Page 94 of Playing With Secrets
The night is as perfect as it can be. Just when I think I can’t love her more, I fall harder.
I walk her to the elevator when she’s ready to leave. “Thanks for stopping by. You have an open invitation. You’re welcome anytime.”
“Thank you for allowing me in.” She presses her lips together as she stares at mine.
Fuck it.
I step to her and take her in my arms. “We both ate garlic, so it won’t matter.”
She lifts her chin and allows me to send her away with a gentle, meaningful kiss. The elevator doors open, and she slips inside.
She smiles from her heart, radiating love. “Good night, Jami. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Text me when you get home, just to let me know you made it.” The doors start to close. “I had a great time. Thanks for everything.”
She’s out of view before I’m done talking. With nothing but resolve, I stride back to my place, knowing exactly what I need to do next. It’s way overdue. I’ve been letting it run me for far too long.
I get back inside my apartment and go straight to my phone. I press Lauren’s number and wait.
Here’s hoping this goes well because my relationship with Dori depends on it. But if history has taught me anything, I’m likely walking myself into a disastrous situation.
CHAPTER 23
HUNTER
My hand fistsmy phone as I spin into the depths of despair. It’s a technical detail.
I’m not following Dorothy. I just know where she is by her Share My Location app. She’s been in this complex for hours now, which means she’s at Jamison’s place.
Why is she there?
I’m sitting at the bar with my heart beating out of my chest, hoping to catch her when she leaves. Please let it be tonight because if she stays, I’ll die from heartbreak.
“Hunter, do you want anything else to drink?” Jody wipes down the counter.
I glance at my glass. “No, thanks. I’m good.”
I peek at the entrance of the restaurant right as Dorothy passes by and goes out the door to the parking lot.
The stool twists as I hurry off it and try to‘run’into her. By the time I get outside, she’s already driving away in her car.
“Goddammit!” I turn back and march to the elevators while shaking my head. I really wanted to confront her and see how she would handle it, but I’ll just have to wait until tomorrow.
“Joe Ison is here to see you.” Hailey holds the doorknob as she peeks in.
“Great. Send him in.” I dig into my pocket and pull out the betting chip.
Hailey shows Joe in, and we share the usual pleasantries before we get down to business. I’m not sure how to go about it because I don’t know my mother at all. Her agenda has me confused as fuck.
“Do you want me to get more information on Jamison Stone?” Joe slouches comfortably on the corner of my couch as I lean against my desk, standing before him.
“No. I need something different. It’s a strange request because I don’t know what I’m looking for.”
“This sounds interesting. How can I help?”
“I need you to find out all you can about a woman by the name of Joan Venturi. She lives near Bordeaux, France.”
“You’re sending me to Europe for a woman? Who is she?” He eyes the chip I’ve been absentmindedly messing with.
