Lost Without You Read Free Page A

together.
    As it was, she walked beside him now, her head high, her heels even higher. On the last show she’d worn her heels hiking every day until she’d twisted her ankle and had been forced to wear sneakers. And she never failed to show up in full hair and makeup.
    All part of her defense system.
    Well, roughing it in the woods for a month ought to fix that.
    â€œWe’re almost there,” he said. “Just a few minutes longer and we’ll be at the production camp.”
    â€œAnd where have all the teams gone? I haven’t seen any of them since a while back when the trail split in three.”
    â€œThey’re all relatively close to our camp but far enough away that we won’t interfere with their survival skills or camp life. And each of the teams is far enough away from each other, or in some cases separated by some natural obstacle, that they can’t interact together very easily. I’m not saying it couldn’t happen if the teams worked for it, but I’ve made it pretty hard for them.”
    â€œThis is a really different show for you,” she said, glancing his way and almost stumbling. He reached out to steady her but she righted herself. “Well,
Treasure Trekkers
was pretty outdoorsy, but at least it still had indoor accommodations and common areas.”
    â€œIt is different. But I wanted something that would really put people to the test in all kinds of ways. I think this show will do that.”
    â€œNo offense, but won’t it get sort of boring for all the teams to be separate all the time?”
    Just like Zoe to speak her mind. Another thing he liked about her. He was sick of being surrounded by production people who always said what they thought he wanted to hear. Zoe spoke her mind and it was a relief.
    â€œIt might, but I have plans to keep it interesting.”
    â€œYou always do. I glad I’m not on the receiving end of your surprises this time. Well, except for the whole hosting gig. And the camping twist. Thanks for that, by the way.”
    He laughed. “You’re welcome. Now enough about the show. How have things been with you? I haven’t seen you in the tabloids lately.”
    â€œThank God for small miracles. I’ve had enough of those trashy magazines tracking my every move. Who would have ever thought they’d care so much about a stupid reality TV show?”
    â€œHey now. One of those stupid reality shows is paying you a nice sum to be here.”
    â€œTrue. You know I used to read those magazines all the time. Now I can’t stand to see them in the grocery checkout.”
    â€œThey aren’t so terrible. It’s usually good publicity for the shows.”
    â€œOnly because you’re not the one on the cover,” she snapped.
    â€œYou may have a point there. I’ve only graced the inner pages, never the front. I don’t think anyone would like seeing this mug shot on the cover.”
    Her lips curled almost into a smile. “I don’t think most girls would mind too much.”
    â€œIs that a compliment from Zoe Oliver?” he teased. “You really must be feeling out of your element.”
    They came around a bend in the trail and the pathway suddenly opened into a wider area. Tents of all sizes were set up around the perimeter with three central fire pits surrounded by logs for chairs.
    Zoe stopped and took in the site. He pulled on her arm, tugging her gently to one of the two tents set off to the side a little more than the others. His was the outer most tent while hers was right next door, just as he’d planned. He hadn’t wanted her to feel alone in the woods by making their tents too secluded, but he also didn’t want the entire crew hearing their every move. Strategically placing a film supply tent on the other side of hers meant there would be enough foot traffic to make her comfortable, but also enough privacy that they would have some time alone. Well,