Catch Me A Cowboy by Jacquie Underdown

trying to discern why. But then he opened his mouth and said, ‘I’m going to start the questions off today because I’m curious about something specifically.’
    Emily’s belly fluttered.
    â€˜As you know, this farm is my life. It’s been in my family for three generations.’ He stopped, reached for his glass of water and took a gulp. The cameras squeezed in closer. ‘I also understand that you’ve all worked hard at establishing careers and friendships and a life in your hometowns.’ He peered down at his hands, which he had clasped in front of him, and didn’t look up again until he’d finished his next sentence.
    â€˜Could you give that up for love? Could we make that work?’ When he lifted his head, he was frowning.
    â€˜Are you asking if we could leave our lives behind for this farm?’ asked Regina.
    He nodded, shrugged, then shook his head. ‘It sounds … arrogant on my part. But, I guess, I need to make it clear that those are the terms.’
    Regina nodded, leant across the table and placed her hand on Wil’s. ‘We knew those were the terms when we signed up for this. And I’m in a lucky position because my skills could be used here on the farm.’
    Wil looked at her hand, then eventually met Regina’s gaze. ‘That’s good to hear. And what about you other ladies?’ He slowly slid his hand out from under Regina’s and reached for his glass of water again. This simple act brought tremendous relief for Emily.
    The other girls shared the same sentiments as Regina, paraphrasing in their own way that they knew what the terms were, that they loved the farm, and could be rewarded by learning a new way of life here.
    Wil turned his blue eyes to Emily. She had attempted to avoid answering his question because she found it hard to lie. Especially to this man who was being nothing but honest and upfront with her. But, at the end of the day, this was a game. A competition. And she had every motivation to win it.
    â€˜From what you said, Em, your career is incredibly important. You earn a good living from it.’
    She nodded and said with a weak voice, ‘It is important.’
    He nodded slowly. Was that disappointment in his expression? Her heart sank. She shifted in her seat and forced a smile on her face. ‘But I feel the same as the other girls.’ The words were delivered with the best acting skills she could muster. Yesterday, while horse riding with Wil, she had wondered what it would be like to wake up to this life every day. And yesterday, among all that aesthetic splendour, she did see herself doing exactly that. But then she remembered the rush of her career, the apartment she worked so hard to buy, and the fast paced city. She had everything on her doorstep—restaurants, theatre, concerts, sporting events. To leave that behind for this quiet would send her stir crazy, surely.
    His eyes brightened when he smiled. ‘That’s good to know.’
    That wasn’t so hard, was it? To lie through my teeth .
    So why did she feel so guilty?
    Emily was no longer nervous about the possibility of going home today. Perhaps it would be the easier option. She wasn’t cut out for this. Yes, she had a competitive spirit and gave her best at all things, but she never lied flat-out to someone’s face. This show was dragging her down to a new level. One she wasn’t proud of.
    Emily fell silent for the remainder of lunch. She sat back and watched the other girls talk over one another, interrupt, and fight for Wil’s attention. He would glance at her from time to time and she would plaster a smile on her face. But he wasn’t stupid and she knew it.
    At the elimination later that evening, Regina’s name was called out to be the next contestant to go home. Shocked gasps rang out, evidence that nobody was expecting her to be the next. Regina bit back tears as she said goodbye to