The Reluctant Bachelor (8 page)

CHAPTER EIGHT

R
ICK
DOUBLE
-
CHECKED
his ski equipment and waited. There was always a lot of waiting when filming a television show, even if the shoot took place on a snow-covered hill at the ski resort one town over. This one-on-one date plan had been Lizzie’s. His choice had been tickets to a Detroit Pistons game, but this was still good. He liked skiing. Usually.

A woman dressed in pink attempted to ski toward him, but fell about halfway there. He rushed to help her to her feet again. “Sorry.” Melissa looked up into his face. “I’ve never done this before.”

“Then I’m glad I can teach you.” He looked over at the crew Lizzie had sent with them. She herself was conveniently absent. Wasn’t she supposed to oversee everything on this shoot? Even his first one-on-one date? They hadn’t started filming yet, which gave him a few moments truly alone with his date.

Rick helped Melissa adjust the ski poles. “Did they go over everything with you? The microphone? The cameras?” She nodded but bit her lip. He put his hand on her shoulder to reassure her. “Don’t worry. Like I said, I’ll teach you. We’re going to start on the bunny hill.”

He helped her move her legs back and forth so that she had forward movement without falling on her face again. He liked that she wasn’t afraid to try new things or even to fail. He might have balked at skiing for the first time on television, but Melissa was a good sport.

With cameras rolling, they spent an hour on the bunny hill until she felt comfortable enough to try something more challenging. Rick led her to the chairlift. As they rose into the sky, a camera operator turned in the seat ahead of them and filmed. He got the hint.

He leaned in closer to her. “So why did you decide to try out for the show?”

Melissa snagged a piece of hair away from her mouth. “I’m from a little town in Tennessee. Everyone in my town is either related by blood or marriage. Not many prospects, you know?”

Did he ever. That was one of the reasons he’d done this himself. “But why
True Love?
”

“My mom’s a huge fan.” She snuggled into his side, either for warmth or something more, he didn’t know. “It was her idea.”

“Well, I’m glad you came.” He rested his head on hers. “I think you’re the first woman I’ve really connected with.”

She tightened her grip and leaned closer. He cleared his throat and faced forward again. “After the last time—”

Melissa placed a hand on his arm. “You don’t have to talk about it.”

“I probably should. Good for the soul and all that.” He glanced at her. “It’s taken me over five years to get to the point where I’m open to letting someone in. Brandy...she...” He shrugged even though the camera probably couldn’t see it through the layers of warm clothing. “I wanted to believe her. Wanted to trust that she loved me like I loved her.”

Why was he going to that place? Hadn’t he spent more than five years blocking it out? It was this show. It got to him. Made him think things, feel things. He shook his head and pulled Melissa closer. “I’m glad to have a second chance.”

“There’s something to be said for starting over.” She rested her head on his shoulder.

Rick placed a kiss on the top of her fuzzy hat. “When we get up to the top here, we’re going to push off the chair and to the right, okay?”

She nodded, and the spell of the snow and cold was broken. Rick settled farther into the chair. This was going to be okay.

* * *

E
LIZABETH
HURRIED
to make sure all the details at the ski lodge were ready before Rick and Melissa arrived. She’d rented out the entire second floor so that they could have some privacy. A fire crackled in the fireplace. Huge overstuffed pillows were placed in front of it. Dozens of red and pink candles flickered. A vase of red and pink roses graced the dining table, where two place settings waited for an intimate dinner. It looked perfect.

So why was she still searching for flaws?

Elizabeth shook her head and consulted the clipboard that seemed to be glued to her hand lately. Even last night when she’d woken from her dream, she’d looked at her hand as if expecting her notes to be there, to tell her what to do next...every moment of her life laid out in black-and-white.

She sighed, wishing she had that kind of control. She tapped her earpiece. “How far out are they?”

“They’re on the lift. You’ve got five minutes, give or take.”

She nodded and checked everything again. It looked perfect.

Charlie had set up three cameras to capture the first intimate look at Rick. The one-on-one was more than him singling out a woman who might show up in the finale. It was about letting the audience in, as well. Giving them a taste of who he was and what he wanted.

