Melody's POV

Later after all the yellow has vanished from every body we gather round a fire pit with Tyler sitting in between Lucy and Piper. He smiles as he goes on and on about today.

"I'm super impressed. That was a really good game. Mel got two touchdowns which was amazing. Lucy led this extraordinary team. Brynn got a touchdown. And we found out that Evelyn has a great kick."

Evelyn winks jokingly, "And don't you forget it."

"I just want to say thank you all for having fun out there. It wasn't about winning. It's all about getting along and trying new things. I need a wife who is okay with doing different things that she's not used to. I need a wife who is a team player. This is the first group date of the season and I can honestly say I'm super excited to see what's to come." Tyler raises his glass making us all do the same, "To new experiences, relationships, and finding love."

Glasses clank as we tap them together. Brynn pats my knee with a small smile as she stands up and holds out a hand.

"Hey Tyler could I talk to you?"

"Of course."

Tyler stands and passes the girls then grabs Brynn's hand as she leads him away from the group.

After the game we had taken a slight trail to a park that had benches and hammocks. Brynn guides Tyler to a bench and then they sit and talk.

"And the games begin." Layla smirks as she downs the drink in her glass.

I sip on my drink with a small smile. Looking at all the nervous faces I laugh internally. It's not that big of a deal. We have a whole hour to talk and there's only eight girls. We have a way better chance of getting a rose at the rose ceremony Saturday then the other girls. We get extra time with him and they don't. We just have to be memorable here otherwise he won't let us stay.

I look at the rose that lays on the table in front of us.

Although it would be nice to get the first group date rose. But if I don't it's okay. I love being here and making new memories and connections. I know that my connection with Tyler is better than some girls so I'm not scared.

Sophia hadn't even talked to Tyler night one. I don't know how she didn't... some girls spoke to him two, three times.

Ashley R said their conversation was so awkward that she wanted to disappear right then and there.

Tyler and I kissed. I think I'm okay for another week at least.

Brynn comes back with a wide grin and Layla gets up and walks to where Brynn was. I look over at the blushing girl and smirk.

"How'd it go B?"

She rolls her eyes, "Great. He's so sweet. Hannah made a horrible mistake."

"Well when I see her, I'll thank her." I laugh as I pick up some grapes from the bowl on the table.

Brynn chuckles. Lucy gets up and walks over to Layla and Tyler. I watch Layla get up and walk back over to us a bit frustrated. She sits down with a huff but doesn't say another word.

Time goes on a little bit more before I decide to interrupt. I walk over to Lucy and Tyler who had been laughing uncontrollably. I clear my throat and show a large grin.

"Hey Luce could I steal Tyler from you for a bit?"

Lucy smiles widely and stands up, "Sure thing Mel!"

Tyler stands up and hugs Lucy. She leaves and he turns to me with those captivating blue eyes. I smile and hold out my hand. He chuckles and takes it. I lead him to some hammocks and then sit down. He sits beside me then lays down and pulls me down to lay beside him.

"How was your day? How'd you feel about flag football?"

"It was super fun. I loved how exhilarating it felt. That must've been how you felt when you played."

His fingers trace circles on my visible stomach making tingles go down my back. My leg falls over his as the hammock swings back and forth through the light wind. It feels so normal to be laying in this position with him. It was relaxing. I didn't want to ever get up.

"It is. Or was... I loved hearing the crowds cheering. And seeing the full stadiums. It just felt like I was on cloud nine. Playing football made me feel unstoppable. It took away a lot of stress and worries. It was a getaway."

My fingers play with his free hand that lays on his chest. He turns to look at me with a look I can't quite decipher. Suddenly, he kisses my forehead then looks at the sky.

"I like laying here with you... and talking to you. I feel like I can tell you anything."

"Me too Tyler."

"I feel like I shouldn't say this but I need you to know that you are definitely one of the girls that are on the top of my list."

"Good."

"With that being said I do have to give everyone else a chance. I want to but I don't want to. I'd kind of rather lay here and stare at the stars all night with you in my arms."

I giggle and tuck my head deeper into his neck. He squeezes my hip making me quickly peck his cheek.

"Sorry guys..."

We sit up quickly and gather ourselves as Evelyn stands smiling.

"Mel can I steal him?"

"Definitely Evie."

"Thanks."

I turn to Tyler and smile, "It was great talking to you."

Tyler nods and pulls me into a hug, "You too."

Evelyn takes my place as I start to walk away. I turn around heart aching hoping they weren't in the same position and to my surprise they actually sat in the hammock a good distance from each other.

Smiling, I turn back and return to the girls at the fire pit. Brynn leans over and whispers as soon as I sit down.

"You little minx. I saw you two all cuddled up. I know I'm supposed to be jealous. But that was super cute."

I laugh and playfully punch her arm. After a few more conversations, time is finally up which means cocktail hour is over. Tyler and Piper come back and sit down in the middle of the group.

Tyler picks up the rose and lays eyes on every girl around the circle. He sighs then clears his throat.

"Ladies tonight was amazing. There were many great conversations but I can only choose one girl. The girl I choose was someone who surprised me today. I thought she was quiet as a mouse and she was definitely the opposite. She was a great team player and an ever better leader. So Lucy will you accept this rose?"

Lucy squeals then says yes as she reaches over Evelyn and pulls him into a hug. He laughs and hugs her back then looks at the rest of us.

"Alright who's sleepy?"

As I'm sitting on the bus I look out the window watching the cars pass by. Seeing Lucy get the rose tonight didn't made me as mad as I thought it should've. Maybe that was because Tyler told me I was one girl who was at the top of his list. That makes me feel a whole lot better about the rose ceremony Saturday.

We make it back to the villa and one by one we exit the bus. We all sleepily walk up the stairs and disperse to our rooms. When Brynn and I make it to our room we see Scarlett, Mila, Charlotte, and Caelynn laying on blankets on the floor asleep. We chuckle then change into our pajamas.

"Should we wake them?" Brynn asks crossing her arms as we stand by them.

"Nah."

I grab a blanket off my bed then lay down beside the girls. Brynn shakes her head then takes her place beside me. Finally after a long day, I fall asleep.

Today was better than I hoped. I had so much fun and it was actually not stressful. But sadly things can't be going right all the fine. I just know things are about to get shaken up.