Accept This Dandelion Read Online Free Page A

bright white smiles, long legs, and dazzling hairstyles.
    If Renee wanted to survive the first night, she needed to set herself apart from the rest and intrigue the bachelor. In order to be seen as endearing to anyone, including the listening public, she needed time. One evening would not be enough to put her name out into the public or find out if she and Ben were a match.
    The muted chatter turned to high-pitched squeals. Renee quickly stood from her stiff, seated position on the couch. Had someone had seen a mouse? While she danced around on the floor, she searched near her feet and held up her skirt. The rest of the women moved to the other side of the set and surrounded bachelor Ben.
    Renee stopped her dance as she realized she was alone. So much for not being the show’s fool. She slowly lowered her dress, raised her chin, and planted her eyes directly on Ben. He gave her a slow, amused smile over the heads of surrounding contestants. Renee joined them and hid in the back in order to allow time for her face to return to its normal shade. She wondered if the cameras caught her little dance or if they had been too busy filming the bachelor’s entrance and contestant’s enthusiastic welcome.
    “Ladies!” Ben waved his hand in the air. “Thank you so much for coming. I can’t wait to talk to you more. Throughout this evening, I promise to give each of you a few minutes of undivided attention. The goal here is to find someone with whom I can spend the rest of my life. I hope it’s one of you. Before I dispense any dandelions, I’d like to learn more about you. Be patient with me and everyone will get a turn. In the meantime, have fun and chat amongst yourselves.” Ben gave them a winning smile and offered his elbow to the nearest girl. He led her off into a corner of the room where a few cameras gathered to capture the one-on-one conversation.
    Renee resumed her station on the scratchy prop couch. It appeared much nicer than it felt. A couple of women sat near Renee, their conversation revolving around Ben.
    “Isn’t he gorgeous?” The closest woman glanced over her shoulder at the bachelor.
    “And rich.” The other raised her eyebrows.
    “I hear he bought one of his dates a car.”
    “Should we put in our requests now?” The two ladies threw back their heads and laughed.
    “He seems really nice,” Renee chimed in. She wasn’t part of the conversation yet, but she needed to do something to fill the time.
    The women stopped laughing abruptly and looked at Renee. “I mean…I bet he’s sweet.”
    The first woman blinked, and the second raised one eyebrow.
    “Don’t you think he’s kind?” She wanted them to talk about some of his features besides his looks and wealth. She hoped the participants were searching for something deeper than material things. If not, she would really stick out.
    “Nice…” The closer woman leaned back. “Yeah, I’m sure he’s nice.” She turned away and rolled her eyes.
    Renee shifted on the itchy couch. She would learn their names in time, but she didn’t need to right away. With any luck, several of them would be gone later, and Renee would still be there. She hoped the bachelor had discernment. He needed to get rid of those who might only be after his money and attractive features if he was going to find someone genuine.
    Renee realized she was way ahead of herself. She was also a pot calling the kettle black. Sure, she wasn’t there for his fame or fortune, but she intended to use him. Just in a different way than the others. Shame washed over her. The little she knew about Ben wasn’t favorable. At least in terms of his dating history. But he still deserved to find real love. And no matter what he did to other people, he didn’t deserve to be used.
    “Hi,” a voice broke through Renee’s thoughts. “I’m Eva.”
    Renee slid over to make room on the couch as a stunning lady sat next to her. Renee took in the woman. She was petite in every way, and her dark