Page 21 of Riding with the Secret Billionaire

I want to believe him, but doubt has crept in, tarnishing the magic of moments before. "How convenient that the womanyou're supposedly attracted to happens to be your direct line to information about your security contract."

"Trish," he says, reaching for me, but I step back.

"I need some air," I announce, grabbing my key card from the bedside table. "Don't wait up."

I'mout the door before he can respond, my feet carrying me across the motel parking lot toward the only place still lit up in this tiny town, the high school football stadium. The sound of cheering reaches me as I approach, the game apparently still in progress despite the late hour.

I pay the entrance fee automatically, not really caring about the game, but needing somewhere to clear my head, to process the roller coaster of emotions of the past hour.

The bleachers are packed with enthusiastic fans dressed in the home team's blue and gold colors. I find a spot at the far end, away from the main crowd, and sit down, watching without really seeing as teenage boys crash into each other on the field below.

Jake had a professional reason to be heading to Foxfire Valley. To Jordyn's wedding. The revelation shouldn't bother me as much as it does. After all, it makes perfect sense that a high-profile wedding would have security. And it's not like Jake lied to me, he just omitted certain details.

But combined with his cryptic comments about "complications" and his reluctance to take our physical relationship further, the revelation casts everything in adifferent light. Is his attraction to me genuine? Or is it a calculated part of maintaining my cooperation during our journey?

The home team scores a touchdown, and the crowd erupts around me, momentarily pulling me from my thoughts. As the cheering subsides, someone sits beside me on the bleacher.

"You're not much of a football fan, are you?" asks a deep voice that isn't Jake's.

I turn to find a middle-aged man in a Basic Plaines coaching jacket watching me with friendly curiosity. "Is it that obvious?"

He laughs. "Well, our team just scored the winning touchdown in the biggest game of the season, and you didn't even blink."

"Sorry," I say, attempting a smile. "Just a lot on my mind."

"Passing through?" he guesses. "Not many visitors stop in Basic Plaines unless they have to."

"Just for the night," I confirm. "On my way to Nevada."

"Long drive," he comments. "Alone?"

The question sends up a small warning flag, making me suddenly aware of how isolated I am from the main crowd. "No," I say firmly. "My... partner is back at the motel. Expecting me soon."

The man nods, seeming to accept this without suspicion. "Well, enjoy your stay, brief as it is. Not much to see in Basic Plaines, but we're proud of what we have." He gestures toward the celebrating team. "Mostly this."

"I can see why," I say politely. "They seem very... enthusiastic."

He laughs again, standing up. "That's one word for it. Have a safe trip to Nevada."

As he moves away, I realize the game is ending. Fans are beginning to file out of the stadium. I should head back to the motel, face Jake, and the uncomfortable conversation thatawaits. But the thought of returning to that small room, filled with the lingering tension of our interrupted moment, makes my stomach twist.

My phone buzzes with a text. Jake.

Jake: Where are you? It's not safe to be out alone in an unfamiliar town.

The concern would be touching if I wasn't still annoyed with him.

Me: At the football game. I'm fine. Need space to think.

Three dots appear immediately, then disappear, then appear again.

Jake: I understand. Take your time. But please be careful coming back. I'll wait up.

Despite my irritation, warmth blooms in my chest at his message. Even now, his first priority is my safety. It's both infuriating and endearing.

I stay at the stadium until the crowd has mostly dispersed, the excitement of the home team's victory fading into the quiet of the late Kansas night. When I finally make my way back to the motel, the parking lot is dark except for the flickering neon of the sign and a single light visible through the curtains of our room.

Jake is waiting up, just as he promised.

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