Page 98 of Playing A Risk
CHAPTER 25
HUNTER
“They left together?”Jonah leans back in his office chair as I pace in front of his desk.
“Yes. Trey said they’re at her loft. I’m trying to believe Dorothy will tell Jamison there’s no longer a chance for them, but he has a hold on her in a way I don’t think she even understands.”
“Hunter, I heard her after the Christmas ball. She’s happy with you, so don’t ruin a good thing with your insecurities.”
I deadpan. “Says the guy who just got done talking about how concerned he is because his new love interest has been acting differently since we returned from Paris.”
Jonah picks up his cell, checks something, and then tosses it on the desk. “And she still hasn’t responded.”
“From my experience, Melanie’s a straight shooter. If she says nothing’s wrong, then believe her.”
“I’m pretty sure I know her better than you, and there’s something different about her.” He shakes his head and sighs. “I didn’t tell you this, but when she left your place to go back to hers, she left everything I gave her. Why would she do that?”
“Little brother, I know nothing about why women do anything, so you’re asking the wrong guy. Maybe it’s jet lag.”
“I don’t think that’s it. I went down to her floor to see if she wanted to grab dinner, come to my place, and recover from the trip. Before I had a chance to ask, she made a comment about me being an old man.
“Then she told me she was young, which meant she was going out tonight. We just got back, and she’s going out? Where and why?” He picks up his phone again and growls at the screen. “It can only mean she’s got a date.”
There’s a knock on Jonah’s door, so we turn to see who’s there.
Ava steps in. “Happy New Year. Sorry to interrupt, but can I steal Hunter from you?”
“Ava. Happy New Year.” Jonah organizes some things on his desk, getting ready to leave. “Hunter and I were just wrapping up, so he’s all yours.”
My stomach knots and I get a dreadful sense this New Year isn’t going to be as smooth sailing as I wish.
“Ava.” I dip my head to say hello. “I didn’t think you and I had anything left to discuss.”
“It’ll only take a minute.” She smiles at Jonah and glances back at me.
Her eyes expose her unease, so I suck up the need to run and give her the time to talk.
“Let’s go to my office. I’m leaving soon and need to make sure I have everything.” I lead her to the door.
We say good night to Jonah and walk in silence to my office. I shut the door behind me in case she’s bringing me bad news.
To my relief, she stays standing and keeps her coat on. Maybe for once, she won’t try to stay and wrap me into some nefarious plan.
I round my desk and begin to pack up my belongings. “What brings you here tonight, Ava? I thought our business was settled.”
She comes to the edge of my desk. “It is. At least, I hope it is.”
The hairs on the back of my neck spike. “What does that mean?”
Her voice lowers. “I know our fathers have given us their support and protection around your mother’s demands, but something’s not right, Hunter. I don’t have a good feeling about it.”
Ava has my full attention. This is either a ploy to reengage me, or she has a valid concern.
I assess her to see if I can pick up on any deceit. “Tell me what’s got you worried.”
“Your mother called me today. I didn’t say anything about us getting our dads involved, but she knew everything. She knew we decided to go against her wishes and was fine with it.”
“That does seem out of character.”