She turned to Charlie. “We’ve got four minutes. What am I missing?”

Her cameraman chuckled and tested light levels once more. “I thought you never missed a thing.”

“I don’t because I ask my crew what I’m forgetting.” She looked around the room. “If I was Melissa, would I fall under the spell of this room?”

“It looks perfect, E.”

“Exactly. Looks, but doesn’t feel.” They couldn’t pipe in music because that would interfere with editing later. They couldn’t serve seafood because Melissa was allergic. She thrived on the couldn’ts of a shoot because she had to get creative. So why wasn’t she feeling it this time? What was this scene missing?

Her.

Elizabeth turned as if someone had spoken. She shook her head. She was already losing it, and they still had twelve weeks of shooting and editing, then the live finale in Los Angeles in May. She tapped her earpiece. “How much longer?”

“Relax. They’re heading up the stairs now.”

She positioned herself in the back, and Charlie stood with a handheld camera near the entrance so they could film the couple’s first reactions to the room. Everything was going according to plan.

So far.

Rick entered the room with Melissa, who made the appropriate oohs and aahs. Cliché, but Elizabeth would take it. Being a gentleman, Rick helped Melissa slip out of her coat and scarves, hat and mittens. He even held out a chair for her after they’d taken a tour of the room. Chivalry wasn’t dead after all.

Servers immediately appeared with the first course, a steaming vegetable soup to warm the couple from the icy elements. From where she stood, it smelled wonderful. Her stomach growled, and she made a note to order a sandwich in a little bit. If she didn’t write it down, she’d never remember.

Melissa reached for her soupspoon and took a tentative sip. “Wow.”

Rick snapped his napkin open, laying it in his lap. “They have amazing chefs here.”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and pushed her head against the wall. Sure, the couple had chemistry. Even mirrored each other’s movements, which was a good sign. But chemistry only went so far. Elizabeth stepped forward. “Cut.”

Rick and Melissa looked up at her as if just realizing they were being filmed. Good, but she didn’t have time to revel in the fact that they were being natural in front of the cameras. She walked to the table and crouched between the two of them. The smell of the soup still did things to her stomach, but she concentrated on the task at hand. “The audience wants to see something special here. Give them a glimpse of yourself that you usually don’t show anyone.”

Rick chuckled. “What happened to being natural?”

“Your courtship is condensed into three months. We don’t have time for natural.” Elizabeth leaned in toward both of them. “Our audience expects to see romance. Sparks. Drama. And it’s our job to give it to them.”

Rick glanced around the room. “And this isn’t romantic enough? All we’re missing are winged cupids shooting arrows.”

Melissa giggled at this while Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Great idea, but out of our budget. I’m being serious.”

“So am I, Lizzie.”

He dropped his spoon on the table, and it clattered to the floor. Elizabeth picked it up and handed it to one of the servers, who replaced it with a clean spoon. “I’m not asking the impossible here.”

Rick thanked the server, then turned back to her. “All I’m saying is that I wouldn’t do this in real life.”

“Since when has reality TV been about real life?” She shook her head. “Rick, you need to give the audience a reason to care. Because right now? They’re turning the channel to see what else is on.”

“My love life is not for their viewing pleasure.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “You’re on
True Love,
so yeah, it is. You signed the contract. You made promises. Let me do my job.”

Rick seemed to bristle slightly at this, but his calm composure took over. “You’re right, Lizzie.” He stood. “I need five minutes.”

He pushed past her and out of the room. Once he was gone, she turned to Melissa. “When Rick comes back, tell him what you’re hoping this show will bring into your life. Show him the woman you are and the woman you want to be. Okay?”

Melissa nodded and turned in her seat to look in the direction Rick had gone. “Is he okay?”

“Don’t worry. It’s not you. It’s me.” She gave the other woman a reassuring smile, then walked off to find Rick. She waited outside the restroom door until he came out. He seemed surprised to see her.

“Can I have a moment?” she asked.

He crossed his arms over his chest and glanced around the hallway. “No cameras?”

“I told them to take a five-minute break.” She sighed. “What’s going on here?”

