Page 85 of Playing With Secrets
Why?
Isabella cuts into my thoughts, so I zero in on what she has to say.
“Ava, Hunter’s still all yours. However, I'll admit, if you ever want to leave him, I’ll be right there to pick up the pieces.” Isabella’s voice streams with an entertaining rub to Ava.
“Enough of your classless advancements toward Hunter. He told me you understood I’m the only woman in his life, so you can see yourself out.” Ava’s hand comes into view as she’s using it to show Isabella the way out of his office.
Isabella comes halfway into view, standing partially in his office and partially in the hallway. I step back into Jonah’s office, but stay on the edge to continue listening. I’m learning more from this interaction than I ever thought I would.
“Hunter, thank you for your time this morning. I’ll see myself out. Ava, have a pleasant day.” Isabella leaves his office.
I stand in horror with my hand over my mouth, trembling so much I think I’m going to make the floor shake. Not only does Ava think she’s dating Hunter, but she was out havingdinner with Jamison. My world spins, and everything goes blurry.
Jami took Ava out. I didn’t think he would, but he did.
Why?
I practically stumble to Jonah’s chairs and slowly sink into my seat. Jonah returns and says he and Hailey have a department meeting with the sales team he forgot about.
They’re running late, so he quickly grabs his laptop and runs out of his office, promising to pick up our meeting later.
Knowing everyone on this floor is in meetings, I muster the courage to go to Hunter’s office. The door’s cracked open, so I inch toward it as close as I can to listen in on Hunter and Ava’s conversation.
Hunter’s leaning against the edge of his desk. “Calm down, Ava. That isn’t the focus of this conversation. She’s a new sponsor for the app. Nothing more. The bigger of the two issues is we need to get on the same page.”
“We already are.”
“Not really. You say you want out of this as much as I do, but every time I turn around, you’re acting like we’re still dating.”
“We’re in this together, whether you like it or not. You need me and I need you. If that comes across as us being in a relationship, too bad. Unless you don’t care if it comes out you’re dating someone who works in the office. It’s your choice.” Ava moves in front of Hunter.
My brain freezes because I’m losing my mind. I’ve got to be mistaken.
But now the only thing registering is the blood rushing fast and loud through my ears and the fact I’m losing feelings in my legs and hands. Ava knows about me and that realization has my body going numb.
“Dori, what are you doing listening in on their conversation?” Jamison's voice startles me from behind.
CHAPTER 21
JAMISON
This situationwith Dori is going to kill me. My nerves spike, and my heart jumps over a few beats as soon as I see her lurking next to Hunter’s door.
Just when I think I’m safe and in control, something happens that puts me right back at square one.
Dori’s eyes widen, and she trips over herself. “Shit. I think I’m going to faint.”
I grab her by the arms. “Let me help you to a place where you can sit.”
She nods and I lead her to Hailey’s desk chair. Dori takes a second to catch her breath.
Hunter opens his door and peers out. “Is everything okay out here?”
Dori stares blankly his way. He looks in my direction and I shrug. He glares at me like he suspects something, but whatever. He shakes his head and goes out of sight as he closes the door.
There’s got to be a way for Dori not to cause this intense reaction in me every time I have to deal with her. She makes my blood race.
As I try to relax, I calm her down. “Why are you hanging out in front of Hunter’s door.”
