Sleeping With the Enemy

by Tracy Solheim

  The three men headed for the door leading out to the terrace.

  “Oh, by the way,” Matt said quietly. “The Las Vegas bureau found some old letters and stuff among Delaney’s things when they were searching her hotel suite. One of them apparently mentions you. I asked for a copy to be e-mailed to me when they get finished with it tonight. Hopefully, it won’t turn out to be anything, but I’m happy to let your lawyer take a peek at it tomorrow.” He winked at Jay. “Just in case.”

  Jay couldn’t imagine what things of his Delaney might have. He hoped none of it had to do with McManus Industries, but the gruff cadence of the commissioner making his case to reporters distracted his thoughts. “Sure,” he said, absently. “Whatever.”

  Twenty-two

  The Blaze were down by three points with forty seconds to go in the first half, but Bridgett was having trouble concentrating on the game. The visitor’s box at Levi’s Stadium was filled with a crowd of obnoxious revelers who wanted to congratulate Jay on his role in outwitting the blogger. The Girlfriends’ Guide to the NFL had been a thorn in the side of the league for the past two seasons. The fact that he’d inadvertently had a hand in bringing down an Internet gambling ring only heightened the hero worship of the Blaze owner.

  “I think you and the commissioner are the only two people in the stadium who aren’t enjoying my brother’s added celebrity,” Charlie said as she gingerly sat down in the chair next to her. “He’s the new hero of the NFL. And he’s never even touched the stupid ball.”

  The crowd cheered when the football was knocked out of Brody’s hands just before time expired, ending the half. Jay threw his arms up in disgust as a collective groan sounded in the skybox.

  “Ha,” Charlie laughed. “Maybe he’ll suit up for your brother in the second half.” When Bridgett didn’t respond, Charlie sobered up. “So what’s up with you two, anyway? You didn’t stay at the vineyard last night. Whatever my idiot brother has done, I hope you’ll give him a second chance.”

  Give him a second chance. Charlie’s words made swallowing difficult for Bridgett as she worked hard to keep her composure. The suite was crowded with strangers and the last thing she wanted to do was break down. But she was strung out from a sleepless night, one she’d spent pondering second chances. What hurt the most was that he’d given someone like Delaney more than one, but not her. Their “second chance” was to be a sex-only relationship. And that wasn’t good enough.

  “I know there’s something between you two.” Charlie continued to badger her. “It’s obvious in the way you look at one another. They’re smokin’ hot, those looks you give each other when you each think the other one’s not looking.” Charlie fanned herself with a cocktail napkin. “I’d love for a guy to look at me like that.”

  Bridgett arched an eyebrow at the younger woman. “Men look at you like that all the time, Charlie.” She turned away from the crowded room in order to avoid being on the receiving end of a “smokin’-hot look” from Charlie’s brother. Bridgett had been avoiding him all day. When the limo had picked up her and Mimi this morning, she was actually relieved to find his mother, Linc, and Charlie already seated inside. The less one-on-one time she and Jay spent together today, the better. Her flight departed two hours after the game, which left little opportunity for him to persuade her to agree to his ridiculous proposal that they be enemies with benefits. Despite the protests from her body, she wouldn’t go through with it. She couldn’t. Because she still loved Jay.

  The revelation wasn’t a shock to her. It had arrived in a flood of tears in the early hours of the morning. The only explanation for her being angry and hurt by his willingness to forgive Delaney was because she still loved Jay. But he’d never love her in return. Even if she hadn’t had his desertion in Italy as a demonstration, Jay had said as much with his own words. And while he made no secret of his desire for her, desire wasn’t the same thing as love. And as much as Bridgett desired him in return, she also wanted his love.

  “Sure, men look at me like that all the time,” Charlie continued. “But they only see my money. This is a first for my brother. He actually looks like he’d die if he wasn’t near you.”

  “I think you’re being overly dramatic, Charlie. Besides, you aren’t around him all the time. I’m sure he looks at plenty of women the same way.”

