Page 110 of Playing A Risk
Jami can’t hide the sting of my declaration. He shuffles and lifts his hand in surrender.
“Fine, Dori. You win. Go back to Hunter, but don’t come running to me when things go south. I love you and always will, but I won’t stand by and watch you live a life with him when you should be with me.”
The awareness of lost love pulsates through my core, a deep ache that resonates with every beat of my heart. I wrap my arms around my waist to hold it in.
“I don’t belong with you.” The words come out as a whisper.
Jami’s eyes flick with agony, then harden with annoyance. “How can you build something with him when he can’t even take you on a proper date? Oh, stupid me. He can if he flies you to another country, right? How was Paris anyway?”
“Don’t try to hurt me because you’re not getting your way. You had your chance more than once and fucked it up all by your own hand.”
Breaking away from our heated glare, I turn to the door and shove it open. I step out to storm away, only to freeze when Hunter comes into view.
He’s at the other end of the hallway with Jonah. Our eyes lock and Hunter walks toward me, but Jami comes out and places his hands on my shoulders. Hunter’s step falters. His eyes sweep over me and Jami.
Jonah says something to Hunter, then takes him by hisarm and spins him away. Hunter glances back at me over his shoulder, shakes his head, and stalks away.
I brush Jami’s hands off me and hurry after Hunter. Jonah steps in front of me as Hunter trudges through the front doors, raking his hand through his hair.
“Dori, give him some space. Now is not the time to talk. Trust me. It won’t go as you hope.”
“Jonah, it wasn’t what it looked like. Let me go and explain.”
“What it looked like was you and Jamison coming out of a room together where you went to escape a crowd. The guilt, the lipstick smeared across your face, and Jamison’s smug smile said the rest. I don’t think the explanation is needed, so give Hunter some space. He’ll call you when he’s ready to talk.”
I dwindle into myself. Hunter doesn’t deserve me hurting him like this.
I’m such a shit and need my best friend. “Where’s Melanie?”
Jonah scowls. “How the fuck would I know? Like you, she enjoys tearing apart someone who cares about her. Try the nearest club. I’m sure she’s looking for the next guy she can destroy.”
He marches back into the launch party. I glance back to find Jami standing near the storage closet with his arms folded over his chest. He raises his eyebrows and shrugs as if he couldn’t care less that Hunter witnessed us coming out together.
I run to grab my phone, texting Mel as soon as I have it.
Me: Hey, Mel. I’m checking in on you. How did it go with Jonah?
Melanie: Not good. I’ll tell you about it over our workout.
Me: Sounds like we could both use some girl time.
Melanie: Meet me at the gym when you’re done at the launch party.
Me: I’ll text you when I leave.
Once I find a reason to exit the event, I schedule a ride service to pick me up and text Hunter.
Me: I know seeing Jami and I come out of the closet together looked terrible, but it wasn’t what you think. Can we meet and talk about it?
Hunter: A closet? I assumed it was another room. Why would you go into a closet with him if it was nothing? Your logic isn’t making sense.
Fuck!
Me: Let me explain in person.
Hunter: One question. Did anything happen that would bother me?
I shrink into myself, pulling my body inward as if trying to disappear into the shadows.
