What? Surely not.Evan stiffened as John took a step forward, hand going to the pocket of his linen jacket.No! Don’t let it be what I think it is.
John got down on bended knee.
The crowd gasped. Evan’s heart fell, a heaviness settling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn’t imagine how Harry must have felt at the sight before him.Holy shit, this is so unexpected.No, actually, maybe heshouldhave expected it. John was hell-bent on winning the title of the most romantic loved-up couple, and what better way of winning over the audience’s vote than by making the ultimate romantic gesture of all time.
“Harry, I know this is probably a surprise, but I want you to know that there are so many great things I want to do in my life, and this is the first step. Together we can conquer the world.”
Harry stared, mouth open. Even from a distance, Evan could see him swallow heavily before he looked up and out over the crowd; not that it would be easy to see anyone with the lights glaring on them. Harry looked up to Brian, then to Louise, obviously at a loss, before turning his eyes back to the man on his knee in front of him. The tension was palpable as they all waited for Harry’s answer.
“Our time on this show has opened my eyes to so many things,” Harry finally said with a shaky voice. “I thought I’d made good inroads in taking my life back, and this cruise has shown me that life has so much more to offer if only I reach for it. I have dreams and aspirations, and Idowant a partner in life—someone who shares those same goals.” He met Evan’s gaze. “I want to take those first steps with someone special and see those dreams come true.”
John pulled a small black box from his pocket. He flipped back the lid and held the box out, commanding Harry’s attention again. From where Evan sat, with John’s back to him, he couldn’t see the contents, but his imagination filled in the blanks.A ring.
“Harry, will you—”
“I can’t accept the ring.”
“What? But you said—”
“I want all those things I mentioned, but I don’t want them with you.”
Brian sucked in a breath, his gasp audible and broadcast through the speakers where it blended with the audience’s sounds of shock. “I—ah—I think we’re all a little confused.”
Harry addressed Brian. “Well, you asked me about my great love, and how my heart knew that I’d found the one. I’ve told you thehow, but thewhoisn’t John.”
Evan was elated at what he was hearing. He kept a straight face but inside, his heart was doing a happy dance.
John scrambled to his feet and backed away a couple of steps.Yeah. Take that, you arsehole.Evan resisted the urge to fist pump the air, but as he watched Harry, nerves settled deep in his gut. Were they going to let him get away without saying more? How much would they try to force from him while they were filming, and would Harry even do it, give them more? But damn if he wasn’t proud of Harry for making a stand, even if it did force John out of the competition.
“I’mnotin love with John.” Harry said again, and the emphasis sent a blast of warmth through Evan. “I’m in love—well, definitely getting there and falling fast—with someone else. I just hope they feel the same way.”
To know that Harry was talking about him made Evan’s insides warm and fuzzy, especially when Harry glanced his way again. But that look saw John turning around and scowling at him. Evan held John’s gaze for a beat or two, only breathing again when John looked away.
Evan’s gaze flicked from Louise to Brian, then Harry, before landing on Amber. If he said something—and hereallywanted to be able to follow his heart—it would shine the light on the two of them, and in a very public way, taking away any hope Amber had of winning the competition. Not to mention embarrassing her.
Amber’s brows drew together as if she could sense the direction his thoughts were taking. Her lips pursed as she stared at him, tilting her head in Harry’s direction. He could almost hear her silent plea.Tell him.
He shook his head, the movement barely visible.
“Go on,” she whispered.
“What?” he whispered back.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, tell him you feel the same way.”
“I can’t. What if—”
“Do you want me to do it for you?”
“No!”
Their exchange, hissed under their breath, only took a moment, and thankfully no one seemed to be paying either of them any attention. The crowd was focused on Harry and John, whispering amongst themselves, and Brian looked a little shell-shocked at what was unfolding before him.
Evan’s eyes flicked to Harry. His breath caught in his throat. God, he wanted to cross the six or so metres and go to him but was filled with uncertainty.
Harry didn’t have the same problem. He held Evan’s gaze and stood, then made to move in his direction.
“What are you doing?” John grasped Harry’s arm and tried to hold him back, but Harry slipped from his grip.
