Rian woke up on the daybeds early. The sky was barely light. After the disaster of dinner the previous night and the girls grilling her about her dates, not to mention that a day of nothing but champagne and sun, she fell into an exhausted sleep. But the growling her stomach told her she needed to eat.

She headed over to the kitchen, knowing the others were still asleep. She started with some water for coffee and then looked to see what was in the fridge. Perhaps making breakfast for everyone might bring them together. She grabbed her ingredients and got started.

She was busy whisking hollandaise sauce when Harry walked in. “Hey, Rian, what’s up?”

“I woke up starving, so I made Eggs Benedict for the lot of you,” Rian explained.

“Wow, that’s really sweet. “ Harry said as he helped himself to the boiling water for a tea. “ Can I help?”

“Sure,”  Rian smiled. “I’ll teach you how to make something besides jam sandwiches. I’m also making a veggie salad and sliced fruit on the side. Could you start by chopping up those tomatoes for me, please?”

“How did you learn how to cook?” Harry asked.

“My parents died when I was eighteen, and I have a younger brother. I took care of him, but before that, I used to cook at least one supper a week.” Rian explained.

“That’s why she seems so responsible,” Camilo said, yawning as Iona stumbled in behind him.

Camilo looked around the kitchen. “Wow, Rian, I’m impressed. If I knew you could cook, I would have asked for some help last night.”

“She offered if you remember.” Iona reminded him.

“Yea, I was starving, that’s what got me started,” Rian chuckled. “I figured I’d better make breakfast for everyone.”

“So sweet. I’m rubbish in the kitchen,” Iona looked over her cup of coffee. “Thanks.”

A few minutes later, the rest of the islanders wandered into the kitchen. “Wow, I expected that Camilo was cooking, but it’s Rian.” Elladine smiled.

“Smells amazing,” Seb said, taking an appreciative sniff.

Harry and Rian loaded up the tables with dishes. “Wow, this is nice.” Miki smiled. “Thanks, Rian.”

“Bon Happy eat everyone!” Bill said, taking a bite.

Rian smiled. “Bon happy, eat.”

Everyone tucked in. “Wow, Rian, this is lush.” Nicky smiled and patted her shoulder.

“I think that Rian is wifey material,” AJ teased. “Especially when she can cook like this.”

“I agree,” Bill said, shoveling another forkful in his mouth.

“I like to cook,” Rian admitted. “Harry was a great sous chef. He helped me get it all together.”

“Thanks, but I just cut stuff up the way you told me to,” Harry said, blushing.

“That’s how to learn, though,” Rian said.

“Yea, I think I could make poached eggs on toast now.” Harry smiled. “Thanks for showing me.”

“Harry, if you don’t like a certain spice, let people know.” Rian whispered, “The person cooking isn’t a mind reader.”

“I should have said something.” He admitted turning to Viv.” I’m sorry, Viv.  I don’t like coriander. It tastes like soap.”

“So, that’s why you ate bread for lunch yesterday.” Viv smiled. “Next time, I’ll make a coriander-free frittata for you.”

Everyone pushed back their plates and seemed to take their time to relax after breakfast. A phone beeped. “Oh, it’s me! Guys, I’ve got a text.”

The islanders quieted. “Islanders, it’s time to take an old favorite and make it better. Gather in the garden and get ready for a game of Truth and Dare.  #allin #nohalfmeasures”

 “Truth and Dare?” Seb asked.

“I haven’t finished washing up yet.” Rian sighed.

“We would not let you do it anyway,” Nicky stated.

“Yea, you should go get dressed,” Seb added.

“Not that we’d mind you doing the challenge in your pajamas.” Bill teased

“Funny,” Rian said as AJ grabbed her hand and dragged her back to the Villa.

By the time Rian had showered and dressed, the others were in the garden. She hurried to join them.  

“Is that sun making me all hot, or is it, Rian?” Nicky teased, fanning himself.

“Ha, everyone knows you only have eyes for Elladine,” Rian bantered.

“Kidding, but seriously you look great,” Nicky said.

“So, what’s going on?” Rian asked.

Bill glanced at her. “I think we are waiting for another..”

“Text!” Rian said, pulling out her phone.

“What does it say?” Iona asked.

“Islanders, you will compete to complete 3 secret dares. The first Islander to complete all their dares will be the winner. #daretowin #dontyoudare”

“Oh, spicy,” Camilo grinned.

“Healthy competition,” Harry added, “I love it.”

Suddenly all the Islanders’ phones started going off with text messages. Everyone seems to have different dares. Rian’s phone buzzed again. “Rian, your first dare is to get another Islander to give you a massage and to make sex noises while they do it.” She giggled maniacally, “This is going to be a right laugh.”

“You alright, babe?” He asked, worried she might have finally lost her mind.

“Yea,” she moved closer to let him see the screen.

Seb laughed. “Good one.”

“What’s that over there?” Iona asked Nicky.

“What?” He looks away, and Iona steals his water bottle.  Her phone pinged again.

“She’s already ahead of us. That was her dare.” Rian said. “We better get on these dares.”

