"Do I really have to wear this?"

Seth stared disapprovingly down at this 'Kiss The Cook' apron that Jim gave him; not exactly what he imagined wearing on his first date with Elle.

"Of course you have to wear it," Jim sighed. "Why else would I have given it to you?"

"Bad joke?" Seth suggested. "I wouldn't blame you. I have a great laugh."

"Your date is a cooking class," Jim grabbed the apron, looping the top over Seth's head. "So you're wearing the apron. Elle will love it."

"You're lucky I can pull off anything," Seth tied the strings behind his back. He turned, catching a glimpse of his reflection on the refrigerator door, "Almost anything."

"'So Daisy's about 5 minutes out with Elle. When she comes in, you give her a warm, happy greeting-"

"Jim, I know how to behave like a human being," Seth interrupted.

Jim just kept going like a steamroller, "The instructor will walk you through everything. You'll taste the food and then you'll have your meal at a beautifully decorated table outside. Seth tuned Jim out. He felt like the producers were always trying so hard to manufacture moments that they forgot they were dealing with real people who somehow managed to function when they weren't around.

The crew members lifted their cameras so Seth assumed Elle was on her way in. All of a sudden he couldn't keep his hands still. His fingers felt twitchy and he shoved his hands in the pockets on the front of his stupid apron.

When Elle came in to the kitchen, she looked confused and he assumed no one told her the plan for the date. When he saw her, Seth forgot about Jim and the crew. She looked amazing in a simple, body hugging white tank dress under a chunky tan cardigan. Her dark hair hung in damp, drying waves draped over one shoulder.

She smiled when she saw him and he walked over, giving her a hug.

"Ow, be gentle," she winced.

He pulled away, keeping his hands gingerly on her shoulders.

"We're all pretty beat up," she explained. "Lots of ice going around the house right now."

He could see a few bruises forming on her collarbone and a scratch on the side of her neck. He also thought he saw a white bandage peeking through her sweater around her right elbow.

"You girls played a lot dirtier than I expected," he admitted. "Do you want me to get you some ice now?"

"No, thanks, I'll be okay," she smiled. "Although if you really want to wait on me hand and foot, I won't fight you."

"That can be arranged," he smiled, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair around her ear. Her eyes fluttered closed at his touch.

"You know, I would have been here earlier but it takes a long time to wash the smell of gatorade out of your hair," she caught his hand, lacing her fingers with his.

"Well you did a good job because you smell incredible," he kept her hand in his, draping his arm over her shoulders as he led her further into the kitchen. "And I'm not apologizing because you deserved that Gatorade bath. You brought it on yourself."

She laughed, smacking him in the ribs, "You are such a jerk. What are we doing here?"

"We're taking a cooking class," he explained, gesturing down to the apron.

She made a face and he laughed, "I know. Trust me, I wouldn't have picked it either."

"I don't think you're supposed to tell me that," she laughed, pointing over at a deeply frowning Jim.

"I am not a part of the show, Elle," he reminded her.

"You are to me, Jim," she returned.

"Can you behave yourself for a few hours?" Seth leaned close, whispering to her as the instructor came in and started setting up. "You're always getting me into trouble here."

She grinned up at him, "I'll try if you will."

Elle couldn't believe she was having so much fun doing something she usually failed at so miserably. She was able to cook well enough to survive, sure, but she certainly didn't do it for fun. With Seth, she was having a blast. Their poor cooking instructor was almost painfully oblivious. Seth and Elle had been childishly making faces and inappropriate gestures behind his back for an hour. They relentlessly made fun of each other for their poor culinary skills. Jim had stopped them twice to scold them for throwing food at each other, which just made it that much better. Seth kept Elle off of her feet as much as possible, pushing her around on a stool. Now that their meal was done, the moment of truth had arrived.

"Time to taste," the instructor beamed, clapping his hands together. Elle wasn't sure what he was so excited about. Even with his explicit instructions, there was no way the shrimp and chorizo paella they prepared was good. They hadn't even attempted to take it seriously. Maybe he wanted them to taste it because it was so bad.

"Ladies first," Seth gestured to the pan.

"Oh no," she shook her head, picking up a fork. She scooped up some of their concoction and held it up for him, "You first."

He scrunched his face and leaned away but a little flutter of the eyelashes and a pout and he sighed, opening his mouth and squeezing his eyes shut.

She broke into a fit of giggles at the face he made upon tasting their creation.

