Tristan's POV

As I changed into my swim trunks I replayed the scene on the golf course. I can't believe she threw me in the water trap. THE WATER TRAP! what happened the innocent kid I'd messed around with back at Chilton? She never would have had the nerve to pull off a move like that. Then there was Grace, the girl he'd arranged to be in the swimming group. A four-alarm siren with a warm tan and blue eyes. She was really nice, he gave her that. I wonder if she'll see through the jerk.

I shook my head slowly. I felt like I was in a movie. Me, the debonaire, suave lady's man being face with the "one that got away" but having to be the bad guy. Yes, it was like a grade B romance comedy...only not much romance going on.

I walked towards the pool. Most of the girls were in the hot tub, some were laying out in the sun. Only Mary was in the cold pool. Her pale skin contrasted with the warm blue of her swimsuit. She chatted airily with the bar tender while sipping a Coke. She glanced up and saw me.

I sauntered over. "Always the loner, Mar?"

She blushed slightly and began reading one of the country club advertisement magazines that waslaying on the pool bar counter.

"Bet you never seen a swim in bar before." I said lazily, pushing my hair back and sliding on the underwater stool next to her, the water coming up to the second muscle of my toned six-pack.

She didn't respond, she simply flicked the page to the next set of pictures and descriptions of tennis courts.

"That's Mary Gilmore, book worm isn't she?" I egged her on.

Her eyes flashed. "Yes." She made her tone dry and flat. "That's me. I read magazines, catologues, books...the fine print on sugar packets."

Baited, I looked over at the bartender. "I'll have sex on the beach please."

"I knew you swung that way." She couldn't help but retailate as he started to mix the fruit drink.

"Ah, you're just jealous I didn't order from you." I grinned.

The other girls all swam up and ordered drinks while settling themselves down on the half-submerged stools that were bolted firmly in the shallow water.

"How was the spa Tristan?" Janet tittered, her bikini top dangerously close to falling...right...off. My attention was diverted for a second.

"Um. It was great." I blinked a few times and glanced where Rory, who had noticed, rolled her eyes and tugged the brown bubbling liquid up the straw.

"That was quite a spill you took." Grace's big blue eyes battered in practiced innocence. It wasn't as real as Mary's.

The music started and "Soak Up The Sun" started to play over the cabana speakers, setting everyone in a little more of an easier mood. Even Rory tilted her head slightly to the right, then the left, before glaring at me again.

"So, whatever are we doing tonight?" Diane asked.

"Oh, I rented the country club ballroom and we're going to dance. I hope you guys know how."

They all nodded quickly, excited smiles creeping up the corner's of their lips. Rory's eyes widened slightly in nerves. Doesn't she know I'll never cut her?

Rory's POV

I glanced over where Tristan leaned against the tile counter and his stomach muscles were taut. He caught my glance and smirked slightly. His smirk is so smug. The way his lips curve ever so slightly in one corner, and the other twists to create an uppity look that's so...hot.

Crud.

I was careful not to look at him as he began chattering with the other girls. He may be hot, but that didn't make him any less a jerk. I'm not here for love, but if I must be here the least I can do is make his life as embarassing as possible on national television.

There would be dancing tonight, and then another cut. After the cutting of five more girls, the real game would start. These initial twenty were going to be fast. The ABC people did say the show wouldn't be any longer than six or so episodes. It was a trial thing.

I had been surprised that they didn't have some twist to it. I mean, the bachlor was the original. All the other shows, For Love or Money, Mr. Personality, Joe Millionaire, Average Joe...those all had twists. This show wouldn't be much different than all the other ones.

I also wondered if there was something I wasn't being told. I mean, those other ones all had surprised. Maybe Tristan lost his fortune somehow and they picked him up as a good looking bum. I grinned brightly, wouldn't that be classic?

Tristan's POV

I glanced over at her. She was grinning. Did someone say something funny? I didn't hear anything?

I caught her gaze and knitted my brow with confusion. Her reponse was a cheshire cat grin.

Short update, I'm sorry it took me so long. You can actually all thank Dashboardjenfor reminding me to update! If you R/R I'll have a longer update up in no time! winkers. Also, does anyone want to chat on AIM? just leave your screen name on a comment if you do.