Declan had never been more excited for a day off from filming. The producers had finally given in to Niall’s pleas for a chance to explore the island and were taking the contestants on a hike.
As big as the villa looked on television, it was small and made even smaller by the new additions. Declan had done hisbest to avoid James and Zoë, but the sly smirks from James and the apologetic eyes from Zoë were slowly driving him mad. Watching Paige practically buzzing, Declan realised he wasn’t the only one going stir-crazy.
‘Yes?’ she asked, when she received no response. ‘Great, let’s move.’ She turned and climbed into a van, gesturing for the others to follow.
‘Oliver and I can take the back,’ Declan said to Imogen and Eavie, slapping Oliver on the shoulder.
‘How chivalrous,’ Eavie teased.
Imogen giggled. ‘And that’s only from one night with me. Give me a week, I’ll get him back on the straight and narrow.’
Declan grinned sheepishly as he and Oliver piled into the back of the van, squeezing their bodies into the tight space. Oliver’s knee pressed firmly into Declan’s and their arms jammed together in a way that would have been uncomfortable if it had been anyone else. Instead, heat spread along every inch of his body.
‘You two look cosy back there,’ Imogen said, settling into her seat.
Eavie peered over her shoulder at them and laughed. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’
‘Your comfort is our utmost priority,’ Oliver said, doing his best to look put out, but his dopey grin ruined the effect.
‘Everyone strapped in?’ Paige called from the front seat. They nodded. ‘Great! We’re off!’ she said, turning the radio up.
Oliver shifted minutely against him so that their sides were pressed firmly together. Inane pop music blared in the background, but Declan was too fixated on Oliver to hear a word. Leaning sideways as much as he dared, he gently rested his cheek against the hot skin of Oliver’s shoulder. Oliver turned his head, and Declan felt a slight pressure as Oliver pressed a kiss tohis forehead. He didn’t move, keeping his head perfectly still as his heartbeat rushed in his ears.
‘Aww, don’t you two look cute!’ Imogen squealed. Declan jolted awake, opening his eyes and immediately regretting it as the daylight assaulted him. They had arrived.
He shot up straight, blinking slowly at the girls before tentatively glancing sideways at a sleep-riddled Oliver.
‘What can I say,’ Declan muttered, grasping desperately for a joke, ‘he’s so dreamy.’
The girls giggled as they piled out of the van, Declan following close behind and leaving Oliver to collect himself. He continued to blink as his eyes struggled to adjust to the bright morning sun, and he grabbed at his shorts for his sunglasses.
Jack walked over, grinning. ‘Got a good nap in, then?’ he said, taking in Declan’s befuddled expression. ‘Me and Niall spooned the whole way – the man is surprisingly comfortable for such a big hunk of muscle.’
‘Yeah, snored the whole way too.’ Owen quipped.
‘Back off, Jack,’ Oliver said, emerging from the van and slinging an arm around Declan’s shoulders. ‘We’re the only bromance on this show.’
‘All right!’ Brian called out. He was dressed like he was going on a safari instead of a short walk to the cove, wearing khaki shorts and a wide-brimmed hat. ‘It’s an out and back trail, about two miles each way. We’ll be stopping for lunch and a swim before we head back. Got it?’
‘Sir, yes, sir!’ called Jack. Brian gave him a tired look before turning on his heels and heading for the trailhead.
Declan and Oliver hung back with Niall and Jack, the four of them picking up the rear of the group.
‘Now that we can speak freely,’ Jack said, ‘what’s the first thing you’re going to do when we finally finish this fucking torture chamber of a show?’
‘Marry Stella,’ Niall said, without hesitating. The boys laughed, but he continued, earnestly, ‘Well, I suppose I’ll have to ask her first.’
Oliver made a strangled noise. ‘Marriage, already?’
Niall’s eyebrows drew together. ‘I came here to find someone to spend my life with. Marriage is only the beginning.’ The rest of the group exchanged furtive glances, and Niall’s look of confusion deepened. ‘Why else would you come on this idiotic show, if not for love?’
‘A laugh?’ Jack offered.
‘Followers,’ Declan continued.
‘A hundred thousand pounds would be nice,’ Oliver said.
Niall looked scandalised.
