Stuck on You (28 page)

Zoe couldn’t care less who he looked at as long as he hurried up and got the filming finished. They’d been at it for two hours already because of retakes, which was way longer than necessary in her opinion.

“Time to find out which team is our big winner,” Spencer said with so much enthusiasm even she couldn’t help but cheer with everyone else. “But first, I have one last surprise.”

Zoe’s stomach dropped. She glanced over to where Chip stood watching the final production, a huge grin on his face. After participating in three shows for Chip she knew surprises from him were never good.

“We have a little secret that we didn’t tell you at the start of the show.” Spencer paused as if for dramatic effect and arched his eyebrows. “We aren’t just naming one team the winners tonight, we’re naming three!”

Everyone in the room appeared shocked. Even Zoe. She hadn’t guessed this was coming at all and she was usually pretty good at predicting the twists in the game.

She glanced past Miles and Paige to where Ben stood. He’d been smiling the entire two hours already, apparently enjoying every moment of his last television experience. But now his grin was huge.

Zoe and Ben spoke briefly before they’d started filming tonight. Ben had been happy to feel like himself again, no longer needing to win the whole game to be successful. He’d rediscovered his love for climbing and being outdoors, just as Miles hoped he would. And all without winning the actual game. She took a little bit of pride in being part of the reason he felt that way. Their long talks during the show had really made a difference to how he saw his physical challenges.

They’d made a difference in how she’d seen her own too.

She blinked away the sting of her tears and focused on Spencer again.

“I know you’re all excited, so let’s get on with it, shall we?” he asked, not really pausing long enough for a response. “Our third place team is, Team Everest. Come on up here for a minute, guys.”

The teams clapped as Ben and Miles walked to Spencer’s side, the disbelief clearly evident on their faces.

Zoe couldn’t help but smile and laugh with Paige as they watched the two boys jokingly fist pump the air. She was thrilled for Ben to receive some token of recognition for his achievement. And she was happy for Miles too. He’d come a long way during the filming. Realizing he couldn’t control every situation in life and that it wasn’t his responsibility to protect everyone was huge. Maybe now he’d finally feel free and less weighed down by his own expectations for himself.

“As our third place team, we’d like to award you with fifty thousand dollars.”

What? Holy shit.

Spencer sent the boys back to their spots. They were too shocked to say anything for the cameras anyway.

“Our second place team is … ”

Zoe held her breath. She hadn’t expected to win, but now that she knew there was money involved for the other place prizes, she hoped they would.

“Team Father Daughter.” Spencer clapped and waved them to his side where he awarded them a one hundred thousand dollar prize.

Damn. She really could have used that money.

“Finally,” Spencer said, “our first place winners are … Team Frat Boy.”

The boys ran around the stage area acting like they were at a football game instead of filming a TV show. When they finally settled down enough to join Spencer, he named them the winners of the half a million dollar grand prize.

Confetti rained down from the ceiling covering everyone in flakes of silver and gold.
Tacky.

“So close again,” Chip said coming up beside her. Spencer had already moved on to the makeup trailer now that filming was officially complete. “You want to come on another show and give it one last try to win?”

She took in Chip’s sharp features and completely put together look. Some girls might not like a guy so stylish, but she’d always thought there was something sexy about a guy who took care of himself.

“I don’t think so, Chip. I’m afraid I’ve hit my reality show limit at three losses.”

He smiled. He was cute when he smiled. “Maybe the fourth time’s a charm.”

“Or maybe the forth time’s another humiliating loss on national television and a wasted effort.”

Chip stroked his hand along her jaw. She flinched, not used to people touching her there. Ever. He pulled his hand back but stepped closer, dropping his voice. “Or maybe the world hasn’t gotten to see the real you. They haven’t seen what you’re really capable of yet. I can help you change that, Zoe. Say the word and I can make it happen for you. And I could guarantee a payday too. No more leaving empty handed.”

He didn’t wait for her to respond before walking away to congratulate the winners, which was good since she didn’t know what the hell to say to him anyway. What did he know about who she really was?

And what was with the sudden touchy-feely stuff?

Her fingers traced the patch of skin still blazing from the warmth of his touch. Along her jaw she felt the familiar ridge of raised skin — scars that had faded with time but were still so painful and carefully hidden beneath her makeup. She’d never told anyone about the car wreck that had nearly killed her and the years of painful recovery she’d suffered through.

She glanced over to where Ben celebrated. Now he had a way to finish paying off his medical bills.

Been there, done that. Still doing it, actually. But the bills were worth every penny … every sacrifice.

She’d convinced him his physical disability was actually a trophy, and yet she couldn’t say the same about her own scars. She couldn’t let them go. Couldn’t share the truth with anyone. She’d worked too hard to forget the past — to change her life, to protect her future — to share her secrets with anyone.

Chip was wrong. No one could ever see the real her. If they did, they’d think she was weak and that wasn’t something she could stomach. Not after everything she’d been through.

She’d spent the last ten years making sure no one would ever find out. She wasn’t about to throw that all away now.

But if he could offer her a “guaranteed payday” as he called it, could she afford to turn him down? The stack of overdue envelopes in her mail had probably doubled while she’d been on the show and all she had to go toward them was a shopping spree at Macy’s.

She needed the money and Chip made a compelling offer.

Maybe finding out the details couldn’t hurt …

Heather Thurmeier was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now she lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses. When she’s not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather’s hard at work on her next romance novel. She loves to hear from her readers.

~ Heart, humor, and a happily ever after.

Website:
http://heatherthurmeier.com

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https://twitter.com/#!/hthurmeier

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