

“Well, I’m like the sweet dessert at the end of a main course of beefcake,” Bobby winked at me. 

I laugh at the joke almost embarrassingly loud, trying to control it so I could keep the conversation going, “Are you saying you’re sweeter than the other guys?”

Bobby’s smile turned cheeky, “Maybe you should pick me and find out…”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” biting my lip as Gemma motions me to keep the scene going.

“Bliss,” Gemma speaks to me. “Now that you’ve met all the boys, it’s time to find out what they think of you.” Gemma shifts to the boys, “Boys, please step forward if you fancy Bliss.”

I cross my fingers behind my back, I turn my gaze down a little, not wanting to see. Don’t be a fucking coward, face them. I looked up to see that Gary moved forward first. Rocco comes after, then Ibrahim. I can feel my pulse quicken and my heart ready to fall. Am I just imagining it? Was there not a spark? Am I the only one that felt this way? My finger nails begin to dig into my palms, still behind my back.

Bobby steps forward. Oh, we are so back! I try to hide a smile but I can’t. I catch his eye momentarily and I can see him with a big grin. He likes me, at least a little. I can work with that.    

“Well done, Bliss,” Gemma sounds impressed. “You're spoiled for choice. What are you going to do?”

I’m literally going to pick Bobby. 

“Oh, gosh this is such a hard question,” I reply, not wanting to sound mean. 

“Tell you what, why don’t you ask these boys what they stepped forward,” Gemma offered. “Maybe make things easier for you.”

“Okay,” I say, nodding. “Gary, why’d you step forward?”

Gary looks thoughtful before saying, “You look great, that always helps. I’m a simple guy, I like girls who put a bit of effort into their appearance.”

I move down the line, “Rocco, you’ve stepped forward…”

“Of course I did,” Rocco mused. “I feel like we could have something really special.”

“Ibrahim, why’d you step forward?” repeating the same question.

Ibrahim smiles at me, “I sort of just thought, I’ve got to take a shot, you know?”

“Bobby,” my voice shakes a bit. “Why did you step forward…”

“Um,” Bobby starts. Is he nervous? “You seem like the kind of girl that doesn’t go over the top with her look. I rate that.”

Oh.

“I don’t want the competition when we stand next to each other, you know,” Bobby grins at me. His smile tells me it’s something deeper.. Or at least I hope so. “Joking, of course.”

A small giggle escapes my lips, which only feeds Bobby’s humor, “Anyway, you know if you pick me you’ll be laughing all the way to the bedroom.”

“And in it,” Gary negs from down the line. I look back at him. Can you not?  

“Okay, Bliss,” Gemma addresses me. “Now you’ve gotten to know all of the boys a bit who would you like to couple up wit—”

“Bobby,” I answered, not meaning to cut off Gemma. 

Bobby looks around in shock at the other guys, “Cannot believe I’m the first lad to get picked.” His face returns to me, “I think you and me are going to get on like a house on fire… but, like, in a good way.”

The other guys all applaud as I make my way over to Bobby. I was excited, I was nervous, I was very aware that Bobby was looking right at me as I walked to the circle platform he was standing on. Once I reach him, Bobby pulls me into a hug. Having his arms wrapped around me felt like a dream I didn’t know I had. Enveloped by his embrace, I felt his warm skin against mine. Bobby smelled like tonka beans with warm woody notes and something slightly spicy that I couldn’t quite place. I let my hand lightly caress the soft skin on his back as I gave him a gentle squeeze. He mimics the motion with his own hand and I have to fight the shiver that desperately wants to travel down my spine. 

As we try to pull apart, something stops the both of us. Bobby’s hands still held me by my upper arms and mine on his forearms. I was finally able to see his amber eyes up close. They were slightly lighter around his pupils, with flecks of gold in his irises, and outlined by a slightly darker hue, a shade somewhere between brown and green. The way his beautiful freckles dotted his face, some dark and some lighter, drove me crazy; I needed to brush my fingers along every one of them. My eyes trailed down to his lips and then quickly back up to his topaz eyes, finding them half lidded as Bobby examined my face. I could feel this intensity, a magnetic pull to Bobby. 

We’re pulled back into reality as Gary says, “Well done, mate. You’ve taken an early lead. It’s still to play though.”

Bobby and I let go of each other as production resets for the next girl to make her entrance. I’m directed to stand on Bobby’s left side.  

Bobby looks down to meet my face again, “Hi, by the way.”

“Hi,” I can feel myself blushing as I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. 

“So this isn’t how I usually meet people,” there’s a half smile on Bobby’s face.

“No? You mean you’ve never dated on TV before?” I try to make my voice and face seem sincere before switching to something more playful.

Bobby laughs, “No, but I’ve got to say, I’m loving it so far.”

I can feel the flush on my face grow. I begin to say, “Me t—” when production yells that we’re ready to start rolling again.

Bobby puts his arm around my shoulder, his touch creating goosebumps. “Is this okay?”

“Uh-huh,” I try to not think about how red my face must be...

I move my hand slightly, debating whether or not to lift it and lace my fingers through his hand that rests on my shoulder. I knew Dani would be sitting on the floor in front of our TV yelling, “TOUCH HIM, COWARD!” if I didn’t at least put my arm around his waist. Be brave, bitch.

Holding my breath some, I raise my left hand and slide it into his. I take my right and wrap it loosely around his waist, trying to seem casual but my heart was beating like crazy. I look up to take a peek at Bobby’s face, only to see him beaming, my touch eliciting a slight flush on his cheeks that makes his freckles pop.

Gemma Taylor takes her place again, “We have our first official couple; Bobby and Bliss.” I stroked my thumb on the top of Bobby’s hand and he squeezed. “We still have four other girls looking to couple up with you boys. Please welcome our next islander, Lottie.”

BANG! The door opens as if it’s been kicked in, which, though I only just met her, seemed like a very Lottie move. Lottie glides in and chooses Rocco, but not before making a comment about getting to know Bobby. 

“Being brutally honest, I was kind of hoping to see this guy here to step forward,” Lottie points her finger at where Bobby and I stood.

I felt my body stiffen, I looked up to Bobby, knowing that my panicked look was a bit much for day one. Bobby’s face met mine and there was something in his eyes that told me he didn’t want to be split up either. He pulled me closer to his body and looked back at the second girl.

“But I’m glad he didn’t,” Lottie smirks. “Bliss and I both agreed to put the girls first, and I’m going to respect that.”

Bobby and I look at each other again, this time smiling with relief.     

Next comes Marisol, who examines all the boys before picking Ibrahim. Hope follows, confidently picking Noah. Lastly, it’s Hannah’s turn to meet the boys.

“Oh. Em. Geee!” Hannah squeals, taking a step out of the doorway and onto the deck. “I’m literally speechless, Look at all these guys!”

Hannah practically skips down to Gemma and stands on her mark.

“Hi, Hannah,” Gemma greets her with a big smile, perfect teeth and all. “You’re so cute. How does it feel to be on Love Island and see all the boys?”

“It’s like the first time I went to the stables to pick out a pony,” Hannah beams. Horse girl, I knew it. I would not be shocked to see Mane n Tail in the bathroom.

“Babes,” Lottie shouted from her and Rocco’s circle. “You need to choose yourself a stallion.”

“Now Hannah,” Gemma continues her hosting duties. “We have our four couples here and our last single, Gary. You can choose any boy to couple up with, which will leave one of the girls single.”

“Okay, this makes me feel a bit giddy,” Hannah twirls the end of her long braid.

“It is exciting,” Gemma agrees with her. “To make this a little easier for you, I will ask the boys to step forward if they’d like to couple with you.”

Gemma turns to address the boys, “Boys, if you fancy Hannah, please step forward now.”

Silence follows. Dead, awkward, silence hung in the air. The worst thing that could ever happen on Love Island just occurred. Nobody wanted to couple with Hannah.

Hannah’s happy face fell and her gaze met the floor, still playing with her braid. My heart broke for her.

Lottie appears to also have feelings about this, shouting, “Come on boys, don’t be shy. She’s gorgeous, look at her!”

I see Rocco about to step forward before Lottie’s arm flies across his chest, preventing him from going any further. “Not you.”

“But you said…” Rocco looks at Lottie, dumbfounded.

Slowly, Gary grins and steps forward, “You’re fit. I just didn’t know if I’d be your type.”

Well he doesn’t have a white horse but he might be forklift certified.

“Sweetheart, right now you’re like my knight in shining armor,” Hannah looks relieved. “Right, then I choose to couple up with Gary.”

All of the islanders applauded the new couple as Hannah skips over to join Gary on his circle. She throws her arms around his waist and whispers something in his ear. Whatever Hannah said to him did not seem to make Gary seem so sure in his couple.

“Congratulations to all five of our new couples,” Gemma grins. “Now is the time to get to know each other. Is it love at first sight? Or just lust for the night?”

“Uhm, excuse me Gemma,” Hannah raises her hand.

Gemma smiles at Hannah, “Yes, love?”

“Well we’re all evenly matched,” Hannah goes on. “Is there supposed to be a bombshell?”

“All will be revealed,” Gemma answers. “Well, my loves, take care and I will see you very soon.”

We give our goodbyes to Gemma and she walks back into the house, on her way to what I assume is the fanciest spa ITV can buy. 

“‘All will be revealed’,” Hannah repeats Gemma’s words. “Does that mean someone is coming in tonight?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, mate,” Garry tells Hannah.

Hanna gave Gary a blank stare, “You’re calling me mate?”

“Uh, sorry, mate… I mean, sorry…” Gary rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t reckon there’s going to be anyone else for now. We should all get to know our new couples.”

“Exactly,” Marisol agrees. “Let’s crack on.”

The other islanders get off their risers, moving to the open lawn. Bobby still has his arm around me as I look up to him. He’s looking off to the corner where some of the production team had stayed during the recoupling but were now leaving. A large tanned skin man is looking at us, he holds two thumbs up and is nodding at Bobby, like he’d done something well. Bobby is smiling at him but stops the moment he sees my confused expression. The large man quickly leaves.

Bobby clears his throat, about to ask me something, when the famous text alert chimes. 

Hannah jumps up and down, “It’s me! I got a text!”

Bobby helps me get off the riser and takes my hand again, leading me to where our housemates gathered to hear what Hannah’s message had waiting for us.

“Islanders, you’ve all coupled up,” Hannah reads.

“I gathered that,” I quipped, not being able to help myself. It pays off though, Bobby seems to think it was a bit funny.

Hannah barely notices, “We hope you’ll be very happy together.”

“Awe, how nice,” Gary responds.

“Wait, there’s more,” Hannah’s eyes go wide. “It’s time to get to know your partners, and your options. The first recoupling will be tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Hope gasps.

Hannah continues, “Any Islanders left single after the recoupling will be vulnerable to being dumped. #switchitup #clockisticking.”

“A recoupling already,” Bobby gulped. “Talk about soon…”

I caress my thumb over Bobby’s hand and give him a reassuring smile, though I felt the same. We haven’t even had a conversation yet. I did not know much about him. The thought of being dumped and never getting to know Bobby at all terrified me, though.

Hannah looked up from her phone, “Does that mean there’ll be a dumping?”

“No, don’t worry,” Hope speaks, trying to reassure us. “No one can be left single because we have an even number of people here.” 

“Unless someone new comes in before then…” Rocco trails off.

“I guess we’ll just have to make the most of it,” I said to my fellow islanders. “That’s really all we can do.”

“Yeah, what’s that Spanish saying?” Gary asks with a scratch of his chin. “Queso Sarah something?”

“It’s que sera sera,” Rocco corrects. 

“Yeah, sure,” Gary brushes him off. “Whatever will be will be.”

“It’s not grammatically correct though,” Marisol adds.

“Well whatever it is,” Lottie interjects. “It’s true. The only thing we can do here is get to know our partners and hope there’s a connection.”

“Lovely!” Hope grabs Noah’s hand and starts to pull him away from the group, not that Noah was complaining.

The group starts to separate in twos. I glance down at my hand in Bobby’s, and look up at him. His gaze is already on me, a soft smile touches his mouth. 

“Shall we?” Bobby asks me.

“Lets!” I beam and take us over to the loungers by the pool.

***

Bobby and I each take a lounger and sit across from each other. We had to return each other’s hands in order to sit comfortably, but I could still feel the tingling that our skin to skin contact created. The sun is high in the sky, there’s a slight breeze, and the sound of other couples play in the background.

“Wow,” I say, still looking around and taking in the scene. “This is kind of what living in a Barbie Dream House would be like, I think.”

“Hopefully it’s not made of plastic,” Bobby jokes. “It’d be a shame for all of this to melt in the sun.”

“That would put a damper on things,” I give Bobby a playful smile. “What do you think would melt first? I’m thinking the seats at the fire pit.”

Bobby pretends to consider this as if it was a serious concern, “I hate to say it but I think it’d be the loungers we’re sitting on.”

“Well that is unfortunate,” I say before adding, “I guess you’d be stuck here with me then.”

“I wouldn’t mind that at all,” Bobby laughs. “It is crazy being here though, meeting everyone.”

“Yeah but I think we have a good group,” I take a chance to survey where the other couples are. “What’s your read on the boys?”

“I think they’re good lads,” Bobby takes a moment to consider. “Good lads but very different from one another. What about the girls?”

“Same! They’ve all been really nice to me and we’ve already talked about how to support each other while we’re in here,” I disclose.

“What about the couples? Who do you think will match best?”

“Hmmm…” I consider the question. “If I’m being honest, I don’t think Gary and Hannah are going to mesh well. They do not seem to be into each other at all.”

“What about Lottie and Rocco?” Bobby asks.

“Oh, Lottie is going to eat Rocco for breakfast,” I say, laughing a bit. 

“Okay, don’t mess with Lottie,” Bobby smiles. “This is useful information.”

“I’m not sure about Ibrahim and Marisol,” I consider the couple.

“Ibrahim is a good guy. He gets nervous talking to girls though,” Bobby chuckles.

“Oh yeah? Say more,” I raise a brow at Bobby.

“You should have seen him with his chaperone. They paired him with a pretty, older woman and he couldn’t walk and talk at the same time. When they were saying goodbye Ibrahim opened his mouth and just a strained ‘ahhhh’ came out.”

I try not to laugh but fail miserably, “Nooo poor Ibrahim. He did okay with Marisol.”

“Yeah, maybe she’ll bring out a more confident side of him,” Bobby shrugs.

“I like Hope and Noah, though,” I say. “I know I don’t know Noah but I get a whole opposites attract vibe from them.”

“He did say he likes a more dominant woman,” Bobby adds.

“I think Hope is the most dominant woman in here,” I consider this. “Well, at least the most dominant woman in the villa right now.”

“You don’t see yourself as dominant?” Bobby asked.

“Nah, I’m a bit more go with the flow,” I look at Bobby. “Do I seem like the dominant type?”

“Well you certainly caught everyone’s attention,” Bobby smiles at me.

“That’s just because I was the first girl out,” I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. “I bet any of the girls would have.”

“No, they wouldn’t have,” Bobby insists.

I shake my head, not convinced in the slightest. All of the girls were so attractive and full of personality. It’d be crazy for any of the guys to not see that. 

I change the subject, “How are you feeling about day one so far?”

“If I’m honest, this is such a weird trip,” Bobby smiles. “I’ve only been here for five minutes and I’m already sitting next to the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

I feel a rush of heat pulsate through my body and up to my face. Is this boy for real?

I manage to regain my composure, “You know that you’re really attractive yourself, right? You immediately caught my eye.”

This elicited a radiant smile from the Scotsman and I try not to melt when I see the dimple that appears on his face.

“It’s pretty fierce competition out here for the both of us,” Bobby runs a hand over his head, twisting a dreadlock between fingers. The motion causes the muscles in his arms to flex and I try desperately not to stare. I am looking respectfully.

“My head is spinning,” Bobby continues. “It’s all so much to take in. How are you finding it, Bliss?”

“It is a lot all at one,” I admit, rubbing my arm. “But I’m also excited.”

“Tell me about it,” Bobby replies. “I didn’t think I’d get in and now I’m here, it’s a lot.”

“Oh, trust me, I did not believe it when casting DM’d me. Surreal,” I tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. Bobby looks at me like I grew a second head. “What?”

“I’m surprised they didn’t get you on the show sooner,” Bobby tells me, there’s an earnestness that appears in his face that makes me turn red. 

The sound of the other islanders across the lawn distracts us for a moment. The other couples were also getting to know each other, occupying various areas of the villa. The heat, the conversation, the islanders. Hot, hot, hot.  

