Bonnie has no idea how she managed to score the first single date, but today has been something out of a fairytale. Ty had picked her up in a helicopter. They’d flown up the coast and then caught a private boat to go whale watching. Whales had breached right in front of them, dolphins had swum beside the boat and Ty had stood close, his hand resting on the small of her back. For most of the day things have felt quite natural between them. She doesn’t feel entirely comfortable or even herself, but who could with a crew and cameras watching their every move?

‘Timing, I guess.’ She shrugs. ‘There have been guys,’ she admits, ‘but the timing hasn’t been right.’ She isn’t sure if that’s completely accurate; the timing with Oliver hadn’t been right, but with Dan, Isaiah and Liam she just hadn’t been the right girl for them. But for some reason she doesn’t feel confident enough to tell Ty that all her ex-boyfriends married the girl they dated after her. It would only be natural to wonder what was wrong with her.

He takes in her answer, carefully analysing her words. ‘So, you’ve been in love before?’

It’s her turn to consider his words. She doesn’t want to blurt out yes, even though that would be her answer. She’s finding it hard to relax—every question feels like she’s being judged. Thinking about him leaving their date and rating her, putting her somewhere on the leaderboard, sends a panic through her bloodstream.

‘It’s okay if the answer’s yes,’ he says, seeming to sense her anxiety. ‘We all have past relationships.’ He reaches out and takes her hand. It’s all she needs, his touch is like a relaxant, reassuring her to just be herself.

‘Yes, I’ve been in love before,’ she tells him. ‘Four relationships in fifteen years.’ She gives him the smallest of smiles, her lips closed. ‘And I’ve found myself heartbroken after every single one.’ A chill rushes over her at hearing herself say the words aloud.

Something flickers in Ty’s face and she knows in that instant that he’s experienced heartbreak too. ‘It’s a horrible feeling.’

Darcy feels a bit uncomfortable watching them talk about heartbreak. All day they’d had light banter and there’s plenty of footage to make them seem flirtier than they were. Darcy had actually suggested they tackle some more serious topics for the evening part of the date.