  Charlie shook her head. “Nope. And I told you, he’s never brought a woman to the vineyard before you. That tells me a lot. He likes you.” She laughed. “Probably more than he wants to, if I had to guess. He hates not being in control of a situation. It’s got to be killing him not to have control over his emotions.”

  She didn’t bother explaining to Jay’s sister that, where Bridgett was concerned, he kept his emotions under lock and key; that it was the reason she’d left the vineyard. His refusal to share his heart with her not only wounded her pride, but it was a devastating blow to her own heart. Tears were clogging her throat again at the thought. Bridgett was actually grateful to see Mimi standing next to her.

  “I’m feeling a bit superfluous here,” Mimi said. “The commissioner’s statement last night supporting Jay really took the wind out of the protests the women’s groups planned. Not only that, but they actually misspelled the banner flying behind the plane.”

  The three women looked up at a pink banner floating behind a small plane circling the stadium above the halftime show. The banner read: “Sexual Harasment Has No Place in the NFL.” Sure enough, they’d misspelled harassment on their sign.

  “They give a bad name to women everywhere,” Mimi said in disgust. “I’m going for a walk through media alley just to make sure our message is on point.”

  “A walk actually sounds good.” Bridgett quickly stood up to follow Mimi, who right now was the lesser of two evils. “How about you, Charlie?”

  Charlie’s eyes quickly darted over to where her mother was in conversation with the CEO of a company that sold athletic apparel. The two were vigorously debating the appropriate level of wicking in running shoes. Seemingly satisfied that Melanie was occupied, she shook her head. “Nah. I’m going to sit here and let my lunch settle.” She discreetly cupped her belly.

  Bridgett leaned down so no one overheard their conversation. “Are you all right?”

  “Sure.” Charlie eyed her testily. “I just ate something that didn’t agree with me, that’s all.” But Bridgett saw a brief flash of panic in the young woman’s eyes. She wasn’t sure if it was due to Charlie’s concern that her pregnancy remain a secret or something else. “Go for your walk, Bridgett,” Charlie commanded.

  “I’ll see if I can find some crackers,” Bridgett said quietly before turning to follow Mimi out of the suite.

  They’d made it as far as the door before Jay stalled them.

  “Mimi,” he said. “I haven’t had the chance to thank you for all your help with the media.” He extended his hand and Mimi took it with a sly grin. Obviously she thought Bridgett’s defection to the B and B meant there was an opportunity now for her. The thought made Bridgett’s stomach call for crackers of its own.

  “It’s been a pleasure,” Mimi cooed. “You have a beautiful home. I hope we can work together again sometime.”

  Jay laughed, nearly taking Mimi out at the knees with his damn dimple. “I’m hopeful that I won’t be targeted with any more erroneous sexual harassment cases, but I’ll definitely look you up if I am.”

  “Feel free to look me up anytime.” Mimi was nothing if not brazen, patting Jay on the shoulder coyly.

  “Bridgett, can I get a word with you? In private,” he said.

  Mimi pouted as she made her way out of the suite, only to glare at Bridgett from behind Jay’s back. Sadly, Bridgett still would have rather gone with the media consultant than have a conversation with Jay. Much less a private one. Her emotions were too raw where he was concerned. They always had been. Suddenly the protective shell she’d erected ar
ound her heart seemed very penetrable.

  “I’m going for a walk,” she said, hoping to discourage him. Surely he didn’t have a secret hiding place in every NFL stadium. Unfazed, he gestured for her to precede him out the door. The corridor was crowded during halftime and Bridgett’s stomach flipped again as his arm brushed against her shoulder. She tried to put some distance between them but his fingers were suddenly laced with hers. He tugged her to the side and down a corridor to a small balcony overlooking the field.

  Bridgett yanked her hand free, wrapping her fingers around the steel railing. “God, you do have secret hideaways everywhere,” she mumbled.

  He laughed out loud as he leaned a hip against the railing and stared down at her. Bridgett kept her eyes trained on the field. She didn’t trust him not to throw her a “smokin’-hot look” that would have her locking her lips with his.

