first of all, i’m so sorry for disappearing (abandoning?? kinda?? idk) on you guys. i really hope you guys have been well and doing okay!!
i deleted this app and just downloaded it again. opening it up after 2/3 months and seeing so many of you guys sending me messages and checking up on me, means a lot to me!! thank you for caring, for being patient, and for not forgetting me. it means more than you know
the truth is, i just wasn’t in the right headspace for social media for a while. the past few months have been some of the shittiest of my life. i don’t want to go too deep into it here, but this summer was hands down the worst one i’ve ever had
as for my writing i know a lot of you guys followed me for my bachelor series and truth be told i don’t know when, or even if🥲 i’ll be picking it back up. i just started my final year of university literally this week and it’s already so overwhelming that it feels like i’m being chewed up alive. so i can’t make promises, but i do hope i’ll be able to write again when i find the balance.
thank you if you’re still here reading this. it honestly means the world. i’ve missed sharing, talking, and being creative on here, and i’m hoping to ease back into posting little by little 🫶🏼
hi! no rush at all but i was wondering when chapter 4 is coming??? hope your doing well!
hi love, i’m doing well, thank you asking 💖!!
so sorry again for the wait on chapter 4, but i promise i’m writing as much as i can 🫶🏼 last week got a little hectic because my friends and i ended up going to a festival (we got some last-minute tickets, so we were a little unprepared & chaotic) so i didn’t have much time to write, so sorry about that!!
i’m back at it now though! it’s been a bit more challenging since this chapter marks the first international destination (as some of you guessed it), but i’m doing my best to get it to you as soon as possible. thank you so much for being patient, it really means the world
as a little thank you for all the love and patience you guys have shown me, here’s a small sneak peek from chapter 4
hope you enjoy 🫣 and as always, feel free to send me your thoughts, theories, or what you’re hoping to see next!
Girl, your bachelor series is TO DIE 4! Literaally a masterpiece, would you ever when you have finished this series write like The Bachelorette? I love your writing sm, ily
thanks hun 💖!!
tbh i don’t think i’ll ever write a series complex like the bachelor or any reality show for that matter ever again.. there is SO much work that goes into writing something like this and i seriously underestimated how hard it can be.
especially because i’m such a perfectionist, it needs to feel perfect and i need to be 100% happy with what i’m putting out. i don’t want to miss anything or leave something important out. it’s a whole other level of chaos for me 🫣
so no, as fun as it sounds, i don’t think i’d ever write a Bachelorette x Rafe but i’d LOVE to read it if someone else does! fun fact: before i started this series, i was actually torn between writing a Bachelor or Bachelorette story
both for my own housekeeping and to appreciate some brilliant writers, I've compiled a list of some of my personal favorite rafe fics that I've read recently. not all of them include n*fw but please respect the wishes of the writers below !! (I've starred those that are meant for 18+ eyes only)
loved you at your worst** by @itneverendshere
⤷ a brilliant ongoing series full of angst and tension. I love the way this author writes dialogue and how vividly she crafts the worlds she's building.
stonepit finals and spring chaos** by @salem-s
⤷ probably one of my most reread! the pogue band dynamic is so much fun and grumpy rafe is sooooo entertaining. truly love everything this author writes though!
new light** by @outerbankies
⤷ let's be honest... it's a classic at this point. super fluffy and also made me nearly cry. lol... and the blurbs are reread all the time. love love love!
got what you wanted** by @erwinsvow
⤷ personally, I'm a sucker for anything where rafe and reader's relationship messes up or threatens their friendships with topper and kelce. lots of great dialogue and the mind games here are delicious.
the power play** by @nadvs
⤷ though slow burns aren't always for me, this one definitely was. this author is a fantastic world-builder and all of her x reader series are written with such detail. each dynamic is unique and wildly entertaining.
still yours by @starkeyslibrary
⤷ exes to lovers will always be god-tier, especially when it's written like this. so beautiful and sweet... if you're looking for some good old flangst, it's right here.
make this place your home by @whytheylosttheirminds
⤷ I'm a sucker for maybank!reader and all of the chaos that invites. reader's dynamic with both rafe and her brother are written so well and I love how reader's connection to her physical home is crafted with care and nuance.
Okay so if I'm correct, in episode 4 in The Bachelor the travelling part starts and they visit different destinations. Do you already know where they will travel to? Can I give any suggestations? (Mexico, Fiji, Portugal or Greece maybe?) I love your series <3<3
i haven’t figured out the destinations yet, so feel free to drop your suggestions, i’d love to hear them!!
The house was quiet in that early morning way. Somewhere, a kettle clicked off. A few girls had gathered in the kitchen, bare-faced and wrapped in hoodies, passing around a fruit bowl and trading theories about this week’s date cards. In the living room, someone had already claimed the coziest corner of the couch, knees tucked under a throw blanket, eyes flicking to the front door every few minutes – just in case.
Daniella sat cross-legged on the main couch, wrapped in cardigan and drinking her coffee. She flipped through a magazine, not really reading it. Next to her was Alyssa, she had her knees pulled to her chest, hair up in a claw and a hoodie.
Kayla was perched on the windowsill with her legs stretched out. She was watching the driveaway like something exciting might roll in it if she stared long enough.
Y/N leaned against the arm of the couch between Daniella and Alyssa, one leg over the other, a soft oversized sweater slipping slightly off one shoulder. She held a mug of tea.
“Okay,” Daniella said suddenly, tossing the magazine onto the coffee table, “someone tell me he has a flaw. Just one. Anything. I’ll take crooked teeth. Weird laugh. Something.”
“Please,” Y/N muttered. “The man walked out of a painting. He’s probably good with animals and children too. Just to spite us.”
“He probably supports local shops,” Alyssa added.
“I bet he’s a bad texter,” Kayla offered. ”Hot people are usually terrible at texting.”
“He probably types full sentences and uses punctuation,” Daniella said, voice light. A ripple of laughter.
“I can’t lie” Daniella said after a beat, tucking her feet beneath her. “That group date felt like it was weeks ago.”
“It was five days,” Y/N deadpanned.
“Exactly.”
The girls chuckled. From the kitchen, footsteps padded across the hardwood, and a few girls more trickled in. Sierra, Naomi, Zara and Lana wandered through.
“Is this like the unofficial group therapy circle?” Sierra asked, eyebrow raised.
“More like group denial,” Alyssa replied, gesturing at the couch. “Take a seat.”
Selene and Kelsey appeared next. “There is a weird energy today,” Kelsey said as she flopped into a nearby chair. “Like we’re all waiting for something.”
“Because we are,” Zara muttered. “There’s a date card coming, you just know it.”
Y/N tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flicking toward the hallway, then back to the group. There was a kind of comfort in this, the shared waiting, the lowkey panic woven between the jokes.
“Okay, real question,” Alyssa said, glancing around from her seat on the couch. “Is anyone actually feeling good about where they stand with him?”
Selene exhaled, stretching her legs out. “I mean… I think? We talked at the last cocktail party, and it felt easy. But also, like, he is talking to everyone. So who even knows.”
“I get that,” Lana said. “I had a good moment with him on the group date, but I haven’t had anything since. I keep thinking… what if that was it?”
Kelsey shook her head. “It is weird, right? One second you feel confident, the next you’re spiralling because he laughed at someone else’s joke.”
“That’s because we’re all trapped in a romantic Hunger Games,” Alyssa muttered.
They all laughed.
Confessional – Y/N
“I am really hoping to see him today.” She said, her voice softer, thoughtful. “Last week.. it just felt easy. There is something about him, this calm, like I can actually breath when I am around him.”
“I miss my pillow,” Vanessa said suddenly. “My actually memory-foam, perfectly broken-in pillow. Not this polyester nonsense they gave us.”
Brianna groaned in solidarity. “Yes. I swear the one in my room feels like it was stuffed with peanuts.”
Daisy spoke up. “I miss my dog. Like.. my whole chest kind of aches for her.”
Madina nodded sympathetically, “What kind?”
“She is a rescue golden retriever. She does this thing where she presses her face against mine when I’m sad. I don’t even know if she remembers me right now.”
“She does. They always do.”
“I left one of my sweatshirts with her,” Daisy murmured. “For the scent. It was either that or cry into her fur for six hours before I left.”
A laugh bubbled up between them.
“God,” Vanessa said, “We are officially the most unhinged girl group in Bachelor history. Missing dogs and foam pillows like we’re stranded in the woods.”
“You mean we’re not?” Brianna said dryly.
“Feels like it.” Madina murmured, making them all laugh.
Confessional – Madina
“Being here... you miss a lot of things. Your bed, your people, your routines. But you also start realizing how much energy you’re spending trying to be seen.”
“And yeah, last week at the cocktail party.. I got interrupted mid-sentence.” She gave a short breath of a laugh, no heat behind it. “I get it. Everyone wants time. Everyone’s trying to make something happen.”
“But there is a difference between showing up for yourself and stepping over someone else to get ahead. And I think, at some point, that difference matters.”
Across the room, Zoe and Britt had tucked themselves into a quiet corner where the low hum of the other girls voices faded into background noise.
Zoe curled her legs beneath her, glancing over at the group by the kitchen. “Do you ever feel like we’re extras in someone else’s love story?”
Britt lets out a dry laugh. “You’re definitely not.”
“You think some are playing a game?” Zoe tilted her head.
“I think everyone is, in their own way,” Britt said. “Some of us just haven’t figured out our strategy yet.”
They fell quiet for a beat as laughter bubbled up from across the room. The mood in the corner didn’t shift dramatically, but there was something unspoken sitting between them.
Zoe let out a small sigh. “Honestly I’d rake one real conversation at this point. Just enough time to feel like I exist in his world.”
Britt didn’t say anything right away. Then, with a quiet shrug: “Yeah. Same.”
The front door opened like a cue and every head turned. Jesse Palmer walked in, relaxed and polished in a blazer and dark jeans, holding a crisp white envelope.
“Good morning, ladies.”
The room chorused back: “Morning, Jesse.”
“Everybody feeling good?”
A wave of yeahs, mhmms and polite smiles passed through.
He nodded, stepping closer to the center of the room. “Well, congrats, you’re the nineteen women who made it through last week. Which means you’re the women, Rafe really sees something with. A future. So let’s keep things moving, shall we?”
He held up the envelope. “This week there are going to be two fun group dates.. and one very romantic one-on-one.”
Jesse smiled and set the envelope down on the coffee table. “Here’s your first group date card.”
He looked around the room. “Best of luck, and I hope to see you all, later this week. Have fun.”
He waved once and disappeared just as quickly as he arrived. And the room? Instantly on fire.
Silence lingered for half a beat. Then Daniella nudged Lana with her foot. “You’re the closest. Go.”
Lana raised an eyebrow but reached for the envelope, flipping it open with a small smirk. Her voice dipped low for the drama.
“Madina, Maya, Alyssa…”
A pause.
“Zoe, Daisy, Brianna ...”
Y/N felt her breath catch.
“Vanessa, Kayla..”
Another pause.
“And me.”
A moment of silence stretched in the air like static before it all dissolved into a chorus of oh my gods and scattered claps.
Y/N didn’t say anything at first. That flicker of disappointment that rolled through her before she could stop it. That subtle, sinking feeling of being left out, edged in doubt she didn’t want to give voice to. Across the room, Daniella’s eyes met hers, the same shared sting of being left out but she didn’t need to say anything. They both knew. But they didn’t let it linger.
Still, Y/N reached across and squeezed Alyssa’s hand with a quiet smile. “You’re gonna crush it.”
Daniella bumped Kayla’s shoulder gently. “Okay, okay. Try not to outshine the whole planet, please.”
Kayla grinned. “No promises.”
Lana turned the card over. “There’s a quote,” she said, then read aloud:
“Looking for my Mrs. Right. – Love Rafe”
Daniella bumped Kayla with her elbow. “No pressure or anything.”
Kayla smirked. “Just casually planning my wedding with a man I’ve spoken to for maybe forty minutes total.”
The room buzzed with nervous laughter and a growing swirl of speculation. A few of the girls exchanged glances excited, maybe a little terrified as they realized this wasn’t going to be just another group hang. It was going to be something bigger.
As the girls began drifting off to get ready, voices lifting with questions and guesses about the date, a producer’s voice called from the hallway, “Ladies, please head to the styling room!”
Back in the living room, those who remained sat quieter now, each retreating to their thoughts, some hopeful, some restless.
And Y/N, stared at the closed door a second longer. Soft smile, but quieter now. Because in the silence after the laughter, the doubt crept in. She thought things had gone well with Rafe. Thought the group date rose, their conversation, that kiss, all of it, had meant something.
But now her name hadn’t been on the card. And maybe that was fine. Maybe it was just how the show worked. Still, it was hard not to feel the little sting of being overlooked. Even harder to stop the spiral of wondering why.
The SUV with nine girls all dressed in white rolled to a stop in front of a coastal estate, where white roses lined the walkaway and a string quartet played softly in the distance. The girls stepped out one by one, their white dresses catching the sun.
Laughter bubbled from a nearby tent, where a faux reception had already been staged up. White linens draped long tables, champagne flutes sparkled and strangers, dressed as wedding guests, turned in their seats, ready to welcome the nine brides.
“Okay, this is crazy,” Maya whispered, wide-eyed as she took in the scene. “Like… are we actually fake marrying him?”
Rafe stood near the center of the setup in a crisp navy suit, boutonnière pinned, a grin tugging at his mouth as each woman approached.
“Ladies,” he called, voice warm and playful, “you ready to get married?”
A mix of nervous laughter and dramatic gasps followed, heels clicking against stone as the women made their way toward the fantasy waiting for them.
“I wonder if they’ve started already,” Naomi murmured, arms crossed over her chest.
“They left like an hour ago.” Kelsey replied from the kitchen barstool. “So yeah, probably mid-chaos by now.”
Sierra, curled up in the chair across from Y/N, gave a soft sigh. “Honestly? I kind of wish I was there. Even if it’s awkward. At least then you’re part of the storyline.”
Across the room, Zara was picking at the cuff of her sweater. Her expression was tight. Too still.
“Z?” Leila said gently, her voice soft from the armchair beside her.
Zara didn’t answer right away. Then, suddenly, she stood up. “I need air,” she muttered, already heading for the back door.
“Zara-” Naomi started, half-rising.
“I’m fine,” Zara insisted, though her voice wobbled just slightly. “Just… give me a sec.”
The door clicked closed behind her.
Silence hung thick in her absence.
“She’s been off all morning,” Kelsey said quietly.
Britt crossed one leg over the other, her voice cool. “Maybe this just isn’t for her. If watching other girls play pretend bride is enough to break you, that’s kind of telling.”
Selene looked over. “Bit harsh.”
Britt shrugged. “It’s the truth. No one’s entitled to a rose or a breakdown.”
Y/N looked up from her mug. “You know there’s a way to be honest without being an asshole.”
“I’m not being an asshole,” Britt said flatly. “Just realistic.”
“Realistic doesn’t mean cruel.”
“Oh, come on,” Britt scoffed. “She walked out like someone died. We’ve all been overlooked by now, it’s part of the deal.”
“Yeah,” Y/N said, voice sharper now, “and we don’t all turn around and use that to drag someone else down. There’s a difference.”
Britt’s brows lifted. “Why are you even pressed? This doesn’t have anything to do with you.”
“It does when you talk like you get to decide how people are allowed to feel.”
Britt opened her mouth, but Daniella cut in quietly, “Maybe dial it back before you sound even more heartless.”
No one laughed. Even the background music had stopped or maybe it just felt that way?
Y/N stood up. “I’ll be back.”
No one stopped her.
Y/N found Zara in the far corner of the backyard. “Mind if I sit?” Y/N asked, voice low.
Zara nodded her head. Y/N sat beside her. For a while, they just sat like that.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” Zara finally said, voice low. “Everyone else seems to be floating through this. I’m… stuck in my own head.”
Y/N didn’t push, just waited.
“I keep overthinking everything. What I said, how I looked, whether I’m doing too much or not enough. And every time I think I’ve found my footing, I lose it again.” She let out a shaky breath. “It’s exhausting.”
Y/N glanced over. “That sounds… really hard.”
Zara gave a small laugh, but there wasn’t much humor in it. “I keep wondering what Rafe sees when he looks at me. Or if he sees me at all. Like, what if I’m just background noise in someone else’s love story?”
Y/N’s heart pulled. She reached over, gently brushing Zara’s arm. “Hey. You’re not background to anyone.”
Zara looked down at her hands. “It just feels like I’m falling behind. Like I should be more confident, more open, more sure. But I’m not. And then I wonder if that means I’m not cut out for this.”
“You’re human,” Y/N said softly. “And you’re allowed to have doubts. You’re allowed to feel all of this.”
Zara’s eyes shimmered, but she blinked quickly. “I just hate how small I’ve started to feel. Like I’m shrinking inside myself.”
Y/N leaned her shoulder gently into hers. “You’re not small, Zara. You’re brave. Brave enough to admit you’re struggling instead of pretending you’re not.”
Zara gave a quiet exhale, like something inside her had loosened just a little. “Thanks,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.
Y/N offered a soft smile. “Anytime.”
And they sat there, not trying to fix anything just letting the quiet stretch out around them, holding space for whatever came next.
Back at the group date there had been equal parts surreal and theatrical. Each woman had walked down an aisle. Toasts were made, mock guests were charmed and champagne glasses were raised in pretend celebration. Rafe moved through it all with warmth and ease, lifting veils and playing the part of groom more convincingly than some had expected.
The final moment came with the “first dance” reserved for just one. Daisy.
She made the fake wedding feel, somehow, honest. When her name was called, she looked stunned, cheeks flushing pink as soft music cued up and Rafe offered his hand.
The rest of the girls watched from the sidelines, as the bride and groom swayed slowly under the fairy lights.
Confessional – Rafe
“Today was really fun. Kind of surreal. Watching them give speeches, laugh with the guests. I saw different sides of them today.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Everyone was piled into the living room, scattered across the couches.
“They’re taking so long on the group date,” Sierra muttered, pulling a blanket tighter around her. “I wonder what they’re up to.”
“Probably fake-cutting a wedding cake,” Selene said dryly, earning a few half-smiles.
Leila yawned, “Feels like they’ve been gone forever.”
Daniella sat on the floor with her back to the couch, hair piled on top of her head in a lopsided bun. She didn’t say anything, just tapped her fingers against her knee, like she was waiting for something.
Confessional — Daniella
“It’s getting pretty late and we’ve been sitting around all day, and as much fun as I’ve had, like in the back of my mind I’m thinking, when’s the next date card coming?” She shrugged, smiling faintly. “So I’m hoping it’s tonight.”
Knock. Knock
Half the room jumped.
“Oh my God,” Leila said, clutching her chest. “That scared me.”
Naomi walked to the door and cracked it open, glanced outside then turned back, holding a single white envelope.
Confessional – Britt
“There’s a one-on-one and a group date. We don’t know what order they’re coming in,” she said, arms crossed, tone light but clipped. “But I hope it’s a one-on-one with my name on it.”
“Let’s see,” Naomi said, sliding a finger under the seal of the envelope.
She cleared her throat, reading aloud:
“Let’s chase the rush – together, love Rafe”
A beat. Just long enough for every girl in the room to brace.
Then:
“Y/N”
Silence cracked wide open.
Y/N blinked, lips parting slightly, as if the words took a second longer to land. Her heart stuttered. She exhaled like she’d been holding her breath for hours. “Oh my god…”
The room shifted around, soft claps, a few cheers, Daniella was already turning toward her with a grin, grabbing her hand, Selene giving an encouraging nod, Naomi reaching out to squeeze her knee and Zara giving her a warm, quiet smile.
She laughed small, breathy and almost shaky. “I’m really happy,” she admitted, half-laughing again. “Also maybe slightly spiralling, but like… the good kind?”
Confessional – Y/N
She was glowing.
“I’m excited. I really am. But also nervous in, like… a full body kind of way?” She laughed again, covering her face for a second. “First date nerves. You know?”
Back on the group date, all nine women were gathered around him on a couch, fire pit flickering softly in the middle. The atmosphere had settled into something quieter now, something more expectant.
Rafe looked around at each of them, hands resting loosely in his lap.
“So… how’s everyone feeling?” he asked, voice warm.
There were murmurs “Good”, “Really good”, “Amazing” followed by a round of soft laughs and nods.
He smiled, letting the energy breathe for a moment before continuing.
“Well, I feel like all of you leaned into what today was. You had fun with it, and it meant a lot to see that. And the conversations tonight too I felt the same way. I just think you’re all doing such an amazing job being here and opening up.”
As he leaned forward slightly, his hand reached for the rose resting beside him. The movement alone shifted the air, subtle but felt.
A soft swell of suspenseful music built underneath.
“I really wanted to be intentional tonight,” he said, voice lower now, more grounded. “Let each of you know how much I appreciated today, the energy, the effort, the honesty. And I know there’s only one rose, but what this really means to me is someone being real. Showing their heart through all this craziness. Trusting the process… and me.”
He looked up, eyes scanning the circle.
“With that being said…”
A beat.
“Maya.”
Her name landed gently, but firmly.
Maya’s breath caught as she looked up, eyes wide.
Rafe smiled. “Will you accept this rose?”
She blinked once, then nodded, her voice soft: “Yes.”
As he handed it to her, a few of the women clapped lightly.
