Page 120 of Playing A Risk
I close down my house and shoot Melanie a text, telling her where Dori is. Once that’s taken care of, I slide into bed a little after two, knowing what I have to do.
I rub the pain in my chest. At least I don’t have the stress of the launch anymore. But with that thought, my heart shrinks; my time here with Dori is coming to an end soon.
I’m taking the job in Miami because there are endless opportunities and she let her choice be known today. So part of Dori’s prediction is correct. I will be leaving her again, but she won’t be alone. She’ll have Hunter. My soul breaks one more time and I pray it’s the last.
It’s way too early for anyone to visit, but I expected this, so I was up and getting ready an hour ago.
I set my coffee down on the counter and answer the door, knowing exactly who’s on the other side. Hunter comes into view as soon as there is enough space.
“Hunter, I was expecting you. Come on in.”
“Where’s Dorothy?” He stands at the opening with his jaw tight and twitching.
“She’s still sleeping. I have a couple of things to say before you wake her. Please come in so we can talk.” I widen the opening to make space for him.
He pins me with a death stare as he trudges into my place. I gesture to the living room. He growls low under his breath.
No doubt, he probably wants to kill me because he thinks I slept with her last night. I should’ve just to piss him off, but whatever. That’s just the asshole in me talking.
“What’s this about Jamison?” He stands by the sliding glass door with his arms folded.
“Dori, what else?” I grab my coffee and stay in the kitchen. We need the distance, at least until he hears me out.
“Look, Hunter, before you go off the hinges, you need to know nothing happened last night. Melanie asked me to help find Dori because she pulled another one of her silent treatments on everyone. I found her at a dive bar, inebriated, and tried to take her to her loft. She lost her keys somewhere, so I brought her here.”
“You should’ve brought her to my place.”
“Probably, but I took the path of least resistance. It was hard enough trying to make sense of what she was saying. I didn’t want to add you seeing us together into the mix. Who knows how much miscommunication would’ve gone on?”
“So you kept her to yourself. That makes it so much better, Jamison.” His sarcasm is evident. “Nothing happened last night, but something did happen yesterday. Do I need to remind you of what that was?”
“I kissed her, Hunter. She didn’t kiss me. That’s what I wanted to tell you. Instead of berating her today, which I’ll admit she kind of deserves for doing her disappearing act—but that’s another conversation altogether—try hearing herout. Listen to her because she’s hurting and is about to self-destruct.”
He rolls his eyes. “Thanks, coach. Now, can I go get my girlfriend, or do you have anything else to say?”
“I do have something else, but go get her first. I want to say it to both of you. She’s down the hall to the right, in the first bedroom. The door is closed, so you’ll know which one I’m talking about.”
He stalks away, cursing under his breath. I can only hope he takes my advice and doesn’t let her have a piece of his mind. An argument would only make this dreadful situation worse.
They come back a few minutes later, holding hands. She’s already teary, and no doubt has a screaming hangover, but it’s time they hear what I have to say.
She peeks up at me. “Jami, I’m sorry you had to take care of me last night. I didn’t mean?—”
“It’s fine. Why don’t you and Hunter take a seat? I have something to say.” I motion to the couch and brace myself for the agony I have to face.
They hesitate to do what I ask. After some silent communication, she leads him to the couch.
I pull in all of my strength because this is going to be one of the most difficult things to do. It’s right up there with laying my parents and my son to rest. I force down all my love for her and start speaking while another piece of me dies.
CHAPTER 31
HUNTER
My blood boils.I’m so livid I can barely see straight. Dorothy holding my hand for dear life is the only thing controlling my temper.
Jamison walks over to an ottoman on the other side of his couch and sits before us. “After yesterday’s launch went well, I took my elation too far and put Dori in a difficult situation. Dori, I’m sorry. Hunter, you have my word it won’t happen again.”
“Like your word means anything to me.” I glower.
