Page 64 of Playing A Risk
He slides his hands in his pockets and grows a tad taller. “I didn’t know you and Isabella were…close.”
“We’re friends. We got to know each other that night you had me intercept her dinner with Dori so she wouldn’t find out about you two. Isabella wanted to come tonight. I had nothing better to do, so here I am.”
He stares at me stone-faced. Almost like he wants to say something but knows it’s not in his best interest.
I let him sit in uncomfortable silence for a second. “Speaking of Dori, you wouldn’t by chance?—”
“There you are. And look who you delivered to me on a platinum platter.” Isabella slinks up to us and holds out her hand to Hunter. “You look smashing.”
He glances at her hand and shudders. It was slight, so I don’t think she caught on, but I did. Something about Isabella makes his skin crawl. It’s likely the fact she could bury him alive by telling Dori about their night together.
He ignores her gesture and gives her a dip of his chin. “Isabella. It’s good of you to take time from your schedule to support the event. Anytime one of our sponsors makes an appearance, we get five more to join the cause.”
She flashes a smug smile. “Of course. Anything for Efron Worldwide.”
He nods, and his gaze slides between us. “If you two will excuse me, I need to get back to Jonah and his date. I promised her a dance while he relieves himself.”
He disappears into the ballroom. I didn’t think he’d want to spend time with Isabella, but I didn’t expect him to be blatantly cold with her. Something tells me there’s more to the story.
“What was that about?” I turn to her.
She’s staring dumbfounded at the opening of the ballroom. “The hell if I know.”
“I thought you said you knew what you were doing.”
She glares my way. “I do. We must have caught him at a bad moment.”
“I have to ask. Have you spoken to him since that night I saw you going to his place?”
She shrugs. “Briefly. I went to his office to talk, but Ava showed up in the middle of our conversation and caused a scene. What’s with that woman?”
“They have some agreement. She uses Hunter for her gain. My guess is you’re cramping her style.” I scan the area for signs of Dori.
“Nothing comes easy when you’re trying to land a billionaire,” Isabella says without batting an eye.
Is that what Dori wants deep down?
My brows crease. “Is that all you want? His money?”
She shakes her head. “I want him. The money is a nice secondary gain.”
“And if he didn’t have money? Then what?”
She studies me for a minute. “Jamison Stone, are you trying to tell me you’re interested in me?”
The laugh comes out of my mouth so fast it shocks even me. “Sorry. The idea of you and me isn’t what got me. It’s just that I only picture myself with Dori, so anyone else is a ridiculous notion.”
“You’re lucky I’m not easily offended. Now, let’s go get a drink and find the two people we want to spend the night with before I spit in your face.”
I lead her into the ballroom, her arm hooked to mine. Low, muffled voices and laughter blend in with the classical holiday music. I search the ballroom for Dori, but I don’t find her.
We get to the cocktail line, which must be twenty people deep. The line moves forward as a man steps away from the bartender. It’s Patrick Efron. We make eye contact, and he strolls toward me and Isabella.
“Jamison. It’s nice to see you.” He dips his chin at Isabella. “And who might your beautiful companion be?”
“Patrick, this is Isabella Carter. She works for Sacks Commodities.” I give her a nod. “Isabella, this is Patrick Efron. Hunter and Jonah’s father.”
Isabella’s eyes light up. “Patrick, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I see where your sons get their good looks.”
