Page 56 of Playing A Risk
He places all of our drinks on the bar.
Mel’s eyes flick between Jonah and Hunter. “Do tell.”
“You have to keep an open mind.” He glances directly at me.
“Okay. Open mind it is.” I slide my eggnog across the counter and bring it closer to me.
“Jonah and I met with our dad on Saturday, and we have his blessing on this, so would you two beautiful ladies like to join us on Thursday as our dates for the Christmas ball?” Hunter looks at me with an apprehensive expression.
I gasp. “But what about?—”
“Don’t worry about it, Dori,” Jonah says. “If you agree, we’ll go as a group. It won’t technically be a date. We’ll go together in one car and leave together in one car. While we’re at the event, we’ll mix and mingle with the others. We might steal a dance or two, but nothing that would raise suspicion.”
Before I can say anything, Melanie hugs Jonah. “Yes, we’ll go. I’ve always wanted to go out with you.”
He encircles his arms around her. “Then why didn’t you say something sooner?”
And with those words, I’m a goner. This is her chance to get Jonah’s attention, and I can’t deny her. Hunter genuinely smiles at their embrace. His gaze makes its way to me.
He shrugs. “What do you say? Would you like to go to the ball with me?”
Hunter just asked me out on an actual date.
My chest fills with unexpected warmth. “Sure. I’d like that, but if anyone takes it the wrong way, you have to set them straight.”
Jonah releases Mel. “It’s already taken care of. My dad’s sending out a memo explaining it to the board members. No one will be the wiser.”
“You got your dad in on this?” Melanie rubs Jonah’s arm.
“We did. And it wasn’t that difficult to get him on board. He’s even the one who came up with the email. It’s almost like he’s done this before.” Jonah gets up and rounds the bar. “We need whipped cream for the drinks.”
“Now you’re bringing out the fun stuff.” Melanie flashes him a flirty glance. “Jonah Efron, you’re a man after my own heart.”
“I sure hope so since you’re going to be my date.” He squats and rummages through the mini-fridge. “I promise to show you a night to remember.”
Hunter rests against the back bar and quietly laughs. “Who would’ve guessed you two would be so quick to jump on board?”
“Are you kidding?” Mel twists off the stool and sways behind the bar. “Dori’s never told you I have a thing for your brother?”
Jonah has the whipped cream can in his hand. With a swift motion, she snatches it from him and gives him a wicked grin.
“Open your mouth, hot stuff.” She shakes the bottle. “I want to see how much you trust me.”
“Oh, baby girl. This isn’t about trust. This is about fun.” He drops his head back and opens his mouth wide.
She places the spout above his lips and presses, filling his mouth until whipped cream spills onto his face. He raises his head and grabs her.
She squirms, but he pushes her against the counter and locks his lips to hers. Whipped cream oozes from their mouths as they go at it right there.
My jaw drops. I can’t believe this is happening.
“Come on, beauty. Let’s decorate your tree.” Hunter pushes off the counter. “You two, feel free to join us when you’re done getting better acquainted. The guest room next to the library is available. You’ll find everything you might need in the drawer of the nightstand.”
Jonah pulls away from Melanie. “Your choice, baby girl. Upstairs or stay here and help them?”
Lust covers her eyes as she assesses me for the answer.
I shake my head. “Don’t ask me. It’s your body.”
