Chapter Five

 

Parker opened her jewelry box and took out the diamond earrings she wanted to wear tonight to the Ultimate Champion party. It had been a very busy day so far, and the last thing she wanted to do was socialize, but being part of the show made attendance an obligation. The show’s ratings were going through the roof, and the production staff wanted to celebrate with the remaining contestants after the third challenge. She was in the lead, and much to her chagrin, the show was still promoting her and Riley in their media campaign. They even encouraged her to open a social media account, which she hated. Being a private detective was a behind-the-scenes occupation. Tagging locations and telling the world about her plans for the day was counterintuitive to the nature of her job. She’d put up a fight until Jen showed her that it was in her contract to have a minimum of two social media accounts as a contestant. So she acquiesced and asked Bridgette to create profiles for her on the two most popular sites. The teen was only too happy to do it and had been monitoring it for her.

The RSVPs were pouring in for the engagement party, and the caterer had been booked. She’d gotten offers of help from Wyatt’s mom and Teri-Lyn. They were going to take care of the decorations. All that was left to do was get the couple a gift.

She’d done her best to stay awake in the Regency class on checking out locations where clients would make public appearances. She knew the drill. Check for functioning exits, blind spots in the rooms, and assess the timeframe for client evacuation in the event something should occur. It was all very pedantic, but she knew it was necessary. Another thing on her huge To-Do List was the surveillance class with Trevor and her firearms recertification. She’d made a date with Sam to go to the range and get some practice in before the test.

There was a knock at the bedroom door, and then it opened. It was Avery.

“I found the necklace.” Avery held it up but stopped dead in her tracks. “You look beautiful. What color suit is Riley wearing?”

“He’s wearing a blue suit with the striped tie I bought him for that banquet we attended two months ago.”

“Nice. He looks gorgeous in everything, but I like the navy blue suits on him.”

“Yeah, they complement his eyes.” Parker smiled. “Women need mascara and tons of eye shadow to bring out their facial features. All a man needs is a sexy pair of come-hither eyes.”

“The price we pay for looking glamorous.” Avery glanced down at her sweatshirt and yoga pants. “I haven’t been in danger of getting glammed up in a while.”

“You will soon have an excellent reason to get dolled up.” Parker pointed to the spiral notebook as she put on her earring. “I recruited Bonnie and Teri-Lyn to help with the decorations. The caterer has an awesome menu planned, guaranteed to please every palette. We are good to go.”

“Awesome. I just wish planning my wedding would be this easy.”

“You do realize you need a wedding planner, right? Because your mom and Bonnie will eventually butt heads.”

“I know.” Avery sighed. “I will get one as soon as Wyatt and I hammer out a date, which we plan to announce at the engagement party. I’m not looking forward to telling the moms they’re being replaced as wedding planners.”

“They both want to help. I’m sure you’ll find a way they can be helpful but not in each other’s way.”

“Mom sent me a picture of Theresa’s wedding dress. It is so beautiful. I loved Peyton’s dress too.” Avery put the necklace on her. “Mom wants me to come back to Philly so we can go dress shopping. There are so many choices, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“I’ve heard that when you the find the right dress, you know instantly.” Parker smiled.

Bridgette walked into the room with her laptop in her hand. “Wow. Looking good. You totally don’t look like yourself.”

She shot Bridgette a look. “Excuse me?”

“I mean…” Bridgette looked at Avery for help.

“She means you’re channeling your inner diva tonight,” Avery added. “Riley’s going to flip when he sees you.”

“Uh huh. What are you ladies up to tonight?”

“I am hitting the books here.”

“I thought you were going to have a study session with some of your med school friends?”

“I was, but Bridgette is babysitting Harper and Little Bo. The older folks down the hall are having a date night. I thought I’d stick around in case she needs me.”

“Why would I need help with Harper and Little Bo?” Bridgette frowned. “How much trouble can two toddlers possibly be? I’ll feed them, give them a few toys, and let them tire themselves out. Should take an hour tops. Then Aubrey and I are going to binge watch a television show we both like.”

Parker and Avery burst out laughing. Bridgette hadn’t done much babysitting for the kids in the family. Harper and Little Bo were like twin cyclones zipping around an entire floor filled with family members.

“Tell me again why I’m wearing these stilts?” Parker said. “I feel like a giant.” The silver heels were perfect for the opal-colored dress with the lace overlay. But they were killing her feet, and she hadn’t gotten out the door yet.

“Because they showcase those awesome legs of yours, and Riley doesn’t have to bend so low to kiss you.”

“Trust me, you will be hated by everyone at that event.” Bridgette looked down at her own legs. “I am height challenged. I don’t get it. My dad’s tall, but I got the short stick in the gene pool.”

“All the Reed women are on the short side.” Avery laughed. “Suck it up. You don’t hear me complaining.”