“Nothing’s going on.” He held up his arms so that they spanned the space around him. “I’ve given you complete access to my life. You’re the one trying to manipulate this competition.”

“It’s my job to take care of the details. To create an atmosphere that invites intimacy and romance. All the things you asked for.” She consulted her clipboard. “Candles. Flowers. Romantic meal. Check. Check. Check. What’s your problem?”

Rick opened his mouth, then shut it. Closed his eyes and groaned. “I’ve been here. I’ve done this. And I believed it was all true. Only to find it wasn’t.”

“Melissa is not Brandy.” He stopped fidgeting. Elizabeth stepped closer and put her hand on his shoulder. Now it made sense. Her star didn’t want to get hurt again. “Is that what this is about? Don’t let your past dictate your present.”

“Okay, Oprah.”

He joked with her, but he didn’t appear any more relaxed. Elizabeth leaned in closer. “What can I do to make this easier for you?”

“I wish you could make guarantees, but...”

“I’ll do my best.” She gave him a quick hug. “I’ll protect you as best I can, okay? Trust me.”

She could feel him swallow. After a long moment, he nodded. “Okay. Tantrum over. Can I go back to my dinner? I’m starving.”

He started to leave her, then turned back. “Thanks, Lizzie. You’re a good friend.” He returned to the dining cove.

Elizabeth took a moment to calm her nerves. Her heart beat at an alarming rate; her cheeks and chest burned. If she didn’t know better, she’d think she was having a heart attack. Instead she inhaled deeply and returned to the room.

Charlie put up a finger and motioned to the table where the couple sat.
Good.
They’d started filming without her. Melissa was telling Rick about her dreams for the future, which she hoped might include him.

* * *

A
FTER
THE
FILMING
, a car took Melissa and some of the crew back to the house. Lizzie lingered, settling up with the manager of the ski lodge while Charlie waited at the SUV. Lizzie handed the manager a check and turned to find Rick waiting by the front door, where it was warm. She sighed. “Did you need something else? Because I’m beat and looking forward to a long, hot bath. Room service. And some TV.”

A vision of her bare shoulders rising above a tub full of bubbles, damp tendrils of hair clinging to her neck, flashed through his mind. He shook his head and held up his hands in innocence. “Only wanted to thank you for earlier.”

She shrugged. “All part of my job. Good night.”

He stepped in front of her and blocked the doorway. “There is something I wanted to talk to you about.”

She closed her eyes and threw her head back. “I just want today to be over. Is that too much to ask?”

When she started walking past him, Rick reached out and grabbed her hand. “Lizzie. Please.”

She stopped and turned to face him. “You have twenty seconds.”

“I wanted to say I’m sorry.” He looked at her, waiting. “Now is where you say you’re sorry, too.”

“I really don’t have time for this.” She walked past him, so he followed her outside.

“You can’t try to make me feel things for these women. It doesn’t matter how you manipulate the scene or try to invite intimacy.” He hurried to catch up to her. “I thought about what we talked about earlier. I want to know it’s real and not fabricated for television.” He stopped walking and threw his hands in the air. “What do you want from me?”

She stopped, turned and walked back to him. “The real question is, what do you want from me? All I’m asking is that you hold up your end of the deal. Go on these dates. Keep your options open, but don’t close yourself off to the possibility that you might meet the woman you’re supposed to be with. And let me do my job.”

“Not when you’re going back on what we agreed.”

She pointed at him, slashing the air with her finger. “We agreed that you would have more input. Not complete control.”

He took the few steps that separated them and looked at her. Really looked at her until he thought he was going to implode and cease to exist. The line between friendship and something more seemed to blur for just a moment. He swallowed. “Lizzie...”

She shook her head and walked away. Got in the SUV’s passenger side. Didn’t even glance in his direction as Charlie backed the car out and drove away.

He felt as if his best friend in the world was leaving. The confusing part was that his heart seemed to be going with her, too.

