Fever Dream (Emerald Lake, #1)(40)

But none of those placations stop my heart from racing like I’ve been caught with my hand in the cookie jar.





OFFICIAL MEMO




To: Richard Wadsworth From: Teri Baker Subject: First Elimination Ceremony

Bachelor has eliminated Cynthia and Madeline.



I know we had hoped to keep Madeline around to explore some family drama, but I couldn’t produce him in that direction without losing trust. He was adamant that she go and appears very protective of his sister and family.



Tension is already unfolding in the bunkhouse. Much like the casting producer told us, Evelyn seems to enjoy stirring up the other women. I will continue to produce that.



Looking for another dater to play off Evelyn as the “good girl.” Perhaps Cookie?



It appears the threat of revisiting his contract helped Emmett find his focus this week. It’s a good trump card for you to keep in your back pocket if things go sideways. He seems to be very driven by the payment. Hopefully, the installments keep him motivated throughout.



There were awkward moments, but he did try to be more himself in front of the cameras. I suspect his comfort will only grow and read more natural as the show progresses.



No major moments of physical contact. Will begin to weave that in with one-on-one dates next week.



All in all, a successful first week! Onto the next.





Sincerely,

Teri Baker

Story Producer





CHAPTER 17


Julia





Theo

Mom says you’re really busy. Which makes sense considering I haven’t heard a single thing from you.





Julia

That’s funny, because I had to hear from Mom that you were coming for a visit. So I guess we’re even.





Theo

How’s the new gig?





Julia

It’s good. Learning a lot. Long-ass hours, though.





Theo

With who?





Julia

Cast and crew.





Theo

And they are?





Julia

Protected under NDA.





Theo

Boring.





* * *



I slam my car door and let my body sink into the driver’s seat, head flopping back against the headrest as my eyes flutter shut and a heavy sigh rocks my body.

I’m only one week into this six-week job, and something about today has left me overwhelmingly tired. It’s one of those moments where I war between wishing desperately for my own bed and being so hungry that I can’t think about anything other than food.

Except that’s not true.

I can think about Emmett.

Images of him on set filter through my mind as I sit like a wooden statue, staring through my windshield. Emmett mending fences with deft fingers. Emmett driving a tractor with no shirt on. Emmett setting jumps for his baby sister and then watching her soar over them on horseback with a expression of proud wonder etched on his handsome face.

And then there’s tonight.

His pinched features haunt me. I told him to own it. To lean into it. And he still looked miserable.

Or maybe I’m overanalyzing things. Maybe he was into it. Or… maybe not. Maybe the promise of a paycheck has him overlooking his comfort just to bring this show to life.

The thought that I could be a part of making someone uncomfortable in that way churns in my stomach. I want this show to be the best it can be, but at what cost?

Based on what I know of him, I expected he would be perfect for this role. And yet, something about today sits heavy in my heart. It was when he’d turned and met my gaze that I couldn’t help but see something else in his eyes. It almost looked like a plea, like he was begging someone to toss him a lifeline.

All I know is that I can’t shake this gut feeling about Emmett.

But there’s nothing for me to do about it now, and I decide there’s no way I’ll sleep well if I don’t have food in my stomach. So with that, I reach forward and press the start button on my car before backing away from Stal Brandt.

The crew is still busy filming follow-up interviews and undoubtedly watching Evelyn get invited into Emmett’s house. But my work on set is all wrapped up, so I have no reason to sit around and watch shit go down.

Instead, I drive away—away from the bunkhouse and away from Emmett’s cottage. I pass the stables and the charming indoor arena. This week, I heard Emmett tell the daters that his grandfather had built the iconic arena by hand for his little sister years ago, so she’d have somewhere to train during the winter.

He recounted a story of a younger Riley having to bundle herself in full winter gear while training her horses because the arena only provided cover from the snow with no reprieve from the biting cold. And he said it all with an adoring, faraway look in his eye, overflowing with pride.

The facility had been built with love, the same love I saw twinkling in Emmett’s bright blue eyes as he explained the origins of their facility to the women—in spite of some of their sideways glances.