Page 14 of Playing With Secrets
Jami's cheeks turn red as he slowly glances away from me and directly at Aiden. Jami swallows and waits for Aiden’s line of fire.
He’s already on the attack. “You can’t deny it now. I’m sitting right in front of you two, and I’m not an idiot. What the fuck is going on between you and my sister?”
CHAPTER 4
JAMISON
My mindfrantically searches for an excuse for why Dori’s defending herself to me. “Aiden, before you jump to conclusions, you need to remember Dori and I work together.”
“And how does that factor into the equation? Is it because that’s where you decided to go against everything we’ve ever talked about?” Aiden’s pulse visibly races through the thick vein in his neck.
I knew seeing her with him around would be disastrous, but my eyes stay pinned to Aiden’s. If I look at her, I won’t be able to hide how I feel about her.
“Dori and I aren’t in a relationship. We never have been, so relax.” I take a calming breath.
He holds my gaze, glaring while he tries to detect the smallest crack in my expression that would expose my lie.
Dori reaches over and touches his arm. “Aiden, where is this coming from?”
His head spins her way. “The guilt was screaming off you when you explained why you had stayed the weekend with your boss. Why would you feel guilty, Dori?”
She gestures in my direction. “Because I was supposed towork all weekend with Jami to make sure everything for our upcoming launch was completed. I bailed on him and left him high and dry. We’ve been strained since then.”
My shoulders relax. “As you can see, Aiden, it wasn’t what you thought.”
He analyzes Dori and me. We both have our professional masks on, hiding our deceit.
Melanie steps in. “I can vouch for them. Jami and I go out a lot. If you’re getting a dating vibe, it’s probably because of us.”
As much as that will bother Dori, it’s the best thing anyone here could’ve said.
Aiden pulls back in his chair, wide-eyed. “Then why were you just hitting on me?”
“Simple. I don’t want anything serious. Everyone knows that, and I won’t change who I am based on who’s around me. If I want someone, I’m going to go for it.” She shrugs.
Half of Aiden’s face contorts and bunches together. “And you’re alright with this, Jami?”
“I’m not looking for a relationship either. Melanie’s free to be with whomever she wants. If that’s you, she has my blessing.” I glance at Dori.
She’s giving both Melanie and me some major stink eye, so I address Aiden. “You should know, Melanie and I have never done anything sexual. If you two should hook up, there’s nothing weird you need to worry about.”
“See, there’s nothing stopping us, but we can talk about the specifics once we leave here. They don’t need to hear what I have in store for you.” Melanie smiles at Aiden with an invitation slipping off her lips.
Dori’s face pales as Melanie hits on her brother. It’s interesting that Dori reacts as negatively about them dating as Aiden does about us dating.
Aiden shifts toward Melanie with a gleam in his eyes. “You are one hell of a sexy woman.”
I’m not shocked he hit on her because he goes through women like water. He’s not afraid of picking up women in front of Dori or me, so I’m taking this as a big win. With the spotlight off us, we can breathe again.
But Dori has other plans. “Wait a minute. If you go out with her, you can’t stop me from going out with…”
And it hits her. She just marched us right back into enemy territory. She can be so reckless when it comes to getting what she wants. My stomach clenches as I subtly shake my head. She got us into this so she can get us out.
Aiden’s head whips to Dori. “With Jami? Is that who you were going to say?”
She blinks and sits back. “Well, yes. But only because you’ve always made such a big deal about us never dating. If you can date my best friend, I can date yours.”
“So you’re saying that out of spite? Jami and I have been friends since we were in grade school. He’s like my brother, so it’s very different.” Aiden’s shoulders widen as he stares her down.