“So,” Bobby gets my attention again. “You pick me…”

“You noticed, huh?” I give him a wink.

“Well, I guess we should get to know each other,” Bobby offers. “Ask me anything! I’m an open book.”

Okay Bobby, how come I felt like someone hit me over the head with a frying pan when I looked at you? Tweeting birds circling my head and all. How come you being near you feels like home? I can’t say that though, not during our first conversation at least. I was still desperate to know if he liked me. 

“I know you’re from Scotland,” I say.

“Glad you picked that up,” Bobby teased.

I laugh, “But which part? Glasgow?”

Bobby’s mouth fell open, “How’d you know? Usually Americans have no idea.”

“I had a Glaswegian professor who became my mentor at uni,” I say. “And I haven’t lived in the U.S. for years. I’m very good with accents.”

“Aye, you do have a wee tint of an Irish accent,” Bobby admits. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah.”

“Where?”

“Utah. Honestly, don’t worry about it.”

Bobby laughs, “Okay, already forgotten”

“What is it you do, Bobby?” I ask.

“I’m a hospital caterer,” Bobby replies.

“Do you like it?” 

“Eh, yes,” Bobby scrunches his face a bit. “I love working with my mates and being in the kitchen but I’d like to open my own bakery one day.”

I perk right up at this. “I have a killer sweet tooth, what’s your favorite thing to bake?”

“As far as pastry’s concerned my favorite has to be croissants. It’s the layering, the attention to detail, making sure the butter is chilled just right. A good croissant is nothing to joke about,” Bobby’s face is full of excitement and the passion is clear in his voice. “For dessert though I’d say cakes. It’s so versatile. Everyone loves at least one type of cake.”

“I think that’s why carrot cake was invented,” I add. “Though the cream cheese frosting is where it’s at. Honestly, frosting is my favorite part”

“I make a mean buttercream frosting, I’ll make it for you one day,” Bobby smiles at me. “What do you do for work?”

“Oh, I’m a social worker. I work with domestic violence and sexual assault survivors,” I say, mentally counting.

Three… two… one…

“Wow, that's amazing,” Bobby grins at me. “There are social workers at the hospital that I see from time to time. Hard job, important though. You’re a passionate bunch.”

I have to blink at him a couple of times. Where did they find this boy?

“Yeah,” I say as I try to regain my composure. “Yeah, I’m really passionate about my job. Not everyone gets that.”

I am not an optimistic person by nature. I’ve grown cynical of dating and love since my ex. He really tore me apart, knocked me down a couple of pegs, and only left my head with doubts. I was convinced that the only people who got me were Dani, my sister, and my mentor. I liked it that way. It’s safe that way. Now though, sitting next to Bobby under the hot Spanish sun, maybe there is hope. Maybe my circle doesn’t have to be so small.

“This is fun!” Bobby says, his dimple appears with his smile. “Ask me another one.”

“Hmmm,” I think. “This is so basic but what’s your type on paper?”

“My type on paper,” Bobby repeats. “Ooh, that’s tough. I don’t think I really have a ‘type'. Everyone I’ve dated had something different about them.”

“If you had to generalize,” I follow up.

“I tend to go for girls who are a little out there,” Bobby nods. “Who don’t mind being the center of attention.”

That used to be me. That’s why it was so easy to pick up and move to another country straight out of high school. I was confident that I could make friends anywhere, do anything I wanted, be successful. And I was. I made so many friends just by putting myself out there. That’s how I met my ex… but the breakup killed that part of me. 

That saying “don’t let a man dim your light” rang in my mind but that was easier said than done. In a way, going on Love Island was an experiment to see if that part of myself still existed. To see if there was a way to coax her out of me again. 

“I mentioned this earlier but I also had an ex that was really casual,” Bobby continued. “She didn’t spend ages doing herself up or topping off her tan. I didn’t realize that was such a turn on until then.”

I could see a thought enter Bobby’s mind and dampen his mood. He didn’t meet my eyes anymore and said, “And I’ve been burned in the past, so someone loyal is an absolute must.”

I reach out and put my hand on Bobby’s. “I’ve also been burned. Loyal is at the top of my list, too.”

Bobby turned to meet my eyes again, brow raised. “Really? Somebody was daft enough to fumble you?”

“Well, I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t,” I laugh a bit. “Funny is a close second on the list, if that’s helpful.”

“Hope that gives you an idea of what I’m here for,” Bobby smiles at me. 

We can tell the other islanders are starting to merge together again. A small group arranges in front of the fire pit.

“I like being interviewed by you,” Bobby says. “Ask me one more and then we can see what the others are up to.”

“Okay, what’s one thing you’d change about your life?” I ask.

“That’s dead simple,” Bobby gives me a cheeky grin. 

Bobby launches into a story about how he’d baked his best mate, Lewie, a wedding cake that was amazing and intricate, but he wished he’d done something different. He regrets not making the cake hollow and jumping out of it, surprising the two grooms and their guests. I could not stop laughing, the mental image of Bobby emerging out of a big cake like an adult entertainer at a 80s movie stag party.

“I don’t think his husband, Dean, would have liked it though,” Bobby is laughing along with me.

“They’d have no cake!” I choke out, wiping tears from my eyes. “What’s the point of a wedding without a cake?”

Bobby and I take a moment to calm down. We look into each other's eyes for a moment and my stomach flips again, it was like his laughter brought out his features.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know you, Bliss,” Bobby leans over and puts his lips to my cheek. I instantly feel my face get warm and my mouth makes a smile I don’t have the power to control.

“C’mon,” He gets up from the lounger and takes my hands to help me up too. “I guess we should go and get to know the others, too…”

As we make our way towards the group, Lottie leaves Rocco’s side and walks up to me.

I look at Bobby, “I think Lottie wants to talk to me, but I’ll meet you over there?”

“Of course, see you soon!” Bobby beams at me. He leans over and plants another kiss on my cheek before walking away with Rocco. My hand goes up to my face and over the spot Bobby’s lips had just been. I want to protect it. I want to keep it forever. Sew it on, needle and thread.

“Hey, Bliss,” Lottie greets me. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m actually really great,” I tell her, then lower my voice. “I think Bobby and I have a spark or connection. I think there’s something there.”

Lottie’s dark lipstick lips turn up in a grin. “You are mega cute together. Glad you made the right choice.”

“So, what’s up?” I ask the Aussie, face still plastered with a smile.

“Some of the other girls were talking about doing something tonight,” Lottie tells me.

This piques my interests. “Do tell.”

“There’s a full moon tonight,” Lottie tells me. “The moon is in Scorpio, lots of sexy and mischievous energy. I was thinking we should be underneath it and, you know, celebrate our collective witchy power.”

“I’m in!” I immediately agree.

“Great!” Lottie responds with excitement. “I’ll see you on the lawn at midnight. I can’t wait to get the energy flowing.”

“Lottie?” Rocco calls after her. Lottie heads over to her partner.

I look over to see Bobby waiting for me, waving me over. His raised arm show emphasizes the muscles in his arms. It’s accompanied by a smile that makes my stomach cartwheel. 

Where did they find this boy?

Chapter Text

Bliss

“Wow. Ten hotties alone in a beautiful Villa. It’s like the start of a horror movie.”

All five couples convene on the lawn. I take a look around at my fellow islanders and Lottie is right, this is a good looking bunch. Not that this is surprising. As Dani said, they put hot people on TV. Maybe I’m biased but this is the best looking cast Love Island has ever had. Not sure if I would call it a horror movie though but it was only day one.

“I was thinking it was more glamorous than that,” Hannah frowns. 

“I can see that,” Hope says. “What’s your vision, babes?”

“It’s more like how classic romance novels start,” Hannah clasps both hands together and raises them to her shoulder. “A big house, a lot of eligible young men--"

“And Bobby,” Gary cuts Hannah off.

“Hey, I’m eligible,” Bobby protests.

“Yeah, he's eligible,” I agree. I highly desire him, that’s for certain.  

“Really?” Gary retorts. “I’m pretty sure no-one’s been called eligible since like, the olden days.”

“I’m not even sure what it means, to be honest,” Bobby admits. “I just wanted in if everyone else was.”

“You are definitely in,” I give Bobby’s hand a squeeze. 

Bobby gives an appreciative smile. 

“So, we’re all here. What’s next?” Ibrahim asks.

“Where are the frozen margaritas?” I wonder, looking around the villa to see if a pitcher was hiding anywhere.

“Now we’re talking,” Lottie smirks at me. 

“It’s time to kick back under the sun and have a drink,” Gary agrees.

I finally spot a table on the lawn with a bucket of ice and a chilled bottle of champagne. Ten champagne flutes accompany it. Droplets of condensation roll off the silver rim. It’s not margaritas but it was alcohol so beggars can’t be choosers.

“Ooh! Look over there,” I direct everyone's attention to the table. “We have bubbles!”  

Gary heads over, “Let’s get it before it gets warm.”

We all make our way over, a few of us rushing. Clearly a drink to take the edge off was needed. Okay so we're all a little on edge.

“It’s a little fancier than I’m used to,” Gary remarks, picking up the handle.

“Let Bliss open it!” Hannah exclaims. “She’s really good at it!”

Gary gives a puzzled look but hands it over. Just as I had with the girls, I expertly pop the cork and start pouring some of the golden liquid into everyone’s flute, giving mine and Bobby’s a little more than the rest. Bobby notices and winks at me.

“I love the start of a new adventure,” Rocco tells us. “I remember a time when I’d taken my van down the Adriatic coast. There were ten of us, you see and we all met—”

“Should we have a toast?” I ask, cutting off a now upset Rocco. “To Love Island?”

It wasn’t super original or interesting but I did not want to hear more about Rocco’s travels. I lift up my flute and the others follow suit. “To Love Island!” The plastic rims tink together and we all take a drink.

“Should we reconvene by the loungers, girls?” Hope asks Lottie, Hannah, Marisol, and me. We agree and I start to walk off with the other girls but Bobby’s voice stops me.

“Bliss, care to join us?” Bobby asks, the boys standing around the table. 

“Sure,” I smile at him. Any extra time with Bobby was fine by me.

“Didn’t fancy a girls’ chat?”

“I quite like talking to you. I’ll catch up with the girls in a little bit.”

Bobby beams at me. “I rate that, I like a girl who can banter.”

“Or,” Rocco interjects. “She could be here to get to know the rest of us.”

I roll my eyes, “How’s everyone feeling about day one?

“Honestly, Hannah is starting to wind me up,” Gary grimaces.

“It’s only been a couple hours,” Ibrahim takes a sip. “She can’t be all that bad, can she?”

“Look, she’s a nice looking bird,” Gary prefaces with a major but coming on. “But all of the romance book stuff?”

“I think she’s lovely,” I interject. I wasn’t going to let anyone disrespect the girls while I’m around. “It’s early days, too. I think Hannah has more depth to her than meets the eye. Besides, aren’t we all here for romance? It’s almost like we’re on an island of love.”

Bobby gives me a laugh.

“I’m not saying she can’t want that stuff or that stuff is bad,” Gary retorts. “It’s just not my style. I live in the real world. It’s not all rose petals, you know. It’s about finding someone who’ll make you toast when you’re sad.”

“Toast? What does love have to do with toast?” Rocco snorts.

“Well breakfast can be pretty romantic,” I kid. “Obviously you have your toast, your dippy eggs, muffins, coffee. And don’t even get me started on French toast.”  

“I think Hannah has the right idea,” Rocco ignores me. “Love is all about grand gestures. Love should make you write poetry, even if you don’t know how.” 

“So love is like my old English teacher?” Noah questions. This gets a laugh out of everyone.

“My man Noah coming in with the one-liner!” Bobby praises Noah. “I think you know you like someone when you check to see if they laugh at your jokes.”

“I don’t know if I’ve ever felt anything like that.” Noah shrugs. “Maybe I’m not the romantic type.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it, seems like we all think love is about something different anyway.” Ibrahim tells Noah before turning his attention to me. “What do you think, Bliss? Which of these boys has the right idea about love?”

“Hmm, I’m all about balance,” I pause. “I think it’s about the little things but there’s always room for a grand gesture here or there. I mostly agree with Bobby, though. If we can’t laugh and have fun together then what’s the point? If you don’t think I’m funny then you don’t get me at all.”

Bobby smiles at me, dimples and all. He casually takes his arm and puts it along on my shoulders. I respond by putting my arm around his waist, adding, “There’s a lot of intimacy in laughter. I think it’s overlooked sometimes.”

“Not to break up the party but we should probably join the girls,” Noah says, pointing over to the group sitting on the loungers looking at us. We make our way over, Bobby’s arm still around my shoulder.

“Hey, boys,” Marisol greets us. “And Bliss.”

Hope takes a long sip from her flute as Noah moves to a spot next to her, “That’s delicious. So classy.”

Gary takes a sip too but has the opposite opinion, “I’m never going to get why people like this stuff?”

“What?” Rocco looks appalled, which is funny to me because he looks like he only drinks kombucha or raw milk.

“Can’t go wrong with a little Cheeky V, you get me?” Gary responds. “They used to do 2 for 1 pitchers of that down my local on Fridays.”

Marisol throws a wink his way, “What a revelation. I can’t wait to see what else we’re going to find out about each other.”

We don’t have to wait long. Gary’s phone goes off. “Guys! I got a text!

“Islanders, it’s time to find out who’s hot under the collar, and who’s playing it cool. Head over to the firepit to play a game of Truth or Dare.”

“That is my game, you guys!” Hope exclaims. “Let’s go!”

Hope sprints to the firepit. It’s kind of endearing seeing how excited Hope is about this game. I look at the rest of our crew. “Well, c’mon guys, let’s go before Hope starts without us.”

Once at the firepit, I see there are two stacks of cards set out. One stack read ‘Truth’ and the other one ‘Dare’. Hope is already inspecting the cards. “Oh my gosh, yes!” She turns to us with a big smile on her face. “We’ve got cards and everything!”

“That’s some serious Truth or Dare business!” Bobby says as we sit next to each other on the firepit bench. Our thighs touch and I start to feel the beehive from earlier wake up again. The closeness must affect Bobby too because I notice that his hand flexes and hover like he’s not sure what to do with it. I reach out and take it, lacing my fingers with his. I'm not usually this touchy but it feels right. And, if I'm being honest, he's too cute not to touch. The electric current I feel when our skin meets is irresistible. I can't help it, nor would I want to. 

Rocco looks at the stack of cards disapointedly, “This is not what I was expecting at all.”

Hope whips around to face him, braids following her quick movement. “Haven’t you done this before, Rocco? You have to pick ‘truth’ or ‘dare’, then do what it says on the card.”

“Damn,” I whisper to Bobby. “She takes Truth or Dare really seriously.”

“Shhh,” Bobby whispers back to me. “Don’t let her hear you or she’ll give us a bad card.”

“I can hear you, you know,” We look up to find Hope looking at us with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. 

“Whoops,” Bobby responds. “Continue.. If you dare.” 

Hope continues talking to Rocco, “When you’ve had a turn, you pick someone else to go.”

Rocco scowls, “Oh, I thought we’d get to ask each other some questions we made up. You know, the regular way.”

“Wow, Rocco,” Lottie interjects. “I don’t want to even think about the kind of thing you’d ask.”

Rocco only grins and winks at Lottie, who rolls her eyes and crosses her arms in the seat next to me.

“Okay, is everyone ready?” Hope asks us. “Let’s crack on!”

Lottie mutters under her breath, “I guess she’s going first then. Who put her in charge?”

“Someone has to go first,” I shrug. “Besides, look how happy she looks.”

 Lottie takes another look at our new host, “Yeah, I guess so.”

“Okay, I choose ‘Dare’.” Hope announces. She takes the first card from the top of the deck, the excitement on her face disappears as she reads on. “‘Give a foot massage to one of the other islanders.’” 

“Wow! Getting right in there,” Bobby laughs.

“Eww, gross!” Hannah groans. “I don’t think I could touch someone’s feet on the first day I met them.” The redhead shutters. “I’m definitely choosing truth when it’s my turn.”

“What?” Bobby jokes. “And miss out on all the fun? ‘Suck someone’s toes’ might be in there too.”

Hannah gags. “Gross!”

Hope sighs, “Okay, well I think it’s time to get the person out of his shell a little bit…” She goes in Noah’s direction. “I choose Noah!”

Noah looks shocked but excited. He only stares at Hope with his mouth open a bit, no words exchanged.

“Come one, big man! Get those piggies out!” Bobby shouts. He might be enjoying this too much. 

