Page 67 of Bride Games

“That you were.” Paige managed to laugh. “But it’s your job and it was mine. I miss it. The messages are probably nothing, just a fan or some cretin. Who knows? It could even be someone in the building messing with me.”

A server reappeared to take their order but Zach waved them away. Since the restaurant was nearly full, the server wasn’t toohappy for the delay but scurried away. Zach leaned forward and lowered his voice. “What exactly did the note say?”

Paige reached into her purse. She had kept both notes and handed them to Zach. “Here.”

Zach took the tiny white cards, read them, looked at the back for any distinguishable marks, and handed them back to Paige. “Maybe you should tell the cops about this. Maybe they can dust these for prints, but hell, my fingerprints are on them now.”

“Yeah, I’m blaming you now.” Paige opened her menu. “Nothing has happened in a while. Maybe it’s over. Let’s eat and talk about this later. I’m famished.”

As they devoured Asian salmon, rice, and roasted asparagus, they ate mainly in silence. Paige watched Zach chew. She could barely resist jumping over the table and kissing his lips. When Zach finished, he wiped his mouth and slid the plate toward the edge of the table. Resting on his elbows, he said, “Want dessert?”

“Only if it’s at my house.” Paige winked. “But first tell me why you haven’t been a saint.”

“You have a memory like a steel trap.” Shrugging, Zach said, “I’ve ignored you. Haven’t brought you coffee in ages, although since you’re now the station manager, it probably wouldn’t be cool. I know you’re miserable at the station, plus I didn’t defend your honor when you were stuck in a hotel with”—he scowled—"Trent. I-I…” His voice trailed off. “I guess I was jealous.”

Paige reached for her purse. “You’re forgiven. See you at my house in fifteen.”

60

Paige rushed home from the restaurant eager to brush her teeth, comb her hair, and for some reason, rearrange the pillows on her couch. When she heard the doorbell ring, she opened the door wide and embraced Zach who stood on the porch with a silly grin on his face.

“Come in. You act like this is our first date.” Paige gestured with her hand.

Zach stepped into the living room. “I haven’t been here in forever. It smells the same.”

Paige’s brows furrowed. “My house has a smell? What does it smell like?”

He rubbed his chin. “A combination of jasmine, mint, and cinnamon, I guess. All good smells. Maybe some leather too. Do you have a leather candle? Maybe it’s your white leather couch.”

“You’re talking too much.” Paige wrapped her arms around Zach’s neck, gave him a soft kiss, followed by a hungry one, and promptly led him to the bedroom.

“I don’t have a toothbrush.”

“I’d offer you mine, but nah, can’t do that.” Paige rummaged in a bathroom drawer. “You’re in luck.” She handed a small toothbrush to Zach.

“Is that for kids? Do you have a kid I don’t know about?” Zach opened the bathroom vanity doors and glanced in the shower dramatically, as if expecting to find a toddler.

“It’s for travel, goofball.” Paige disappeared into the bedroom and turned down the comforter. Within minutes Zach joined her on the bed. After a fever-pitch lovemaking session, they both sat up on pillows, nearly breathless. Paige stroked Zach’s leg. “I’ve missed you terribly.”

“Not half as much as I’ve missed you.”

“We sound like a Hallmark movie.” Paige reached for the remote. “Speaking of, want to watch anything? Is there a game on? I’ve been trying to keep track of the schedule in between my asinine administrative duties.”

“Nah, I’d rather watch you. It has been too long. Let’s just talk.” Zach added a second pillow behind his back and traced the outline of her face. “I could use some water. Want some? I think I remember where your glasses are.”

“Yes, and yes. Same place. I’ll be right here.”

Zach returned with two glasses of water and handed one to Paige. “Want to talk about us first? The games, players, or what?”

Paige studied Zach. “All of that. I want my career back so I can go on the road with you again. We just have to figure out a way to dump Marie.” Paige laughed nervously. “Have you checked the horrible posts about me lately? I can’t look any more. I’m afraid the fans and players still hate me.” Paige’s eyes reddened. “They think I’m a fraud, Zach.” She exhaled. “Which…isn’t entirely false.” She reached for his hand. “I’m going to come clean about something—something major. I didn’t know a thing about sports, especially football, when I started as a sideline reporter last year.”

“You didn’t?” Zach shifted his weight toward her. “You sure fooled me. Wow.”

“I should have told you but I didn’t know if I could trust you. When Mr. Hales hired you and decided we’d go on the road together, you were Mr. I Know Everything About Sports. Ask me a stat, any stat. That kind of guy. The kind I feared most with this big career change.” Paige chuckled when she noticed his surprised face. “I couldn’t possibly tell you I was a rookie after I learned of your vast sports knowledge. Besides, you had me on such a pedestal.” She took a deep breath. “I guess the social media trolls are right. I’m a fraud.”

“Paige Daniels, you arenota fraud. You were thrust into a situation you didn’t have any control over. And you exceeded. In fact, youexcelled. I remember when ESPN and many other news outlets carried your sports stories and interviews, over and over. You trended on X multiple times. You went viral. You were at the top of your game.” Zach held her face in his. “Don’teversay you’re a fraud again, okay?”

“Thanks.” Paige sniffled. “That means a lot. It really does.”

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