Parker looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit she did look different tonight. She’d been putting in the extra effort these days, not knowing when someone would jump out to take a pic of Riley. The last time they were photographed by a gossip magazine, she’d been wearing a pair of jeans, a shirt, and had a baseball cap on her head. She hadn’t looked bad, but Riley, a man the camera loved, had looked like a million bucks. She’d just happened to be in a coffee shop where a couple of women were looking through the magazine that had taken the photo, and their snarky comments about her had entirely pissed her off.

Wasn’t she allowed to be normal? According Morgan and the other women in the family who had high-profile husbands, random criticisms from strangers was something you learned to have a thick skin about. Morgan told her about the time early in their marriage when Seth’s publicist had told him to get rid of her. The publicist had claimed she was too generic-looking to be with the likes of Seth Blake.

First off, that was ridiculous. She couldn’t imagine someone with more beauty, grace, and poise than Morgan. She complemented her husband perfectly. Seth and Morgan looked like they were made for each other. The height disparity was adorable. Their children were the perfect blend of their parents’ traits, and they weren’t raising celebrity kids. The Blakes posed for the camera when necessary, but kept all that PR crap out of their private lives. Blake matriarch Teri-Lyn said that’s why they were such a happy family.

The allure of fame and fortune was a seductive thing. She’d met Riley mid-seduction, and she’d hated his guts. But he’d pivoted when he realized the value of being away from the camera when he was off the field for the right reasons. He was becoming a beloved football player. He no longer needed to keep his name circulating in the media so he’d stand out. So many other athletes did, like a few fellow team members, but he’d moved beyond that.

She did a half turn and sighed. She was happy. She loved every aspect of her life, and being with Riley had only made it better. But she didn’t want to be a hindrance to his public image. She was tired of feeling like she wasn’t being captured in her best moment. Tonight though, she was making an effort for her public image. It was still superficial, but it was a part of being on the show. In a way, being with Riley had prepared her for this.

She came back to the moment. Bridgette was talking to her. “What did you say, Bridgette?”

“I’ll need a photo of you and Riley to post. I’ve been hashtagging him in the photos too. People are surprised you two are dating. Since they found out, your following has tripled, and it’s growing every day. You should read the comments. There’s plenty of family members posting their well wishes. And half of your old high friends, who complain that you don’t keep in touch, are OMG-ing and using shock emojis. Riley’s teammate Keenen is one of your biggest fans.”

“I don’t keep in touch with people I knew in high school. I have no desire to relive the past.” She picked up the shell evening purse she’d be wearing. “Do me a favor? Keep the comments focused on the show. Delete the other crap.”

“No worries, I have a filter system. You get some weird comments too, almost cryptic. I get rid of those immediately. You also get posts from the people who work for the show. They’re definitely rooting for you to be the face of the show.”

“Wow,” Avery said. “You’re really taking an interest in this, Bridgette. Thanks.”

The doorbell rang.

“That’s Riley.” Parker headed out of her bedroom with Avery and Bridgette in tow.

“It’s my job to keep the older folks up to date on technology.” Bridgette scooted past her and answered the door. “Riley, you look good.”

“Thanks, Bridge,” Riley said as he stepped inside the apartment. His eyes locked on Parker. “Parker. You look stunning.”

“Thank you.” She smiled did a little twirl.

“Riley, you handsome devil. Love your latest magazine cover,” Avery said.

“Yes. You did look hot.” Bridgette giggled. “I want you to autograph my copy.”

“The magazine came out?” She gave him a quizzical look.

“Yes. They sent me a copy yesterday. It’s in circulation.”

Bridgette took her cell phone out of her jeans pocket. “Let me a get a picture of the two of you to post with a mention about the party tonight.”

“I don’t know about that.” Parker grimaced.

“It will be fine.” Riley put on a smile for the photo.

“Ultimate Champion has already posted that you’ll be at the party,” Bridgette said.

“OK. Fine.”

“You look amazing.” He put his arm around her waist. “I have just the perfect accessory to go with your ensemble.”

“I thought you were my perfect accessory.”

“Look this way,” Bridgette said.

They stilled for the photo.

“As much as I love to hang off your arm like delicious eye-candy, I had something else in mind tonight that may even upstage me.”

“Really? What is it?”

“It’s downstairs.” He flashed a mischievous grin.

“I can’t wait to see what it is.”

“Did you get it, Bridge?”

“Yes. Thanks, Riley. I will post this now.”

“OK, ladies I have my cell on if you need anything,” Parker said as Riley helped her into her short, designer trench coat.

“Have a good time.” Avery waved.

She was ready to leave when she looked over and saw Bridgette’s fingers flying over the keys. What Bridgette said earlier popped into Parker’s head again. “Bridgette, you said you got some cryptic comments?”

“Yeah.” She shook her head. “It was some troll saying you were in danger and the accidents that have been happening for the past two seasons weren’t accidents at all. They use this lame username too. PhantomOfTheUCOpera. How ridic is that?”

“Almost as ridic as you not finishing the word ridiculous,” Avery said.

Parker frowned. “Let me know if you get any more before you erase them.”

“OK, I can put them in hiding or modify before I delete.”

“Thanks. Good night, ladies.” Parker waved as Riley ushered her out the door.