Hope takes Noah’s foot in her hands and begins to rub her thumbs up and down his sole. Hope takes her time, she’s determined to do a good job.

“How’s that feeling, mate?” Gary asks as his eyes flick from Noah’s face down to his feet in Hope’s hands.

“Actually,” Noah says but is distracted by Hope’s fingers, she slides her digits between Noah’s toes. Noah sighs, clearly enjoying himself. “Pretty good!”  

“Well,” Garry grimaces. “This is already the weirdest holiday I’ve been on.”

“Yeah!” I shout at Hope, cheering her on. “Get in, girrrrrl! He’s loving it.”

Hope smiles back at me, winding down the foot massage.

“Well done for getting us started, Hope.” Marisol thanks our resident masseuse. “Who are you choosing to go next?”

Hope takes a look around the firepit, “Let’s keep things lively,” her eyes land on me. Bliss seems like she’s up for having fun.”

“I’m always up for a bit of fun!” I beam, making my way over to the cards.

“You’re up!” Bobby smiles at me. “Truth or Dare, Bliss?”

I contemplate my options. I could make a statement and choose dare. I’d be okay with doing something silly or embarrassing, I was expecting that being on reality TV and all. Or I could choose truth. Confess something or reveal something embarrassing, let everyone get to know me. Which scares me a bit. I just met these people, I just met Bobby. What if I have to say something that stands out for the wrong reasons or make everyone hate me. Not that I think I’ve done anything to warrant hatred but we’re talking about nine people I just met and a big portion of the world watching, I didn’t want to reveal any red flags this early.

“Be spontaneous!” yells Rocco, “Choose dare!”

“I don’t know,” Ibrahim cuts in. “I think truth is the really brave option.”

Lottie rolls her eyes, “Look at you boys deciding for her. You’re so thoughtful.” Lottie’s tone is dripping in sarcasm. “You make your own choice, Bliss.”

“Dare!’ I look at the group, proud of my decision. “I pick dare!”

“Yes Bliss! Go big or go home,” Bobby gives his approval.

“Okay the dare is,” Hope picks up the card. “‘Take a selfie, and text it to the hottest islander!’”

“Okay, that’s not as bad as the feet one…” Hannah says, relieved that not all the cards were about feet.

“Uh I think it’s worse,” Ibrahim frowns a bit. “I always look so bad in selfies!”

“You?” Bobby feigns shock. “Mr. June? No way!”

“Mr. June?” Marisol asks, she looks up at Ibrahim.

“You didn’t tell her, mate?” Gary looks at Ibrahim too. “He’s in a sexy golf man calendar. My nan has it hung up in the kitchen!”

The idea of Gary’s grandmother having a sexy calendar hung up in her kitchen for anyone to see is too funny for me. I can’t help but let out a loud laugh, which gets a few of the other islanders going as well, even Ibrahim seems slightly amused.

“I’ve never wanted internet access more,” Marisol smiles at Ibrahim. “You weren’t nervous for the photoshoot?”

“A little,” Ibrahim admits. “But the photographer was really good and ended up with a few shots that I liked. Taking a selfie is a different story.”

“It’s all about getting that perfect pose, right Bliss?” Hannah smiles at me.

“I think I’m pretty good at taking selfies,” I comment, taking my phone and opening the camera app. I shift my body to get the best lighting. I angle the phone so it can get my face as well as my chest, using my assets to my advantage. It is a bit awkward taking a picture of yourself in front of nine people and a TV crew but I manage. I snap a few pictures, one a little sexy, another cool, and a whacky one for good measure.

“Perfect,” I say with satisfaction. “But who should I send it to?”

Choosing a girl was safe but choosing to send it to a boy would make a statement. I find Bobby’s contact that production had already programmed in my phone and send the one I like the best to Bobby.

The message immediately makes Bobby’s phone beep. His face lights up, “Thanks for choosing me! I can’t believe you think I’m the fittest person here.”

“I did couple up with you, didn’t I?” I smile back at Bobby, pleased at his reaction.

“You two are already so sweet together!” Hannah coos. “So it’s Bliss’ turn to choose. Who’s next?”

“Why don’t you choose one of the boys, Bliss?” Hope offers. 

I look around at the boys, “Okay…”

“But don’t pick Noah,” Hope amends. “I think me fondling his feet was probably enough excitement for one day.”

Lottie raises an eyebrow my way. I honestly can’t blame Hope, I don’t think I’d like it if another girl picked Bobby but I wasn’t going to get too territorial this early. Noah wasn’t even on my radar anyways, so it was no problem. “I choose Bobby.”

“Oh, okay,” Bobby gets up to pick a card. “I don’t know if I’m ready for any of these sexy dates yet. I feel like sucking on someone’s toes in public is a big commitment.”

“Eww, don’t remind me,” Hannah scrunches up her face.

“At least let me take you out for a drink first, right?” Bobby laughs.

“No one’s mentioned toe sucking apart from you, mate,” Gary grimaces.

“Well anyway, I choose ‘truth,’” Bobby picks up a card and reads it. “It says… ‘What was your most embarrassing sexual experience?’”

There are plenty of shocked faces and a few sharp inhales. 

Bobby winces, “I don’t know if I want to get into that yet… but there was this time when I was going to bake a cake for this girl.”

“Great start,” Gary remarks.

“And I thought it would be sexy if I shaped the cake ‘in my image’, if you get me?” Bobby continues.

“Amazing,” Garry smirks.

“Turns out, I don’t really have a clue what sexy is,” Bobby shrugs. “She was not impressed, and I think that’s all I’m going to say about that.”

“I like a guy that can bake,” I wink at Bobby, who returns a smile. Not usually a shape I would expect but a cake is a cake.

“So, who are you choosing to go next?” Hope asks, eager to keep the game going. 

“How about…” Bobby takes a look around the firepit. “Marisol.”

“Okay, I choose truth,” Marisol says while picking up a card and reads it. “‘Have you ever kissed someone of the same gender on a night out?’ Yes, of course I have.”

“For fun?” Hannah asks as if the thought had never occurred to her.

“My friend Persia is always snogging everyone on the dance floor, girls, lads…” Hope adds before Marisol cuts her off.

“No,” Marisol corrects. “I mean I actually like to meet girls on nights out.”

“Oh, you’re bisexual!” Hannah realizes. “I get it.”

“Sorry, Marisol, I didn’t mean to imply you’re like my friend who just snogs everyone!” Hope apologies.

“Well, lots of people do like to experiment, especially on nights out when inhibitions are down,” Marisol explains. “But I’m genuinely interested in women, just about as much as men. I actually get more nervous talking to girls, for some reason. If I meet a really beautiful girl, I get a bit tongue-tied.”

“So the club is a place where you can talk… with your lips?” Rocco wiggles his eyebrows. Yuck.

Lottie beats me to it, “We always talk with our lips, Rocco.”

“Something like that!” Marisol doesn’t seem to mind.

Bobby pulls his lips in a  weird direction, “Yeah, try talking without your lips. Can’t be done!”

“Yeah,” I turn my lips the same way. “Doesn’t really work.”

“I’m good on the dance floor, so I end up feeling confident, like I could make the first move,” Marisol continues.

“And then you end up tongue-tied, but not from talking,” Rocco says with another eyebrow wiggle.

“Yeah, by that time I can tell if she’s on my wavelength and interested,” Marisol explains.

“That’s boss, Marisol,” Lottie compliments her, “It’s hard enough for me with only boys in my dating pool.

“I feel kinda reassured knowing Marisol gets nervous talking to girls the same way I do,” Bobby’s eyes flash to mine and his cheeks get red again.

“Well, men usually come to me, so it’s simpler,” Marisol adds. “But I could totally see myself in a long-term thing with another woman. Am I the only one?”

I must be giving off a vibe because I can swear Marisol is looking straight at me. Impeccable gaydar!

“Actually,” I say. “I was in a relationship with a girl when I was in high school. We broke up when I decided to go to university overseas and she stayed in the states. We’re still friendly.”

“I think it’s good to be open to discovering new things about yourself. But it’s also important to just let yourself be who you are, you know?” Marisol asks the group.

“I totally agree,” Rocco replies. “You’re really sound, Marisol.”

“Time for another quick decision. Who’s going next?” Ibrahim asks Marisol.

Marisol looks over at me, this time I’m sure. “I think Bobby should go next.”

Hannah looks puzzled, “Didn’t he just go?”

“Yeah,” Lottie speaks up. “Funny that Hope didn’t have anything to say about it this time.”

Uh oh. There’s a bit of tension in the air. Lottie and Hope are glaring at her. I’m about to interject to defuse the situation before Bobby does.

“I’m up for it,” he smiles. “I can go again. I choose dare.”

Bobby picks up a card and reads, “‘Kiss the Islander you fancy the most.’”

“Ooh!” Hope gets excited. “This is a good one.”

“I feel like I’ve only just met you all, but I don’t even have to think about this one,” Bobby walks right over to me and cups my cheek with his hand, the other moves around my waist. I move my arms up to his shoulders and cross him behind his neck. Holy shit.

Bobby leans in and captures my lips with his. My eyes flutter closed and I feel my body melt into his embrace. It’s like nobody else is there. His lips are firm but so soft. It feels like Bobby is putting everything he has in the kiss and it’s making me spin. I can feel my heart beat faster and faster, my skin burns where he touches me. I pull him in closer, I can’t get enough. My tongue traces his bottom lip, asking for permission. Bobby’s response is immediate, deepening the kiss. He moves his hand from my face and rakes it through my hair, which is my weakness. Goose bumps start to form on my arms and I let out the smallest of gasps. I have to break away to catch my breath and the sound of the islanders cheering us on envelops us. 

I’m still entangled with Bobby, gazing at each other. We're both slightly panting and when I move my hands to Bobby’s chest, I feel that his heart is beating just as fast as mine.

“Wow,” Bobby breathes. “That was amazing. I love that you went there.” 

"Yeah, I couldn't help myself," I say quietly so only Bobby can hear.

“Okay, okay, moving on,” Hope interrupts and we untangle ourselves from one another. “Who should go next?”

“How about Hannah?” Bobby asks as he puts arm around waist again.  

I know Hannah is speaking but I’m too caught up in the kiss to hear her. Knowing that Bobby thinks I’m the most attractive girl here is making my head spin. The feeling being mutual was almost too much to take in. Am I really his type?

Hannah’s voice catches my attention again, “And I was pulling hay out of my hair for the rest of the day.”

“It’s like one of them books my nan buys in the charity shop with the painted covers,” Gary remarks. 

“Well,” Hannah frowns. “I prefer to call it my Lady Chatterley’s Lover moment. But to each their own.”

Hannah picks Lottie to go next and we pay for another few rounds before all the cards have been used. Lottie sucks on Noah’s earlobe just to upset Hope, which it does. Noah tells us his biggest fear is grasshoppers. Hope tells us her erogenous zone and I visually see Noah taking note of it. Suddenly Rocco calls my name to take another turn.

“I think that might be it, I’m afraid,” Hope answers. “We’re all outta cards.”

“Or we can make up some truths or dares?” I suggested. “If everyone is up for it.”

There was a general consensus around the group to keep going. 

“Love this,” Hope smiled. “Truth or dare, Bliss?”

“How about truth, since I’ve already done a dare,” I say to our amateur game show host.

Hope takes a moment to think about this before saying, “Alright, I’ve got an idea for one. Your question is, have you ever hooked up with someone you knew your friend fancied?”

“Absolutely not,” I don’t even hesitate.

“Me neither,” Lottie agrees.

“No,” Hannah adds. “Me neither.”

“And at least we’re all in official couples,” Marisol surveys the group.

The atmosphere has changed with that last question. It dawns on me that pretty soon we’ll all likely have to pursue each other's love interests to stay in the game. Considering the tension, I think everyone is thinking the same thing. 

“Well,” Hope breaks the awkward silence. “I guess that really is the end, this time.”

Hannah lets out a sigh of relief, “Oh good. I don’t think I could have watched another foot massage anyway.”

“What is it with you and feet?” Gary questions his partner.

“I just don’t like when people try to make them sexy,” Hannah shudders.

“What? Like this?” Bobby raises his foot and wiggles his toes at Hannah, who then screams and runs away.

“Wow,” Marisol’s eyes follow Hannah. “That’s a phobia I’d like to know more about.”

Marisol goes after Hannah to learn more about her distaste for phalanges and the other islanders disperse. Bobby turns to me and starts to ask where we should go when Gary interrupts.

“Bliss, do you fancy a quick chat in a minute?” Gary asks.

I look back at Bobby who gives me a small smile, “Come find me after?”

“Sounds like a plan,” returning his smile but I know my eyes betray me. I was pretty sure I knew what Gary wanted to talk about and I wasn’t interested. On Love Island though, you have to play the game. It wouldn’t hurt talking to Gary and who knows, maybe there’s a blossoming friendship on the horizon. 

***

I make myself comfortable on the day, sitting with crossed legs on the top of the bed where the pillows can support me. I take a look around the Villa, it really is beautiful here. The way the sunshine hits the blue pool tempts me. Marisol caught up to Hannah and they’re now having a chat on the lawn. Some of the boys have already started to work out, a few just loitering next to the gym. I see Bobby glance my way as Gary flops down on the daybed beside me. 

“Still up for that chat?” He asks. “I’m sure Bobby doesn’t mind.”

“We can chat for a bit,” I turn to give my attention to him.

“Fair. Just thought I’d take my chance while I could,” Gary explains. “I’m the kind of guy that says it straight.”

“Okay straight shooter, what’s up?” I ask, knowing what’s about to happen.

“I thought there might be a little bit of chemistry building up between us, and I just wanted to know, am I the type of guy you’d usually go for?” He questions me, his attention set on me.

Oh boy. I knew that was coming but I still don’t like that it did. I’ve been out of the dating game for so long I hadn’t had to deal with this so much. I’ve been hit on here and there on nights out with Dani or other places like my commute to work or the shops that I frequent. Turning people down was awkward but not awful because I knew I’d most likely not see them again. Usually I was able to keep it curt and move on with the rest of my day. This was uncharted territory because I have to live with this guy for who knows how long. I have to be gentle here.

“Honestly, Gary,” I start. “I don’t really have a type but I’m only looking to get to know Bobby at this time.”

“It’s day one, are you sure you want to put all of your eggs in his basket?” Gary prods. He’s not upset, though. Which is a relief. It’s also a reasonable question.

I give Gary a smile, “Yeah, I think I do. I want to give it a fair go.”

We’re uninterrupted by the tone of a text. Marisol shouts, “Text! Guys, I got a text!”

“I guess that means we’ve got to go, anyways,” Gary gets up and helps me off the daybed as well before we run over to Marisol.

“Islanders, tonight there will be a welcome party,” Marisol reads, holding her phone just right to read the text better. “Please get ready to say hi to a very special guest! #drinksonus #droppingthebombshell.”

“Amazing!” Hope cheers. “I love a party!”

Lottie leans into me, “We can do our moon ceremony after the party.” Lottie pauses for a moment before turning back to the group. “So wait. Does that mean another girl is coming in here?”

All of us girls look at each other, worry coats our faces.

“Or,” Noah looks over at Hope. “It could be another guy…” 

“Whoever it is, it means we’ll have an odd number for the recoupling,” Lottie frowns. I can tell that no matter who it is, Lottie is going to take it hard, especially if it’s a girl.

“So someone will be single,” Hope’s voice falters. 

“Or dumped,” Hannah adds, her blue eyes full of fear.

I try hard not to look at Bobby but I cave and take a peek. His eyes are also directed at me. Reading his face, I’m certain that he’s worried too. It’s comforting but doesn’t lift my spirits in the slightest. I’m about to walk over to Bobby so we can talk when Hope interrupts me.

“Okay, time to get ready,” Hope tells us. “It’s still a party, after all.”

The girls start to head over to the dressing room. I catch Bobby’s arm in the process.

“Talk later?” I ask him.

“Of course,” Bobby smiles at me. “I’m looking forward to it.”

***

“I think it will be really nice to have another girl in the villa.”

The dressing room was busy with beauty chaos. Suitcases were open on the floor, half full of clothing and the rest attempted to be hung in the mirrored wardrobe but abandoned. Glitter, hairspray, and perfume saturates the air. The tapping of make up brushes against packaging sets the tone— well, that and the song Hannah is humming to herself as she re-plaits her hair.

“More girls, more power, right?” Hope continues as she holds up a white leopard print tied crop top. 

“Oh please,” Lottie rolls her eyes, black eyeliner pen in her hand. “If the situation was different, sure. But in here?”

