Free Flaming Hearts (Beyond Reality Book 2) by Susan Stoker

rather than later. He couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when he strolled onto the set. She’d be surprised all right!

Chapter Seven
     
     
     
    The next morning Jonathan went into work earlier than normal and requested to meet with Eddie to put their plan in action.
    “Hey, Eddie,” he started, trying to look serious and trustworthy. “I heard about this wealthy local guy who’s interested in the reality show business and wants to take a look at this show. I heard he was interested in backing your next show in the future.”
    It was like waving a red flag in front of a bull. Eddie’s nose flared and Jonathan swore he could even see his eyes dilating.
    “Who is it? Do I know him? Do you know how to get in touch with him?” Eddie was asking his questions so fast he wasn’t giving Jonathan time to answer any of them. He was conceited, rightly so, since his last reality show, Love in the Outback , was a huge hit.
    “I don’t know him directly,” Jonathan lied easily, “but I was able to get his name and number for you.” He handed over a piece of paper with Dean’s name and phone number written on it. He was sure Eddie wouldn’t take the time to actually investigate Dean and would take him at his word. Jonathan had no idea how he’d made it as far in show business as he had. Oh, well. As long as it would insure Dean unlimited access to the set and the house and Becky, all was good.
    Jonathan watched as Eddie quickly stepped out of the room and headed off to make the call, visions of dollar signs dancing in his head.
     
    * * *
     
    Becky was sitting in the house’s common area, reading a book when a commotion caught her eye. She looked over and saw Eddie talking to a man at the door. She looked back at her book. She wasn’t interested in the comings and goings of people from the house. She was actually bored and only half interested in her book, but Marissa wasn’t out of bed yet and there wasn’t anything planned for the day, as far as she knew, so she tried to entertain herself. Lord knew the guys who were hanging around weren’t entertaining her. They’d barely said two words to her this morning. She would’ve loved to have taken a walk, but that wasn’t allowed. She wasn’t allowed out of the house without an escort…i.e. a camera operator and an agenda.
    She was so engrossed in her book and so used to ignoring the production staff around her that she was startled to hear Eddie addressing her while standing next to the couch. She looked up and almost choked. What the hell? What was Dean doing there? Was he getting her in trouble? Was he in trouble? Had Eddie found out about yesterday?
    Dean watched as Becky tried to process his presence on the set. He wished Eddie would hurry up and get on with it so she could relax. He could feel her tension, her worry and dismay, and he wanted to reassure her that everything was okay, but he had to wait until he was introduced as he wasn’t supposed to know her yet.
    “This is Dean,” Eddie said importantly.
    Becky put her book down and stood up uncertainly, waiting for Eddie to continue speaking. God, Dean was just as hot today as he was yesterday. She nervously smoothed her hair behind one of her ears. God, did she look okay? Why hadn’t she spent more time on getting dressed today? Crap, Eddie was talking, she had to pay attention rather than continue to stare at Dean and imagine what he looked like without his shirt on.
    “He’s an investor and is interested in funding my next show. He’ll be hanging out watching the production of the show. Dean, this is Becky, she’s one of the stars.”
    Dean held out his hand to Becky. He couldn’t wait to touch her again, to feel her skin on his. Her skin looked so soft today. She looked healthy and full of life. He thought she looked good on the trail, sweaty and hurt, but now? Wearing comfortable clothes and relaxing on the sofa? Whoa. God, he had to get it together. If he wasn’t careful he’d