Page 76 of Playing the Game
“You don’t get both. It’s physically impossible.” I smirk, trying to hide my concern with humor.
She laughs softly. “I know that.”
“Dori, I’m asking you for transparency. Where do you want to be?”
“I want to be with you.”
“That’s not the question. Take your emotions out of it forjust a minute. When you think about your life in the future, where do you see yourself?”
She releases a heavy sigh. “I worked hard to get where I was. It’s hard to see myself anywhere else.”
“That’s understandable.” My stomach tightens. “Are there any visions you have where it looks different?”
She lowers her head and shuffles over to my couch as she seems to think something. I give her the time she needs. I won’t rush this because I know how hard she worked to get her career off the ground. She deserves the space to really consider my question.
She sits, brings her knees to her chest, and hugs them. “I see a life with you.”
“But...” I make my way back to her with my body tight and sore.
Her troubled gaze meets mine. “But I don’t know if it’s a long-distance relationship or if I’m living there with you. It’s hard to get a clear picture in my mind.”
I take my time lowering myself onto the couch. “Do you think a long-distance relationship is something you could handle?”
“I think I could.” Her tone is less than convincing.
“Let’s say I’m invited to one of Mateo’s bashes and you were too busy to come because of work obligations. How would you feel knowing I was there and other women would be around me?”
Jealousy swims in her eyes. “I wouldn’t like it, but I trust you.”
I nod slowly. “Now think about if I was at an event like that and there was a client I was working with whose company happened to be one of the contracts I had. Let’s pretend it’s a woman-owned company, and we were photographed together, laughing and having fun at one of these parties. How would you feel then?”
Her facial features harden. “I don’t know what you’re getting at, Jami.”
“I know how you are. You have a jealous streak, and you act out when you’re triggered. Take the night you saw me at the club, for instance.”
Her breathing kicks up. “Are you trying to say I should be worried?”
“No, but your reaction is enough to tell me it wouldn’t go over well.”
“I’d try to understand. Sure, I might be jealous, but like I said, I trust you, so it wouldn’t be an issue.”
Her denial is all I need to know. And nothing about it is giving me any hope we make it in the end.
CHAPTER 17
HUNTER
Jonah steps outof the car. “Hunter, I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.”
“Just admit it. You want to say goodbye to Melanie.” I get out behind him with excitement brewing in my chest.
My driver shuts the door and leaves us so we can attend Melanie’s going away party. I wasn’t going to come, but Dorothy will be here.
Besides a few text exchanges, we haven’t spoken since I took her to dinner. I’m eager to see her.
Jonah leads us into the restaurant. “You said this party is in a private room.”
“Yes. I set it up for them last week. Hailey said everything should be good to go. Just ask the hostess what room we’re in.”
