Page 55 of Bride Games

Paige shifted her purse to the other side. “Is there another hotel close by?” She reached for her cellphone. “Just give me the name. I’ll make the reservation from here.”

“There’s one around the block. I’ll check.” The clerk picked up a telephone and called a number. After hearing, “You’re full too?” Paige groaned and leaned against the cold counter. “I guess we don’t have any choice. There’s a couch, right? He—or I—can sleep on the couch.”

“No, ma’am. We have couches in our suites, but this is a standard room. Only one queen bed.” He brightened. “But there’s a coffee pot and a charging station.” Smiling, he added, “You’ll have access to Wi-Fi. I just need a credit card.”

Trent already had his credit card out and pushed it across the counter. “Use my card. I’ll charge it to the station.”

“What station?” The clerk asked.

“A TV station.”

“You’re both on television?” The clerk eyed them. “You look like television anchors. I can tell. Beautiful people. Smart too. Well spoken.”

“Thanks.” Trent cut him off, clearly tired of the attention for once. Or just on a mission to get Paige into the hotel room, she wasn’t sure which. Horrified, she watched as he stuffed his card back inside his wallet. “Ready? It’s showtime.”

“It’s gametime,” she muttered. Paige wondered how she could get Trent to watch the game—her entire reason for this stupid trip. Trent hated sports, especially football, but she wanted—needed—to see Zach and Marie in action. She wasn’t sure how they could share a room, watch a game, and stay on each other’s side of the bed but she was determined to make it happen, even if she had to sleep on the floor. She wavered and steadied herself against a column.Why did I have so much wine?

48

The second they placed their bags inside their much-too-small room, Paige reached for the remote. She checked the guide for the Vikings versus Cowboys game and turned the television up to concert level.

Frowning, Trent said, “What are you doing? I thought we could talk and have another drink?” Trent waved the half bottle of wine they hadn’t drank. Somehow, he had smuggled it inside his navy sport jacket.

“I’m watching the rest of this game, Trent. Do whatever you want. This game is my sole purpose for being”—she waved her arms—“here.” Paige didn’t want anything sexy going on in the room and knew football would deter Trent faster than a boiling hive of bees.

Rolling his eyes, Trent said, “You know I hate football. Let’s at least watch a movie. You love rom-coms. That would be a lot more entertaining.”

“Nope.” Paige shook her head. “This is for work.”

Trent’s almost caring demeanor cracked. “Studying up, are you? I saw you trending on X a few times and not in a good way. Not like the time you were co-reporting with Zach-y boy.”

“Shut up, Trent. This is why we didn’t work out. You’re a mean-spirited egomaniac.”

“I thought it was because I dated Naomi a few times.”

“Is that her name? Hard to tell. I guess that name goes well with boobs and crotch.” Paige immediately knew she had slipped up.

“What are you talking about?” Trent let it go for once as he reached for Paige. “Speaking of boobs and crotch, how about if we get comfortable while we watch this-this”—he motioned toward the TV—“tiresome game. In fact, I’m getting a little horny thinking about watching Zach while I’m in bed with you. I bet he wouldn’t like that one bit.”

“Give it up, Trent. It’s over between us.”

Folding his arms, he asked, “You and Zach broke up?”

Sighing, she said, “Are you addled? It’s over between you and me. How many times do I have to say that?” She rummaged through her bag wondering what Zach was doing. Happy she had packed comfy, non-sexy pajamas at the last minute, she brushed her teeth, and peeked around the corner.Good.He left the game on and it’s a commercial break.Paige counted the number of towels in the bathroom trying to figure out how to roll them up to make a barrier in the middle of the bed.I can’t believe I’m in the same hotel room with Trent. Zach would not be happy about this. I’m not happy about this. But…I still wonder what goes on between Zach and Marie when they’re traveling. He says nothing, and I have to trust him, although after having a cheating fiancé, trust doesn’t come easily.

When Paige returned from the bathroom, the TV was turned low. She glared at Trent and turned the television up so loud the entire floor could probably hear it. She didn’t want Trent to think anything sexy was going to happen. She was watching the game—the entire game. And then sleeping. That’s it.

Trent fluffed two pillows behind him, yawned dramatically, and stared at his phone. “I still can’t believe you enjoy stupid football. You were never into sports, Paige. It’s just weird.”

She sat on the edge of the bed, remote in hand, as if it were her salvation. Paige turned toward Trent. “If you’ll remember, my boss assigned me to sports last year. I didn’t have any choice, but I grew to love it.”

“You should have fought harder. You were the talent.” Trent huffed as the commercial ended.

Jaw set, Paige said, “I’mstillthe talent”—or was, Paige thought, until the anonymous football critics seemingly crawled out of every state to criticize her. Jutting out her chin, Paige added, “I made ATV 10 number one. Several of my sports videos went viral and trended on X. I’d say that takes talent.”

Trent muttered, “But clearly not knowledge.”

Bristling, Paige paused the game and faced him. “What did you just say?”

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