“We are going to have a great time tonight.” Riley kissed her hand.

“I know I’ll be spending the evening with you. And my surprise.” She smiled.

 

 

Riley punched the elevator button for the garage. Parker’s surprise was either going to score him some major boyfriend points, or it was going to be the death of him. When the salesman called and said Regency had OK’d the modifications to her new car and it was now ready, he decided it would be the perfect time to give it to her to take to the party.

“My surprise is in the garage?” She gave him a look. “We’re not having sex in your car. There are cameras everywhere.”

“No. It’s not that, but I hope that isn’t off the table completely.” He took her hand as they stepped out of the elevator. “But it does require me covering your eyes.”

“Not a chance. You know how long it took me to slap this war paint on my face?”

“I hadn’t noticed. You look this beautiful all the time.” He winked.

“Good grief,” she huffed. “You just totally played to my ego, and I hate that I’m falling for it. Cover my eyes, but be careful with the makeup. One smudge and ‘smoky eye’ turns into ‘drunk raccoon’ real quick.”

Riley gently put his hands over her eyes and guided her over to the parking spot.

“Surprise.” He removed his hands. “What do you think?”

She stood there for a moment not saying a word.

After a few minutes, he just couldn’t take it anymore. “Say something. Anything.”

“It’s a car with a bow on it.”

“Yes. It’s your new car.”

“I know.” She put her hands on her hips.

“Blue Steel isn’t coming back. We gave her a nice memorial, remember? It’s time to move on.” He caressed her arms.

“Did you do this because you’re tired of driving me around?”

“No.” He sighed. “I bought you this car because it gave me great pleasure to buy something for you that I knew you needed and that you’d love.”

“It’s luxurious and fancy. I’m not fancy.”

“I know you like to describe yourself as down-to-earth and practical. But in a lot of ways, you’re just like this car. Sleek, sexy, high-charged, and have a commanding presence. People can’t look away from you, even if you don’t realize it.”

“I can’t believe you, Riley Sloane. But I know your heart was in the right place.”

“I know how much Blue Steel meant to you. It’s your last big connection to your father. I completely understand that. But I also know you need a high-performance car, and I want you to be safe. Just try it out.” He opened the driver’s door. “If you don’t like it, I’ll take it back.”

“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to test drive it.” Parker reluctantly slid into the driver’s seat and put her hands on the wheel.

Riley removed the big red ribbon. “It has a performance data recorder and heated seats. There’s a cool app you can download, and it—”

“Has a 6.2-liter V8 engine, 460 horsepower and can go from zero to sixty in 3.7 seconds.” Parker stroked the steering wheel.

He raised an eyebrow. “The lady knows her cars.”

“Like you said, I like good-looking things with high energy that perform well.” She winked at him.

“Are you talking about me or the car?”

“Get in, handsome.” Parker motioned her head in the direction of the passenger seat.

Riley hopped into the passenger seat and put on his seatbelt. Parker pushed the button to turn on the car and adjusted the mirrors. The engine purred softly. He’d almost forgotten. He reached into his suit pocket and retrieved her cell phone. “I took the liberty of syncing your phone and put in the GPS for the location of the hotel.”

“You just sit back and let Momma drive.” She flashed a wicked grin.

Riley gripped the dash as Parker sped out of the parking spot. The hotel was twenty minutes away, but they had to get on the freeway. She expertly navigated the city streets and was like a kid with a new toy. She found her favorite radio station and hit the button so her speed could display on the windshield. As she as she got on freeway thirty, she pressed the accelerator, and in a flash, they were traveling at what seemed like light speed.

“Parker, sweetheart.” He tugged at the knot in his tie. “It’s probably better to stick to the speed limit.”

She checked her mirror, then veered into the next lane. “You sound worried.”

“No. Just concerned. I always thought I’d go out with a bang but not by bottoming out on the freeway.” He grinned.

She shook her head. “You used to be so daring. What’s happening with you?”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s growing pains, but I’ve had a lot of time lately to think about the future.”

“Such as?”

“I’d like to have one. With you. It’s not going to happen if you’re going Mach five on the freeway and we wreck.”

Parker slowed down a bit. “Sorry, the new toy is a distraction from something Bridgette said before we left.”

“What was that?”

“She said someone with the username PhantomOfTheUCOpera has been leaving cryptic comments on social media feeds.”

“It sounds like troll comments.” The hair on the back of his neck stood up. The last thing he wanted was for Parker to have a stalker.

“She said they mentioned I was in danger. They claimed the accidents that plagued the show the last two seasons were really sabotage.”

“Some people are just sick and don’t care what they say because they can hide behind a computer screen.”

She’d whipped the curve coming into the hotel and did a hard brake and stopped on a dime in front of the entrance. Well, it was more like a cool trick that Tyler would do on his race track at the ranch to impress the kids. Riley was pretty sure his life flashed before his eyes twice.

“Nice moves, babe,” Riley mumbled then made the sign of the cross. “Amen.”

She squinted at him. “Are you saying you don’t like my driving?”

