Page 21 of Playing With Secrets
My heart is broken. I’m lost, swimming in a moldy marsh of despair that’s thick and holds me down.
Jami tries to keep it together and be strong, but his blue eyes are glossy with tears sitting right beneath the surface. He’s barely been able to make eye contact with me.
He sits next to me on the sofa, so I shift closer to the back cushion to give him more space. He moves my hair away from my face and tucks it behind my ear. His hand slides down my body and gently rests on my stomach.
“I’d like to stay with you tonight if you’ll let me.” His eyes radiate with care as he stares down at me.
I place my hand on his, grateful he’s here with me. “That’s unnecessary, and Aiden would wonder why you aren’t there. There’s no way he wouldn’t come over here looking for you.”
“You need me and I’ll deal with Aiden.”
“You’re willing to lose him now? What for Jami? You gain nothing. If anything, it’ll make everything worse.” I shake my head against the pillow. “I can’t deal with that on top of this. He’ll lose control and it’ll be a disaster.”
Jami glances at my abdomen, and agony smears across his face. My chest collapses as guilt and shame blanket me.
I didn’t think about it until this very second, but now I realize I’m hurting Jami just by being near him. Just looking at me is a reminder of one more thing that has been taken from him.
How could he not be upset with me? I’ve hurt him every day since the night we shared with each other. And now this. I’ve torn his heart out of his chest.
He might always hate me for this, even if he never admits it to me. The pain in his eyes is enough to tell me everything I need to know.
My phone vibrates on my stomach. It slides off my belly and falls between the back of the couch and my hip. I reach for it and bring it before my eyes.
Hunter’s number illuminates my screen. I close my eyesand bring my lips between my teeth. Knowing him, he won’t stop trying to reach me until he does. My cell continues vibrating, so I press the answer button.
“Hi, Hunter.”
Jami’s head lowers. He takes the hint, getting up and giving me space so Hunter and I can talk. I roll to my side and face the back of the couch.
Hunter's voice croons. “Hey, beauty. I’m calling to check on you. How did your doctor’s appointment go?”
I outline the stitching of my couch cushion with my fingernail as I block my emotions. “It could have gone better. I’m resting on my couch because I’m tired and not feeling well.”
“Then you’ll be pleased to know I’m getting ready to turn onto your street. I’ll be up in a few minutes to take care of you for the rest of the night.”
Shit!
And I thought this day couldn’t get any worse.
CHAPTER 6
JAMISON
Dori’s voicerises in panic. “No, Hunter. I don’t need anyone to help me. I’m fine. I just need to rest.”
I stand in the kitchen, waiting for her to end her call with him. He’s out of town, so her comment makes me believe he’s sending someone over to help her.
“Um…okay.” She glances at me, placing her hand over the receiver. “Hurry. He’s coming here.”
My face bunches up. “Now?”
She nods and clears her throat. “I asked how soon you’d be here.”
There’s a pause. “Ten minutes. Um…okay. I’ll see you then. Bye.”
By the panic in her eyes, I know he’s back in town. “Before you say anything, I’m the one who should be with you right now.”
She jumps off the couch. “Please don’t start with this, Jami. I can’t handle a fight between you and Hunter on top of everything else.”