Maya took her seat again, rose resting delicately in her lap.
Rafe stood then, brushing his hands along his jeans.
“Thank you all again. For today and for tonight. I’ll see you soon.”
He moved slowly, giving each woman a quick hug on his way out, a quiet word or a small smile, something personal.
THE NEXT MORNING
In the quiet vanity space just off the bedrooms, soft golden light filtered through the curtains, warming the cool tile floor.
Y/N slipped into a soft white two-piece set. Light, summery and just the right amount of flirty. The top had an open back that showed just enough skin to feel romantic. The matching skirt sat perfectly around her waist, flowing gently with every step.
Behind her, Daniella appeared in the mirror’s reflection. “You look like an angel. He’s not gonna know what hit him.”
Y/N turned toward the mirror again, pressing her lips together, then swiping on a warm-toned gloss. “I just want it to feel like… me. Not like I’m trying too hard. Not like I’m pretending.”
Daniella smiled. “Then it will.”
She opened the front door slowly. Rafe was already halfway up the path.
He wore a plain white t-shirt and a pair of charcoal gray shorts, sunglasses hooked at his collar, his hair slightly tousled. It was simple, effortless. But there was something in the way he moved, the relaxed confidence, the quiet steadiness in his eyes that made her breath catch before she even stepped outside.
Y/N stepped out into the morning sun, her eyes finding his like muscle memory. “Hi.”
“Hey,” he said, voice low and easy, leaning in and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Wow,” he murmured near her ear, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. “You look incredible.”
She felt heat rise to her cheeks, but her smile didn’t falter. “Thanks.”
He nodded toward the sleek black car behind him, “You ready?”.
“As I’ll ever be,” she said, trying to sound steady, even as her pulse ticked faster. He walked her to the car, opening the passenger door like it was second nature. Not showy, just thoughtful. His hand hovered at the small of her back as she climbed in, warm through the fabric of her skirt.
Once he was in on the driver’s side, he glanced over at her again slower this time. Like he was just now letting himself take her in.
“You look..” he started again, eyes narrowing slightly, like he was teasing himself more than her. “Wow.”
She gave him a look. “You already said that.”
“I know,” he said, smirking a little. “Couldn’t help it.”
Y/N laughed under her breath and turned toward the window, smiling like an idiot. Then she turned back. “You know, you’re not supposed to be this charming this early in the morning.”
He grinned, one hand already on the wheel. “You haven’t even seen my real moves yet.”
“Oh?” she raised a brow.
“You’ll know when you see them,” he said, pulling out onto the road. “But fair warning, I play dirty. Especially when I want someone to like me.”
Y/N gave him a long look, then rolled her eyes with a smile. “Mission accomplished.”
That made him glance at her and something flickered behind his eyes. Like he wanted to say more. Maybe he would.
As the road curved along the coast and the first hints of the ocean glinted between the trees, Y/N squinted toward the horizon, then glanced back at Rafe.
“So… this date,” she said, dragging out the words as she glanced at him. “The card said ‘Let’s chase the rush together.’ That’s either really exciting… or really terrifying.”
Rafe smiled, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel. “Little mystery never hurt anyone.”
She turned toward him a bit more. “Should I be scared?”
He glanced at her, serious for just a beat. “Do you trust me?”
Her gaze lingered on his, steady. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I do.”
That smile returned, softer this time. “Then you’ve got nothing to be scared of.”
They didn’t say anything else for a second,the moment stretching just enough to feel real. The kind of silence that didn’t need filling.
Then she smirked. “But if I end up clinging to you screaming, you’re not allowed to make fun of me.”
“No promises,” he said, but the warmth in his voice made it clear, he wouldn’t mind at all
She laughed, shaking her head. “Seriously though, ‘chase the rush’? That could mean anything. Are we zip-lining into the ocean? Jet skiing into a whirlpool?”
Rafe glanced at her, sunglasses still hooked at his collar, eyes glinting. “You’ll see.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re enjoying this.”
“A little,” he admitted. “But also? I think you’ll love it.”
Y/N rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips was real. “You better not be bluffing.”
He tilted his head, gaze flicking to her and lingering for half a second longer than necessary. “You don’t strike me as someone who scares easy.”
“I don’t,” she said. “But I do like to know if I’m about to be flung off a cliff.”
“No cliffs,” he promised. “Just… trust.”
Y/N shifted slightly in her seat, fingers brushing her skirt. “Can I tell you something kind of... embarrassing?”
Rafe glanced over at her, brows raised just a little, but his voice was steady. “Always.”
She hesitated. “When I didn’t see my name on that first group date card? I don’t know. I felt stupid for how much it got to me. I knew not everyone would get picked, obviously. But I guess I just— I don’t know..” she let out a breathy laugh, “I felt disappointed. Like maybe I wasn’t on your radar the way I thought I was.”
He didn’t interrupt. Just let her keep going.
“I guess I just wanted some kind of sign that you… saw me. And when I didn’t get it, I started second-guessing everything.”
Rafe’s fingers tapped once on the wheel before he looked over, eyes softer than before.
“I did see you,” he said quietly. “That’s exactly why you weren’t on that group date.”
Y/N blinked. “What?”
He smirked a little, eyes flicking back to the road. “Because I didn’t want to share you. Not in a group setting. I wanted this, us, today. Real time. Without distractions.”
She went quiet, warmth blooming under her skin. “Okay… stop. You’re gonna make me blush.”
He grinned, glancing sideways. “Mission very much accomplished.”
The car dipped lower, winding down toward a hidden stretch of coastline. As the trees thinned and the beach came into view, soft sand, open sea, and a small setup of boards and towels tucked near the dunes, Y/N’s breath caught slightly.
“Wow,” she murmured.
Rafe pulled the car to a stop and turned off the engine, glancing over at her with a grin.
“You told me you loved the water,” he said, nodding toward the waves. “So I figured... why not start where I feel at home?”
Her brow lifted, curious. “You surf?”
“Charleston, remember?” he said, flashing a quick smile. “Grew up chasing waves before I ever thought about chasing roses.”
She let out a soft laugh. “So this is your way of showing off?”
He shrugged, playful. “Not showing off just trying to impress you in the most low-key, kind of way.”
She grinned. “Well... consider me curious.”
“Then let’s hit the water.”
The wetsuits were half-zipped, boards propped upright in the sand. Y/N sat on a wooden bench just outside the beach shack, fingers twisting her damp hair into a bun before it slipped again.
Behind her, Rafe strolled over, slowing when he noticed her struggling.
“You want a hand?” he asked.
She glanced back, giving him a sceptical look. “You know how to do this?”
He crouched beside her, easy smile in place. “I’ve got two little sisters. Hair emergencies used to be a regular thing in our house.”
That earned a small laugh from her. “So you’re telling me you’re qualified?”
“I mean, I survived middle school mornings with a brush and a hair tie. I’ve got decent odds.”
She gave a mock sigh and tilted her head toward him. “Alright. Show me what you’ve got.”
He carefully took the hair tie from her wrist and gathered her hair, fingers moving with a quiet sort of ease.
“Wow,” she murmured. “You actually know what you’re doing.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
She shrugged, a smile tugging at her mouth. “You don’t give off strong hair-braiding energy.”
“Well, I try to keep people guessing.”
A pause settled between them, comfortable. His knuckles brushed the back of her neck as he worked, and she sat a little straighter without meaning to.
“There,” he said after a moment, tying it off neatly. “Should hold up at least until the wipeouts start.”
She turned to face him, their eyes meeting at close range. “Thanks.”
He nodded, lingering just a second longer than he needed to. “Anytime.”
Then she stood, smoothing her wetsuit. “Okay, braid boy. Let’s see how you are on a board.”
He grinned. “Alright, show-off. Let’s go.”
The water was cooler than expected, but not shocking. Y/N shrieked as the first wave lapped over her knees, the hem of her wetsuit darkening instantly.
Rafe was already ankle-deep, board tucked under one arm, turning to grin at her over his shoulder. “Come on! This is the easy part.”
Y/N raised a brow, lifting her board like it weighed twice as much. “Right, because balance has always been my strong suit.”
“Balance takes focus,” he said with a grin. “And maybe a little bit of pretending you know what you’re doing.”
She gave him a look. “You’re full of something, that’s for sure.”
He laughed, slowing as she caught up. “Alright, surf school 101. Start on the sand. I want to see your form first before we take on baby waves.”
“You mean humiliating warm-ups in front of you? Sounds dreamy.”
But she followed, dropping her board and mimicking his movements as he demonstrated. Palms flat. Chest up. Feet staggered.
“Like this?” she asked, squinting down at herself.
“Almost,” he said, stepping behind her.
She felt him before she saw him, the shift in the air, the quiet heat of him close behind her. His voice dipped low, the edge of teasing gone, replaced with something slower, warmer. “Try keeping your weight here,” he murmured, gently nudging her elbow into place.
Y/N swallowed. Her pulse jumped. Not from nerves, exactly, but from the way his hand lingered, the warmth of him just at her back.
She turned her head slightly, eyes finding his just over her shoulder.
His gaze held hers for a beat too long. “You’re tense.”
“You’re close,” she said, breathier than intended.
His smile tugged higher, amused but not mocking. “Can’t help it,” he said softly. “You’re kind of distracting.”
She glanced up at him over her shoulder, a small smile tugging at her mouth. “So what happens now, coach?”
He met her eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “Now?” he said, his voice just a little softer. “Now I give you some luck.”
And before she could answer, he leaned in and kissed her. Soft, certain. Just long enough to make her forget her footing, just short enough to leave her chasing it.
When he pulled back, his forehead nearly brushed hers.
“For luck,” he repeated, quieter this time.
Her cheeks flushed. “That’s cheating.”
He grinned as he stepped back. “Not if it works.”
She turned away, heart thudding, trying to reset her stance but her balance wasn’t the only thing off anymore. Not even close.
“Okay,” she managed, focusing back on the board. “I think I got it.”
“Yeah,” he said quietly, watching her. “I think you do.”
Ten minutes later, they were in the water, boards bobbing beside them, the steady pulse of the waves rolling in around their ankles. Rafe moved with calm ease, like he belonged there. Y/N.. less so.
“Alright, when the wave starts to lift you, that’s your moment,” he called gently from a few feet away. “Paddle, then pop up.”
She nodded, bracing herself. The next wave came. She paddled, tried to stand -
And wiped out instantly.
The ocean flipped her like a coin, water rushing up her nose. She surfaced with a gasp, blinking against the sun, hair stuck to her face.
Rafe was already beside her. “Hey, hey,” he said, laughing softly but checking her face. “You good?”
“Think I swallowed half the ocean,” she said, breathless.
“You’ll build immunity,” he grinned. Then, without thinking, he reached out and gently pushed a few damp strands of hair away from her cheek.
Y/N stilled slightly at the touch, and their eyes met, a pause in the middle of all the motion. Quiet, but full.
“You’re fine,” he said, voice softer now. “You’re doing great.”
She gave a half-smile, still catching her breath. “Not sure that counts as standing.”
“You got up,” he said simply. “That’s the hard part.”
She let out a shaky laugh and pushed her hair back again. “Alright. Again?”
He nodded. “Absolutely.”
They paddled out side by side. A new wave rolled in, smaller this time. She caught it, stood, and managed to stay upright just long enough to feel the wind cut across her skin before she dropped back into the water.
When she popped back up, laughing, he was already next to her again.
“That felt almost real!” she said.
“It was real,” he said, grinning. “You’re getting there.”
They floated for a second, shoulder to shoulder, boards drifting closer. She looked at him again, wet hair, sun on his skin, that steady kind of warmth in his eyes and the words came out without thinking.
“Thanks for doing this.”
He met her gaze. “You told me you love the water.”
Y/N smiled. “I didn’t mean nearly drowning in it, but... yeah. This means a lot.”
A beat passed. He looked like he was about to say something else but then another wave started rolling in.
The water was calmer now, waves mellowing into a soft rhythm that pulsed around their legs. Y/N had waded in up to her hips, her braid damp from earlier wipeouts, her wetsuit unzipped halfway to reveal the edge of her bikini top. The ocean breeze played with the loose strands of hair that had slipped free, and her eyes never left Rafe as he rode the last wave in.
He cut cleanly across the water, graceful and sure, before stepping off his board and catching sight of her.
“Still watching me?” he asked, breathless as he approached, board trailing behind him.
“Someone’s gotta judge your form,” she said, the corner of her mouth curving.
“Oh yeah?” He slowed as he reached her, water swirling around their waists. “And?”
Her eyes flicked down his chest, still dripping, then back up. “You pass.”
“Barely?” he teased.
She shrugged, like she wasn’t already smiling. “You might need to prove it again.”
Rafe didn’t answer not with words. He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair off her cheek with a touch that lingered. Then his hand slid to her waist, warm even in the cool water, drawing her in.
Their bodies bumped gently in the current, salt clinging to skin.
And then he kissed her.
Soft at first, slow and exploratory. Her hands slid up over his shoulders, fingers curling at the nape of his neck. He tasted like sea and adrenaline, sun-warmed skin and the quiet tension of something that had been building all day.
Her breath caught when his thumb brushed under the edge of her bikini top, not possessive, just familiar, like he already knew her shape.
The waves rocked gently around them, water lifting and falling at their sides, and it felt like they were suspended in it — this little pocket of ocean and heat and want.
When they finally broke apart, she was breathless.
“I thought this was supposed to be a surf lesson,” she said, lips still grazing his.
He smiled, hand still on her waist. “Call it... extra credit.”
The tide had eased into a slower rhythm, each wave rolling in with a hush like it had nowhere else to be. Y/N stood barefoot at the edge of the shoreline, toes sinking into damp sand, her wetsuit unzipped halfway down her stomach to reveal the edge of her bikini top. Her braid clung damply to her back, salt still on her skin.
Out in the water, Rafe paddled hard, then popped up, smooth and effortless, catching the swell just before it broke. He rode it clean, low and controlled, the board tilting beneath him with practiced confidence.
Y/N watched, shading her eyes with one hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. When he hit the final stretch of the wave and hopped off with a neat, easy dive, she gave a single clap, shaking her head with a quiet laugh under her breath.
“Alright, I’m impressed,” she murmured to no one.
He came up grinning, pushing his hair back, scanning until his eyes found hers. From the water, he raised a brow like he’d caught the tail end of her reaction. She didn’t say anything, just tilted her head and shrugged like, yeah, okay — you’re good.
He grinned wider, already moving back toward shore.
And from where she stood, the sea in front of her, him swimming back, that look still on his face, something about it felt good. Easy. Like maybe she’d been waiting for a moment like this without realizing it.
The afternoon light stretched long across the beach, still warm but softening, the kind of light that made the ocean sparkle like it was holding onto summer. Y/N walked beside Rafe, hand in his, the sand cool and powdery under their feet, the rhythmic hush of the waves a steady backdrop to their quiet moment.
Just ahead, nestled in a shallow dip between two dunes, was the kind of setup that felt too pretty to be real, a low wooden table surrounded by striped pillows and folded blankets, a woven basket off to one side. Candles flickered inside hurricane glass jars, and a small bottle of champagne sweated in an ice bucket.
Y/N let out a quiet breath. “Oh my.. this is adorable.”
Rafe glanced over at her, their fingers still loosely intertwined. “Yeah?”
She nodded, a smile playing at her lips. “Yeah.”
“Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s enjoy it.”
They sank down onto the cushions, still a little salt-kissed from the ocean. Rafe reached for the bottle and popped the cork with a clean twist, the sound light and easy. He poured two glasses and handed her one, their fingers brushing.
Rafe poured carefully, handing her a glass before lifting his own.
“To us.” he said, voice a little softer now.
Y/N’s gaze met his, steady.
“To us,” she repeated, tapping her glass gently against his.
They clinked glasses, they sipped and the silence that followed was the comfortable kind. Rafe reached into the basket and pulled out the containers, spreading them between them.
“Tacos, fruit, little bit of everything,” he said.
Y/N peeked inside, lips already curving. “Okay, you just won major points.”
He laughed softly. “I figured it was safer than trying to impress you with my cooking.”
She took a bite, nodding with clear approval. “This is exactly what I needed.”
They ate slowly, passing the fruit between them, brushing fingers now and then small grazes that lingered longer each time. The stories turned quieter, less about the past and more about the now. He watched her laugh over a piece of mango, eyes crinkled, sunlight catching the curve of her lips.
When she leaned back on her hands, eyes on him, something shifted.
Rafe mirrored her without thinking, elbow brushing hers as he settled beside her. He turned toward her slightly, gaze dragging from her mouth to her eyes and back again.
She caught it. Didn’t look away.
“What?” she asked, voice low, teasing.
“You have no idea what you do to me,” he said, just above a murmur, but there was no joking in it.
Her smile curved slow. “I think I’m starting to.”
Their knees touched. Then his fingers reached, brushing a piece of hair from her shoulder, fingertips skating lightly along the exposed skin at her collarbone. The kind of touch that wasn’t about fixing anything, just feeling.
Her breath hitched.
Without a word, Rafe reached for her waist and gently tugged, guiding her up then shifting her into his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. His hands settled on her hips, steady, warm.
Y/N’s arms looped around his neck, knees bracketing his thighs now. She looked down at him, playful, flushed, and just a little breathless.
Rafe leaned in like he couldn’t help it anymore. Their mouths didn’t meet at first, just hovered. Close enough to taste the possibility.
“Are you gonna kiss me again,” she asked, “or just keep looking at me like that?”
His lips brushed hers, not quite a kiss more like a dare.
“Depends,” he whispered. “You want slow… or do you want me to forget the cameras are even here?”
That made her laugh, soft and low before closing the gap with a kiss that wasn’t slow at all.
It was heat and salt and want. His hand slid up her back, drawing her closer until her chest was flush to his, her fingers curling in his shirt like she needed something to hold onto. He kissed her like they were alone on the planet like the moment had been waiting for them to catch up.
When they finally broke apart, lips swollen, cheeks flushed, they didn’t say anything right away. Just breathed, still tangled in each other, like neither of them was ready to pull back.
Rafe smiled against her temple. “You’re trouble, you know that?”
Y/N grinned, curling a little closer. “Only the good kind.”
And he kissed her again just because he could.
The sun hovered just above the horizon, casting everything in that soft golden wash that made the world feel quieter – slower. The ocean glinted with ribbons of orange and rose gold, each wave reflecting the sky.
Y/N and Rafe sat nestled on a blanket near the edge of the dunes, a little distance from their now-empty picnic setup. She leaned back into him, her body relaxed against his chest, his arms wrapped around her like it was second nature. He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his breath warm near her ear.
They didn’t talk. Not yet. The quiet was full, but not heavy just comfortable.
Y/N tilted her head slightly toward his. “We’re gonna blame the champagne if I get emotional, right?”
Rafe let out a soft laugh, brushing his nose along the curve of her jaw. “Deal. Champagne… and sunsets. Dangerous combo.”
She smiled, fingers threading with his over her stomach where his arms held her close. “It’s just… nice, you know? To not feel like I have to talk or impress or perform.”
“You don’t,” he said quietly. “You never have to do anything but just… be here.”
Her eyes fluttered shut for a second, letting that settle in her chest.
She shifted slightly, turning in his arms until they were almost face to face, her legs drawn up between them. Her fingers moved up, slowly combing through the back of his hair, soft gentle strokes that made him close his eyes for half a second.
When he opened them again, she was watching him, brows slightly raised in curiosity.
“I really like you,” he said, voice low, not shy just honest.
She smiled, soft and slow. “Do you?”
He leaned in, pressing a small, lingering kiss to her lips. “Mm-hmm. I do.”
Her thumb brushed along the side of his neck as she whispered, “I think I like you a little bit.”
He raised a brow, playful. “Just a little bit?”
“Mm-hmm,” she teased.
“Yeah?” His voice was warm, a quiet smile spreading across his lips.
And then he kissed her again, deeper this time. Her hand stayed tangled in his hair, his arms tightening gently around her like he didn’t want to let go.
When they finally pulled apart, they were still nose to nose, foreheads nearly touching, breath mingling in the last golden light of the day.
After the make-out session, Y/N rested against Rafe’s side. One hand in his lap, gently tracing the veins along his forearm. Her fingertips moved slowly, following each line with quiet curiosity, like she was memorizing him by touch, the warmth of his skin, the strength beneath it, the way he didn’t flinch or pull away, just let her.
Rafe glanced down at her hand on his, then back at her face. She was focused, soft in the way she always was when she thought no one was watching.
“Comfortable?” he asked, voice low.
She smiled without looking up. “Very.”
The silence between them wasn’t really silent it held the sound of waves, a gull overhead, and that hush that happens when two people know they’re not in a rush to leave.
Then Rafe shifted slightly, reaching behind him to grab something from under the edge of the blanket. When he turned back, the familiar red rose was in his hand — bright against the soft dusk tones.
Y/N sat up just enough to meet his eyes, her hand falling to rest lightly on his knee.
Rafe’s gaze didn’t waver. “Today felt... easy. But also kind of electric? You were open, fun, honest and I think I saw more of you than I have of most people in a month.”
He paused, thumb brushing the edge of her knee as he held out the rose between them.
“I want more of that. Of you. So…” He smiled. “Y/N, will you accept this rose?”
A beat. Then her mouth curved gently, eyes never leaving his. “Yeah. I will.”