“No. I just thought it was a good time to talk to the big man in the sky.” He turned to her with a smile. “Does this mean you like the car?”

“Damn you, it’s awesome.” She sighed. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t miss Blue Steel.”

“I know.” He squeezed her hand.

The valet approached the car.

“OK, let’s have fun tonight. But I intend to do some discreet digging. You know, ask a few questions about the accidents. Will you help?”

He knew that tone in her voice. “Tonight is about having fun. Promise me you will have fun. And of course I’ll help you.”

She smiled and looked around. “Well, this isn’t the Blake Hotel, but it’s nice.”

“Watch it. You sound like those snobby people you complain about.” He held out his arm for her to take.

“Maybe I’m a little fancier than I thought.” She wrinkled her nose.

They stopped when a photographer asked for a photo. Parker really did look stunning tonight. Those long, mocha, toned legs peeking out from beneath that dress were driving him crazy. Not to mention her perfect ass and full breasts that gave her athletic figure a soft look. The fancy French braid framed her face perfectly. She looked stunning and elegant, and he wanted her, as the bulge in his crotch could attest.

 

* * *

 

Parker sipped on her champagne as she scoped out the crowd. All the major players were present and had their phony smiles plastered on their faces. Among the strange faces, she saw a familiar one. It was Melissa. She had someone with her.

“Melissa.” She waved her over.

“Parker, it’s great to see you.”

“You too. You met my boyfriend Riley,” Parker said. “And is this your husband, Todd?”

“Yes.” Melissa smiled. “Good memory.”

Riley shook both their hands. “Nice to see you again, Melissa. Nice to meet you, Todd. Melissa, you are a great competitor.”

“Thanks. What a compliment coming from you.” Melissa’s cheeks turned red. “I’m not as good as Parker, but I can hold my own.”

“It’s damn nice to meet you, Riley.” Todd grinned from ear to ear as he shook Riley’s hand. “When I watched the taping, I was in shock when I saw Melissa’s new friend was dating the Riley Sloane. You are one hell of a quarterback.”

Melissa grimaced. “I’m so sorry I didn’t know who you were. Todd made me feel like I’d done something sacrilegious for not getting your autograph.”

“No problem. I’m not obsessed with being recognized, like some people. When I’m not playing football, I’m just Riley, Parker’s boyfriend.” Riley put his arm around Parker’s waist.

Parker looked up at Riley and smiled.

Melisa continued. “I was disappointed we didn’t get to see each other during the last show taping. I didn’t think they’d pick me to perform so early, and then I had to leave to get Todd ready for a business trip.”

“Oh. I completely understand.” Parker replied.

“How’s the team looking? You looking forward to the new season?”

“I’ll be ready for action.” Riley nodded. “Todd, why don’t we go over to the bar and get the ladies another drink?”

“Sure.”

Riley winked at Parker and took her glass. “Be right back.”

“It’s sure quite a turnout.” Melissa looked around the room.

“Yes. I can’t believe they went all out.”

“I heard someone say the ratings are really high this season. The network wanted to show its appreciation to the show. I also heard they’re rolling out some new incentives that will be announced tonight.”

“I can’t wait to see what they’ve cooked up now.” Parker looked at her. “I thought we were supposed to get together and work out. What happened?”

“Can I be honest with you?”

“Sure.”

“I was a little intimidated when I found out who you were. Todd pointed out who Riley was, and I felt like an absolute fool. I watch football with him and his friends. I should have known he was the quarterback for Texas’s beloved football team.”

“It’s not like you pissed off the football gods or something. Riley doesn’t care about being recognized. He keeps a low profile in the offseason.”

“OK. What I am about to say next is going to sound childish and foolish.” Melissa gulped. “Todd did an Internet search on Riley so I could read his bio. Then he did a search on you, and we found out you live an interesting life. Your dad was a Texas Ranger. You’re related to the Blake family. You’re a private investigator. Why would you want to hang out with me? You’re a badass that hangs around famous people all the time.”

“Because you’re a nice person, and I thought we had fun. And my family and friends are down to earth too. I don’t lead a high-profile life, and I don’t want someone to be nice to me because I’m dating someone famous.”

“And hot,” Melissa blurted out. “We won’t tell my husband I said that. The showrunners were right to hone in on you.”

“Actually, I’m not happy about that. Riley and I like our privacy. I can assure you I live a very normal life.”

“Was that Riley’s Corvette I saw you pull up in?”

“No.” There went her “average girl” persona in an instant. “It’s mine. Riley bought that for me because I crashed my old car.”

“Normal. Right. Uh huh.” Melissa bit back a smile.

They both laughed together.

“OK. I am an average person if you don’t count the famous boyfriend and expensive new car.”

Parker looked at the bar and saw a crowd forming around Riley. Apparently people were finally getting a clue as to his identity. Sunny was getting rather close to him. It was worth it to see the diva’s face drop when Riley smiled at her and pointed over at Parker.

“Looks like Riley just told Sunny something she didn’t want to hear,” Melissa said.

