I’d have gladly gone to my room, but Sophie insisted I stop in for a quick chat. I know they’re both worried about Payton and about me because they assume, as his wife, I must be worried out of my mind.
They wouldn’t be too far off…I may not be married to Payton, but I am concerned. My job requires me to think ahead, plan accordingly, and move cautiously in all situations. But this fake marriage is hindering what I can do in the open.
At least Del can operate behind the scenes and investigate the situation. I sent her a cryptic message before we left the arena so she could look into how Jennings found out the truth about Payton, and if that could potentially include intel about his sister hiring a bodyguard for him.
“This thing with Jennings has him shaken up, I think. Does that happen often? Do players get these vendettas?”
Mia and Sophie exchange glances.
“Not to this degree.” Mia pushes up on one arm, blinkingat me with compassionate eyes. “I really hate that Payton’s going through this. I just don’t get what Jennings’ issue is. It’s weird.”
Sophie nods thoughtfully. “It is. My Uncle Marty has some ties from his reporter days. I’ll text him tomorrow and tell him about the situation. He might find something out.”
Alarm bells go off in my head. If this uncle of hers digs too deep, he could wind up discovering Payton’s secret, too. “Do you really think that’s necessary?”
She shrugs. “Can’t hurt.”
Oh yes, it can. “Payton said Coach Markelson would handle it. Let’s let that play out first.”
Sophie’s expression shifts to a slight frown. “What are you worried about, Lil?”
That’s the photojournalist in her asking. I can tell by her tone and the way she holds her head, tilted a smidge to the side.
I need to be more careful. “I just don’t want to upset Payton more than he already is. Or give this Jennings guy any more power in the situation. I ran into guys like him in the military all the time. They feed off power trips and like to be in control.”
Mia squeaks. “You were in the military?” She glances to the side and says more to herself than me, “That would explain a lot.”
Sophie grins with delight. “I knew there was more to your story! What was that like for you, being a woman and all?”
Deflection always works. Hopefully, she won’t talk to her uncle. No need to add more fire to this growing blaze.
“Probably about what you can imagine. Mostly good. Somewhat challenging. I learned a lot there, but by the end of my tour, I knew it wasn’t what I wanted.” I pull my ponytail over my shoulder, running my hand over the smooth shafts. My fingers hit the fabric of my shirt, remindingme I’m still wearing Payton’s jersey, and I didn’t miss the way his eyes devoured me when he noticed.
“And what do you want, Lil?” Sophie asks this with a hint of mischief and a lot of curiosity.
Her question hits a deep and unexpected place in me. What do I want, really? I thought a permanent position on a security detail would check all my boxes, but now I’m not so sure anymore. The more I’m around Payton—and his friends—the less certain I am about my future. All this touchy-feely stuff is muddling with my head.
“Yeah, Lil, what do you want?” Mia is all sarcastic innuendo. “A tall drink of a British hockey player?”
I maintain my part with a coy smile. “Maybe.”
But what I’d really like to say isyes, yes, and oh yes!
What is wrong with me?! Catching feelings for my principal violates one of our key rules. But the more time I spend with Payton, the harder it’s getting. The sooner this assignment ends, the better.
Mia’s phone chimes with a text. She reaches over to the nightstand and grabs it, appearing happy at first, then pensive. “Just Ethan saying good night.” She raises concerned eyes to me. “He said Payton went for a walk. He’s not doing great.”
Without even thinking, I jump up from my chair. “I need to find him.”
Sophie stands up. “Want us to go with you?”
I hold my hand up. “No, I should go alone.”
Mia falls back on the bed. “Thank goodness. I don’t think I can stay awake any longer.”
Sophie rolls her eyes at her best friend, then shoots a compassion-filled gaze my way that tugs on my heart. “I’m here if you need me.”
I know she means it, too. That longing hits me again but brings an epiphany with it this time. What if my feelings for Payton have more to do with wanting friends who really care—a community that has nothing to do with my job?