Rafe leaned in, meaning to kiss her cheek but she turned just enough to meet him, lips catching lips, soft and easy.
She tucked the rose carefully beside her on the blanket and leaned back into him, his arm curling around her waist. Her head found its place on his shoulder again, and they stayed that way, limbs tangled, breath synced, skin still buzzing from everything and nothing.
The sky above stretched into early violet, fading toward something darker.
Confessional – Rafe
“This might’ve been my favorite date so far. And not just because of the surfing.”
He pauses like he’s about to say more, then smirks, smile deepening.
“She’s got this way of looking at you, like she already knows what you’re thinking. And then laughs like she doesn’t take any of it too seriously. I don’t know... I think I’m already a little wrapped around her finger.”
“And the craziest part? I don’t even mind.”
He exhales, sitting back slightly, eyes still soft.
“I could’ve stayed on that beach with her all night.”
Confessional — Y/N
“I can’t stop smiling. Which is ridiculous, I know, but… it felt like real life today. It didn’t feel like a first date. It felt like something I’ve done before. Or something I want to keep doing.” She let out a soft laugh.
THE NEXT DAY
Sunlight filtered through the lemon trees, casting soft shadows across the stone patio. The girls had sprawled across lounge chairs and picnic blankets with oversized mugs of coffee and half-eaten bowls of fruit and granola in front of them. A low speaker played something mellow and easy. Someone had lit a citronella candle that flickered lazily in the breeze.
Y/N sat cross-legged on a cushion, tracing her finger around the rim of her mug, looking entirely too content not to be interrogated.
Alyssa was the first to break. “Are you gonna make us beg, or?”
Y/N smirked behind her mug. “Beg for what?”
“You’re glowing. You’ve been glowing since you walked back in,” Kayla said, laughing.
Daniella, lying on her stomach with her chin propped on her arms, glanced up. “She’s not even trying to hide it.”
Y/N gave them a mock innocent look. “Hide what?”
“Oh my god,” Kayla groaned, flipping onto her side dramatically. “You had your date. With Rafe. On the beach. Alone. Start talking.”
Y/N bit her bottom lip, a little too pleased. “It was… really good. Better than good even.”
The girls collectively lost it. Laughter. Pillow nudges. A chorus of “We knew it!”
Alyssa sat up. “Details, please.”
“It was…” Y/N’s voice softened, eyes drifting for a second. “Real. Just… us. Surfing, talking, messing around in the water.”
“Wait,” Alyssa said, sitting up straighter. “You surf?”
“Absolutely not,” Y/N said with a laugh. “Mostly I swallowed saltwater and embarrassed myself. But he tried to teach me.”
“He totally loved that,” Kayla said knowingly.
Y/N shrugged, cheeks warm. “He said he did.”
A beat passed.
Daniella raised a brow. “And?”
Y/N tilted her head. “And what?”
Alyssa leaned in. “Did you kiss him?”
Y/N just smiled into her coffee.
Kayla gasped. “YOU DID.”
Y/N gave a small, helpless laugh. “In the water.”
Daniella collapsed backward. “And the chemistry?”
Y/N’s cheeks went a little pink. “Let’s just say… the ocean wasn’t the only thing heating up.”
Alyssa tossed a strawberry at her. “Shut. Up.”
They all laughed again, the kind of easy, morning-after laughter that felt like friendship and sunscreen and too much sun. Somewhere in the background, a bee buzzed lazily past.
Daniella eventually glanced sideways. “Did he give you the rose?”
Y/N nodded slowly. “He did.”
The girls beamed.
“Well,” Kayla said, stealing a grape. “Let’s just say... if I were him, I would’ve too.”
“We officially have a frontrunner.”
Y/N rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. Not even a little.
Then she glanced down at her hands, fingers brushing the side of her mug. “I know I’m smiling like an idiot, but... I really don’t want to be that girl. I don’t want to rub it in or make anyone feel bad. I know how much all of us want this, and you guys deserve it too. Honestly.”
Daniella leaned over and squeezed her hand. “We know that.”
“Seriously,” Y/N added, voice softer now. “I just... really hope you all get moments like that. You deserve to feel seen.”
“I’m just glad it’s with someone who actually gets it,” Alyssa said.
Kayla nodded. “And we’re rooting for you. No weird energy, just love.”
Y/N smiled, heart swelling. “I love you guys.”
“Love you too,” Daniella murmured.
Alyssa lifted her mug. “To good dates and even better friends.”
They clinked coffee mugs, bursting into laughter again. For a second, it didn’t matter who had a rose or not.
The second group date came and went, a whirlwind of cowboy boots, line dancing, and unexpected rhythm from girls who swore they’d never two-step. Laughter echoed through a converted barn lit with string lights, where boots scuffed the floor and hands found their way to hips between spins.
By the end of the night, the energy had settled into something quieter, sweeter.
The group date rose went to Daniella.
THE DAY OF THE ROSE CEREMONY
The heat clung to the afternoon like it had no plans to leave. Most of the girls were scattered around the back patio, sunglasses on, legs stretched out, half-lounging with iced drinks in hand when a voice called from inside:
“Jesse’s here!”
Chairs scraped. Flip-flops slapped against tile. In a matter of seconds, the living room buzzed.
Jesse stood in the middle of the room, hands in his pockets, that usual unreadable grin on his face.
“Hey ladies,” he said. “I know it’s been a big week. Two group dates, one-on-one, lots of emotions…”
Some nods. Some wary looks.
He smiled. “So Rafe thought, instead of waiting for the cocktail party to get more time with all of you, why not do something a little more fun?”
“He’s throwing a pool party.”
The room broke into surprised laughter. “Get your swimsuits ready,” Jesse added with a smirk. “He’ll be here soon.”
The music had already been turned up. Girls darted in and out of the bedrooms and bathrooms in a blur of bikini straps, cover-ups and lip gloss. The backyard sparkled, turquoise pool, pitchers of mocktails sweating on the table, beach balls drifting lazily in the water.
And then the sliding door opened.
Rafe stepped outside and the volume of every conversation dipped almost immediately.
He wore a short-sleeved linen shirt, the top few buttons undone to reveal just enough of his chest to be noticeable. Sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” he said, grinning.
That’s all it took, a rush of footsteps and laughter. A few girls surged toward him with excited greetings, arms thrown around his shoulders.
Zoe, predictably dramatic, didn’t stop at a hug, she leapt up and wrapped both arms and legs around him like a koala, like it was the most normal thing in the world. “Missed me?”
Rafe caught her with a quick, surprised laugh, hands steady at her waist. He offered Zoe a grin that was light, then gently lowering her back to the ground, the looked up at the rest with a soft shake of his head, “Glad to see the energy’s high already.”
The rest of the girls exchanged a few amused, and not-so-amused looks.
Y/N stood a little behind the front row of girls, shoulder to shoulder with Daniella. She wasn’t pushing forward, just watching. From behind his sunglasses, Rafe’s gaze swept the group until it landed on her.
He didn’t say anything. Just let the corner of his mouth lift and sent her a quick, subtle wink.
Her breath hitched, barely. No one else noticed. Just her. Just him.
Someone cranked the music a little louder. Drinks were passed around. Naomi started pouring something fizzy into plastic glasses.
“Okay!” Kayla called. “We need a toast before anyone starts pushing anyone in.”
Rafe raised his glass, the sunlight catching the rim. “To a day off with the best company I could ask for.”
The girls cheered, a happy clink of plastic cups echoing over the pool.
And just like that, the party officially began.
Rafe barely had time to finish his drink before Zoe pulled him toward one of the loungers near the pool, already launching into a conversation with a laugh and a flip of her hair.
A few feet away, Y/N had drifted toward a shaded corner with Alyssa, Daniella, Kayla and Zara, each of them holding onto drinks and dripping in SPF.
“So..” Daniella said “How are we feeling about today?”
“Besides slightly sunburned?” Y/N smirked, then hesitated, eyes flicking briefly toward the far side of the patio. “There’s just been... a bit of tension.”
“Still with Britt?” Alyssa asked.
“Yeah,” Y/N said, tracing the edge of her glass with her fingertip. “It’s not like we’re throwing drinks at each other or anything. It’s just.. weird. Off.”
Zara frowned slightly. “Did something happen?”
Y/N hesitated for a second, then nodded. “Sort of. The morning after the first group date… she made this comment about you being too sensitive after you went outside, like in a really dismissive way. I called her out on it.”
Zara blinked. “Wait, what?”
“Yeah,” Y/N said gently. “She said if someone can’t handle the pressure of this, they shouldn’t be here. I just.. couldn’t let that slide. I’m sorry I should’ve said something to you.”
Y/N exhaled slowly. “I didn’t want it to turn into drama, but it’s been tense since. I’ve been thinking maybe I should talk to her. Just clear the air.”
Zara gave a small, appreciative smile. “I might talk to her too. Not to confront her, I just... I don’t want to leave here with any loose threads either.”
“Thanks for standing up for me,” she added a beat later.
“Of course,” Y/N said. “I just hate the feeling of something lingering like that. I don’t need us to be best friends, but I don’t want it to get ugly either.”
Y/N spotted Britt by the cabana. Y/N took a breath, adjusted her sunglasses and walked over.
“Hey,” she said, keeping her tone neutral but not cold.
Britt glanced up. “Hey.”
“Can we talk for a sec?” Y/N asked, nodding toward a quieter corner of the patio.
Britt hesitated, then nodded her head and stood. “Sure.”
They stepped away from the buzz of the group, stopping near a shaded patch beneath the pergola where the breeze softened the heat.
Y/N folded her arms lightly across her chest. “I don’t want to make a big thing out of this, but… it’s been a little tense between us.”
Britt raised an eyebrow. “You think?”
Y/N exhaled through her nose, holding back the urge to snap. “I’m not here to argue. I just wanted to clear the air.”
Britt didn’t say anything at first. Just waited.
“That morning of the first group date,” Y/N continued, “what you said about Zara... it didn’t sit right with me. It felt harsh. She was hurting, and I just couldn’t pretend it was fine.”
Britt’s jaw ticked. “She was having a moment. I made a comment. That’s all.”
“And I get that,” Y/N said. “But it felt like more than that. Like you were minimizing what she was going through. You don’t have to agree with how she feels, but dismissing it like that? It wasn’t cool.”
Silence settled for a moment.
Britt looked away, eyes narrowing slightly. “I wasn’t trying to be cold. I just don’t have time for people falling apart every five minutes. This is hard for everyone.”
“I’m not saying it’s not,” Y/N said, her voice calm but firm. “But you don’t get to decide how someone else handles it.”
There was a long pause. The wind moved between them.
Finally, Britt exhaled. “Alright. You’ve said your piece.”
Y/N nodded once. “Yeah. I just didn’t want to pretend like nothing happened.”
Britt met her eyes, unreadable. “Noted.”
A beat.
“I don’t expect us to be friends,” Y/N added. “But I don’t want this to get uglier.”
Britt’s tone was cool. “Then don’t make it uglier.”
That one stung, not sharp, but firm. Final.
Y/N didn’t respond right away. She just nodded again, more to herself this time.
“Okay,” she said softly. “That’s all.”
She turned and walked away, her chest feeling heavier than before.
Y/N stood near the far end of the pool with Rafe, her drink balanced in her hand, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“You okay?” he asked gently, eyes scanning her face.
She gave him a half-smile, brushing her thumb over the condensation on her glass. “Yeah. Just – I don’t know. One of those days.”
Rafe studied her a moment longer, then tipped his heads toward the back gate. “Come on. Let’s walk for a sec.”
They slipped away from the crowd, weaving through the edge of the garden until the noise faded into a low hum. He found a shaded spot near the trees, just quiet enough to feel like a separate world and stopped there.
“You don’t have to tell me,” he said softly, “but I can tell something’s on your mind.”
Y/N exhaled and leaned against the trunk of a lemon tree, fingers fidgeting with her necklace. “It’s nothing major, just... girl stuff, I guess. There’s been some tension with Britt. I don’t really want to get into it because I’m not the type to badmouth someone –“ she paused, eyes flicking to his, “but it got under my skin today.”
Rafe didn’t interrupt, just watched her quiet, present.
“She said something that didn’t sit right with me,” Y/N added “And I stood up for someone else, but now things between us are just... weird. I don’t like the energy.”
His brows drew slightly, concern soft but real. “You don’t need to apologize for having a backbone.”
Y/N smiled faintly. “I know. I just.. I didn’t come here to fight with other girls. That is not who I am.”
Rafe stepped closer, hand brushing her waist in a slow, grounding touch. “You’re not. You’re the kind of person who stands up when it matters, and still worries about doing it kindly. That’s rare.”
She blinked at him, her voice smaller now. “Why are you so good at this?”
He grinned, warm and a little crooked. “I’ve got a thing for girls who lead with their heart.”
She laughed softly, the tension beginning to ease, and when his hand came to rest along her back, she leaned into it. He dipped his head slightly, close enough that their foreheads nearly touched.
“Still trouble,” she murmured, teasing, but her voice was quieter this time, vulnerable.
“And still wrapped around your finger,” he said, thumb brushing the hem of her cover-up.
She looked up at him, gaze soft, and for a moment they just stood there, close and still.
Then he kissed her slow and quiet, a reassurance more than anything else.
And when they returned to the party a few minutes later, the weight she’d been carrying felt a little lighter.
The patio had thinned out as some girls slipped inside to freshen up or grab another drink. Zara took a breath, “Can we talk?” she asked, voice steady but quiet.
Britt didn’t look up. “Didn’t realize we had anything left to say.”
Zara didn’t flinch. “You don’t have to like me. But you don’t get to treat me like I’m a weak just because I process things differently than you.”
That got Britt’s attention. She looked up slowly, brows arching. “Wow. Okay.”
“No—listen,” Zara said, voice tightening. “What you said the other day? About me not being cut out for this? That’s just you being a mean girl and for a second I was thinking maybe you were right.”
Britt rolled her eyes, sitting up straighter. “I didn’t say you weren’t cut out for it. I said if you can’t handle the pressure, maybe this isn’t the place.”
“Which is basically the same thing,” Zara said, her tone sharper now. “You don’t get to decide how someone should handle their emotions. I’ve been trying. I’ve shown up. I’ve been honest. That doesn’t make me fragile—it makes me human.”
A few heads were turning now, quiet glances from nearby girls, uncertain but watching.
Britt stood up, arms crossed. “You’re twisting my words. Everyone’s going through it. You don’t see the rest of us falling apart.”
Zara’s jaw clenched, and she blinked hard once. “You don’t know what people are going through. Just because someone isn’t falling apart in front of you doesn’t mean they’re fine.”
Britt scoffed, like it wasn’t worth her time.
Zara took a half-step back, eyes glassy but not breaking. “You act like you don’t care, but honestly? That’s arrogance and you being a mean person.”
And then, without turning, Zara muttered, “I’m done,” and walked off, shoulders stiff.
That’s when Rafe stepped out from the hallway, catching the tail end, Zara walking away, visibly shaken, Britt standing there with her jaw tight and unmoved.
Rafe didn’t say anything to Britt.
Instead, he followed the direction Zara had gone, leaving the noise behind.
Rafe found Zara near the garden, away from the noise. She didn’t see him at first, but when she did, she didn’t hide the tears welling in her eyes. He didn’t ask anything, just stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. She held on tight.
They talked in low voices, her words barely audible over the music drifting from the patio. Whatever was said between them, it ended with another hug. His hand rubbed gently along her back. She nodded once as he pulled away, and he gave her a quiet look before turning and walking back toward the house.
Britt hadn’t moved from the lounger.
When Rafe stepped into view, she straightened subtly, slipping her sunglasses to the top of her head and giving him a small smile too quick, too smooth.
“Hey,” she said lightly, like nothing had happened. “Didn’t expect you over here.”
He didn’t return the smile. “Can we talk?”
Her smile faltered, but she nodded. “Of course.”
He didn’t sit.
“I just spoke to Zara,” he said, voice even. “And I overheard enough before that to understand what’s been going on.”
Britt’s expression froze for half a second before she recovered, reaching for composure. “Look, if this is about—”
He held up a hand, stopping her.
“No spin. No explanation. I’ve seen the way you talk to people when you think they’re vulnerable. How quick you are to pull away when someone’s struggling.”
She looked off to the side, jaw tight.
“I didn’t expect that from you,” he said. “I thought there was more kindness in you. More awareness of how hard this experience can be. But the way you handled that? That’s not what I’m looking for.”
Her voice was lower now. “So that’s it?”
He nodded, steady. “This journey deserves people who lift each other up. And right now, I need to follow what I know is right. I’m walking you out.”
She stared for a beat, mouth parted like she might say something but she didn’t. Just set her drink down with a soft clink and stood.
“Guess that’s that,” she muttered.
He walked beside her, quiet, out through the open doors.
The evening air had cooled by the time the girls lined up on the rose ceremony platform, heels clicking softly on the stone. The tension was undeniable, the kind that quieted even the usual whispers.
Y/N stood near Daniella and Maya, the three of them already safe with roses from their dates, watching as Rafe stepped forward with the remaining flowers.
His eyes moved across the group, lingering in places just long enough to make hearts race.
“Tonight wasn’t easy,” he began. “You’ve all shown me different sides of yourselves, and I’m grateful for every conversation, every laugh even the hard moments. But I have to follow what feels real. So… here we go.”
Each rose handed with a hug or a quiet “thank you,” leaving three women standing at the end.
Selene.
Brianna.
And the now-empty space where Britt once stood.
Jesse returned quietly to deliver the final rose.
Rafe took a breath, then looked up.
“Zoe.”
Zoe stepped forward slowly, visibly relieved.
That was it.
Selene’s smile was small but gracious, while Brianna looked stunned, like she hadn’t expected to be on the edge of goodbye. Hugs were exchanged, some tighter than others.
From the sidelines, Y/N glanced toward Daniella. Neither said anything, but the shift in the air was real.
The circle had grown smaller again. And everything ahead? Only more real.
I love LOVE the long chapters!! Ur one of the few writers out here that actually writes long chapters so thank you for that :)
tysm babe 💖!! i honestly really needed to hear this, since i’ve been actually thinking about splitting the chapters into smaller parts, since i know long chapters aren’t everyone’s cup of tea (which is totally fine btw!!)
but at the same time, i wanted to keep the vibe similar to the real thing by covering a whole week in one chapter.
i’d definitely love to hear more opinions, would you guys prefer long chapters, or maybe shorter ones broken up a bit?
Just read chapter 3😩the surfing date got me in my feels. I’m torn between wanting the fluff and cuteness to continue and wanting such heartwrenching angst that I can’t function. Have you got any idea how the rest of the series will pan out or do you just write each chapter as it comes?
i think i need to write some angst soon, something inside me is literally craving it, lol. (reading and writing angsty fics is definitely my guilty pleasure) that’s all I’ll say for now, but… just prepare yourself for the next chapter and maybe even the one after that. 🙃
as for the rest of the series, i usually write each chapter as it comes. sometimes, ideas for the next chapter pop into my head while i’m still writing, so i jot those down as they come. i always make sure to watch a few episodes from certain seasons, mainly seasons: 24, 28, and 29 before i start writing, just to get a feel for what typically happens during those weeks
CHAPTER 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve just seen it’s been posted but am making myself wait until tomorrow to read it so that I have something to look forward to because I do wanna read it now but it’s nearly 1am here and I want to be fully awake and present to read it!
Also, how are your finals going?
i do that too sometimes with other fics!! hope you enjoyed chapter 3 🫶🏼!!!
my finals are going well, tysm for asking!! i have 4 exams left and those 4 are the hardest ones of this semester, so pray for me lol 🫣
The house was quiet in that early morning way. Somewhere, a kettle clicked off. A few girls had gathered in the kitchen, bare-faced and wrapped in hoodies, passing around a fruit bowl and trading theories about this week’s date cards. In the living room, someone had already claimed the coziest corner of the couch, knees tucked under a throw blanket, eyes flicking to the front door every few minutes – just in case.
Daniella sat cross-legged on the main couch, wrapped in cardigan and drinking her coffee. She flipped through a magazine, not really reading it. Next to her was Alyssa, she had her knees pulled to her chest, hair up in a claw and a hoodie.
Kayla was perched on the windowsill with her legs stretched out. She was watching the driveaway like something exciting might roll in it if she stared long enough.
Y/N leaned against the arm of the couch between Daniella and Alyssa, one leg over the other, a soft oversized sweater slipping slightly off one shoulder. She held a mug of tea.
“Okay,” Daniella said suddenly, tossing the magazine onto the coffee table, “someone tell me he has a flaw. Just one. Anything. I’ll take crooked teeth. Weird laugh. Something.”
“Please,” Y/N muttered. “The man walked out of a painting. He’s probably good with animals and children too. Just to spite us.”
“He probably supports local shops,” Alyssa added.
“I bet he’s a bad texter,” Kayla offered. ”Hot people are usually terrible at texting.”
“He probably types full sentences and uses punctuation,” Daniella said, voice light. A ripple of laughter.
“I can’t lie” Daniella said after a beat, tucking her feet beneath her. “That group date felt like it was weeks ago.”
“It was five days,” Y/N deadpanned.
“Exactly.”
The girls chuckled. From the kitchen, footsteps padded across the hardwood, and a few girls more trickled in. Sierra, Naomi, Zara and Lana wandered through.
