“Of course, you all know she’s a world-class gymnast and still holds several world records,” Jazzy continued. “Currently, she lives in Greece and runs her father’s philanthropic endeavors.”
Oh, if they only knew what those endeavors were.
“Doesn’t it sound like such a dreamy life?”
It sounded more like a fake life. Which it was.
Jazzy flashed me a look—baiting me. Begging me to say something snarky. Disagree. Snap. Or maybe even flaunt my so-called perfect life over their heads.
And that’s when I decided.
Decided to unleash the old Demi. Maybe she was a lie, but at least she was a cheerleader. A good person. Or tried to be.
“Ladies.” I beamed my brightest smile. “I’m so happy to be here with all of you.”
Yes, I said that with a straight face. And without gagging.
“I just know we’re going to be the best of friends. And I will personally help each woman here find the man that’s right for her—because we’re in this together.”
And because I was a goddess of love.
Not by choice.
But who better to help these women, who clearly needed it if they’d signed up for this joke of a show?
“I’m sure all of you will agree when I say I don’t look at this as a competition at all. There’s no room for that when it comes toreallove. And I believe in women supporting women.”
I flashed Roman a take-that grin. His jaw dropped.
Yep. I’d just hijacked his show.
Cassie helped a girl out. “Preach it, sister!” she shouted.
And suddenly, I was in the middle of a group hug. Squealing women. Tears. Professions of eternal friendship. Declarations that this would be the best summer of our lives.
I couldn’t agree with that.
But at least I’d be no one’s pawn.
Especially not Roman Archer’s.
Chapter XVII
Roman
Icouldn’tbelieveIwas traipsing across the resort’s property in the middle of the night. But my god side refused to let me sleep until I fixed things with Demi. She was livid and obviously hated me. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why. And I couldn’t say I exactly blamed her.
But what did she think being on a reality TV show meant? People tuned in for the drama. And Jazzy was just doing her job. Sure, I didn’t agree with it or approve of trying to make Demi this season’s antagonist, but given her application and video, even our first interview, it was easy to see why Jazzy would go in that direction.
Ratings had been down since we’d had zero matches in the last few seasons. Thanks to Demi, I might add. The network had been breathing down our necks. So, I could understand why Jazzy had done what she’d done today. Too bad she had no idea who she was up against. Even I had underestimated Demi. She was going to turn my show into a damn slumber party.
She’d turned today’s photo shoot into what looked like a sorority reunion. The amount of hugging and the number of compliments was almost nauseating.
Truth be told, Demi had impressed me today.
As bad as it was for my show, she stole the spotlight—and looked gorgeous doing it. I couldn’t stop thinking about her in that gown. It didn’t just show off the body the gods had gifted her. It revealed the one she’d earned, crafted and perfected.
I had to quit thinking like this. It was my job to help her find love. Not to be infatuated with her.
