Page 61 of Playing A Risk
“How so?”
“We become three down-to-earth guys arguing about the games on TV.”
She laughs. “Down-to-earth? The Efrons? No, it just doesn’t fit.”
I cock my head to the side and shrug. “See for yourself.”
“I can’t wait.” She stands and her arms slowly move around my neck. “Maybe we should make a bet.”
My hands go to her waist. We stare into each other’s eyes. It’s taking everything in me to let her lead.
Those damn lips.
I want to kiss her so much.
“Hunter?”
“Yes, my love?”
“Would it be terrible if I told you that I was remembering what it’s like to be with you that way?”
Oh, my fucking hell.
She did not just say that.
My heart lurches for her. I’ve been waiting months for that.
My blood races and fills me with desire. “Not if I told you I can’t get my mind off being with you that way again.”
“What do you think we should do about it?”
My breath quickens. Every part of my body is ready to dive in head first, but my therapist’s words echo in my ears.
You need to come clean with her about everything before you take the next step. That’s how you build a relationship based on trust and understanding.
The old Hunter would give two middle fingers to that advice, but I want to marry Dorothy. And if I do, I never want to give her a reason to leave me. With that, I kiss her forehead.
“Let’s not rush into anything. You’re still confused, and I want you to make a decision like that when you’re sure.” I pull her into my chest.
She noticeably deflates. I hate that I’m disappointing her, but she’ll thank me later. At least, that’s my hope.
Dorothy and Melanie are up in the entertainment room streaming some reality show. Jonah and I have been in the living room talking about how Dorothy and I have continued to grow closer over the last three days.
She still has her moments where she gets upset and breaks down, but she comes to me and talks when she does.
Those conversations always revolve around why Jamison wouldn’t trust her enough to share with her, which only reminds me I have my own work to do.
My temper wants to flare, but I remind myself this is her process and I vowed to honor it this time.
I think having Melanie around helps tremendously. And she’s even growing on me. She makes me laugh like I haven’t in a long time.
Jonah and she can’t keep their hands off each other. He’s pretty much holed up here with the rest of us. I never would’ve believed I’d want it this way, but I find myself loving it.
It’s only when Jonah and Melanie get hot and heavy in front of Dorothy and me that things get awkward. I just come up with a reason to leave the room and Dorothy follows.
She told me she’d love it if they stayed together. And interestingly, they seem to work.
Katy just dropped off their surprises, so Jonah and I have our arms full as we navigate our way to them.
