Page 46 of Playing A Risk
This should be fun.
I return to them in the kitchen. They’re sitting at the island, staring at me like I’m going to scold them.
“It sounds like you two ladies had a fun day, but you need to eat. What do you want?” I round the counter and stand on the other side.
“I’m not hungry.” Dorothy slides off her stool and moseys into the bar area.
I should stop her, but she’s dealing with a lot, so her escaping for one day won’t hurt.
“Can we have the chicken parm that’s in the fridge?” Melanie joins Dorothy.
“Pasta it is.” I fix them a late lunch while they thumb through the wine selection.
They pick out a nice cab and get themselves a drink. Dorothy pours one for me and brings it over. That little action releases tiny butterflies in my chest.
They get back on the stools and watch me prepare the meal. Having them here has happiness balloon in my chest.
“You cook too.” Melanie rests her chin in her palm. “But I have to ask. If you love my best friend, why hurt her like you did?”
“Melanie!” Dorothy slaps Melanie’s arm.
Concrete fills my stomach. I deserve the question, but I didn’t expect it at this exact moment.
Dorothy turns to me. “I’m sorry, Hunter. She just doesn’t know when to stop.”
I smile with understanding. “It’s fine. Melanie’s question is fair. She’s looking out for you and that’s what friends do.”
Melanie nods and looks at Dorothy. “See. It’s a good thing I’m the way I am.”
I step in before they argue. “My behavior hasn’t always been the best. I’ve manhandled her, manipulated our relationship, and hurt her in ways I didn’t think I would, but I’m trying to make up for that.
“I’ve never loved anyone like I love her, and I’m trying to be a better man for her. Hopefully, she’ll see that. And if she does, I plan on showing her that every day for the rest of our lives.”
Melanie jabs her finger at me across the island. “I hope you mean that because if you hurt her again, you’ll be answering to me.”
“Duly noted. But I don’t plan on causing her any more pain.” I turn, put the chicken parmesan in the oven, and grab some pasta to boil.
Dorothy’s staring at me warily when I turn back. Mythroat constricts and I shrink while Melanie runs her hand across Dorothy’s back, soothing her.
“I believe you mean that, Hunter.” Melanie squeezes Dorothy’s shoulders. “But what are you going to do about the big problem that’s getting ready to take center stage between you and Dori?”
My concern spikes. “What problem is that?”
“Isabella,” Dorothy whispers.
“What about her?” I ask.
Dorothy rolls back her shoulders. “She wants something from you. We can’t figure it out, but Melanie’s right. She’s trying to get her claws into you.”
Those words have me wanting to run for the hills because Isabella’s made it known she’s not stopping until she gets what she wants. And what she wants is me.
Not only are Ava and my mother threatening my future with Dorothy, but now Isabella has joined their fight. I’m outnumbered, and it’s beginning to look like I might lose this war, which will leave me shredded and beyond repair.
CHAPTER 12
DORI
The morning lightpokes at my eyelids and I groan.
