Page 92 of Playing With Secrets
“It reminds me of all the people I’ve hurt before. It makes me strive to be a better man. Going through the sting of getting one helps me see I can make it through the toughest times and still hold it together.
“The pain helps me see how strong I can be even when I feel I can’t take it anymore. The throbbing reminds me that in the wake of its destruction, once it’s healed, it leaves something beautiful behind.
“It gives me the strength to hold on to the future. It gives me hope that something beautiful will be left in its path, and soon I’ll see it.”
“That’s pretty deep and insightful.” She studies each mark and line.
I place my finger on the one she’s going over. “Each one of these tattoos has meaning. I’ve felt the pain of each one twice. Once when it happened in real life and once when I was getting it etched into my skin.”
“You have ink all over your arms, back, and chest. That’s a lot of misery to endure.” She hugs her knees. “Do you ever want a tattoo associated with a good memory?”
“Of course, but I haven't had that happen yet. Until then, I’ll focus on getting through the suffering.” I tug at my sleeve and pull it farther down my arm.
“Let me take some of that hurt away.” She reaches over and places her hand on my heart.
I place my hand over hers. “You already do.”
For a moment, we stare deep into each other’s eyes and let love flow between us. It’s not sexual or full of desire.
It’s two people expressing a connection to each other, something we can’t explain. No matter how hard we try to ignore it, it’ll always be there, and we both know it to our core.
“Let’s enjoy some wine and appetizers while rebuilding our friendship.” I nudge her by tapping her thigh.
Her head tilts to the side, and she warmly smiles. “I’d like that.”
I push off the couch and hold my hand out. She takes it, and I pull her up. I don’t do it hard, but she exaggerates it and tumbles into my arms.
On instinct, my arms fly around her to catch her fall. She gazes up into my eyes with a devious sparkle in hers.
She gets on her tiptoes and presses her lips against mine. I’m not sure I’ll be able to stop it if she starts this again. My brain scrambles, looking for order.
She pulls away, her sinful eyes peering into mine. “We can start with being friends, but I have no intentions of letting you forget what I want.”
“Dori…” I shake my head at a loss of words.
“I’ll say something to you that you said to me once. The next time I kiss you, you’ll want it as much as I do, and we’ll both be thinking of only each other.”
She steps away and saunters off to the kitchen while humming theFifty Shades of Greyslow version of Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love.”
My gaze follows her as I stand frozen by her declaration, hypnotized by her perfectly round ass popping from side to side.
If she weren’t here, I’d be on my knees weeping because she just promised to give me something I’ve always wanted. Not only that, but she has to be the sexiest damn thing on the planet.
“Are you coming, Jami, or are you just going to stand there and stare at me all night?” She peeks back over her shoulder. Her hair tumbles down her back, her eyes still promising dark and wonderful things.
How the fuck did she know I was still standing right where she left me?
I swallow and shake my head as I laugh under my breath. This is one wicked temptress I’m dealing with, and here I thought I was in control of this—such a fool.
Such. A. Fucking. Fool.
We finish a bottle of wine and have some appetizers while she and I go back and forth about why Melanie wants to date around.
“That’s where you’re wrong, Jami. She wanted something serious, just like I did. It all changed that night we saw you at the club.” Dori’s eyes drop to the counter, and she swallows like she’s trying to keep down her pain from what I did.
“I remember she was with Zengi that night, so something happened with them that’s making her react this way.”
“I don’t think so.”
