Dandelions on the Road (12 page)

And, unfortunately, she looked all too happy. Brian stared as Carlos and Eva eyed one another and spoke in hushed voices. At one point, Carlos reached over and tucked a strand of hair behind Eva’s ear. Brian rolled his eyes when Carlos didn’t remove his hand from her shoulder, but instead placed it around the back of her neck and massaged.

Brian hoped she wasn’t falling for Carlos’ charm. There was something off about the man. Brian didn’t know what, but he was determined to find out. It was his job to protect her…as the show’s host, of course.

The food arrived at the group table and Brian hoped Eva and Carlos would notice and end their time together. Instead of glancing back toward the stage, they gazed into each other’s eyes. And, no…wait, yes, Carlos was leaning in.

“Come on, Eva. Don’t bother with this fool.” Brian muttered, urging her to back away. But both of her hands were in plain view on her lap and none of her fingers were crossed.

Brian watched their lips meet for one brief moment before turning away. He didn’t need to see this, the cameras were recording it all. If he watched the show once it aired, he’d see the details then. He knew what was happening and that was bad enough.

“What’s up?”

Brian jumped when Mike appeared at his shoulder. “Just waiting to get an interview with Carlos.”

Mike looked over Brian’s shoulder. “Think he’ll kiss and tell?”

“What?”

“He’s certainly kissing. Do you think he’ll talk about it? He’s the first, it’d be good to get the low down. You know, what he’s feeling for her…is she a good kisser, that sort of thing.”

“You can be a real jerk.”

“Excuse me?” Mike frowned and held his clipboard in mid air.

“Eva’s a lady. I won’t exploit her on TV.”

Mike scoffed. “She signed up for it, man. Take a peek, she’s not complaining.”

Brian glanced behind him. The corner was dark, but it was obvious the couple was enjoying one another in an up close and personal manner. “You’re right. Sorry, Mike. I’ll get the low down.”

“What’s got your craw anyway, Schaffer? Everything okay?”

Mike’s feigned interest almost made Brian laugh out loud. He knew the producer well enough to understand his only real concern was for the show and whether or not Brian would do a good job.

“Everything’s fine.” Brian brushed past him and gave instructions to a camera operator taking a break on the sidelines. He was to grab Carlos when he and Eva headed back to the table. Brian would interview him then. Until that time, he needed a break.

Brian pushed open the club door and breathed in the fresh night air. Mike was right. Something “had his craw.” What was his problem? He felt protective of Eva, sure. He was being a good host, right? And she was gorgeous so it was only natural that a few feelings were thrown into the mix. He was a man and he appreciated the woman’s beauty.

Brian pushed his palms against the building’s brick wall and lowered his head. He was attracted to her, but she was more than just a pretty face and he knew it. He’d spent more time with her in the past few days then he had in the year he’d know her and he enjoyed every moment. He was insanely jealous of the bachelors.

But so what? He could have asked her out dozens of times and he never did. There had to be a reason for that. Plus, he was a professional. He could break past this silly high school crush and do his job. He wasn’t going to let a man like Carlos bring him down.

Brian dragged his hands down the wall and took another deep breath.

“Hey, Carlos is ready.” The cameraman addressed him through the open comedy club door.

“Okay, be right there.” Brian drew in a final gulp of Iowa air. “Hope you have some answers, Carlos. Because I certainly have some questions.”

Brian stalked into the comedy club and approached the interview area they set up. Carlos waited while Brian situated himself next to the man.

“Ready?” Brian avoided eye contact at all costs.

A cell phone rang. It was muffled until Carlos pulled the phone from his pants pocket. He held up a finger, stood and took a few steps away from the cameras.

Brian narrowed his eyes and strained his ears.

“Hey baby,” Carlos said into the phone in a low tone. “I’ll be back in a few days.” He paused. “Yeah, you better believe I’ll call you when I get in. You’re my girl, right?”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ON THE DRIVE back to the hotel, Eva sat next to Carlos with Steve and Mitch directly behind her. Carlos has his hand on top of hers between them in the dark seat. He stroked her fingers with his thumb. Eva listened and laughed along as Steve reenacted his comedy fame and Mitch egged him on, but Carlos was distracting.