CHAPTER NINE

I
CE
FISHING
was a logistical nightmare. The shack on ice barely held four people, and that didn’t include a camera operator and sound crew. Elizabeth, however, could pull more than a rabbit out of an old hat. She had commissioned three shacks on the ice and a large heated tent on land for this group date. She had enough food to feed not only her cast and crew, but also the locals she’d hired to give authenticity to the scene.

This was going to be the best episode she’d produced.

Or the biggest disaster.

Luckily, the monitors for watching the taping were in the warmth of the tent. She made up a plate of chicken wings to eat while she took notes and barked out orders. Definitely the best part of her job.

She put her feet up on a chair across from her and groaned when someone stepped in front of the camera, where Rick baited hooks for some of the contestants. She tapped her earpiece. “Charlie, move that girl out of the way before I have to come in and do it myself.”

He chuckled on the other end. “Why are you so grouchy?”

“I’m not. Just move her.” The tension between her shoulder blades eased as the contestant moved.

“Problems, Ms. Maier?”

Elizabeth turned and bit back another groan. Couldn’t she have peace for just a minute? “Dan, grab a plate of food and join me.” She pushed a chair closer to him. He sat down and unbuttoned his long wool coat, looking every bit as if he’d stepped off the pages of a business magazine. “You’re early.”

“Thought I’d get the lay of the land, so to speak.” He motioned to the monitors. “This is what the audience is seeing?”

“It’s raw material before my editors and I cut it down to the most exciting parts.” She wiped her fingers on a napkin. “The audience only gets to see about twelve hours of a total of more than a hundred that we shoot.”

“So my appearance today...?”

Was he nervous? He didn’t appear any different from his usual authoritative self. “Maybe five minutes.”

Dan nodded and looked at his fingernails. “And the ad time we bought?”

She patted his arm. “Thirty seconds every episode, plus mentioned as a sponsor in the credits. And we’re taping at the diner for several episodes.”

“The diner isn’t the business, okay? Mom gave Rick the diner, but Dad never meant it to be part of Allyn Pickles.” He shook his head. “It’s...a restaurant. Hardly a jewel in the company crown. More of a drain. I should probably just sell it.”

“Doesn’t Rick get any say in that?”

Dan stood and shrugged off his jacket. “Think I’ll go check out the buffet.”

She watched him leave. This sibling-rivalry drama would add some interest to the show. Help the audience to identify with Rick. She made a note on her clipboard and turned her attention back to the monitors.
Good.
They were having fun. Seeing Rick bait hooks reminded her of their own ill-fated fishing expedition. What would it be like to fish when there was no chance of capsizing?

Someone else entered the tent, pushing the flap aside and scanning the few people inside. The woman walked closer as Elizabeth frantically tried to recall why she looked familiar. She had long white-blond hair and wore a black peacoat with a bright pink beret. Sunglasses covered her eyes.

When she removed the glasses, Elizabeth gasped.
What in the world?
She approached Brandy. Ever the professional, Elizabeth stuck out her hand. “Good to see you again. Or should I say surprised.”

Brandy shook hands with her and glanced around the tent. “Is Rick here?”

“Ice fishing on the lake.” Elizabeth took a deep breath. “Forgive me for being blunt, but what are you doing here?”

The other woman shrugged. “I saw you were taping the show with Rick, and I thought I might be able to help you out or something.”

Help them out with what? Adding to Rick’s anxiety? Elizabeth shook her head. “Am I missing something? Did someone ask you to come here?”

Brandy turned her gaze back to Elizabeth. She frowned, marring her complexion slightly. “Mr. Scott contacted me last week. He didn’t go over the details with you?”

Devon.
Elizabeth frowned. “Sorry, Brandy, I need to make a quick call. Find out what’s going on here.” She stepped away for a moment, then tapped her earpiece. “Charlie, keep Rick out on the ice. I’m taking care of something back here. Got it?” The last thing she needed was for her star to see their new guest without preparing him. While it might make for good television, she’d promised to take care of Rick. And this time, she was going to keep her word.

With that done, she punched numbers into her cell phone. This was her show. Hers. And she wasn’t giving up control to anyone.

Devon picked up on the first ring. “Did my surprise arrive?”

