I didn't watch the video linked but I was reading some posts on another reality tv site weeks ago and there were several people who personally saw Ed with his Chicago girlfriend during the time he was home (after he said he had to leave for his job).
I know you can't take an internet chat board as truth, but these women were pretty serious about their information and even gave dates and places. It was believed that he told this girl he was dating that he had to fly to CA to finish the Bachelorette but that he'd back as soon as the show was over. He was also rumored to have said that the producers wanted him back for ratings and that he didn't care for Jillian in a romantic way.
Maybe he never expected to be chosen?
Again, I know it could all be rubbish...but crazier things have happened.