Lottie sighs and puts the eyeliner down, “You know if a girl comes in now she’ll be the hottest person any of us have ever seen and she’ll be out to get what she wants. And what if she wants Noah?”

Hope’s face falls, all optimism going out the door.

“Hearing you say that makes me nervous,” Hannah gets up, her long braid perfect and already dressed in a coral sundress. “I just want everyone to meet their perfect match. But what if her perfect match is the same as mine?”

I think back to my chat with Gary and feel guilty. I make a note to pull Hannah.

“I know this is scary, but I wouldn’t mind another girl,” I start. I see Lottie open her mouth but I keep talking, “I also know that we’re going to need to get used to it. Still, it’s easier said than done.”

“It could be a guy, you know,” Hope reminds us. “Maybe your perfect man is going to walk through the door, Hannah. He’ll have glasses, a cardigan, and a mustache.”

“And a horse,” I offer to Hannah’s delight. 

“Yeah and he’s going to ride in on a horse!” Hope agrees.

“I’m imagining him riding in shirtless. If that happens, you won’t be the only one falling at his feet,” Marisol comments, straightening out her white blazer dress.

“You like guys who ride horses?” Hope’s expression is puzzled.

“I like a guy that’s shirtless,” Marisol corrected.

“My ex back in Australia was always shirtless. He was ripped, so I didn’t complain too much, but it was a little weird,” Lottie untwists her hair from a curling iron. “One time he came to pick me up for a date and he didn’t have his shirt on.”

This makes me laugh a bit but I need to know more, “What did you say when you saw him?”

“Nothing,” Lottie smirks. “I just looked at his abs and took him inside. We never made it on the date.”

“Lottie, you minx,” I wink at the Aussie.

“If he was so hot, why did you break up?” Hannah prods. 

“Oh gosh, he was as thick as a brick. I didn’t see it at first because I was blinded by the fanny flutters,” Lottie admits. 

Hannah scrunches her face, “The what?”

“Um…” Lottie grows a shade of pink I’d not seen on her. “It’s an Aussie thing, I guess?”

“Horny, Hannah. She means horny,” I clarify and this time Hannah blushes pink while the rest of the dressing room giggles at her reaction. 

“Anyway, one time we talked about going to holiday and he asked me ‘What country is France in?’ That’s when I knew things were going south,” Lottie cringes. 

“Ooof,” I let out a low breath. “I would have done the same. I wouldn’t want to be associated with that kind of stupid.” 

“I think that was when I knew we had to break up,” Lottie agrees. “I couldn’t imagine going on a holiday with him complaining every time he couldn’t get Vegemite. We had to break up twice in the end.”

“Twice?” I question.

Hannah is also confused, “What do you mean?”

“He was watching the footie when I said, ‘I think we should take time apart’...” Lottie continues.

“I’ve heard that one before,” Hannah sighs. Awe poor Hannah.

Lottie squeezed Hannah’s shoulder, “And then two days later he showed up at my house like nothing had happened. Turns out he wasn’t even paying attention to me the first time I broke up with him!”

“What did you do?” Hannah is totally enthralled in Lottie’s tale.

“I had to break up with him again,” Lottie frowns but a sly smile encroaches on her face. “Louder. Although I almost thought about taking him back, he was that fit.”

We all laugh at Lottie’s story but I snort and we’re in fits at that point. It made me miss Dani. I think she’d like this bunch. I almost told her that she should apply and come on with me, but Dani’s a lesbian so it’s not exactly the show for her.

“Sounds like it ended for a good reason, to be honest,” Marisol points out, redoing her lipstick that had smudged while we were caught up in hysterics. “I could never take someone back. Could you?”

My mind instantly rushes back to the relationship with my ex and our break up… break ups. Plural. So stupid.

“I have in the past but I wouldn’t do it again,” I grimace. 

Hannah frowns at me, “And it still didn’t work out?”

“Well, I’m here and not with him, so…” I shrug. Thank God.

“I’m worried about what it will be like in here,” Hannah rests her arm on the vanity and rests her face in her palm. “I can’t imagine how hard breaking up will be.”

“You’ll still have to see them everyday. That’s a lot of difficult emotions to process,” Marisol says matter-of-factly. 

“And you have to watch them get off with someone else. That would be the hardest thing for me,” Lottie’s face flops quickly from angry to sad.

I’ve already been there with my ex. I don’t have to imagine him kissing another girl, I’ve seen it with my own eyes. The bad part of my mind envisions what it would be like if another girl was kissing Bobby. It wouldn’t be fair, we’d only had one kiss at this point. And I had meant what I said to Gary, I wanted to see where ‘this’ could take us. As nervous as I am, I’m also hopeful that maybe something good could come out of being on Love Island. I mean, I’ve already met Bobby and that’s pretty good.

“That’s tough to say,” I tell the girls. “I’m really enjoying getting to know Bobby and I want to see where it leads. Rationally, if we’ve only been a couple for a day or so, it’s not reasonable to get too upset. But if it’s been weeks and if we’ve gone to the hideaway… it would be hard.” 

Lottie puts on a pleather and mesh dress from her suitcase and huffs, “I can just feel that it’s going to happen to me. I trust my instincts and I know one of you will end up kissing a guy I like.”

I help Lottie with the zipper she’s having trouble with, “Well, not Bliss though. We’re sweet as.”

“Awe, Lottie,” I zip her up and finish with the button around the collar. “You’re such a softy.”

“Do you think that would happen with Rocco?” Hannah asks Lottie.

I start to shift through my belongings to find my own outfit, still listening to the conversation.

“Depends how you all feel about him, I guess. I still don’t know how we’re all feeling,” Lottie tells us, opening the floor for public comment.

“I honestly don’t know myself,” Marisol tells us.

“Don’t worry about it, hun,” Hope looks in the mirror to make sure her hair is how she wants it. “It’s only the first day, after all. No-one’s attached yet.”

Speak for yourself.

“Well, apart from me,” Hope laughs.

“Yeah, you and Noah seem to have clicked straight away,” Marisol observes Hope like she’s gathering information for a research paper.

“What about you, Bliss?” Hannah turns and asks me. “Where’s your head at?”

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby.

“I’m happy in my couple,” I reply. “I really like Bobby and want to see where it goes.”

Marisol raises an eyebrow at me, “Interesting. I’ve been trying to keep an eye on all the boys and see if I can feel out what they’re like.”

Ah-ha! She is studying us!

“I think Bobby’s type is someone who’s really out there and full on in their personality,” Marisol explains.

“He did say that when we spoke earlier,” I concur.

“You definitely give me that impression,” Marisol adds. “Also, I’m pretty sure he wants someone who puts the group first. Does that sound like you?”

I contemplate this for just a moment, “I think so!”

If anything, my last relationship proves that. At least the ending does.

Marisol smiles, “Maybe it will work out for you guys, then. To be fair, we’ve only just met each other. All this could change.”

“It’s good to know, though. I’m still not sure what I want,” Lottie remarks as she adds her accessories, stacking bracelets and rings to complete the look. “Rocco seems like a cool guy, but I’m not set on him. We’ve both given each other that look, if you know what I mean.”

A chorus of “ooooh”s go around the room. We definitely knew what she meant.

“But I have a feeling we’re gonna clash if we spend too much time together,” Lottie admits with a frown. “And I noticed he might be looking elsewhere.”

I haven’t thought about Rocco much so I wasn’t certain I knew who Lottie was talking about. Unfortunately, I think Lottie is right about Rocco. I don’t see it lasting very long but I know that Lottie will be crushed no matter the outcome. 

“I’m not sure about Ibrahim either,” Marisol states. “He’s gorgeous but what if that means he’d never had to work for it? I don’t want to find out later he’s totally self-centered.”

“Bobby says that Ibrahim gets really nervous around beautiful women,” I tell Marisol. “He might need a bit of time to get out of his shell.”

“I get the feeling there’s hidden depths behind those beautiful eyes,” Hannah offers. “It worries me we might never get to find out more about these boys. If it is another girl that comes in, we all have to fight for our place here.”

“Look, I think we’re a great team but what I don’t want for us to be cliquey and freeze out new girls,” I insist, making sure to look at all of the girls. “It has to be hard coming in after we’ve started to bond, even if it’s this early. It wouldn’t be nice.”

“Babes,” Lottie looks at me like I’m simple. “It’s literally a competition. None of us want to get screwed over by some rando that walks through the door. Especially since we already know there’s going to be a recoupling.”

“I’m with you on that,” Hannah agrees. 

I was genuinely afraid of this, more than having to sleep in the same bed as a stranger. At the end of the day, this was a competition. That’s not lost to me. What I didn’t sign up for is to relieve middle school. This whole ‘you stole my boyfriend’ after mere hours of coupling, gossiping behind each other’s backs, and choosing the new girl to pick on for no other reason than boredom and jealousy. We’re not 13 and I’m not letting anyone sit alone at the lunch table. 

“That’s not very ‘girl power’ of you, Lottie,” I glare at her and Lottie’s glaring right back.

Hope interjects before things get heated, “I think we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Like Bliss said, let’s not make a clique. We should be focusing on looking our best instead.”

I look out the window to see that it’s gotten darker. I can hear the boys out on the lawn. Shit. I’d already touched up my make up and refreshed my curls but I was still in my swimsuit, digging through the few dresses I’d actually hung up so they wouldn’t wrinkle.

“Let’s go out there looking amazing, and then all the boys will want us,” Hope tries to motivate us and turn around the mood.

Everyone turns to me, just noticing that I’m not dressed. It’s like I’m transported in time back to gym class. 

“Right!” I laugh and grab a dark, paisley print satin dress with a plunging neckline and lace detailing. “One second!”

***

The boys are waiting for us as we make our entrance on the lawn. It’s strange but I have to admit that I found it strange that they were fully dressed. I think that it may be because I’d met all of them half naked that I’d gotten used to it. Like they were in uniforms.

“Oi oi!” Gary shouts, alerting the boys that we’d finally arrived. “Here they are.”

How Gary was dressed in flannel is beyond me. In this humidity? Are those work boots?

“Some of these guys were getting impatient,” Ibrahim pouts while his outfit screams golf course chic.

“Yeah, especially Mr. La La Land over there,” Bobby points at Rocco.

Rocco, wearing Tevas and the most wood beaded necklaces I’ve ever seen anyone wear at once, seems confused, “What?”

“You know. That guy Sebastian who sings and plays the piano in that move,” Bobby explains. “You remind me of him.”

“Oh,” Rocco’s expression changes to relief. “The singing crab who lives under the sea?”

Bobby shakes his head, “No, that’s a different… nevermind.”

“The point is,” Noah interjects. “Rocco wants us to think he’s laid back, but it turns out he doesn’t like getting stood up.”

“That’s me. I’m happiest when I’m laying down,” Rocco winks at all the girls.

“Ew,” the sound exits my mouth before I can catch it. “Sorry, I mean… ew.”

While Rocco is offended, most of the islanders laugh. I catch Bobby’s eye and laugh with him until I see his eyes rake over my body. I stare at his half buttoned shirt, admiring the freckles on his chest and he catches me. I quickly turn away knowing that my cheeks are burning.

“It’s our first night in the Villa,” I address the group. “I want to party!”

“My girl!” Bobby beams. “Let’s get on it!”

Bobby’s girl… It has a nice ring to it.

“Why are you guys still chatting?” Hope asks as she starts walking away from us and points to a table  production has set up for us. “You know there’s champagne over here, right?”

I peer over to see a chilled bucket with a bottle stuck in it. Hope is already at the table by the time we start moving. She takes the bottle from the bucket and I assume it’s because she doesn’t want me to be the one who opens it. I guess no encore then. 

Most of the islanders join their couple and follow hope, a few faster than others—  it’s free champagne after all. Bobby hangs back and waits for me to reach him so that we can walk together. He’s all smiles when I get to him.

“You look incredible,” He tells me, pulling me into a hug.

“Thank you, thank you,” I wrap my arms around him, taking in his scent and warm embrace. As we part, I take the time to straighten his collar, “I like the open shirt look.”

“Really?” Bobby raised his brow. “You like a bit of skin?”

I take my fingers and trace over Bobby’s collar bone, my eyes drifting down past his face and onto his chest. I’m finally able to touch the freckles that intrigued me so much. His skin is softer than I'd imagined. Bobby’s skin glistens from the humidity, my finger just glides along his body. I take my unoccupied hand and rest it on his pec. 

“I do,” I answer as my eyes slowly meet his, the amber color shimmers in the gentle lights strung up around the yard. Before I realize it, my tongue glides along my lips. I see Bobby’s Adam’s apple bob against his throat. His eyes are transfixed on my mouth as I lean into him.

“Um, guys?” 

Marisol’s voice startles us, we practically jump and turn to face her. She’s standing with Ibrahim half way between us and the rest of the group that has reached the table. Marisol’s wearing a smirk on her face, clearly entertained by how wrapped up in each other. She raises a brow at us, “Are you two coming?”

Bobby and I separate, slightly embarrassed because we were caught but equally as amused because we were caught. I don’t want to let go, at least not fully. I grab Bobby’s hand and we hurry to meet the rest.

“So, how are you girls finding the Villa?” Ibrahim asks us.

“It’s amazing,” my response is wrapped in a giggle. I squeeze Bobby’s hand as if to tell him that he’s the one who makes the Villa special. 

“That’s what I was thinking,” Ibrahim agrees as we reach the table. “Sometimes I stay in hotels on a  golf tour, but they’re nothing like this.”

“Did you have a chance to look at the roof terrace yet?” Rocco turns around to look at me. “That’s gonna be such a beautiful spot to sit out and look at the stars.”

I look up, “Oh it’s so pretty already. I hardly ever see real stars with all of the light pollution in the city.”

“I hope I’ll get a chance to do that one evening with someone,” He winks at me and I grimace. I can hear Lottie start to clear her throat behind us.

“Oh you know who loves stars?” Thinking fast, I grab Lottie by the arm and pull her in front of me. “Lottie! Lottie looooves stars. She can probably name all the constellations and find mars, or whatever planet you like. Take your pick!”

Lottie can’t decide if she finds this funny or if she’s furious. Rocco, however, looks purely terrified that Lottie overheard the conversation. His eyes rapidly look for a safe out but it’s not possible to escape this situation.

“I– I– of course I meant Lottie,” Rocco swallows. Lottie just looks at him, decidedly not satisfied with Rocco’s answers. She moves to look at me now, decidedly not entertained by my antics either. Shit.

“But I’m sure that’s a line you use,” I’m desperately wracking my brain to fix this somehow. “It’s a nice line?”

Rocco is starting to sweat, “What do you mean?”

“That seemed like a bit of a line now that I think of it,” I repeat my words ending by clenching my teeth.

Bobby jumps in to help, “Of course it was a line! I bet he asks women to go and look at the stars with him all the time.”

“I bet they like it too,” Gary joins us, opening up the conversation so that we’re all a part of it. “It’s silly, really. A shipyard at night is just as nice as the stars. But no-one ever wants to go look at a shipyard with me.”

“A shipyard?” Hannah questions her partner.

“Yeah. There’s this park near where I grew up and you can sit out on the hill at night and look at the docks,” Gary reminisces, a small smile appearing on his face. It softens the crane operator. He’s opening up to us and it’s nice to see another side of him. My hope is that Hannah finds this romantic. Can’t get there by horse but I’m sure he’d drive.

“You obviously can’t see any stars, because of the smoke and all,” Gary admits. “But the lights on all the cranes are amazing at night. They’re all different colours and you can tell loads about what’s going on.”

I don’t think I’d let a man I’d only known for a day, or maybe any number of days, take me to a shipyard in the middle of the night, no matter how shiny the crane lights are. 

“Sounds kind of spooky,” I confess. 

“It’s not abandoned or anything!” Gary protests. “Plus, I don’t think machines are spooky. It’s not like they’re going to jump out at you when you’re not looking.”

“Unless they’re killer robots, like in Terminator,” Bobby jokes.

“Yeah, I’m sure you’re very nice Gary but this sounds like a trap more than a view,” I shrug my shoulders.

Gary sighs, “Right, here’s all the problems I have with that movie…”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Hope stops Gary from delving any further. “because this is riveting. But I think I’m starting to see why some of you are single.”

Ouch. Bobby tenses up and sucks a breath in. I comfort him by taking my thumb and stoking his hand.

Hope continues, “I was expecting better chat than ‘come look at a shipyard with me, baby,’”

“Yeah,” Lottie agrees. “What happened to the old classics?” 

Lottie turns to look at Hannah and puts on a deep, lustful voice, “Heeey guuurl, do you know how to give the kiss of life?