"Oh my God, it's terrible," he snatched up a napkin, spitting it out. She grabbed a bottle of water, twisting off the cap and he gratefully downed a quarter of it, swishing it around in his mouth before he swallowed.

"Are you okay?" she laughed, reaching up to touch his cheek.

"That's officially the worst thing I've ever tasted," he shook his head. "I think we made garbage."

"This is not a good sign for our future," she quipped, dodging when he tried to offer her a forkful.

"This just means we'll be doing a lot of ordering out," he shrugged. "I'm okay with that. I have UberEats at the ready."

"And I have postmates and doordash on the phone that I smuggled into the house," she grinned. "We've got all the bases covered."

"See? We're perfect," he smirked, looping his arm around her and gently pulling her in close. She looked up into his deep brown eyes and wondered if every girl in the house had this same feeling when they looked at him. It was somewhere in between new crush butterflies and wanting to straight up jump his bones. "Now aren't you glad you decided to play to win today."

"Ask me at the end of the night," she teased. "I'm still in pain and we made inedible food. You owe me a sloppy cheeseburger date."

"I can make that happen."

"I bet you can," she smiled, turning her gaze to the cooking instructor before she fell into a trance looking at his handsome face. "What do we do now?"

"Never fear," the friendly and patient chef smiled. "You have an absolutely delicious dinner waiting for you outside."

"You mean you made us do all of that for nothing?" Seth asked.

"Excuse him," Elle slapped her date on the arm. "Thank you so much for putting up with us."

"Of course, it's been my pleasure," he shook hands with both of them. When the cameras were cut, he was polite but got away from them as quickly as possible.

"Let's get some makeup to cover that bruise," Jim instructed an assistant as he came toward them. "It looks like he tried to choke her or something."

"Isn't it going to look weird that I've had a bruise this whole time and then when we have dinner, I don't?" Elle frowned as a makeup artist came over with a Beauty Blender and foundation. She would have covered it herself but she wasn't lying about how long it took to get that Gatorade smell out of her thick hair. Daisy practically had to drag her out of the shower to get her there on time. Then they had an argument because Elle wanted to wear flats because of her sore knee and Daisy and Amy were freaking out about her having to wear heels. The producers won but Elle was strongly considering pulling a Harper and taking her shoes off.

"It'll be less weird than that bruise," was Jim's response. "Seth, you can take off the apron."

"Thank God," Seth happily started untying the strings.

"Aw, I kind of liked it," Elle said as the makeup artist tipped her chin up and started dabbing at her sore collar.

"The apron stays," he announced.

"Apron off," Jim ordered and Seth's jaw clenched momentarily but he obliged, tossing it Jim's way.

"I like that you take your clothes off on command like that," Elle observed. "That's good to know."

"It all depends on who's commanding it," he winked.

Elle hoped the makeup artist didn't feel her pulse speed up as she continued gently covering her bruise. Once she was done, Daisy escorted Elle outside while Seth stayed with Jim. Dating on a reality show had to be one of the strangest experiences of Elle's adult life. The constant stopping and starting should have made for a horrible experience but Seth made all of the weirdness tolerable. When they reached the site of their dinner, Elle was taken aback. It was just starting to get dark out and their table sat between two trees. Small lanterns with white candles surrounded the table and hung from the trees. Small white lights were wrapped around the trees as well to illuminate the area and there was a beautiful array of pastel flowers. White pillar candles of varying heights were nestled amongst flowers at the center of the table and as she got closer, she saw insanely expensive looking white china, polished flatware, champagne flutes, and crystal water glasses.

"Wow," Elle marveled, struggling to remind herself that setups like this on reality shows were designed almost entire to emotionally manipulate the participants. Daisy once told her that they would ask prospective contestants about their dream dates specifically to get an emotional response by giving their dream dates to other people. Elle didn't really have a dream date but this was absolutely beautiful.

"Gorgeous, right?" Daisy smiled proudly. "Our set decorator used to do celebrity weddings. She's the best in the business."

"She deserves whatever you're paying her," Elle breathed in the refreshing floral scent.

"So when Seth comes out, we'll start filming once the two of you sit," Daisy explained, adjusting Elle's microphone. "Just be natural. We got fantastic footage of the two of you in the kitchen. You're doing great."

"I've never had a third party grade me in the middle of a date before. Would you actually tell me if I was doing bad?"