Elizabeth bit back a retort. “Did I miss the memo where this became your show instead of mine?”

He chuckled on the other end. “You said you welcomed ideas. Brandy’s mine. And it’s pretty fab, isn’t it?”

Elizabeth closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. “Did Bob give you this kind of license?”

“You’re not Bob.”

No kidding.
“Obviously. But I won’t let you interfere with my job.” She opened her eyes and focused on Brandy, who stood at the monitors. Was she hoping for a second chance with Rick? Or was there something more going on?

“Think about it. The old flame comes back to stir up what might have been five years ago? You brought back Rick. Why not Brandy, too?” He chuckled again. “You want ratings gold? There it is.”

She shook her head. Brandy returning would bump up their ratings. But at what cost? “Why didn’t you consult with me first?”

“What’s to consult? I hold the fate of your show in my hands.” There was silence on the other end. “One word to the head of the studio, and we show repeats of our top-rated sitcom instead. Up to you, Elizabeth.”

She took another look at Brandy. “I’ll call you later.”

Brandy looked around the tent, then turned her gaze back to Elizabeth. “Where is he?”

There was no way she was going to let this woman have access to Rick right now. Elizabeth had promised he could trust her. Brandy being there could ruin all that. “Why?”

The other woman looked down at her hands, which Elizabeth noted didn’t have the mega-ring the show had bought for her other fiancé to give her. The engagement had lasted six weeks before a public breakup on the reunion show.

Brandy looked back up at her. “I want to apologize. Try to make him understand.”

“What’s there to understand? You chose someone else.” Elizabeth stepped in front of the monitors. “Listen. I need time to figure this out.” She gave Brandy a once-over. Five years had certainly been good to her. “Let’s talk business for a bit.”

Brandy tucked her hair behind her ear and nodded. “I really appreciate this chance. Mr. Scott even said if this doesn’t work out for me, I could be the bachelorette again on
True Love.
”

Of course he did. “Great.” She put her hand on Brandy’s elbow and moved them away from prying ears. “I’m thinking we’ll do a dramatic reveal of your presence to the other women on the show. That way we get some great reaction shots. And that will make the audience take more notice of you. But Rick...I can’t just spring you on him. I need time to prepare him for...” She sighed and glanced over her. “You.”

Brandy nodded as Elizabeth made up plans off-the-cuff. Part of her job was being prepared for anything, but this definitely topped the list of surprises. “We’ll have to keep you sequestered, away from the other contestants for a while. Problem is that this is a small town. Everyone knows everyone’s business.”

“She can stay at my mom’s house. It’s quiet. Remote.” Dan approached them and straightened his coat. Brandy turned and seemed to lean closer to him. He gazed down into her face. “I’d be glad to keep her occupied.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “You’re going to be filming in a half hour.”

He didn’t look at her; he kept his focus on the other woman. “I can take her to my mom’s now and be back in twenty minutes.” He grinned wider as Brandy blushed and looked down. “Fifteen if the cop is on break.”

One problem solved. Mostly. “Fine. Is that okay with you, Brandy?”

She nodded and glanced up at Dan, then back at the ground. “I wouldn’t want to put you through any trouble.”

He smiled at the top of Brandy’s head. “No trouble at all.”

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. This was worse than what she saw on her show. “Great. We’ll meet later to go over any questions.”

She watched them leave. She’d think about that complication later. She turned back to her crew. “Okay. Major changes coming, people. Let’s stay flexible.” She stretched her neck and rolled her shoulders. Stupid tension headache.

Two aspirin and a bottle of water later, she was ready for business. Dan even arrived ahead of schedule. The deputy must have been having lunch rather than monitoring the roads for speeders. Maybe, just maybe, things were getting better.

The question was, how was she going to tell Rick about this new development?

* * *

R
ICK
WATCHED
HIS
BROTHER
flit in and out of the gaggle of women, checking plates and beverage levels as if he was a born waiter. True, Dad had made them start working for their mom at the diner once they’d turned fourteen. Who knew that all those years of experience would return to Dan in only a few minutes?

