Dandelions on the Road Read online

  She slid the side door open and Roscoe jumped in, turned in a circle, and sat down. “Good boy.” She patted his head before she closed the door, walked around the vehicle and climbed into the driver’s seat.

  Eva glanced at the calendar on her phone. Three stops to make today…two radio stations and one TV news program. With that kind of schedule, she always hit the news-oriented radio station first. They liked to record her interview and air it during the morning rush hour. KGBR, the radio station where her friend Renee worked, aired her comments live. She would go there last after KETO, the TV station that featured her interview live as well. Eva smiled when she saw KETO on the list. She looked forward to her appearance there every week. Not only because the station had picked her as the next Bachelorette, but also because the news anchor was adorable.

  Eva started the vehicle. Brian Schaffer was addictive, that was for sure. The dimple in his cheek never disappeared, even when he wasn’t smiling. He was a sight for sore eyes; the type of man women took home to meet their mothers. Eva rolled her eyes. Why was she thinking about Brian? Yes, he was gorgeous, but she had seen him weekly for the past year and they never progressed past small talk. He had ample opportunity to ask her out, yet he never did. Plus, she had twelve men waiting in the wings. Guys who wanted to date her. And all of them would probably be just as cute as the local news anchor.

  BRIAN PATTED FOUNDATION onto his face, almost camera-ready. The key was to make it look like he wasn’t wearing makeup. No one watching would ever believe he wore anything, but the producers insisted. He listened as the traffic reporter and the weather guy gossiped, but his mind wandered.

  After his chat with Mike, all he wanted to do was dig into the binder and get the scoop on the next Accept this Dandelion show. He had to work the noon newscast before he was free, but he couldn’t wait another minute to take a peek at what lay ahead.

  He opened the binder. Eva Merida’s silky hair caught his eye before anything else. The photo distracted him for a minute before he realized what it meant. She was the Bachelorette! Of course she was. She was breathtaking. The viewers loved her on the last show, even though she’d come in third place. And now the city knew her because of her TV and radio appearances over the past year. She was the ideal candidate.

  Brian always felt inept when Eva appeared on KETO. Her beauty intimidated him and he became a bumbling idiot. Normally on the air, he was suave and polished. But with her, his timing was off and nothing came out right. He was lucky no one at the studio made fun of him. Maybe they didn’t notice. He certainly hoped she hadn’t.

  He would have to get over his awkwardness where Eva was concerned. He’d be spending a lot of time with her as her official wingman. Maybe once he got to know her, he could look past her glittering hair, sparkling eyes and radiant smile. Or maybe, he would make himself look like a fool on TV numerous times…

  Brian shook his head and backed away from the mirror. This was a big opportunity. He’d get time off from his day job and the opportunity to try something new. Who knew…maybe it could even lead to something bigger and better. But he had to get over his attraction to Eva. She was just a woman…and she was about to start dating twelve men. If she was out of his league before, she was way off limits now.

  Brian made his way to the news desk and organized his notes. It was an easy news morning. An overnight fire and a grain truck accident led the headlines, nothing earth shattering. But it was Wednesday and the mid-week day rattled him. He was awkward around Eva, but now that he knew she was the Bachelorette, perhaps he could calm his nerves and immunize himself against her beauty.

  Brian muddled through the first hour of the newscast. There weren’t many people awake and watching at 5 a.m. There was no excuse for giving anything less than the best, but it made him feel better about his rookie mistakes. Once he hit the 6 a.m. hour he was in full stride. He heard Eva arrive before he saw her when a loud bark echoed through the studio, interrupting his final comments.

  “On that note, we’ll visit with Eva Merida from the Furry Friends Rescue League right after these messages. Stick around to see what critter she has with her today.” Brian smiled and shuffled his papers on the desk as the camera faded to black and the commercials began.

  He cleared his throat and stood. The production assistant would situate Eva and her companion in the adjoining studio. Interviews were more comfortable in a lounge-like setting with soft chairs and accent tables. No guest felt relaxed behind the news desk and viewers wouldn’t be able to see the animals.

