Page 6 of Playing My Rivals

“You got it because you thought I would like it?” She rushes over and stops by the side of the couch.

“What can I say? I want to please you. And by the look on your face, I’ve done that.”

“You have, but to redecorate your living room is a bit extreme, don’t you think?”

“Nothing is too extreme when it comes to you. I’ll do anything to see that smile on your face.” I stroll over to her. “Go ahead and try it out.”

“As long as you’ll join me.” She moves to the front and sits.

My eyes fill with hope. I take her in as she enjoys the new addition to the living room. “I will, but would you like something to drink first?”

“Water is fine.” She leans forward and rubs her hand over the table in front of the couch. “What is this made of?”

“It’s lacquered glass over wood. It’s from Italy.” I run to the kitchen and grab her some water.

She rests back against the sofa and glances back at me. “It’s beautiful, Hunter. It adds to the place. I like it.”

“That pleases me to hear.” I make my way back to her. “Now, let’s get to the reason you’re here. You said you have something to discuss with me.”

“I do.” She takes her water from me. “I don’t want you to misunderstand what this is.”

Her words don’t sound promising and scratch at my heart.

Stay calm, Efron.

“How would I misunderstand?” I ease down beside her.

“That’s why I’m here. I want to explore things with you, but I want to go slow. That’s not to say things won’t progress, but I want to work on us right now.”

“Help me understand what that means.”

“You say you want me to move in here and design a life with you, but things would need to change for that to happen.” She bites down on her lip. “I want to learn more about you. Right now, I don’t feel like I know who you truly are.”

“How can you say that? You know me better than most.”

“I know you in the bedroom. I know you at work, but I don’t know you as far as your life. You’ve only let me in so far. I want to know more. Like, what are your dreams and hopes for your future?” She studies me and reaches down, taking off her shoes.

I’m pleased she wants to get closer. It’s easy enough to give her what she wants within reason. There are some dark secrets from my past that only Ava knows, secrets that would undoubtedly bring on doubts from Dorothy. I can't share those, but I'll give her what I can.

I gaze into her eyes. “For one, I want us to be together. I want my company to be on top and crush our competition.”

“How can we be together when you travel all the time? You said it yourself. You can work away for a month at a time. I can’t go with you, so where does that leave us regarding quality time?” She shifts so she’s sitting crossed-legged in front of me.

“I can fly you out to meet me or I can come home on the weekends. We’ll figure it out.”

“What stops you from being with other women when you’re away?”

Her question slams into my heart. “You think I’d cheat on you? Why would I do that?”

“Because you’re used to getting any woman you want.” She studies me intently.

She’s never questioned my faithfulness to her, so I’m surprised she’s doing it now.

My eyebrows draw down. “Where is this coming from?”

“Melanie and I were looking into you online. You’re pictured with a new woman in every city you go, except for Ava. You’re pictured with her more than anyone else. Why is that?”

Ava’s name coming from Dorothy’s mouth spikes my adrenaline. Ava’s the last person I want to talk about with Dorothy. I take a moment to think, wishing I could wipe away my past issues. My jaw clenches. I’ve got to keep Dorothy away from Ava.

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