Page 12 of Playing With Secrets
“I have a lot of pull in my division.” He hugs me, lifts me off the ground, and squeezes as hard as he can.
“You do not, but I don’t care. You’re here and that’s all that counts.” My heart bursts with love and relief. He’s always been my rock.
“I should take offense to that, but I’m just happy to see you.” He places me on my feet.
For a second, I forget everything and only bask in how grateful I am that my brother is alive and in front of me. I’m hit with a steel bat when Jamison’s gaze catches mine.
His arms are folded over his chest, and he’s taking in how excited Aiden and I are. I know Jami, and his reaction is likelybecause he’s calculating how furious Aiden will be if he ever finds out about us.
The betrayal he’s inflicted upon Aiden is gushing from Jami’s pores. His expression says it all.
Any path where Jami and I are together or parents of the same child means my bond with my brother is forever severed. My joy collapses and the black cloud expands, taking over my mood.
“Hi, I’m Melanie, Dori’s best friend.” Mel steps up to Aiden and holds out her hand.
He shakes it. “Nice to meet you. I’m Aiden, and I’ve heard a lot about you.”
While they introduce themselves, Jami and I stare at each other with a gigantic question looming between us.
Aiden interrupts our connection by stepping between us, but still facing Mel. “We’re here to take Dori to dinner. You’ll join us, won’t you?”
Mel blushes. “You know it. How could I say no to a face like that?”
He laughs. “Good. Now that we have that settled. Let’s go. I’m starving. Dori, where should we eat?”
It’s a lost cause to refuse to go, so I pick a place down the street that has a large selection. I need to have choices because I have a feeling nothing is going to sound appetizing.
As we’re leaving, I catch Melanie and Jami exchanging a glance. She subtly shakes her head. He dips his head and sighs.
What question of his did she just answer with a shake of her head?
Aiden moves his noddles around on his plate. “You all need tostop fussing. I was only in the hospital for nine days. Once the swelling subsided, I healed rather quickly.”
“I’m never going to stop worrying about you, so get that out of your head.” I force down another bite of my soup.
Nothing sounded good to eat, and soup is easy on the digestive system. It doesn’t help my tiredness, but I’ll survive. The only real problem I’m facing right now is Jami analyzing everything I do with a careful eye.
He cuts into his steak. “When do you go back on assignment?”
Aiden shrugs and puts on a brave face. “That all depends. The assignment I was on isn’t over. They still don’t know who attacked me, so they’re not sure if it’s safe to send me back.”
Jami sneers. “I don’t like the sounds of that. You thought your cover was blown. You ended up in the hospital, so why the fuck would they put you back on that assignment? Are they looking to get you killed?”
It’s nice to see Jamison’s protectiveness isn’t just over me.
“It’s not my decision, Jami.” Aiden takes a bite of his pasta.
“I think what you do is sexy as hell.” Mel stares at him across the table with a seductive smile.
I playfully slap her arm. “Don’t hit on my brother right in front of me.”
“Why?” She faces me with her brows raised.
“It’s weird. He’s my brother and you’re my best friend.” I don’t realize what I’ve said until Jami shifts uncomfortably and turns toward the door.
My gaze flies toward Aiden. He’s watching Jami with suspicion gathering in his narrowed eyes. Aiden glances back at me just as Jami does.
“Since we’re on the subject of dating, why don’t you fill us in on your relationship, Dori?” Aiden sits back and waits for my reply with a vigilant stare.