Lizzie stayed on the fringes of the party, watching. For what, he wasn’t sure. She had something on her mind. Not unusual for her, but whatever this was troubled her. He could tell by the way she kept her eye on him no matter where he was.

He turned back to the woman who was sharing a story of growing up in a small town with four older brothers. Nodded when he should. Laughed when it was appropriate. She was a nice enough girl, but not for him.

He turned and found Melissa in a group of four other women. He hadn’t had a moment alone with her since their one-on-one date yesterday. And he wanted to see where it could lead. If the initial connection between them could turn into...something.

She raised her gaze to him, then winked.

He grinned back.

Lizzie stepped forward and clinked her champagne glass with a fork. “Ladies and gentleman.” She glanced at Rick. “This concludes tonight’s taping. The shuttle will be here to take you back to the house in a few minutes, but feel free to linger as long as you need to. Tomorrow’s schedule is up at the house. We’ll be leaving at eight sharp. Any questions?” She turned to Rick. “I need to talk to you.” She glanced around the tent. “Alone.”

Rick said good-night to the ladies, then joined Lizzie outside by the lakeshore. The moon shone down on the icy surface in muted silvery beams. The glow of lights from homes around the lake seemed swallowed up in the dark cold.

He observed Lizzie’s back and cleared his throat. “You want to say whatever you’ve been holding back since we shot the ice-fishing scenes?”

She turned and opened her mouth, then abruptly shut it. “I don’t know how to tell you except to just say it.”

Possibilities flitted through his brain. “We’ve been canceled.”

“No.”

His shoulders sagged slightly, then tensed again. “You’re fired?”

She laughed. “Don’t get your hopes up just yet.” She glanced at the sky. “Brandy’s here.”

Rick shrugged. “Brandy who?”

Lizzie stared at him until his stomach ached as if he’d been sucker punched. Which was exactly what it felt like. He bent over at the waist and rested his hands on his thighs. “Oh.”

“Yeah. Oh. I didn’t want to spring her on you even if that’s what the suits expected. I thought you deserved to know first, so you can figure out what you want to do.”

Rick tried to swallow but found it difficult with the lump growing in his throat. He hadn’t signed up for this. Hadn’t given them permission to play with his emotions. “Why?”

Elizabeth frowned. “Because I’m your friend. And your producer.”

“I mean, why is she here?” Did that mean she still wanted him? That there was still something between them? He groaned. He’d given up on that, hadn’t he? Five years was enough time to get over someone, right?

“Because the studio thinks it will add drama. Which means ratings.” She took a step toward him. “What do you want to do?”

Rick gazed across the lake, then back at the tent. “What are my options?”

Lizzie closed the gap between them and waited until he looked back at her. “As your producer, it’s my job to tell you that you need to get over yourself. That you signed on to do what we tell you.”

Not what he wanted to hear. “And as my friend?”

She reached out and put her hand on the sleeve of his coat. “It’s been over five years. Don’t you want some closure? To finally shut the door on what happened?”

He wasn’t sure what he wanted. Other than to run across the ice and get as far away as he could. Forget he signed on to a TV show. Start a new life being the man he’d always wanted to be. But he couldn’t start with a fresh slate. His past was written on it in permanent marker, and maybe it was time to take a real look at it. “Why does she want to be here?”

“Devon’s promised her her own show if things don’t work out with you two.”

Rick laughed. “Of course. I get a second shot, so why shouldn’t she, right?” He ran his hands through his hair. The burning sensation in his gut intensified. “I never got a chance to find out why she chose him instead of me. Why everything we did turned out to be a lie.” Lizzie nodded but didn’t say anything. He gave a weak smile, then shrugged. “I don’t want her to be here.”

“I know.”

He believed her. She’d promised to protect him. And she seemed as blindsided as he felt. “But it’s not my choice,” he said. “I gave that up when I signed your contract.”

“True.”

She wasn’t helping him by letting him choose for himself. In a way, he wanted her to force him into a decision. Might make it easier if it all backfired later. He groaned. “How does she look?”

She shrugged. “Pretty much the same.”

Which meant gorgeous. “Who else knows she’s here?”