“Is this like the unofficial group therapy circle?” Sierra asked, eyebrow raised.
“More like group denial,” Alyssa replied, gesturing at the couch. “Take a seat.”
Selene and Kelsey appeared next. “There is a weird energy today,” Kelsey said as she flopped into a nearby chair. “Like we’re all waiting for something.”
“Because we are,” Zara muttered. “There’s a date card coming, you just know it.”
Y/N tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flicking toward the hallway, then back to the group. There was a kind of comfort in this, the shared waiting, the lowkey panic woven between the jokes.
“Okay, real question,” Alyssa said, glancing around from her seat on the couch. “Is anyone actually feeling good about where they stand with him?”
Selene exhaled, stretching her legs out. “I mean… I think? We talked at the last cocktail party, and it felt easy. But also, like, he is talking to everyone. So who even knows.”
“I get that,” Lana said. “I had a good moment with him on the group date, but I haven’t had anything since. I keep thinking… what if that was it?”
Kelsey shook her head. “It is weird, right? One second you feel confident, the next you’re spiralling because he laughed at someone else’s joke.”
“That’s because we’re all trapped in a romantic Hunger Games,” Alyssa muttered.
They all laughed.
Confessional – Y/N
“I am really hoping to see him today.” She said, her voice softer, thoughtful. “Last week.. it just felt easy. There is something about him, this calm, like I can actually breath when I am around him.”
“I miss my pillow,” Vanessa said suddenly. “My actually memory-foam, perfectly broken-in pillow. Not this polyester nonsense they gave us.”
Brianna groaned in solidarity. “Yes. I swear the one in my room feels like it was stuffed with peanuts.”
Daisy spoke up. “I miss my dog. Like.. my whole chest kind of aches for her.”
Madina nodded sympathetically, “What kind?”
“She is a rescue golden retriever. She does this thing where she presses her face against mine when I’m sad. I don’t even know if she remembers me right now.”
“She does. They always do.”
“I left one of my sweatshirts with her,” Daisy murmured. “For the scent. It was either that or cry into her fur for six hours before I left.”
A laugh bubbled up between them.
“God,” Vanessa said, “We are officially the most unhinged girl group in Bachelor history. Missing dogs and foam pillows like we’re stranded in the woods.”
“You mean we’re not?” Brianna said dryly.
“Feels like it.” Madina murmured, making them all laugh.
Confessional – Madina
“Being here... you miss a lot of things. Your bed, your people, your routines. But you also start realizing how much energy you’re spending trying to be seen.”
“And yeah, last week at the cocktail party.. I got interrupted mid-sentence.” She gave a short breath of a laugh, no heat behind it. “I get it. Everyone wants time. Everyone’s trying to make something happen.”
“But there is a difference between showing up for yourself and stepping over someone else to get ahead. And I think, at some point, that difference matters.”
Across the room, Zoe and Britt had tucked themselves into a quiet corner where the low hum of the other girls voices faded into background noise.
Zoe curled her legs beneath her, glancing over at the group by the kitchen. “Do you ever feel like we’re extras in someone else’s love story?”
Britt lets out a dry laugh. “You’re definitely not.”
“You think some are playing a game?” Zoe tilted her head.
“I think everyone is, in their own way,” Britt said. “Some of us just haven’t figured out our strategy yet.”
They fell quiet for a beat as laughter bubbled up from across the room. The mood in the corner didn’t shift dramatically, but there was something unspoken sitting between them.
Zoe let out a small sigh. “Honestly I’d rake one real conversation at this point. Just enough time to feel like I exist in his world.”
Britt didn’t say anything right away. Then, with a quiet shrug: “Yeah. Same.”
The front door opened like a cue and every head turned. Jesse Palmer walked in, relaxed and polished in a blazer and dark jeans, holding a crisp white envelope.
“Good morning, ladies.”
The room chorused back: “Morning, Jesse.”
“Everybody feeling good?”
A wave of yeahs, mhmms and polite smiles passed through.
He nodded, stepping closer to the center of the room. “Well, congrats, you’re the nineteen women who made it through last week. Which means you’re the women, Rafe really sees something with. A future. So let’s keep things moving, shall we?”
He held up the envelope. “This week there are going to be two fun group dates.. and one very romantic one-on-one.”
Jesse smiled and set the envelope down on the coffee table. “Here’s your first group date card.”
He looked around the room. “Best of luck, and I hope to see you all, later this week. Have fun.”
He waved once and disappeared just as quickly as he arrived. And the room? Instantly on fire.
Silence lingered for half a beat. Then Daniella nudged Lana with her foot. “You’re the closest. Go.”
Lana raised an eyebrow but reached for the envelope, flipping it open with a small smirk. Her voice dipped low for the drama.
“Madina, Maya, Alyssa…”
A pause.
“Zoe, Daisy, Brianna ...”
Y/N felt her breath catch.
“Vanessa, Kayla..”
Another pause.
“And me.”
A moment of silence stretched in the air like static before it all dissolved into a chorus of oh my gods and scattered claps.
Y/N didn’t say anything at first. That flicker of disappointment that rolled through her before she could stop it. That subtle, sinking feeling of being left out, edged in doubt she didn’t want to give voice to. Across the room, Daniella’s eyes met hers, the same shared sting of being left out but she didn’t need to say anything. They both knew. But they didn’t let it linger.
Still, Y/N reached across and squeezed Alyssa’s hand with a quiet smile. “You’re gonna crush it.”
Daniella bumped Kayla’s shoulder gently. “Okay, okay. Try not to outshine the whole planet, please.”
Kayla grinned. “No promises.”
Lana turned the card over. “There’s a quote,” she said, then read aloud:
“Looking for my Mrs. Right. – Love Rafe”
Daniella bumped Kayla with her elbow. “No pressure or anything.”
Kayla smirked. “Just casually planning my wedding with a man I’ve spoken to for maybe forty minutes total.”
The room buzzed with nervous laughter and a growing swirl of speculation. A few of the girls exchanged glances excited, maybe a little terrified as they realized this wasn’t going to be just another group hang. It was going to be something bigger.
As the girls began drifting off to get ready, voices lifting with questions and guesses about the date, a producer’s voice called from the hallway, “Ladies, please head to the styling room!”
Back in the living room, those who remained sat quieter now, each retreating to their thoughts, some hopeful, some restless.
And Y/N, stared at the closed door a second longer. Soft smile, but quieter now. Because in the silence after the laughter, the doubt crept in. She thought things had gone well with Rafe. Thought the group date rose, their conversation, that kiss, all of it, had meant something.
But now her name hadn’t been on the card. And maybe that was fine. Maybe it was just how the show worked. Still, it was hard not to feel the little sting of being overlooked. Even harder to stop the spiral of wondering why.
The SUV with nine girls all dressed in white rolled to a stop in front of a coastal estate, where white roses lined the walkaway and a string quartet played softly in the distance. The girls stepped out one by one, their white dresses catching the sun.
Laughter bubbled from a nearby tent, where a faux reception had already been staged up. White linens draped long tables, champagne flutes sparkled and strangers, dressed as wedding guests, turned in their seats, ready to welcome the nine brides.
“Okay, this is crazy,” Maya whispered, wide-eyed as she took in the scene. “Like… are we actually fake marrying him?”
Rafe stood near the center of the setup in a crisp navy suit, boutonnière pinned, a grin tugging at his mouth as each woman approached.
“Ladies,” he called, voice warm and playful, “you ready to get married?”
A mix of nervous laughter and dramatic gasps followed, heels clicking against stone as the women made their way toward the fantasy waiting for them.
“I wonder if they’ve started already,” Naomi murmured, arms crossed over her chest.
“They left like an hour ago.” Kelsey replied from the kitchen barstool. “So yeah, probably mid-chaos by now.”
Sierra, curled up in the chair across from Y/N, gave a soft sigh. “Honestly? I kind of wish I was there. Even if it’s awkward. At least then you’re part of the storyline.”
Across the room, Zara was picking at the cuff of her sweater. Her expression was tight. Too still.
“Z?” Leila said gently, her voice soft from the armchair beside her.
Zara didn’t answer right away. Then, suddenly, she stood up. “I need air,” she muttered, already heading for the back door.
“Zara-” Naomi started, half-rising.
“I’m fine,” Zara insisted, though her voice wobbled just slightly. “Just… give me a sec.”
The door clicked closed behind her.
Silence hung thick in her absence.
“She’s been off all morning,” Kelsey said quietly.
Britt crossed one leg over the other, her voice cool. “Maybe this just isn’t for her. If watching other girls play pretend bride is enough to break you, that’s kind of telling.”
Selene looked over. “Bit harsh.”
Britt shrugged. “It’s the truth. No one’s entitled to a rose or a breakdown.”
Y/N looked up from her mug. “You know there’s a way to be honest without being an asshole.”
“I’m not being an asshole,” Britt said flatly. “Just realistic.”
“Realistic doesn’t mean cruel.”
“Oh, come on,” Britt scoffed. “She walked out like someone died. We’ve all been overlooked by now, it’s part of the deal.”
“Yeah,” Y/N said, voice sharper now, “and we don’t all turn around and use that to drag someone else down. There’s a difference.”
Britt’s brows lifted. “Why are you even pressed? This doesn’t have anything to do with you.”
“It does when you talk like you get to decide how people are allowed to feel.”
Britt opened her mouth, but Daniella cut in quietly, “Maybe dial it back before you sound even more heartless.”
No one laughed. Even the background music had stopped or maybe it just felt that way?
Y/N stood up. “I’ll be back.”
No one stopped her.
Y/N found Zara in the far corner of the backyard. “Mind if I sit?” Y/N asked, voice low.
Zara nodded her head. Y/N sat beside her. For a while, they just sat like that.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” Zara finally said, voice low. “Everyone else seems to be floating through this. I’m… stuck in my own head.”
Y/N didn’t push, just waited.
“I keep overthinking everything. What I said, how I looked, whether I’m doing too much or not enough. And every time I think I’ve found my footing, I lose it again.” She let out a shaky breath. “It’s exhausting.”
Y/N glanced over. “That sounds… really hard.”
Zara gave a small laugh, but there wasn’t much humor in it. “I keep wondering what Rafe sees when he looks at me. Or if he sees me at all. Like, what if I’m just background noise in someone else’s love story?”
Y/N’s heart pulled. She reached over, gently brushing Zara’s arm. “Hey. You’re not background to anyone.”
Zara looked down at her hands. “It just feels like I’m falling behind. Like I should be more confident, more open, more sure. But I’m not. And then I wonder if that means I’m not cut out for this.”
“You’re human,” Y/N said softly. “And you’re allowed to have doubts. You’re allowed to feel all of this.”
Zara’s eyes shimmered, but she blinked quickly. “I just hate how small I’ve started to feel. Like I’m shrinking inside myself.”
Y/N leaned her shoulder gently into hers. “You’re not small, Zara. You’re brave. Brave enough to admit you’re struggling instead of pretending you’re not.”
Zara gave a quiet exhale, like something inside her had loosened just a little. “Thanks,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.
Y/N offered a soft smile. “Anytime.”
And they sat there, not trying to fix anything just letting the quiet stretch out around them, holding space for whatever came next.
Back at the group date there had been equal parts surreal and theatrical. Each woman had walked down an aisle. Toasts were made, mock guests were charmed and champagne glasses were raised in pretend celebration. Rafe moved through it all with warmth and ease, lifting veils and playing the part of groom more convincingly than some had expected.
The final moment came with the “first dance” reserved for just one. Daisy.
She made the fake wedding feel, somehow, honest. When her name was called, she looked stunned, cheeks flushing pink as soft music cued up and Rafe offered his hand.
The rest of the girls watched from the sidelines, as the bride and groom swayed slowly under the fairy lights.
Confessional – Rafe
“Today was really fun. Kind of surreal. Watching them give speeches, laugh with the guests. I saw different sides of them today.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
Everyone was piled into the living room, scattered across the couches.
“They’re taking so long on the group date,” Sierra muttered, pulling a blanket tighter around her. “I wonder what they’re up to.”
“Probably fake-cutting a wedding cake,” Selene said dryly, earning a few half-smiles.
Leila yawned, “Feels like they’ve been gone forever.”
Daniella sat on the floor with her back to the couch, hair piled on top of her head in a lopsided bun. She didn’t say anything, just tapped her fingers against her knee, like she was waiting for something.
Confessional — Daniella
“It’s getting pretty late and we’ve been sitting around all day, and as much fun as I’ve had, like in the back of my mind I’m thinking, when’s the next date card coming?” She shrugged, smiling faintly. “So I’m hoping it’s tonight.”
Knock. Knock
Half the room jumped.
“Oh my God,” Leila said, clutching her chest. “That scared me.”
Naomi walked to the door and cracked it open, glanced outside then turned back, holding a single white envelope.
Confessional – Britt
“There’s a one-on-one and a group date. We don’t know what order they’re coming in,” she said, arms crossed, tone light but clipped. “But I hope it’s a one-on-one with my name on it.”
“Let’s see,” Naomi said, sliding a finger under the seal of the envelope.
She cleared her throat, reading aloud:
“Let’s chase the rush – together, love Rafe”
A beat. Just long enough for every girl in the room to brace.
Then:
“Y/N”
Silence cracked wide open.
Y/N blinked, lips parting slightly, as if the words took a second longer to land. Her heart stuttered. She exhaled like she’d been holding her breath for hours. “Oh my god…”
The room shifted around, soft claps, a few cheers, Daniella was already turning toward her with a grin, grabbing her hand, Selene giving an encouraging nod, Naomi reaching out to squeeze her knee and Zara giving her a warm, quiet smile.
She laughed small, breathy and almost shaky. “I’m really happy,” she admitted, half-laughing again. “Also maybe slightly spiralling, but like… the good kind?”
Confessional – Y/N
She was glowing.
“I’m excited. I really am. But also nervous in, like… a full body kind of way?” She laughed again, covering her face for a second. “First date nerves. You know?”
Back on the group date, all nine women were gathered around him on a couch, fire pit flickering softly in the middle. The atmosphere had settled into something quieter now, something more expectant.
Rafe looked around at each of them, hands resting loosely in his lap.
“So… how’s everyone feeling?” he asked, voice warm.
There were murmurs “Good”, “Really good”, “Amazing” followed by a round of soft laughs and nods.
He smiled, letting the energy breathe for a moment before continuing.
“Well, I feel like all of you leaned into what today was. You had fun with it, and it meant a lot to see that. And the conversations tonight too I felt the same way. I just think you’re all doing such an amazing job being here and opening up.”
As he leaned forward slightly, his hand reached for the rose resting beside him. The movement alone shifted the air, subtle but felt.
A soft swell of suspenseful music built underneath.
“I really wanted to be intentional tonight,” he said, voice lower now, more grounded. “Let each of you know how much I appreciated today, the energy, the effort, the honesty. And I know there’s only one rose, but what this really means to me is someone being real. Showing their heart through all this craziness. Trusting the process… and me.”
He looked up, eyes scanning the circle.
“With that being said…”
A beat.
“Maya.”
Her name landed gently, but firmly.
Maya’s breath caught as she looked up, eyes wide.
Rafe smiled. “Will you accept this rose?”
She blinked once, then nodded, her voice soft: “Yes.”
As he handed it to her, a few of the women clapped lightly.
Maya took her seat again, rose resting delicately in her lap.
Rafe stood then, brushing his hands along his jeans.
“Thank you all again. For today and for tonight. I’ll see you soon.”
He moved slowly, giving each woman a quick hug on his way out, a quiet word or a small smile, something personal.
THE NEXT MORNING
In the quiet vanity space just off the bedrooms, soft golden light filtered through the curtains, warming the cool tile floor.
Y/N slipped into a soft white two-piece set. Light, summery and just the right amount of flirty. The top had an open back that showed just enough skin to feel romantic. The matching skirt sat perfectly around her waist, flowing gently with every step.
Behind her, Daniella appeared in the mirror’s reflection. “You look like an angel. He’s not gonna know what hit him.”
Y/N turned toward the mirror again, pressing her lips together, then swiping on a warm-toned gloss. “I just want it to feel like… me. Not like I’m trying too hard. Not like I’m pretending.”
Daniella smiled. “Then it will.”
She opened the front door slowly. Rafe was already halfway up the path.
He wore a plain white t-shirt and a pair of charcoal gray shorts, sunglasses hooked at his collar, his hair slightly tousled. It was simple, effortless. But there was something in the way he moved, the relaxed confidence, the quiet steadiness in his eyes that made her breath catch before she even stepped outside.
Y/N stepped out into the morning sun, her eyes finding his like muscle memory. “Hi.”
“Hey,” he said, voice low and easy, leaning in and pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Wow,” he murmured near her ear, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes. “You look incredible.”
She felt heat rise to her cheeks, but her smile didn’t falter. “Thanks.”
He nodded toward the sleek black car behind him, “You ready?”.
“As I’ll ever be,” she said, trying to sound steady, even as her pulse ticked faster. He walked her to the car, opening the passenger door like it was second nature. Not showy, just thoughtful. His hand hovered at the small of her back as she climbed in, warm through the fabric of her skirt.
Once he was in on the driver’s side, he glanced over at her again slower this time. Like he was just now letting himself take her in.
“You look..” he started again, eyes narrowing slightly, like he was teasing himself more than her. “Wow.”
She gave him a look. “You already said that.”
“I know,” he said, smirking a little. “Couldn’t help it.”
Y/N laughed under her breath and turned toward the window, smiling like an idiot. Then she turned back. “You know, you’re not supposed to be this charming this early in the morning.”
He grinned, one hand already on the wheel. “You haven’t even seen my real moves yet.”
“Oh?” she raised a brow.
“You’ll know when you see them,” he said, pulling out onto the road. “But fair warning, I play dirty. Especially when I want someone to like me.”
Y/N gave him a long look, then rolled her eyes with a smile. “Mission accomplished.”
That made him glance at her and something flickered behind his eyes. Like he wanted to say more. Maybe he would.
As the road curved along the coast and the first hints of the ocean glinted between the trees, Y/N squinted toward the horizon, then glanced back at Rafe.
“So… this date,” she said, dragging out the words as she glanced at him. “The card said ‘Let’s chase the rush together.’ That’s either really exciting… or really terrifying.”
Rafe smiled, one hand resting casually on the steering wheel. “Little mystery never hurt anyone.”
She turned toward him a bit more. “Should I be scared?”
He glanced at her, serious for just a beat. “Do you trust me?”
Her gaze lingered on his, steady. “Yeah,” she said quietly. “I do.”
That smile returned, softer this time. “Then you’ve got nothing to be scared of.”
They didn’t say anything else for a second,the moment stretching just enough to feel real. The kind of silence that didn’t need filling.
Then she smirked. “But if I end up clinging to you screaming, you’re not allowed to make fun of me.”
“No promises,” he said, but the warmth in his voice made it clear, he wouldn’t mind at all
She laughed, shaking her head. “Seriously though, ‘chase the rush’? That could mean anything. Are we zip-lining into the ocean? Jet skiing into a whirlpool?”
Rafe glanced at her, sunglasses still hooked at his collar, eyes glinting. “You’ll see.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re enjoying this.”
“A little,” he admitted. “But also? I think you’ll love it.”
Y/N rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips was real. “You better not be bluffing.”
He tilted his head, gaze flicking to her and lingering for half a second longer than necessary. “You don’t strike me as someone who scares easy.”
“I don’t,” she said. “But I do like to know if I’m about to be flung off a cliff.”
“No cliffs,” he promised. “Just… trust.”
Y/N shifted slightly in her seat, fingers brushing her skirt. “Can I tell you something kind of... embarrassing?”
Rafe glanced over at her, brows raised just a little, but his voice was steady. “Always.”
She hesitated. “When I didn’t see my name on that first group date card? I don’t know. I felt stupid for how much it got to me. I knew not everyone would get picked, obviously. But I guess I just— I don’t know..” she let out a breathy laugh, “I felt disappointed. Like maybe I wasn’t on your radar the way I thought I was.”
He didn’t interrupt. Just let her keep going.
“I guess I just wanted some kind of sign that you… saw me. And when I didn’t get it, I started second-guessing everything.”
Rafe’s fingers tapped once on the wheel before he looked over, eyes softer than before.
“I did see you,” he said quietly. “That’s exactly why you weren’t on that group date.”
Y/N blinked. “What?”
He smirked a little, eyes flicking back to the road. “Because I didn’t want to share you. Not in a group setting. I wanted this, us, today. Real time. Without distractions.”
She went quiet, warmth blooming under her skin. “Okay… stop. You’re gonna make me blush.”
He grinned, glancing sideways. “Mission very much accomplished.”
The car dipped lower, winding down toward a hidden stretch of coastline. As the trees thinned and the beach came into view, soft sand, open sea, and a small setup of boards and towels tucked near the dunes, Y/N’s breath caught slightly.
“Wow,” she murmured.
Rafe pulled the car to a stop and turned off the engine, glancing over at her with a grin.
“You told me you loved the water,” he said, nodding toward the waves. “So I figured... why not start where I feel at home?”
Her brow lifted, curious. “You surf?”
“Charleston, remember?” he said, flashing a quick smile. “Grew up chasing waves before I ever thought about chasing roses.”
She let out a soft laugh. “So this is your way of showing off?”