  Brian checked the battery pack on his microphone. It was half charged. He had plenty of juice to get him through the interview and the rest of the show. The commercial break only allowed him a few minutes to change studios and welcome Eva. He hurried into the next room and gave her a friendly wave as she adjusted the microphone on her shirt with one hand while corralling the huge, leashed dog with the other.

  “Brought a horse with you today?” Brian asked.

  Eva grinned. “Almost. This is Roscoe. He’s probably gentle enough for a ride, but I think he’d rather be a lap dog.”

  Brian chuckled. “Say, I heard the news.” He sat in the chair closest to the newsroom as Eva stepped over the leash and settled into the other seat.

  “Sit, Roscoe.” The large dog sat and his head came up to her shoulder.

  “We’re going to be spending a lot more time together.” Brian continued.

  “Is that right?” Eva raised her eyebrows.

  Did she look interested or was Brian delirious from all the coffee?

  “You’re the Bachelorette on Accept this Dandelion and Mike asked me to host.”

  “Host? Really? That’s great!” Eva smiled.

  Her white teeth could brighten any room, even if there weren’t camera-friendly lights reflecting on them. Brian pushed his thoughts away.

  “It should be a good time. We’ll get to travel and get better acquainted.” Brian was making it sound like he was the one who would date her. He’d be at her side, yes, but not in that capacity.

  “I’m looking forward to it,” she replied. “I can’t wait to see what the station has in store.”

  She was talking about the men, right? “I’m sure they’ll choose great guys.” Brian drummed his fingers against his knees. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

  “Me too.” Eva met his gaze and held his eyes as the morning news theme music blared through the studio.

  Brian tore himself away from her milk chocolate eyes and looked into the camera. “And we’re back on KETO news. Eva Merida from Furry Friends Rescue League is here. Eva, who did you bring with you today?”

  “This is Roscoe.” Eva turned to the giant dog and ruffled the fur behind his ears. “He’s a big boy, but he’s a gentle giant. His family moved overseas and had to leave him behind, but he’d be a loyal companion. He will fit into any family that has love to give. He’s good with kids and adults alike. He loves people in general and craves attention. He’ll need a nice big yard. As you can see, Roscoe takes up a little space and has energy to spare as well as plenty of slobbery kisses.”

  Brian leaned over in his chair and held out his hand. “Shake, Roscoe.” He intended to grab the dog’s paw, but upon hearing his name, Roscoe jumped up and yanked the leash so hard and fast that he pulled Eva up and out of her chair. The giant dog placed one paw on each of Brian’s knees, pressed him back into his seat, and gave him a sound lick across the cheek.

  “Whoa, boy!” Sitting up, Brian wrapped his arms around the fur ball and gave him a few pats. “We just met. I think this is moving a little too fast for me.”

  Eva giggled. “I told you he was loving.”

  “How late is Furry Friends Rescue League open today?” Brian angled his head around the dog so he could see Eva and the camera.

  “We’ll be there till 6, but I’d get there early if you want to take Roscoe home. A unique dog like him won’t last long. Of course, we have plenty of others who need good hom
es too.”

  Roscoe jerked his head toward Eva as if listening to every word. When she finished, he turned his attention back to Brian. Apparently, they were not yet intimate enough. He placed first one paw and then the other on Brian’s shoulders and gave him another juicy lick.

  “Things are getting rather damp here,” Brian drawled as he tried to extract the dog’s tongue from his ear. “I hear we’re in for some rain this weekend, is that right?”

  The weatherman in front of the green screen around the corner took his cue and began his forecast.

  Brian turned off the power to his battery pack. “I’m so sorry.” Eva tugged on Roscoe’s leash. “He’s stronger than I can handle. I would have picked a smaller dog, but Roscoe deserves a home.”

  “It’s quite all right. I’ve been needing to clean my ears out for a while.” Had he said that out loud?

  Roscoe resended his paws and sat back on the ground. Then, seeing something else that caught his interest, he yanked the leash taut and threw Eva off balance.