"Of course I would," Daisy answered quickly. "I want you to win, remember?"

"How does that even work?" Elle asked, curiously. "Do you just pull a girl aside and say 'hey, you're terrible'."

"It's more specific than that," Daisy explained, her tone almost clinical. "We tell the girl what exactly they're doing wrong and what can be done to fix it. If it can't be salvaged, then sometimes we'll just say that to see if they crack."

"Wow, that is…awful. That sounds horrifying," Elle cringed.

"It's not a fun part of the job," the producer admitted and Elle was relieved to see a glimpse of Human Daisy slipping through all of the Work Daisy. "Anyway, just keep things light but if he wants to get serious, go there with him. The fans want to know more about you so this is a great opportunity to give them that."

Elle nodded, half listening. She didn't need to be instructed on how to have a conversation but she understood that her friend had a job to do and an entertaining show to make. She perked up when she saw Seth coming. Daisy wished her luck and fluffed her hair a bit before backing off.

"Wow," Seth had the same response as Elle to the setting for their meal.

"Oh, is this not what you picked?" Elle smirked.

"Actually, I came out here while we were waiting for you; set this whole thing up myself," he joked, walking over and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. His beard tickled her skin. She was glad that all that time in the kitchen hadn't diminished his clean, soapy scent. He pulled out her chair and Elle found herself trying to remember the last time Ethan had done that for her.

Ethan. She hadn't even thought about him all day. She knew she was strictly forbidden from DM'ing him again and she was surprisingly okay with it. She could work out whatever she needed to with him once she got back home. Whenever that would be.

Their dinner was delicious and Seth let her hoard the champagne while he stuck to water and a small pour of red wine. They talked about their careers and he asked a lot of questions about her family. She could go on about them forever. She adored her sisters, especially her little sister Lydia. She missed her like crazy. She could see Lydia wanting her to date someone like Seth; someone who could talk football with her, liked to crack jokes, and didn't mind getting his hands a little dirty. Lydia couldn't stand Ethan and she didn't bother to hide it. The only common ground they had was Elle and neither of them enjoyed the thought of being around the other very much. They were cordial but that was the best it got.

When their food was cleared away, Seth suggested they take a walk and Elle agreed. It must have been cleared ahead of time because the producers didn't pitch a fit about it. There was a cute little path that led to a bridge that Daisy told her was an old train bridge that had been converted for pedestrians decades earlier.

"You sure you're okay walking?" Seth asked, glancing down at her knee.

"I'll be fine," she insisted, grateful for his concern. "Thank you."

"Let me know if it's too much and we'll turn around," he instructed and she nodded in agreement. They walked in comfortable silence at first. Elle was momentarily surprised that he didn't hold her hand. She looked over at him and found him watching her out of the corner of his eye. When she caught him, he looked straight ahead but she noted a little smile.

"So I had to ask everyone on the date last week a question and I want to know your answer."

Elle giggled at Seth's use of 'had to', imagining Jim's annoyed expression. She assumed he was going to ask who she thought should go home next.

"What's your perfect man like?" he asked, surprising her. She was all ready to say that Mia or Emily should go home and then move right on to another topic.

He laughed at her surprised expression, "If it's me, you can just say me."

She rolled her eyes, playfully shoving at him, "You are ridiculous."

"It was just a guess," he shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets. "Seriously, what qualities do you want in a partner?"

She took a deep breath as she thought about her answer, stopping as if she couldn't think and walk at the same time. She turned to lean her elbows on the wood and he did the same beside her, "Well…it's cliché but a sense of humor is probably number one. The idea of not being able to laugh with someone is incredibly depressing to me. Growing up, I would just hear and see my parents cracking up together all the time and I remember thinking that I need to find someone I could laugh with like that. And intelligence is important, of course."

He listened intently as she spoke, his eyes fixed on her. She continued, "And I need someone who gets me. My acting career is so important to me and I have so much passion for it. It's not easy and I know that right now I'm just another actress waiting tables until a 'big break' but I bust my ass and I keep grinding and sacrifice whatever I have to because I know that it's worth it. I'm not always available and sometimes I have to stop everything at the drop of a dime and rush off to an audition. And if I got a job out of state or out of the country, I would go and I would need someone who understands that. I want someone who feels that strongly about something."

She'd never actually said that out loud before. She supposed it was probably because no one had ever asked her about her ideal partner before. She felt a little sheepish but her response was honest. It also couldn't have been farther from a description of Ethan.

