Page 58 of Playing My Rivals

“Yeah, she told me.” I step on and hit the button to Mel’s floor and mine.

“It’s not only that. While we were working out, Jonah called. She missed some marketing deadlines for one of the casino's advertisements. She’s never done that, so she’s a mess.”

“Yikes. Missing any deadline is bad, but Dori missing one is very unusual.”

Mel's eyes slide to mine. “Don’t tell her I said this, but she needs to get her head screwed on. Ever since she’s been trying to figure out her feelings about you know who and you, she’s been really distracted.”

My heart skips a beat. This is the first I’m hearing that Dori still has feelings for me.

“What do I have to do with it? I thought she was moving forward with him.”

“So she says, but she’s still thinking about ‘what if’ with you.”

“Has she told you that?”

“She doesn’t have to. Her going places with you when he isn’t around is enough to let me know that’s what she’s thinking.” The elevator opens to Melanie’s floor. “Be prepared for a rough day. Dori’s in a pissy mood.”

Mel steps out, and I nod. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

“Anytime.” She waves and strolls away.

The rest of the way to my floor, my mind spins.

Is Dori struggling with her decision more than I realized?

The day we were at Chuck’s was innocent enough, but there were times I thought she was considering being with me instead of Hunter. I’m wrapped up in those thoughts when I get to our office. She’s already inside, sitting at her desk with Jonah reclining in one of the chairs.

“Good morning, you two.” I get a glimpse of her as I go to my desk.

“Good morning, Jamison.” Jonah stands. “I was just telling Dori that our meeting for the second phase is canceled. Hunter’s out sick today.

“He’ll be out of town on business for the rest of the week. Dori needs to focus on some other assignments during this time. Which means, if you need anything, I’ll be your point person.”

“Okay. I may opt to work from home if you’re good with it. My team and I could use the time to have open discussions about the next steps.” I glance at Dori. She doesn’t seem to be paying attention.

Jonah looks at her. “That will be fine. In fact, it might be best given the situation.”

Her gaze darts toward him, then to me. She’s red in the face. I want to ask what the situation is but don’t because it could make our situation worse.

Instead, I nod and gather some files off my desk. “Great. I’ll be out of here in about an hour. You can reach me by cell if you need anything.”

“Very well. We’ll be in touch.” He dips his head at me and turns to Dori. “That should give you plenty of peace and quiet so you can focus on your tasks.”

“Thanks, Jonah.” A grateful smile graces her lips, and I’m instantly relieved.

For a minute there, I thought there was going to be a discussion about how Dori and I know each other and how he thought it was suspicious of us to keep the truth from him. He gives her a reassuring look and leaves the office.

I wait a minute before I say anything. Melanie told me Dori’s in a bad mood and I know what she’s like when she’s having one of those days. Let me say her attitude on those days is not pleasant.

Her office phone rings. She clears her throat and answers it.

“Dorothy Fisher. Can I help you?” She rolls her shoulders back while she listens to someone speak. “Yes, Hunter. I’m aware. Jonah just left.”

She waits for a minute as she takes in what he’s saying. Her face goes pale and she glances my way. I stand straight and run my hand over my chin, rubbing my stubbly beard. Her eyes move to her computer.

She huffs a frustrated breath of air. “That is completely uncalled for.”

She pauses. “If it were work-related, then I could agree. But it isn’t and you know it.”

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