Page 83 of Playing A Risk
“Are you alright, Mel?”
“Yeah. I’m just feeling a little too much like Cinderella. I’m looking for the evil stepsisters lurking around, ready to fuck up my night.”
“Melanie, don’t think like that.”
“How can I not? This isn’t exactly the type of thing I’m invited to. Look at me. I don’t fit in. The clock’s ticking. Soon, it’s going to strike midnight, and he’s going to get that.” She turns to see Jonah next to her. “Oh, shit. I didn’t know you were there.”
“Obviously.” He takes her off to the side as he dips his head to say something only she can hear.
Hunter appears before me, handing me some champagne. “Did I tell you how beautiful you are?”
I take it and clink his glass. “Yes. I think that’s the tenth time tonight.”
“Don’t get sick of hearing it because I’ll likely say it another ten times.” He glances at Melanie and Jonah. “They seem to be getting along well, don’t you think?”
“Yes.” I spend a moment taking them in. “I hope he isn’t planning on breaking her heart.”
“Why would you think that?” Hunter steps into my line of sight.
“It’s something Melanie keeps saying. I don’t think she believes this thing they’re doing will go beyond this trip.”
“From what Jonah’s said, he’s having the time of his life.”
“Yeah, but is it just fun and games?”
“I think it’s fun and games, plus a whole lot more. He likes her.”
I nod as I peek around Hunter to get another view.
He moves to block me. “Let’s give them some space to enjoy each other.”
The lights lower and the band starts playing Otis Redding and Carla Thomas’sNew Year’s Resolution. Hunter takes my glass from me and places it on a table we’re next to.
“May I have this dance, beauty?”
“I’d love that.”
We step onto the dance floor, and he guides me across the room with grace. He’s an excellent dancer, gliding and twirling me around at the perfect time.
We stare into each other’s eyes as we celebrate a new year approaching. A few dances go by and Jonah takes Hunter’s place, so we switch partners.
Jonah leads me away. “You know, Dori. It’s been fun getting to know you away from work.”
“I feel the same about you.”
“That’s good because if things keep going the way they are, we’ll be spending more time together after this trip.”
“I like hearing that.” I smile and relax with his words.
We finish our dance and go to find Hunter and Melanie. Somehow, they got swallowed up in the crowd.
Jonah points to an empty high-top table. “Let’s go wait over there.”
A server notices us snagging the table and quickly comes to take a drink order. Jonah requests champagne for four and the server runs off to get them.
Jonah studies me for a minute, then sighs. “Do me a favor. If you plan on breaking Hunter’s heart, do it sooner rather than later. Preferably before you take your clause to the board.”
I blink in shock. “Where is this coming from, Jonah?”
