Page 64 of Playing My Rivals

My phone rings again as Jamison glances my way. “That’s the name she prefers to go by. She doesn’t correct you because you’re her boss.”

I’m silencing my phone again as they both turn to me. Hunter studies me. My cheeks heat because Jami’s right. I didn’t correct Hunter the first time he used it because he’s my boss. It just stuck after that because it didn’t seem right to make him call me something else after that.

“Would you prefer if I called you Dori?” There’s a softness in his tone.

My phone rings again. “Let me answer this. It could be important.”

He nods and I take the call. “Hello.”

“Is this Dorothy Fisher?” a man asks on the other side of the line.

“Yes. Who’s this?” My eyes stay on Hunter.

“This is special agent Terry Blanchard. I’m calling about your brother, Aiden.” My body tingles with fear and floods every cell in my body as he continues. “There’s been an accident.”

CHAPTER 15

JAMISON

“What kind of accident?” Dori turns and faces me.

I don’t need anyone to spell it out for me. I can see it in her eyes. The call she’s on isn’t good news.

My thoughts instantly go to Aiden. With his warnings the last few times he’s reached out, it’s the only thing that comes to mind. I’m on the edge of my seat, trying to hear what the person is saying to her on the other line.

“Is…is there anything else you can tell me?” A tear rolls down her cheek, and she takes a deep breath. “Okay, I..I’ll be there soon.”

She hangs up and stands. “Hunter, I’m so sorry, but we’ll have to pick up this conversation later.”

I jump with panic racing through my body. She wipes her tears away with her fingertips. He gets to his feet and steps to her.

“Tell me what’s wrong.” His eyes sweep around her face. He takes her by the arms as if he’s going to hold her up.

Fuck!

What happened?

“It’s my brother, Aiden. He’s been in an accident and is in the hospital. I’ve got to get back to Denver and be with him.” She throws her arms around Hunter’s neck. “I’m so sorry, but I’ve got to go.”

He wraps his arms around her as my adrenaline goes through the roof. My legs nearly buckle and everything around me goes blank. I’m losing my mind, knowing Aiden has been in an accident.

My desperation takes over. “Dori, what happened to him? Is he going to be all right?”

She releases her hold. Her tears freely stream down her face as she addresses me. “I don’t know. They wouldn’t tell me anything over the phone.”

“Go home and be with your brother. I’ll let Jonah know, but keep me updated.” Hunter takes her hands. “I’ll set up the jet for you so you can get there faster.”

Her eyes widen. “Really? You’d do that for me?”

His expression warms. “I would do anything for you. Now go pack. I’ll text you when they’ll be ready to take off.”

“Thank you,” she says through choppy breaths.

She’s running out of the building before I can get any more information. I’m about to go after her, but Hunter stops me.

“Since he’s your best friend, I’m sure the next thing I’m going to hear is you’ll be leaving, too.” He hangs it out there like a question.

My gaze follows Dori as she bolts down the street. Every bone in my body says run after her, but I’m frozen.

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