7 Days and 7 Nights Read Online Free PDF Page A

Matt, like her father, would always be surrounded by Cheries.
    She straightened to her full height. Matt Ransom was nothing more than a colleague—and according to T.J., a temporary one. All she required from him was professional courtesy and a little respect. “I expect you to stop making fun of me on the air. And I also expect you to keep your callers in line. I don’t appreciate being held up to ridicule, even on that free-for-all you call a radio show.”
    The glint of amusement disappeared from Matt’s eyes. “Well, you’d be a less tempting target if you didn’t take yourself so damned seriously.”
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œIt’s just radio, Olivia. Not brain surgery. And no matter what you want to tell yourself, it’s all about entertainment and ratings.”
    â€œThat’s no excuse for your behavior.” Belatedly she realized that her gaze had strayed to the young woman waiting on the other side of the plate glass.
    Matt followed Olivia’s gaze. “Are you referring to my show or to what you assume to be my sex life? As I recall, at one time you had no problem with either.”
    The reminder carried the force of a slap. What a mistake it had been to try to reason with him. “I don’t give a fig about your sex life. I’m not one of your groupies anymore, Matt. And I don’t think every word that spills out of your mouth is gospel. I just can’t believe you’re still living in Never Land. Isn’t it about time for you to grow up?”
    He clutched at his chest, his tone still mocking, but there was something unreadable in his dark eyes. “Ah, Olivia. You wound me.”
    â€œI doubt it. But I’d like to.”
    With that, she turned and walked carefully out of the studio, past the waiting Cherie and down the hallway, her brain already searching for a weapon capable of blowing a hole in Matt Ransom’s massive ego.
    â€œGood morning, everyone, and welcome to the Tuesday edition of
Liv Live
. Today we’re going to do something a little different.”
    She caught Diane’s surprised glance and gave her a thumbs-up. Butterflies threw themselves against the walls of her stomach, but she didn’t let them deter her.
    â€œInstead of starting off with your individual issues like we usually do, we’re going to talk about a problem that plagues lots of relationships. It’s kind of a
guy
thing.” She paused for emphasis. “Dan Kiley wrote a book about it in the eighties, but I’m convinced it’s still a problem in the new millennium.”
    Diane took the first call as Olivia explained. “The Peter Pan Syndrome refers to the problem many men have growing up. Like the mythical Peter, they want to fly through life without ever having to accept adult responsibility.”
    Olivia smiled. “I’ll describe typical Peter Pan behavior, and you let me know if you know anyone like that. I’m especially interested in hearing how this kind of behavior has affected your life.”
    Olivia glanced down at her notes, though she didn’t need them. She could describe this man in her sleep.
    â€œHe’s attractive, lots of fun, and knows how to show a woman a good time. He’s probably a serial dater, staying with one woman until she starts making noises about commitment. Chances are he’s got it down to a science. You know, that whole ‘just let them know what to expect up front’ business that he uses to rationalize his inability to sustain a long-term relationship. Bottom line, this guy has plenty going for him—unless you’re interested in ‘happily ever after.’
    â€œWhen someone wants to discuss real feelings, he looks for a less threatening topic.” She paused for emphasis. “Like football or car leasing versus buying. The last thing he wants is a serious discussion about anything personal.”
    Olivia caught Diane’s