"And the face of a young Paul Newman wouldn't hurt," she finished with a shrug, hoping the joke would make her sound less intense.

He smiled, "You've gotta get an updated hot guy reference."

"Why? Do you know what young Paul Newman looked like?" she asked. "Hell, even into like his late 40s, he could get it."

Seth laughed and Elle inched closer to him until her sore elbow was right next to his. "So I answered your question. Now I'm posing the same question to you. Ideal partner. Go."

"It's pretty similar, honestly," he met her gaze again. "I know exactly what you mean about someone with a passion. I want to be able to cheer someone on and have them do the same for me. You know, support each other, make each other better. My career is everything to me and there are definitely gonna be times when I can't be around. I just need someone who gets that and understands that it's not about me not wanting to be with them. It's just that I can'tbe. And…"

He trailed off with a wry smile, looking off into the distance and she shook her head, "Oh no. Whatever it is, you have to say it."

"It's probably good for me to have someone who can keep me in line. Most women I've dated have just done everything my way until one of us gets sick of it. I want someone who cares enough to push back and call me on my shit when I need it."

Elle laughed, "You say that now."

"No, I mean it," he laughed. "I mean, I've enjoyed getting my way a lot. Don't get me wrong. But I want something different."

Elle took a deep breath and smiled at Seth, resting her chin on her hand, "We both sound like a lot of work."

"We probably are," he agreed, turning to lean his back against the wooden railing. "I think we're worth it, though."

He gave her a sweet, boyish smile that made her breath catch in her throat. It was unfair for him to be so handsome.

"So, I have to ask," he pushed away from the railing, taking her hand and turning her body toward his. Once again, his hand rested at the small of her back as if it belonged there, "Was getting knocked around on the football field today worth it?"

She smirked, "I didn't love getting doused in Gatorade but…I guess it was worth it."

His other hand found the side of her neck. His thumb moved along her jaw with a feather light touch. When Seth's lips touched hers, all cameras, producers, and boyfriends were forgotten. His lips were soft and insistent and absolutely perfect. She gripped the front of his shirt and his hand moved up into her hair as he tilted her head further back, deepening their kiss.

Elle was lost in Seth until one of the cameramen moved and created a loud noise, causing both of them to jump. Seth held her close and the anger that flashed across his face made her giggle. She didn't appreciate the interruption either. She reached up, wiping her thumb over his lip, trying to rid him of her pink tinted lip balm.

He smiled, kissing the tip of her finger.

"We should get you two back to the house," Jim came over, standing awkwardly close to them until Seth released his hold on Elle, looking disappointed.

Elle glared at the producer, crossing her arms. He could really ruin a moment.

"You're going to take separate cars back so that we can do your post-date interviews."

"Can't we just ride back to together and do the interviews back at the house?" Seth questioned.

"No. It'll save a significant amount of time and labor if we do them heading back," Jim explained. "Daisy will go with Elle. Seth, you're with me. Once we get back to the house, we'll just get a quick shot of you telling the girls when the next elimination will be. Then we'll get you back to your hotel."

"So that's it? The date's over?" Seth questioned.

"That's it," Jim clapped his hand onto Seth's shoulder, guiding him away. "Say goodnight, lovebirds."

Elle felt her shoulders sag as she offered Seth a disappointed wave, "See you later, I guess."

Seth sighed, putting his hands in his pockets, "I'll see you later. Don't get into any trouble."

"No promises," Elle offered in response.

As she watched Seth walk away with Jim, Elle was hit with a sudden, unwelcome realization. Jim said that Seth would be announcing the next elimination. Telling Seth that she was all in meant that for the first time since she arrived at the house, Elle was actually concerned about whether or not she would be going home.

Almost 2 hours later, Seth pulled his rental car into the circular drive at the front of the house. He'd informed the production assistant posted at the gate that he forgot his phone inside; a blatant lie that the kid didn't even bother to question.

He'd gone back to the hotel after filming ended but he felt stir crazy in his room. The hotel gym was closed for maintenance. He couldn't find anything even remotely interesting on TV. Try as he might, he could not stop thinking about that kiss with Elle. The feel of her perfectly pillow soft lips and her hand pulling him closer played over and over in his head. He'd been thinking about kissing her from the day that he met her but the real thing far surpassed any fantasy. Then Jim showed up and ruined it all, reminding Seth of the incredible weirdness he'd gotten himself into. He didn't have to ask to know that Elle felt the same. When Seth realized that he wasn't going to get any less restless, he came up with an idea. Now here he was, sitting in front of a mansion full of women who were vying for his affections.