“Um…” Hannah blushes, unsure of how to respond. 

“Cos you just took my breath away!” Lottie finishes. “You try one.”

“Okay, um,” Hannah thinks. “This one has always been my favourite. Heeey guuurl, are you an overdue library book?”

 ‘I don’t know, am I?” Lottie response.

“Cos you’ve got ‘fine’ written all over you!” Hannah and Lottie laugh with each other.

“Hey, Hope,” Noah calls for Hope’s attention. “Feel my shirt.”

“Um, okay,” Hope moves her hand to touch Noah’s shirt.

“Feel that?” Noah asks and Hope nods. “That’s boyfriend material.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m melting!” Hope pretends to melt over Noah. Most of us are in fits of laughter at this point.

“I love these pick up lines,” my words come out between laughter. “They’re so bad that they’re good!”

“Me too!” Lottie points at me in agreement. “I want to pretend I like them ironically, but–”

Ibrahim clears his throat, cutting off Lottie, “Okay, check this out. Hey girl, are you a dam?”

“Huh?” I attempt to ask. I’m pretty sure that I know what this line is supposed to be but Ibrahim told it wrong. He doesn’t notice though and keeps going.

“Because you got me saying ‘beaver’!” He looks around the group and is only met with confused expressions. I’m trying to keep the laugh bubbling in my throat at bay but it’s too hard. I can feel Bobby start to shake a bit too. I couldn’t look at him, though. I had a feeling that if we did look at each other that we wouldn’t be able to stop laughing.

Ibrahim realizes his mistake, “Uh. Wait… I mean…”

He’s only met with awkward silence. Oh dear.

I look at Bobby and he immediately knows where my brain is going. We both start laughing and it’s not long until the whole crew is laughing along with us.

“Oh Ibrahim,” I look at the golfer as I wipe the tears from my eyes. “You were so close.”

“Why don’t you try one, Bliss?” Hope encourages me.

“Okay!” I immediately turn to Bobby, locked and loaded. “Hey Bobby, you must know exactly what I’m searching for because you autocomplete me.”

Bobby laughs, “I love it!”

“It’s better than anything I’ve got,” Ibrahim shrugs. “I might have to work on my game…”

I pat Ibrahim’s back, “Trust me, there are worse things than not being a smooth talker.”

“People who talk to your chest instead of your face,” Marisol gave her example.

Hannah juts out her bottom lip, “I’d take a couple of cheesy lines from a sweet guy over someone who talked down to me.”

“Or,” Hope scowls, tone disgusted. “Someone who can’t take no for an answer.”

Hope takes a moment to look at the group, scowl still in place. I could see the wheels turning in her head. I could see that her pause is not that she’s challenging the islanders but more so weighing her options. I know why, this is a difficult topic. We’re conditioned to keep these experiences to ourselves. Hope wanted to take us there, at least in that moment. But now her face falters a bit, undecided. 

“I was about to talk about a time a guy was physically inappropriate with me,” she admits. “Is that going to make you feel uncomfortable?”

The other islanders take their turn looking at the group. I was already nodding my head. I was comfortable but I appreciated Hope giving us the option.

“No judgement!” Hope added.

I decided to say something, “Tell us what happened, Hope. Whatever you feel comfortable with.”

The other islanders agreed, nodding heads, and supportive looks.

Hope takes a breath, “At the end of one date, a guy tried to take a goodnight kiss a bit further than I wanted to. It was so awkward.”

“Awkward is an understatement,” Marisol affirmed. 

“That’s awful, sweetie,” I agreed.

Lottie frowned, “I know so many girls that have been through something similar.”

“You’re not alone at all,” I tried to keep my tone soothing. “Most women have.”

“There are so many things the guy did wrong,” Rocco added.

“Absolutely,” I say, agreeing with Rocco. “He made Hope uncomfortable and he violated her boundary, ignoring that she didn’t consent to go further. It’s vile when someone says ‘no’ and it’s treated as an open ended question, or up for negotiation, or dismissed like a suggestion.”

I see the other islanders nodding in agreement, which is such a relief. I’ve had these conversations so many times in my work and my personal life, it doesn’t always go down this respectfully.

“Exactly,” Marisol confirms my statement.

“They don’t even have to explicitly say no,” Bobby remarks. “If someone is trying to get away from me or making excuses, that counts as a no.”

“So pretty much everyone you chrome into contact with then?” Gary ribs. 

I glare at Gary. Again, dude?

"Bobby's absolutely right," I agree. "If it's not an enthusiastic yes, it's a no."

“It’s simple,” Noah emphasizes. “Unless the other person is as keen as you are, it’s not happening.” 

“When a girl does out with me she can expect quality banter and an absolute gent,” Gary boasts as he puts his hands on his hips and puffs out his chest.

“And a hundred bad dad jokes,” a quip that leaves my mouth before my mind could catch up to it.

“Dad jokes?” Gary protests over the other islander’s laughter. “This is quality humour.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” I poke.

Gary isn’t giving up, “Right. A bishop walks into a nunnery—”

“Quiet everyone!” Bobby laughs. “Gary wants to do his tight five.”

The sound of a text tone disrupts our laughter. Hannah looks down at her phone before shouting, “I got a text!”

We’re silent, giving the floor (or the lawn) to our novelist. Hannah begins reading out loud, “Islanders, please go to the firepit and get ready to meet your new arrival. #newarrival #turnuptheheat”

“Are you ready, islanders?” Hope smirks.

Bobby pumps his free fist in the air, “Let’s do this!”

We finish what is left of our drinks and start to walk over to the firepit behind us. Bobby looks at me with a smile and starts to pull me along with him. I see Hope out of the corner of my eye picking up a few of the plastic flutes that had fallen by accident in our excitement. I stop Bobby with my free hand.

“One second, I’ll meet you over there,” I nod my head over at Hope.”

Bobby’s face goes from perplexed to assured. He leans over to kiss my cheek as I let go of his hand.

I move over to Hope and pick up the last one. Our eyes meet when we’re both standing straight. 

“Hope, can I give you a cuddle?” I ask. 

Hope smiles at me, “Of course you can, babes.” 

I wrap my arms around her and she holds me close. Hope is slightly taller than me but we fit nicely. She smells of saffron and jasmine, notes of freshly cut woods linger on her skin. “Thank you for sharing with us. I really admire you for being so open. That’s a hard thing to do.”

“Thanks, babes,” Hope whispers. As we part, I make sure to tell her that I’m always here if she needs anything.

“I know everyone says that,” I smile. “But I really do mean it. We don’t even have to talk if you don’t want to. I got you.”

“Thank you, hun,” Hope gives me one last squeeze before we start walking over to the firepit but I notice Bobby has been waiting for me where I’d left him. I walk over to him as Hope joins the others and sits next to Noah.

“What’s up?” I ask Bobby as I reach him.

“Today’s been such a good laugh but I thought we could have a quick chat before someone else arrives and it all kicks off,” Bobby explains.

“Of course!” I reply, hopefully not in a way that sounds like I’m nervous, which I am.

“Maybe I’m–” Bobby begins and pauses. “It felt like there might have been a bit of tension during Truth or Dare earlier today. Was it okay that I kissed you when I did that dare?”

I move closer to Bobby and put my hand on his bicep, “Yes, of course. I mean, I chose you this morning and you kissed me this afternoon. What’s not to like?”

I can’t help but smile, remembering the kiss. Bobby shares a smile of relief.

“It’s been a really good day in my books,” I double down.

“I never really got into these games when I was younger,” Bobby confides, glancing at the ground now. “I was a pretty shy kid. When we did Spin the Bottle I always hoped it wouldn’t land on me.”

“I get that,” I rub his arm, not breaking my gaze.

“I’m better at making people laugh than flirting, I guess, but here you’ve got to do both,” he continues. “It’s like being a teenager again.”

I gently move his face so we’re looking into each other's eyes. I want to make him know I mean every little thing I say. “It’s wild in here and it’s even different than what it seems like on TV.”

Bobby titters but hesitates for a moment, like something else is on his mind. “Can I ask you, now we’re in private… Where's your head at? What are you thinking about you and me?”

“Bobby, I like you,” I state. “I really want to give us a chance.”

“I’m glad you say that,” Bobby relaxes, pleased with my answer. “I think we’ve got a good connection so far. We’re clicking, you’re saying the right stuff…” Bobby trails off.

“Do I sense a ‘but’?” I question him. “You can say anything to me, Bobby.”

“But it’s only day one,” Bobby continues, his tone suggesting that he’s choosing all of his words carefully. 

“And we should get to know everybody,” I finish his sentence.

“Exactly,” Bobby confirms. “Personally, I find it hard to build a connection with someone that’s more than a friendship.”

“I can understand that,” I assure Bobby with a small smile. “It takes time to be sure you’re with the right person. We–” I cut myself off. “I mean, you have time. No pressure.”

I’m not going to be the Love Island contestant who becomes possessive and territorial on day one. The one who thinks the first coupling is set in stone. That every chat is a sinister scheme to end their couple. That every Bombshell is a bitch, whore, or slag that was purposefully trying to ruin their life, when all a Bombshell is doing is being a Bombshell. That’s far too intense, it never works out well, and it only leaves the person miserable. There were already going to be challenges in the Villa, why create an obstacle for yourself?

That being said, I didn’t love that we were having this conversation, not exactly at least. It was good for Bobby to be straight with me and it was good to check in about this. What is hard is that Bobby didn’t sound as sure as I am in our couple. I know there is something here. But pushing him to feel the same way when he’d just confided in me that he has a hard time developing romantic connections would be cruel. I’m not a cruel person. 

I needed time too. I’ve taken a lot of time. Bobby should too.

Bobby smiles at me and moves to tuck a lock of my hair behind my ear. His hands are warm and soft as it grazes my profile. Man, he has really nice hands.

“Aye, we have time,” Bobby assures me. 

We’re interrupted by Lottie calling us over. “Whenever you two lovebirds are ready.”

I roll my eyes and take Bobby’s hand in mine, “C’mon, let’s not keep the bombshell waiting.”

***

Production has taken the time to set up the firepit perfectly for the bombshell’s arrival. We’ve been seated just so, the cameras that aren’t hidden are all in place, the coals have been lit and the flames in the center flap in the warm island breeze. 

“Everybody ready?” Hope asks, making sure to look at each islander sitting around the fire pit. 

The energy has shifted and the tension is thicker for some islanders than others. While we don’t know the gender of the bombshell, we’re collectively assuming it’ll be a woman. Gary and Rocco look almost giddy with anticipation, which does not delight either of their partners. Lottie is sitting with her arms and legs crossed, her dark lipstick paints the scowl on her mouth. Hannah’s body language is rigged as she gnaws on her bottom lip. I know that Marisol and Hope must be nervous too, to an extent at least. They don’t show it. Actually, Marisol looks nearly as excited as some of the boys do.

I’m trying to play it cool, trying not to get too ahead of myself. I meant what I said in the dressing room, another girl would be a nice addition to the group. Bombshells are just a part of the experience. I wouldn’t want to make anyone feel unwelcome, even if their arrival meant my end to the show. 

As we’re waiting, I notice a small piece of lint on Bobby’s shoulder. I move and pick it up with my fingers, flicking it away somewhere onto the planks of the firepit floor. Despite how discreetly I try to be, my partner notices.

“Sorry, just a bit of fuzz,” I whisper and start to return my hand to my lap. Bobby catches it, lacing his hinges in mine, and brings the back of my hand to his lips. The action catches me off guard and my stomach flips. When the kiss is over, Bobby gives me a half smile but does not release my hand.

The sound of stiletto against stone makes our heads turn. Coming down the walkway, a beautiful woman with long, thick burgundy hair and dusky skin. She’s tall and wears a champagne color dress that hugs her curves, complete with matching heels and a selection of gold bracelets. 

Va va voom.

“Hi everyone!” She exclaims, walking up to the firepit. “I’m Priya and I’m so excited to meet you all!”

Bobby whistles under his breath.

Shit.

“Mate, I know,” Noah glances back at Bobby before promptly returning his eyes to the new bombshell.

“I guess we’re the welcoming committee!” Bobby declared, letting go of my hand.

Gary moves to stand up, “Come on, boys.” 

The guys leave to gather around Priya and introduce themselves. Bobby places the quickest kiss on my cheek before running off with the others. The rest of us remain seated, unsure of what to do. Welp.

“She’s a new girl!” Hannah speaks first before contorting her face in disgust. “ And she’s beautiful. Ugh.”

Hope turns to her, “Do you think so?”

“Well, obviously,” I laugh. “She’s a bombshell, she’s gorgeous. Kind of a requirement.”

“Look at those boys, all swarming around her,” Lottie points at the other group, the angry expression has only grown. “You’d think they hadn’t just met five gorgeous women today already.”

“And now they get to meet a sixth,” I comment. “It’s a very big day for them.”

Marisol raises an eyebrow, “You sound jealous. Are you worried about Rocco?”

“Nah, I’m not worried,” Lottie scoffs. “If he can’t see what I’ve got, that’s his loss.”

Oh, she’s totally miffed.

“Well,” Lottie looks at us expectantly. “What about you guys?”

I hear Bobby’s laugh and turn to see him and Priya mid conversation. Again, shit.

“Um,” I try to find the words. Truth be told, I’m a bit jealous, but I don’t want to show that and I especially don’t want that getting back to Bobby. “I know it’s pretty early, but I already like him. It’s still night one.”

“I don’t really mind Gary going to chat to her,” Hannah admits. “I don’t think we’re right for each other anyway.” 

“Really?” I ask. I didn’t think they were right for each other either but nothing indicated that Hannah was aware of that herself.

“But I don’t like the idea one of us girls is in danger of going home already,” Hannah goes on. “If Gary does fancy Priya more, I’ll have to find someone else to couple up with.”

“If we don’t like it, we should do something about it,” Hope declares, standing up from her seat. “I’m going over there to meet her. I bet she’ll be really nice if we get to know her, and we can check up on the boys too. You wanna come with?”

Marisol and I stand up, but neither Lottie or Hannah do. 

“I’d rather stick with my girls,” Lottie stays still. 

“I’ll go. I’d like to see what kind of person she is,” Marisol tells us.

Hannah scoots closer to Lottie, “I’m going to stay and talk to Lottie. What about you, Bliss?”

“I’m down to meet her,” I smile. “Let’s make her feel welcome.”

“Your choice,” Lottie bites.

Hope and Marisol start to walk away, me trailing the two of them. Right before stepping down from the firepit platform, I look back at the two other girls.

“Are you both really going to freeze her out? What happened to forming a girl gang?” I give them a questioning look. How old are we? 

Lottie clicks her tongue, “I know where my loyalties lie.”

I have to give the biggest eyeroll of the century at Lottie before turning and joining the other group. 

“Here they are!” Bobby announces our arrival. 

“Were you lads trying to keep Priya all to yourself?” Hope immediately goes to hug Priya. “How are you doing, babes? I’m Hope, it’s so good to meet you.”

“Oh it’s good to meet you too,” Priya hugs her back. “I’m so glad you girls aren’t judging me for gatecrashing your party.”

Priya turns to me and I greet her with a smile, “Hi, I’m Bliss! You’re stunning, by the way. We were all just saying so.”

“God, you’re beautiful,” Priya reaches over to hug me. “And so sweet! I was really worried I’d be fading into the background to be honest.”

“You?” I question her. “No way.”

“Well, all of you girls are so beautiful, and I’m slightly older than some of you,” Priya reveals.

“I would have never noticed,” Ibrahim blurts out. 

Marisol looks less than pleased, “Moving swiftly on— I’m really looking forward to getting to know you better.”

“Yeah, we all are,” Bobby agrees. I move to take the space Bobby has left for me and he puts his arm around my waist. 

“I'm a pretty open person! What do you want to know?” Priya invites us.

“Not to be a cliché," I start. “But what’s your type?”

“I usually go for cheeky and flirty guys,” Priya discloses.

My adrenaline spikes. Oh, so like Bobby.

“To be honest, I’m usually the one who struggles to commit,” Priya confesses. “I love guys who are fun to be around, but I tend to get a bit scared when it gets more serious.” 

“I think everyone here is fun to be around, in their own way,” Hope smiles at Priya.

“Yeah, we’re just a bunch of mushrooms,” Ibrahim adds.

Because we’re fun guys. I don’t want to ruin Ibrahim’s pun so I keep quiet.

Bobby looks bewildered, “What?”

Ibrahim's face goes red as he stutters, “You know… we’re… fun-guys.”

