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“Nope,” Al said, hoping his smile looked genuine.

“Great. We’ll see you all tomorrow. Oh and, Al, remember, as of this moment, you are a single man. If you are seen with anyone outside of the women of interest, you can guarantee someone will take a picture and post it online. That will tank the show’s credibility and put us dead in the water. Which is a huge problem. I’ve got a toddler at home that refuses to potty train. Do you know how expensive diapers are?”

“Uh, not really.”

“Well trust me, they are. So don’t fuck this up. Plus, production will hit you with a fine and you’ll lose that big payday.”

“Don’t worry, Lindsey,” Jeannie said, crossing her legs and removing herself from his touch. “I made sure to put all the side chicks on notice when we signed up.”

“The fuck are you talking about, Jeannie?” Seriously, what was she talking about? He didn’t have any side chicks. Unless she was talking about herself. But Jeannie was never a side chick. She could have beenthechick, but she didn’t want to.

Jeannie gave him a pointed look. “Any woman you’ve been involved with recently knows what’s at stake, and knows that if she cares about you, she needs to stay away.”

“That’s perfect, Jeannie. So glad we have you on board.” Lindsey stood up and slid the laptop into her bag. “And don’t be so hard on her, Al. She’s only looking out for you. Besides, there are ten-ish women of interest headed your way. We don’t judge, so feel free to use them to scratch any itches early and often. Honestly, it’s better for us if you do. All that drama is great for ratings.”

“Ten-ish?”What the fresh hell did that mean?

“Oh now, Al. We do have to leave a few surprises. It makes for better TV.”

Al closed his eyes and drew in a deep sigh. “Whatever, but you’ll have to find that drama somewhere else. I’m no prude, but I won’t hurt my future fiancée by sleeping my way across the screen.”

“Jesus, Al.” Lindsey flopped back into her seat and pulled her laptop back out and began typing.

“That was perfect, exactly what America wants to hear from their favorite deputy. I’m making a note. We’ll need you to repeat that in your interviews.”

“They all talk a good game in the beginning,” Shane began with a smirk. “But after a few days surrounded by beautiful women begging for your attention, you’ll sing a different tune. They always do.” He walked out of the room with a wave.

“Asshole,” Al muttered, waiting as Jeannie gathered her belongings and stuffed them into a messenger bag.

“Maybe he’s right. He’s hosted a couple of these types of shows. And I helped pick the women. They are beautiful and already in love with you.”

“That’s because they haven’t met me,” he muttered.

“What did you say?” Jeannie asked.

“Nothing.” He glared at her, his frustration peaking. “You want me to kiss and fuck around, then I’ll kiss and fuck around.”

“I didn’t say that!” She held his angry gaze and he saw the same torment in her eyes that had been in his every day since the wedding. She sighed and looked down at her lap. “I think you should do whatever feels natural in the moment.”

“Is that so?” he asked, reaching over to brush a stray hair from her face. “In that case—”

A throat cleared from across the room and Jeannie jumped back, nearly tripping over her chair.

“Everything okay over there?” Lindsey asked, her eyes narrowing as she removed her glasses.

“Yes!” Jeannie practically shouted. “All good. Just giving Al a few tips on wooing the ladies.” Al’s chest tightened, hating how easily she dismissed their moment.

Lindsey nodded. “Just don’t practice too much. Remember, this is supposed to be unscripted TV.” She laughed as she walked out of the conference room, leaving them alone.

Jeannie looked at him, her eyes filled with sadness. “Al, I—”

He held up a hand. “It’s fine. Let’s just go home.”

Chapter 15

“You look amazing.” Jeannie said as she tightened the tie on the Tom Ford suit Al filled out to perfection. Although, the man could wear a garbage bag and still look mouthwatering.

Just friends,she reminded herself.And he’s dating ten women.