Free The Reluctant Bachelor by Syndi Powell Page A

the details, but he knew her reaction when families were brought up. So he changed the subject. “Dan’s been upstairs all morning, trying to decide on what to wear. Suddenly he’s nervous about being on camera.”
    “He’s something else.”
    Dan appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. “Did I hear my name?” He walked forward and turned around. “Did I choose the right suit?”
    Rick choked back his laughter as Lizzie stared at his older brother. Dan wore a red blazer, white shirt and navy pants with an American flag tie. He looked as if he was running for office rather than supporting his brother on a reality show. Rick knew he wouldn’t wear that on-screen, just like he knew Dan had brought another suit. Lizzie, on the other hand, opened and closed her mouth. Probably trying to figure out the right words to say and the right way to say them. Rick’s mom walked into the kitchen and shook her head. “Go change, Dan. We don’t have all day.”
    Rick burst into laughter as Dan winked at Lizzie and left the room. She whirled and glared at Rick. “He wasn’t serious?”
    Rick shook his head and wiped his eyes. “You should have seen your face.”
    His mom thrust out a tray with coffee cups, sugar and creamer on it. “Stop torturing the girl and make yourself useful.”
    He obeyed, taking the coffee to the crew before returning to the kitchen to find Lizzie and his mom chatting about the filming schedule. Dan came into the kitchen wearing a navy suit but no tie. He held the flag tie in one hand, a yellow one in the other. “Tie or no tie?”
    Lizzie turned and nodded at him. “Much better. No tie. Let’s keep it casual.”
    Dan glanced at Rick, who wore a light blue sweater and khakis. “Or too casual.”
    “I’ve done these before. You’re going to want casual after hours of filming.” Rick leaned on the counter. “But the suit looks good on you.”
    Lizzie sighed. “Why don’t we get started? The sooner we do, the sooner we finish.” She grabbed the clipboard she’d left on the kitchen counter. “And the sooner we can find you your wife.” She walked toward the family room, then turned. “Just think. You’ll be meeting your wife in two days.”
    Rick tried to smile despite the growing knot of dread in his stomach.

CHAPTER SIX
    R ICK ADJUSTED HIS TIE and winced when Lizzie walked up to him, slapping his hands away. “You’re going to ruin all my work.”
    “I didn’t realize being producer meant dressing your star.” He tipped his head back so she could get closer to straighten the tie.
    “My job is to make sure this all goes the way it’s supposed to.” She smoothed it down his chest and patted it softly. “There. Perfect.”
    Rick took her hand in his and let them rest against his chest. “Do you think Mrs. Allyn could be here?”
    “Your mother’s out there somewhere.” When he opened his mouth to protest, she winked and squeezed his hand. “Your future wife is definitely here. What do you think?”
    “I hope so.” He had twenty-four women waiting in the VFW hall, there for the sole purpose of meeting him. Trying to win his affection. His future wife could be out in that room while he stayed in the kitchen waiting for his cue. He was ready.
    Wasn’t he?
    One of the production assistants entered the kitchen. “They’re ready for you in five minutes.”
    Rick dropped Lizzie’s hand and peered into her face. Was that concern looming behind those green eyes? “Showtime already?”
    She nodded and grabbed her clipboard from the counter behind them. “We’ve aired your interview about what you’re looking for, and they’re finishing each of the women’s bios. We’ll come back from commercial break, and then you’re on.”
    Rick adjusted the tie once more. “It’s hard to breathe with this thing on.”
    “The tie is fine. It’s you that’s having problems.” She reached up and laid it smooth again. “Your idea about a Valentine’s dance with the seniors from the