“Sunny’s nothing new. He has to fend off women like that all the time. It can be annoying, but I trust Riley.” She did trust him. She was also mindful of the advice Morgan had given her. Ignore the distractions and focus on the relationship.

“He seems like a good guy. He really raved about you in that interview he did for that magazine. You’re a lucky woman.”

“Thanks.” She still hadn’t gotten around to reading the article. She’d thought it was the normal Q & A he’d been bombarded with in the past. “So how about we make a date to work out together next week?”

“Sure.” Melissa smiled. “I’m available in the mornings.”

“Great. I have some classes to attend, but I’m available a couple of mornings.”

“Are you two ladies buddying up?” a voice said behind them.

Parker turned around to see the assistant producer Jen and show-star Jax.

“Hi, Jen. Yes, we’re going to be workout partners. Do you want to cover that too?”

“Hell yeah.” Jen laughed. “We love to see buddy teams. Maybe we can have some video of you two training together.”

Jax interrupted. “Parker, did you come alone? I thought maybe we could—”

“No. My boyfriend Riley is here, like always.” She pointed to Riley. “We’re pretty much a package deal.”

“He looks rather muscle-ly,” Jax drawled. “If you like that bulky type. I prefer to be a lean muscleman. He doesn’t use steroids does he?”

“No, that’s all natural, grade-A beef,” Parker replied. “No preservatives. He’s a football player.”

“Oh. A jock.” He rolled his eyes.

“Not a jock, the jock. Riley plays for the Tomcats,” Jen said enthusiastically.

“I’m pretty sure his physique is a job requirement,” Parker mused.

“He’s the one who’s always half naked on magazine covers?” Jax said with a hint of disdain in his voice.

“Uh huh,” Jen and Melissa said at the same time.

“He’s reformed. He had on a shirt for the last magazine.”

“A tight one,” Jen murmured.

“You sound like fangirls.”

“It’s more like healthy admiration,” Melissa said.

“Well then, I’ll leave you to your squad goals. If you’ll excuse me,” Jax walked away.

“Wow,” Parker said.

“Don’t mind Jax. He believes he’s the only true athlete on the planet. He fancies himself as the next fitness guru.” Jen waved a hand. “Back to you two. I smell a feel-good segment brewing.”

“I don’t know. I don’t want people to see how horrific I look after a workout,” Melissa said. “It’s not pretty.”

“It’s just more pressure we don’t need,” Parker added.

“I know you’re not exactly enthused that the show’s been covering you, but you and Riley are ratings gold. Our social media page views have skyrocketed since you joined the competition. He’s been tagging us in his social media accounts too. It’s been quite a boost for us. Do you think Riley would do an interview with us?”

“When he’s not playing football, he gets paid well to endorse products and give interviews. No one is going to use him.” Parker folded her arms across her chest. She hated that his support for her was translating in major dollars and cents for the network. “I’m sure Riley cheering me on from the sidelines fetches a nice price tag for advertisers and sponsors as long as I remain in the competition.”

“It’s definitely a plus.” Jen cleared her throat. “This is an opportunity for you too. Who knows where this may lead for you.”

“I already have a career. And I don’t mix business with pleasure.”

“Come on.” Jen smirked. “You can’t tell me there aren’t any advantages to being with a man like Riley. He’s a hot superstar. What more could you ask for?”

“I could ask for people to not make shallow observations. There’s more to life than being with a hot guy.”

“Says the woman who already has one. The rest of us are still praying for a miracle every night.” Jen held up her hands as if in surrender. “But I respect your position.”

“I’m willing to support the show. But other than cheering for me on the sidelines, Riley’s off the table. Unlike my obligatory social media accounts, Riley’s not in my contract.”

“I get it.” Jen sighed. “And thanks for stepping up on the social media platforms. I really appreciate it.”

“Don’t thank me. My social media coordinator is my nineteen-year-old cousin,” Parker replied. “But I supervise and approve.”

“She does a great job.”

“If you ladies will excuse me, I have to go to the restroom,” Melissa said.

Parker waited until she was out of earshot to continue talking. “Jen, why don’t you profile Melissa? She’s good too.”

“But you’re more interesting. It’s so cute that Riley calls you Bruiser. I was hoping to get you on tape explaining the nickname.”

“Jen…” Parker said with a hint of warning in her voice. She either wasn’t getting it or just didn’t want to hear it. It was time to change the subject. Behind her was Damon, the guy who’d been injured during the first competition. “Is Damon OK? I noticed he wasn’t at the second taping.”

Jen looked back at him. “Unfortunately, his doctor advised that he avoid physical activity before he does more damage to that ankle. Which is a shame because he had a great run, and we had a whole block of time devoted to him and his story this season. But we’re hopeful he can get back in there before the semi-finals.”

“So you pre-determine who’s going to be spotlighted?”

“Sometimes.” Jen shrugged. “We talk about it in the production meetings. For example, you do well with our core audience, which are eighteen to forty-nine-year-olds.”

“Did you ever find out what happened? Why did that obstacle frame fail?”

“We think one of the construction architects got sloppy.”