Daisy walked toward the car with her headset on and a dubious look on her face.

"Hey Daisy," he grinned at her, rolling his window down.

"Seth," she crossed her arms. "Parker radioed to say you thought you left your phone here."

"That is what I told him, yeah," Seth nodded, scratching his beard.

"Your phone is in your cup holder," Daisy pointed. "What are you doing here?"

"I was hoping you could do me a favor."

Elle wrapped the cord around her mic pack and slipped the small bundle under her pillow. She had no idea what was going on or why Daisy was making her come to some clandestine meeting outside but she was going along with it because she didn't really have anything better to do. She'd been in the middle of her nighttime skincare routine when Daisy barged into the glam room and told her she needed to talk to her in private. They went into the bathroom and then Daisy instructed her to ditch her microphone and sneak out by the pool doors. She was adamant that Elle needed to make sure no one saw her but she wouldn't explain why.

Once her mic was safely stowed away, she crept down the stairs. Most of the girls were either in the glam room or the TV room so it wasn't incredibly difficult to get out. Jules was trying to force everyone in the TV room to play a board game so they would be occupied at least temporarily. Elle hoped whatever Daisy wanted wouldn't take long because her body still hurt after football and she just wanted to veg out for the rest of the night. She'd been dodging questions about her date with Seth from the second she got home and she'd barely had a moment's peace. She gave them all the same answer: They had a lovely dinner and a great talk. She didn't tell anyone, not even Harper, about that mind blowing kiss. She wanted to. She wanted to tell her new friends all about how charming and funny Seth was on their date and what a fantastic kisser he was but when she started to she realized that, deep down, they wouldn't want to know. She liked Harper and Jules and hoped to be friends with them long after they left the house but the reality of the situation was that they were in competition for the same guy. She didn't want to hurt her friends by telling them what happened. So she would keep it to herself and try her best not to play it over and over in her head and get herself all worked up.

She rounded the pool as Daisy instructed and approached the circle drive, confused when she saw Daisy standing beside a black SUV, speaking in hushed tones with the driver. If the producer wasn't her friend, Elle might have feared that she was getting kidnapped.

"Okay, can you tell me what's going on now?" Elle spoke as she approached. "Jules is trying to make everyone play Monopoly so I need to get back inside and figure out a way to keep them all from killing each other."

"Don't look at me," she put her hands up. "I'm not the one who dragged you out here."

Elle grew suspicious as she got closer to the car until she saw the driver.

Seth.

She rapidly went through a range of emotions. Excitement at the sight of him and his handsome face. Confusion about why he was there. Embarrassment because she looked like a true hot mess. She stood there in sweatpants and Jules' white crop top that had tacos over her boobs. Her hair was in a terrible, leaning topknot and she wasn't wearing an ounce of makeup, not even lip balm.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. She turned to Daisy, "You couldn't have told me about this before I came outside?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise," he flashed his famous cocky smirk, amused by how obviously flustered she appeared.

"If you're gonna try to make us do a challenge right now, you need to know that half of the girls in that house have been drinking since we got home after football," Elle warned him. Apparently while she was out with Seth, Zack and Mojo had come to the house to hang out with the contestants for a while and Mojo had them all doing shots.

"There's no challenge," Seth laughed.

"Then what are you doing here?" she tilted her head.

He reached over, opening the passenger door, "Get in and I'll tell you."

She should have declined and opted to go back inside, rest her weary body, and play a little hard to get but he when she looked at his smile, she found it incredibly difficult to say no. She decided to throw caution to the wind and got in, closing the door behind her and resting her bandaged elbow on the center console, "I didn't think I was going to see you until tomorrow."

"Slight change of plans," he began. "I was back at the hotel and I got hungry. You told me you wanted a sloppy cheeseburger date and that sounded like a good idea to me."

"Right now?" she stared.

"Unless you want to go back inside and be the Monopoly ref," he suggested.

"I will definitely take the date," she insisted.

"I thought you might."

"Did anyone see you leave?" Daisy asked.

"No, you told me to sneak out so I snuck out," Elle answered. "Tricking Jim is my favorite form of entertainment at this point."

