Page 126 of Playing My Rivals

I need her to say it with her body. She can’t lie when she’s with me that way. I would see right through it.

She glances at her shirt buttons. “I think I’ll change in the other room. You fill the bath, and I’ll be right back.”

“Your robe is still on the back of the door.” My chest deflates as I turn around and finish filling her bath.

She was flush and turned on. I know she was. But I need to keep my word and give her time if I’m ever going to win her back. It’s been an uphill battle, but I’m willing to keep fighting.

I love her no matter what she did. We could get back on track if she allowed me back into her bed.

Yes, I may have gone too far with Jamison. But when she came to me and said she would only consider a future with me if I allowed her to explore her relationship with Jamison, I lost all reason. I had to take things with Jamison to the extreme.

She’s lucky I didn’t try to kill him again. His packet of secrets was the lesser of two evils, so I feel I’ve grown in some respect. Threatening an old man was wrong, but I needed Jamison to understand my seriousness. He doesn’t need to know I’d never follow through on that.

I sit on the edge of the bath and perfect it to her liking. She returns right as I’m finishing up.

“It smells heavenly in here. Thank you.” She comes to my side in her fluffy white robe and slides her hand over my shoulders. “This is exactly what I need.”

I reach up and squeeze her hand. “In that case, I’m happy to give this to you.”

She bends over and kisses my cheek. I want so badly to turn my head and take her in my arms. I’m craving her like nothing I ever have before.

“It should be exactly how you like it, so I’ll give you some privacy. Get in, and I’ll check on you in a few minutes.” I stand and go to the entrance of the en suite.

I glance back at her right as I’m about to leave the room. Her hair is twisted up in a bun, her head is down, and she runs her hands down the front of her body. Something about it seems intimate and nurturing. She starts to take off her robe.

She lifts her head, and our eyes meet. “Oh. I thought you were already gone.”

“Sorry. I wanted one last peek. Don’t worry. I wasn’t going to gawk at your naked body, but I won’t lie. I wouldn’t have complained if I caught a glimpse. You’re too beautiful for me not to sneak a peek. Enjoy your soak, beauty.” I leave her to her bath with an idea springing to mind.

I run to my study and send my assistant a quick list of things I need. It’s moments like this I’m grateful she doesn’t live far away and is willing to do these special runs for me on such short notice. I don’t do it often, so that’s probably why she agrees to do them for me.

Once that’s done, I prepare a glass of Dorothy’s favorite wine. I pour another drink for myself, sit on our couch, and watch the city life below.

I used to love the chase. Now all I want is to cuddle with her on this couch and give her everything she wants. It makes me dread my upcoming trip.

Not only does it leave Dorothy and Jamison alone, but Ava will be there. It’s not something I want to discuss, but I’ll need to give Dorothy a heads-up.

The front desk rings about thirty minutes later, telling me they have a delivery from my assistant. I run down to the lobby to get my treats. As I’m waiting for the elevator to return to my penthouse, Jamison comes around the corner. He stops, seemingly to reconsider standing beside me, but then joins me.

“Jamison. I’m glad I ran into you. It seems you need a reminder of the terms of our agreement.”

He rolls his eyes. “No, I don’t, Hunter. I got your message loud and clear. I was meeting Melanie tonight and didn’t know Dori would be there. We stayed for a few minutes after Melanie left so I could pay the bill.

“Like I told you when you walked up, I was only making sure Dori got home safely. Nothing more. So you can pull back your threat.”

“Don’t push me, Jamison. I’m not playing around here, so I’ll repeat it in case you read the text I sent and didn’t take it seriously. Spending time with her, whether it’s to finish paying the bill or offering to drive her home, is off-limits.”

I stare him hard in the eyes. “I told you to stay away from her, so this is your final warning. If I catch you two alone together again and it’s not work-related or you telling her it’s over for good, you will be sorry. That includes sending her messages and asking to speak to her.”

“Whatever you say, Hunter.” He moves to press the elevator call button.

I press it for him because I have a dig I’m about to deliver. “Let’s ride up together.”

The doors slide open, and we both get on. He glances at his phone, which gives me the perfect opening.

“If you’re checking to see if Dorothy has sent you another text, don’t bother. She’s upstairs taking a bath. We’re planning a sensual night tonight. Once she’s had enough soaking, I’m going to give her a massage.

“Afterward, we plan on enjoying some wine together while I hold her in my arms and sit in our favorite spot that overlooks the city.” I tip the opening of the bag my assistant dropped off in his direction so he can see the contents.

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