Rian and Lily entered the dressing room. Rian headed toward her wardrobe cubby as Lily said, “I don’t understand you. You should be pissed. I’d be pissed if I were you.”

“Why would I be?” Rian asked.

“I’m grafting on your partner.” Lily blurted.

“It’s fine,” Rian said, “he obviously likes you. I told him last night he should couple up with you at the next recoupling.”

“Sure you did,” Lily said sarcastically. “Harry told me you’d never let him go. I’m here to tell you if you are grafting on Rafi to get back at him, it’s not working. I can see right through your petty act of being happy for us.”

“Okay?” Rian was confused, but rather than argue with someone who had their mind made up. She finished dressing and left. She had hoped that she and Lily would be friends, but apparently, that wasn’t going to happen, at least until Lily realized that Rian had no designs on Harry.

The jeep took Rian to the picnic area at a citrus grove. She saw Rafi waiting at a table for her. His face lit up when he saw her. “You look fantastic. Better dressed than I am.”

“I wasn’t sure what shoes were appropriate for a picnic,” Rian admitted.

“I think you picked perfectly,” he said as he gazed from her ruffled off the shoulder coral sun-dress to her sand-colored high-heeled sandals.

“You always look amazing.” Rian smiled. As she stepped over to the table, he rushed to move the chair out for her.

“Let me get that for you,” Rafi said.

“Thank you,” Rafi pushed the chair in as she sat down. He moved back around the table and poured a glass of champagne for each of them.

“I’m glad I got the opportunity to ask you out properly,” Rafi said, smiling as he took her hand. “Look, I’m going to get right to the point. I’m a confident guy. I see something I want, and I go for it. Right now, that is you. If you aren’t interested by the end of this date, just let me know, and I’ll take that on the chin and move on, no questions asked. Fair?”

“Fair,” Rian said.

“Alright, great! Let’s just enjoy ourselves for a bit and talk about something other than the Villa.” He said.

“I’ll drink to that,” Rian answered. They clinked glasses and drank. “Let’s talk about work.”

“Yours or mine?” He squeezed her hand.

“Both, either,” Rian answered.

“I gotta say it’s always a treat when someone has beauty and brains.” Rafi smiled. “Being a scientist is one of those jobs that people would love to have because it sounds cool.”

“You really think so?” Rian asked.

“Yea, just because I’m not sciencey doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it. Rafi explained, “Do you enjoy it?”

“I do,” Rian said. “I want to help people. Cancer is an insidious disease that gives no quarter. It doesn’t care who you are or how old you are.”

Rafi nodded. “True.”

“And you are an actor,” Rian said, smiling, “But not just any actor if I remember correctly, you can sing, dance, and model.”

“I try not to do them all at once,” Rafi said. “Really, though, I’m just getting started. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. You should follow your dreams, right?”

A flit of sadness seemed to cross Rian’s features, but it was gone as soon as he noticed it. “Always, can’t argue with that.” She said brightly.

“Would you like to walk around and check out the grove?” Rafi asked.

“Of course,” She stood with him and took a few steps. “Um, one sec.” Reaching down, she pulled her sandals off. And set the shoes back on beside the table.

“Something wrong?” he asked.

“The heels were sinking because the ground is soft here,” Rian explained. “I’d be more likely to twist an ankle that way.”

“I like a girl who is adaptable,” Rafi smiled. He held his hand out to her, and she took it. “I’m curious which one of the four affection animals you are.”

Rian looked at him, curiously, “What are you talking about?”

“A discussion I had with Harry and Lily this morning.” He explained. “Harry said there were basically 4 affection areas that people fall into, and they relate them to certain animals. Bees- which are the workers, builders, and the givers. Wolves – who are loyal, stand guard and want to spend time with their loved ones. Dolphins- who are the communicators, the talkers usually the first ones to talk about their feelings. Then the Octopuses, or is it octopi? – they are touchy-feely, physical touch, and sex are the way they express themselves.”

Rian chuckled. “I was curious the one day, so I have an answer for Octopus. The word octopi is wrong because only words with Latin roots get the ‘I,’ and Octopus is a Greek word. Octopods would be correct, but its usage is outdated, so octopuses is used.”

“See, so smart.” Rafi grinned.

Rian shook her head. “Always curious. What animal did you identify with?”

“Lily said she was a dolphin, and Harry said he was a bee.” Rafi replied thoughtfully, “I think I identify with the wolves. What do you think?”

“Well, based on the descriptions, I guess I’m more like an octopus,” Rian said.

“That would explain your penchant for cuddling with people and falling asleep,” Rafi teased. Rian blushed. “It’s adorable.” His face became serious. “If I’m honest, I came here pretty cynical. I never had much luck in love. I was interested in meeting you before I came here, but you’ve impressed me.”

Rian smiled. “You are super sweet.”

“Thanks,” He smiled. “I do think I have got a lot to offer. I wouldn’t be here otherwise. Apart from being smart, sexy, and confident, I mean.”

“And humble,” Rian teased.

“But seriously, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression of me. The producers threw me in here to stir things up, obviously. But I’m more than that. And I do actually like you. More than I usually like someone after a day. We have a spark … and I’d like to see where it goes.” He sighed wryly, “Look at me getting all sentimental. I’m not usually like this.” He leaned in slightly, a smile tugging on his lips. “That’s what you do to me.” He was waiting for her to make the first move.

Rian smiled. She knew this game and had played it. Placing a hand on his chest, she gently nudged him to step back until his back was pressed against a tree. Cupping his jaw, Rian tilted his lips toward hers and pressed a kiss to his lips. She could feel him smile for a moment before responding as his arms slid around her, pulling her even closer to him. Pulling back for air, Rian lingered, letting her lips sit millimeters from his as he waited for her to continue. When she didn’t, he smiled. “I’m breathless. Good job.” He loosened his grip, and she stepped back. “I think this date is going well.”

“Believe what you want to believe, babes.” Rian teased.

“I guess I should stop pussyfooting.” He said. “I don’t know one hundred percent of what you’re thinking, but I think we’ve enjoyed each other’s company. At some point, there’s going to be at least one more recoupling for Lily and I. Rian, would you want me to pick you if I get the chance?”

“You know, I don’t feel that way about Harry. You’re right. We have a spark. I would like to see where this takes us.” Rian said, dropping her gaze. For as long as I am able… she added silently.

Rafi’s face lit up in delight. Forgetting she was standing right there. He clenched his fist and pumped it. “Aw, yeah. Get in!” He catches Rian looking at him with an amused smile. “Ha! Sorry. I am pleased, though. I put my eggs in your basket, to be honest. That could have gone terribly, but I’m thrilled it didn’t.” He glanced at the sky. The sun was setting. “I think we should probably get back.”