legs. She needed to continue to show her personality so the city could see who she was. And with any luck, viewers would fall for her and demand that she become the next co-host on the KGBR’s morning show.
CHAPTER TEN
After listening to the radio interview, Ben suspected Renee could become the real star of the show. Listeners called in one after another, praising her for her mouse dance, the way she wiped her makeup off to display her true face, and even how she managed to light herself on fire.
That was what the TV audience wanted? They wouldn’t want anything to do with him then. Ben wanted to change his public image, but he was perfectly happy turning the spotlight on Renee and letting her bask in its heat for a while. He already lived under a microscope. It was her turn. She would learn soon enough how hard it was to have people watch your every step.
Ben didn’t wish anything ill to befall Renee. In fact, he enjoyed her as much as the radio listeners seemed to. But he knew sudden fame could take a toll and people might turn on her at any point. Just look at how news media portrayed him…playboy bachelor…a lady pleaser…and so on. Ben’s image was far larger than it should be. In some ways, what they said was true. But there was more to him than the media let people believe. His goal was to show a little bit of depth through the show. If he fell in love at the same time, he would have it all.
Ben hoped the first round of group dates would shed light on the women. He was a harsh judge, and he dismissed the first two women during the initial eliminations without hesitation. What really held his curiosity was the current running between him and Renee. Was it her clumsy endearment? Did she need to be saved, bringing out his knight in shining armor side? She had alluded to as much on the radio. Or could it be something more? No way to be sure…but he intended to find out.
* * *
Renee dressed with reckless abandon as she prepared for the next taping session. Her instructions read “come as you are,” and she planned to do just that. Apparently, the wardrobe would be provided this time. She was curious to find out what they would do and what they would wear. All Renee knew about the next taping was that Ben had dates planned for them. They split the women into two groups of five, and Ben invited Renee’s group out the first night. The second group would have a chance the following evening. All of the contestants had instructions to meet at the studio on the third night for eliminations.
Since Renee figured they’d change before their date so she wore her cut-off shorts and a ratty old t-shirt she used for cleaning and errands. She wanted to be relaxed in case they insisted on doing her hair and makeup again before she had to change into whatever glittery cocktail dress they had waiting. Renee liked to be comfortable above all else, and she wanted to remain that way as long as possible.
Renee was finally excited about the show. The public loved her, and she had stayed true to her personality. If she could stay on track, she would accomplish her goals, and the morning show job might be in reach. Renee had a spring in her step as she entered the TV studio. The first taping was nerve wracking since she didn’t know what to expect. Now that she had written off falling in love, she could kick back and enjoy it. The dates would likely be fun, and she could have a good time and let the chips fall where they may.
When Renee arrived at the studio, the hair and makeup people asked if she wanted any help instead of insisting. The date was going to be casual so Renee opted to do her own preparations.
Since the date was labeled casual, she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and freed a few wisps around her face. Renee liked having her hair out of the way, and she wanted Ben to be able to see her face. Though he saw quite a bit of it the other night when she wiped away her makeup with his handkerchief, this
CHAPTER TEN
After listening to the radio interview, Ben suspected Renee could become the real star of the show. Listeners called in one after another, praising her for her mouse dance, the way she wiped her makeup off to display her true face, and even how she managed to light herself on fire.
That was what the TV audience wanted? They wouldn’t want anything to do with him then. Ben wanted to change his public image, but he was perfectly happy turning the spotlight on Renee and letting her bask in its heat for a while. He already lived under a microscope. It was her turn. She would learn soon enough how hard it was to have people watch your every step.
Ben didn’t wish anything ill to befall Renee. In fact, he enjoyed her as much as the radio listeners seemed to. But he knew sudden fame could take a toll and people might turn on her at any point. Just look at how news media portrayed him…playboy bachelor…a lady pleaser…and so on. Ben’s image was far larger than it should be. In some ways, what they said was true. But there was more to him than the media let people believe. His goal was to show a little bit of depth through the show. If he fell in love at the same time, he would have it all.
Ben hoped the first round of group dates would shed light on the women. He was a harsh judge, and he dismissed the first two women during the initial eliminations without hesitation. What really held his curiosity was the current running between him and Renee. Was it her clumsy endearment? Did she need to be saved, bringing out his knight in shining armor side? She had alluded to as much on the radio. Or could it be something more? No way to be sure…but he intended to find out.
* * *
Renee dressed with reckless abandon as she prepared for the next taping session. Her instructions read “come as you are,” and she planned to do just that. Apparently, the wardrobe would be provided this time. She was curious to find out what they would do and what they would wear. All Renee knew about the next taping was that Ben had dates planned for them. They split the women into two groups of five, and Ben invited Renee’s group out the first night. The second group would have a chance the following evening. All of the contestants had instructions to meet at the studio on the third night for eliminations.
Since Renee figured they’d change before their date so she wore her cut-off shorts and a ratty old t-shirt she used for cleaning and errands. She wanted to be relaxed in case they insisted on doing her hair and makeup again before she had to change into whatever glittery cocktail dress they had waiting. Renee liked to be comfortable above all else, and she wanted to remain that way as long as possible.
Renee was finally excited about the show. The public loved her, and she had stayed true to her personality. If she could stay on track, she would accomplish her goals, and the morning show job might be in reach. Renee had a spring in her step as she entered the TV studio. The first taping was nerve wracking since she didn’t know what to expect. Now that she had written off falling in love, she could kick back and enjoy it. The dates would likely be fun, and she could have a good time and let the chips fall where they may.
When Renee arrived at the studio, the hair and makeup people asked if she wanted any help instead of insisting. The date was going to be casual so Renee opted to do her own preparations.
Since the date was labeled casual, she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and freed a few wisps around her face. Renee liked having her hair out of the way, and she wanted Ben to be able to see her face. Though he saw quite a bit of it the other night when she wiped away her makeup with his handkerchief, this
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