Page 56 of Bride Games

“Nothing.” Trent glanced at the game in disgust. “When will it be over? I’m getting sleepy.”

“Probably another hour to go.” Paige brightened and pointed, “There’s Zach on the sidelines.”

At the mention of Zach, Trent became interested. A slow smile spread across his face. “And there’s Marie. Aren’t they cute? They look pretty chummy if you ask me, Paige. Look at them. They’re laughing and playful with each other.” Trent sat up with a newfound interest in football. He stared at the screen, totally transfixed. “You’d better watch out, Paige. Marie looks at Zach the way you used to look at me.”

Beyond miserable at seeing the two of them, Paige had already noticed their easy friendliness. She felt her eyes redden and didn’t dare look at Trent. He didn’t need to see how much she cared for Zach. They couldn’t officially date now due to hernew stupid managerial position, but still. She cared about him. Alot.

During the last quarter, silence befell the room, save for the cheering sports fans and endless comments by the sports commentators. Paige realized she wasn’t even watching the game. She was only watching Zach’s every move. And Marie’s. She felt a knot form in her stomach.They definitely have chemistry. Maybe he likes her. Shit.

Trent patted the bed. “Seen enough, Paige?”

Her mind skittered from Trent’s cheating to seeing Zach and Marie’s easy camaraderie. All of a sudden, she didn’t know what she thought—or felt. A lump formed in her throat. Paige quietly turned the television off, retreated to the bathroom, and leaned against the locked door.What am I doing? Why do I get myself in these predicaments?She reached for a tissue, dabbed her eyes, and blew her nose. Paige wished she had brought her phone in with her, thinking maybe she could call an Uber driver and leave before she or Trent did anything stupid. She knew she had had too much to drink and didn’t trust herself, especially after seeing Zach and Marie looking like a damn couple—on television, no less.

A knock on the door made her jump. “Are you okay in there? Come out, Paige. Let’s talk.”

49

Paige dried her tears and took a sip of water.Be calm. Be calm.Squaring her shoulders, she opened the bathroom door and gasped. Trent stood stark naked holding two glasses of wine.

“What the hell are you doing, Trent? Put on some damn clothes!”

“Oh, come on. It’s not like you haven’t seen me naked a hundred times. Here, have a glass of wine. It’ll calm you.”

Paige shook her head avoiding his naked body. Forcing herself to only look in Trent’s eyes, she said, “I’ve already had too much to drink tonight.”

“Nah, the alcohol wore off with the coffee and cake. Just drink half a glass. You’ll feel better.” Trent thrust a wineglass toward her. She noticed he had drained the wine bottle he had confiscated and had poured a healthy amount in each of their glasses.

“I might as well. What the hell.” Paige reached for the glass and took a big sip.

“That’s better. You’ll forget about Marie and Zach in no time.” Trent patted the edge of the bed.

“Will you put some clothes on? Honestly, Trent. Don’t be an ass. I’m not sleeping with you.”

He fake pouted. “How about for old time’s sake. Just this once.” When she gave him a sideways look, Trent said, “Okay, okay,” and pulled a sheet over his privates as he patted the bed again.

For whatever reason—exhaustion or disappointment—Paige sat beside Trent but avoided his gaze. She focused on a red string on the carpet, took a few more sips, and felt her shoulders relax. “No touching.”

Trent clinked her glass. “Our glasses can touch, right?”

“You’re impossible.” Paige stared at the thermostat on the wall. Suddenly sweating, she hopped up and turned the temperature down to sixty-nine degrees. Trent watched her every move. He chuckled when he saw the digital temp. “I like that number.”

“Don’t get any ideas. Will you put some PJs on? I’m getting sleepy.”

“You know I don’t wear pajamas, Paige. Does Zachy-boy wear PJs?”

“Shut up.”

Trent put both hands in the air as if he were being held up. “Sorry. I’ll stay covered up. It’s getting late. We’re going to have to go to the airport in five hours.”

“I forgot about that.” Paige yawned. “I’m really sleepy now. I guess the wine did relax me.” She went into the bathroom and reached for two oversized towels to put between them. When she returned, Trent was covered up but half sitting against the pillows.

“What are you doing with the towels?”

“Making a barrier.” Paige began rolling them up lengthwise.

“I’m not going to attack you in your sleep. Give me some credit.”

She stopped rolling the towels and stared at him. “Promise?”

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