Page 71 of Playing A Risk
Wow!
I never would’ve expected this. He’s trying hard for me and his effort melts my heart.
“It’s nice to hear you say that.” I take his hand in mine. “Does it still bother you that Jami gave this to me?”
“It’s not the best feeling knowing it’s from him, but it doesn’t matter because it was given to you to offer comfort and support. Who it came from is irrelevant.”
Hunter gazes into my eyes. “Your feelings are what matter. This necklace was something special to you, and I demanded you ignore that. It was controlling and wrong. Can you accept my apology?”
“I appreciate that, and I accept your apology.” I stand and pull him to his feet. “We better get going.”
“Just so you know, that locket isn’t your gift from me. I was just making amends.”
“I don’t need anything. You’ve done enough.”
“We’ll see.” He leads me downstairs.
We join Jonah and Melanie and gather our belongings. An hour later, we’re in Patrick Efron’s mansion on the outskirts of the city.
The building is decorated exquisitely, with Christmas decor in every room. Just as Hunter said, their interactions are down-to-earth. If it weren’t for the house, I’d think they were just three guys hanging out for Christmas dinner.
When we gather around the table for a delicious beef tenderloin dinner with all the side dishes that any holiday dinner would have, the conversation flows nicely.
Despite Melanie’s claims of being nervous, she comes across as relaxed and funny. Patrick seems to enjoy her as much as the rest of us.
After dinner, Jonah takes Mel on a tour of the grounds.Hunter and I exchange glances—no tour will be given. Jonah’s wandering hands revealed his true motivation before they left. He couldn’t stop touching her. They needed the privacy before he took it too far.
Patrick, Hunter, and I end up in a game room with all the football games playing on various televisions hanging around the room.
Patrick rolls a cigar between his thumb and pointer finger. “I didn’t get a chance to say good night to any of you the other night at the ball.”
Hunter picks up a cigar and smells it. “We were tired and left early.”
“Not true. We left because I had blisters on both my heels and wanted to go home and get out of my shoes.” I circle the pool table. “But thanks for trying to cover for me, Hunter.”
“You’re welcome, but now he knows I lied to him.” Hunter winks at me.
“Not to worry. If your feet were hurting, I can’t blame you for wanting to leave.” Patrick lights his cigar. He puffs a couple of times, and clouds of smoke rise to the ceiling.
Hunter places his cigar back in the box. “Dad, you said you wanted to speak to Dorothy and me. Now is good.”
What? Why didn’t Hunter mention Patrick requesting to speak to us? My heart’s about to leap out of my chest as I return to where they’re standing.
“Very well, I’ll get into it.” Patrick flicks his ashes. “Dori, Hunter came to me about changing your contract. We’ve come to an agreement, and I thought I’d give you an update. At first, I was concerned. Our company is not something I like to put at risk.”
My eyes slide between his and Hunter’s. “I wouldn’t do anything to go against the company. I love working there.”
“We’re aware. Jonah and Hunter have made it clear your loyalty and integrity are solid with Efron Worldwide.” Patrick sits on a stool near the end of the pool table.
I place my hand on my heart. “It is. I can assure you. I sought out this company because I believe in it.”
“That’s wonderful to hear. I trust Hunter, but your confirmation means a lot. Even so, Hunter knows what he’s doing, and he’s made his decision known. That said, I wanted to let you both know we’re close to resolving the issue.”
My brows draw down. “What exactly was Hunter’s decision?”
They exchange a look that only a father and son can understand.
Hunter comes to my side. “I’ll explain that later. First, I’d like to hear about how the issue of her clause is almost resolved.”
