Page 121 of Playing A Risk
He squares his shoulders. “It should because you know I’ve kept my word to you on a few occasions that could’ve blown you out of the water.”
I dip my head in acknowledgment. “And I did the same for you.”
“Yes, that’s true, but I only went after you because you came at me.” His chest puffs out.
“Oh, Jamison. That’s where you’re wrong. You started this war, not me.” I shift to get closer to him, but Dorothy squeezes my hand.
His brows narrow. “And how exactly did I do that?”
“By sleeping with Dorothy. You knew we would get backtogether and you didn’t give a shit.” I release her hand, my fingers itching to take him down.
Damn, I want to pummel him, but that will ruin everything I’ve been working on. I breathe in a deep, calming breath.
Dorothy pushes to get up. “Both of you, stop it. I’m not going to rehash this.”
“Wait, Dori. I got off track. Let me say what I need to say.” Jamison gestures for her to stay seated.
She nods and relaxes back down. “Please make it quick.”
“I wanted to let you both know that once Efron’s tech team has what they need of me, I’ll be leaving. As in moving to Miami.” His gaze bounces between us.
Dorothy covers her mouth with her palm, but I settle in because something tells me this conversation will give me everything I want.
“This love triangle is taking its toll. All of us are behaving in unhealthy ways. Hunter, you and I used to be friends. I respect you as a businessman and maybe once I’m gone, we’ll find a way to be allies like we spoke of before.
“As for you, Dori. Well, this is where it ends for…us.” He chokes on the last word and lowers his head.
I’m stunned. I never thought he’d give up and hand her over to me. It gives me hope that she and I can find our way. If Isabella wasn’t pregnant, I’d have no doubts.
I glance at Dorothy. She’s pale and her glossy eyes are glued to Jamison. The ticking of a clock hanging on a wall behind him fills the room. I can’t help but note the metaphor. Jamison’s time is running out, and he knows it.
He raises his head and connects to my stare as if he’s reading my mind.
“Hunter, I love her enough to let her go so she can have the happiness she deserves. If I stay here, it only makes it hard on her—we’ll only make it harder on her. Look at what we’vedone in less than a year. We’ve been destroying her heart, and it’s time to stop.”
Dorothy holds her breath and stills herself. She doesn’t say a word. I take her hand and get ready to stand.
Jamison’s body subtly shakes. “Don’t take her for granted like I did. She deserves better.”
“I’ll love her the right way. You can trust that.” I cringe inside, knowing I’m going to do my best to keep this promise, but I’m still going to hurt her.
“Just know if you fuck up again, I won’t hesitate to come back for her. And I won’t lose her if that happens. I’ll fight for her until I die.” He stands and soaks her in with agony pouring from his eyes like he knows he’s letting the love of his life go once and for all.
“You won’t get that chance, Jamison.” I pull her up so we can leave. Their gazes lock.
He stares lovingly into her eyes. “I know you’ll look back on this and think I walked away from you and didn’t fight. But the way I see it, Dori, is my love for you isn’t made up of anger and war. Me loving you has always been about you finding your own way and supporting you as best as I can.”
He takes a step toward her but stops. “If you hate me for that, I understand. But I won’t let our love get tainted by jealousy and division. My love for you is good and trusts you to make your own perfect choice.
“You’ve been telling me you love Hunter for a while. I forgot what loving you means and ignored your pleas. My beautiful, sweet temptress, I heard you yesterday with clear ears. I’m giving you the respect you deserve and won’t stand in your way.”
Her tears fall in streams. If I didn’t think she needed to hear Jamison’s declaration, I would’ve stopped it from being said. But his words are the very thing I’ve waited for.
Relief blankets me. “If you’re done now, I’d like to take her home.”
“Yeah, I’ve said what I need to say. I’ll be working from home from now on, but I’ll be in to clean out my desk this week. I’ll let you know once that’s done.” He shuffles to the door and opens it for us.
“Very well, Jamison.” I lead her out.
