Page 68 of Playing A Risk
I grab Hunter’s hand. “Get me into the car, Hunter. I don’t want to speak to him right now.”
He nods, takes two big strides, and opens the door before the driver can. “Are you sure you don’t want to?—”
“Not tonight.” I jump into the backseat.
Melanie’s right behind me. Hunter and Jonah climb in seconds later. Jonah grabs the door and shuts it. The lock engages automatically. Jami gets to the door right as it does and pounds on the window. They stare at me, saying nothing.
“Dori, please.” Jami slams his palm against the glass. “Just give me five minutes. Please don’t do this. Don’t shut me out again. You know it doesn’t work.”
The pain of his betrayal has my heart slip from my chest and shatter around me once more. I glance at Mel. I can’t let Jami ruin her night. She never gets things like she’s been receiving from Jonah.
I crawl to the front of the limo to address the driver. “Would you mind turning on some music? Play it loud, please.”
“Yes, Ms. Fisher. Anything in particular?” the driver asks.
“Party music. After all, it’s a night to celebrate.” I ignore Jami’s pleas and face my group. “This spectacle isn’t going to ruin our night.”
Hunter’s gaze drops to the floor, Melanie glances at the window, and Jonah just stares at me. Music fills the limo, drowning out Jami’s screams as we pull out of the lot, get onto the street, and drive away.
I climb back to my seat next to Hunter. “Would you please make me a drink? I’m afraid I’ll spill.”
My entire body shakes, so he doesn’t need me to spell it out. I’m a mess from that interaction.
He simply nods and pours champagne for all of us. He’s handing out the glasses when Melanie’s phone rings. She whips it out of her clutch and peers at the screen.
She glances up at me. “It’s him. Do you want me to answer it?”
“It’s your phone, Mel. Do what you want.” I take my drink from Hunter.
Mel lets it continue to chime until it stops. I get ready to toast everyone, but Mel’s cell goes off again. She closes her eyes.
Hunter leans to the side and hollers to the driver. “Can you turn the music down just a little?”
Once the volume reduces, Melanie takes a deep breath and brings her phone to her ear.
“Jami, she’s made herself clear. She doesn’t want to speak with you.”
His voice carries, but not enough that I can understand what he’s saying.
Mel’s eyes lock with mine. “He’s asking for a minute to hear him out.”
I glance at Jonah and he shrugs. Then I check out Mel.Her gaze floats around to each of us. I face Hunter and he pulls in a gust of air.
He slowly releases his breath. “It’s up to you. It’s your decision.”
I hold out my hand to Mel. “Give me your phone.”
My chest heats and I clench my teeth. I’m so angry Jamison’s ruining Mel’s night. She’s finally getting to experience something extraordinary, and he’s making it all about him.
Mel hands me her phone. I stare at it for a second, then power it down.
I hand it back. “Please don’t turn that back on until we’re at Hunter’s place. I don’t want to hear it ringing.”
She nods and puts the phone away. Hunter’s stare weighs heavy on me, so I twist his way.
“What?” I try to fight back my tears.
Hunter shakes his head. “I told you I would honor what you asked for. That still holds true, but you’re going to have to speak to him at some point.”
