Page 31 of Playing My Rivals

We go inside and he checks around.

I place my bag down on my computer desk. “You’re welcome to stay for dinner.”

He starts to nod but glances into the bathroom, where I have lingerie hanging to dry in there.

Shit.

He peeks inside and pulls back in a hurry, then takes a deep breath. The agony in his eyes is undeniable. He lowers his head and hesitates for a moment.

He moves toward the door. “Thanks for the offer, but I have some things to take care of.”

“Rain check?” I offer to soften the blow.

“Sure.” He opens the door to leave. “Come and lock the door when I leave.”

“Okay.” I go and meet him at the entryway.

“See you tomorrow.”

“Thanks again, Jami.”

“Anytime.” He leaves and I lock the door behind him.

I hate that he had to see my lingerie. It feels like I just slapped him in the face. My chest tightens, and an uncomfortable feeling floats in my stomach.

I can’t help but feel heartbroken all over again. As much as I try to deny it in therapy or push him away, not so deep down, I know I love him, too.

I toss some papers on my desk and lean against it. “I’m more than ready for this week to be over.”

Melanie bounces her crossed leg up and down. “Tell me about it. My boss has been riding our department. She’s got a stick up her ass. Nobody seems to know what it’s about, but I do.”

“So I have a stick up my ass now?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just repeating what I’ve heard on the floor.” She tips her head my way. “We’re going out after work. It’s mandatory.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea. You always get me into trouble when I go out with you.”

Jamison comes into the office. “Oh, hey, Melanie. How are you?”

She peeks up at him with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. “Very well. I was just telling Dori our plans for the night. Do you want to come with us?”

I nearly choke on her suggestion, but I fake cough instead. They both look my way as I contain my mishap. Jamison stops at his desk.

His gaze moves between Melanie and me. “What are the plans?”

“We’re going across the street and grabbing a table. Then we’ll have dinner and drinks to let loose for the night. My boss could use a night out. At least, that’s what I’m hearing on the floor.” She picks a piece of lint off her shirt and tosses it to the floor.

Jami makes eye contact with me. “Are you okay with this?”

“Um… Ah, sure. Why not? It’s been a rough week and we all need to eat.” I force a smile.

I’m sure my therapist would say my hidden desires to spend more time with him are probably forcing their way through the seams by me agreeing to this. Who knows if she’s right?

Jamison glances at Mel and shrugs like he could take it or leave it. I rummage through papers on my desk, pushing any feelings I have for Jami back into their box.

“Jamison, you’re the decision maker.” She pretends to glare at him.

He nods. “Okay, sure. I’m hungry.”

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