Page 6 of Playing A Risk
How can I find the good in this situation?
This technique is something my therapist has me working on. I figure now is a great time to practice.
If Dorothy had been able to carry full term, she wouldn’t be sitting in my house right now. It’s also ten times worse for Jamison because he never told her about his son or Lauren.
The points are stacking up for me. My shoulders and neck muscles relax. This could work out in my favor.
A plan forms in my mind, so I finish my shower and get dressed. I just hope Dorothy’s still here.
She’s in the same spot, crying so hard she’s shaking. Now’s my chance to show her what I’m willing to do to win her back.
“Beauty, don’t cry. It’s going to be alright.” I sit beside her and take her in my arms. I breathe in her sweet perfume and remind myself of the desired outcome. “What happened is in the past, so let’s leave it there.”
“I don’t deserve your understanding.” Her chest bounces as she takes in a soothing breath. “Why are you always so forgiving?”
“Don’t you know by now?”
She peeks through her swollen eyes. “No. I don’t. Why would you allow me to take comfort from you when I’ve been hurtful? If the roles were reversed, I’m not sure I could ever forgive you.”
“I love you, beauty. Like I’ve told you before. That doesn’t go away just because we’re dealing with some fucked up issues.”
Thinking of Jamison and her together causes my chest to constrict. I swallow the hostility that wants to rear its ugly head.
She pushes out of my embrace, and I immediately want her back in my arms. “So you forgive me? Just like that?”
“Yes, just like that. We’ve been dealing with this roadblock for too long. Being on opposing sides isn’t worth it. I want you back, and I’ve told you many times I’ll do anything to make that happen.”
“Really?”
“Really. No doubt this will be something I talk about with my therapist, but I’ll work through my anger so I don’t harbor any resentment. You can count on that.”
She stills herself and blinks. “You’re seeing a therapist? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“It was one of your stipulations, so I thought you knew. Ifyou haven’t figured it out yet, when I tell you I’m going to do something, I do it.”
Her body softens. “You try very hard for me. Thank you.”
I nod and reach for her hand. “Anything for you. Now, let’s get you set up in the guest room. I still have some of your clothes and toiletries, so I’ll bring them to you and you can get ready for bed.”
She glances at the clock. “Wow. It’s past eleven.”
“That it is. Come on.” I nudge her leg with my hand.
“Hunter?”
“Yes, Dorothy?”
She swallows as her gaze dances around my face. “If this is out of line, I understand, but can I sleep in your bed with you? Not like anything sexual, but I don’t want to be alone tonight.”
Her audacity never ceases to amaze me, but I want nothing more. “Sure. I’d like that.”
We prepare for bed and slide under the covers like we used to. She crawls over to me and lies her head on my chest as soon as the lights are off. Being as upset as I am, a part of me wants to push her off. The other part of me never wants her to be anywhere else.
“Thank you for everything. You’re an amazing man, Hunter Efron.” She presses her lips against my chest.
The anger slips away with her gentle touch. All my love for her ignites. I have to hold myself back from rolling her over and making love to her.
As much as I want her to realize how much I cherish her, the timing isn’t right. It’ll happen when it’s meant to. I’m sure of that now she knows the truth about Jamison.
