Page 46 of Playing My Rivals

“Can’t it wait?”

He glances at his watch. “I think it’s best if we have a discussion tonight.”

I debate it for a second and then decide I might as well get it over with. “Sure. Can we work at my place, though? My setup is easier to deal with for what I need to do.”

“I don’t mind if you don’t.”

“Great. Give me fifteen minutes to change and get some things in order.”

He dips his chin to acknowledge me. “Very well. I have a call to make, so I’ll do that while I wait.”

We say a quick goodbye as he hangs back to speak to the security guard. As I change my clothes, I consider what I want to discuss with him.

The decision to have him over here wasn’t just to catch up on the app. I want to see why Dori is behaving more distant. And with that thought, I’m sure he has some things on his mind regarding her, too.

He knocks on my door after thirty minutes. I invite him in and let him guide the conversation.

“Jamison, sorry I’m late. My call went longer than I expected.”

“No problem. I had plenty to do.”

We make small talk as I lead him upstairs to my home office. He takes in his surroundings as we move through my apartment, which is laid out like his, only smaller. We spend an hour or so working on the app and catching up on specific needs they want.

We get done and ease into the conversation I really want to have. He places his phone face down on the desk where we’re sitting.

Again with the secrecy.

What’s he hiding?

I lean back in my chair. “It seems your travels have picked up again.”

“They have, but it’s part of the job.” He rises to his feet and meanders around the room, looking at various pictures on the wall. “On that note, I’d like to thank you for walking Dorothy home while I was away.”

Given he’s taking in my personal life by looking around my place, I’m thankful I haven’t put up the frame she gave me or printed out the photos of her in the field yet.

“No problem. I’m assuming she got home safely tonight?”

“I’m sure she did.”

I practically jump from my seat. My concern for her safety takes over. “You didn’t make sure she did?”

“Why would I need to? She’s been walking home for the last four years.” He eyes me suspiciously.

He must not know about Aiden’s warnings, so I try to play it off as no big deal. I don’t like that she’s walking home alone when there’s a possible threat to her, and I’m sure my face reflects that.

I pull back and breathe. “It’s just that she’s been scared lately. If she’s over that, I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.”

“She’s none of your concern, Jamison. You can leave that to me.”

“I wasn’t trying to step on your toes. I was just making conversation. You’re the one who brought her up.” Since he’s standing, I do too. There’s no way I’m letting him believe I’m smaller than him.

He slides his hands into his pockets and faces me. “You seem to have a vested interest in her. Why is that?”

I shrug. “She’s a nice person. She’s great to work with and she’s been helpful to me.”

“In what ways?” He studies me like I’m under a microscope.

“Professionally, Hunter. Is there a reason for this line of questioning? Because if there is, you should just come right out and say it. Otherwise, we could be going in circles for the entire conversation.”

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