Page 105 of Playing With Secrets
“This body doesn’t make itself. I have to work for it.” I tighten my jacket as the cold air cuts through my shirt.
“Well, in that case, you get to decide where we eat all the time.”
The icy wind stings our faces as we hurry to the restaurant, desperate for the heat. Once we get inside the warmly lit space, I know why Hunter sent me the text.
“Oh, look. Dori and Isabella are here. Let’s crash their party.” Melanie dashes off to their table.
Thankfully, she doesn’t call me out on my change of plans and I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Hey, hey, ladies. We’re here to crash your party.” Melanie moves Dori’s bag and sits next to her without waiting for permission.
“What are you doing here?” Dori’s gaze travels to mine.
“Do you mind if we join you?” I stand next to the table and pray she agrees.
“Um…sure. Take a seat.” She motions to the seat next to Isabella.
“Thanks.” I take off my coat and sit next to her. “How are you tonight, Isabella?”
“Good, but how are you?” Her eyes trail to Dori and Melanie.
“I’m the only guy sitting at a table full of beautiful women. I’d have to say I’m doing great.” My gaze shifts to Dori. She takes my breath away.
“Isabella was just asking me about you and Melanie dating,” Dori smirks.
“Is that right?” I turn to Isabella, reining in my emotions. “Who said I’m dating Melanie?”
“You walked in with her, didn’t you? If this isn’t a date, what is it?” Isabella motions between Melanie and me with her hand.
“God, I wish, but she saw him first. We aren’t dating because you’re looking at a man who is madly in love with the lady beside me.” Melanie taps Dori on the shoulder. “I’m filling in the gaps with Jamison until she’s ready to take the plunge.”
Dori’s head falls forward and her body subtly shakes. I beam a sharp look of warning to Melanie as Dori gets herself together.
“I was wondering how that worked.” Isabella peers between Dori and me. “How long have you two been an item?”
I should answer, but I’m going to let Dori handle this. It’ll give me an idea of where her heart stands with us.
She lifts her head and rolls her shoulders back. “We aren’t together. We’re old friends, so people assume things.”
“They’re more than friends. They just won’t admit it.” Melanie waves to our server.
“It sounds like a good story if I’ve ever heard one. I’d love to hear the details.” Isabella wiggles her brows at Dori.
She shifts uncomfortably. “There’s really nothing to share. We?—”
“We care deeply about each other, but we’re focusing on the app.” I save her while getting my point across.
I still love her, and I told her after her miscarriage that I was ready to move forward. My comment was to show her I still feel that way. But until Lauren gives me what I want, I’m stuck.
Isabella faces me. “Why only focus on the app? Does Dori distract you while you work?”
Fuck me.
I go with it because I have to keep the conversation off of Hunter. I think he’d even appreciate this topic over his night with Isabella.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, Dori distracts me a lot. We used to share an office, but it proved to be a big problem.”
“That’s an understatement.” Dori’s head lowers. “They made Jami move to a different floor altogether.”
