She glanced at Riley. “I don’t know how you watch replays of your games.”
“Be brave.” Riley kissed her cheek.
“Yay,” Avery said. “You wore the pink and black workout outfit. I like that one on you.”
The announcer started in on her performance. “Parker starts off strong. She takes a second to assess the obstacle—signs of a methodical person. She nails it and continues on the next obstacle without missing a beat.”
“And here to cheer Parker on in the stands is her boyfriend, Tomcats quarterback Riley Sloane. It’s truly an honor to have him with us today.”
“Go, Bruiser!” onscreen Riley cheered.
“What!” Parker shrieked. “I’m going to kill Jen.”
“In all fairness, she did say she’d keep a lid on my identity while I was there,” Riley replied.
“But it was implied.”
Bridgette munched on a handful of popcorn. “Who doesn’t know who Riley is? They have to be living under a rock not to recognize him smack dab in the middle of Texas.”
The announcer continued. “She’s taking on that last obstacle and doesn’t show any sign of exhaustion. She did it! Parker Carson has finished with the best qualifying time of the night! Let’s hear her post interview.”
The group cheered through her post interview wrap-up. All in all, she had to admit it wasn’t so bad. As soon as the show went to a commercial break, her phone started ringing. It was her mother.
She hit the talk button and lifted herself off the couch. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, P.J. Deke, Solomon, and I were just watching the show. You greatly understated your performance. You were terrific. Deke says you put the competition to shame. Solomon said you nailed it.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She beamed.
“Keep up the good work,” her mother continued. “I’ll be cheering for you from the sidelines of the next taping.”
“Mom, you don’t have to do that.”
“Of course I’ll be there, silly. I’ll get Maurice at the bowling alley put you up on the big screen at the snack bar so my team can watch. Mimi is going to be green with envy. Her adrenaline-junkie son climbed a mountain last summer. Big deal. My daughter’s on television.”
The call-waiting notification made a sound. She looked at the screen. It was Rafe.
“As long as you’re not being competitive about it.” Parker couldn’t help but laugh. Dani Carson was a proud peacock of a mama. The bowling team had swooned the time Riley got her mom box seats for one of the games. “I have to go. Rafe is on the other line. Tell Deke and Solomon thanks for the encouraging words.”
“OK. Love you.”
“Love you too.” She hit the talk button again. “Hi, Rafe.”
“You were great, Parker. Leigh and I were glued to the screen.”
“You rock, Parker!” Leigh yelled into the phone. “I can’t wait until the next show.”
Parker laughed. “Tell Leigh I said thank you.”
“Just an FYI, Carmichael will be coordinating with the show on security.”
“Do we have to make a big deal out of it?”
“You know the drill. When you’re not on active duty, you’re an asset.”
“Right. Proper protocol is essential to all assignments.”
“Hey, you are paying attention in the classes.”
“If I don’t, Hunter and the other instructors will nark on me to you and Sam.”
“True.” He laughed. “Goodnight, Bruiser.”
The commercial was over, and Melissa’s face flashed on the screen.
“I met her. She’s a first-time contestant too.” Parker took a seat back on the couch. “She was nice. We talked for a while in the waiting area. The competing crowd was very cliquish behind the scenes. The returning competitors from previous seasons were in their own little world, while we newbies just floated around observing and getting acquainted.”
“Sounds like high school,” Wyatt murmured.
Melissa finished the course with a good competing time as well. There were a couple of people after her, and the show was saving an old fan-favorite for last. As soon as the next commercial came on, her phone started ringing again. It was nice to hear from so many well-wishers who were excited about seeing her on television. The commercial breaks ended, and the show came back on. She set her phone on the coffee table to pay attention.
Parker waved a hand at the screen. “This guy Rick is supposed to be the show’s golden boy.”
“Yeah,” Wyatt said. “He’s been on for a while but never quite makes it to the finals.”
“He’s another fan-favorite,” Parker replied. “And he owns a gym that’s designed to practice courses like these and other extreme outdoor sports. I think he’s even gotten some endorsement opportunities because of the show.”
Rick made it through the course, and the fans in the stands were cheering him on. The commentators were wrapping up as a montage of show moments appeared on the screen. She reached for her phone to return calls when she heard her name.
“After a rigorous obstacle run, emerging star Parker Carson is carried off by her boyfriend Tomcats quarterback Riley Sloane.”
Parker’s mouth gaped open when she saw Riley hoist her up into his arms as the ending credits rolled.
“How did they film that? We were goofing around after the show.”
“Looks like they let the cameras roll after the competition ends,” Riley said.
“Yeah. The juicy stuff is aired on their behind-the-scenes webisodes that stream directly to their website,” Bridgette chimed in.
She grimaced. “They just wanted to get another shot of you.”
“Of course. That’s free publicity for the show,” Aubrey said. “And they just got the word out that Riley will be in the next episode because you’re advancing.”
“Sounds kind of diabolical. They want to use his image for free.”
“It is what is it is,” he said. “I was happy to be there and support you.”
A half hour later, it was time to clean up. Parker volunteered. She was too wound up from watching her performance and needed something to do.
“I’m on clean-up duty tonight,” Parker said.
“It’s not your turn,” Avery said.
“No. I insist. You go decompress from your trip to Philly.”
“You sure?” Avery handed her the glasses they’d used.
“Yes.” Parker waved a hand. “I know you have a class in the morning, and Wyatt and Riley have that PR event for Patton’s football camp. I can handle this. Get some rest.”
“OK.” Avery smiled. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight. Great job again,” Wyatt said. “Parker, can you tell Riley I’ll be ready to go tomorrow at nine when he gets off the phone.”