Rian’s phone buzzed again as the other Islanders ran off to complete their dares. “Rian, as the only single Islander in the Villa you get the chance to accept a secret dare. You can try to kiss other Islanders as long as they want you to do to, of course. Each time you kiss an islander, it will count as one point. This is your chance to get grinding and win the challenge. #getkissywithit #throwkissesinthewind”

 “Why not?” Rian muttered. She walked off toward the kitchen. When she got there, she couldn’t help but grin at the sight of Viv grinding on a somewhat embarrassed Harry.

“Hey Rian, Welcome to the Grind-a-Thon,” Viv said with a smirk.

“Well, bring it over here then.” Rian teased, sitting in one of the chairs.

The smirk never left Viv’s face as she danced over to Rian. “I’ve got one too, but I don’t want to embarrass Harry too much.” Rian quickly explained as Viv continued to grind.

“Since you helped me with mine, I’ll help with yours by leaving you two for a few minutes,” Viv said, keeping her voice low. She stood up. “I think I need to go freshen up after that one. I’ll be back in a few.” Harry nodded, looking relieved.

 “So Harry, mind a cheeky kiss while we have a moment?” Rian asked.  

Harry looked at Rian and then the direction Viv went suspiciously. “I suppose there is nothing wrong with that.” She leaned in and kissed him. Harry moved in closer, pulling Rian to him. Rian stepped back just as Viv entered the kitchen again. “Feeling much better. You ready for that piggyback ride?”

“Oh, yea, let’s go.” Harry smiled as his eyes followed Rian.

“I’ll catch you guys later, good luck.” Rian waved, heading over toward the lawn. AJ and Seb were tied together with… AJ’s pants?

Rian chuckled. “What’s going on here?”

“I’m killing two stones with one bird,” AJ said happily.

“I think you got it backward,” Seb teased.

“Knocking out two dares at once,” AJ explained. “I first got a text saying I had to put some underwear out on full display. So I got my pants out and started wearing them like a scarf. And then I got another text saying I have to spend the afternoon tied up to an islander.”

“So you tied Seb to you with your pants,” Rian said, giggling.

“See you get it,” AJ said, beaming.

“You’re on a roll, babe,” Rian said.

“I’m not sure you’re meant to tell us your dares.” Seb chided.

“Oh,” AJ looked surprised.

“You can help me out with one of my dares if you like, AJ,”  Rian said.

“Sure. what is it?” AJ asked.

Rian leaned over to whisper in AJ’s ear. “To kiss you.”

“Again, with the telling of the dares…” Seb teased.

AJ nudged him playfully out of the way, “Oh, shush.” She leaned toward Rian and kissed her.  Her free hand traveled down Rian’s lower back as she pulled Rian toward her. She sighed against Rian’s lips before she pulled away. “Wow,” She whispered, looking at Rian.

Seb coughed awkwardly. AJ blushed. “Sorry, mate.” Seb laughed and tickled her.

AJ fell over, dragging Seb with her into a giggling heap. There was a tremendous ripping sound. AJ’s eyes widened. “Seb, we need backup pants, pronto!”

“Good luck,” Rian said as AJ pulled Seb toward the Villa.

She walked toward the pool. Camilo was by Nicky, who was wearing bright pink lipstick and holding a broom. Which honestly was strange enough, but when he dove in the pool. Rian was hard-pressed not to laugh as she walked over to them.

“Oh, hey,  Rian,” Camilo adjusted his shorts. “I’m surprised they feel nice and silky. It so comfy.”

“What are you on about?” Rian asked. He winked and pulled down an inch of his swim short, revealing a pair of lacy pants.  “Racy!”

“You think?” He asked.

“Totally,” Rian said. “I wish I could get a view of the entire package.”

“Maybe one day,” He flirted.

“Fancy a quick kiss?” Rian asked.

Camilo raised an eyebrow and stepped closer. “Why? These pants doing it for you?”

“Oh yeah,” Rian teased, looking up at him under her lashes.

He leaned over to her ear and whispered. “I saw you kiss AJ, that was pretty hot. I admit I’m a little jealous.” He captured her lips. Rian rested a hand on his chest as he pulled her closer.

“Guys!” Nicky called out. Rian pulled away. “I hope Iona didn’t see that.”

Camilo rolled his eyes at Nicky. “Just continue cleaning and mind your own business.” Nicky gave Camilo a little scowl before diving back under.

 “I should go,” Rian said, walking toward the Villa.  As she stepped into the lounge, she saw Bill sitting dejectedly with a bucket on his head.

“Um… Bill, are you alright?”

“Rian, is that you?” Bill asked. “Help, I’m stuck.”

“Sure, I don’t want to hurt you, though,”  Rian said concern as she tugged at the bucket on his head. “I take it this was one of your dares?”

“Obviously,” he replied. “But it went wrong.”

Rian tugged harder. “It’s stuck good. I’m just glad you can breathe.”

“Thanks for trying, Rian,” Bill said as he fell back onto the sofa.

