Page 109 of Playing My Rivals

With that, she got added to the list of everyone I’ve loved and lost. She now fuses with Aricin and it rips at my soul. At least she’s with the people I love the most. It’s the only comfort I have.

“The latest gossip is you and Dori got caught screwing in her office. That’s why they moved you down here. I wonder who comes up with this stuff?” Mel shakes her head. “Anyhoo, I was hoping you would come out with me to have a drink. Whadda ya say, big guy?”

I lean back in my chair and run my hand over my beard while I contemplate her offer.

“Come on, Jami. Say yes. Dori won’t be there because you know who has her on a tight leash.” Mel bats her big brown eyes.

“He runs her schedule now? Dori’s usually rebellious when told she can’t do something.” I stand and grab my jacket. “What the hell. A guy has to eat.”

Mel pushes off my desk and claps her hands. “Oh, yay! A night out. We are going to have so much fun. I love going out with you.”

I shut down my computer and follow her out the door. We get on the elevator and decide on a place to go. The elevator door slides open and we step out.

Dori’s sitting in one of the chairs in the lobby and stands as soon as we walk out. This reeks of an old-fashioned setup. I glance at Melanie. She dips her head and shrinks away from me.

“Don’t be mad. I’m just trying to help.” She goes to Dori and hugs her.

Melanie turns to me and blows me a kiss as she leaves the building. It makes me laugh under my breath. Dori hesitates and then comes to me because I haven’t moved since I saw her.

She stands a foot before me. Just close enough for me to get a whiff of her perfume. I have to look away.

“Hi, Jami. I was hoping I could have a minute of your time.”

“This is a bad idea.” I slide my hands into my pants pockets.

“Please. Just one minute.” Her usual bright green eyes are muted and dull. “You won’t take my calls, so I enlisted Melanie’s help.”

“Remind me not to trust her next time.”

Trust. It seems to be a theme when Dori’s around.

“Don’t take it out on her. She always means well.” Dori reaches over and places her hand on my heart.

I flex in defense. My gaze travels to her hand. I want to tear it off and pull her into me all at once. I fucking hate what she’s done to us.

She lifts her hand away and turns pale, then sways a bit and stumbles backward. I reach to steady her.

“Are you okay?” I take her by the arm and lead her to the sitting area.

She holds her stomach and leans into me. “I’m fine—just a little lightheaded. I haven’t been feeling well. It’s probably just stress.”

The unsure tone in her voice was not convincing.

Does she suspect her illness is something different?

What I think it could be glares at me as clear as day. My heart crawls into my throat.

I know these symptoms: lightheadedness, almost fainting, not feeling well, and losing weight. They fall into place, creating a perfectly finished puzzle. I quickly do the math in my head. My world turns and shatters all over again.

“Why do you want to talk to me, Dori?” I show her to a chair with anxiety clawing up my spine.

She gets her bearings as she takes a seat. I need the stability, so I pull a chair close to her and sit beside her. I need to be seated if she tells me what I think she will.

“Things between us, I know they’re terrible. I’m sorry, Jami.” She wraps her arms around her waist and bends over.

I can’t help but think she does it to hide her growing belly.

“What’s this about, Dori?”

---