Page 26 of Their After Hours Playbook

Now Paige felt a little more heartened. “Of course. That makes perfect sense.”

“Let’s see how this goes. If all is well, I think we will find something for Alexis. It just might take some time.”

“Perfect. Send over the details and I’ll speak to Gabby today. I’ll try to get you an answer as soon as possible.”

“I appreciate it, Paige. I really do.”

“And I appreciate the offer. Thank you.” Paige ended the call with Enzo and immediately knew this was her excuse to call Zach. Just like April, he answered right away.

“This is a surprise,” he said.

Paige clamped her eyes shut. How had she already forgotten how much she loved his voice? “Is it? Really?”

“I mean, my ego wanted to believe that I’d worn down your defenses during our flight, but I wasn’t quite sure.”

Paige laughed quietly. “I’m calling to say thank you for the introduction to Enzo. He just called with an offer.”

“I knew he’d be quick to jump at the chance to work with Alexis.”

“It was actually for one of my other clients. Gabby Cooper.”

“Really? That’s surprising. Alexis seems like such an obvious choice.”

Yeah. That’s what I thought. “He has something else in mind for her.”

“I’m sure it’ll all work out. Enzo is a great guy. I think I mentioned before that he’s a straight shooter. He doesn’t throw around ideas he doesn’t plan to pursue.”

“Look. I really want to thank you again for the introduction. It was incredibly generous of you to do it. I worry that I might not have fully expressed my gratitude when we were in Las Vegas. So, thank you.”

“If you’re going to say thank you, I’d rather hear it in person. Can we have dinner?”

Paige felt the heat rising in her cheeks. It frightened her that he could have this effect on her with so little effort. “I’d love to take you to dinner, but we’ve talked about this. What if someone saw us together? You know it would get back to Tom. That might not be great for your relationship—personal or professional.”

“It’s true. It’s nearly impossible to be anonymous in this city.”

“Right.” Maybe this wasn’t going to be possible.

“I think we’re better off if we’re alone. Come to my place. I’ll cook.”

“You can cook?”

“Don’t sound so surprised. I can absolutely kill it in the kitchen.”

In truth, she was almost aggrieved. The talents Zach possessed were too many to count. What was next? Was he also a master woodworker? Perhaps an aspiring botanist? “Is there anything you don’t know how to do?”

“Plenty. Aside from a few insults and tawdry phrases I know in French, I don’t speak any foreign languages. I don’t have the slightest clue how to repair a car. And I...well, this next one is downright embarrassing. I don’t think I can tell you.”

“What is it?”

“No. No. It’s too humiliating.”

“Oh, come on. You can trust me.”

He sighed. “Fine. I don’t know how to whistle.”

Paige laughed. He was so clever and quick. “This is perfect. I can teach you.”

“I don’t know. I’m worried it’s too late for me. I’m turning thirty-one in a month.”

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