Page 5 of Playing My Rivals

HUNTER

I don’t think I’ve ever been this terrified. My knuckles turn white as I hold the doorknob. It’s taking every ounce of willpower to keep myself at bay.

It’s been a little over a week since Dorothy and I broke up, and I can’t believe she agreed to see me, let alone come to my place. It gives me hope, but I don’t want to go there yet.

I turn the handle and the most beautiful woman comes into view. “Beauty, it’s so good to see you.”

“Hunter, it’s good to see you, too.”

“Please come in.” I open my door all the way and hold myself back so I don’t rush to pick her up and drag her inside. She’ll leave if I set her off.

“Thanks.” She glances down and hesitates.

“What’s wrong?”

Her gaze drags along the length of my body and finds its way back to my face. “I’m not sure this is such a good idea.”

My heart works its way up my throat.

She can’t turn me away now.

“Why?”

Her cheeks turn that beautiful shade of crimson she displays when she’s having sexual thoughts. My smile takes over and erases any trace of fear.

She turns a darker shade of red. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re blushing, and I know from our past experiences why you turn that color.”

Her brow creases, and she glances over her shoulder. “Maybe I should go home.”

“No, no, no. I won’t say anything else that makes you uncomfortable.” I step back, hands in the surrender position. “Please come in and we’ll talk.”

I can’t handle it if she leaves again. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her here.

She nods. “Okay. Let’s talk.”

I move and she comes inside. I motion to the living room with my hand. “We can talk in there.”

She continues by me and I can’t help myself. I reach out and take her in my arms. Her perfume rises into my nose and I want to collapse.

I kiss her forehead. “Thank you for coming.”

“You’re welcome, but I came over for myself just as much as I came over for you.”

She’s not hugging me back, so I pull away while keeping my arms around her. “You did?”

She nods and softly smiles. “I’m confused and need some clarity. The only way I’ll get that is by talking with you.”

My gaze scans over her face as I try to get a read on her. I want to kiss her, but something tells me not to, so I step away, careful not to cross one of her boundaries. I stride toward the window.

“Come in and see your surprise.” I gesture to my new couch.

Her smile is instant. “You bought a sofa to put in front of the window. I love it.”

“I knew you would.”

God, I love seeing her happy.

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