Page 7 of Bride Games

7

Paige

P aige and Zach caught an early flight. After he reassured her the prank caller was likely a one and done, she relaxed as they mapped out their trip to observe the new NFL draft picks. “We need to learn their names and backstories.” After hearing a mumbled, “uh huh,” Paige opened her laptop to research several promising players and took copious notes while Zach slept the entire flight.

Exhausted from the long day, as well as the scorching heat that had beaten down on them relentlessly while at the stadium for hours, Paige was beyond ready to leave. The station had placed them in separate hotel rooms since they were colleagues and no one was wiser to their relationship. She was secretly glad—at least for tonight. She simply wanted a good night’s sleep and Zach seemed to agree. They kissed goodbye in the elevator and that was about all Paige remembered before nearly oversleeping the following morning.

Paige jumped out of bed and shoved her phone and charger in her purse. She changed into a long, silky white blouse and black leggings. She quickly brushed her hair, teeth, and applied red lip gloss. Racing downstairs, she spotted Zach having breakfast. Luckily, he had ordered for her. The table was filled with a variety of breakfast food.

She slid into the booth, nearly out of breath from rushing. “Thanks for ordering, Zach. You’re always on top of it.” As Paige finished the last bite of scrambled egg and drained her coffee, she checked the time. “We should leave for the airport. It’s getting la?—”

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the infamous Paige Daniels and her oh-so-handsome sidekick.” The buxom redhead with the sultry female voice continued, “Morning. Mind if I have a seat?” The intruder squeezed in beside Zach without waiting for an answer.

Paige immediately recognized the gorgeous, bubbly sports reporter from ESPN. The woman sat an inch—if that—from Zach who, Paige noticed, didn’t seem to mind whatsoever. Paige studied the woman’s voluptuous figure accented by a low-cut, tight-fitting green dress and high-heeled camel booties. As the woman crossed her legs, Paige watched as Zach’s eyes landed on her thigh. Feeling a tinge of jealousy, Paige chided herself.

The woman extended her hand. “We’ve never officially met. Marie Fallon. I’ve seen both of you on the field many times.”

Paige reached for Marie Fallon’s hand. Practically every finger was adorned with gold rings. Her nails were long and pointy . “Nice to meet you.” Paige narrowed her eyes. “Your nails could be weapons. Do you have to register them with the TSA?” She immediately hated herself for being so petty.

Marie wiggled her fingers in front of Zach’s face. “What do you think of my nails, Zachy?” The woman had already given Zach the same pet name Paige’s former fiancé, Trent, always used for him. However, when Marie Fallon said it, the name came off as flirty rather than venomous.

“They’re pretty.” Zach gave a half shrug. “But I’m not sure how you button your clothes.”

Marie actually batted her eyelashes. “Oh, I can do a lot of things with these hands. Good things. Very good things.”

Paige watched as pink crept up Zach’s neck. Ready to end this cozy get-together, she tapped her watch. “We need to leave, Zach. Otherwise, we’re going to miss our flight.”

The intruder said, “You’re going to the airport? What do you know? So am I. Mind if I hitch a ride? Thanks. I’ll just get a coffee to go. Want anything?” Marie frantically waved a server over while Paige fumed. Zach avoided looking at either woman.

On the ride to the airport, Marie made sure she sat next to Zach—right next to Zach—while Paige was forced to ride in the front seat. With every giggle coming from the back, she bristled. Zach seemed to enjoy the attention and she really couldn’t blame him. Paige was hugely attracted to Zach but mostly held him at arm’s length since her engagement had ended less than a year ago, plus they worked for the same TV station. Their relationship was complicated, but she didn’t want to lose him—and definitely not to Marie Fallon. She knew that much for certain. The previous year Paige had turned down an extremely lucrative offer from their rival station across town—the one where Trent continues as the main anchor. Zach was more important than a bigger salary. Paige loved working with him. Enjoyed their easy comradery, his thoughtful manner, and how he always brought her coffee or knew exactly what to say when she was faced with a challenge. Paige bristled when she heard another giggle followed by Zach’s chuckle. Wake up, Paige. You could lose this amazing guy.

When the agonizing ride was finally over, Paige grabbed her carryon and threw her purse strap over her shoulder, ready to bolt to the ticket counter. But Zach lingered, for whatever reason. She cursed under her breath. “I’m going to the restroom, Zach. I’ll meet you in a minute.” Zach, embroiled in a conversation with Marie, didn’t bother responding.

Paige’s voice trailed off. “Or I’ll see you on the plane. Whatever.” Dammit. Several minutes later, when Zach was nowhere to be found, Paige made it through security. When she got to the gate, she ordered a coffee, and glanced around their gate but didn’t see Zach. Once she boarded, Paige took her seat and waited for Zach to appear—or not. Several minutes later, Zach eventually made his way onto the plane and sat down with a thud.

As Zach buckled his seatbelt, he said, “That was interesting. It’s the first time I’ve spoken to Marie. I’ve seen her on the field through a throng of players, but we’ve never had a conversation until today.” He studied a silent Paige. “She’s nice. Right?”

“Nice?” Paige stared ahead. “Yeah, I guess.”

Zach turned toward her. “What’s wrong?”

Why are men always so clueless? Paige chose her words carefully. After all, she and Zach weren’t officially in an exclusive relationship. “Nothing, I guess. I mean, I don’t know.” The rest of the flight, Zach had his nose buried in a sports magazine while Paige attempted to sleep. When the plane landed with a thud, she told Zach she had a meeting to prepare for and was going to the station.

Shrugging, Zach said, “Suit yourself. I’m taking the afternoon off. See you back at the ranch soon.” He grinned. “I’m pretty beat but maybe I can get a round of golf in.”

“Have fun.” Paige hugged him but wrinkled her nose as she pulled back. “You smell like perfume.”

Zach sniffed his shirt. “Marie’s perfume was pretty strong. Guess I’d better wash this shirt. Smells good, though. I wonder what it’s called.”

Enemy , Paige thought. Marie’s perfume must be called Enemy, or maybe Foe. She turned on her heel and headed for her car wondering why she was so jealous of another woman. I don’t like this version of me; but my gut tells me I shouldn’t like her even more.