“I got it from you.”
“You what?”
“When you came in for the audition, I was there, in the control room. You said your favorite flower was the dandelion, and the idea captivated me. I asked Mike to change the title of the show.”
“You changed the show name…for me?”
“Well, not really for you, but because of you.” Ben squeezed her waist.
“What was it going to be?”
Ben shrugged. “Something about daisies.”
“I like daisies.” Renee placed one hand around Ben’s neck while keeping the other at bay so the picture was safe.
“But you like dandelions better.”
“True.” Renee glanced over at the picture and remembered how she said something about enjoying the white fluff dandelions made and how it spread far when someone blew on the weed. Apparently, Ben remembered it too. “Hey,” she said. “Did you have any part in getting me on the show?”
“In the interest of honesty, I suppose I have to answer that.” He placed his lips against her cheek.
“In the interest of honesty…”
“If I remember correctly,” Ben spoke softly, “I told Mike you were the one.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Ben’s finger hesitated over the phone. He needed to call the other two women, but he had trouble doing so. His date with Renee had gone well…almost too well. He smiled as he thought about her leaning against his arm as they talked late into the night. And the shock on her face when she woke up several hours later still snuggled up by his side on the couch.
More than anything, Ben remembered her soft and sweet lips on his. It was easy to admit he was attracted to her from the first moment he saw her, but now something deeper existed. He was falling for her. Hard and fast.
Ben only intended for the date to last three or four hours. He wanted to work on a ConArt project, have dinner, chat a little and wrap things up. But their talks stretched on and they simply couldn’t get enough of each other’s stories. They talked until their mouths were dry, and when the comfortable silence settled in and Renee’s breathing evened out, Ben fought sleep. He didn’t want to waste a single moment with Renee. Instead of drifting off, he gently stroked the hair from her face as she dozed.
If she had awakened and noticed him staring, she would have thought him creepy and run for the hills, but he couldn’t help it. In all of the dozens of women that hung on his arm in the past, he never found anyone like Renee. Something about her made him light up. No matter what she said and did, he was always surprised, and he didn’t want this experience to ever end.
When she jumped and woke in the wee hours of the morning, she gave him a sweet smile, and he relaxed his hold on her. He wanted to pick her up and carry her to bed, where he could keep her in his arms for the rest of the night and beyond. But he respected her and permitted her to set the boundaries. She allowed him one last, long kiss and asked to go home.
Ben wasn’t sure how he fell for Renee so fast. It was almost like she cast a spell over him from the moment they met. He recognized her different character when she said she liked dandelions better than any other flower. He should have known he was in trouble the moment he changed the name of the show to reflect her preference.
Ben punched numbers into his phone. No more stalling. To be fair, he had to go on private dates with the other two women. No one could compare to Renee, but he promised all of the remaining contestants a little of his time off camera. His challenge would be to hide his attraction until the last show. Until that day arrived, he would go through the motions, treat the participants as friends, and let them down gently. If he hadn’t already shocked the station and the audience by letting four women go on one date, perhaps he would choose Renee now and forget everyone else. But he thought he needed to honor his contract for the show and let things play out on camera.
Plus, Ben was certain Renee was the real deal…the one. If he let people watch him fall in love with her on TV, his reputation would be mended as well. Two birds…one stone. Since he didn’t plan on taking Renee for granted or ever breaking up with her, the public would view him as a man of his word. He was just like everyone else. There was one right person for him, and her name was Renee.
As Ben put the phone to his ear and listened to the first ring, he couldn’t believe he thought of love and Renee in the same instant. Was he falling in love with Renee?
“Hello?” a breathy voice on the other end answered.
“Hey, Tracy.” He sighed. “It’s Ben.”
* * *
Renee floated through the next few days. She didn’t want to analyze anything, but instead focused on how she felt. She still didn’t like Ben seeing two other women, but she put that out of her mind and concentrated on the fact that she had officially fallen for him. She couldn’t predict how things would end on Accept this Dandelion, but she was optimistic she and Ben would be together.
Renee viewed the show alone that week, much to Janice’s dismay. She ignored the phone when it rang off the hook as she and Ben kissed in the alcove next to the racetrack and again when she blew smoke from her car and fainted into Ben’s arms. She finally turned her ringer off once Ben kissed the other two women on screen. She didn’t like seeing that part one bit. The scene was almost as bad as her car crash. She couldn’t look away.
Instead, Renee got close to the screen. She wanted to check out the details on Ben’s face as he kissed them. It was torture. When Ben pressed his lips against hers, she thought his eyes told her everything she needed to know. They were dark, passionate and glowed in the dim light of the alcove. She had seen the same expression on him the several times they kissed at his apartment. His amused look told her he wanted more of her.
As she watched him kiss Eva and then Tracy, she searched for that look. Was she headed for heartbreak? Had she fallen for a man who wanted someone else? Renee examined his expression each time and nearly convinced herself she was safe. After he and Eva kissed, he raised his eyebrows and made a slight noise. He had a happy, satisfied appearance, but he didn’t seem anxious to go back for more. And when he kissed Tracy, his expression had intrigue, but once again, he didn’t have that same sparkle.
