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

work with other film crews before, that while he may be harsh and demanding during filming, he rewarded people for their hard work afterwards. With the success of the last show, she’d heard the crew had all been given bonuses for working so hard.
    Knowing he could be firm when he needed to be but also kind enough to reward others for their hard work was really something she admired about him. Often she felt as if she didn’t have the people skills to do what he did, which was why she’d been so surprised he’d put her in this hosting role. She wasn’t exactly what someone would call a “people person.” But she was trying to be for him. For the show.
    Maybe even a little bit for herself, if she was being completely honest.
    It might be a nice change of pace to be the heroine for once instead of always the villain. Have viewers fall in love with her, not send her hate mail.
    She watched as the teams went through their boxes of winnings. The team with the least amount of votes — the dating couples — had received the smallest reward box. In it they’d found rice and beans. Not very tasty, but it would help them have enough energy to keep competing and at least they wouldn’t starve.
    The other teams who’d placed in the middle — the all-girls team, the rowing team, and the team of doctors — had all received progressively larger boxes, filled with a bigger selection of foods. Rick’s team was the winner and their box was the largest. When they opened it, she’d been surprised to see how much variety was inside. Not only had there been rice and beans, but also a few canned goods, spices, coffee supplies, and even a little fresh fruit. That team would be set for a while if they used the supplies carefully.
    Of course, they also had the heaviest box of goods to carry back to their camp. Their reward wasn’t without its punishment. Good thing they had Rick and Roger on the team to carry the majority of the bulky, heavy items. Some of the other teams might have struggled more if they’d won that reward box.
    â€œReady to go?” Chip asked, coming up beside her.
    They started off down the path that would take them away from the team camps and back to base camp, walking silently for the first half of the trip.
    When she couldn’t take the silence anymore, she said the thing that had been on her mind since the challenge. “Thanks for the earpiece earlier. You really saved me back there. And for everything you said too. It — um, meant a lot to me.”
    He nodded without saying anything, making her wonder if he’d meant it when he’d said she was breathtaking or if he’d only said it to make her feel better in the moment. An ache in her chest proved how much she hoped he’d meant it, which was weird since she was trying so hard to ignore the spark of feelings she felt toward him.
    â€œI’m sure you said it to be nice so I’d feel more comfortable, but I appreciate it nonetheless. I mean — ” She coughed, her throat feeling parched even after all the water she’d drank today. “Not that I wouldn’t have been able to do my job without you saying that stuff to me … well, the names I actually did need. It was that … other thing … that I didn’t need. But not that I didn’t like it.”
    Shit.
    Why couldn’t she say what she’d planned in her head beforehand, instead of rambling on like a complete moron?
    â€œI — ” she started again.
    â€œIt’s okay, Zoe,” he said, stopping and placing his hands on her shoulders. “I know what you’re trying to say and you’re welcome. I’m happy I was able to help you with the names. Just say the word and we can do that again if you need.”
    He paused, staring into her eyes while his hand slid up her skin to rest at the base of her neck. He leaned toward her and her breath hitched in her throat,