Page 27 of Playing A Risk
I sit with that for a minute as I gaze into the darkness. It’s not snowing tonight, so the sky twinkles with bright stars. It’s a romantic setting, no doubt, but Hunter’s not coming on to me. He’s just giving me support.
My heart swells, but I push down the rising emotions. Just this week, I was ready to end things with him and go all in with Jami. I shake my head at the thought.
I swerve away from that topic. “What do you have planned for this weekend?”
“You’re looking at it.”
“You’re going to sit on your roof and stargaze?”
He laughs and takes me into a hug. “No, beauty. I’m going to take care of you and give you any kind of comfort I can.”
I sink into his arms and lean into his chest. “In that case, can I have Melanie over tomorrow?”
“Of course. You don’t even have to ask.”
“Can we soak in your hot tub?”
“Feel free to do whatever you want. The house is yours to take over.”
I peek up at him. “Be careful, Efron. You may have two new roommates.”
He kisses my forehead. “Whatever it takes.”
“Whatever it takes for what?” My brows crease.
“For you to feel better. For you to…see I’d do anything for you. I don’t want to manipulate you, so I’ll lay it out clearly.” He adjusts himself to face me better.
“Dorothy, I’d do all this for you no matter what, but I won’t lie to you. All this is yours for the taking. I want youback so much my heart hurts. If it’s only as a friend, I’ll take it, but I want more. So much more. I love you. That won’t change just because you think you love him more.”
I swallow my tears. I don’t know what to say, so I just stare.
“Don’t worry that beautiful mind of yours. Just know where I’m coming from.” He offers a gentle smile. “Take your time and think about it all. Okay?”
“Okay. That I can do.”
“Good.” He adjusts me so my back rests on his chest and I’m between his legs. His arms wrap around my shoulders, holding up the blanket. “Now, let’s talk about Christmas.”
I sigh heavily. “I haven’t even thought about it.”
“Well, I have an idea, but you have to keep an open mind.”
“Okay… That sounds a little frightening.”
“I’d like you to stay here until the New Year. Just take your time to work out your feelings. I’ll stay out of your way if you want me to—I just like knowing you have a safe, comfortable place to figure out your emotions.”
“That’s too much for me to ask of you.”
“Nonsense. Katy, my house assistant, will be here for anything you need. She’d like to meet you and it would be nice to have people help you out with things you need. You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to.”
My thoughts race about why I should refuse, but I can’t hook on to one. “That’s very generous of you, but let me think about it overnight.”
“Done. Don’t overthink it, though. Just do what your heart wants you to do.” He kisses the top of my head.
I play with the edge of the blanket. “Easier said than done.”
“I know, but try.”
“I’ll do my best.”