Renee shook her head. She couldn’t believe she sat with her nose practically pressed to the screen analyzing Ben. She didn’t want to admit love for him yet. She could still get hurt. But if she wasn’t mistaken, the affection may be mutual.
Renee always hoped “the one” would come to her someday. She put her career first for so long, she struggled to imagine how it would happen. There were a few radio groupies she eventually relented to dating and the occasional blind set-up, but no one she was ever serious about…until now.
And because of a local reality show, she had Ben McConnell on her hands. Of all people. She never dreamed she would fall for a man like Ben. Had he been in a line up, there’s no way she would have chosen him, knowing his background. And she couldn’t choose him now. The choosing was up to Ben. Until he offered her a final dandelion, Renee had to keep her desire in check. As for the radio show gig…it seemed less important. If she got the job, great. She would enjoy being on the air with Chuck in the morning show slot. If the job went to someone else, so be it. With Ben, she could enjoy love…the most important part of life.
* * *
Renee wasn’t sure how to approach the next radio interview with Chuck. During the past interviews, she opened up a little bit about behind the scenes items and tried to make fun of herself in order to come across friendly and approachable. She wanted listeners to appreciate her personality. The more comments that came from them, the higher the likelihood she had of getting the job as the morning show co-host across the counter from Chuck.
Being on the radio was a pipe dream Renee had from childhood on. She didn’t realize it could be a real job until college, but she encountered the airwaves a few times before then. The first time she was on the radio, she was just a child. She called into a radio contest to tell the announcer
s about the gift she gave to her father on Father’s Day. She purchased a hose nozzle because he wanted one, but once she was live on the air, she was flabbergasted and all she uttered was “nose hozzle.” She knew it was wrong once it came out, but no matter how many times she tried, it came out the same.
Renee got better on the radio after studying communications in college, and her first real job went relatively well with only a few hiccups. Now, Renee had a solid job at one of the biggest stations in the area, and she was happy with her career. She enjoyed the behind the scenes script writing, and the work she did with the promotions team, but she loved connecting with listeners more than anything. Listeners often told her they felt as if they knew her when they met her in person at concerts and other station events. She made instant friends. Renee believed her passion for radio would only grow if she got on the morning show. Her career would take shape and she could start to do things for others in the community through her platform.
The grapevine, aka Janice, revealed Renee as a serious contender for the position. The station manager had a few candidates from out of the area, but since Renee already worked there and her public profile grew by the minute because of the TV show, she was a favorite. All she needed to do was finish the show.
For publicity’s sake, it might be better if she got dumped on the show. She wouldn’t enjoy talking about the event on the air, but she could come up with funny reasons why Ben wouldn’t want to be with her…he’s afraid of fire…he can’t keep up with me on the dance floor…he doesn’t know how to swim. Looking back at her time on the show thus far, she’d given Ben plenty of reasons not to choose her.
But Renee no longer cared whether she did what she needed to do for the sake of her radio job. Honestly, she just wanted Ben.
When she entered the studio the morning after the latest show aired, Renee longed to spill her guts on the airwaves. She wanted listeners to hear about the most incredible man she’d ever met. She wanted to admit she started the journey for the wrong reasons, but stayed because of her growing love for Ben. But she didn’t know if Chuck would let her have her say. She had to play the morning by ear and see how it worked out.
“Morning, rising star.” Chuck gave a swift wave of his hand.
“Right back at ya.” Renee tried to keep her voice light, but her body grew heavy with anticipation. She didn’t want Chuck to sense anything amiss.
The song ended through the speakers. She had cut her entrance close. “Ready to roll?” Chuck spoke too loudly as he placed his headphones over his ears.
Renee gave him a curt nod and put headphones on as well.
“100.4 KGBR. Good morning,” Chuck said smoothly. “Just a couple of short weeks away from finding out who the popular Ben McConnell will pick to be his latest girl, and today we have with us our very own Renee Lockhart, one of the last three contenders in the picture. Renee, how does it feel to walk away from every show with a dandelion in your hand?”
“A little sticky, Chuck. Did you ever play with dandelions as a child? They get pretty slimy…fast.”
Chuck threw his head back and laughed. “Okay, okay.” He held his hands up and waved them in surrender. “I need to be more specific. Here’s one you can’t avoid. You kissed the guy, right? And now that you’ve seen last night’s show, you know everyone else did too. How does that make you feel?”
Renee took a deep breath. She could discuss her emotions all day, but she didn’t have to like it. She tried to avoid thoughts about the other contenders and their tender moments with Ben. But she couldn’t ignore the man who she was interested in happened to be dating two other women. Renee could let her jealous side rage, but instead, she stuck to a light, comical answer. “I’m just glad I wasn’t sloppy seconds…or thirds.” She grinned. She wasn’t relaying her affection for Ben, but she hoped to get a chance later.
Chuck laughed again and picked up his questioning where he left off. “What did you and the other girls make of Clara running off with Labrian?”
Renee whistled. “That was really something. I know the process is moving quickly, but Clara really took the fast track with Robby.” Renee chuckled. “But seriously, if he can make her happy, I wish them both the best of luck.”
