Read Online Lost Without You by Heather Thurmeier - Free Book Online Page A

seemed like trust wasn’t something she gave over easily.
    He grabbed an earpiece attached to a neutral colored cord and reached up, gently fitting it to her ear. He tucked the cord under her hair at the back of her neck and handed her the attached battery pack and belt for her to secure around her waist.
    â€œWhat’s all this for? I’m already mic’d for sound.”
    â€œTrue, but in a second I’m going to be mic’d too — but my audio will only be for you.” He attached his own battery pack and mic then switched it on. “Can you hear me?”
    â€œOf course I can, I’m sitting a foot away.”
    He laughed. “No, smartass. In your ear. Can you hear me through your earpiece?”
    She shook her head, looking panicked again. “It’s not working.”
    â€œMay I check it?” he asked, motioning to the battery pack already fastened around her waist.
    She nodded.
    He slipped his hands under the black box at the small of her back, his hand brushing against her skin. Skin so soft and warm, he would have loved nothing more than to slide his hands up her back, massaging away her tension. Instead he focused on the task and immediately found the problem. She’d forgotten to turn it on.
    â€œThat should do it,” he said, forcing his hands out from under her shirt.
    â€œOh,” she said, excitement filling her voice. “I heard you that time.”
    â€œGreat. Now all you have to do is read your cue cards as usual. When it gets to the part where you call the teams to announce the winners of the challenge, I’ll say the names into your earpiece and you can repeat them. You won’t have to worry about forgetting any of their names.”
    â€œYou’re the best.” Zoe reached out, squeezing his hand tightly before letting him go again. “Thank you.”
    The happiness and confidence in her attitude was all the thanks he needed. Of course, feeling her hand on his wasn’t too bad either.
    â€œMy pleasure.” Chip quickly jotted down the winners then went to his post alongside the action.
    The teams took their places in front of Zoe as they waited to find out their ranking in the challenge. He took the opportunity to speak to Zoe one last time before they started filming again.
    â€œYou’re going to do fine. Just relax. I’ve got you.” He spoke quietly into his mic, not wanting to startle her since she still wouldn’t be used to having his voice in her ear.
    She kept her gaze straight ahead as if waiting for the signal for filming to start. He watched her shoulders rise and fall with each of her deep breaths. She was so professional and focused. It was amazing this wasn’t her full-time gig. Her confidence on camera was awe-inspiring. He might be the brains behind the scenes, but he’d never have the guts to be on camera like she was. She constantly surprised and amazed him.
    â€œOne last thing before I give the signal,” he whispered into the mic. “You are absolutely breathtaking.”
    She glanced toward him, a mix of emotion playing on her face, but when her gaze met his, she smiled.
    He gave the signal for the cameras to start filming.
    â€¢ • •
    Zoe tucked her earpiece back into the sound equipment bag and zipped it closed. Now she had to wait for Chip to finish giving his notes to camera crews as they changed shifts, then they could head back to base camp.
    She watched as he gave his recommendation for the shots he wanted the cameramen to focus on getting while at camp as well as what they already had enough footage of for right now. She liked seeing him do his job. He was very good at what he did. He had a real knack for getting people to do exactly what he wanted and to the best of their abilities. Sure, he could be a little harsh with people once in a while, but it was all because he wanted to make the best show he possibly could.
    And she also knew from having seen him