Page 41 of His Choice

He shrugged. “Well yeah, I’m not going to pretend I’m the bottom.”

“I thought you said there’s nothing shameful about that,” I reminded him.

He laughed. “There isn’t. It just makes sense that if I suddenly felt a gay urge, I’d be more interested in pounding your little tushy than begging for your fuck meat.”

“Man, you always go to the gutter. And you don’t need to talk about either. Just focus on the romance part,” I snapped.

“Fine. But if I start shooting heart memes your way, try not to get swept up in the fantasy,” he teased.

“Please. If viewers think I’m falling for you, too, they’ll conclude I’m nuts after all,” Ireplied.

Aaron reached back for my shoulder, but this time, it was to squeeze it, making me squirm away with a grimace.

“Come on. Let’s go to the dining room before Cliff’s obvious annoyance with Daryl gets redirected at us,” he suggested, pulling me toward his side before we made our way down the hall.

* * * *

Other than Daryl, the contestants behaved like nothing crazy had happened during the cake-decorating challenge. In fact, when Aaron and I entered the dining room, most of the men were chatting amongst themselves and either ignored us or simply nodded a greeting. Daryl glared at Aaron, though he seemed too ashamed by what he’d done to make eye contact with me. Cliff, however, smiled and pointed to two chairs they had left vacant for me and Aaron.

“We’re going to begin filming, gentlemen,” Marv announced. “As the camera crew makes their rounds during your dinner, please try to make interesting television. No small talk about the weather or the quality of the food.”

“What are we supposed to discuss?” Ted asked. “How about sports?”

Marv turned up a lip. “I don’t think viewers of His Choice will be waiting with bated breath to hear your views on the Red Sox’s chances of making it to the World Series this year. I believe something more along the lines of how fantastic Cliff looks, things you’d like to do with him romantically or sexually…”

“Seriously?” Cliff asked, alarmed.

“Yes, seriously,” Marv replied. “You do remember the point of the show, right?”

Cliff frowned but refrained from arguing the point.

Brighton seemed to notice and empathize with Cliff’s discomfort. “Perhaps we could discuss the challenge we just completed.”

I didn’t love that idea, considering it would refocus everyone’s attention on my disaster.

“So you can all criticize me some more?” Daryl questioned uncomfortably.

Marv held up a hand before anyone could respond. “If any of you wish to trash mouth other contestants, go for it. You’re all being too polite, with the exception of Daryl, and that’s making for dull viewing. Also, if there’s another contestant that floats your boat, feel free to have a fling that only the viewers and camera crew know about. We need more drama, boys.”

“Mikey’s good at creating that,” Dani pointed out. I shrunk in my chair. That said a lot coming from someone so theatrical.

“Until Daryl’s antics, his mess-ups have been the only thing that’s made this show worth watching,” Marv replied. “Okay, start eating and conversing, and make sure you don’t hold up your hands or tilt your heads in ways that block the camera view of others. Ready? Quiet on the set! Action!”

Marv could ream me later, but I was not going to say a word. I started to eat my salad, hoping the others would be happy to steal some of the attention for a change.

“Cliff, who would you say won the challenge?” Emilio asked from the corner of the room.

I had forgotten that Cliff was supposed to declare a victor after each challenge, and that individual would get to spend one-on-one time with the bachelor himself. I put my money on Brighton, based on Cliff’s reaction. Though he had been impressed by Aaron’s project, I couldn’t see our host wasting time with the man he already knew was straight. As for myself, I was just glad there wasn’t a punishment for who came in last. I would probably have had to clean all the dishes.

Cliff looked around the table, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Well, this is tougher than I imagined it would be. I was quite impressed overall.”

“Yeah, Ted’s ode to a slab of mold and Mikey’s orgasmic frosting fiasco had me enthralled,” Daryl commented with his usual smirk.

I flushed. Ted didn’t seem fazed, though.

Cliff held up a hand. “I feel effort and intent matter as much as execution.” The room went silent. “I’ve already shared my views with each of you. While I was grateful for your kind and flattering sentiments, there were two or three that really had an emotional impact on me.”

Daryl pointed at Alex to get his attention. “I guess that rules you out, Martha Stewart.”