“Maybe jokes aren’t your thing, lad,” Bobby pats his shoulder.

“I got it, Ibrahim,” I give the golfer a small smile, feeling bad for him.

“Anyway,” Gary interrupts. “Everyone seems really sound so far.”

“Even those two,” Hope points to Lottie and Hannah still chatting at the firepit. “They’ll come around soon, I’m sure.”

Soon is a little generous and just as unlikely. I’m a loyal gal but this is extreme. This is also the first bombshell, how bad will it be for the next. 

Priya peers over our shoulders, “What’s going on there? Why didn’t they come over and say hi?”

“I think they’re just finishing up,” I respond, trying to hide the lie. “Lottie! Hannah! Come join us!”

If looks could fucking kill. Lottie doesn’t try to hide her snide smile as she and Hannah mosey on over.

“Sorry we didn’t come over straight away,” Lottie makes an excuse. “We had something important to discuss.”

Lottie moves to plant air-kisses on both of Priya’s cheeks.  

“What did you say your name was, babe?” Lottie asks as she pulls away.

“I’m Priya,” The bombshell reintroduced herself.

“Nice to meet you,” Lottie smirk quickly turns into a pout. “It must be really hard for you to come in when we’re all coupled up already.”

Ew, that’s so low.

“Oh, it’s barely night one,” I interrupt. “Priya hasn’t missed much at all.”

Lottie glares at me like I’m the problem.

Priya goes to reciprocate the cheek kisses Lottie had given her, not missing a beat.

“I love your Aussie accent. It’s so…” Priya pauses, looking for the right word. “Rural.”

It seems like the bombshell can hold her own. Still, having someone in your corner could only help. While I feel like I have the most to lose, that isn’t Priya’s fault. She signed up to do the show too, she should get a fair shake as far as I’m concerned.

“Guys, it’s a bit early to be getting into it like this,” Noah tries to referee. “It’s our first day in the Villa!”

Hope nods her head in agreement, “Noah is right. There’s going to be plenty of time for falling out later.”

I hope she’s wrong. I can already see Bobby’s having a hard time with this negative interaction. His grip has tightened around my waist and his free hand has gone to the back of his head again as he rolls the same dreadlock in between his fingers again. This is obviously a coping mechanism and I felt bad that Bobby was having to utilize it.

I glide my arm to his back and gently caress the back of his neck, fingernails lightly trailing across the skin above his collar. This seems to soothe him a bit, he closes his eyes and a small smile shows itself on his lips.

“Sorry if I’m not loving the idea that we’re already in danger,” Lottie bites. 

“Speaking of which,” Marisol interjects. “I guess it’s time to ask the big question.”

I can’t help myself, “Oh Marisol! Don’t you think it’s too early to ask for her hand in marriage? You don’t even know how many goats her father has!”

“Yeah,” Bobby continues. “I know you’re wearing white and all but at least wait until night two.”

“Ha ha you two,” Marisol dismisses us, though her complexion has gone a bit pink. She turns to Priya. “Has any of these boys caught your eye already?”

 “I would say Ibrahim is my type straight away,” Priya immediately answers.

“I’m so glad I asked,” Marisol looks embarrassed now. She wasn’t expecting the answer to her own question would impact her position. Surely she’d notice Ibrahim’s interest in Priya but it was clear that she wasn’t expecting those feelings to be reciprocated.

“But Bobby has got gorgeous eyes, too,” Priya adds, smiling over at us. 

I’d expected this so it wasn’t a huge shock but I didn’t like it all the same. I couldn’t blame her either, Bobby’s topaz eyes were stunning. The girl has good taste.

“But I’m trying not to tread on anyone’s toes,” she continued.  

“It’s totally cool for you to talk to any of the boys,” I smile. “It’s only night one.”

“Yeah, it’s only fair that you get a chance to chat to all of the boys,” Hope agrees. “And we should get you a drink!”

“Oh my gosh!” I gasp. “I didn’t realize you hadn’t been given one.”

“Honestly, boys! It’s a party and no one has got Priya a glass of bubbly yet.” Hope looks appalled. 

Priya laughs, “I guess I’d better do that grafting thing, then.”

“Honey, I don’t think anyone with a figure like that needs to graft,” Marisol looks the new islander up and down. “Go sit on the bed over there and watch the boys form a line.”

“Better go quick, Priya or else I think Marisol will keep you all to herself,” I say, steering Marisol away.

“Rocco, I think we need to have a word,” Lottie barks.

Rocco’s face goes pale as Lottie drags him away.

“Yeah, I think it’s that time for most of us,” Gary announces as Hannah looks at him expectantly.

The couples drift apart to discuss the latest turn of events. Lottie’s voice has raised multiple decibels from where her couple are sitting. I turn to face Bobby who is still by my side. 

“Do you want to pull Priya for a chat or would you rather us debrief?” I ask him.

He thinks for a moment before giving me a half smile, “You know what sounds good?”

“Eight weeks on a tropical island?” I banter. “I think… I think we already have that though.”

“We do have that covered,” Bobby laughs. “But what if you had eight weeks on a tropical island and a cheese toasty?”

“Oh Bobby,” I fan myself and pretend to hold onto his body as if I were going to faint. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Chapter Text

Bobby

“You know what?” 

It was the end of the first night, the cooler breeze moved through the villa. The excitement of the new arrival had dissipated a bit but there were plenty of couples you felt threatened. It was understandable, Priya is a pretty girl. Her entrance was full of confidence and that scared some of the girls. It didn’t make it any better when a few of the boys didn’t hide their enthusiasm, especially since Priya was probably going to choose a couple to break up and steal one of the boys from the girls, which could lead to someone being dumped. The girls were at a total disadvantage.

None of that mattered to me, though. I was in a couple with the most beautiful girl in the world. She was sexy, smart, funny, and sweet. Why Bliss had chosen me didn’t make any sense but I’d decided to push that to the side. I didn’t know how long this would last, when a new boy who she liked more would come in and leave me heartbroken. Instead, I focus on making her a cheese toastie and have a minute alone in the kitchen with Bliss. 

Bliss sits on the kitchen counter with one half of the cheese toastie I’ve just made her.

“What?” I ask as I look for a sponge. 

Bliss has just taken a bite and held her hand up to cover her mouth. “I could eat a grilled cheese every night.”

Then I will make you a cheese toastie every night. 

I start cleaning up the kitchen. I have a feeling I’ll be cleaning this kitchen quite often.

“You still call it a grilled cheese? How long have you lived in the UK?” I question her as I scrub the frying pan.

“I don’t live in the UK,” she reminds me with a raised index finger pointing in my direction. “I live in Ireland. Very different.”

“Oh, sorry,” I chuckled. “I didn’t realize they'd adopted the American name.”

“Well, you got me there because they haven’t,” Bliss shakes her head, a few locks of her hair that were tucked behind her ears escape from the movement. “But they should!”

“Maybe you can use this as an opportunity to change that,” I can’t stop smiling at her. My cheeks are actually starting to hurt but it doesn’t matter. 

“That was actually my master plan,” Bliss banters. “I’m not actually here for love. I’m here to spread the grilled cheese agenda.”

“Did tonight go as planned?” I ask, fishing for answers. I had blundered a bit earlier at the firepit. It was so shocking to see a woman like Priya emerge from the villa doors, especially after all the anticipation. So shocking that I accidentally whistled at her arrival. I regretted it instantly, I was too caught up in the moment that I hadn't considered that the girl of my dreams was sitting right next to me. Then, when I’d hoped that it’d gone unnoticed, Noah had to call attention to it. Bliss didn’t seem mad but I knew it didn’t feel nice, even if it’s day one.

“Did tonight go according to plan?” Bliss taps her cheek thoughtfully. “Well, I was pretty certain the bombshell was going to be a girl, and that she was going to be gorgeous beyond compare, but seeing Priya in the flesh was quite the sight.”

“I don’t think the boys had many expectations,” I said, moving on to dry the dishes. “Did you see Ibrahim’s face? I think I saw a bit of drool.”

“You know I did see some cartoon-like expressions,” Bliss comments. “Pretty sure I saw Gary’s eyes bulge out of his face and make an ‘awooga’ noise.”

“I thought Rocco was going to burst, he was trying to keep it together while Lottie dug her claws into his arm,” I jest, now wiping off the kitchen counter.

Bliss pauses to take another bite of the sandwich before commenting, “Hate to say it but I do think your whistle instigated the shenanigans.”

Damnit. 

I sigh as I use the sponge to sweep all of the crumbs into the sink.

“Sorry,” Bliss’ voice gets low and turns her head away from me. “I’m not mad. I get it, Priya is beautiful. The reactions were warranted. I didn’t mean to upset you."

“You don’t have to be sorry, I’m not upset,” I tell her, moving my hand so the front of my fingers caress her cheek, my request for her to look at me again is granted. “I shouldn’t have done that, I was caught up in the moment and wasn’t expecting the bombshell to be a woman.”

“Bobby,” Bliss meets my eyes with such sweet sincerity. “It’s really okay. We already discussed needing to talk to everyone.”

“That’s true,” I concede. “But you must know that you also made a big splash when you walked through the Villa’s doors.”

“Yeah, okay,” she scoffs. Does she really not believe me?

“Seriously! The lads can’t stop talking about you.”

“The boys are excited about all of the girls”

“Nope. Not like you,” I shake my head fervently. “Every guy has warned me that they’ll be pulling you for a chat. Seems like Gary already did.”

I’d been waiting to ask her about the chat. I didn’t want to come across as jealous or bothered, but I was a bit bothered. Gary had told me he’d be pulling Bliss but seeing it stung a tad. It didn’t help that Gary is so big and brawny, opposite of me. What if Bliss preferred the muscled, manly, blue collar type?

“He did,” Bliss says matter of factly. “He said we had ‘chemistry,’ which is odd because this was our first conversation. It’s not reciprocated."

“Really?” I try not to sound too eager. “Did you tell him that?”

Her cheeks go pink, “Um, I kind of told him that I was focusing on you… but that was before our conversation and I do agree; we shouldn’t close ourselves off this early.”

“Aye, we shouldn’t,” a coy smile dances on my lips. “But you should know, I’m also focused on you.”

Bliss bites her bottom lip to suppress a smile. She moves to take the other half of the cheese toasty off the napkin and hands it to me. “This is an exceptional sandwich,” she compliments me. “You should enjoy the fruits of your labor too”

“You know, I’m really proud of you,” I say before taking a bite. “The way you handled Lottie, Hannah, and Priya was impressive. I get the impression that Lottie is a wee headstrong.” 

“Oh she is.” Bliss nods. “What’s mad is that before we came out this morning, she talked about how she wanted us to be close and like a girl gang.”

“A girl gang?” I repeat.

“You know, girl gang. Girl power. Like something out of Riot Grrrl,” she explains. “Well, at least I associate the two. But essentially we watch each other’s backs and support one another while we’re in the Villa.”

“Okay Kathleen Hanna,” I nod approvingly. “Revolution girl style.”

“Yes! Exactly that,” Bliss points excitedly. “Wait, you’re into punk? That’s awesome.”

“I am. I actually used to front a punk band,” I’m bragging a bit, trying to look as cool as the coolest girl I’ve ever met. “We should talk music sometime.”

“We shall,” Bliss grins at me.She leans a little further back on the counter, leading to the thin strap of her dress falls just slightly off her shoulder, exposing more of her chest and the slope of her breast. 

Fuck.

I take my final bite of the cheese toastie and move closer to her, so I’m standing directly in front of her. I’m not quite close enough to kiss her again, but I’m not too far off. Bliss looks good. Really good. The satin dress she is wearing is low cut with a trim of lace details lining that dips along the fabric. The rest of the dress only accentuated her curves, and I’m trying not to gawk at her but it’s so hard. I’m painfully aware that if I take just a step forward I could touch her, wrap her in my arms, and feel her soft skin again. If I move forward, the deep slit that runs from the bottom of her dress up to her mid thigh would help her part her legs and cross them around my body, getting us even closer. If I move forward I could guide her lips to mine and savor her sweet taste. 

I shake my head, dismissing all of these thoughts. 

Get yourself together! 

Bliss looks at me with concern, “Are you okay?”

"Uh, yeah, sorry,” I rack my mind for an excuse. “I’m just wondering something. Are you sure it was okay that I kissed you during truth or dare?”

“Oh, Bobby,” Bliss reaches out and takes my hand in hers, fingers laced together. “It was lovely. I’m very happy you kissed me.”

My heart skips a beat when she touches my hand. I’m starting to think that was going to happen every time we touch. We had already talked about the kiss and she’d said the same thing to me then. It wasn’t so much that I didn’t believe her. It just didn’t make sense to me.

“You know when you asked me why I stepped forward?” I ask, my eyes focus on our intertwined hands and the way her thumb brushed across the top of mine.

“When you said you rate a girl who doesn’t go overboard with her appearance?” Bliss asked.

“Yeah, about that,” I take a deep breath. “I wasn’t completely honest with you, Bliss.”

Bliss pauses, “Oh… okay…”

“The truth is,” I look at Bliss to find her eyes fully focused on me. “When you came out those doors for the first time, I couldn’t believe that you were real. When our eyes met, it was like I knew you. Like there was a deep connection between us. My whole body felt a rush of joy and heat, or something. I’ve never felt like that before.”

“Bobby,” Bliss beckons me forward and puts her free hand on my chest, touching my skin where I’ve left my shirt unbuttoned. “Bobby, I feel the same thing. This bolt of lightning hit my body. When I saw you it was like we were the only people here. Like everything was leading me to you.”

Her tone and grey eyes are sincere. Bliss gently brushed her finger tips against each freckle on my chest. It was almost hypnotic.

“Does it scare you?” I ask, my voice low with concern. “Are you as scared as I am?”

“Well, yeah,” Bliss laughs. “But I also don’t want fear to get in the way of things. I want to see where this goes. I need to. We have something good and I know it.”

Being brave, I move closer so that my body is touching Bliss’ legs. I let go of her hand and slide it against the fabric of her dress to the small of her waist, while my other hand rests on the counter. Her breath hitches when I touch her but quickly moves the hand I’d let go of to my shoulder. Being this close now I’m able to see her own freckles on her creamy skin. Bliss’ mouth is slightly open, her cheeks flushed with a cool pink, and, if I’m not mistaken, her half lidded eyes drift to my lips. 

Kiss her.

I take my hand off the counter and move it up to her face, cupping where her jaw hinges and her cheek begins. Bliss nuzzles into my palm as she closes her eyes. I gently move the pad of my thumb over her soft full lips, the motion educes a hushed sigh from the beauty. Bliss is intoxicating. She smells like buttercream and plum, with notes of amber and cinnamon. She has the softest skin I’ve ever felt, like cashmere against my fingers. My heart pounds against my chest, harder and harder the longer I have Bliss here. 

Kiss her. 

Now.

I close the gap between us, my lips capture hers. Her response comes in slow, drawn out kisses and I make sure to keep the pace. Bliss takes her hands and glides them to the back of my neck, her palms resting near my hairline. She moves her lips slowly and I try to savor every movement, moving my head with hers. I’ve never kissed someone like Bliss before. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve kissed beautiful women, but Bliss is a whole different story. Her lips are perfect and melt into mine. She radiates warmth. Her touch ignites something inside of me that's equal parts scary and alluring. I only want more and more. 

Yeah, I’m taking this very seriously.   

I take the hand I have on her face and run my fingers through her thick, wavy hair. The softest moan escapes Bliss’ mouth and onto my lips. I try to keep calm but the angelic noise arouses me. I want to devour her. My tongue runs along her bottom lips and Bliss allows me entrance to her warm mouth. I take my time, exploring her like I needed to memorize the rhythm of our kiss. Bliss pulls me closer and I descend the hand that I have planted on her lower back, resting it again right above the contour of her ass.  

Kissing Bliss is exhilarating. My body ached to go further but my heart wanted to stay in this moment forever. This was so new, us. I didn’t want to move fast like I usually did with women. I wanted Bliss and I to take our time, give it a shot. If she feels the same way I do about her then I need to let it advance without any pressure. I need to treat this like we have all the time in the world. And who knows, maybe we do.

Bliss’ gentle hands slowly start to wander from the back of my neck and back to my chest. Her light touch on my skin feels so damn good. I can’t help but let out a low moan. The outburst makes Bliss breathe out a laugh before kissing me harder and I meet her intensity. I can feel her legs parting, one moving to wrap itself around my body. My hand continues to migrate lower. My arousal grows and I—

“Ahem.”