  Eva took a step forward to regain her balance, but caught her toe on the edge of Brian’s shoe and toppled into his lap.

  “It’s a good thing the segment is over,” she said as laughter bubbled out. “I don’t think Mike would allow me to go forward with the whole dating show if he could see me now.”

  “You’re probably right.” Brian’s hands steadied Eva’s shoulders. She was certainly more welcome in his lap than a Saint Bernard.

  “Roscoe!” Eva called out. The pair looked over at the furry animal sitting calmly next to the desk. The goofy look on his face made Brian think the dog caused the incident on purpose. He looked pretty pleased with himself.

  “Maybe I should take him home myself. He could be a big help on a date.” Brian gave Eva’s back a push as she wiggled off his lap.

  She threw her head back and laughed. “Whatever it takes, right?”

  “Whatever it takes.” He repeated. Brian watched Eva untangle the leash and lead Roscoe away from the interview area. Their few minutes were over, but Brian would see more of her soon. Until then, he was certain it wouldn’t be easy to forget the feel of her in his arms or the smell of oranges in her hair.

  CHAPTER THREE

  THE NEXT STOP on Eva’s whirlwind morning tour would be easier. At least if something went wrong on the radio, no one would see it. She smiled as she remembered the look on Brian’s face when Roscoe laid a big wet one on him. He took it in stride like a consummate professional. He could probably continue to smile for the cameras if a tornado ripped through the studio wall.

  Eva wondered what he was like outside the newsroom. Did he look as good in a t-shirt and jeans as he did in a suit and tie? She frowned as she pulled up to her last stop. Why was she trying to picture Brian in different clothing? And why could she still feel the heat of his arm against her shoulder?

  “Come on, boy.” Eva parked the vehicle in the first open slot she saw and wrestled Roscoe out the back. He wasn’t tired from their morning appearances, but exhaustion settled into Eva. Hopefully an interview with Chuck and Renee on the KGBR morning show would perk her up.

  Eva sneaked in the back door, punching in the code to unlock the studio. The morning rush was starting, but it was too early for much of the staff to be on hand. She heard the broadcast through the speakers in the hallway.

  “100.4 KGBR…Chuck and Renee in the morning.” Chuck’s voice sounded in a clear, crisp tone.

  “Good morning, Omaha. We have a nice day ahead of us today, with rain in the forecast this weekend. That means time to get out the slicker. Right, Chuck?” Renee laughed.

  “You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?”

  “No way, no how. Show up at a remote broadcast in a rain slicker when it’s sunny and 80 degrees and you deserve it.”

  “It was just one time!”

  “That’s all it takes.”

  Eva patted Roscoe’s neck, which hovered near her waist. Chuck and Renee were constantly ribbing each other which was why the listening audience loved them so much. They made a good team and Eva was happy for Renee. She had the job of her dreams, and a wonderful fiancé too.

  Eva approached the studio window and waved hello. She listened as Chuck and Renee reviewed the local traffic report and mentioned her upcoming interview. When they started the next song, Renee burst from the studio.

  “Tell me you have news.”

  “I have news.” Eva replied.

  “And? What is it?” Renee glanced down at Roscoe. “Hi there, little man.”

  “It’s me.” Eva couldn’t keep the information from Renee any longer. They’d been playing phone tag for days.

  “Really?” Renee squealed.

  “They won’t announce it until next week, but I’m the Bachelorette. I still can’t believe it.”

  Renee ran her finger across her lips. “No one will hear it from me. I’m so excited for you, Eva. Can you imagine having a dozen gorgeous men competing for your affections? You’re so lucky.”

  Eva toyed with Roscoe’s leash. “I only want one. You’re the lucky one, Renee.”

  A flash of guilt passed over Renee’s face. “I didn’t mean it that way,” Eva countered. She was thrilled for Renee and Ben. It was true; they had competed for the same man. Once, Eva genuinely thought she and Ben could be happy together. But Ben’s connection with Renee was obvious and instantaneous; they made each other happy. There was no way she could fault either of them for the way things worked out. “I mean I only want one man, not twelve. I want what you and Ben have.”

