"I can't believe he is smart," Chelsea told the cameras after their encounter. "That is so exciting. I actually didn't think he would be able to understand what I was talking about at all!"
During their next interaction, Matt and the chemical engineer— who also has a Bachelor in science— bonded over science, maths and textbooks!
And, as expected, the hunky astrophysicist was starstruck!
"It feels like she's reading the handbook of what Matt's looking for in a relationship," he gushed during their first single date. "Every time with Chelsie, she just makes me happy. We have a ridiculous amount in common, and it's just so easy and natural when we're together."
Their first date
On their first official single date, the pair baked banana bread together and ended up covered in cake batter and flour, before jumping in Matt's pool and enjoying a McsSteamy kiss.
Interestingly, Bachie viewers were quick to point out that previous series winners Alex Nation and Snezana Wood both shared messy dates with their Bachelor— a chocolate bath and pizza making date.
"The more I find out about her, the more excited I get," Matt said during their date. "Let's see if we can convert our love for scientific chemistry into relationship chemistry".
Chelsie loved the nerd connection, too!
"Matt and I do have the same interest for science. But in saying that, that's definitely not what defines me. So, hopefully, this is a chance for us to really open up and to get to know each other a little bit deeper."
Their second date
During their second date, the loved up pair faced their fear of heights as they rappelled off a very tall building! Although sparks were flying, it ended in disaster, with both Chelsie and Matt having to be lowered down!
Despite some initial awkwardness, it seemed their flawed date only made their connection stronger, with Matt later revealing: "We both just looked like absolute idiots, but if I'm going to make a fool of myself, I'm really glad it's with Chels. There is no doubt that we have phenomenal chemistry. But you do not need a PHD to see that!"
After settling down with a glass and champagne and, of course, a cheese platter, Chelsie opened up about her goals and aspirations, admitting she can't wait to be a wife and a mother! Naturally, Matt agreed, admitting his five-year plan aligns perfectly with hers.
Home visits
Fast forward a few weeks and Matt and Chelsie were off to Melbourne to spend time with her mum Julie, older sister Shannon and dad Snowy (who The Bachelor copped a grilling from).
"Bringing Matt to our home towns is so exciting. It'd be really cool to see him, you know, with my family, where I'm completely relaxed and able to be myself. Being vulnerable and open, it's not something that comes easily or naturally to me, because of my previous experience with going through heartbreak. But, you know, I don't want to have any regrets," Chelsie said.
The hometown visit went swimmingly, with Chelsie even admitting she could see Matt blending into her life with ease.
Although sparks were flying, Chelsie told Matt she couldn't say those three little words. "It's not an easy thing for me to do" she said before they kissed goodbye.
So what was holding her back?