Our mouths break apart and our heads turn. It’s Lottie, standing in the kitchen with a smirk on her face. Bliss and I are frozen, probably looking like two teenagers being caught making out in the back of a car. Wide eyed, out of breath, slick mouths. I could feel my face grow red.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Lottie says, not sounding sorry at all. “But I need to get my water bottle.”

“Huh?” Bliss says, trying to catch her breath.

“My water bottle,” Lottie repeats, clearly amused. “It’s behind you. You’re in my way.”

“Oh,” I look over to the other counter. Lottie is right, a water bottle with her name in pink script is right next to us. And here we were, right in her path, holding the bottle captive.

Bliss reaches over to pick it up and almost slips off the counter. I have to catch her by her waist and, if it was even possible, her cheeks continue to glow pink. She grabs the water bottle and leans the other direction to give it to Lottie. Lottie holds the handle around one finger. “Thanks.”

Lottie turns around to walk back inside, most of the islanders must be getting ready for bed at this point. She looks back at us, still smirking, “I hope you’ll move somewhere more intimate soon. I want to make breakfast in the morning and could use the counter space.”

As she walks away, Bliss and I turn back to face each other, my hands still hold her by her waist. Her half lidded eyes are the color of stormy night skies. The cool pink of her cheeks has deepened and migrated to her still swelling chest as well. Her lips are puffy and wet from my mouth. She’s the most beautiful girl in the world.

I am so lucky. 

Bliss looks into my eyes, a small smile breaking on her face, and a light giggle exits her mouth. I’m also breathless but despite that, I can’t help but laugh too. My head dips and my forehead rests against the crook of her neck. I inhale her scent. I’m so tempted to kiss her right here, to taste her skin, and to explore her more. To keep going. I won’t though.

Not yet.

I wrap Bliss into a hug, push my forehead against hers as she joins her hands behind my neck again. “You’re an amazing kisser, you know that?”

“You know, I have been told that,” Bliss admits. “But I’m very fortunate to have met lips as skilled as yours.”

“Fortunate?” I tease.

Bliss laughs, “Very fortunate. You’re an exceptional partner, Bobby.”

“Well,” I break our embrace and help Bliss down from the counter. “I hope we can do that again… soon.”

Bliss takes my hand in hers and looks up to meet my eyes, “I think I could arrange that.”

My heart thumps against my chest as she says that. I smile at her and lead the way inside.

***

I take Bliss to the girl’s dressing room to get ready for bed. Bed. The only thing I can think about as we walk up the stairs is bed. We’re supposed to share a bed tonight but I worry that Bliss won’t want to. Yes, we had just shared a sultry kiss but sharing a bed with someone you just barely met was another thing.

You just need to ask her, Bob. Suck it up and ask. 

When we get to the dressing room, I stop right outside the door and pull her aside. Bliss leans against the wall and I’m in front of her, I’m hoping I don’t look like I’m bricking it. 

“So,” I start, trying to sound nonchalant while feeling very chalant. “It’s almost time for bed.”

Bliss laughs, “Oh, you noticed that too?”

“Aye,” I gulped. “And, as it’s our first night as a couple…”

“Yes,” Bliss smiles at me, clearly enjoying herself.

“I was thinking about what you said earlier about wanting to get to know each other better,” I’m rambling, so not smooth enough to do this. 

Bliss takes her index finger and taps her cheek like she’s trying to remember something important. “Hmmm, I do recall this.”

Why is this so hard? We’d just been wrapped around each other in the kitchen, who knows how far we would have gone if Lottie hadn’t interrupted us. But this was a different form of intimacy all together.

“I’m a bit embarrassed to ask this but how do you feel about sharing a bed tonight?” I finally finished, pushing through the question before I could get more in my head.

“Oh, Bobby,” Bliss smiles at me with a glint in her eyes. “Of course. I’ve been looking forward to it all night.”

I let my shoulders relax and breathe deeply, “I’m so glad you said that. I was so much more nervous than I was expecting!”

“There’s just one little thing,” Bliss bites her lip.

I’m instantly nervous again, “What?”

“Well Lottie has this whole moon ritual thing for all of the girls tonight and we’re going to do it right before bed. It shouldn’t be too long of a thing but when it’s done I will happily join you in bed,” Bliss explains.

“A girl gang meeting?” I chuckle, relieved again.

“Something like that,” she approves. “So we probably won’t have much privacy once we’re in bed…”

“So this is probably our last bit of alone time for the night,” I lean an arm up against the wall behind Bliss, moving my body closer to hers.

Bliss moves her hands to my shoulders, “It appears that way.”

“I guess we should make the most of it,” I keep my voice low and loop my arm around her waist, capturing her lips in mine. 

This kiss is soft and sweet. It was a kiss that promised more to come. Many little intimacies would happen between Bliss and me. The kiss assured it.  

Eventually, we pull apart and I’m left swaying. I’m convinced I’ll never get used to this.

“That was nice,” I beam at Bliss. “Like really, really nice.” 

Bliss laughs, her nose scrunches as she smiles wide, “It was amazing, Bobby.”

“Honestly? I kind of just wanna sweep you up again.” I confess, stumbling on my analogy. “You’re, like, this gorgeous pile of dust that looks great in everything, all ready to be swept up.”

Bliss looks at me befuddled, “What?”

“What I mean is,” I feel my cheeks go red. “You’re irresistible. And I can’t quite believe this is really happening. It’s been a really nice night.”

“It’s been really nice for me too,” Bliss giggles, and I can’t help but giggle with her.

“I can’t believe we kissed on the first night.” 

“Can I confess something kind of stupid?” Bliss looks down at the floor before she looks back up with me.

“You can say anything to me,” I repeat the words she told me earlier. “Though I really doubt you could say something stupid.”

“You sure you want to say that?” She laughs. “It’s only night one.”

“Yeah, I’ve got a feeling I’m right,” I smile at her.

“Okay, before I came to the villa, I was really afraid to kiss anyone,” Bliss bites her lip.

“Afraid?” I didn’t understand. “How so?”

Bliss inhales and exhales a heavy sigh, “Because I’ve seen the show before and everyone does the whole Love Island, reality TV kissing and it’s gross.”

“Reality TV kissing..” I’m confused, I’ve only seen a few episodes here and there of the show but it was Johno who was the massive fan. He explained some of the challenges they’d done in the past but hadn’t warned me about any unique styles of kissing.

“You know,” Bliss blushes and squirms a bit. “The really sloppy, tongue first, slurping, excessively wet, type of kissing that they always show. I was worried I’d fall victim to it.”

“Sloppy tongue first?” I repeat her words, each letter sounding more minging than the next. “Sorry, did you say ‘slurping?’”

“Yes!” Bliss exclaims. “Like in challenges where they have to kiss everyone, someone always picks another islander and just shoves their tongue down their throat and you can actually see their whole ass tongue moving around in someone else’s mouth.”

Bliss makes a gaging sound before her whole body shivers. 

“So, you thought I was going to just put my whole mouth around yours then?” I ask her, now laughing at her reaction. I have to agree, I’d be worried too if I spent eight weeks of watching twelve different tongues constantly going after each other.

“Yes! Yes! Exactly, like a suction cup or that scream vacuum from Monster’s Inc..” She laughs along with me, putting her hands on my chest again.

“Like this?” I pucker my lips and make a slurping sound, then slowly guided them slowly toward her face. 

Bliss squirmed but laughed loudly at the noises I was making. My hands gripped her arms loosely and she turned her face away so that my lips landed on her cheek. Her laughter grew as I tried to navigate the balance between humor and fully slobbering on her like a basset hound. 

“Bobby!” Bliss chokes out between laughs, trying to gain composure.

I remove my lips from her cheek and move my head away from her face, “What? I’m giving you the full Love Island experience!”

Bliss buries her head into my chest instead as her laughs turn to giggles, her hot breath tickling my skin. God, she has the best laugh. It’s rhythmic and golden in tone. It’s impossible to not laugh with her. So we stand there for a while, her pressing up against me and I’m holding her close conjoined laughter vibrating off of each other.

When we part, still breathless, quiet giggles linger between us, I look at her face. I wipe off the cheek where my mouth I kissed but my fingers only become faint and gentle as they move. There’s a glint in her grey eyes that I’m not sure are because of the laughter or because she likes me. I hope she likes me. I want to ask her if she likes me but I know how uncool that would be, especially considering the night we’d had. 

Sure, we’ve kissed and sure, we’ve spent more one on one time than most of the other couples. We bonded in the kitchen and even though I walked her to the dressing room, she hasn’t made any progress in getting through the door. But I’ve never had a girl like Bliss like me, not properly at least. I keep telling myself to not get my hopes up, to not get attached this early on. She told me that she shares the same feeling that pulls me to her, but who knew if it was permanent. The endless possibility of bombshells that would be walking in here was enough to make me nervous, but every guy in here, save for Noah, wanted to get to know her too. How could I compare?

I notice the thin strap of Bliss’ dress has fallen off her shoulder again. The neck of the dress is now dangerously low with the lace detailing folded over, and I can tell that she’s not wearing a bra. Jesus.

Without thinking, I move my index finger to where the fabric creases on her chest, looping my finger underneath. Bliss breath hitches. My finger is dangerously low on the slope of her breasts. I slowly guide the strap up her arm and back onto her shoulder. I brush her hair back with my hand and admire the freckles that dot her creamy skin. Then, just because I couldn’t help myself, I thread my fingers deep in Bliss’ thick, dark hair. My action evokes a low moan from her open mouth, a sound I want to chase as far as she’ll let me.

“Bobby,” Bliss whispers, her eyes flutter shut and her head rolls back.

“Bliss,” I whisper back, the corners of my mouth twitch into a smile. My hand nestles more into her curls, allowing myself to play with the strands. Another rich sound escapes Bliss’ lips and I can feel myself getting aroused.

“Mmmm,” Bliss looks like she’s carefully choosing her words, counting every letter, to communicate her desire. “I really, really like having my hair played with. I like the way you play with my hair. Like a lot.”

I suppress a light chuckle before leaning in and whispering in her other ear, “I can tell.”

As I’m about to catch Bliss’ lips, she beats me to it and pulls me by the collar. These kisses are fast, desperate, and longing. My free hand moves to her waist and I push Bliss up against the wall. Bliss pulls my bottom lip between her teeth and a husky groan that was buried inside of me finds its way into her mouth before I kiss Bliss harder.

I can’t describe what kissing Bliss is like. All I know is that it’s everything.

“Bliss?”

We hear a slight creak from the door and completely stop.There isn’t much time but we’re able to compose ourselves fairly well, minus our just kissed lips, disheveled hair and clothes. Luckily I’m able to take care of an urgent matter and adjust myself before Marisol enters the hallway, already wearing a smirk when she sees us.

“Yes?” Bliss answers. I have my hands in my pocket and look up at the ceiling. 

Right where I expected it to be. 

“Lottie is looking for you, she wants to start the ritual or ceremony thing but wasn’t sure where you were,” Marisol raises her eyebrow. “But I guess you were tied up.”

“Bobby was just dropping me off,” Bliss explains.

“Yeah, and oh hey– look!” My arms gesture to the door and I act surprised. “We’re here now!”

“Found it!” Bliss exclaims and offers an almost suspiciously wide smile to the psychology student.

Marisol is silent for a moment, “Okay. Well, just hurry. Lottie's impatience is waning.”

“Waning? I thought it was a full moon,” I playfully nudge Marisol with my elbow.

Bliss laughs at my joke but Marisol’s face is completely deadpan.

“Right, um I guess I’ll go now?” Bliss holds out her hand to me to shake it. “Bobby.”

I can’t help but laugh but shake her hand as she realizes what she’s doing. Bliss’ face goes red and the look of terror on her face makes me laugh a bit. “Bliss.”

“Okay bye,” Bliss quickly turns around and runs face first into the dressing room door.

“Are you—” I start to ask, moving to make sure she’s not hurt.

“I’m fine! I’m fine!” Bliss holds a thumbs up above her head but doesn’t turn around before slipping through the doorway. 

She’s so cute when she’s flustered.

 ***

When I leave Bliss, I head to the bathroom to get ready for bed. It’s the first time I’ve actually been alone since entering the villa today and I had a feeling that these rare moments of privacy should be taken care of methodically. This is the space to clear my head, to check in with myself, to decompress… but all I can think of is the most beautiful girl in the world, how her grey eyes look at me, and that she picked me. 

I hadn’t meant to become so attached this quickly, it’s rare for me to move any sort of relationship past the situationship stage. I figured it’d be the same way in here, that I’d get picked last by a girl who’d run out of options and awkwardly navigate the villa until I’d inevitably get dumped. I gave it three days tops.

I also hadn’t expected to become so physical on day one. Johno had told me all about the challenges and that, essentially, I’d snog every girl in the villa while in a stupid outfit and covered in some sort of goo. That was the name of the game around here. If the impossible happened and I did make a connection with someone, I’d decided I’d take it slow. I’d been burned in the past and I also already knew what meaningless sex would get me, not to mention that I wouldn’t have had to travel to Spain if that’s what I wanted. Being honest with myself, I’d applied with the tiniest bit of hope that I would find someone here, someone I liked enough to, gradually, lower my walls. And I figured that wouldn’t happen if I just immediately threw myself at someone. 

When Bliss walked into the villa, when I felt the pull between us, taking things slow was still the strategy, though for a different reason. I didn’t want to fuck this up. I didn’t want to squander the fortune that put us together. Because if I ruined this, lost her, I’d never forgive myself. 

But there was a spanner in the works; our sexual chemistry is (no pun intended) bangin’. Well, maybe some pun intended. I hadn’t planned to be winching all night but I’m not mad about it. Hell, I was annoyed that we’d been interrupted so much. It’s just that Bliss is irresistible in every sense of the word. I couldn’t help myself. It’s like sparks fly when we touch. The way her fingers traced my collar bone. Her hands on my chest. Her arms looped around the back of my neck. Her lips… her lips… how do you compare anything to the perfect girl?

How can I measure up to the most perfect girl in the world?

That was the question I’ve been struggling with all day. Yeah, she chose me today but there's four other guys here who have just about told me that they want to get to know her too. Guys who were manlier than me, well traveled, athletic, better looking, and smarter than me. Who knew who else would be coming in. Bombshells were supposed to shake things up, to turn heads and break couples up. If Priya was any indicator, the others were going to be lethal. Visions of tall, dark, and handsome men with loads of money and luxury cars dance in my head. And I was just a lad.

I can’t.

But I’ll be here until she doesn’t want me.

I spend my time brushing my teeth and making sure to go heavy on the mouthwash. I’ve showered yet again today knowing that we’d be so close tonight. I thickly layered my deodorant and used this fancy cream Elsie had gifted me before, because she said it’d go well with my cologne. The tub was all in French and considering I only knew basic names of foods, as well as a limited number of ingredients, I had no clue what it said. It did smell nice though. It was a bit creamy like vanilla with a little bit of a warm spice.

When I walk into the bedroom, all of the boys are awake and talking. The lights in the room haven’t been turned off yet. I move to the bed where my name is written right next to Bliss. Even though we’d talked about the bedroom arrangements, I was still nervous. It’d been a while since I’d shared a bed with someone. What if I suddenly developed some weird habit I don’t know about? What if she doesn’t like my cupcake pajamas?

“Alright Lads,” Gary claps his hands together. “How was it?”

“It’s been amazing,” Rocco tells us. “Lottie is so in touch with her spirituality and her connection with the moon. And she’s rich with feminine energy.”

“So are your souls going to unite for the whole world to see?” Noah asked, sneaking a look over at me.

Rocco ponders for a moment, “Only time will tell… I’m not closing myself off though.”

“I’m not either,” Ibrahim cuts in. “Marisol is an amazing, intelligent, and beautiful woman.”

“I’m sensing a but,” Gary prods. 

Ibrahim sighs, “We just don’t have much in common. She’s very academic, and I’m more into comic books and sports. I’m not sure if they mix well.”

“Are you sure there isn’t a comic about a law student by day and a super golfer by night?” I ask Ibrahim. Everyone laughs. “What? I’m serious— there’s so many weird characters, it’s not impossible!”

“Nah, mate,” Gary doubts me. “Who else do you have your eye on?”

“Well I want to talk to all of the girls,” Ibrahim starts. “Pryia caught my eye. But I’d say Bliss is someone I’d like to get to know better.”

Oof. 

I know what I said earlier, we should get to know everyone. It’s easier in theory.

“Yeah, I’d like to pull her for a chat too,” Rocco looks over at me. “She has an aura about her, pinkish in hue, maybe even blue.”

