Page 7 of Playing A Risk
Hopefully, he’ll be so focused on fixing things with Dorothy he’ll keep my secrets to himself. I’ve got to be the one who tells her about my issues. Otherwise, my relationship with Dorothy could go up in smoke.
“Yes, Jonah. She’s with me.” I press send on the email containing the latest budgets.
“Is that a wise idea?”
“She’s stayed here many times. If anyone asks, she’s taken some time off, and she’s working remotely until the first of the year. The documents that our department heads need to review are on their way to you now.”
“You couldn’t have planned this better if you tried.”
Someone talking in the background of Jonah’s line filters through.
“Hunter, I’ve got to let you go. Jamison’s in my office. Call me if you need anything.”
I say goodbye and hang up as Dorothy enters the kitchen. The sight of her swimming in one of my blue sweatshirts and baggy sweatpants tugs at my heart.
She’s so beautiful.
“Good morning, beauty. You look more rested than yesterday.” I tip my head to the coffeepot. “Would you like some?”
“Please.” She slides onto a stool at my kitchen island, rubbing her eyes. “Why did you let me sleep so late? People are going to wonder where I am.”
“I’ve let everyone know you’re taking time off and working remotely until the beginning of the year. My assistant is picking up everything you’ll need from the office and bringing it by at noon.”
“Why do that for me? I should’ve done it myself.”
“Nonsense. I figured you could rest, since you can’t work without your laptop.” I pour a cup of the aromatic coffee and I slide it her way.
“Okay, thank you.” She gazes around the kitchen whilechewing on the corner of her bottom lip. Her eyes fill with angst. “I have a big favor.”
“Anything, just ask.”
“I couldn’t sleep most of the night. I woke up at around three and thought about some things.”
“What things?”
She turns away, hiding her face from me. “I need some time to think. I don’t want to talk to anyone until I figure out what I want to do and say.”
“That’s not a problem. I can leave you alone.” I say the words, but I want to stomp around and pout like a child. I want her to lean on me.
She spins back to me. “No. That’s not what I meant. Let me try this again. I was wondering if I could stay here for a little while.”
Her cheeks turn red, but her request has me feeling like I won a jackpot.
“Of course you can. Stay as long as you need.” I lift my cup to my lips to hide my smile. I don’t want her to think I’m enjoying her misery.
She mixes hazelnut cream into her drink and then sips on it. I get the distinct feeling she wants to say more, so I don’t say a word.
She cups her mug like she’ll fall if she doesn’t have a hold of something. “Here’s the big favor I need from you.”
I raise my brows. “You mean staying here isn’t what you need?”
“It’s part of it, but I knew you would say yes. I won’t stay in your bed, so you don’t need to worry about that.”
I want to beg her to stay in my bed, but I don’t. “Either way is fine with me. You do what’s comfortable for you. I promise to behave no matter what.”
“Thanks. So I was wondering… Do you think you could get me a new phone? Mine’s at Jamison’s and I can’t see or talk to him until I figure out how I feel.”
Her already red-rimmed eyes pool with tears, but she sucks in a breath and holds them back. “I don’t want you to get my stuff from him either because I don’t want him to know where I am.”