“I’ve got to say… you look cute in the bucket,” Rian said, smiling.

 “Yea, really.” Rian chuckled. “So cute, I almost want to kiss the bucket.”

“Go on then,” Bill said. Rian could hear the smile in his voice. “My lips are somewhere around here.” He points to the center of the bucket.

Rian leaned over and gently kissed the bucket where she thought Bill’s lips were. Bills arms slid around her, and he pulled her toward him. The bucket hit the wall. “Ouch.”

“I appreciate your enthusiasm, but perhaps we should find someone to help you with the bucket,” Rian suggested stepping away from him.

“I’ll be out in a few minutes. I’m gonna sit here for a few minutes.” Bill said.

“Suit yourself,” Rian said, walked away.

As Rian walked outside her phone, buzzed.  “Islanders, the winner of the challenge has been decided. Please Make your way to the lawn, #winnertakesall “  She headed to the lawn to see Seb and AJ still tied together.

“You fixed your pants?” Rian asked.

AJ blew her a kiss and grinned. Camilo ran over, followed by Harry and Nicky. Nicky’s lippy looks smudged.  “Um, Nicky, you got a little.” Rian held her hand up to her own mouth.

“Go on then,” Nicky said.

Rian cleaned up the smudge for him. “There, all better.”

 “That’s an excellent color on you, Nicky,” Miki said. Bill is being guided by Viv and Miki. Someone covered him in lipstick kisses that seemed to match Nicky’s color.

 “Apparently, it’s a magnificent shade on Bill too,” Rian said, trying to control her amusement. Nicky chuckled.

“Nicky?” Bill asked. The bucket just made his astonishment louder. “Are you coming back for round two?”

“Don’t want to smudge my lippy anymore, mate,” Nicky replied

“I’ve got a text,” Rian said.

“Rian, congratulations as you have kissed a total of four islanders, you are the winner of the Truth and Dare challenge. And may now ask an Islander a truth. You may only ask the Islanders who complete fewer than two dares – Bill, AJ, Camilo, and Harry.”

“Wait a minute, your dare was to kiss people?” AJ asked.

Rian nodded. “It was a secret dare as I’m single.”

“No fair, I could have gotten more than four.” AJ pouted.

“Wait, you kissed four us?” Harry asked.

 Viv winked at Rian before turning to Harry, “What do you mean us?”

“Yeah,” Harry asked.

Rian shrugged. “I don’t want to kiss and tell.”

The Islanders laughed. Seb smiled, “She’s won, so now let’s get to the good bit.”

Harry, Seb, Camilo, and Harry step forward. “Wait, Can you guys help Bill get this bucket off his head?” Rian asked worriedly.

“Rian’s right, we need to deal with this first,” Viv said. Camilo and Nicky grabbed the bucket to pull as Bill tried to push it off. After a bit of struggle, it popped off. Camilo and Nicky fell one way as Bill went the other. He stumbled, falling into the pool. Without thinking, Rian dove in and waited for him to surface. He resurfaced moments later, much to her relief. “Are you alright, Bill?”

Bill looked over at her and smiled. “Yea, thanks.”

Rian pulled herself out of the pool. “Were you a lifeguard before?” Seb asked.

“Yea, I wanted a pool so bad when I was growing up that my parents bought one when I was fifteen.  With the condition, I had to go to lifeguard school because of the other kids.”  Rian explained.

“I feel safer already,” Elladine smiled.

“You were so cool. You dove in without a second thought.” AJ beamed.

“I wanted to make sure he hadn’t hit his head on the way in,” Rian said, blushing.

The other islanders nodded. “Didn’t you win a challenge?” Bill teased.

“I did.” Rian smiled. “Let’s get to the questions.”

Seb, Harry, Camilo, and Bill stood in front of Rian. She crossed her arms over her chest, regarding them thoughtfully.

“Ok Harry,” Rian grinned mischievously. “What would you do if your girl told you she was a switch with rope-bunny tendencies?”

“Woah,” Nicky muttered behind her.

“Good one…” Iona chuckled.

Harry looked confused and slightly embarrassed. “I guess I’d ask her to explain… what that means.”

“An honest answer,”  Rian said, smiling. “I can appreciate that.”

“I’d like to answer that question.” Camilo grinned.

Rian regarded him playfully for a moment before replying. “No.” The Islanders laughed.

“Ok, can I ask a question?” AJ said. Rian nodded. “Is that your kink, or did you just want to tease Harry?”

Rian shrugged. “That’s two questions. So I will answer the second one. I quite like seeing Harry confused.”

A phone buzzed. “I’ve got a text,” Nicky said. “Islanders, tonight will be a recoupling.  The boys will pick who they want to couple up with. Please get ready and gather around the fire-pit.  #gentlemanschoice”

No one said anything for a moment. AJ sighed. “Figures.” The boys all cheered.

Rian’s phone beeped. “I’ve got a text too.” She scanned it. “I get to pick too. And I get to choose first.” Iona crossed her arms. Viv nervously bit at her manicure. The boys looked uncertain.