He shrugged, playful. “Not showing off just trying to impress you in the most low-key, kind of way.”
She grinned. “Well... consider me curious.”
“Then let’s hit the water.”
The wetsuits were half-zipped, boards propped upright in the sand. Y/N sat on a wooden bench just outside the beach shack, fingers twisting her damp hair into a bun before it slipped again.
Behind her, Rafe strolled over, slowing when he noticed her struggling.
“You want a hand?” he asked.
She glanced back, giving him a sceptical look. “You know how to do this?”
He crouched beside her, easy smile in place. “I’ve got two little sisters. Hair emergencies used to be a regular thing in our house.”
That earned a small laugh from her. “So you’re telling me you’re qualified?”
“I mean, I survived middle school mornings with a brush and a hair tie. I’ve got decent odds.”
She gave a mock sigh and tilted her head toward him. “Alright. Show me what you’ve got.”
He carefully took the hair tie from her wrist and gathered her hair, fingers moving with a quiet sort of ease.
“Wow,” she murmured. “You actually know what you’re doing.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
She shrugged, a smile tugging at her mouth. “You don’t give off strong hair-braiding energy.”
“Well, I try to keep people guessing.”
A pause settled between them, comfortable. His knuckles brushed the back of her neck as he worked, and she sat a little straighter without meaning to.
“There,” he said after a moment, tying it off neatly. “Should hold up at least until the wipeouts start.”
She turned to face him, their eyes meeting at close range. “Thanks.”
He nodded, lingering just a second longer than he needed to. “Anytime.”
Then she stood, smoothing her wetsuit. “Okay, braid boy. Let’s see how you are on a board.”
He grinned. “Alright, show-off. Let’s go.”
The water was cooler than expected, but not shocking. Y/N shrieked as the first wave lapped over her knees, the hem of her wetsuit darkening instantly.
Rafe was already ankle-deep, board tucked under one arm, turning to grin at her over his shoulder. “Come on! This is the easy part.”
Y/N raised a brow, lifting her board like it weighed twice as much. “Right, because balance has always been my strong suit.”
“Balance takes focus,” he said with a grin. “And maybe a little bit of pretending you know what you’re doing.”
She gave him a look. “You’re full of something, that’s for sure.”
He laughed, slowing as she caught up. “Alright, surf school 101. Start on the sand. I want to see your form first before we take on baby waves.”
“You mean humiliating warm-ups in front of you? Sounds dreamy.”
But she followed, dropping her board and mimicking his movements as he demonstrated. Palms flat. Chest up. Feet staggered.
“Like this?” she asked, squinting down at herself.
“Almost,” he said, stepping behind her.
She felt him before she saw him, the shift in the air, the quiet heat of him close behind her. His voice dipped low, the edge of teasing gone, replaced with something slower, warmer. “Try keeping your weight here,” he murmured, gently nudging her elbow into place.
Y/N swallowed. Her pulse jumped. Not from nerves, exactly, but from the way his hand lingered, the warmth of him just at her back.
She turned her head slightly, eyes finding his just over her shoulder.
His gaze held hers for a beat too long. “You’re tense.”
“You’re close,” she said, breathier than intended.
His smile tugged higher, amused but not mocking. “Can’t help it,” he said softly. “You’re kind of distracting.”
She glanced up at him over her shoulder, a small smile tugging at her mouth. “So what happens now, coach?”
He met her eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. “Now?” he said, his voice just a little softer. “Now I give you some luck.”
And before she could answer, he leaned in and kissed her. Soft, certain. Just long enough to make her forget her footing, just short enough to leave her chasing it.
When he pulled back, his forehead nearly brushed hers.
“For luck,” he repeated, quieter this time.
Her cheeks flushed. “That’s cheating.”
He grinned as he stepped back. “Not if it works.”
She turned away, heart thudding, trying to reset her stance but her balance wasn’t the only thing off anymore. Not even close.
“Okay,” she managed, focusing back on the board. “I think I got it.”
“Yeah,” he said quietly, watching her. “I think you do.”
Ten minutes later, they were in the water, boards bobbing beside them, the steady pulse of the waves rolling in around their ankles. Rafe moved with calm ease, like he belonged there. Y/N.. less so.
“Alright, when the wave starts to lift you, that’s your moment,” he called gently from a few feet away. “Paddle, then pop up.”
She nodded, bracing herself. The next wave came. She paddled, tried to stand -
And wiped out instantly.
The ocean flipped her like a coin, water rushing up her nose. She surfaced with a gasp, blinking against the sun, hair stuck to her face.
Rafe was already beside her. “Hey, hey,” he said, laughing softly but checking her face. “You good?”
“Think I swallowed half the ocean,” she said, breathless.
“You’ll build immunity,” he grinned. Then, without thinking, he reached out and gently pushed a few damp strands of hair away from her cheek.
Y/N stilled slightly at the touch, and their eyes met, a pause in the middle of all the motion. Quiet, but full.
“You’re fine,” he said, voice softer now. “You’re doing great.”
She gave a half-smile, still catching her breath. “Not sure that counts as standing.”
“You got up,” he said simply. “That’s the hard part.”
She let out a shaky laugh and pushed her hair back again. “Alright. Again?”
He nodded. “Absolutely.”
They paddled out side by side. A new wave rolled in, smaller this time. She caught it, stood, and managed to stay upright just long enough to feel the wind cut across her skin before she dropped back into the water.
When she popped back up, laughing, he was already next to her again.
“That felt almost real!” she said.
“It was real,” he said, grinning. “You’re getting there.”
They floated for a second, shoulder to shoulder, boards drifting closer. She looked at him again, wet hair, sun on his skin, that steady kind of warmth in his eyes and the words came out without thinking.
“Thanks for doing this.”
He met her gaze. “You told me you love the water.”
Y/N smiled. “I didn’t mean nearly drowning in it, but... yeah. This means a lot.”
A beat passed. He looked like he was about to say something else but then another wave started rolling in.
The water was calmer now, waves mellowing into a soft rhythm that pulsed around their legs. Y/N had waded in up to her hips, her braid damp from earlier wipeouts, her wetsuit unzipped halfway to reveal the edge of her bikini top. The ocean breeze played with the loose strands of hair that had slipped free, and her eyes never left Rafe as he rode the last wave in.
He cut cleanly across the water, graceful and sure, before stepping off his board and catching sight of her.
“Still watching me?” he asked, breathless as he approached, board trailing behind him.
“Someone’s gotta judge your form,” she said, the corner of her mouth curving.
“Oh yeah?” He slowed as he reached her, water swirling around their waists. “And?”
Her eyes flicked down his chest, still dripping, then back up. “You pass.”
“Barely?” he teased.
She shrugged, like she wasn’t already smiling. “You might need to prove it again.”
Rafe didn’t answer not with words. He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair off her cheek with a touch that lingered. Then his hand slid to her waist, warm even in the cool water, drawing her in.
Their bodies bumped gently in the current, salt clinging to skin.
And then he kissed her.
Soft at first, slow and exploratory. Her hands slid up over his shoulders, fingers curling at the nape of his neck. He tasted like sea and adrenaline, sun-warmed skin and the quiet tension of something that had been building all day.
Her breath caught when his thumb brushed under the edge of her bikini top, not possessive, just familiar, like he already knew her shape.
The waves rocked gently around them, water lifting and falling at their sides, and it felt like they were suspended in it — this little pocket of ocean and heat and want.
When they finally broke apart, she was breathless.
“I thought this was supposed to be a surf lesson,” she said, lips still grazing his.
He smiled, hand still on her waist. “Call it... extra credit.”
The tide had eased into a slower rhythm, each wave rolling in with a hush like it had nowhere else to be. Y/N stood barefoot at the edge of the shoreline, toes sinking into damp sand, her wetsuit unzipped halfway down her stomach to reveal the edge of her bikini top. Her braid clung damply to her back, salt still on her skin.
Out in the water, Rafe paddled hard, then popped up, smooth and effortless, catching the swell just before it broke. He rode it clean, low and controlled, the board tilting beneath him with practiced confidence.
Y/N watched, shading her eyes with one hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. When he hit the final stretch of the wave and hopped off with a neat, easy dive, she gave a single clap, shaking her head with a quiet laugh under her breath.
“Alright, I’m impressed,” she murmured to no one.
He came up grinning, pushing his hair back, scanning until his eyes found hers. From the water, he raised a brow like he’d caught the tail end of her reaction. She didn’t say anything, just tilted her head and shrugged like, yeah, okay — you’re good.
He grinned wider, already moving back toward shore.
And from where she stood, the sea in front of her, him swimming back, that look still on his face, something about it felt good. Easy. Like maybe she’d been waiting for a moment like this without realizing it.
The afternoon light stretched long across the beach, still warm but softening, the kind of light that made the ocean sparkle like it was holding onto summer. Y/N walked beside Rafe, hand in his, the sand cool and powdery under their feet, the rhythmic hush of the waves a steady backdrop to their quiet moment.
Just ahead, nestled in a shallow dip between two dunes, was the kind of setup that felt too pretty to be real, a low wooden table surrounded by striped pillows and folded blankets, a woven basket off to one side. Candles flickered inside hurricane glass jars, and a small bottle of champagne sweated in an ice bucket.
Y/N let out a quiet breath. “Oh my.. this is adorable.”
Rafe glanced over at her, their fingers still loosely intertwined. “Yeah?”
She nodded, a smile playing at her lips. “Yeah.”
“Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s enjoy it.”
They sank down onto the cushions, still a little salt-kissed from the ocean. Rafe reached for the bottle and popped the cork with a clean twist, the sound light and easy. He poured two glasses and handed her one, their fingers brushing.
Rafe poured carefully, handing her a glass before lifting his own.
“To us.” he said, voice a little softer now.
Y/N’s gaze met his, steady.
“To us,” she repeated, tapping her glass gently against his.
They clinked glasses, they sipped and the silence that followed was the comfortable kind. Rafe reached into the basket and pulled out the containers, spreading them between them.
“Tacos, fruit, little bit of everything,” he said.
Y/N peeked inside, lips already curving. “Okay, you just won major points.”
He laughed softly. “I figured it was safer than trying to impress you with my cooking.”
She took a bite, nodding with clear approval. “This is exactly what I needed.”
They ate slowly, passing the fruit between them, brushing fingers now and then small grazes that lingered longer each time. The stories turned quieter, less about the past and more about the now. He watched her laugh over a piece of mango, eyes crinkled, sunlight catching the curve of her lips.
When she leaned back on her hands, eyes on him, something shifted.
Rafe mirrored her without thinking, elbow brushing hers as he settled beside her. He turned toward her slightly, gaze dragging from her mouth to her eyes and back again.
She caught it. Didn’t look away.
“What?” she asked, voice low, teasing.
“You have no idea what you do to me,” he said, just above a murmur, but there was no joking in it.
Her smile curved slow. “I think I’m starting to.”
Their knees touched. Then his fingers reached, brushing a piece of hair from her shoulder, fingertips skating lightly along the exposed skin at her collarbone. The kind of touch that wasn’t about fixing anything, just feeling.
Her breath hitched.
Without a word, Rafe reached for her waist and gently tugged, guiding her up then shifting her into his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. His hands settled on her hips, steady, warm.
Y/N’s arms looped around his neck, knees bracketing his thighs now. She looked down at him, playful, flushed, and just a little breathless.
Rafe leaned in like he couldn’t help it anymore. Their mouths didn’t meet at first, just hovered. Close enough to taste the possibility.
“Are you gonna kiss me again,” she asked, “or just keep looking at me like that?”
His lips brushed hers, not quite a kiss more like a dare.
“Depends,” he whispered. “You want slow… or do you want me to forget the cameras are even here?”
That made her laugh, soft and low before closing the gap with a kiss that wasn’t slow at all.
It was heat and salt and want. His hand slid up her back, drawing her closer until her chest was flush to his, her fingers curling in his shirt like she needed something to hold onto. He kissed her like they were alone on the planet like the moment had been waiting for them to catch up.
When they finally broke apart, lips swollen, cheeks flushed, they didn’t say anything right away. Just breathed, still tangled in each other, like neither of them was ready to pull back.
Rafe smiled against her temple. “You’re trouble, you know that?”
Y/N grinned, curling a little closer. “Only the good kind.”
And he kissed her again just because he could.
The sun hovered just above the horizon, casting everything in that soft golden wash that made the world feel quieter – slower. The ocean glinted with ribbons of orange and rose gold, each wave reflecting the sky.
Y/N and Rafe sat nestled on a blanket near the edge of the dunes, a little distance from their now-empty picnic setup. She leaned back into him, her body relaxed against his chest, his arms wrapped around her like it was second nature. He rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his breath warm near her ear.
They didn’t talk. Not yet. The quiet was full, but not heavy just comfortable.
Y/N tilted her head slightly toward his. “We’re gonna blame the champagne if I get emotional, right?”
Rafe let out a soft laugh, brushing his nose along the curve of her jaw. “Deal. Champagne… and sunsets. Dangerous combo.”
She smiled, fingers threading with his over her stomach where his arms held her close. “It’s just… nice, you know? To not feel like I have to talk or impress or perform.”
“You don’t,” he said quietly. “You never have to do anything but just… be here.”
Her eyes fluttered shut for a second, letting that settle in her chest.
She shifted slightly, turning in his arms until they were almost face to face, her legs drawn up between them. Her fingers moved up, slowly combing through the back of his hair, soft gentle strokes that made him close his eyes for half a second.
When he opened them again, she was watching him, brows slightly raised in curiosity.
“I really like you,” he said, voice low, not shy just honest.
She smiled, soft and slow. “Do you?”
He leaned in, pressing a small, lingering kiss to her lips. “Mm-hmm. I do.”
Her thumb brushed along the side of his neck as she whispered, “I think I like you a little bit.”
He raised a brow, playful. “Just a little bit?”
“Mm-hmm,” she teased.
“Yeah?” His voice was warm, a quiet smile spreading across his lips.
And then he kissed her again, deeper this time. Her hand stayed tangled in his hair, his arms tightening gently around her like he didn’t want to let go.
When they finally pulled apart, they were still nose to nose, foreheads nearly touching, breath mingling in the last golden light of the day.
After the make-out session, Y/N rested against Rafe’s side. One hand in his lap, gently tracing the veins along his forearm. Her fingertips moved slowly, following each line with quiet curiosity, like she was memorizing him by touch, the warmth of his skin, the strength beneath it, the way he didn’t flinch or pull away, just let her.
Rafe glanced down at her hand on his, then back at her face. She was focused, soft in the way she always was when she thought no one was watching.
“Comfortable?” he asked, voice low.
She smiled without looking up. “Very.”
The silence between them wasn’t really silent it held the sound of waves, a gull overhead, and that hush that happens when two people know they’re not in a rush to leave.
Then Rafe shifted slightly, reaching behind him to grab something from under the edge of the blanket. When he turned back, the familiar red rose was in his hand — bright against the soft dusk tones.
Y/N sat up just enough to meet his eyes, her hand falling to rest lightly on his knee.
Rafe’s gaze didn’t waver. “Today felt... easy. But also kind of electric? You were open, fun, honest and I think I saw more of you than I have of most people in a month.”
He paused, thumb brushing the edge of her knee as he held out the rose between them.
“I want more of that. Of you. So…” He smiled. “Y/N, will you accept this rose?”
A beat. Then her mouth curved gently, eyes never leaving his. “Yeah. I will.”
Rafe leaned in, meaning to kiss her cheek but she turned just enough to meet him, lips catching lips, soft and easy.
She tucked the rose carefully beside her on the blanket and leaned back into him, his arm curling around her waist. Her head found its place on his shoulder again, and they stayed that way, limbs tangled, breath synced, skin still buzzing from everything and nothing.
The sky above stretched into early violet, fading toward something darker.
Confessional – Rafe
“This might’ve been my favorite date so far. And not just because of the surfing.”
He pauses like he’s about to say more, then smirks, smile deepening.
“She’s got this way of looking at you, like she already knows what you’re thinking. And then laughs like she doesn’t take any of it too seriously. I don’t know... I think I’m already a little wrapped around her finger.”
“And the craziest part? I don’t even mind.”
He exhales, sitting back slightly, eyes still soft.
“I could’ve stayed on that beach with her all night.”
Confessional — Y/N
“I can’t stop smiling. Which is ridiculous, I know, but… it felt like real life today. It didn’t feel like a first date. It felt like something I’ve done before. Or something I want to keep doing.” She let out a soft laugh.
THE NEXT DAY
Sunlight filtered through the lemon trees, casting soft shadows across the stone patio. The girls had sprawled across lounge chairs and picnic blankets with oversized mugs of coffee and half-eaten bowls of fruit and granola in front of them. A low speaker played something mellow and easy. Someone had lit a citronella candle that flickered lazily in the breeze.
Y/N sat cross-legged on a cushion, tracing her finger around the rim of her mug, looking entirely too content not to be interrogated.
Alyssa was the first to break. “Are you gonna make us beg, or?”
Y/N smirked behind her mug. “Beg for what?”
“You’re glowing. You’ve been glowing since you walked back in,” Kayla said, laughing.
Daniella, lying on her stomach with her chin propped on her arms, glanced up. “She’s not even trying to hide it.”
Y/N gave them a mock innocent look. “Hide what?”
“Oh my god,” Kayla groaned, flipping onto her side dramatically. “You had your date. With Rafe. On the beach. Alone. Start talking.”
Y/N bit her bottom lip, a little too pleased. “It was… really good. Better than good even.”
The girls collectively lost it. Laughter. Pillow nudges. A chorus of “We knew it!”
Alyssa sat up. “Details, please.”
“It was…” Y/N’s voice softened, eyes drifting for a second. “Real. Just… us. Surfing, talking, messing around in the water.”
“Wait,” Alyssa said, sitting up straighter. “You surf?”
“Absolutely not,” Y/N said with a laugh. “Mostly I swallowed saltwater and embarrassed myself. But he tried to teach me.”
“He totally loved that,” Kayla said knowingly.
Y/N shrugged, cheeks warm. “He said he did.”
A beat passed.
Daniella raised a brow. “And?”
Y/N tilted her head. “And what?”
Alyssa leaned in. “Did you kiss him?”
Y/N just smiled into her coffee.
Kayla gasped. “YOU DID.”
Y/N gave a small, helpless laugh. “In the water.”
Daniella collapsed backward. “And the chemistry?”
Y/N’s cheeks went a little pink. “Let’s just say… the ocean wasn’t the only thing heating up.”
Alyssa tossed a strawberry at her. “Shut. Up.”
They all laughed again, the kind of easy, morning-after laughter that felt like friendship and sunscreen and too much sun. Somewhere in the background, a bee buzzed lazily past.
Daniella eventually glanced sideways. “Did he give you the rose?”
Y/N nodded slowly. “He did.”
The girls beamed.
“Well,” Kayla said, stealing a grape. “Let’s just say... if I were him, I would’ve too.”
“We officially have a frontrunner.”
Y/N rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. Not even a little.
Then she glanced down at her hands, fingers brushing the side of her mug. “I know I’m smiling like an idiot, but... I really don’t want to be that girl. I don’t want to rub it in or make anyone feel bad. I know how much all of us want this, and you guys deserve it too. Honestly.”
Daniella leaned over and squeezed her hand. “We know that.”
“Seriously,” Y/N added, voice softer now. “I just... really hope you all get moments like that. You deserve to feel seen.”
“I’m just glad it’s with someone who actually gets it,” Alyssa said.
Kayla nodded. “And we’re rooting for you. No weird energy, just love.”
Y/N smiled, heart swelling. “I love you guys.”
“Love you too,” Daniella murmured.
Alyssa lifted her mug. “To good dates and even better friends.”
They clinked coffee mugs, bursting into laughter again. For a second, it didn’t matter who had a rose or not.
The second group date came and went, a whirlwind of cowboy boots, line dancing, and unexpected rhythm from girls who swore they’d never two-step. Laughter echoed through a converted barn lit with string lights, where boots scuffed the floor and hands found their way to hips between spins.
By the end of the night, the energy had settled into something quieter, sweeter.
The group date rose went to Daniella.
THE DAY OF THE ROSE CEREMONY
The heat clung to the afternoon like it had no plans to leave. Most of the girls were scattered around the back patio, sunglasses on, legs stretched out, half-lounging with iced drinks in hand when a voice called from inside:
“Jesse’s here!”
Chairs scraped. Flip-flops slapped against tile. In a matter of seconds, the living room buzzed.
Jesse stood in the middle of the room, hands in his pockets, that usual unreadable grin on his face.
“Hey ladies,” he said. “I know it’s been a big week. Two group dates, one-on-one, lots of emotions…”
Some nods. Some wary looks.
He smiled. “So Rafe thought, instead of waiting for the cocktail party to get more time with all of you, why not do something a little more fun?”
“He’s throwing a pool party.”
The room broke into surprised laughter. “Get your swimsuits ready,” Jesse added with a smirk. “He’ll be here soon.”
The music had already been turned up. Girls darted in and out of the bedrooms and bathrooms in a blur of bikini straps, cover-ups and lip gloss. The backyard sparkled, turquoise pool, pitchers of mocktails sweating on the table, beach balls drifting lazily in the water.
And then the sliding door opened.
Rafe stepped outside and the volume of every conversation dipped almost immediately.
