Page 69 of Playing A Risk
“I will, but I need time. Good God, he’s had months. At least seven fucking long months to tell me about this. Even my therapist said it’s not too much to ask for two weeks to wrap my head around it. If he can’t understand that, then fuck him.” I choke out the cry I was trying to swallow.
Hunter places his hand on my knee. “But what if what he says changes everything for you?”
“Why do you keep pushing me to hear him out? This is your chance to swoop in and take me. So why? Tell me why?” My stare connects to his.
His face softens. “Because I don’t want to win your love by default. I want you to pick me because I’m who you want. I don’t want to be your second choice. Otherwise, this will never work.”
The music fills the space as we all sit with Hunter’s declaration.
“Hunter, you wouldn’t be my second choice. Don’t you see? He had his chance. He’s had it over years. It always ends the same. This was the worst blow of all and I can’t take it anymore.
“I’m done playing his games. You’ve known me for less than a year, yet you put your heart on the line for me. You make me your priority. You open your house to Melanie and me.”
I motion to Jonah. “Jonah and your dad know about us now. Your dad even invited me to his home to get to know me. God, you’re in therapy to be a better man because of me. Everything you’ve been doing proves I’m number one in your heart. I deserve that and want that because being loved by you makes me really fucking happy.”
I wait for him to respond, but he’s speechless. Melanie’s sniffling pulls my attention her way.
Shit.
I had an audience for all that.
“That was touching, Dori. You didn’t tell me all Hunter’s doing for you, but I see it now. And you know what?” She blinks away a tear. “You deserve a love like the one he wants to give you. You do, so I support you all the way. Jami can fuck off.”
“I’m with my baby girl. You and Hunter deserve each other.” Jonah slides his arm around Melanie’s neck. “I’ll be honest. I’ve been worried you’re going to break my brother’s heart, but he keeps telling me to relax.
“You’ll make whatever choice is in your heart, and that’s all he asks. You make him happier than I’ve ever seen, so you have my blessing. And Melanie’s right. Jamison can fuck off.”
I laugh out the remaining tears I was holding in. “Thank you. Now, can we please get back to showing Melanie the time of her life?”
Hunter slides his hand into mine. “Of course. Anything you want.”
When we get back to his place, we dance in his living room, but it doesn’t take long for Jonah to carry Melanie upstairs. Her laughter proves that my decision not to talk with Jamison tonight was right. This night is about Melanie. Everything else can be dealt with later.
Maybe…
In the guest room I’ve been staying in, Mel slips into her new designer jeans Jonah gave her for today. “Dori, I’m fucking nervous. What if I say something stupid? Christmas dinner with Patrick Efron… Fuck. I’m seriously fucked.”
“Stop.” I work myself into a fitted black turtleneck. “If you can stand your ground with Hunter and Jonah, their dad will be a walk in the park. From what I’ve seen, he’s more relaxed than his sons.”
Mel twists to check out her reflection in the mirror. “I hope so.”
“Baby girl, you got this.” I laugh as I mock Jonah.
She blushes and continues to get dressed. I go to the dressing table and pick out some gold jewelry.
“In all seriousness, Mel. How are you doing with this thing you’ve got going on with Jonah?” I put on a link-style necklace.
She runs her fingers through her straight hair. “I’m doing fantastic. The gifts, the sex, and his company are phenomenal. It’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever given me.”
“You did this all on your own.”
“With Hunter’s help. Remind me to thank him later.”
“Will do.” I grab my black boots and sit on a chest at the end of my bed. “Baby girl is an odd pet name for me to understand. It doesn’t fit you.”
“What’s not to understand about it? I almost came the first time he said it.”
“Why?”
