Page 116 of Playing My Rivals

“I slid into his office and we were both hungry, so we went out.”

“How often do you go to his office?” My stomach turns with something I dislike even more.

“As often as I used to visit you. When he moved to my floor, I naturally started going to see him when I’ve been bored. You know, like how I used to do with you.” Something over my shoulder catches her eye. “Nice timing.”

The server places our appetizers and drinks down.

“That was fast.” Melanie winks at him. “I sure hope you’ll be much slower with me later tonight.”

He pegs her with a sinful stare. “I’ll be slow once we get to your place, but fast on getting you there.”

Her jaw drops to the table. He flickers a bright smile her way.

“Mel, would you like me to call for a crane to help you get your jaw off the floor?” I ask.

She hesitates before she breaks their connection and then turns to me. “Um…no. I don’t need a crane. I need him to get off and go home with me.”

“Technically, it needs to go the other way.” He laughs and turns to leave. “I’ll be back to check on you. I’ve got other tables to attend to.”

Her eyes widen as he walks away. “Do you think he’s serious?”

“It didn’t sound like he was joking.”

“That means you have to stay here and keep me company until he gets off. I mean, is done with work so I can take him home. Then he can get off.” She checks out her cleavage and unbuttons another button.

I roll my eyes. “If you help me figure out my relationships, I’ll stay.”

“I should buy a lotto ticket because my luck is on fire right now.” She runs her fingers over her lips. “I can’t wait to make out with him.”

“Ever since you decided you wanted to date around, you’ve done it proudly. I love how free you are.”

“Why don’t you give it a try? Think about it. For the last few months, you’ve been focused on two guys who only cause you stress. You can’t be with either of them when all is said and done, so why not?”

I pull back at her declaration. “Why can’t I end up with one of them?”

“If you stay with Hunter, your job is at risk. And as far as Jami goes, you two don’t communicate well. You see it one way and he sees it the exact opposite. I don’t think you two will ever see eye to eye.” She pops a chip into her mouth.

“Hunter’s working on getting my contract changed.” The second part of what she said hits me. “What do you mean, how Jami sees it?”

Her gaze moves to her drink. She lifts it and takes a sip. She takes more time than she needs.

My eyes narrow in on hers. “Mel, what aren’t you telling me?”

“You say he runs hot or cold with you and pushes you away. He says you always pick someone else and ultimately leave him. As an outsider, it’s clear it’s a communication issue.”

“Do you guys talk about me often?”

“Not really. Only when I bombard him with questions. Like I said, he tries to avoid the topic. I don’t let him off the hook. Eventually, he breaks and I get him to talk.”

“Do you think he’s done with me for good?” My chest grows heavy.

She wipes her mouth with a napkin. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but if he’s not there yet, he’s close to that point. Not once but twice you proclaimed your love to Hunter. And Jamison heard it. A person can only take so much.”

“I can’t lose Jami. When he pulled away and disconnected, I realized how much I missed him.” His question echoes in my ears. “When we were talking tonight, it didn’t take but ten minutes before our sexual tension showed up.”

“Sex is one thing. Love is another.”

“I love them both, Melanie.”

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