Page 120 of Playing With Secrets
Me: Great. Before or after work will be best.
My gut clenches, but at the same time, I’m relieved. I’ve decided to put it all on the line because I don’t want to be without Dori anymore.
Speaking with Aiden will be one of the most challenging conversations I’ll ever have, but telling him how I feel about his sister has to be done.
The timing is horrible, but since Dori knows I’m hiding something, she won’t let up until I tell her. If I felt like she would understand, I wouldn’t be hesitating like I am.
She’s going to be hurt. Knowing her, I wouldn’t be surprised if she cut me out of her life again.
I didn’t mean to let things get out of hand like they did at the sushi restaurant, but when I’m around her, I fall tomy knees and want all of her. She’s like a drug I’m addicted to.
Her text didn’t help. It left me weak and dying to be with her. I take a moment and let myself enjoy the memory.
There’s a knock on my door. I walk over and open it, seeing Dori standing there. My body warms instantly.
“Is this going to be an everyday thing?” I open the door wider. “Come in.”
“It can be if you want.” She smiles as she steps inside.
“Oh, I want.” I plant a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll take your coat.”
“Thanks.” She toes off her boots and hands me her jacket. “Have you talked with Aiden yet?”
“You’re impatient, but that’s okay. I am too.” I hang her coat in the foyer closet. “He’s out with friends, but said he’ll make time tomorrow.”
“Does that mean you’re not going to tell me what’s going on with you?” She scans my face with wild anticipation.
“Let’s move to the sofa and talk.” A jittery sensation crashes against my rib cage. I motion to the other room. “Have you eaten?”
“I ate after my spin class, but if you haven’t, I’ll help you make something.”
“No, I’ve eaten. Can I get you something to drink?” I walk to the island in the center of the kitchen while trying to calm my breath.
She shakes her head and retreats to the other room, so I take a minute to think.
“What’s on your mind, Jami? You look a thousand miles away.”
“I’m scared about what happens when I tell you everything. What if you can’t handle it and run off?” I press my palms on the counter to stabilize myself.
She takes a seat. “Is it that bad, Jami?”
“No matter how much I try to soften the blow, it’s going tocause a reaction in you. I’m trying to prepare you, but I don’t know. I’ve run through every scenario, and it’s a question I can’t get the answer to until I tell you.”
She’s twisting her hair around her finger and biting down on her lip. Her anxiousness fills the room.
I force my trepidation down and sit beside her, mentally preparing myself. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I’ve decided that I’ll take whatever you tell me and deal with it no matter what it is. There’s one condition, though.” She tucks her legs underneath her and sits facing me.
My neck tightens. “What’s that?”
“You have to tell me everything tonight. I promise I’ll hear you out, but I need to know. I can’t focus on anything because I’m worried about you.”
“You don’t need to be concerned about me. I’m not in any danger.”
Her green eyes grow wary. “If I can trust you, you need to trust me. Come on, Jami. We’ve known each other for years. This shouldn’t be so hard.”
I search her eyes for some confirmation she’ll stay by my side once she learns about Lauren. Maybe Dori will be able to handle it, but what if she can’t?