  Jay’s sigh sounded forlorn and Bridgett’s eyes involuntarily tracked to his face. Uncertainty flashed in his own eyes momentarily and his mouth had never looked so unsure. “We can work this out, Bridgett. See where this takes us while the chemistry is so intense.” He reached up a finger to trace her cheek but she took a step back. His hand hung in the air a moment before he reluctantly let it drop back to his side. “You said it yourself—it’s not this good with anyone else. Does it help to know I feel the same way?”

  Finally, an admission of his feelings, but it was still not enough. She should just admit that she loved him. Those words would surely drive him away. Too bad her pride wouldn’t let her go all the way with that threat. She shook her head, not trusting her aching throat to let her speak with a steady voice.

  Jay swore as he turned to the railing and leaned both forearms on it. A marching band was playing a familiar Neil Diamond tune and the crowd was singing along. “This is a onetime deal, Bridgett. I won’t make the same offer again,” he said tersely.

  Bridgett rocked back on her heels as tears stung her eyes. A business deal. That was all she was to him. The band played on as Jay awaited her answer. Still not trusting her voice, she turned from the railing and made her way back to the crowded corridor, thankfully locating a women’s restroom. She locked herself in a stall and let the tears fall. Bridgett was angry at Jay for his ridiculous offer, but she was even angrier at her body for its knee-jerk reaction to accept his proposal. The sooner she got to the other side of the country, the better.

  • • •

  “Sweeeeet Caro-line,” the audience sang and Jay felt as if his chest was going to explode. His fingers were white-knuckled, he was holding the railing so tightly; all in an effort not to go chasing after Bridgett and beg her to stay with him. “So good, so good, so good,” the crowd yelled and Jay wanted to yell something else. Something that would probably land him back in the tabloids. He took a step back and hung his head. She’d left him again. And it hurt just as badly the second time around. Had he really said he’d only make her an offer one time? Man, what a jerk he was. Not to mention that his pride stung as much as his chest did right now.

  “Boss?”

  He tensed up at the sound of Linc’s voice, but he didn’t bother looking up. No reason for his all-knowing assistant to see the shadows Bridgett had left behind. “Yeah.”

  “Um, the commissioner wants you to do a photo-op with some of the representatives from the women’s groups. He just had a private powwow with them.”

  Jay unleashed another round of foul words. The damn man wasn’t about to let Jay get off scot-free.

  “Should I find Mimi?” Linc said warily.

  Hell, the last person he wanted hanging all over him right now was Mimi. But the only person he did want all over him had just walked away—for a freaking second time! Mimi would at least be useful navigating any landmines inherent in the photo-op. Jay took a deep breath and stood to his full height. He looked out over the field as the Blaze players trotted out of the tunnel for the second half.

  Jay didn’t need Bridgett to complete his life. He had his family, his friends, and his team for that. Finding a willing woman wouldn’t be a problem, either. Next time, he’d find one who didn’t have the power to cut him so deeply.

  “Sure,” he said to Linc. “Let’s get this over with before the second half starts.”

  He pulled away from the railing and moved on to his own second half. One without Bridgett.

  • • •

  Bridgett rinsed her face in the sink in the now-quiet bathroom. Most of the crowd had made their way back to their seats. Spending the rest of the game in the women’s restroom was out of the question, not only because it was awkward, but it was also cowardly. She wouldn’t give Jay that much power over her. Bridgett shored up her composure and headed for the exit. The sound of muffled sobbing from the stall closest to the paper towel dispenser caught her attention. Peeking beneath the door, she took in a familiar pair of Steve Madden boots.

  “Charlie?”

  “Bridgett,” Charlie sobbed. “Oh, please, you have to help me.”

  “What is it? Are you all right?”

  “No,” Charlie cried. “I’m bleeding.”

  It took less than five minutes for the stadium paramedics to arrive. Charlie was frantic that she not lose her baby. Bridgett just wanted the EMTs to be discreet. She’d texted Jay the moment she’d found his sister, but he’d yet to respond. Going to the suite was impossible because that would have meant prying her hand out of Charlie’s clammy death grip. And Bridgett wouldn’t do that.

