Page 36 of Playing With Secrets
He nods, and she disappears into that room of hell seconds later.
Aiden waits for her to close the door. “Now that she’s busy, what’s up with you and her boss? I couldn’t help but notice the shove you gave him. He turned around, feeling pretty good about whatever he said to you, so let me hear it.”
“We do not get along. He loves to play Dori and me against each other.”
“How so?”
“Ninety percent of the time when she and I fight, it’s because of him and something he’s stirred up between us. He’s bad news, and she doesn’t see it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sabotaged this launch to screw with me and get her fired just so she’ll marry him.”
“What? He wants her to get fired? So he can marry her?” Aiden’s face turns red in an instant. “That does it. I was considering it before, but now I’m going to investigate that guy.”
“Do you think you’ll find anything? The business seems legit to me.” I study Aiden.
“The business probably is. But it’s a casino company, so who knows? That doesn’t matter anyway. I wouldn’t be investigating Efron Worldwide. I’d be investigating him. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and that guy is definitely burning something somewhere. Mark my words.”
God, it pays to have a best friend who’s in the FBI.
I hide my smile. “Let me know how I can help. Their relationship spells trouble. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
“What’s a disaster waiting to happen?” Dori comes out of the bathroom and gives Aiden and me the stink eye.
“The deal the Broncos made with the new quarterback.” He plays it off without a hitch.
How many times has he done that with me?
She continues to analyze us as she returns to the couch. I’m not sure she believes us, but she’s weaker than usual since she’s sick, so I hope she drops it.
“If you say so.” She sprawls out on the couch and covers herself with a blanket. “I’m sorry, Aiden, but I didn’t sleep well and I want to take a nap.”
“We’ll get out of your way in a minute, but it’s my turn to use the bathroom.” He disappears into the room of hell.
I wait until the door’s closed and then bolt to her side once it is. I kneel next to the sofa, rushing the most crucial conversation I need to have.
“How are you feeling?”
“Don’t do this, Jami. I don’t want to talk about it.” Her eyes hold a heavy shield in place.
“Just tell me you’re physically okay and I won’t say anything else.”
“I can’t do that because I’m not well. I’m in pain, tired, have cramps, and on top of that, I’m having my period. Other than that, I’m wonderful.” Her sarcastic words are bitter, almost like she’s trying to hurt me.
“Why are you acting this way toward me?”
“I don’t need to explain it. You were there.”
Does she think this is my fault?
Is she upset that I didn’t demand to stay and help her last night?
“Look, you need to know this. I wanted to be the one here taking care of you last night. Not him. If you would’ve let me, I would’ve told Aiden everything.”
Her brows pinch together. “What are you saying?”
“Aiden’s not going to stop me anymore, so when you’re ready, I’m ready.” I stare deep into her eyes, trying to communicate my feelings for her with laser-like focus.
Her gaze bounces around my face, and she sinks further into the couch. “Ready for what?”
“For us to be together. What else would I be talking about?” I brush her hair away from her face. “We can make it work if we want it bad enough. The way I feel about you hasn’t changed. I love you.”
