“What’s the next step?” he asked.
“We’ll put together a pitch,” Zoe explained. “I’ll shadow you for a week or two, do a few interviews, take some photos and videos, and put together a short teaser for the show. Then we’ll see which television networks are interested.”
“So, it’s possible that no one will be interested?” Nathan asked. He wasn’t sure whether he felt hopeful at the prospect that he might not have to go through with this, or worried that it would be a failure and he’d miss the chance to improve the clinic.
“Sure, that’s always possible,” Zoe admitted. “But I seriously doubt it. I’ve worked on television pitches before, so I know what the executives like. More than that, there’s a lot of interest about you, so as long as we get something together relatively quickly, we have a great chance of getting picked up.”
“Right.” Nathan’s heart sank. Logically, he knew this was a good thing, but the thought of actually being on television was deeply unpleasant. He gave in and started polishing his glasses. “How much do I need to pay you?”
“Nothing.” Zoe held up her hands. “I get paid on commission based on how much you end up making. I’ll draw up a contractand go through it with you, but it’s very typical for this kind of collaboration.”
That was good, at least. Nathan wouldn’t have to dig himself into debt trying to make this work.
“All right.” He slipped his glasses back on. “I guess we’re doing this.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Zoe got to her feet and held out a hand. Nathan stood to shake it, her small hand completely enveloped in his. Still holding his hand with hers, she lifted her gaze to his. She was a lot shorter than him, a difference that became very apparent when they were standing so close together. “You’re making the right choice.”
“I hope so.” Nathan released her hand. “So, what’s next?”
“I’ll go back to New York briefly to get my equipment, write up your contract, and set up a few preliminary meetings with networks,” Zoe explained. She put her laptop back in her bag and swung the bag over her shoulder. “Then, around the beginning of next week, I’ll be back in Islingburn and we can get started with the pitch.”
“You’re leaving now?” Nathan’s heart skipped a beat in a strange way at the thought of her going. “What am I going to do if media and looky-loos start swarming the clinic again?”
“Tell the media you already have a contract with a PR professional and refer them to me,” Zoe said, handing over her card. “Tell the looky-loos the same thing. I’ll handle all of it.”
“Okay.” Nathan bit his lip. “I just… I have to admit, I feel a little strange about working with you when I don’t know anythingabout you. Here in Islingburn, almost everyone knows everyone else.”
Zoe’s lips quirked in a smile. It was different from the charming PR smile she normally wore — it looked more amused.
“Really?” she asked. Nathan got the feeling she was teasing him, but he didn’t back down.
“Really. How about we grab dinner together tonight and get to know each other a little?”
Zoe lifted her gaze to his again. Her brown eyes were wide, and she was still smiling that amused smile.
“Sorry, but I’m not going on a date with you. You are my client — even if you’re also the ‘Hottest Doctor Alive.’” She winked, then turned on her heel and left. Nathan stood beside his desk, reeling. He hadn’t been asking for a date. Had he? He’d just wanted to know a little more about the woman he’d spend the next weeks, possibly months, working closely with.
No, he definitely hadn’t been asking for a date. Zoe was charming and intelligent and, yes, gorgeous, but she was also distant and clearly didn’t see eye to eye with him on his professional priorities. They were very different people. Plus, asking her out would have been just as inappropriate as one of his patients asking him out.
Nathan let out a breath and sank back into his chair. For better or for worse, he’d just agreed to work with a woman he hardly knew on a television pitch he didn’t want to make. Nathan couldn’t help feeling like he was making a huge mistake.
He glanced at the picture of his parents on the desk, and his heart constricted. Would his father have been proud of himnow? Almost definitely not. Alexander had always prioritized hard work, honesty, and loyalty. Chasing fame by starring in a reality-TV show didn’t feel particularly hardworking, honest, or loyal.
“Sorry, Dad. I promise I’m trying to do the right thing.”
The picture didn’t answer.
With a sigh, Nathan got to his feet and left the office. Next week, Zoe would be back to start turning his life into a reality show, or at least a pitch for one. Until then, he was going to try his best to forget about this whole mess.
CHAPTER 8
ZOE
Zoe parked the rental car in front of the B&B and got out. After a hectic few days in New York City, during which time she’d scrambled to get everything ready to make the pitch and to drum up initial interest among potential networks, she was back in Islingburn.
The whole drive here from Burlington Airport, she had gone back and forth between excitement, nerves, and cool confidence. She’d finally landed a client, which was great, and she knew she could do a good job. A great job, even. At the same time, though, Nathan was very reluctant to do any of this, and Zoe got the feeling she’d be dragging him through the whole process. It wasn’t exactly the way she’d pictured her big break coming, but at least it had come.
Zoe climbed out of the car, grabbed her suitcase from the back, and headed up the three short stone steps to the B&B where she was planning to stay. It was a large house, painted yellow, with big, bright windows and a garden off to one side. A wrought-iron sign, similar to the one at the coffee shop, spelled outBed and Breakfastover the door in curly letters.
