Page 103 of Playing For Keeps
“You say Dori needs to trust herself, but here you are asking me what you should do. It sounds to me like you both could learn that lesson.”
My cheeks heat as a smile lifts my lips. “You got me there. I’ve just always had the uncanny ability to fuck things up with her and don’t want to do it again.”
“You’re going to mess up. Everybody does. Just do what you think will be best for her. Don’t second-guess yourself.”
I watch the waves roll in as I consider Melanie’s advice. She’s right. If Dori and I are going to work in the long run, we both need to trust ourselves with the decisions we make.
We also need to trust each other with our choices. And I have one huge issue that needs to be addressed pronto.
That thought has my heart rate beating triple time. “You’re right, Mel, but I have one thing I need your help with.”
“And that would be…?”
CHAPTER 24
DORI
My nerves are scratchingat my skin as I get out of my rental car. I don’t think I’ve ever been so anxious about seeing my brother as I am right now.
I get to his front door and ring the bell. It’s strange to do because he gave me a key and told me I can come and go as I please. I think this situation justifies my reasoning for not just going in.
The door swings open, and he looks me over, stone-faced. “Hey. It’s great to see you, but what are you doing here?”
“I was wondering if we could talk.” I swallow and roll back my shoulders. “If we’re ever going to have a relationship, we need to figure out some common ground.”
He takes a moment then nods. “You can tell me what you have in mind over a cup of coffee.”
“Thanks.” I wait for him to open the door and let me in.
“Do I get a hug for agreeing to this?”
My anxiety drops about ten levels. “I’d love that.”
“Good, then come in.” He widens the space to allow me inside.
I step in, and we embrace as soon as I do. He squeezes metight, like I’ve been missing for years. Our emotional distance makes it feel like I have been.
“I’m glad you’re here. There’s a lot I want to say.” He pulls away and gestures to the kitchen. “Let’s go in there to talk.”
“Just promise not to throw hot coffee on me if I do.” I smirk as I catch his gaze.
He rolls his eyes and shows me to the kitchen. “Why don't we just be better to each other more than we have been over the last month?”
“I’ll be civil if you can be.”
He points to a chair at the table. “Sit and I’ll make you some coffee.”
“Thanks.” I get settled as I gaze out his back window.
The last time I was here comes to mind. The first night here I slept next to Jami, allowing his comfort to soothe me. The last night I slept here, I longed for him and wondered if we would find our way to each other. But Hunter was going to be a huge obstacle.
It’s wild to remember how much has happened since then. Maybe in a year from now, I’ll have my life sorted out.
Aiden grinds some coffee beans. The shrill of the grinder brings my attention to him.
“How have you been since”—I fiddle with my bracelet—“everything went down?”
He measures out the coffee and starts brewing our drinks. “It’s been good and bad. I’m not working for the FBI anymore. I don’t have to explain why. You can figure it out on your own.”
