Dandelions on the Road (3 page)

“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 homes 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.”

“You have a large family?”

Eva nodded. “My mother and father live nearby and I have four older sisters.” She beamed. “Family means everything to me. It’s the reason I want to find someone, fall in love, and create a family of my own.”

Brian understood. That was what he wanted too. His parents were a great example of what a loving relationship should be and he wanted that in his life more than anything.

“Tell us a little more about your job. You’ve worked for the Furry Friends Rescue League for how long?”

“Five years and counting, but I’ve only been the spokesperson for the past year…ever since the first season of
Accept this Dandelion
. It’s been a real blessing. I’ve been able to give the homeless animals of the city a face and a voice. As you’ve seen here at KETO, I take animals that need a home to various media outlets and show them off so they can find forever homes. But there’s a lot more to my job than what you see on TV or hear on the radio. I also work with foster families who house animals when the shelter is overcrowded. I organize local events to feature some of our programs. And sometimes, when a dog needs a bath or a kennel needs cleaning, I do that too.”

Wow. She wasn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty. “A little of everything, huh?” Brian chuckled. He was hitting his stride.

“I don’t like being bored.” Eva tossed her hair over her shoulder.

Brian paused, distracted by the motion of her hair. “So…you’ll be the focus of this dating show. There will be a dozen men clambering to win your heart. What are you looking for in a relationship…and in a man?”

Eva sighed. “Honestly, Brian, I just want a nice guy.”

“That’s it?”

Eva smiled and leaned forward. “Of course there’s more to it than that, but I feel like I’ll recognize it when I see it. I don’t have a specific type. He doesn’t have to be dark-haired, blonde, muscular or tall. If he’s nice, that’s a good place to start.” She paused. “But, I am partial to dimples.”

Brian put a hand up to his cheek and felt the crevice in his face. “Is that so?”

Eva winked. “What woman isn’t?”

Brian grinned. Was she flirting with him? He forgot his next question. There was too much silence. He couldn’t think of a thing to say.

“Cut.” Mike shouted from somewhere behind the cameras. “I think we have enough, guys. Let’s call it good for today and resume interviews when we have all the men lined up.”

Brian drew his hand away from his face and stood. “It’s been a pleasure, as always, Eva.”

“I guess I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“You can count on it.”

“Just make sure they find me a nice guy, okay?”

“Nice. Got it.” Brian watched as she removed the microphone pack. “I’m a nice guy,” he whispered.

CHAPTER FOUR

EVA TWIRLED HER straw around in her glass. The ice cubes clinked against the sides. Renee would be there any minute. Their favorite corner coffee shop was quiet and cozy. Though neither of them drank coffee, the shop had a homey atmosphere and tall glasses of iced tea.

Renee rushed into the shop with her hair flying behind her. Eva chuckled. Her friend was often late, and there was always some outlandish reason.

“Sorry.” Renee ran her hand over her hair, trying to smooth the flyaways back into place. “Accident on Dodge again.”

Eva rose and gave her friend a quick hug. “I got you a drink.”

“I could sure use the energy today.” Renee sank gratefully into the overstuffed couch Eva had chosen. “I love being on the morning show at KGBR, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to the early hours.”

Eva knew what she meant. She often kept early hours herself due to her media appearances with various animals.

Renee slurped tea from her glass and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. “There, that’s better. I can already feel the caffeine sinking into my veins.”