Page 129 of Playing My Rivals

She heard the rumor about Jamison and her. I shrink. I don’t start these rumors, but the one about Jamison and Melanie dating, I might’ve added some fuel to the fire to get Dorothy questioning Jamison and Melanie’s loyalty.

This whole thing with him has gone way too far. I’ve got to fix it and keep it clean. I make a quick decision to discuss it with him and change our agreement because Dorothy’s becoming collateral damage. I need to trust in what we have.

She moans as if she’s in pain. “Will you please leave me alone? I hate you seeing me like this. It’s so embarrassing. I’m sure I look and smell awful.”

“I’m not leaving you when you’re this sick. You need me.”

“Fine, but you’re not taking me to the doctor. I’ll have Mel take me.”

I reach over, grab a washcloth, and hand it to her. She begins to wipe her mouth, but she starts dry heaving. That does it.

My decision has been made. “Give me your doctor's name and I’ll make the appointment. With me leaving tonight, I’m getting you in today.”

“Her name is Dr. Regina Ring. She knows my history, so I’ll only see her. Don’t let them pawn me onto someone else because they will try.”

Dorothy gets sick again and demands I leave. I call her doctor as I wait for her to want to get back into bed. When they answer, my heart drops.

Why does she want to see a gynecologist and not a general practitioner?

I can’t even let myself go there. But…

The earliest they can see her is Wednesday, so I schedule it and call my assistant. She agrees to help out if Melanie can’t. Now I have to prepare myself for the next order of business. I brace myself for the worst.

Dorothy’s holding a cold rag against her eyes when I return.

I slide my hands into my pockets. “Your appointment is made for Wednesday. It’s the earliest they could get you in.”

“Thanks. I’ll have Melanie take me.” Dorothy runs the washrag down her face. “Can you help me back to bed?”

My eyes stay glued to her face. “I will once you tell me why you’re going to see a gynecologist and not a general practitioner. What kind of sickness do you think this is?”

CHAPTER 31

JAMISON

I’m going to claw my eyes out. Dori has ignored the last three messages I’ve sent her. I’m beside myself and running through all the possibilities.

I thought I could give her space while I healed some of my hurt from that weekend, but now her possible pregnancy is taking over everything.

Mel comes into my office. “You’re never going to believe this one.”

“Try me. I’m starting to believe anything is possible.” I move some papers over in case she jumps on top of my desk like she normally does.

“It seems you and I are the latest hot new item.” She plants herself in a chair.

I huff a laugh and roll my eyes. I’ve got so many other things to worry about, but Hunter needs to make a statement.

“Have you ever considered that Hunter is behind all these rumors?”

She shrugs. “Why would he start the one about you and Dori having sex in the office? It doesn’t bode well for her, and he hates the idea of you two having sex.”

“Think about it. If he spreads a rumor about Dori and me, the spotlight is off him and her. It’s easier for him to date her under the radar.” I push off my chair and round my desk.

“I see your point. Help me devise a way to test him on that theory.” Mel checks something on her phone. “We only have until lunchtime to come up with a plan, so let’s get to it.”

“Why? What’s happening at lunch?”

“I’m taking Dori some files. I can test him then.” She turns her phone over and peers up at me.

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