  Renee sighed in relief. “Whew. Here I thought I might have to take you on again. And believe me, I don’t think I would win twice.”

  Eva winked at her friend. She was too kind.

  “We need to get together for some girl talk…and soon. It’s been way too long. I have lots of advice and wisdom for you. You know, how to dance when you think you’ve seen a mouse, the best possible moment to push a potential suitor into a pool, things like that.”

  Eva giggled and gripped Renee’s elbow. Renee was famous for the antics she pulled on the first season of the show. It was her claim to fame and it won her the man of her dreams and the coveted radio job. Eva’s approach would be different, but she hoped the result was similar, without all the drama.

  “But seriously, he’s out there somewhere. Even if you don’t find him on the show, he’s out there. Just promise me you won’t compromise. You deserve nothing but the best. Don’t settle for anything less because of some show.”

  Eva’s heart pounded. She nodded in agreement as Renee led her into the studio for the feature with Roscoe. She agreed with Renee. She shouldn’t settle, but what if the man of her dreams didn’t appear on the show? She was so ready to fall in love. Couldn’t it hurry up and happen already? She’d never been in love before. How would she recognize the right man? She thought Ben was the one, but he turned out to be the perfect man…for Renee. She didn’t want to disappoint the viewers or anyone connected to the show, but if she was going to fall in love, it had to be right. This time, she would make sure of it.

  BRIAN WENT THROUGH the motions in the newsroom, doing his job as well as always. A variety of men paraded in and out of the studio in the next room. The interviews for Accept this Dandelion had begun. Was one of them the man for Eva? Time would tell.

  Brian didn’t have anything to do with choosing the suitors. Mike assured him once they picked the men, Brian would get the profile sheets so he could study each individual. It would help him aid Eva in her decisions.

  In the meantime, it was Friday and he had an interview set up with Eva that afternoon. Mike wanted him to sit down with her on camera and let the audience get to know her better. Their rapport would be crucial to the show. Brian understood part of his new job would be spending time with her alongside the cameras and lights. But knowing it and doing it were two different things.

  He ran his hand over his perfectly combed hair, nothing out of place. He
took a deep breath and looked over the notes he’d made from her profile. He would ask about her family, her job, and what she wanted from life. It was simple, right?

  “She’s here.” Mike announced as he rushed through the room.

  “Here goes nothing.” Brian stood to greet her and when she entered his line of sight, his heart quickened. She was stunning as always. Her royal blue suit hugged her petite frame and her glossy hair swirled around her face. Why wasn’t she on billboards?

  “Hi Brian.” Eva stretched out her hand.

  “H-Hi.” Brian shifted his papers from one hand to the other and took her soft palm in his. He squeezed it and rubbed his thumb down her fingers as he let go. “Please have a seat.”

  Eva sat in her usual interview chair. This time there was no dog beside her and no cat on her lap. The absence of animals made Brian even more nervous. They were alone…except for the cameras.

  Brian pretended to review his notes as Eva threaded the microphone through her jacket and around the back. In reality, he was watching her out of the corner of his eye. She always looked so fresh, like she was ready for anything. The men the station chose were going to love her.

  “Everyone ready?” Mike stepped into view.

  Eva nodded and Brian gave a salute.

  “Rolling.” Mike pointed at Brian.

  Brian turned his knees toward Eva and looked into the camera. “I’m sitting down with Eva Merida, the new star of Accept this Dandelion.” The newscaster in him took over. He tried to relax. He was just a host doing an interview. At least it was being taped so they could edit mistakes out later. “Eva, what made you sign up for the first season of the show?”

  Eva smiled and stared directly into Brian’s eyes. “Well,” she began, “my family wants me to find the right man. When they heard about the show, they threatened me with an arranged marriage. They gave me an ultimatum…sign up for the show or else. So I took my chances that KETO would have a better man in mind for me than my sisters.”