The Relationship Coach by Sylvia McDaniel Read Free Book Online

But what about the other person’s needs? What if your girlfriend wants you home to spend time with her? What about marriage and kids?”
    “I have no plans on getting married, and I don’t want kids.”
    “Well, you’re clear about that,” she said. “Do you believe in relationship coaching?”
    The question was slipped in amongst the personal questions, and he knew this was the decision-maker. He swallowed and tried to keep his facial expression unreadable, but knew he’d failed when she raised her brows at him. “I think it may work for people who need it, but I know what I want in a relationship. So I’m not a good candidate.”
    “Yes, I think you know exactly what you want in a relationship.” She sighed and pushed back the strand of hair that had fallen in her face. “I appreciate your offer of doing a documentary about my business, but now is not a good time. I think I’m going to have to pass on this opportunity.”
    Reed sat there dumbfounded and realized she didn’t feel comfortable with him. In all his years of doing documentaries, he’d never had anyone turn him down when asked to be the subject.
    “You’re turning me down because I’m not a good candidate for your business?” he asked, knowing his response had been the deathblow. Even the most egotistical dictators who had known Reed was going to do everything he could to expose them for crimes against humanity, had worked with him, trying to make him believe they were honest people.
    “No. It’s just not right for me at this time,” she said.
    He stood, not knowing what to say. Determination filled his lungs and expanded his chest as he rebounded like a basketball player on steroids. He would make this documentary with or without her. But first, he had to play nice. “I’m sorry that’s your decision. Could I at least interview you?”
    “Not now, but maybe in a couple of weeks.”
    Reed reached for her hand and wrapped his large palm around hers. He slipped her a business card. “If you change your mind, you can reach me at the number printed on the card.”
    “Thanks. I appreciate your interest in my business, but I think we need to pass.”
    A rush of anger charged through him, causing him to freeze like a tin man as he tried to remain cordial. “I’m disappointed. You were the best relationship coach I researched.”
    “Thank you,” Lacey said, standing.
    “See you around,” he said, and Amanda walked him to the front office door.
    Although Lacey thought they were done, Reed would find a way to film this documentary. Her crimes might be minor compared to some people he’d filmed, but her transgressions affected people’s emotions. They were personal.
    He lifted his chin and walked to the car, dauntless conviction in every step. He would film this documentary. He would not be denied.
    ***
    Lacey wasn’t certain if she’d just made the biggest mistake of her life or if she’d done the right thing. The publicity would put her business in the public spotlight, but it felt as if she were taking a leap off a cliff into a dark hole. When Reed told her he wasn’t in a relationship, alarms had gone off like sirens in the middle of the night.
    Amanda burst through the door, concern reflected from her hazel eyes. “You doubt your decision, don’t you?”
    “You know me well. He doesn’t believe in what we do.” Men like Reed Hunter didn’t believe in relationship coaches because they didn’t think they needed help.
    “Maybe. He’s also the type of man who is your best client.”
    “Yes, but only when a girlfriend or wife drags men like him in here kicking and screaming,” Lacey said as she pushed back her hair. If she’d read him correctly, he only wanted a girlfriend for sex. And even the most risqué of women grew bored of men who only wanted sex.
    “I think you could change him,” Amanda said.
    “He’s not a client. He would be filming us, and I couldn’t trust him to show the business in a positive way.”