Page 28 of Playing A Risk
“Great. Now, let’s get back to Christmas.” He draws in a deep breath and slowly releases it. “Would you be open togoing to my dad’s house for Christmas dinner with Jonah and me?”
I twist to face Hunter, anxiety spewing from my core. “Christmas dinner with your family? How would that even work?”
His eyes twinkle. “You and I aren’t together, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Hunter, I?—”
“Before you say anything, hear me out. You have Melanie and I needed someone, so I confided in Jonah about how I feel about you. If we ever want this relationship to grow, I have to be able to treat you like I would any other girlfriend.”
I shake my head. “Hunter, that’s… I’m not…”
“Just hear me out. I want you to meet my family outside of work and spend time with us. I want you to see how we can fit into each other’s lives. Jonah has my back on this.
“He thinks you’re an amazing woman with your heart and head in the right place. He’s willing to go to bat for us. Meaning, he wants to help with getting the clause in your contract removed.”
I’m blown away. Hunter wants to treat me like an actual girlfriend and not keep me in a bubble. My blood races as thoughts bolt around my mind.
“If your dad doesn’t like me, then he can take our relationship to the board. I could lose my job. And we’re not even together. I’m not sure it’s worth the risk.”
He nods. “I understand your fear, but Jonah said my dad would do anything to make his boys happy, and my dad already knows and likes you. He just needs to understand how I feel about you.
“One glimpse of how I am with you when we’re not at work and he’ll know I’m happier than ever. He won’t hurt me by getting you fired. He wouldn’t take the chance of ruining my relationship with him.”
Another round of anxiety slaps me. “But what if you’re wrong?”
“I’m not. He gave me half his business. You think he wants to sever that tie over someone I love? Dorothy, I’m his son. He loves me and would do anything for me.
“If I want a chance to get your clause removed, I need him on my side before I step into that board meeting. He has more power over their decisions than anyone will admit.”
I swallow my worry. “But…”
He finds my wary gaze. “You have to know that yourself. You see how everyone takes in his point of view before any vote takes place. With him on my side, I have a good chance of changing the rules. And when I do, I want to show you off to the world.”
“Hunter, this is a lot to take in. We’re not even together.” I look off to the side. “I need to take some time to think about it.”
“Of course you do. I wouldn’t expect you to decide right now.” He takes my hand and kisses the top of it. “You still love me somewhere inside that heart of yours. I can see it in your eyes. I don’t expect you to come running back into my arms, but please don’t ignore what you feel because you’re hurt over something someone else did to you.”
“But my feelings for Jami are deep.”
He shifts to face me head-on. “And your feelings for me aren’t?”
CHAPTER 8
HUNTER
Dorothy pushes off the daybed.“My feelings for you are different.”
“How so?” I get to my feet and stand before her, waiting for her to destroy me one more time.
She chews on her thumbnail as she gazes over the city lights. I grab the blanket and wrap it around her shoulders. It’s too cold for her to be out here without a jacket. I make a mental note to get her a new one tomorrow.
She faces me with tears rolling down her cheeks. “With him, there’s a friendship underneath it all. Or at least there was. Maybe I don’t know who he is anymore. Maybe I made everything up in my head.”
Dammit.
I’m pushing her too much right now.
After I left Jonah’s, I went to therapy. My therapist told me to give Dorothy time and show her my patience. Doing so is likely going to kill me, but if it means I have a chance to get her back, I’ll do my best.