“I was binge-watching the previous seasons and I noticed a few other accidents. Is this an ongoing problem?” Parker tried to sound as casual as possible.

“Every once in a while we have the occasional snafu. It’s nothing to worry about.” Jen waved at someone across the room. “I have to go. It was good talking to you. I hope you don’t mind me saying you’re a favorite on the show. I just want you to get what you deserve.”

Before Parker could ask another question, Jen was gone. Riley and Todd were coming back with the drinks, and Sunny was trailing close behind him.

“For you.” Riley handed her a glass of champagne.

“Thanks, babe.” She put on a smile and looked over his shoulder. “I see you made a new friend and here she comes.”

“Parker.” Sunny stood next to Riley. “Good to see you again.”

“This is the first time we’ve met.”

“That can’t be. I said hello at the last taping.”

“No, you didn’t,” Parker countered.

“I didn’t? I totally meant to reach out to you.” Sunny flashed a smile. “We ladies on the show need to stick together and support each other. I was just telling Riley we should partner up on the show.”

“Partner up and do what exactly?”

“We could hang out together. I could take you under my wing and show you the ropes.”

It would’ve almost sounded sincere if Sunny hadn’t been looking at Riley when she said it.

“No thanks. I already have a workout partner.” Parker motioned to Melissa, who was coming back into the banquet room.

“Two amateurs really shouldn’t practice together,” Sunny huffed.

“I think it’s neat. We’re both starting the journey together.”

“You’re going to get a lot of exposure being on the show. It would be better to align with someone who’s already gone through the motions. We could have a showmance.”

“Showmance?” Riley gave Parker a curious look.

“It’s when two people join forces to fabricate a relationship of some kind to get maximum publicity,” Parker answered. “BFFs, frenemies, and heightened superficial rivalries. It’s reality television 101. If it’s a really pseudo drama-driven show, two people can hit all of the bullet points in one season.” Parker smiled when Sunny’s mouth gaped open a bit. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my family, it’s how to work the media. Thanks for the offer, but I’ll stick with Melissa.”

“Suit yourself.” Sunny sauntered off.

“What was that all about?” Melissa said as she took her glass of wine from her husband.

“She was offering to help, but I think she had something else in mind.”

They took their seats at the table. Todd was telling them about his new job at a major pharmaceutical company. Melissa was still looking for work.

“What kind of work did you do?”

“Graphic design. I was a jack of all trades for a small advertising company in Minnesota.”

“Mel is an awesome web designer,” Todd said. “She does a lot of freelance work too. When I took the position I have, I didn’t realize it would be this difficult for her to find work.” Todd caressed Melissa’s hand.

“Sounds interesting. Haven’t had any luck?”

“I’ve had a few interviews, but nothing has materialized yet.” Melissa played with her salad. “I auditioned for the show to distract me from going stir crazy.”

Jen took to the stage and said a few words before introducing one of the showrunners.

Jeremy approached the tables, his eyes glued on Riley. “Parker. Melissa. Would you mind getting on stage to say a few words? Since you’re first timers, we’d love to hear about your experiences with the show so far.”

“Sure,” Melissa said excitedly, then looked at Parker.

“Sure, why not?” Parker replied.

“Come with me. You’ll go on together right after Wes, the show’s executive producer, speaks. I’ll take you onstage, and you can wait for Jen to call you to the podium.”

Riley and Todd both rose as the ladies got up from their seats and followed Jeremy up the small set of steps onto the stage. They stopped on the side of the stage next to the curtain, waiting for their cue from Jen to come out. There she was again, being thrust into the limelight, but this time she had Melissa with her.

“What are you going to say?” Melissa asked.

“Well, what I’d really like to say is being funneled through the filter in my head. Right now all I’ve got is ‘hello everyone, have a good night,’” Parker mused. “I like the competition on the show, but this posturing is nauseating.”

“I know, right?” Melissa scrunched her nose. “Who knew this place was a passion pit of phony, backstabbing narcissists?”

“I kind of think that’s standard for any television show. The delusion begins when they think they have a product a large of group of people might want to watch.” Suddenly Parker’s ears perked up. It sounded like distressed metal pulling away from something. “Did you hear that?”

“No. I didn’t hear anything.” Melissa shrugged.

Parker continued to watch Wes as he gave his speech. From what she’d read in the show’s packet, he was the creator of the show. She’d only seen him once on the set since the show began, and when he was there, people were following after him as he spouted orders. She’d noticed there was something going on between him and Jen. The long glances and body language was a dead giveaway. Not to mention the goofy grin on Jen’s face when she was with him.

“I am happy to announce we’ve just made a deal for an additional incentive for the Ultimate Champion winner. This year, the winner will get an endorsement contract with our top advertiser, Power Punch. That means being featured in at least two of the company’s commercials and other advertising promotions.”

The audience clapped with enthusiasm.

He continued to drone on, saying how excited he was about the show’s phenomenal ratings and the great talent they had this year. Ratings meant big ad dollars. He was probably making a mint on the show.