"Good," Daisy said. "Then you two are free to go. Just don't be gone too long. There's only so much I can do to cover."

"Wait, free to go?" Elle raised her eyebrows. "No mics, no cameras?"

"No mics, no cameras," Seth smiled at her excitement.

She squealed, hurrying to put her seat belt on. The prospect of another date with Seth was great but the idea of privacy after weeks in front of the camera was even better.

"Wait a minute," Daisy sighed. "You're gonna have to hide her."

"Say what now?" Elle questioned.

"At the gate. If someone finds out I let you two leave without a crew, my bosses will have my ass. Just...cover her up."

"With what?" Seth laughed, looking around the car.

Elle looked around for an idea but they were in a rental car, there wasn't anything sitting around that they could use.

"You wearing anything under that hoodie?" she tugged at the sleeve of the black sweatshirt.

"Yeah, why?" he frowned, confused.

"Take it off," she held out her hand.

"I wasn't planning on it being that kind of date but if you insist," he joked, pulling the shirt off over his head. The t-shirt underneath rode up with it, giving her a mouthwatering glimpse of his abs.

He totally did that on purpose.

"Alright, just make sure no one sees you," Daisy laughed, shaking her head. "Seth, text me when you're coming back so I can sneak her back in. Don't do anything stupid."

"You have my word," he assured her as Elle pulled his hoodie over her own head. It smelled incredible and swallowed her up and she told herself to resist the urge to steal it.

Daisy headed back toward the house and Seth looked over at Elle, "What's your plan here, Lil' E? Or did you just want to borrow my shirt?"

"I'm gonna hide on the floor," she explained. "And you are going to try not to act suspicious."

"You're not the only decent actor in this car," he grinned.

"That's up for debate, Rollins," she smirked, twisting around in her seat. She needed to crawl into the back, it would be harder for whoever was at the gate to see her on the floor back there. In her head, she was going for something that looked slinky and hot but in reality, she stupidly put her bad knee on the center console when she went to crawl back and then jumped at the pain and fell head first.

"You okay back there?" he winced, looking over his shoulder at her.

"I'm good," she chuckled at her lack of grace. "Let's go."

Seth waited at the window when their number was called. They found a burger place about 20 minutes away that had great Yelp reviews and was open late. The place was small they didn't have seating inside but they had a few picnic tables outside. Once their baskets were ready, he grabbed them and left a tip before heading back to the table.

"Cheeseburger and truffle fries for the lady," he placed her food down in front of her.

"This smells incredible," she gushed as he took a seat beside her. "This is the best idea I've ever had."

"You?" he laughed. "I'm the one who came and snuck you out of that house. Remember?"

"Because I said I wanted a cheeseburger. My idea," she reminded him, picking up one of his sweet potato fries. "Besides, we both know you would never independently decide to pig out like this."

"You don't know that," he snagged one of her fries in return. "I eat burgers sometimes."

"How often?" she raised an eyebrow.

"That doesn't matter," he laughed. "And don't act like you don't watch what you eat."

"I have more cheat days than I probably should but I do okay," she shrugged. "I don't spend every waking moment in a crossfit gym like some people. You do know that there are other things you can post on Instagram, right?"

"You been creeping on my Instagram?" he eyed her.

"Oh shut up," she rolled her eyes, taking a bite of her burger. He couldn't explain why but he loved when she tried to play cool. She didn't fawn all over him but it was also impossible for her to hide that she liked him. She tried but he could see right through it and he liked having that kind of power. The problem was, she had pull over him too. He should have sent her home when he found out about her boyfriend but he'd barely even considered it. He didn't think she would look at him the way she did if she cared all that much about her boyfriend. The truth was, he wasn't looking for a long term relationship. He didn't need Elle to be some pious virgin. He hadn't even wanted to do the show, he had to. But if he had to be there, he wanted her there with him. She was beautiful and funny and he couldn't get her smile out of his head. He had no idea where any of this was going but when she told him she was in, he knew that he wanted to find out.

"So is this one of the five weaknesses?" he asked, pointing at her half eaten burger.

"No," she shook her head. "This is amazing but I could live without it. And I believe I already told you that no one knows all five. I'm not going to tell you."

"You will eventually," he spoke with confidence, wiping his hands on a napkin. The burgers were even better than they looked but they were messy as hell. "So...now that we're microphone free, I'm curious; how exactly does your boyfriend feel about you being here?"