He wore a short-sleeved linen shirt, the top few buttons undone to reveal just enough of his chest to be noticeable. Sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
“Hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” he said, grinning.
That’s all it took, a rush of footsteps and laughter. A few girls surged toward him with excited greetings, arms thrown around his shoulders.
Zoe, predictably dramatic, didn’t stop at a hug, she leapt up and wrapped both arms and legs around him like a koala, like it was the most normal thing in the world. “Missed me?”
Rafe caught her with a quick, surprised laugh, hands steady at her waist. He offered Zoe a grin that was light, then gently lowering her back to the ground, the looked up at the rest with a soft shake of his head, “Glad to see the energy’s high already.”
The rest of the girls exchanged a few amused, and not-so-amused looks.
Y/N stood a little behind the front row of girls, shoulder to shoulder with Daniella. She wasn’t pushing forward, just watching. From behind his sunglasses, Rafe’s gaze swept the group until it landed on her.
He didn’t say anything. Just let the corner of his mouth lift and sent her a quick, subtle wink.
Her breath hitched, barely. No one else noticed. Just her. Just him.
Someone cranked the music a little louder. Drinks were passed around. Naomi started pouring something fizzy into plastic glasses.
“Okay!” Kayla called. “We need a toast before anyone starts pushing anyone in.”
Rafe raised his glass, the sunlight catching the rim. “To a day off with the best company I could ask for.”
The girls cheered, a happy clink of plastic cups echoing over the pool.
And just like that, the party officially began.
Rafe barely had time to finish his drink before Zoe pulled him toward one of the loungers near the pool, already launching into a conversation with a laugh and a flip of her hair.
A few feet away, Y/N had drifted toward a shaded corner with Alyssa, Daniella, Kayla and Zara, each of them holding onto drinks and dripping in SPF.
“So..” Daniella said “How are we feeling about today?”
“Besides slightly sunburned?” Y/N smirked, then hesitated, eyes flicking briefly toward the far side of the patio. “There’s just been... a bit of tension.”
“Still with Britt?” Alyssa asked.
“Yeah,” Y/N said, tracing the edge of her glass with her fingertip. “It’s not like we’re throwing drinks at each other or anything. It’s just.. weird. Off.”
Zara frowned slightly. “Did something happen?”
Y/N hesitated for a second, then nodded. “Sort of. The morning after the first group date… she made this comment about you being too sensitive after you went outside, like in a really dismissive way. I called her out on it.”
Zara blinked. “Wait, what?”
“Yeah,” Y/N said gently. “She said if someone can’t handle the pressure of this, they shouldn’t be here. I just.. couldn’t let that slide. I’m sorry I should’ve said something to you.”
Y/N exhaled slowly. “I didn’t want it to turn into drama, but it’s been tense since. I’ve been thinking maybe I should talk to her. Just clear the air.”
Zara gave a small, appreciative smile. “I might talk to her too. Not to confront her, I just... I don’t want to leave here with any loose threads either.”
“Thanks for standing up for me,” she added a beat later.
“Of course,” Y/N said. “I just hate the feeling of something lingering like that. I don’t need us to be best friends, but I don’t want it to get ugly either.”
Y/N spotted Britt by the cabana. Y/N took a breath, adjusted her sunglasses and walked over.
“Hey,” she said, keeping her tone neutral but not cold.
Britt glanced up. “Hey.”
“Can we talk for a sec?” Y/N asked, nodding toward a quieter corner of the patio.
Britt hesitated, then nodded her head and stood. “Sure.”
They stepped away from the buzz of the group, stopping near a shaded patch beneath the pergola where the breeze softened the heat.
Y/N folded her arms lightly across her chest. “I don’t want to make a big thing out of this, but… it’s been a little tense between us.”
Britt raised an eyebrow. “You think?”
Y/N exhaled through her nose, holding back the urge to snap. “I’m not here to argue. I just wanted to clear the air.”
Britt didn’t say anything at first. Just waited.
“That morning of the first group date,” Y/N continued, “what you said about Zara... it didn’t sit right with me. It felt harsh. She was hurting, and I just couldn’t pretend it was fine.”
Britt’s jaw ticked. “She was having a moment. I made a comment. That’s all.”
“And I get that,” Y/N said. “But it felt like more than that. Like you were minimizing what she was going through. You don’t have to agree with how she feels, but dismissing it like that? It wasn’t cool.”
Silence settled for a moment.
Britt looked away, eyes narrowing slightly. “I wasn’t trying to be cold. I just don’t have time for people falling apart every five minutes. This is hard for everyone.”
“I’m not saying it’s not,” Y/N said, her voice calm but firm. “But you don’t get to decide how someone else handles it.”
There was a long pause. The wind moved between them.
Finally, Britt exhaled. “Alright. You’ve said your piece.”
Y/N nodded once. “Yeah. I just didn’t want to pretend like nothing happened.”
Britt met her eyes, unreadable. “Noted.”
A beat.
“I don’t expect us to be friends,” Y/N added. “But I don’t want this to get uglier.”
Britt’s tone was cool. “Then don’t make it uglier.”
That one stung, not sharp, but firm. Final.
Y/N didn’t respond right away. She just nodded again, more to herself this time.
“Okay,” she said softly. “That’s all.”
She turned and walked away, her chest feeling heavier than before.
Y/N stood near the far end of the pool with Rafe, her drink balanced in her hand, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“You okay?” he asked gently, eyes scanning her face.
She gave him a half-smile, brushing her thumb over the condensation on her glass. “Yeah. Just – I don’t know. One of those days.”
Rafe studied her a moment longer, then tipped his heads toward the back gate. “Come on. Let’s walk for a sec.”
They slipped away from the crowd, weaving through the edge of the garden until the noise faded into a low hum. He found a shaded spot near the trees, just quiet enough to feel like a separate world and stopped there.
“You don’t have to tell me,” he said softly, “but I can tell something’s on your mind.”
Y/N exhaled and leaned against the trunk of a lemon tree, fingers fidgeting with her necklace. “It’s nothing major, just... girl stuff, I guess. There’s been some tension with Britt. I don’t really want to get into it because I’m not the type to badmouth someone –“ she paused, eyes flicking to his, “but it got under my skin today.”
Rafe didn’t interrupt, just watched her quiet, present.
“She said something that didn’t sit right with me,” Y/N added “And I stood up for someone else, but now things between us are just... weird. I don’t like the energy.”
His brows drew slightly, concern soft but real. “You don’t need to apologize for having a backbone.”
Y/N smiled faintly. “I know. I just.. I didn’t come here to fight with other girls. That is not who I am.”
Rafe stepped closer, hand brushing her waist in a slow, grounding touch. “You’re not. You’re the kind of person who stands up when it matters, and still worries about doing it kindly. That’s rare.”
She blinked at him, her voice smaller now. “Why are you so good at this?”
He grinned, warm and a little crooked. “I’ve got a thing for girls who lead with their heart.”
She laughed softly, the tension beginning to ease, and when his hand came to rest along her back, she leaned into it. He dipped his head slightly, close enough that their foreheads nearly touched.
“Still trouble,” she murmured, teasing, but her voice was quieter this time, vulnerable.
“And still wrapped around your finger,” he said, thumb brushing the hem of her cover-up.
She looked up at him, gaze soft, and for a moment they just stood there, close and still.
Then he kissed her slow and quiet, a reassurance more than anything else.
And when they returned to the party a few minutes later, the weight she’d been carrying felt a little lighter.
The patio had thinned out as some girls slipped inside to freshen up or grab another drink. Zara took a breath, “Can we talk?” she asked, voice steady but quiet.
Britt didn’t look up. “Didn’t realize we had anything left to say.”
Zara didn’t flinch. “You don’t have to like me. But you don’t get to treat me like I’m a weak just because I process things differently than you.”
That got Britt’s attention. She looked up slowly, brows arching. “Wow. Okay.”
“No—listen,” Zara said, voice tightening. “What you said the other day? About me not being cut out for this? That’s just you being a mean girl and for a second I was thinking maybe you were right.”
Britt rolled her eyes, sitting up straighter. “I didn’t say you weren’t cut out for it. I said if you can’t handle the pressure, maybe this isn’t the place.”
“Which is basically the same thing,” Zara said, her tone sharper now. “You don’t get to decide how someone should handle their emotions. I’ve been trying. I’ve shown up. I’ve been honest. That doesn’t make me fragile—it makes me human.”
A few heads were turning now, quiet glances from nearby girls, uncertain but watching.
Britt stood up, arms crossed. “You’re twisting my words. Everyone’s going through it. You don’t see the rest of us falling apart.”
Zara’s jaw clenched, and she blinked hard once. “You don’t know what people are going through. Just because someone isn’t falling apart in front of you doesn’t mean they’re fine.”
Britt scoffed, like it wasn’t worth her time.
Zara took a half-step back, eyes glassy but not breaking. “You act like you don’t care, but honestly? That’s arrogance and you being a mean person.”
And then, without turning, Zara muttered, “I’m done,” and walked off, shoulders stiff.
That’s when Rafe stepped out from the hallway, catching the tail end, Zara walking away, visibly shaken, Britt standing there with her jaw tight and unmoved.
Rafe didn’t say anything to Britt.
Instead, he followed the direction Zara had gone, leaving the noise behind.
Rafe found Zara near the garden, away from the noise. She didn’t see him at first, but when she did, she didn’t hide the tears welling in her eyes. He didn’t ask anything, just stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. She held on tight.
They talked in low voices, her words barely audible over the music drifting from the patio. Whatever was said between them, it ended with another hug. His hand rubbed gently along her back. She nodded once as he pulled away, and he gave her a quiet look before turning and walking back toward the house.
Britt hadn’t moved from the lounger.
When Rafe stepped into view, she straightened subtly, slipping her sunglasses to the top of her head and giving him a small smile too quick, too smooth.
“Hey,” she said lightly, like nothing had happened. “Didn’t expect you over here.”
He didn’t return the smile. “Can we talk?”
Her smile faltered, but she nodded. “Of course.”
He didn’t sit.
“I just spoke to Zara,” he said, voice even. “And I overheard enough before that to understand what’s been going on.”
Britt’s expression froze for half a second before she recovered, reaching for composure. “Look, if this is about—”
He held up a hand, stopping her.
“No spin. No explanation. I’ve seen the way you talk to people when you think they’re vulnerable. How quick you are to pull away when someone’s struggling.”
She looked off to the side, jaw tight.
“I didn’t expect that from you,” he said. “I thought there was more kindness in you. More awareness of how hard this experience can be. But the way you handled that? That’s not what I’m looking for.”
Her voice was lower now. “So that’s it?”
He nodded, steady. “This journey deserves people who lift each other up. And right now, I need to follow what I know is right. I’m walking you out.”
She stared for a beat, mouth parted like she might say something but she didn’t. Just set her drink down with a soft clink and stood.
“Guess that’s that,” she muttered.
He walked beside her, quiet, out through the open doors.
The evening air had cooled by the time the girls lined up on the rose ceremony platform, heels clicking softly on the stone. The tension was undeniable, the kind that quieted even the usual whispers.
Y/N stood near Daniella and Maya, the three of them already safe with roses from their dates, watching as Rafe stepped forward with the remaining flowers.
His eyes moved across the group, lingering in places just long enough to make hearts race.
“Tonight wasn’t easy,” he began. “You’ve all shown me different sides of yourselves, and I’m grateful for every conversation, every laugh even the hard moments. But I have to follow what feels real. So… here we go.”
Each rose handed with a hug or a quiet “thank you,” leaving three women standing at the end.
Selene.
Brianna.
And the now-empty space where Britt once stood.
Jesse returned quietly to deliver the final rose.
Rafe took a breath, then looked up.
“Zoe.”
Zoe stepped forward slowly, visibly relieved.
That was it.
Selene’s smile was small but gracious, while Brianna looked stunned, like she hadn’t expected to be on the edge of goodbye. Hugs were exchanged, some tighter than others.
From the sidelines, Y/N glanced toward Daniella. Neither said anything, but the shift in the air was real.
The circle had grown smaller again. And everything ahead? Only more real.
The day the next bachelor chapter comes out might actually be the best day of my life
stoppp this is so cute 🫶🏼!!!
i was actually planning to post the next chapter yesterday (which is friday for me) but it was way too hot like 32°C (which is 89°F?? insane). i barely wrote anything until like 10pm but i just need to finish two more scenes though, so hopefully i can post it saturday or sunday!! fingers crossed 🤞🏼
The hills are quiet. The sun climbs steadily through hazy blue skies.
Rafe sinks a clean jumper from the corner of the court, ball rolling through the net like muscle memory. He’s in a tight white t-shirt and black shorts, brow slightly damp from the California heat.
The basketball clacked hard off the rim and bounced across the court.
“Okay, rude,” Jesse muttered, jogging after it.
Rafe grinned as he caught the ball one-handed and stepped into an effortless jump shot.
They fell into a loose rhythm, passing, shooting, not really keeping score. The silence was comfortable. The kind of silence that only exists before the day starts pulling at you.
“So,” Jesse said finally, dribbling lazily near the key, “night one.”
Rafe let out a breath, eyes on the hoop. “Honestly? It was overwhelming. I don’t think I let myself feel how big this is until the first limo pulled up.”
He shot again.
“You prepare yourself for the cameras, for nerves, for conversations you know are coming.. but nothing prepares you for thirty-two women stepping out and standing in front of you, all here for you. It’s exciting, don’t get me wrong. But it’s a lot. And part of me kept thinking.. What if it doesn’t click with anyone? What if I mess it up before it even starts?”
Jesse nodded slowly, watching him. “Did it click? With anyone?”
Rafe didn’t answer right away. He just held the ball for a second, the sound of the breeze filling the quiet.
“It did,” he said finally, a small smile tugging at his mouth. “A few times, actually. And that surprised me.”
Jesse walked to the top of the key and caught the pass Rafe sent his way.
“Did you know right away who was getting the First Impression Rose? Or were you torn?”
“I was torn, for sure.” Rafe admitted, leaning back against the edge of the court fence. “There were a few women who made me stop. Who made me really listen. But Sierra… she just had this calm honesty. She opened up without making it a performance. And that stayed with me.”
“Sounds like it meant something,” Jesse said.
“It did.”
Jesse let the silence stretch for a moment. Then he passed the ball back to Rafe.
“And what about going forward?” he asked. “What are you looking for, like really?”
Rafe slowed his dribble and rested the ball against his hip, his voice softer now.
“I’m looking for someone who feels like home,” he said. “Someone I can be myself around. Not the business guy, not the polished version. Just me.. Rafe.”
He glanced out toward the hills behind the house, still hazy in the morning light.
“I want a best friend. Someone to build a life with, not just a house or a family, but the space in between. The quiet parts. The hard parts. The real stuff.”
Jesse watched him for a moment.
“Marriage?” he asked.
“Absolutely.”
“Kids?”
Rafe didn’t hesitate. “Yeah. I want to be a dad. I’ve spent so much of my twenties building Cameron Developments, pouring everything into work. But I don’t want to wake up at forty and realize I built something incredible… alone.”
He looked back toward Jesse.
“I’m ready to build a life. A home. That’s what I came here for.”
Jesse didn’t say anything at first. He just nodded, something quiet and approving behind his eyes.
“Well,” he said after a beat, “looks like today’s a good day to start figuring out who’s ready to build it with you.”
Rafe smirked, palming the ball again. “Let’s hope she can shoot a free throw.”
Jesse snorted. “Yeah, let’s hope.”
And with that, they went back to the court. The sun climbing. The game just beginning.
Back at the villa the sun hung low and warm over the villa’s patio, spilling golden light through gauzy white curtains that danced in the breeze.
Y/N sat cross-legged on one of the cushioned benches, nursing a coffee mug between her palms. The oversized hoodie she wore swallowed her in a soft fabric, but her eyes were sharp despite the easy morning hush. She looked like she was trying not to think too hard and failing.
Kayla padded out barefoot, still in pajama shorts and a sports bra, a banana in one hand.
“Okay,” she said, dropping onto the opposite bench, “are we going to talk about last night or are we going to pretend we all slept like babies?”
Y/N smirked. “I definitely laid there for an hour trying to remember if I smiled too much or not enough.”
“You smiled just the right amount,” Kayla said, peeling her banana. “I, on the other hand, blacked out and said ‘amazing’ five times in a row.”
Y/N laughed. “Honestly? Impressive vocabulary for 2 AM.”
The patio door creaked again, and Daniella appeared wrapped in a blanket like a human burrito.
“I come bearing no wisdom,” she announced, shuffling toward them. “No dignity. And no memory of what I said to Rafe after midnight.”
“You’re exactly who we needed,” Y/N said as Daniella settled next to Kayla, tucking her feet under her.
They sat in a triangle of morning light, the world still slow around them. They were quiet for a moment, each lost in her own thoughts. Then the patio door creaked again.
“Am I late to the post-rose breakdown?” Alyssa asked, poking her head out.
“You’re just in time for the ‘what-the-hell-happens-now’ segment,” Daniella called.
Alyssa grinned and stepped outside, curling up next to Y/N on the bench.
“Do we think we’re getting a date card today?” she asked.
“Oh, absolutely,” Daniella replied, smiling. “They’re probably hiding it behind a palm tree right now, waiting for the most dramatic moment.”
“All I know is,” Kayla said, finishing her banana, “if I don’t get a date this week, I’m throwing myself into the pool.”
“Headfirst,” Daniella added. "In heels.”
They all burst out laughing, the sound rolling into the breeze like a secret they hadn’t meant to share. The laughter faded into a comfortable silence, each of them sipping their coffee, half watching the door like it might open on cue.
The laughter faded into a comfortable silence, each of them sipping their coffee, half watching the door like it might open on cue. The living room looked different in the daylight. Less like a set, more like a holding space for twenty-two women in various stages of overthinking.
The couches were crowded again, but this time with sweats and slippers instead of silk and sequins. Some curled up with coffee, others nervously sipping water like it might be champagne if they wished hard enough.
The door creaked open and Jesse Palmer stepped into the room, casual but polished, holding a crisp white envelope.
Every conversation stopped. Every head turned. Every posture straightened.
“Good morning, ladies.” He greeted with a warm smile.
A soft wave of “Hi, Jesse” rolled through the room.
He chuckled, stepping forward. “Still recovering from last night?”
A few groans answered him, along with scattered laughs.
“I think I blacked out at the rose pedestal,” Lana muttered.
Jesse smiled, nodding as he scanned the room. “Last night was intense, I know. Thirty-two women. A lot of emotions, a lot of pressure, ... and I know you all felt it. But you all made it through the first night. That’s no small feat.”
“I know it was a lot. Nerves, introductions, cameras in your face, everyone trying to stand out, it is overwhelming. And I just want to say: you handled it beautifully.”
He looked around slowly before his gaze landed on Sierra, who sat calmly near the front, her legs crossed neatly, hands folded in her lap.
“And Sierra,” he said, “you had a pretty special moment. How did that feel?”
“I was honestly shocked,” she admitted, her voice steady but humble. “I didn’t go into the night expecting anything. I just wanted to be myself and try to be present. So when Rafe gave me the rose.. it was really validating. I felt seen.”
A few quiet murmurs of agreement passed through the room. A few glances, too.
“Amazing,” Jesse nodded.
He shifted, holding the envelope up just a bit higher.
“And now.. it’s time to get things moving.”
The room tensed, breath catching as he laid the envelope down on the glass coffee table.
“This week, there will be three dates. Two of them will be group dates and one-on-one date. And as always –“ his voice dipped slightly for effect, “there will be roses up for grabs on every one.”
More murmurs. More glances.
Jesse smiled again. “Good luck, ladies.”
And with that he turned and walked out, leaving behind twenty-two women and one envelope that could shift everything.
No one moved at first. The silence in the room was thick. Too many women, too few names and a single envelope that would decide who got time and who got left behind.
Chloe shifted forward on the couch, carefully pulling the card from its crisp white sleeve like it might shatter. She held it delicately, eyes scanning the first line as the air tightened around her.
“Okay,” she said, clearing her throat. “It says.. ‘Let’s get a little messy, you might end up seeing me in a whole new way.”
“Messy in what way?” Leila grinned. “Because I have questions.”
“Messy is kind of my thing.” Kelsey added, laughing lightly.
Chloe smiled faintly, then looked back at the card. “And the women going on the date are...”
The room went still. No one even breathed.
“Kayla.”
Kayla’s jaw dropped. “What?”
Y/N sitting beside her, immediately let out a soft cheer and grabbed her hand. Daniella clapped once and leaned over to bump Kayla’s shoulder. Alyssa smiled, squeezing Kayla’s hand.
“Leila.. Brianna.. Daisy..” Chloe continued.
“Y/N”
She froze for half a second, then smiled, wide and a little disbelieving.
“Yesss,” Alyssa hissed under her breath, reaching over to squeeze her arm.
Kayla nudged her knee against Y/N’s. “Guess we’re about to make a masterpiece... or a beautiful disaster.”
“Naomi... Daniella...”
Daniella blinked, then burst into a grin. “Okay! Okay!” She threw her arms around Kayla in a quick side hug.
“Sierra.. Alyssa..”
The group squealed. All four of them; Kayla, Y/N, Daniella and Alyssa now exchanged chaotic, hushed congratulations over the murmurs around them. Elbows bumped. Hands squeezed. Pure, buzzing joy.