“Will do.”
Parker turned to Riley, who was on the phone with his parents. Her phone pinged. It was a text message from Jen from the show congratulating her on a job well done.
A minute later he disconnected his call. “My parents send their love and said you were fantastic.”
“Aw. It was so sweet of them to call.”
He picked up the empty popcorn bowl off the coffee table. “Where’s Aubrey? On the phone with Theo again?”
“No. She and Bridgette went to Bridgette’s room.” She headed into the kitchen. “I don’t think she spends every waking moment talking to Theo.”
“Could have fooled me,” he grumbled.
“Riley.” She put the glasses in the sink. “Aubrey’s an intelligent young woman and can pick her own friends.”
“But Theo? He’s a rolling stone if there ever was one. Who drops everything to go to the Winter Olympics when he isn’t even competing?”
“Uh, he films documentaries. He’s doing a documentary on some rising-star snowboarder who was supposed to be a long shot. And he did a pretty good job covering the motocross circuit. Your sister likes him, and they have fun. In some ways, Theo reminds me of you.”
“How so?”
“He’s handsome, fun, and loves adventure.”
“Uh huh.”
“Did you ever stop and think she didn’t tell you they’re an item because you get this sour look on your face whenever someone mentions him?”
“I don’t want to talk about Theo Popovich.” He moved closer to her and put his arms around her. “I want to talk about how awesome you were on the show.”
“Babe. There’s something about that accident on the show that doesn’t feel right.”
“How so?”
“There was no way that step should have given way like that. Damon’s foot was barely on it, and it gave way. It looked faulty or…”
Riley gave her a strange look. “You think someone sabotaged it on purpose?”
“I don’t know. It was hard to tell. But that guy was a seasoned vet of the show.”
“Perhaps it was a one-off case of poor construction. You saw it behind the scenes. It was a madhouse. It would only take one person being distracted to leave something undone.”
“I know. But I can’t shake the feeling. You know the one I get.”
“Yes, your danger radar. I’d like to talk about you. The camera loves you. The showrunners loved you.”
“I see they decided to showcase us.” She bit her lip. “They’ve put us front and center.”
“No surprise from the way the announcers were talking you up. They’ve obviously honed in on you.”
“And you,” she said, annoyed.
“They do slice-of-life stories all the time. It’s a way to get the viewers invested in the program. They want people to cheer for someone who could be the boy next door or a helpful neighbor who’s taking a chance on a semi-professional stage. Unlike professional athletes like me who get paid to abuse their bodies while striving for accolades, trophies, and tons of money.”
“You’re not a football player for those reasons. It’s a part of who you are.”
“True.” He looked at her a moment with a serious face. “Are you ashamed of us?”
“No, of course not.” She shook her head. “I mean I’m not thrilled the show has decided to take this opportunity to exploit our relationship. I like being in our private little world. I don’t want to be—”
“Just another one of Riley Sloane’s women?”
“I didn’t say that,” she said.
“Good, because you know it’s not true.” He folded his arms across his chest. “We’ve talked about this before. I’d love to be photographed with you more often so the whole world knows you are the woman I love. So if it isn’t that, what’s wrong?”
“I know you can’t control what the media does.” She sighed. “I enjoy that we don’t have a circus chasing us. I know it should be flattering, but I like us, with no interruptions. I don’t want anyone picking us apart like some sick celebrity couples game dissecting our every move. Because the endgame of all those couples is the breakups. For example, I grab a sandwich while out running errands. Headline: They didn’t eat together today. You go to California ahead of me because I’m wrapping up a case. Second Headline: He went on vacation alone. You smile at an old female friend at a party, but they run with: Riley Sloane was seen flirting with a mysterious woman at an event. Is there trouble in paradise?”
“We can’t control salacious gossip. Ask Wyatt, he’s been in the PR business long enough to get the gist. No one wants to hear about good things. Everyone’s waiting for you to stumble and fall. Flying-by-the-seat-of-his-pants, one-night-stand Riley was far more interesting than a celebrity in a stable, healthy relationship.”
“I like this Riley much better.” She caressed his cheek. “He’s the kind of guy you can count on. I’d go into a shootout alongside you anytime.”
He smiled. “Thanks, I think.”
“What I’m trying to say is that, at the end of the day, you’re the person I want by my side.”
He kissed her. “I feel the same way. You were great on the show. I can’t wait to see your next performance.”
“I have you to thank. The workout you created did wonders for me.”
“I created another workout plan. I can show you in the bedroom.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Let’s clean the kitchen in the morning.”
She giggled. “As long as you explain a dirty kitchen to Avery.”
Later that night, Parker slipped out of bed and headed for the kitchen. No surprise that Bridgette and Aubrey were still up talking as she passed Bridgette’s room. They’d been getting along great. She grabbed a sponge and the household cleaner and began to tidy up the kitchen. Riley had a big day, and she knew he’d get up just in time to head to his apartment to shower and change. It only took a few minutes. She set the dishwasher and wanted to get back to snuggling with him. As she passed the big screen in the living room, she stopped. The fall was still on her mind. She turned on the television but muted the sound and scanned until she found the DVR recording of the show. She fast-forwarded through to the accident and re-watched it a few times. Damon’s foot was barely on that landing. Sure he was a tall, muscular guy. The announcer said he weighed about two-hundred twenty pounds. Still, the break was almost instantaneous as he applied his body weight to it. Could it have been rigged? If so, how did the saboteur know who’d get injured? She turned off the television and continued to her bedroom with a gnawing feeling in her stomach that wouldn’t subside. Something wasn’t right, and she intended to find out what really happened.
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 w
hile.”
“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.”
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