Page 119 of Playing My Rivals

I shake my head and regain my composure. “She told me she was sick earlier. I just thought?—”

“He worries too much.” Dori fakes a laugh. “I’m fine. I feel much better since I put some food in my stomach.”

“Jami, you have to lighten up if you’re going to hang out with us tonight. I’m in no mood to be with party poopers. Dori tried to do it when we first sat down and now you’re trying to put a kink in our fun.” Her eyes go wide. “Oh, that reminds me. We were talking about your kink earlier.”

“Melanie!” Dori’s eyes widen in horror.

It should bother me that Dori’s talking about my sexual preferences, but it’s Melanie, so I don’t care.

“What? He knows we’re best friends.” She waves Dori off.

Dori’s eyes fall shut as she lowers her head. It’s a classic Melanie move. She has zero filter and everyone understands this about her. But seeing Dori this way tugs on my heartstrings. Sometimes I wish I didn’t care.

“Dori, it’s fine. She’s right. You’re best friends, so I expected you to talk with her about that night. In fact, I would be surprised if you didn’t.” I try to find Dori’s gaze.

She peeks through her eyelashes to assess me for my sincerity and raises her head when she sees I’m not upset. I can’t say I’m thrilled she’s drinking, but I’ll worry about that if she orders another one.

“Um…it’s just so personal. I don’t want you to think I’m…spreading rumors.” Her cheeks turn pink.

Melanie taps on the table. “Speaking of rumors. Did you hear that Jami got sent down to my floor because someone caught you two having sex in your office?”

This will not go over well. Dori will lose it.

“What? Are you messing with me?” She’s on the edge of her seat.

“No. It’s going around, but why are you worried about it? Having sex with Jami in the office is hot. I’d be bragging if it were me.” Melanie glances at me and flashes a smile.

Dori’s brow furrows. “Would you please quit talking about how infatuated you are with him?”

Now it’s my turn to get uncomfortable. Although I kind of like knowing Dori is a little territorial over me.

“I’m not infatuated with him. But anyone with eyes can see he’s attractive, so relax. Nobody here is thinking about having sex with him.” She sucks on her straw. The last remaining liquid gurgles until there is nothing left. “Well, come to think of it. I don’t know if that’s true.”

This is taking a horrible turn. Dori’s almost purple. I can’t tell if she’s mad or jealous.

“Let’s get off this subject. It’s plain awkward.” I finish my sentence just as the server approaches the table.

“My shift is over and I’m handing your table over to Jennifer.” He points to another server. “Feel free to stay longer or you can close out your tab with me.”

“We’ll be staying longer. Can I get a Jack and Ginger before you close the tab?” I glance at Mel and Dori. “Do either of you need anything else?”

Dori glances up at the server. “I’ll take another glass of wine.”

I want to protest, but Melanie jumps in before I can. “Me too.”

He tilts his head and stares at Melanie. “I’ll get the drinks for these two, but you and I have plans. Unless you’re taking back your invitation.”

Her mouth falls open. “Oh, you were serious. In that case, I’ll be ready as soon as you want to leave.”

“Great. I’ll drop off the drinks and we can go after that. Gather your stuff because I promised you a quick way to your place and I’m a man of my word.” He knocks on the table and turns to leave.

I glance at her with a confused look on my face.

She shrugs. “He promised to take it slow once we get to my place. Since he’s a man of his word, I believe him. Now scoot out and trade places with me. I don’t want to hold him up.”

I shake my head as I slide out of the booth. “You need to be careful. One of these days, you’re going to get taken advantage of.”

“Thanks for your concern, Jamison, but I don’t need it. I know where this guy works, so it’s all good.” She moves out and gestures with a wave of her hand that I get back in.

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