Across the room, a few girls weren’t clapping. Zoe sat a little stiffer now, arms crossed as she stared ahead, not quite blinking. Britt gave a short smile that didn’t reach her eyes and busied herself with adjusting the hem of her oversized sweatshirt.
Nine names, thirteen left behind.
“I’m happy for them,” someone said softly.
“Sure,” another voice muttered. “Just hope they’re not the only ones getting chances this week.”
But in the corner of the couch, the energy was different. Brighter, lighter.
“Can’t wait to pretend I know how to paint.” Daisy spoke.
Leila snorted “I’m gonna give him three chins and call it interpretive.”
Kayla added, grinning. “If mine ends up looking like Shrek, we just say it’s metaphorical.”
Laughter followed and just under it, that subtle tension that never quite left the room. And nine women were already walking toward the next round together.
The SUV doors popped open, and the nine women stepped out, blinking at the sunlight, heels crunching softly over the gravel path.
The garden looked like something out of a magazine. Paint-splattered drop cloths fluttered in the breeze, easels lined up and a vintage wooden table was dressed with chilled rosé, wine, gold-rimmed glasses and a careless spread of fruits and cheese.
Kayla slowed as they took it all in. “Okay, why does this feel like we just walked into a Pinterest board?”
“Because we did,” Daniella said, adjusting her sunglasses. “Except Pinterest doesn’t usually come with Rafe in linen.”
And there he was, standing by the easels, white linen shirt just rumpled enough to look effortless, tan pants cuffed at the ankle, hands in his pockets.
He smiled as the women approached. “Ladies.”
They greeted him one by one.
“Linen shirt? You trying to distract us before we even start?” Daisy asked, grinning as he pulled her into a hug.
“I figured I’d blend in with the canvas,” he shot back.
Naomi teased him about the paint buckets. “You’re going to be wearing half of that.”
One by one, each girl said her hello. Some kept it brief. Others let it linger.
And then came Y/N. She hung back, casual but observant. When it was her turn, Rafe’s smile shifted just slightly, softer, like he’d been waiting.
She stepped into his arms, and his hand came to rest low on her back, fingers spreading there like muscle memory. He leaned in slightly as he hugged her, voice low enough only she could her:
“You gonna paint me like one of your guys?”
She laughed softly, pulling back to meet his gaze, already teasing. “Only if you promise to sit still.”
He tilted his head slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching like he was fighting a full grin. “That’s not really my strong suit.”
“That’s okay,” she said, slipping past him to the group. “I’m better with difficult subjects.”
He watched her go, when she turned to rejoin the group. He followed her with his eyes for a second too long. She didn’t need to turn around to know he was still watching her.
Then he turned, lifting his voice again. “So. I hope you’re ready to get creative... because this date’s going to be a little... expressive.”
He motioned toward the easels and the scattered props. “Today is not about painting me,” Rafe said, voice warm but calm. “It is about painting what connection looks like to you. Love, partnership, however you imagine it. Doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be yours. I’m not judging.”
He paused, then added with a smirk, “Well. Not alone, anyway.”
The garden gate opened behind them. A collective inhale passed through the women as Bella Hadid stepped into view. Wearing vintage denim, a silk scarf top and dark sunglasses, Bella walked with the kind of calm, controlled power that turned the garden into a runway.
Bella laughed, warm and breezy. “Okay, you all look so good. Like this is a brunch I would absolutely crash.”
Naomi, still slightly stunned: “We love you.”
“I love you,” Bella replied, eyes twinkling. “Which is why I’m here to help level the playing field a little.”
She stepped beside Rafe and gave him a knowing side-eye.
“He is too handsome and too calm right now. We need to humble him a little.”
The women cheered. Even Rafe laughed.
“You’ll each get your own easel,” Bella explained. “Paint whatever you think captures Rafe, love or some chaotic combination of both. Use your imagination. There are no wrong answers.. but I will be judging.”
But before anyone could dip into the paint, Bella clapped her hands together once, loudly.
“Okay, before we let you fully express your tortured romantic visions,” she said, “we’re starting with a little… chaos.”
Curious smiles. Rafe stepped up beside her, grinning. “You didn’t think I’d let you just start painting without a warm-up, did you?”
Bella nodded toward the table. “Each of you is going to pair up with someone. One of you will wear a blindfold –“ she lifted a silky one from the pile “And the other will guide her... verbally.”
Kayla laughed. “You’re joking.”
“Oh no,” Bella said, grinning wider. “The blindfolded one has to paint Rafe based only on her partner’s instructions.”
“What are we even describing?” Alyssa asked. “Like, ‘strong jawline, slight smirk, devastating cheekbones’?”
“Sounds about right,” Rafe said, raising his brows. “I want to feel seen.”
The girls burst into laughter.
“Pairs, ladies,” Bella called, “and pick wisely. You’ve got five minutes before you swap."
Y/N ended up with Daniella.
“You better guide me like I’m painting for a scholarship,” Daniella warned.
“You’re holding the brush upside down,” Y/N said, already laughing.
Meanwhile, Rafe wandered the rows with hands behind his back, grinning as one blindfolded Brianna tried to paint an ear somewhere near his chin.
“Close,” he said, peeking over her shoulder. “Just maybe… twenty percent higher?”
“Okay,” Y/N said, standing behind Daniella, who was already blindfolded and clutching a brush like it was a microphone. “You ready?”
“No,” Daniella replied. “But I’m going anyway.”
“Love that for us.”
The rest of the girls were scattered around the garden, giggling through their own pairs. Paint already smeared across drop cloths, palettes getting mixed, brushes flying in vaguely human directions.
Rafe stood a little off to the side, talking with Bella Hadid near the snack table. He had one hand in his pocket, the other holding a sparkling water bottle, and he was nodding along to something Bella was saying, but his eyes kept drifting back to where Y/N stood.
She wasn’t looking at him.
Not exactly.
She was looking at the sleeves of his shirt — rolled just high enough to show the cut of his forearms. At the way his collar sat slightly open, revealing the soft tan of his chest. The casual way he leaned his hip against the edge of the table like he wasn’t the most watched man in the entire country.
“Y/N,” Daniella said. “You gonna start or should I just paint a potato and call it a day?”
Y/N blinked back to the moment. “Right. Sorry. Okay. Start with the face — oval-ish. He’s got one of those ‘I drink water and sleep eight hours’ bone structures.”
Kayla snorted. “That’s generous.”
“But accurate,” Alyssa chimed in. “I’d let that jawline ruin my credit score.”
“You guys are horrible,” Sierra said, laughing.
Bella, standing nearby now, tilted her head and looked at Y/N with a knowing smirk. “He does have a bit of a movie villain thing going on,” she added casually. “Like the kind you root for anyway.”
Rafe overheard, chuckling. “Is that a compliment or a red flag?”
Y/N glanced his way, the smallest smile curving her lips. “Depends. Do you plan on murdering anyone today?”
He lifted his brows. “Not unless I get painted with three eyes.”
“Then we’re good.”
Daniella kept moving the brush across the canvas. “Okay, I’ve got... something face-shaped. I think. What next?”
“Eyes,” Y/N said, tone softening. “Blue. But not the bright kind. Thoughtful. Like he’s always watching, but never in a way that feels heavy. Just… curious.”
Rafe tilted his head, watching her now, openly. Bella caught the look and raised an eyebrow at him.
Y/N kept talking, not realizing he was closer.
“You’re giving me a complex,” Rafe said, suddenly behind her.
She didn’t turn around. “That was the goal,” she said lightly.
He stepped in a little more, letting his hand rest briefly on her lower back, just enough pressure to be felt, just enough to throw her off. Her breath hitched, barely. But he caught it.
Her spine straightened slightly, shoulder blades drawing in. Goosebumps rose along her arms, betraying the cool she tried so hard to keep.
Rafe smirked, quiet, unseen like he liked knowing what his presence did to her.
He leaned in, voice low near her ear. “You’re very observant.”
“You’ve got a very… paintable face,” she managed, still not turning around.
He chuckled, slow and low. “Flattering and intimidating. Noted.”
And then just as quickly, he was moving on again, leaving her with her brush, her canvas, and a pulse that had definitely picked up.
Bella, watching the two of them from a few feet away, crossed her arms with an amused smile. “You two need a canvas or a date?”
“I’m multitasking,” Y/N replied smoothly.
“Is this how you flirt?” Rafe asked just for her to hear, still too close. “With sketch critiques?”
She finally turned to look at him, their faces just slightly too near.
“Only when the subject’s interesting enough.”
His expression shifted; less amused now, more thoughtful. Like he was filing away every word, every glance. Then, quietly:
“I’m glad you’re here today.”
Y/N blinked. Just once. Then smiled. “Me too.”
“Okay,” Daniella said loudly. “Are you guys making out, if so, can I join?”
Laughter broke the moment, but Rafe didn’t move for another heartbeat. Neither did Y/N.
Then he stepped back with a small smile, eyes still lingering.
Bella gave Y/N a subtle look. Not judgment. Just curiosity. And maybe, approval.
Y/N just picked up a brush from the table, not to paint, just to do something with her hands. The sound of Bella’s clap snapped through the garden.
“Alright, artists — time to switch!” she called out, hands on her hips. “If you were blindfolded last round, congratulations. You’re now in charge of making someone else question their life choices.”
Y/N handed Daniella the blindfold with a raised brow. “You’re enjoying this way too much.” Daniella grinned as she gently tied it around Y/N’s eyes. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.”
“Please don’t make me paint him with seven nostrils.”
“No promises.”
As Y/N adjusted her grip on the brush, Daniella stepped behind her, guiding her toward the canvas. “Okay, now start by making a circle. Kind of in the middle, but slightly off-center because symmetry is a lie.”
“That’s… reassuring,” Y/N muttered.
Across the lawn, Rafe had made his way toward the edge of the chaos again, watching with an amused smile as Y/N hovered her brush midair.
“She’s got good instincts,” Bella said quietly beside him, arms still crossed, sunglasses perched on her head now.
“She’s got something,” Rafe replied, his voice lower than before. “Even when she’s blindfolded, she looks like she knows what she’s doing.”
Bella glanced sideways at him, lips twitching into a knowing smile. “Mhmmm.”
Back at the easel, Daniella continued her guidance. “Okay eyes next. Rafe’s are... intense, so just stab the canvas gently.”
Y/N did as told, chuckling. “Is this what art school feels like?”
“This is better,” Brianna said from another group. “There’s wine here.”
“Paint his mouth,” Daniella said next.
At this point, Rafe wandered closer again, quiet footsteps on grass and folded his arms as he watched Y/N concentrating, brush moving tentatively across the canvas.
“You’re getting into it,” he said.
“I have no idea where I’m pointing right now.”
“Still looks promising.”
“She hasn’t even drawn ears,” Daniella pointed out.
“Who needs ears,” Rafe said, “when the eyes are doing all the work?”
Y/N smirked, still blindfolded.
Bella tilted her head slightly as she watched the interaction, subtle interest flickering across her face.
“So what happens if she nails it?” Bella asked him.
Rafe didn’t look away from Y/N. “Then I’ll be impressed.”
“And if it’s a disaster?”
He smiled. “I’ll still be impressed.”
Y/N’s brush wobbled slightly at that, catching the corner of what might have been Rafe’s jaw.
“Oh no,” Daniella whispered. “I think I just made you give him a dimple.”
“I’ll allow it,” Rafe said.
More laughter, more paint flicks, and another accidental splash of orange across Naomi’s white tank top.
Bella clapped once again, louder this time. “Alright, brushes down! Let’s see what emotional damage you’ve done.”
The girls laughed as they pulled off blindfolds and stepped back from their easels — half nervous, half proud. A few of them immediately started giggling at the absolute messes they’d made.
“Okay, I take back everything I said,” Y/N said, blinking in the sunlight. “That is... not a human.”
Daniella leaned in to study it. “Honestly? It’s giving modern art. Very ‘soul in chaos.’”
Rafe walked over and tilted his head at the canvas. “It looks like I’ve been through something.”
“You have,” Y/N said, dead serious. “This was a journey.”
Leila’s team had painted a vaguely handsome abstract version of Rafe that somehow had three arms.
“I don’t even remember painting the extra one,” Naomi said.
“You blacked out in the middle of it,” Alyssa replied.
“Art is pain,” Zoe added dramatically.
Kayla’s duo might’ve come the closest to reality, mostly because Kayla had given Brianna brutally efficient directions.
“Eyes. Jaw. Mouth. Done,” Kayla said. “We’re not here to mess around.”
Bella was making the rounds, inspecting each canvas like she was at a gallery show. She stopped in front of Y/N and Daniella’s and gave a slow, deliberate nod.
“You know what?” Bella said. “This has... something. I don’t know what, but it’s there.”
Rafe looked at her. “You’re just saying that because she gave me a dimple.”
“Obviously,” Bella said, deadpan.
Confessional – Y/N
“I am not saying I nailed it. But it definitely looked like a human? Sort of. I don’t know.” She paused, tilted her head with a grin. “Maybe if you squinted a little and were also legally blind.”
Confessional – Rafe
“There’s something about Y/N. She’s funny, smart, kind of throws me off in the best way. And watching her try to describe me while pretending not to be flustered?” He shook his head, laughing under his breath. “Yeah… I noticed.”
Confessional – Bella Hadid
“Y/N and Rafe? Oh, please. I know tension when I see it.”
She smirks. “I ship it.”
Present
The energy shifted the second Bella clapped again and announced the challenge.
“Forty-five minutes. One canvas. One chance to show us what falling in love with Rafe looks like,” she said, raising her wine glass with a grin.
Soft music played in the background again, low-fi, warm. Sunlight danced across the brushes as the date unfolded in real time.
Rafe moved slowly between the easels, hands behind his back, like he was curating a gallery of women trying to win his heart with acrylic.
Kayla’s easel was already half full strong shapes, bold lines. Two hands reaching across a chasm, flames on one side, water on the other.
Bella passed behind them and raised her brows. “Okay, Kayla. I see you.”
A few easels down, Alyssa was laughing as she painted a rollercoaster cart with stick-figure versions of herself and Rafe, arms up, wind-swept, dramatically happy.
“I feel like this is dangerously accurate,” Rafe said, squinting at the messy curves.
Near the end of the row, Daniella worked quietly. Her canvas held soft, rainy blues, a windowpane, two coffee cups, a shoulder leaned into another.
Rafe crouched beside her, his voice softening. “What’s the story?”
She didn’t look away from her brush. “It’s the small stuff. Mornings. Quiet. Feeling safe.”
He nodded slowly, touched. “That’s beautiful.”
Bella lingered a beat, eyes thoughtful. “It really is.”
Y/N’s canvas wasn’t flashy. No bursts of color or sharp outlines. Just soft, blended brushstrokes forming two figures. One reaching out, the other almost touching back, their fingertips nearly meeting in the middle of a hazy, golden backdrop. Like a moment suspended. Like connection on the verge of happening.
Rafe stopped behind her and watched in silence for a moment.
She knew he was there, didn’t flinch, didn’t turn. Just kept painting.
Finally, he stepped closer. “So,” he said, voice warm, easy, “should I be nervous about how this turns out?”
Y/N smirked, not looking up. “Depends… how sensitive are you about your nose?”
He laughed under his breath, stepping just a little closer.
“Brutal.”
“Honest,” she replied, finally meeting his eyes. “You said you wanted real.”
He tilted his head, studying her for a second instead of the painting.
“I really did.”
He looked back at the canvas. “So what’s it about?”
She hesitated, then said, “It’s not you. Not exactly. It’s… what it might feel like. If it was real. If it was good.”
Rafe’s smile was smaller now. Quieter. “Feels like hope.”
Her eyes flicked to his, soft. “Exactly.”
She held his gaze for a beat longer than she meant to, then nodded toward the canvas.
“Now stop distracting me or I’m gonna mess up.”
He grinned.
“Can’t have that.”
And he moved on, but with that same smile still pulling at his lips as he walked.
Meanwhile, Naomi was painting a thunderstorm; dark clouds and a tiny figure holding an umbrella, grinning through the rain.
Rafe raised his brows. “That’s intense.”
She shrugged. “Love doesn’t fix everything. It just makes it worth staying.”
He blinked once, then nodded. “That’s… something I’ll remember.”
Bella whispered to no one, “Damn.”
Leila’s painting was a shrine to Rafe’s jawline. Roses. Hearts. Wedding rings in the margins.
Rafe smirked. “Subtle.”
Bella muttered, “This girl’s manifesting an entire prenup.”
Brianna had a swirl of chaos on her canvas — layered colors, crisscrossed brushstrokes.
“I didn’t know what to paint,” she admitted. “So I just… felt it.”
Rafe grinned. “It’s honest.”
And then Daisy lifted her stick-figure masterpiece: two giant smiles and eyes too big to be legal.
“It’s goofy,” she said. “But it’s happy.”
Rafe beamed. “You kinda nailed it.”
Paintings stood tall like confessions, half-dry and glinting in the afternoon light. Brushes were abandoned. Palettes smeared. The garden was a mess of colour and sun warmed chaos. Wine glasses were mostly empty.
Everything felt like it was winding down. And then it happened.
Rafe leaned a little too far toward Kayla’s easel, pretending to get a closer look at the abstract fire-and-water piece she’d painted and his elbow clipped the edge of a paper cup full of bright yellow paint.
It tipped. Splashed.
Right across her canvas.
A second of silence.
“Rafe,” Kayla said, deadpan. “You did not.”
He froze. Hands up. “That was... technically an accident.”
“Technically?” Kayla asked.
She didn’t wait for an answer.
Instead, she dipped her brush into what was left of the paint — and flicked it.
It hit the front of his shirt. A perfect sunflower smear across white linen.
The girls screamed.
“Okay, okay—” Rafe turned, laughing. “Let’s all take a breath—”
Too late.
A splatter of red zipped past him, courtesy of Naomi.
Another shriek.
And then chaos.
Paint flew; big, sloppy streaks, dots, smears across dresses and easels and arms. Leila ducked behind her canvas like it was a shield. Brianna was doubled over, laughing so hard she couldn’t hold her brush straight.
Bella Hadid stood on the sidelines behind a vine-covered pillar, holding her wine glass high like it was a priceless artifact.
“I’m staying out of this,” she said, but her grin gave her away.
In the center of the madness, Y/N had managed to stay untouched until Rafe turned toward her, cheeks flecked with blue and yellow, eyes glinting.
“Hiding?” he asked, eyes on her.
“Strategically staying out of it,” she replied, lifting her brows. “Some of us like clean clothes.”
“Mm. Coward,” he said with mock disappointment.
She picked up her brush slow, casual.
“You sure you want to do this?”
He took one step closer, all charm. “You wouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’t I?”
She dipped her brush in pink, then reached up and dragged it across his cheek. Just one, slow, unapologetic stroke. Deliberate.
But Y/N just smirked and stepped back.
“You look better now.”
Rafe didn’t move.
Didn’t wipe it off.
He just looked at her like he was cataloging something.
“So do you,” he said.
More screams. Someone threw a paint-soaked sponge at the sky like confetti.
“You’re blushing,” Bella sing-songed from across the lawn.
“Me? Never.” Y/N called, but she was laughing.
The war trickled into a truce, girls catching their breath, streaked in colors and sunlight. Easels looked like they’d been through something. So did Rafe’s shirt.
Bella clapped once.
“Okay, Picasso warriors, brushes down. You’ve officially made art. Or something close to it.”
Rafe ran a hand through his hair, still grinning. “I take full responsibility.”
“As you should,” Leila said, already blotting pink paint off her sleeve.
Y/N glanced down at her hand, still stained pink from where she’d marked his cheek and smiled to herself.
Bella clapped her hands once again, glass in hand, voice bright.
“Alright, future Picassos, that’s a wrap on chaos hour.”
A few of the girls groaned playfully. Someone still had paint on their bodies.
Rafe stepped forward, running a hand through his hair, his white shirt officially not white anymore.
“You all seriously blew me away today. Some of those paintings were hilarious, some were beautiful, and a few…” he glanced at one, still dripping, “…might give me nightmares.”
Laughter rippled through the group — light and genuine.
“But in all seriousness,” he added, voice softening just a touch, “you shared something real today. Whether it was funny, vulnerable, or abstract in a way I still don’t totally understand” his eyes swept over them “you let me see parts of you. Honest parts. Creative, messy, personal parts.”
A pause. The breeze picked up a little.
“And I know normally I’d pick one person that stood out. But today?” His smile deepened, a little more personal now. “Today didn’t feel like a contest. It felt like the beginning of something bigger. So tonight... I want to see you all again. Every one of you.”
There was a beat of surprised stillness, then smiles broke out, a few girls exchanging excited glances.
Bella gave a dramatic sigh and clutched her chest. “That was almost poetic. I’m genuinely moved.”
The girls laughed again, the mood instantly lighter.
Bella gave a slow, exaggerated nod.
“You survived acrylic warfare. You bared your artsy souls. You’ll be changing into cocktail dresses now.”
“We’ll see you all tonight for the after party,” Rafe added, that easy, calm charm returning. “I’m looking forward to seeing you… a little less paint-covered.”
Y/N caught his eye briefly, a flash of a look, something playful, warm.
He didn’t hold it long, but the trace of a smile he left behind did.
