She Does Know Jack Read Online Free PDF

the whole
show is in the can,” Matthew said, reaffirming what Bill had told her an hour
earlier. Once seated, he released her hand and sighed. “I’ll just be happy when
I can let my guard down and not have to worry if the woman I’m dating is going
to turn ballistic.”
    She frowned.
“Have there been any more threats?”
    “No. I haven’t
gotten any since last week, and your uncle knew about that one.” He sent her a
small smile. “I’m sorry you’re being thrust into this, but I do appreciate it.”
    “No problem.
It’s my job. Although, I’ll be honest, I hate deceiving the innocent
contestants, and that I’m making you send some home in order to keep me
here.” She titled her head to get a better read on his expression before she
continued. “Matthew, I have to ask, why are you even bothering with this show?
Surely a good-looking man like you can find a date?”
    He smiled, his
eyes crinkling with well-worn practice. “You sound like my mother.”
    “Gee, thanks, I
think.” She grinned. “But you still haven’t answered my question.”
    “Yep, just like
my mom.” He threw his head back and laughed. Moonlight glinted off his teeth
and sparkled in his dark eyes as he sobered. “Sure, I can get dates, but they
always seem to be with women who are more interested in my bank account than my
heart.” He rose to his feet and stalked toward the fountain. “Not once have I
met someone who hasn't asked about my portfolio before our second date. I saw
this show as an opportunity to escape that.”
    “How?” she asked
quietly, joining him at the cascading wall.
    “The candidates
for this show were told the bachelor was a struggling artist, which of course,
I’m not.” He shrugged. “I don’t like deceiving them either, but it’s only a
small lie. I am an artist.”
    “Just not
struggling.” She frowned, trying to recall what her uncle had told her about
Matthew. For some reason, only Jack’s bio stuck in her mind.
    “No. I’m far
from struggling these days.” He chuckled. “I paint under the name Andy
Matthews.”
    Her head jerked.
“ You’re Andy Matthews? Wow.” She blinked several times. Her uncle
certainly hadn’t mentioned that. Matthew was famous. Very famous. And very
good. She definitely would’ve remembered. “Wow,” she repeated.
    A smile tugged his
lips. “That’s the reaction I usually get.”
    “I’m sorry. It’s
just that I’m a big fan of your work.” She smiled, feeling like a fool. “I own
one of your paintings, it’s not as grand as the one hanging inside, but I love
it just the same.”
    “Really? I’m flattered.”
Matthew’s pleased expression warmed his eyes. “What do you own?”
    “One of your
seascapes— Tranquil Shores . It’s hanging over my bed. Pure
brilliance. Your use of light and colors transports me. I swear I can hear the
roar of the ocean and feel the waves lapping at my feet every time I look at
it.”
    “I’m glad. Thank
you.” His smile turned into a frown. “But please don’t tell the other girls.
That’s the reason I came on this show.”
    “Don’t worry.
Your secret’s safe with me.” She nodded, then put her arm through his and led
them back to the bench. “Believe me. I understand your motives. I have a
similar problem but for different reasons.”
    His head tilted toward
her as they sat down. “You do? But you’re so beautiful. Why would anyone want
to leave you?”
    She snorted. What
was in this Hollywood make-up? Too bad she couldn’t score a lifetime
supply. “Since we don’t have all night, I’ll give you the most popular reason.
My job and proficiency at it scares the h—” She paused, glanced at the camera
and continued with, “It scares them silly.”
    “Well then,
they’re just plain stupid.” He brushed a curl from her eye. “Your strength and
confidence is very attractive, and if they’re too thick-headed to realize that,
then they aren’t worthy of you.”
    “That’s sweet of
you to