The flickering of the light above the center of the stage over Wes’s head caught Parker’s eye. The rest of the overhead lights were stationary, but the light right above Wes was swaying, creating a makeshift disco ball effect on his head. She looked closer and saw that the light was dangling by one fastener, but the rest were connected by two. The light dropped downward, away from the frame, and this time she could see there was nothing else supporting it. She waved to get Jen’s attention, but she’d taken a step back to talk to one of the camera guys. The light finally ripped away from the fastener and started to fall.

“Watch out!” Parker called out to Wes as she bolted across the stage and tackled Wes just as the light came crashing down. Parker shielded her eyes as the shattered pieces of the lens flew everywhere and smoked emanated from it.

“Are you OK?” she asked a visibly shaken Wes.

“I’m not sure. Ask me again in five minutes when my heart starts beating again.” Wes clutched his chest. “What the hell just happened?”

“Faulty light.” She pointed to the void on the track of lighting above them.

Wes squinted at the lights. “I could have been killed.”

Me too. She rolled her eyes. She looked around for Melissa, who’d managed to get off the stage. She planted her palms on the floor and lifted up, trying to get up as gracefully as she could in her dress. She did a small bunny hop up and was able to get her footing and stand.

Riley rushed the stage. “Parker!”

“I’m OK,” she said as she helped Wes up.

“Are you two OK?” Jen came running over.

“I am, thanks to Parker’s quick reflexes.” Wes grabbed onto Parker’s shoulders for balance. “That light could’ve hit me square on the head. Thanks, Parker. I could kiss you.”

“Or just give her a handshake,” Riley said rather loudly and separated the two of them.

“Of course.” Wes straightened up.

The guests and tech people rushed the stage. Parker began to brush the lens fragments off her when she felt a light tug on her arm. It was Riley.

“What the hell happened?” He looked her over.

“I’d like to find out.” She pointed to the lights.

“Folks, please clear the stage. We need to bring the lights down.”

Parker and Riley moved off the stage but remained close to the edge. The regular lighting for the reception room came on as one of the techs went over to a wall panel and lowered the lighting fixture onto the stage floor. The profile spotlights were all connected to a steel truss mounting. The facilities manager had arrived and was taking a look and was unfortunately blocking her view.

She went back up on stage to get a better view with Riley in tow. She walked over to the empty space where the fallen light had been. She touched the metal bracket. There were tool marks on it like someone had tampered with the clamp and the safety cable was cut not frayed. She ran her fingers along the edge, it definitely felt like a sharp, deliberate cut, not something that had been ravished by time. She inspected the other lights attached to the truss, but they hadn’t been disturbed in any way. Their safety cables weren’t frayed either.

“The safety cable was cut, and the clamp’s been tampered with as well. See the tool marks on the clamp like someone jimmied it? They must have cut the safety cable in a hurry. The cut is too smooth for a stress break.”

“You and Melissa were supposed to speak next,” Riley growled.

Parker touched his arm. “We can’t be sure who the intended target was. Again, this was done in a hurry. I don’t think whoever did this put much planning into it.”

“I want to see the producers explain away this accident,” Riley said.

Parker looked at the crowd. They were still fawning all over Wes. “Babe, can I use your cell phone?”

“Sure.” Riley pulled it out of his jacket pocket.

She opened the camera app and took a few pictures. Jen, Jeremy, and the facilities manager for the hotel came over to see what she was doing.

“I found the culprit,” Parker said to them, pointing to the damage.

“It must have come loose somehow,” the facilities manager said. “Someone must have accidentally loosened the bracket when the bulb was changed a couple of days ago.”

“With some help,” Parker asserted.

“There’s no need to spread paranoia,” the facilities manager countered.

“What are you saying, Parker?” Jeremy asked.

“It’s quite a coincidence that only the light above the mark for the speaker to stand was the light that was tampered with.” She gave the facilities manager a look.

“What are you, the police?” the facilities manager said in a snarky tone. “This is clearly an unfortunate accident.”

“Actually, I used to be a cop. Now I’m a private investigator,” Parker said. “I think this warrants making a police report.”

“Oh.” The facilities manager yanked on his collar. “We have protocols here. I’ll have the head of security come down, and he’ll call the police.”

“You do that.”

She took a few more photos with Riley’s phone. They all descended the steps, and the facilities manager exited the ballroom to get security. People were congratulating Parker on how quickly she’d responded, avoiding a terrible accident.

They stopped near the dance floor. Wes turned to her.

“Parker, I didn’t know you were a private investigator. You said you were a consultant on your bio tape.”

“I am a consultant. I never said what I consulted on,” Parker replied. “And that tidbit stays between us, right?” Parker looked from Jen to Wes.

“Of course.”

“Good. I’ll stick around until the police arrive to give a statement. In the meantime, maybe you could control the crowd.” Parker looked around. Everyone was just hanging out as if nothing serious had happened.

“It’s safe to say the rest of the night is a bust.” Jen groaned. “I can’t believe this.”

Parker and Riley went back to their table. Melissa and Todd were sitting there sipping on their drinks.

“What an exciting night,” Melissa said. “Did they find out what happened?”

