She Invented a Theory About Why Men Leave Women — Then She Fell for the Man Who Proved Her Wrong
Chapter 1
Tina Parker had learned two things during her first year working for a nationally syndicated talk show.
First, television was never as glamorous behind the cameras as it looked on screen.
Second, Jack Reynolds was impossible.
“Get me someone famous.”
Tina looked up from her laptop.
“Anyone?”
“Anyone people recognize.”
“That narrows it down.”
Jack stared at her.
Tina smiled innocently.
Across the production office, James Carter laughed.
James was another producer, and Tina’s favorite workplace headache.
He was handsome, confident and completely incapable of entering a room without making someone smile.
He also had a reputation.
James flirted with everyone.
He never seemed serious about anyone.
Tina had known him long enough to consider him almost harmless.
Almost.
“Stop encouraging him,” Tina told James.
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You laughed.”
“I laugh at your suffering.”
Before Tina could respond, the office door opened.
A man she had never seen before walked in.
Tall.
Well-dressed.
Calm.
Jack introduced him as Cole Bennett, the network’s newest producer.
Cole shook Tina’s hand.
“Nice to meet you.”
Tina suddenly forgot what she was supposed to say.
“You too.”
James watched the exchange.
He raised an eyebrow.
Tina ignored him.
Over the next several weeks, Tina and Cole worked together constantly.
They discovered they had similar humor.
Similar taste in movies.
Similar ambitions.
And, unfortunately, undeniable chemistry.
One evening, they stayed late working on a difficult segment.
Cole looked at her.
“I should tell you something.”
Tina’s stomach tightened.
“What?”
“I have a girlfriend.”
Tina looked away.
“Oh.”
“We’ve been together for years.”
“I understand.”
Cole sighed.
“I don’t know why I’m telling you this.”
Tina already knew.
Because something had changed.
And neither of them was brave enough to admit it.