Double oof. I have no clue what any colour of aura meant but didn’t like that Rocco was keen.

“I pulled her,” Gary states.

“I’m aware,” I nod my head. “We talked about it.”

“How did that go?” Noah inquires.

“Errr, it was okay,” Gary chooses his words carefully and rubs the back of his neck. “I’m working on it.”

Noah turns to me and smirks, “She seems to be getting along with Bobby.”

“I can’t lie, I really like her,” I confess, not being able to hide my smile.

“So, are you closed off?” Gary pries.

“We’ve agreed to talk to everyone but we really do have a strong connection already.” I try to keep my tone neutral but I’m not sure if I’m successful. 

Gary looks a little too pleased about this information, “Alright Noah, what about you? How is Hope?”

“She’s exactly my type,” Noah concedes as a small smile forms on his face. “I don’t really see anyone turning my head.”

“Our man Noah is wifed up!” I get up and clap the big man on the back. “Do you need a caterer? I can get you a good deal.”

“Ha ha,” Noah replies sarcastically. “What about the bombshell? Priya?”

“Oh, mate,” Gary whistles. “She’s fit. Imagine bringing her back to Gran’s house for a Sunday roast?”

“If she’s the first bombshell, imagine who else is gonna come in,” Rocco expresses.

“She said I was her type,” Ibrahim looks around the room at all of us. “Me! Can you believe it?”

“Believe it? You’re Mr. June,” I slap our very own calendar model on the back. “Of course you’re her type!”

“You seem to have caught her eye, too, Bobby,” Ibrahim points out.

“Aye,” I admit. “Aye, my eyes caught her eye.”

“So does that mean you’re going to pull her for a chat,” Gary asks, trying to be casual but I know he’s fishing. 

“I want to talk to everyone,” I keep it short. I don’t want to reveal too much. I like all of the guys. I’m not doubting my connection with Bliss. I just want to keep my cards close to my chest, to keep my feelings safe, in case I get burned again. 

“I want to pull her,” Rocco arranges his jewelry on the night stand. “Do not tell Lottie I said that.”

All the boys laugh.

“How long do you think it’ll be like that with Lottie and Priya?” Noah winces.

“Geez,” Garry sucks in a breath. “I don’t know but I wouldn’t want to get on Lottie’s bad side.”

“I’ll help keep the peace,” I offer. “And Bliss, I’m sure.”

“Bliss did handle the situation pretty well,” Ibrahim adds. “She seems like the type that’ll look out for the group.”

“That’s my girl,” I find myself saying for the second time today. 

My girl. 

Suddenly we hear all of the girls on the lawn screaming. 

“I’VE GOT A TEXT!”

The girls pour through the bedroom doorway dressed in their bedroom regalia. Bliss catches my eye in her blue shorts and tank set. She smiles at me and I can’t believe I’m going to spend the summer with her. It’s Priya who got the text.

“Priya,” the bombshell read. “Tomorrow you will get to choose one of the boys to couple up with, leaving one of the girls single and vulnerable. #achallengerappears #girlcode.”

My eyes find Bliss again and the worried expression on her face says we’re feeling the same thing. It was flattering to hear that Priya fancied me but I cannot imagine coupling with someone who's not Bliss. What if Priya does pick me and Bliss cracks on with the other guys? She’s gotta secure her place in the villa, too. Worse, what if she is left single and gets dumped before I can recouple with her again? Do I leave if she leaves? Or would that freak her out?

There’s an eerie silence that fills the room. No one moves too much, spare fallen faces, downward faces, and tense eye contact with partners. It’s like the wind was knocked out of the room. It’s ultimately Hope that speaks first.

“Well,” Hope claps her hands together, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. “Nothing we can do now. Best to get some rest and leave the worrying for tomorrow.”

There are a resounding number of nods but not too many responses, negative or positive, to what Hope had said. I watch as Bliss crosses the room and can’t help but smile as she piles her hair into a loose bun on top of her head.

“Which side do you prefer?” I ask her, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Hmm,” Bliss thinks for a moment. “Probably the left side.”

“You got it!” I start moving to the right side.

“Cute pjs,” Bliss points at the cupcake pajama bottoms I’m wearing.

“Thank you,” I lift the duvet and slide in as Bliss does the same. 

Bliss stays sitting as she removes her mic pack and places it on her night stand, along with her phone. I look at my chest and see the small microphone dangling from my neck. 

“Oh, I totally forgot I had this on,” I remove my own. “It already feels like a part of my body.”

“I know,” Bliss looks over at me. “I forgot that it was even on until I was changing.”

As we submerge into the covers, I turn to Bliss and ask her a very important question, “What do you want for breakfast?”

“Oh, you don’t have to make me anything,” she shakes her head against the pillow.

“Of course I do, we’re in a couple,” I wink at her. “Gotta keep my girl happy.”

Bliss gives me a smile that makes me weak in the knees, “Well in that case, my usual is a yogurt and a pastry, typically a muffin or a bagel.”

“What kind of muffin or bagel?”

“Cinnamon muffin but I also like blueberry. And an everything bagel with plain shmeer.”

“Simple girl.”

“I like the bagel to speak for itself.”

The lights begin to flicker off, one by one. 

“Night, islanders!” Gary shouts from his bed with Hannah.

“Night!” We reply, mostly in unison but a few stagger behind.

As my eyes adjust to the dark and Bliss scoots a little closer to me. I move forward as well, following her lead. Even in the dark, she’s beautiful. The limited light reflects in her grey eyes and her porcelain skin is softened slightly. I can still make out her full lips and high cheek bones, the fight outline of her silhouette as the bedding drapes across her figure.

“Hi,” she whispers.

“Hey,” responding just as quietly.

“Thank you for today,” her tone is earnest. “It’s one of the best days I’ve had in a while.”

“Well, thank you for picking me. It’s been pretty special for me, too.” It really has.

“Anytime,” Bliss replies and I do hope she means it. I’d choose her every time, I know that deep in my heart. 

“You know, I didn’t think anyone would pick me,” I confess, averting my eyes.

“Oh, Bobby,” Bliss reaches out to stroke my cheek. “Anyone would be happy to couple up with you. I’m just lucky I got to you first.”

We gaze into each other’s eyes. It’s like we’re solidifying everything we’ve said to each other, not just in bed but in the kitchen, the garden, the hallway, and many more inches of the villa to come. No matter how long I’d get to be here with her, I wasn’t going to squander it. I’ll take on each day like it was a blessing, because it really was with Bliss.

I move closer to her and kiss her. I feel her smile against my lips before she sinks into me, affirming all of her feelings. I keep the kisses slow, meaningful. Bliss keeps my face in her grasp and I put her body taut against mine, gently stroking her back. I’m desperate to say everything in this kiss. For her to know that I know she is out of my league, that I am truly lucky to have her, and that I’ll be grateful to be even just a small part of her journey.

When we break apart, she nuzzles into my chest. I place a small kiss on her forehead.

“Goodnight, Bliss.”

“Goodnight, Bobby.”

***

When the lights turn on in the bedroom, a series of groans echo from one islander to another. The consensus is clear: it was not enough sleep for any of us. Especially Bliss, who despite the light and chatter in the room, still looked fast asleep with her arms around me. I’ve not been spooned before but I must say, I like it! I could stay here all day but I also know that it was imperative for me to make Bliss breakfast.

I slowly remove Bliss’ arm from my torso, careful not to wake her. I gently lift the duvet and slip out. I look down at the sleeping beauty who stirs for a moment.

“10 more minutes,” she murmurs.

Bliss turns to her other side and my breath hitches. Bliss’ night shirt has lifted in her sleep. One side of the tank top is hiked all the way up her chest, barely covering her nipple. I’m stunned for a moment before I snap out of it and swiftly cover her with the duvet again. My cheeks are burning. I was not supposed to see that. 

“Bobby,” Lottie calls me and I whip my head around to find her smirking at me. “Are you going to stare at Bliss all day or are you going to make the girl breakfast?”

My cheeks must be neon at this point, “right!”

I make a beeline to the kitchen so I can secure the best pastry for Bliss. There’s a wide variety of food items. Danishes, bagels, and muffins of all flavors. Butter croissants and pain au chocolat. Fruits and all sorts of jam. There are dozens of fresh eggs, juice, milk and cream in the fridge, as well as a display of yogurt. Fancy bags of coffee and espresso by corresponding machines that look intimidating to use. None of this was out yesterday so if I didn’t know any better, a magical breakfast fairy had turned up while we were sleeping. 

Weaving around the other boys, I take a look at the spread and realize I don’t know what flavor of yogurt Bliss likes. I take a stab at it, and decide raspberry is a safe bet. The color reminds me of when she blushes. I plate a butter croissant and a cinnamon muffin, put the yogurt in a small bowl and leave a bit of granola in a separate dish. I don’t dare try to guess her coffee order and decide orange juice will do. I grab a danish for myself while I’m at it.

Using my catering experience, I balance the plate with care and walk back into the bedroom. Bliss is still asleep but I don’t wake her. I’m tempted to crawl back into bed with her but ultimately decide not to. I place Bliss’ breakfast on her nightstand. I wish we were allowed pen and paper so I could write her a cute note. Selfishly, I want to make sure she knows that I made her breakfast in case someone else took the credit. The likelihood of that happening is slim but the thought is already in my mind.

As I’m eating my pastry, I make my way to the bathroom but run into Priya.

“Hi, Bobby!” Priya greets me enthusiastically. She seems to be the only girl ready.

“Oh, hey Priya,” I give her a smile and keep it friendly. 

“Where’s Bliss?” She asks. “She isn’t in the dressing room with the rest of us.

“She’s still asleep in our bed,” I point my thumb behind me. “I didn’t want to wake her up.”

“Aww,” Priya puts an arm on my bicep. “You’re so sweet but what if she misses breakfast?”

“Already taken care of,” I beam. “A breakfast spread awaits on the night stand.”

“How cute,” Priya looks at me with admiration. “You’re such a good partner, Bobby.”

Her hand starts to rub my arm and I’m a little taken aback. I haven’t talked to the girl yet and it was already clear she was pretty forward, and flirty. She’s beautiful, for sure, but I would think my actions would make it clear that I had feelings for Bliss.

“Yeah, well,” I can feel my face burn and get uncharacteristically shy. “It’s easy to be good to Bliss. She deserves it.”

If she’s disappointed, Priya doesn’t show it. She keeps her smile bright and nods at me in agreement.

“I didn’t get a chance to talk to you one-on-one last night,” Priya mentions.

“Yeah, Bliss and I were chatting most of the night,” I explain.

“Of course, she’s a lovely girl,” Priya continues to rub my arm. “I want to have a chat with you, meet me by the pool where you’re ready, yeah.”

“Sure,” I reply with a smile. Priya squeezes my shoulder before heading out to the garden and to the loungers. I move up the stairs into the bathroom.

I’m the only one getting ready at the moment and I assume it’s because the rest of the boys were busy cooking more elaborate meals for their couples. I had thought about cooking something that was a little more special but Bliss hadn’t mentioned anything that was already pre-made. I decide to make muffins from scratch tomorrow just for her. Truthfully, I’d never made breakfast for a girl before. There was the incident with the cake that had come about yesterday but I’d never attempted a full meal. Though I am a little out of my depth, I am determined to give it my all. 

When I finish in the bathroom, I quietly enter the bedroom again. Bliss is still asleep, as cute as an angel, so I gingerly open my closet and grab the first pair of swim trunks I see, before changing and going out to the garden. It’s another bright, sunny day in the villa. The smell of citrus in the air is heavenly, it adds to the atmosphere. We don’t get too much sun in Glasgow, so it’s a real treat to spend the summer the right way.

I see Priya alone on one of the loungers by the pool. I walk over to her, as promised, and greet her before choosing the chair next to her. 

Turning to her side to face me, Priya asks, “How is your morning going so far?”

“Can’t complain,” I answer honestly. “I woke up to a beautiful girl, I’m getting to enjoy the sunny skies, and I broke my danish speed eating record by at least five seconds.”

“Five whole seconds?” Priya laughs. “Didn’t know you were an athlete, that’s impressive.”

“Yeah, well Ibrahim can’t be the only one putting in the time and endurance into his stay here,” I motion over to the gym where Ibrahim and Gary are lifting weights, making it look entirely too easy.

“Maybe I can watch you work out sometime,” Priya winks at me and my face goes red.

“So, how’s your first morning in the villa?” I ask, quickly changing the subject.

“It’s been okay,” Priya sighs. Uh oh.

I sit up in the chair and look at the bombshell directly, “That sigh doesn’t sound okay, what’s happened?”

“Honestly, Lottie is such an ice queen and took a few shots towards me in the dressing room,” Priya frowns. “I knew being a bombshell would be hard but I didn’t think there’d be so much animosity.”

“Oh, that’s not on,” I tell Priya.

“It doesn’t help that Lottie has scared Hannah too, now she doesn’t want anything to do with me either.”

“I bet that text last night didn’t help.”

“No, it did not.”

“What about the other girls?”

“Well, Hope and Marisol are doing their best but there is still an uneasy feeling in the air. They feel threatened, which makes sense. I think I might have put my foot in it when I said that I fancied Ibrahim last night. Marisol keeps looking over at me like she’s doing a research project and I’m the subject.”

I can’t help but laugh, “I think she is like that with everyone. She gave me and Bliss the same look a couple of times yesterday.”

“She’s a law student, right?” Priya asks before clarifying. “Marisol, I mean.”

“That’s what she says,” I nod. “I know there is a ton of reading you have to do when studying. One of my boys I work with is putting himself through school while doing hospital catering. He’s exhausted all the time. He’s actually fallen asleep doing dishes a few times now.”

“Oh god,” Priya laughs.

“What is it that you do again?”

“I’m an estate agent.”

“Do you enjoy it?”

“Oh yes!” She nods her head enthusiastically. “I tried modeling thing when I was younger but ended up being more interested in the sets and homes we shot out of instead. Made the switch, no regrets.”

“That’s great!”

“Do you enjoy catering at the hospital?”

“I do,” I find a dread at the back of my head and roll it between my fingers. “I love the boys and the kitchen but I’d really like to open my own bakery.”

“Yum!” Priya grins at me. “I’d love to try one of your masterpieces some time.”

I laugh, “Well I’m making cinnamon muffins from scratch for Bliss tomorrow. Any extra are fair game for the rest of ya.”

“Wow,” Priya looks at me with an expression I can’t quite read. “So you really fancy Bliss, huh?

“Aye,” I can feel the heat rise to my cheeks and look away, chuckling to myself. “I’ve never met anyone like her. She’s really special.”

“She seems like such a sweetheart.”

“Aye, she is.”

“I really appreciated how warm her welcome was yesterday. I think we could be good friends.”

“If I were a betting man, I’d bet so. I know it’s only been one day but she is keen on making the villa happy. I rate that.”

“So,” Priya plays with a piece of her hair. “Does that mean you’re closed off.”

I sit with the question for a minute. We’re not, obviously I know that. My fear is if I tell Priya that, she may get the wrong impression. I was open to talking to her but would be less than thrilled if she picked me tonight.

“No, but it woul—” I start to say but the other boys have made their way over to us and cut me off mid sentence.

“Mind if we join you?” Gary asks with both hands on his waist towering above us so his shadow eclipses the sun. “Can’t let Bobby have all the fun.”

“Not at all,” Priya sits up. “I wanted to pull you all anyways, but it’s so much easier with all of you here.”

As the boys gather around to chat up Priya, my stomach turns. I hope that I made it clear to Priya that I adore Bliss and don’t want to break up our couple. My hope is that Ibrahim’s abs do the talking, as I observe him stumbling over his words while talking to Priya. He was clearly not a smooth talker but she could see it as endearing.

Maybe it’ll help that Bliss has been so nice to her. She hasn’t made it out to the garden yet but I meant what I said to Priya; she is keen to keep the villa a happy place. She’d proven that yesterday, especially when Priya arrived. I could see them becoming friends, they share an energy that would be amazing if it grew. However, if Priya picked me tonight, I’m not sure how far that friendship would go. 

I try not to worry about that and put my thoughts to the side. Every guy is trying to flirt with Priya in their own way. Rocco is talking about his meditative retreat in south east Asia. Gary is talking up his nan’s roast, again, asking Priya how she prefers her meat. Ibrahim pipes in here and there, typically to comment on a golf trip he’d gone on or a reference to a comic book. Surprisingly, Priya seems kind of into how nervous Ibrahimm is around her, which puts me at ease some. 

I peek over to the garden door a few times, waiting for Bliss to join us.

All I want is her.