“Not sure. The facilities manager is in ‘cover your ass’ mode.”

“Parker, you were awesome. That was some quick thinking to get Wes out of the way,” Todd said.

Suddenly Jen’s voice boomed around the room. “Everyone, would you kindly take your seats.”

Parker opted not to tell Melissa and Todd her theory about what had happened. There was no point in sounding alarm bells when she didn’t have any solid proof. But her gut was telling her that someone in the room had sabotaged that light. She just didn’t know why.

 

* * *

 

Riley stood still as the shower jets caressed his body. After waiting for the police to take Parker’s statement, they’d called it a night and bade Melissa and Todd a good night. He was happy to see Parker had made a friend in Melissa. She seemed especially relaxed now that she’d gotten to the bottom of why Melissa hadn’t called. That kind of thing had happened plenty of times with him. People assuming something about him because he was in the spotlight all the time. Melissa and Todd seemed like nice people. He wouldn’t mind seeing them socially.

It was abundantly clear the showrunners loved Parker. The room was abuzz with great things to say about their new standout star. She was beautiful, charming, and had just enough of a Texas drawl that she was a marketing department’s dream come true. If she wanted, she could snag all kinds of promotional opportunities as she built her fan base. But Parker wasn’t into being the new face of Ultimate Champion. She wanted a fair chance at winning without the hype.

He’d forgotten to tell her he’d gotten into a conversation with another producer of the show who asked if he’d be interested in a spin-off, obstacle type show where pro athletes competed during their offseasons. He politely declined, but that didn’t stop the guy from slipping him his business card and asking if they could do lunch so he could give him the full pitch. But that was the nature of show business no matter the venue. Someone always had an angle. She’d stood her ground with Jen and made it clear she wouldn’t exploit their relationship for ratings.

He had to admit, he loved it when she went into protection mode over him. She may not have been forthcoming with her feelings in a conventional way, but she was ferocious when she thought someone was out to hurt him. Just like he was just as protective of her. The rigging of that light tonight was proof that there may have been something to those accidents plaguing the show. He’d seen the look in her eyes when she was inspecting that light. She was on the case, whether he liked it or not.

Oh well. It had been a fun night until the incident. His heart stopped when he saw that light fall and Parker ran over to push Wes out of harm’s way. It was just like her to put her life on the line. J.J. had warned him that Parker and Sam were cut from the same cloth and that meant it would take a lot of patience and understanding to see them do the things they did. She was genetically encoded to save the day, and it might have been endearing if he didn’t age a little every time she did something heroic. In a perfect world, she’d retire and do something sensible and safe behind a desk. He knew that sounded terribly sexist and chauvinistic, but he couldn’t help it. He loved her and wanted her to come home to him every night.

But the reality was she had a dangerous job, and she embraced those nail-biting moments. So he’d reconcile himself every now and again the fact that it was OK that she loved to help people. Her instincts were sharp. She’d been viewing the footage of the accidents and had suspected something wasn’t right. Someone associated with the show was trying to make sure people would be hurt or worse. The light was rigged, and it had been a fifty-fifty chance the person would be injured or dead. Which meant whoever rigged it was willing to kill to get their point across. And now Parker was smack dab in the middle of it.

He stepped out of the shower and dried himself off. He could hear the television in the bedroom, but Parker was silent.

He slathered on some lotion and put on a pair of pajama bottoms. He stealthily slid into bed next to her and pulled her close to him. She was wearing one of his T-shirts and a pair of shorts.

She’d hypothesized all the way home about that stage light sabotage. She wanted to find out who was doing it and why the accidents seemed to be ramping up. The winning stakes were the same as the previous seasons, but tonight they’d announced a few more incentives. In addition to winning the prize and bragging rights of Ultimate Champion, the winner would be the face of Power Punch, a popular sports water drink. That lucrative modeling gig would be worth a million dollars on its own.

He closed his eyes. A good night’s sleep would help clear his head.

“You were really quiet on the way home,” Parker said sleepily.

“I know not to interrupt you when you’re in Sherlock mode.” He ran his hand along her hip. “I’m just glad you didn’t get hurt.”

“I know what you’re going to say.”

“You do?”

“You’re going to say I should quit the show.”

“No. I’m not going to say that. You’re a great athlete, and I’m proud of you for putting in the training and effort to continue. I hate that this mystery has cropped up. It’s taking away what should be a fun moment for you. But I want you to promise me you’ll be careful when you go snooping around. Whoever this person is, they’re getting more dangerous with every stunt. I—” He hesitated for a moment. “I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to you. The world would be a dreadful place without you in it.”

The sound of her steady breathing was all the answer he needed. She’d fallen asleep before hearing his declaration. Not long ago he would have thought it was foolish to talk about his feelings this way. Now he couldn’t help but express himself. The words just fell out of his mouth. So much for his ego.

“You have my word. I’ll be careful.” Parker snuggled closer against him. “I’m not going anywhere. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried. Now get some sleep. We have to run in the morning.”

Riley smiled and drifted off the sleep.