"Ethan?" she sighed. "Honestly, I'm pretty sure he doesn't give a shit."

Seth frowned, "He must be crazy. If you were my girlfriend, I would not want you around a handsome devil like myself."

"You don't really know that, though, do you?" she challenged him. "You barely know me. You know this weird, reality show version of me. Maybe I'm a wretched cunt and you wouldn't care either."

He laughed, "Well now I know you use the word 'cunt'. You and Renee would get along well."

"I get that vibe whenever we watch the network," Elle agreed. "I like her."

He smiled, telling her about the texts Renee was sending him the first day they met at the arena.

"So he knows that you're here and he's just...cool with it?" Seth questioned. "What exactly is it that you like about this guy?"

"Why are you asking questions about Ethan?" she asked. She didn't seem upset, just curious.

"I've gotta study up on my competition," he answered.

She turned in her seat to face him, "Well..you've seen his picture."

"He is a good lookin' dude," Seth admitted. The guy was obviously a model. His face was a little too perfect, though. He didn't look like he could take a punch. "But so am I so I'm not worried about that."

She looked up at the sky, resting her chin on her hand, seemingly searching for another one of his good qualities.

"You realize this is a problem for your relationship, right?"

"I'm trying," she laughed, blushing. "I don't know. There used to be things but there's just..not anymore. That's going to be a shitty conversation to have when I get home."

"Why?" he asked. "It sounds like it shouldn't come as much of a surprise."

"I don't really think it will," she admitted. "But he lives with me so...that part won't be great."

"Alright, I have an easier question then," he scooted closer to her on the bench. "What do you like about me?"

"Really Rollins? You're just gonna fish for compliments now?" she asked. "Shameless."

"So?" he shrugged. "I want to know."

"Fine," she laughed, meeting his eyes. "You're funny and cocky and smart. I find it really easy to talk to you. And you're hot. So, so hot."

"That all checks out," he nodded, ego surging at the compliments.

She picked up her drink, narrowing her eyes at him as she took a sip and bit down on her straw, "You also scare the hell out of me."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because I wasn't expecting this," she admitted. "I didn't expect to like you and I do not like being unprepared for things. You should see me getting ready for an audition."

He nodded. He understood her more than he was really willing to share at that moment.

"I'm also scared because this whole thing is a bunch of strange nonsense and games and competition designed specifically to make me and the rest of those women, half of whom I actually like, look stupid."

"Hey, I'm the one who looks like I need a reality show to find a date," he reminded her.

"You look like the desirable celebrity with women clawing at each other to get to you," she corrected. "As women, we look like a bunch of damaged girls who have to do a TV show to get a date. That kind of freaks me out."

"I can understand that," he said, reaching out and taking her hand, linking their fingers together. "I also think maybe you're feeling a little weird because you've never had to compete for a guy before."

"Why would you assume that?" she looked up at him through her thick lashes.

"Now who's fishing for compliments?" he smirked.

"Whatever, at least I gave you compliments," she teased. Her eyes grazed over their hands before returning to meet his gaze, "Listen, I do like you but I don't know if I want to be some fling on a half-real reality show. I'm not saying I want anything serious, don't get me wrong I just...I'm not sure how to do this thing."

"You don't have to question it right now," he said. "It's just us here. No cameras. No show."

"I know," she smiled. "I like this part."

She briefly grabbed her bottom lip with her teeth and he knew that he needed to kiss her again soon. He'd been thinking about it from the moment their lips parted earlier.

He pulled her closer, closing the space between them and capturing her lips. She took a surprised breath at first but quickly melted into the kiss, parting her lips for his tongue. His pulse quickened as she pressed herself closer, her hand on his chest.

He feared he was officially done for. Kissing Elle was even better the second time. He lost all track of the world around them. Her fingers clutched at the front of his shirt and his grazed the hair at the nape of her neck.

His phone started buzzing on the table and he reached over to press ignore on whatever it was. It could wait.

A faint moan escaped her and Seth groaned in return, considering pulling her into his lap before he remembered that they were in a public place. His phone buzzed again and Elle pulled away slowly, a cheshire grin on her pink lips, "Someone's popular."

He picked up the phone, ready to toss it over his shoulder but it started buzzing for a third time.

"What do you want?" he glared at it, frowning further when he saw Daisy's name.

"Yeah?" he answered, immensely frustrated.

"You two need to get back here. Now."