Page 43 of Playing My Rivals

“It’s honeysuckle.” He picks another flower. “If you pull these out and suck on the part that was connected, you’ll taste something sweet.”

He does it, so I do it too. “Wow. That’s really sweet.”

He nods and throws his flower in the stream. “See those little bugs on top of the water?”

He points them out. When I see what he’s showing me, I smile.

I squint my eyes to get a better view. “What are those?”

“Water skippers. Or water striders, pond skaters, Jesus bugs, or water skeeters. Take your pick. They’re all right.” He glances at me as I stare off in wonder. “What’s running through that beautiful head of yours?”

My soul can’t take it anymore. I stand and go over to the tree. I outline the carving with my finger but stop and keep my finger connected to the heart.

I already know the answer I’m searching for, but I need to hear him say it. “What do you know about this?”

He pushes himself up and comes to me. “I carved that when I first moved here.”

“Are those our initials?”

“They are.” He traces them with his finger as he considers something.

My stomach flips as my chest floods with warmth. Something deep inside of me stirs. Every cell in my body is about to burst with love.

I move to rest against the trunk of the tree. My hands are behind me, touching the bark.

I lean on them and lounge back. “Why didn’t you call me when you moved here?”

“Your brother warned me not to.” He sidesteps so he’s standing in front of me, then shakes his head. “No, I can’t blame him anymore. The truth is, I was chickenshit.”

A rooster crows, and it makes us laugh.

“He agrees.” I rest my head against the tree.

“He should. It’s the truth.” Jami steps forward and hooks his pointer finger into the belt loop of my jean shorts. “I fucked up.”

Every moment we’ve had like this one comes rushing back and takes over my heart. My cells ignite and passion crawls over my skin. Our eyes burn into one another’s.

I swallow and say something I shouldn’t. “Did you fuck up for good?”

He wets his lips. “I don’t know. Did I?”

CHAPTER 10

JAMISON

I step closer to Dori. My finger is still hooked in her belt loop. My heart pounds so hard I’m sure she can hear it. Her eyes move across my face as her cheeks turn bright pink. Her breathing picks up.

Because of the gigantic obstacles that stand between us, I said I wouldn’t do this, but I can’t stop myself.

“Jami, we…” She closes her mouth and pins her gaze on my lips.

It’s been proven to me over and over that my willpower is weak when she’s around. The magnetic pull between us makes me want to cross the line. It’s always been there and now it’s even more potent.

I remember the night we shared our amazing kiss. As much as I want it again, I know I have to stop. She loves Hunter no matter how much she’s questioning their relationship. No matter how much I want her, love her, or want her to finally pick me, I can’t do this to her.

I yank on her jean shorts with my finger that’s looped in them and give her the out she needs. “Come this way. Our chores aren’t done yet.”

She glances down as she pushes off the tree. “Yes, that should be our focus.”

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