The sun had slowly dipped behind the trees, and the garden was transformed. String lights flickered above a lounge setup outdoor couches and plush throws. Candles glowed from low tables and champagne bottles chilled in silver buckets. The paint was long gone now.
Rafe stood near the center of it all, drink in hand, shirt change.
He looked around at the women, who were now dressed in sleek evening outfits. “Thank you all again for today,” he said, lifting his glass. “I know painting wasn’t exactly what anyone expected.. but I feel like I saw real pieces of you today. And I’m grateful for that. I hope tonight gives me a chance to learn even more.”
Soft cheers echoed around the group, glasses clinked and just like that, the one-on-ones began. Most of the women got a few minutes with him: Alyssa with her polished charm, Daniella opening up in, Kayla keeping it real, Naomi slipping in with that quiet confidence. One by one, conversations sparked, flirtation bubbled and the night kept moving.
The camera cut to Rafe and Y/N tucked into a quiet corner of the garden house, the rest of the group just a faint hum in the background. They sat side by side on a wooden bench scattered with soft pillows, the glow from a nearby lantern casting a warm light across the room.
She was angled toward him slightly, one leg crossed over the other, fingers resting loosely on her knee. He sat relaxed but focused, his arm draped along the back of the bench, not touching her, but close enough to feel it.
Rafe glanced over at her, a small smile tugging at his mouth. “So,” he said softly. “How are you feeling after today?”
She smiled, just a little. “Honestly?”
He smiled back. “Always.”
“It was good,” she said. “Messy. Kind of insane. But good.” She paused. “I’ve always loved painting. I actually do it when I have the time.”
That caught his attention. “You didn’t mention that.”
She looked down at her hands. “I used to paint with my grandma. She taught me when I was a kid. She passed a couple of years ago, but it was our thing. We’d set up on her porch with iced tea and canvases and just.. exist. It always made the world slow down a little.”
Rafe didn’t say anything right away, just watched her, really watched her.
“She sounds like she gave you something really special.”
Y/N nodded, quiet. “She did.”
The air held for a second. A soft ache in it, but nothing heavy. Just real.
She exhaled and gently reached out, her fingers brushing his hand where it rested on the bench between them. “Anyway,” she said, lifting her chin with a small smile, “enough emotional trauma for one night. Your turn.”
He chuckled. “You’re full of surprises.”
“I try.”
He didn’t move his hand away. If anything, he turned it slightly so their fingers touched more directly.
“You’re easy to talk to,” he said.
“That’s a dangerous compliment.”
He leaned in slightly, just enough to make her heart skip. “I meant it as one.”
She laughed softly, but there was something warmer underneath it now. A flicker in her chest.
“So?” she asked. “What about you? Any failed romances in the archives?”
He tilted his head, pretending to think. “One serious one. A long time ago. I think I confused comfort with connection.”
She nodded slowly. “That’s a hard one.”
“It is,” he said. “I want something real now. And I know what it looks like. More importantly… I know what it doesn’t.”
He paused. Then added:
“And I know I like getting to know you.”
Her eyes met his. And something unspoken passed between them, mutual. Grounded. Charged. Her fingers slid gently up his forearm, trailing until they reached his shoulder, and stayed there.
“Then maybe I should give you something to remember me by,” she said softly.
His brows lifted slightly. “Yeah?”
He leaned in without hesitation, one hand resting at her waist. Their knees brushed. Her palm slid around the back of his neck, fingers curling into his hair.
“Yeah.”
Their noses brushed, close enough to share breath. She kissed him first.
It was slow at the start. A test. A pull.
Soft lips, a sharp inhale, shallow exhales caught between them.
He didn’t hesitate, not for long. One of his hands slid up, cupping her jaw, the pad of his thumb grazing her cheek as he leaned into her mouth with more intent. His other hand settled firmly on her thigh, his grip grounding and possessive, fingertips curling slightly in the fabric of her dress.
The kiss deepened not rushed, definitely not rushed but with that edge of urgency that comes from wanting something for too long and finally being allowed to touch it.
Hot.
Hungry.
The kind of kiss that makes the world blur.
She bit down on his bottom lip, gently, but enough and he groaned low in his throat, barely audible but impossibly close.
It made her smile into the kiss, and he chased that smile, pressing his mouth harder to hers, like he didn’t want to let it go.
Her fingers slipped up the back of his neck and tangled in his hair, nails dragging lightly at the base of his scalp.
That earned her another sound, deeper this time. A small, guttural thing that vibrated against her lips.
He broke the kiss for half a second, his breath catching as their foreheads rested together but his mouth didn’t stray far. He kissed her again, slower now, once, twice, like he was memorizing the shape of her.
When he finally pulled back, he didn’t go far. His hands still gripped her thigh, her waist. He dipped his head to her shoulder and pressed a kiss there slow, warm, deliberate.
“You’re dangerous,” he murmured against her skin, voice low and wrecked.
She smiled, breathless, lips still parted.
“You have no idea.”
Confessional – Y/N
“Okay…” she exhales, blinking a little too fast. “That happened.”
She breaks into a grin, one she tries to hide and fails.
“I wasn’t expecting that. Or maybe I was. I don’t know.”
She pauses, twirling the edge of her ring.
“There’s just something about him. He doesn’t try too hard, he’s just… there. Present. And it makes you want to lean in.”
A pause.
“Also… the man knows how to kiss. Just putting that on record.”
She bites her lip to keep from smiling wider.
Confessional – Rafe
“Y/N...” He breathes out a short laugh and looks down, like he’s trying to slow his thoughts.
“She’s sharp, funny, thoughtful. And when she talks, you feel it. She’s not trying to be anything other than exactly who she is.”
He pauses. Smirks a little.
“And when she kissed me?”
He leans back slightly, running a hand through his hair.
“Let’s just say… I didn’t want to stop.”
Present
The room was quiet, filled with that unspoken tension that came at the end of a long day. The women were seated across the couches, candle light flickering over glasses of champagne, eyes on one thing: the rose in Rafe’s hand.
He sat in between Naomi and Daisy, sleeves still casually rolled, paint long gone, but something in his eyes still soft, like the night had changed something for him.
“Thank you,’ he said, voice steady. “Today was one of those days I’ll remember, not because of what we did, but because of how you all showed up. Honest. Open. A little wild, in the best way.”
“But one of you... you let me in in a way that stayed with me.”
Y/N didn’t look directly at him. Not yet. Her fingers rested loosely on her glass, expression calm, maybe even unreadable to anyone who wasn’t paying attention.
“You shared something real,” Rafe continued, “and you still found a way to laugh. That kind of balance... that stuck with me.”
Then, his gaze landed on her, openly this time.
“Y/N.”
Her breath caught, only slightly. But it did.
“Will you accept this rose?”
She stood slowly, composed but warm. “Of course.”
As she stepped toward him, Rafe didn’t just hand her the rose. He opened his arms slightly, like the moment called for more. She leaned in, and they hugged. Close. Comfortable. Familiar, in a way that felt deeper than just a second week.
He held her just a second longer than necessary, and as she pulled back, he dipped his head and pressed a soft kiss to the side of her hair, just above her temple. Subtle. But deliberate.
A ripple moved through the room. Not loud. But felt.
Polite applause fluttered after it. A few claps were a little tight. Naomi’s smile dimmed. Leila didn’t clap at all. But her girls did. Kayla squeezed her hand as she sat back down, and Daniella leaned in with a proud grin.
Y/N tucked the rose into her lap, not saying much but her eyes found Rafe’s one more time.
Rafe’s hand lingered at the small of her back for just a beat longer before he stepped away, his smile soft but steady.
“Thank you all for today,” he said, turning to face the group. “For being open, for showing up and for surviving that much paint.”
A few of the girls laughed, the tension breaking just enough to feel like air again.
“I’ll see you all in the next couple of days,” he added. “Get some rest tonight.”
And with that, he gave them one last nod, a quiet, almost reluctant goodbye before heading back through the garden, his silhouette disappearing into the glow of the lit-up mansion.
Y/N watched him go, her rose tucked carefully in her lap, her heart beating just a little louder than before.
Confessional - Y/N
“I didn’t think I needed the rose to feel like something was starting… but it’s nice. More than nice, actually.”
She smiles to herself, brushing her thumb over the petal.
Over the next couple of days, the pace didn’t slow down, if anything, it picked up.
Talia got the first one-on-one date of the week. The card had said, “Let’s write the next chapter together,” but no one expected her to be whisked away to a full-blown music festival. Private VIP setup, live bands, dancing barefoot in the middle of a golden-hour crowd. She came back glowing, rose in hand, saying it was the most alive she’d felt in years.
Then came the second group date, a “Love in Motion” dance challenge. A surprise choreographer showed up and each girl partnered with Rafe to learn a sensual routine. The vibe was high-energy, fun, a little steamy… and definitely pushed a few women out of their comfort zones. Lana stood out for her grace and effortless humor and by the end of the night, she walked away with the rose.
Cocktail Party & Rose Ceremony
The mansion buzzed with quiet anticipation. Lanterns flickered along the garden walls, casting gold shadows over freshly trimmed hedges. Inside, heels echoed across polished floors, perfume hung in the air, and somewhere near the bar, laughter tried to mask nerves that hadn’t gone away.
One by one, the women emerged from the villa in glittering gowns and heels. Hair curled, lip glossed, hearts racing. It was cocktail party time and everyone knew what was at stake.
Y/N stepped out with Kayla, Daniella, and Alyssa close behind. All four looked like the cover of different high-end magazines and still somehow felt like a unit.
“Okay, this is our power walk moment,” Kayla said under her breath, adjusting her straps.
“We need wind machines,” Alyssa muttered. “Where’s production when you need them?”
They all laughed, the kind that only came from shared nerves. The kind you needed to survive the night.
Once they reached the fire pit, they claimed one of the side couches, plush seats, drinks, full tension.
“Anyone else feel like it’s about to be a bloodbath?” Daniella asked, eyes flicking toward the main doors.
“It’s gonna be intense,” Y/N said, voice low.
Alyssa leaned closer. “You good though? You’ve got the group rose. I’d be twirling if it were me.”
Y/N smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Yeah… I know. I just didn’t think I’d feel this way so soon.”
“What way?” Daniella asked, sipping from her glass.
She paused. “Invested.”
That landed. The group quieted - not uncomfortably, just for a second.
They all smiled, warmth in a war zone.
Just then, the patio doors opened again. Rafe appeared, suited up, calm but commanding. The vibe shifted instantly.
“Let the hunger games begin,” Kayla whispered.
Rafe sat beside Madina, who looked radiant in emerald satin and just a little breathless.
They settled into one of the cushioned benches, lantern light casting soft gold across their faces. Madina smoothed her dress and exhaled, not nervously just grounding herself.
“I’m glad I caught you,” she said. “Tonight’s been a little intense, but… I’ve been wanting to just talk. Like, really talk.”
“It’s hard to find those moments in all the noise.” Rafe said.
She smiled. “Back home, my life is a lot slower. I work at a community health center, so it’s busy during the day but when I get home, it’s just me, a glass of wine, and whatever reality show I’m trying to keep up with.”
He chuckled. “Reality show girl?”
“Don’t judge me.”
“Never,” he said, playful.
She relaxed into the moment a little more. “But yeah. I go to the farmer’s market every Sunday. I call my mom three times a week. I have this friend who makes me go to sunrise yoga even though I hate mornings.”
Rafe smiled, quietly taking her in. “Sounds like you’ve built a pretty good life.”
“I have,” she said softly. “But it’s been a while since I thought about sharing it with someone. Like really picturing someone in it.”
Before he could answer, the mood was cut by a familiar voice:
“Hey… sorry to interrupt.” came Britt’s voice, sweet but sharp, cutting through the moment like a dull knife.
Both of them looked up to see Britt, standing at the edge of the garden with a glass in hand, blinking like her timing wasn’t completely intentional.
Madina blinked.
“Hey, um… we’re still talking.”
Britt gave a practiced smile. “Totally. I just figured it was a good time to grab him. I promise I won’t keep him long.”
Madina sat up straighter.
“You already talked to him tonight.”
Britt didn’t flinch. “Yeah. But there’s a lot I didn’t get to say.”
There was a pause. Rafe looked torn Madina turned to him, still calm, still poised.
“It’s your call. But for what it’s worth? I don’t think it’s fair.”
Rafe exhaled slowly. “I’d like to finish this. If that’s okay, Britt.”
A beat.
Britt’s smile slipped, just slightly.
“Sure. I’ll wait.”
She walked off, not looking back.
Confessional — Madina
“Britt… again? It’s giving desperation.”
Confessional — Britt
“Do I care if I’ve had my time already? No. This is about love. Not fairness.”
She shrugs, sipping her drink.
“If they’re not gonna go after what they want, I will.”
Back to the cocktail party
The air was different now. Not louder, just sharper.
Word of Britt’s second interruption had already begun weaving its way through the fire pit crowd like smoke through silk. Madina had returned to her seat with her head high, but the tightness in her jaw said everything. A few of the women shared looks. Kayla muttered something under her breath to Alyssa. Even Daniella’s smile had cooled.
Y/N didn’t say much. But she clocked it all.
She took one more slow sip of champagne, eyes scanning the patio, then stood.
“I’m gonna go check in with him,” she said casually.
Kayla grinned. Daniella gave her a wink, and made her way across the stone path toward the lantern-lit side garden where Rafe stood talking to a producer.
He saw her first. That familiar flicker in his expression recognition, then something warmer.
“Hi,” she said, her voice soft but sure.
“Hey,” he said, smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I was wondering if you’d come find me.”
“Figured I’d make your job easier.”
He laughed, stepping aside so she could join him. It was quieter here.
“I’ve been hoping to see you tonight,” he said, glancing at her.
“Didn’t think I’d want one this much,” she admitted, lowkey.
He smiled slower this time. “That’s nice to hear.”
“I didn’t expect to feel it this fast. But here we are.” She said, glancing at him, playful but honest.
“You say that like you’re surprised,” he said.
“I am,” she said. “But I’m not mad about it.”
Their knees brushed. She didn’t move.
“And I like when you stare like that,” she said.
He tilted his head. “How am I staring?”
“Like you’re about to kiss me and trying to decide if you should.”
“What if I already know I should?”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
He didn’t answer. Because he leaned in.
The kiss was soft at first, slow, tentative, a careful inhale. His hand slipped to the curve of her waist, grounding himself there like he was afraid she might vanish if he didn’t hold on.
But when her fingers curled lightly into the front of his jacket, tugging just slightly, it changed.
The kiss deepened, and with it, something in him unspooled. Like he’d been holding his breath since that first night, and this was what let it go.
His other hand slid to her jaw, thumb tracing her cheek as he kissed her again, slower, fuller, like he needed every part of it memorized.
She leaned in, matching his urgency with something just as real. Her fingers threaded through the hair at the back of his neck and he exhaled, low and quiet, like that touch undid him a little.
It wasn’t rushed.
It was warm and wanting a kiss that said, I’ve thought about this. I’ve wanted this. And now that it’s here, I’m not letting it slip.
When they finally pulled apart, the world around them softened again.
Her lips were still parted, her breath uneven. His thumb brushed just once along her side, a quiet reminder that he was still here. Still in it.
“I wasn’t expecting that,” she murmured.
“I was hoping for it,” he replied, a little breathless, but steady now.
She gave him a look, warm, edged in something tender.
“This feels... fast.”
“It does,” he agreed. “But it doesn’t feel wrong.”
There was a pause.
She glanced down, thumb grazing the hem of her dress.
“I didn’t come into this thinking I’d let myself actually fall.”
He studied her, steady.
“And now?”
She shrugged lightly.
“Now I’m wondering how I’m going to hold back if this keeps going like it is.”
Rafe reached for her hand this time, nothing big, just his fingers resting over hers.
“I don’t want you to hold back.”
She looked at him, eyes soft.
“Then don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t.”
Their hands stayed tangled for a few more heartbeats before she smiled quiet, genuine and leaned in to press a second, shorter kiss to the corner of his mouth.
“You should probably get back to the others,” she whispered, lips brushing his cheek.
Rafe's smile curved against her skin. “Yeah,” he murmured, not moving right away. “But that doesn’t mean I want to.”
She gave his hand one last squeeze before letting go. “Good. Means I’m doing something right.”
He laughed under his breath, then straightened slightly, gaze lingering on her one last time.
“See you in there,” he said.
And just like that, they slipped back into the night, the air still humming, and the weight of roses just ahead.
The mansion was quiet in the way only a rose ceremony could make it like the night was holding its breath.
Candles flickered in ornate sconces. Gowns shimmered as the women lined up in two long rows. The tension in the room wasn’t loud, but it was thick. Every blink, every sigh, every shift of weight echoed louder than it should’ve.
Y/N, Talia, and Lana stood off to the side, each already holding a rose from earlier in the week. Their positions gave them a certain calm but even safety couldn’t ease the tension fully. Not tonight.
The doors opened, and Jesse Palmer stepped in with that signature calm that only made hearts race more.
He moved to the center of the room and spoke evenly.
“Ladies, Rafe has had a big week and it’s been an important one. Some of you already received roses during your dates. Y/N, Talia, Lana: Congratulations.”
Eyes flicked toward them briefly, some warm, some not. Y/N kept her expression steady, unreadable.
Jesse continued, “For the rest of you, this is a significant moment. When Rafe calls your name, please step forward and accept a rose. If you do not receive a rose, take a moment to say your goodbyes.”
He gave a single nod, then stepped aside and exited the room.
A breathless silence fell over the room again.
Then he walked through the doors.
Rafe stepped in, sharp in a dark tailored suit. His posture was composed, but you could see the weight of the moment in his eyes. He walked toward the rose pedestal and paused in front of the long white table, where the roses were arranged like a promise.
He looked up, gaze slowly sweeping across the room.
“I want to start off by saying thank you to all of you,” he began, voice quiet but sure.
“This was truthfully the first week of us really dating, and I'm happy that I feel like I've at least gotten an opportunity to get to know who you are in some ways, feel like there is some type of connection. And I truthfully wish I could give each and every one of you roses, ‘cause you've done nothing but deserve it.”
A few girls nodded softly. Some smiled. One or two blinked quickly.
Then, without fanfare, he reached for the first rose.
“Madina.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding and stepped forward with grace.
“Will you accept this rose?”
“Of course.”
They exchanged a brief hug, and she joined the others.
“Gabriella.”
“Will you accept this rose?”
“I’d love to.”
One by one, names fell into the air like slow drops of rain. And then only one rose remained.
The music shifted. The women standing without a rose stiffened, breaths short, hands clasped too tight in front of them.
Then Jesse stepped back into the room, his voice soft but sure.
“Ladies,” he said, pausing for effect, “this is the final rose tonight.”
He turned his gaze to Rafe, stepping just beside him and with a small nod, said:
“When you’re ready.”
Rafe gave the smallest exhale. Then he reached forward, fingers wrapping around the stem of the last rose. His fingers held it for just a moment longer than the others.
Then:
“Britt.”
She stepped forward, her smile practiced.
“Yes.”
And it was done.
The three women not called: Ashley, Renee, and Chloe kept their composure. A few long hugs, a few whispered goodbyes. The camera lingered on their exit, catching the flicker of disappointment, but nothing messy.
Once the final girl had walked out, Rafe stepped forward again, hands at his sides, expression softer now.
“Thank you,” he said to the room. “For showing up, for being honest, and for making this so much more real than I thought it could be this early. I’m grateful. And I’m excited.”
He lifted his glass.
“To love.”
Soft echoes followed.
“To love.”
And for one breathless moment, the future stretched ahead, wide open and full of possibility.
To be continued...
authors note: ieee!! chapter 2 is finally here, i hope you guys love it! i am about to enter finals chaos (send help pls), so i’ll be a little MIA for a bit. BUT i’ll be writing during my study breaks so chapter 3 is coming... eventually lol. in the meantime, feel free to drop your thoughts, theories or what you wanna see next. feedback is always appreciated!! 🫶
authors note: i finally finished putting together all the contestants' social media profiles! honestly, I’m questioning my life choices with how long this took lol. feel free to imagine the contestants however you like, these are just here to help anyone who enjoys having a visual reference!
the bachelor masterlist
Zara Smith | 24 | P.h.D. Student | Glen Rose, Texas
Holy smokes, when is chapter 2 of ‘The Batchelor’ coming out? I’ve re-read it for the 4th time now and it’s literally all I think about😩is the next chapter going to be fluffy, angsty, are we gonna get more Rafe x reader interactions?! Cannot wait to see what’s next!
thank you so much for the kind words!! I'm so happy you're enjoying it! i'm aiming to release chapter 2 by next friday, hopefully before my exams start on june 4th. after that, i might be a bit less active since i’ll be in the middle of four weeks of exams (uni has definitely been kicking my ass a bit more than usual this week lol).
i still need to post the rest of the names for the twenty-two women as their Instagram profiles, which takes a surprising amount of time, but it’s on the way!
as for the chapter itself; i've got all my ideas written down for it but i am still figuring out a few thing, like whether it should be fluffy, angsty, some drama, etc. i am also torn on the pacing, i am a slow burn girly at heart but i know that's not everyone's cup of tea, so i am trying to strike the right balance. maybe the reader doesn’t get the first one-on-one date but does get a group date? i'd really love to hear what you all want to see!
I want you to feel like you’re just as much a part of this series as I am—so your input means a lot 💖
