Page 88 of Stupid Matchmaking Love

I do as he says, but it’s forced because no matter what else, right now it feels like there’s a giant target on my head. It’s not just Glen who wants something from me. If Rhett and I keep winning, the other contestants might start showing claws.

And that’s when things will really heat up. The question is, how can I stop it before it starts?

Chapter 27

Cristina

I need to end this thing with Rhett before I’m in too deep. It’s better to blow it up now while I still can.

After the competition, Rhett and I head upstairs to our rooms. I spent the day massaging knots from people’s muscles, watching them cry as trapped emotions were released. Now I need to do the same—release Rhett before it’s too late and I’m trapped.

“We’re going to win,” I say when Rhett and I reach our doors. “We can’t.”

He faces me and leans his shoulder on the wall. “And how do you propose we lose?”

“Come in and I’ll tell you.”

He lifts a brow. “I’m intrigued.”

My stomach flips as he follows me inside. After checking on Flame and letting her out to hop around, I sit on the bed and sigh.

“Have you noticed how Callie and Jeff keep losing, but they seem the most in sync?”

“I have.”

“I think they had sex.” The words tumble out before I lose my nerve. “Right after meeting, and it screwed them up. Competitively, I mean. That’s why they keep coming in last.”

Silence.

I risk a glance. Rhett’s face is unreadable. “Jace and Holly, too,” I add, words spilling faster now. “They’ve also . . . done it. That’s why they’re second to last. So I think . . .” I force myself to look at him, exhaling a shaky breath. “I think if we want to lose, we should have sex.”

There is a long, pregnant pause before Rhett murmurs, “So, in your mind, their losing is tied to making love?”

My stomach jumps when he uses the phrase making love. Now I know I’m in deep. Mayday! Get out before Hot Man uses other incredibly adult and sexy phrases!

“I know it sounds crazy. But yes, I think that’s why they’re scoring so low.”

He’s quiet for a long moment. Then, “You want to sleep with me to make us lose.”

Not a question. A statement.

“Yes.” My voice comes out smaller than I intended.

“Because you think sex will ruin us. Make things awkward. Rushing it before we’re ready.”

“Exactly.”

But something flickers in his expression—concern, maybe? Or doubt. He leans back, studying me like he’s trying to solve a puzzle.

When he speaks again, his voice is strained, like the question hurts to ask. “Why do you need to lose so badly?”

I drag my teeth over my bottom lip before answering with “I’ll tell you after.”

“Why not before?”

I shake my head. I’ll sound too needy, too ruined, too broken, and Rhett will say no. He’ll flat-out refuse me, and I need this loss more than I can bear.

My heart feels like a stone in my chest, dragging me under.