Page 16 of Their After Hours Playbook

“You see that because you’re an agent. You’ve trained yourself to see that. But these brands... I swear it’s like they need you to draw them a picture of what your client can do for them. They have no imagination.” Paige traced the rim of her glass with the tip of her finger, giving Zach all sorts of sexy things to imagine.

Just then, Enzo Bartolli, a man Zach had already cut one deal with during the expo, walked into the bar. “Have you ever done any work with Maverick Motors?”

“European sports cars? No. I haven’t.”

Zach scooted across the seat and stood, waving to Enzo, who changed course and headed right over. “Enzo, I’d like you to meet Paige Moss with Moss Sports. She represents Alexis Simmons. I have to think she would be perfect for an ad campaign for Maverick.”

Enzo smiled and reached out to shake Paige’s hand. “Hello, Ms. Moss. It’s nice to meet you. We’ve never done a campaign with a woman who wasn’t a model. I’m intrigued.”

Paige sat a little straighter. Her face lit up, and all Zach could think was that he wanted to do anything necessary to put that expression on her face as much as possible. “Well, that’s the thing about Alexis. She’s a killer basketball player, but she could also be on the cover of any fashion magazine. I’m sure she’d look super sexy sitting behind the wheel of one of your cars. If you want beauty and appeal, she’s got it.”

Zach realized then that Paige’s trouble had nothing to do with a lack of salesmanship. She could sell her clients effortlessly. It was these dim-witted sponsors who needed to wake up. “I have to say I agree. I’ve met Alexis in person and she’s incredibly beautiful.”

Enzo nodded, then reached into his pocket and handed over his business card. “Ms. Moss, why don’t you call me next week? I fly back to Italy later tonight, but I’ll be in the office on Monday. Perhaps we can work together.”

Paige took his card and tucked it into her bag. “Thank you. I will definitely give you a call on Monday. I appreciate it.”

“No problem. You two enjoy your night.” With that, Enzo walked away.

Zach sat back down next to Paige. “Maybe that could end up being something.”

“Maybe. We’ll see. I’m not going to hold my breath.”

“Enzo is a pretty straight shooter. I don’t think he would’ve asked you to call him if he wasn’t seriously interested.”

Paige took another drink. “Like I said, we’ll see. But thank you for making the introduction. You really didn’t need to do that.”

“I wanted to do it.”

“Zach. We’re competitors. That’s definitely not something your stepdad would’ve done. In fact, if Tom witnessed that, or even found out about it, I’m guessing he’d hit the roof.”

“I want to prove to you that I’m not the enemy, Paige. Neither is my company.”

“I know you’re not the enemy, Zach. I know that. It’s just that we’re talking about well-tested reflexes. I’ve spent a lot of years butting heads with your stepdad. That doesn’t just go away overnight.”

“I still don’t really understand the bad blood.”

She hesitated and cleared her throat. “Well, someday I’ll tell you the story. Not tonight. I’d prefer to have a nice conversation.” She turned and offered a soft smile. “I’m sorry if I didn’t sound enthusiastic about meeting Enzo. I am. And as I said, I appreciate the introduction. It was really nice of you to do that.”

“I just want you to know how much I admire everything you’ve accomplished in such a male-dominated industry. I know things are changing, but I’m sure it’s not anywhere close to being fast enough for you.”

“It will never be fast enough. Maybe because I already had to endure the slow parts.”

Zach inched closer to her. “I really do admire you, Paige. A lot.”

She turned her head and eyed him. As their gazes connected, he felt a jolt of electricity run right through him. “You don’t have to flatter me, Zach.”

“It’s not flattery. It’s the truth. You are the most brilliant, strong and compelling woman I have ever met.”

She laughed quietly. “Maybe you need to get out more.”

He tilted his head to the side, hoping to get her to look into his eyes. “Don’t downplay your assets, Paige. Don’t deflect. You are everything. You’re smart. Capable.” He swallowed hard, his throat dry and rough as he wondered if he really had the guts to take this leap. Getting rejected by Paige would be so painful. “And you’re so damn beautiful it’s hard for me to think straight when I’m around you.”

“You are way too young and handsome to be spending your time flirting with me. Isn’t there a twenty-five year old you can hit on?”

He shook his head. “You’re the only one I want to hit on.”

She laughed again, but then she turned toward him and lowered her head slightly. It was the most imperceptible movement, but it meant the world to Zach. “Is that what all of those invitations to dinner were?”

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