When they arrived at the hotel, Eva stepped out of the van and turned to the three men who had showed her such a good time on the date.

“Tonight was one of the most fun evenings I’ve ever had, thanks to all of you.” Eva made eye contact with each of them in turn. “As you know, there’s a dandelion to hand out tonight if I choose.” Eva shifted her weight on her feet. “I feel like I made connections with all of you and it wouldn’t be fair to choose one of you over another. I wish I had three dandelions to pass out, to tell you the truth.”

The men grinned.

“You should all feel very confident in the time we’ve spent together and I look forward to seeing you again.” Eva stepped toward Mitch and opened her arms.

“Thanks for a lovely evening, darlin’.” Mitch gave her a tight squeeze.

“Looking forward to more lessons.” Eva winked and stepped to the right to hug Steve next. “I’ve never laughed so hard.”

“I do what I can.” Steve rubbed her back as they embraced.

Eva took another step and gazed into Carlos’ dark brown eyes. “I really enjoyed our conversation,” she said.

“Me too.” Carlos replied as he wrapped his arms around her back. Carlos brushed his lips against her cheek as she pulled away. Eva blushed.

Eva said good night as she entered the hotel and floated to the elevator. She could feel the camera lens on her, but she would be alone soon. She was certain the smile wouldn’t fall from her face for a very long time.

BRIAN WANTED TO shout to Eva as she pushed the elevator button. She needed to know what he overheard when Carlos took that phone call before his interview, but Mike beckoned and Brian had obligations to meet before he could call it a night.

“Tomorrow morning they’re going to open Adventureland Park in Altoona early just for us. We’ll have most of the day there, but we need to wrap things up at the park by four so Eva can make it over to the balloon festival in Indianola. I wanted you to have the timeline so you can get what you need interview wise. You’ll be tagging along on both dates so you can work your magic.” Mike ran his finger down a list on his clipboard. “What else,” he muttered. “Oh, your room is right next door to Eva’s. She seems comfortable with you and I wanted you nearby in case any contestant attempts funny business. We didn’t forbid them from visiting her, but cameras need to be present if they do, got it? If you see or hear anything, call one of the crew and then me, okay?”

Brian nodded at the instructions. He wondered how the men would feel about that. If any of them tried to get extra facetime with Eva, they would hope for it to be alone. Having a camera stalk them moments later would be obvious, but Brian would do his job and follow through as asked.
If
he heard anything, that is. He would sleep light.

After good night waves and small talk with the crew, Brian took his leave and pushed the elevator button. The men from the date scattered and the ones left behind were likely in their rooms resting for tomorrow. According to the information he had, those going on the amusement park date in the morning would be awakened in a surprise manner. It would be an interesting way to start the day.

But now, Brian had another matter on his hands. What was he supposed to do about Carlos? When the elevator doors opened on the fourth floor, Brian walked down the hall and found his room. He stuck the key card in and entered. After fumbling for the lights, he found the switch and the dim bulb illuminated the room. It wasn’t what people on the national TV show were used to, but it was efficient.

When Brian went to the room earlier to dump his bags and change, he noticed a door near the window. His room adjoined with another, but he knew hotels often used rooms that way with people who didn’t come as a group. The doors locked on both sides so unless the occupants on either side unlocked the door in their room, no one could access the other space.

Brian walked over to the door and placed his hand flat upon it. Was Eva over there?

It didn’t matter. There was no way he was going to bother her tonight. He took a few steps over to the bed and sat down. It felt good to be off his feet. Being away from the news desk allowed him to sleep past dawn, but the late night hours still took a toll.

Now that he was alone, he could think through what to do about Carlos’ conversation. He’d called someone “baby” and told the person on the other end that she was “his girl.” That couldn’t mean good things, right? Eva deserved better.

Brian lay back on the bed with his legs hanging over the side. Maybe he should tell Mike and let him take care of it. He sighed. Eva trusted him. He was the host and he promised to look out for her. Mike would probably make Brian tell Eva on camera. At least with the information under wraps, he could protect her emotions.