  “Please don’t let it be gone,” Charlie pleaded with her. Her blue eyes were round in her face, pale even against the white sheet of the gurney as they loaded her into the ambulance.

  Bridgett brushed Charlie’s hair off her face. “Shh. Let’s get you to the hospital so the doctor can examine you and figure out what is going on.” Sadly, Bridgett knew what was going on. Her only prayer was that Charlie’s was just a simple miscarriage, that she’d be able to have children in the future.

  “It’s because I didn’t love the baby’s father, isn’t it?” Charlie sobbed. “The baby knew it would only have one parent.”

  “That’s just nonsense, Charlie.” Bridgett tried to soothe her while at the same time recounting the HIPAA regulations as they pertained to EMTs. Once they reached the hospital, she’d have a talk with the paramedics, telling them not to breathe a word of what they’d overhead. “That’s not the way these things work, sweetheart.” She smoothed her palm over Charlie’s brow.

  “Did you love your baby’s father?” Charlie demanded.

  Bridgett’s breath caught in her throat, but Charlie’s blue eyes didn’t waver as she waited for an answer. She answered the only way she could. “Madly.”

  Charlie gulped a sob. “But you still lost your baby?”

  “You see, I told you it didn’t work that way.”

  “Then I did something wrong.” Charlie was wailing now and the EMT glared at Bridgett as he fiddled with the IV line Charlie was threatening to pull out with her violent cries.

  “No!” Bridgett tried to reassure her. “You didn’t do anything, either. This is not your fault. You’ll see. The doctor will explain everything.” She continued to gently stroke the younger woman’s forehead in an attempt to calm her fears. Except Bridgett could relate to the emotions rolling through Charlie. She’d suffered from the same anxiety for months after losing her child.

  “Why didn’t you ever have another baby?”

  Charlie’s question caught her off guard and it was difficult to stay the tears that were threatening. She shook her head, unable to answer.

  “Maybe it’s better that there’s no father involved,” Charlie said, clearly misinterpreting Bridgett’s answer. “He can’t hate me for losing our child.”

  Fortunately for everyone involved, they’d reached the ER. Bridgett’s phone rang just as the EMTs lifted Charlie from the ambulance.

  �
��I’ve been in a press conference. I just got your text. Where the hell are you?” Jay barked into the phone.

  “We just arrived at the hospital.” She hesitated a moment. “You need to come right away. And bring your mother.”

  “The baby?”

  “I don’t think there is a baby any longer.” The words burned in Bridgett’s throat as Charlie cried out for her. “Hurry, Jay.”

  By the time Jay and Melanie arrived, the nurse had confirmed Bridgett’s fears with a sad shake of her head. They’d given Charlie a sedative and she was staring off into space as tears slowly rolled out from the corners of her eyes onto her hair, which was haloed on the pillow.

  “Mommy,” Charlie whispered as her mother sank down beside her on the bed and wrapped her arms around her daughter. Jay pulled his sister’s hand up to his mouth and nuzzled it. His eyes met Bridgett’s. The sorrow in them rattled her. She slipped behind the blue curtain cordoning off sections of the ER and made her way to the lobby on legs that were less than steady.

  Linc reached for her elbow just as she nearly stumbled.

  “Is she gonna be okay?” he asked.

  “Physically, yes,” Bridgett replied. “It might take her a little longer emotionally. She might need to connect with others who’ve suffered a miscarriage.” She grabbed Linc’s forearm. “You’ll make sure Jay gets her the help she might need, won’t you? Please, Linc. Promise me.”

  Linc nodded empathically as he steered her toward a chair. “I promise. Now, what can I get you? Something to eat or drink? The boss would kill me if he found out you were this upset.”

  Bridgett hadn’t realized tears were streaming down her face until Linc handed her a tissue. She shook her head. “I should get to the airport. Charlie will be fine now that she has her family here.”

  “I think you should sit a minute. You’ve got plenty of time before your flight.”

  “No.” Bridgett stood too quickly and Linc had to steady her again. Being in the hospital with Charlie had brought back too many painful memories. She needed air. “I can’t go through this again,” she whispered.