“Is that what you’re going to say to Ben if he chooses one of the other two ladies or will you be totally heartbroken?”
This was her chance. “To be honest, I don’t think Ben has a choice.” Now where did that come from?
“What do you mean?” Chuck tilted his head with interest.
“I’ve learned a lot about Ben in a short amount of time. He’s not the guy everyone thinks he is, and I believe I’ve seen his true side.” Renee didn’t want to reveal too much and get Ben in trouble for their secret date. “He’s a man who follows his heart. If he does what his heart tells him to, it’s not a matter of choice, and I’ll certainly wish him the best.” Renee wanted to add that she hoped she would be able offer him congratulations in his relationship with her at the end of the show, but Chuck interrupted.
“Do you think he’s in love?”
“I seriously hope so.”
Chuck raised his eyebrows and moved on to the next song as he pulled his headphones from his ears.
“Wow.” He squinted at Renee across the counter. “You’re smitten, aren’t you?”
Renee curled her lips into a grimace. “I am, Chuck. I really am.” She wished he had asked her that when they were on the air. She longed to admit her love to the masses. It was time Renee came out of her shell to tell anyone and everyone who would listen. She had fallen for Ben McConnell, and she desired nothing more than a “happily ever after” ending to their TV love story.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
When the next scheduled taping came around, Renee didn’t know what to expect. She hadn’t heard from Ben since their date alone at his apartment, but she also hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him. She fielded several calls from Janice and finally confided her love for Ben. Janice was ecstatic, and Renee leaned toward feeling the same way. But she needed to tell Ben the whole truth regarding why she came on the show. And she still had two other women to compete against for his affections…one of which she really cared for.
As the three remaining contestants gathered in the studio in the dresses the staff requested they wear, Renee and Eva gravitated towards one another.
“Did you get to see Ben this week?” Eva asked under her breath to avoid alerting the crew.
Renee nodded. She didn’t want to share too many details about her date with anyone.
“Me too,” Eva said. “He rented out this whole restaurant and we had a private dinner. Just one waiter and a chef so no one else knew about it. It was really romantic being there, only the two of us. We did a little dancing after the meal even though music was nonexistent.”
Renee got details she preferred not to have, but she smiled and nodded as if she wanted them.
“I had fun, though Ben seemed like he was keeping me at bay. I think he’s having a hard time with this decision. He probably doesn’t want to hurt any of us. But I tell you, if he chooses me in the end, I will be ecstatic. We haven’t been on the show long, but I’ve really fallen for him.”
Renee winced at Eva’s words. She wasn’t the only one falling for Ben. Who knew? Tracy could be in the same position as well. And if Eva fell for Ben as Renee had, she no longer had confidence regarding how Ben saw her. Renee could be in for a world of hurt. She needed to keep her hopes at a moderate level.
“How do you think Tracy’s date went?” Renee searched the studio for the red-haired woman.
Eva shrugged. “She seems happy.”
Renee eyed Tracy as she fluffed her bright hair with a pick. She did look happy. And as confident as ever.
Renee didn’t want to think about the options for any of their futures. Seeing Ben and talking to him alone would help her think more clearly.
The producer walked in and snapped his clipboard against his hand. “Ladies.
Your attention please.”
Renee and Eva sauntered toward Mike and Tracy met them there.
“Today’s date is a group dinner, but Ben says he really wants to speak with each of you separately too. We’ll start taping and you can have a drink as a group. Then Ben can have appetizers with one of you, the main meal with another and dessert with the third. The break down might not sound fair, but you will all have equal amounts of time with him. Ben can choose who he wants for each portion of the meal. You’ll ride over to the restaurant in the shuttle. Ben is waiting there. Since we have a good location for shooting the show, we’ll have the elimination ceremony right there. When you aren’t with Ben, you can do your on camera interviews. Does everyone understand the plan?”
The women nodded and affirmed the directions they received.
“To the shuttle.” Mike waved his clipboard toward the exit.
Renee was self-conscious in her glittery blue dress. She finally borrowed something from Janice, and it wasn’t her normal style. She wanted to impress Ben tonight. She needed him to like her personality, but she also wanted him to see her feminine side. She preferred hanging out in comfortable clothes, but she could dress up when she needed to. And with a man like Ben, occasions to be fancy would be plentiful.
More than anything, Renee was uneasy about being around Ben alongside two women he also had connections with. She wondered if he and Eva kissed on their private date. Eva hadn’t given those details, and Renee didn’t want to ask. She didn’t like being in the dark about Tracy’s time with Ben, but she might be better off.
The ride to the restaurant was awkward. Renee was on her way to a date that included one man, her, and two other ladies. They were close to the finale. She knew what she felt for Ben, and it sounded like Eva was on the same path. If Tracy also wanted to be the one left standing in the end, they had a serious love square.
When they arrived at the restaurant, the shuttle driver opened the door, and the ladies filed out of the vehicle. Renee saw no traffic anywhere on the street. She wondered if the TV station cordoned off the entire block for them. She followed Eva and Tracy into the restaurant. Pleasant scents of unknown seasoning and freshly baked bread met her along with the gentle lighting.
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