Or maybe he should just stay out of it completely. Eva was an adult and could handle herself. Surely she would see through Carlos’ façade and figure out who he was, but what if she didn’t? Brian didn’t want to see him standing beside her at the end only to break her heart.

He sat up. He needed to sleep. He’d have to find a way to turn his mind off. Brian grabbed his toothbrush from the nearby suitcase and stood at the sink. As he brushed his teeth, he could have sworn he heard a soft knock. He ran the toothbrush under the water and turned the faucet off.

Brian tiptoed to his door, opened it and looked up and down the hall. Empty.

Once back inside, he shook his head. Mike’s mandate caused him to hear things, great. Just when he needed to get a good night’s sleep.

Brian ran his hand through his hair, messing up the waves he’d put into place earlier. His hair was short enough it didn’t look much different no matter what he did to it, but when he wasn’t on camera, he liked a natural look.

Brian cocked his ear when a light knock sounded a second time. He took a step toward the door and looked out the peephole. Still nothing. The knock came a third time and Brian realized he was at the wrong door. He bounded over to the door that adjoined his room with the one next to it and unlocked the dead bolt. He swung it open and found Eva standing on the other side.

“I’m sorry to bother you. Were you sleeping?” she asked.

Brian shook his head. “I just got in.” She wore a blue cotton shirt and plaid boxer shorts. Her face was clean and makeup free and her hair was tied back in a low ponytail. She was still drop dead gorgeous. “Do you need something?” Brian asked when he found his voice.

“I can’t sleep.” Eva sighed. “Tonight was great, but this whole thing is overwhelming.”

“I can see why you’d feel that way. I have some Tylenol PM if you want to take one. I don’t like to use sleep aids myself, but occasionally, when I know I have to get up for the morning news and I can’t force myself to sleep at 7 p.m. it’s the only thing that works.”

“I’d appreciate that.” Eva took a step into the room as Brian rummaged through his suitcase and produced the bottle. He shook a pill into her hand and grabbed a bottle of water from the mini-fridge under the TV.

“Here.” He placed the drink in her other hand.

“You promised to look out for me and you’re going above and beyond, Brian. Thank you.”

Brian’s heart beat hard in his chest. By giving her a sleep aid and some water? That was nothing. “Do you want to sit down for a minute and talk about the day?” he asked. “It might help you to decompress and get things off your mind so you can go to sleep.”

Eva’s face relaxed. “I was hoping you’d offer.” She threw the pill into her mouth and swallowed some water.

Brian extended his hand to the tiny love seat wedged against the wall. It was that or the bed and he didn’t think anyone would benefit from a conversation on a bed.

Eva sat on one cushion and Brian took the other. He smiled and laughed nervously when their knees bumped together.

“So, what do you think of the guys?” Eva leaned back against the couch.

“In general or tonight’s group?”

“Yes.” Eva giggled. “I’m searching for any little thing that makes one stand out in front of the other. They’re all so different, it’s hard to compare them, you know?”

“I can see how that would be hard.”
Tell her. Tell her.

“I mean, you’ve seen Mitch and his cowboy ways. Put him next to someone like Pete who’s much more of a manly man and you have apples and oranges.”

“True. I think what you need to do is decide which fruit you like the best. I mean, any fruit is healthy but some has more nutrients than others for certain people.”

Eva frowned. “What?”

Brian slapped his knee. “I have no idea. I think the long day is starting to get to me too.”

Eva erupted in a fit of giggles. “You should have been up there on stage with Steve.”

“Oh please, I would have been worse than the comic he replaced.”

“Okay, maybe you’re right,” Eva agreed.

“Hey!” Brian threw an elbow into her ribs. He enjoyed the teasing tone. He hadn’t felt this light-hearted all day. Being with her was easy, but every time he looked in her direction, her beauty caught him off guard and his nerves took over.

Brian watched the smile fade from her lips. She scooted forward and leaned back against the couch so her head rested on the top. She rolled her face slightly until her temple rested against his shoulder. Brian glanced down at her without moving his head. He wanted nothing more than to throw his arm around her shoulders and settle her into his side, but that would be inappropriate. He had to let her set the boundaries between them.