Dandelions on the Road (2 page)

Brian nodded. “Good idea.”

“It’ll be the same format and we’ll still call it
Accept this Dandelion
. Only, this time, we’ll have
Dandelions on the Road
.”

Brian ran his hand up the side of his face and rubbed his neck. “Nice.” He still didn’t know what Mike wanted.

“Last time we did the show, things were a bit scattered.”

Brian laughed. “Are you talking about Renee?”

Mike rolled his eyes. “Renee was a disaster.”

“Yeah, she lit herself on fire, had an allergic reaction, ruined a race car, just to name a few things…but you have to admit, she was the highlight of the show.”

“She captivated the viewers all right.” Mike conceded. “Even though she didn’t win.”

“But she ended up with Ben,” Brian corrected.

“Okay, I can see you’re on Team Renee. But back to my point, other than Renee and her hilarious antics, there was another part of the show that went awry.”

“What’s that?”

“Feedback from viewers told us that the announcer who narrated the show came off overdone and smug.”

That was an understatement. A faceless voice chronicled the show, introduced the contestants, and updated the audience on the progress but the voice, along with the script, was beyond cheesy.

“Anyway, I want to insert more of the KETO spirit into the program.
The Bachelor
has Chris Harrison, right? He’s there to talk to the contestants, console the Bachelor or Bachelorette and tie things together. While I’m sure we can’t afford him, KETO has someone who could do the job.”

Brian frowned and poked his finger into his chest. “Me?”

Mike lit up. “You. What do you say? Brian Schaffer…the next Chris Harrison?”

Brian shrugged. As an anchor, he was good at writing and reporting the morning news, but host a dating show? That was a whole different animal. Did he really want such a position? He wasn’t sure. “How will it work?”

“Well, we don’t have all the details worked out yet, but you’d have to take some time away from the news desk. Since we’re taking the program on the road, you would go too.”

Take time off from his normal job? Brian loved what he did, but he could stand to sleep in for a few days. “How long would we travel?”

“Nothing extensive. A few days here and there. So far, we have Ashland, Nebraska and Des Moines, Iowa on our list of stops.”

“Exotic.” Brian chuckled.

“People can fall in love anywhere.”

“True.” Brian couldn’t base that on personal experience. He’d thought he was in love once, but his last girlfriend decided he was too perfect and not the one for her. It was impossible to grasp.

Mike stood and grabbed a binder from the shelf behind his desk. “I needed to make sure you would step up before putting more plans into place.”

Brian ran the possibilities through his head. Stay in Omaha…up before dawn, work, eat, sleep, repeat…or travel to a few fresh cities, enjoy new experiences and sleep in. He was game. “I’m in.”

“Great.” Mike pushed the binder across the small space between them. “Take a look at the plans so far and see if you have any suggestions. We interview the male candidates this week and we hope to start filming by the end of the month.”

“You don’t know who the new bachelor on the show will be yet?” Brian asked.

“
Bachelors…
plural. That’s the other twist. This time, it’ll be a bachelorette passing out the dandelions and men vying for her heart.”

“Anyone I know?” Brian thought Renee Lockhart from the first season of
Accept this Dandelion
would be perfect, but rumor was she and Ben McConnell were still together…and engaged.

“Oh yeah, you know her all right. Read the file. It’s all in there.”

CHAPTER TWO

EVA NEEDED TO concentrate on work, but it was hard. She was the new Bachelorette and would have twelve bachelors from which to choose. The idea was exciting, but not as delicious as the thought of being in love. Eva wanted love like her parents had more than anything in the world. She’d give up everything for it.

Nothing else had worked for her so far, but maybe this show would be her ticket to happiness. Eva pulled her soft, dark hair into a low ponytail. She had chosen a large dog to take on her media rounds today. He was a sweetheart, but very active. She would have to stay on top of his antics or things could get out of control.

She entered the long hallway that held the dogs waiting for adoption. As usual, the kennels were nearly full and it broke her heart. She wanted there to be lots of empty rooms. Not only because there were dogs out in the cold needing to be rescued, but also because it meant animals were matched with new homes. It was a goal she strived toward.

“Hey there, Roscoe.” Eva greeted the giant dog. “Ready to smile for the cameras and find yourself a family?” The dog jumped up and placed his huge paws on her shoulders. Eva was petite and the Saint Bernard was enormous. When standing on his back legs, they were about the same height. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

She slipped the leash through the loop on Roscoe’s collar. He was a lucky dog. His family moved overseas and couldn’t take him along, but at least he had loving care in his past. He hadn’t been abused or dumped on the streets. But he still needed a good home and Eva planned to find it for him.

Roscoe walked beside her with an even trot. If he went any faster, he would pull her off her feet. The rest of the building remained quiet except for the occasional bark or meow. On Wednesdays, Eva worked early so she could arrive at the TV and radio stations during their morning show time slots. People watched and listened to the shows while they got ready for work and often came to adopt the featured pet before the end of the day. Many times, families would be too late to get the animal she showed off and would choose a different one instead. Her appearances made a difference in the animals’ lives and it compelled her to continue the crusade.

Eva wrapped the leash around her wrist a few times as she and Roscoe exited the building and headed into the parking lot. The Furry Friends Rescue League vehicle was parked close to the door. Eva was grateful they had a van she could use. Not only did it keep the continual hair and animal smells out of her car, but it also advertised the organization wherever she went.

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.”