Page 65 of Playing A Risk
He chuckles. “You’d be surprised how often I hear that.”
“I bet.” Isabella gets closer to him. “Where’s your date? I’d love to meet her.”
“I’m here alone.” Patrick glances at me. “We can’t all have dates or these things would be dreadfully boring.”
“Oh, my. Do I sense a man who likes to stir things up? If so, I’d be happy to help.” She bats her lashes.
It’s becoming glaringly obvious Isabella would take Patrick if Hunter won’t accept her advances. Would she take Jonah? It’s highly likely.
She might say it’s not about the money, but I know her type. Working for Mateo taught me that much. She wants the billions anyway she can get them, and if she knew I have that status, I’d be in her sights too.
Patrick sends her a polite smile. “Isabella, I would take you up on your offer, but you already have a date.”
“Jamison and I are only here as friends. He’s interested in Dori, so you see, I’m available.” She touches Patrick’s forearm.
His brows narrow as his gaze finds me. “What’s this about you and Dori?”
There’s an angry inflection in his tone. Why is he suddenly interested in what I do or who I see? Can she not date contractors?
“Dori and I aren’t dating, if that’s what you thought. We had a disagreement the other day, and I was looking for her to make amends.” I shoot Isabella a tread lightly glance.
Patrick inches closer. “I can see why anyone would be interested in Dori. She’s a beautiful and intelligent woman. But if you aren’t thinking about dating her, then why would Isabella believe you were?”
Isabella interjects. “Patrick, you misunderstood me. I was merely saying Jamison and I aren’t together. Dori popped into my mind because Jamison was seeking her out to apologize. It was nothing more than that. On that note, have you seen her tonight?”
Patrick eyes us suspiciously. “I have, but it’s probably bestif you wait to discuss your disagreement. This is a company function. I’d hate for any of the employees to be put in an uncomfortable position. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to spend some time with my sons.”
Maybe Dori is contractually bound not to date contractors because he clearly wants me to stay far away from her.
He leaves, and Isabella glances my way. “Did you do something to piss him off?”
“Not that I’m aware of, but let’s not tell anyone else we speak to tonight that I’m looking for Dori. I don’t know if it comes off well.”
“I’d say.” Isabella shakes her head.
“Why did you shake your head?” The line moves and we take another step closer to the bar.
“The energy in the room is off tonight. I expected laughter and light conversations, making it easy to flirt. But it’s tense and standoffish. It’s tripping me up.”
I nod and consider what she said. She’s not wrong. Hunter’s lack of reception didn’t surprise me, but Patrick Efron’s did.
As we slowly make our way to the front of the line, my neck and shoulders tighten, and my stomach fills with anxious butterflies. I become increasingly on edge.
The more I think about it, Patrick’s response about Dori wasn’t because she can’t date contractors. She would’ve told me if that was in her contract. I’m sure of it.
Maybe Hunter came clean with his dad about how he feels about Dori. Why else would Patrick care if I talked to her? But why would Hunter put Dori’s job at risk like that?
My mind reels with all the reasons when a familiar laugh grabs my attention. I spin to see a very made-up Melanie speaking to one of her team members. She may not talk to me, but I have to try.
“Isabella, I need a word with Melanie. Do you mind getting yourself a drink?”
“I guess not. Nothing else is going as planned, so you might as well do what you need.” She waves me off.
“Thanks.” I hurry to Melanie.
She doesn’t see me coming until the last second, and her eyes nearly fall out of her sockets. Her coworker excuses himself and I take advantage.
“Hi, Mel. You look gorgeous.”
