Page 30 of Playing My Rivals

God, he’s a genius on his toes.

“Is that true? That’s all it is?” Jonah folds his arms across his chest and eyes me.

I play into it. “What do you mean, is that all it is? It’s our entire presentation. We’re going to be behind now. Our deadlines are tight enough already. We don’t need to miss these little things because soon enough, it’ll be something big.”

“Calm down. Jamison’s right, it’s not terrible. I agree that missing little things early on leads to bigger issues later, so keep a tighter grip on the details.” He tips his head to Jami, insinuating this lands on his shoulders.

“Consider it done. It was an oversight. The document had gone through two of my team members. It must have gotten misplaced in the handoff.” He returns to his desk.

We spend some time reviewing the document and Jonah leaves. We get ready to shut down for the day.

I place some folders in my bag and glance at Jami. “Thank you for covering me.”

“No need to thank me.” He shuts down his computer and gets ready to leave. “As for how you’re getting home.”

“What about it?”

“I’m walking you home. After that message from Aiden, you can’t say no.”

“Truthfully, that makes me feel better. He’s never reached out like that while on assignment, and now I’m a little freaked out.” I shoulder my bag and gesture to the door. “I’m ready when you are.”

He swipes his hand toward the door. “Lead the way.”

We leave together and meander to my loft, discussing the app and work-related issues. As we stroll down the street, he glances around for any suspicious behavior, but nothing happens.

“Dori, I think we need to be on the safe side and plan on me walking you home for the time being.”

“Thanks, Jami. You really are a good friend.”

He nods and stares out to the walkway before him. He’s quiet for a moment as he considers something.

I break the silence. “You know you’re more than a friend. You’re family.”

“I can see that. I’ve always considered Aiden like my brother.”

“But not me?” I glance his way.

He peeks over at me with a contemplative expression. “It’s different with you.”

“How so?”

“I definitely don’t see you as my sister.” He laughs and moves his gaze forward. “Is that how you see me? As your brother?”

Calling him family may have been the wrong choice of words.

My stomach releases tiny butterflies. “No, I don’t see you like that. So I guess you’re right. It’s different.”

“Yeah, it’s different.” He glances my way. “It’s more.”

My insides get mushy. I’ve been exploring my feelings around Jami in therapy and they’re so much more than friends or family.

My therapist suggested I take some time to consider what my life would be like with Hunter versus Jami. This conversation proves I need to do just that.

We get to my loft and I get ready to say goodbye, but Jami stops me.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to check your place to make sure nothing’s out of place.”

I motion to the stairwell. “Of course. That would be great.”

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