Page 144 of Playing For Keeps
Melanie takes her turn. “Dori and I used to work at Efron Worldwide, but we moved to Miami.”
“Huh. I’ve known him for a couple of years, and we’ve gone to a few galas together.” She leans into Hunter. “I’m surprised I’ve never met any of you.”
He stiffens but puts his arm around her waist. “They weren’t at any of the events you were.”
“That’s a shame. I would’ve loved to spend more time with you all.” She grins, but her tone is full of a brush-off if I’ve ever heard one.
She’s obviously territorial.
“We won’t take up any more of your time,” I say.
“Nope, we won’t because we have some celebrating to do.” Mel pumps the air with her palms as she wiggles her hips.
Aiden does a strange dance move as well. “Let’s get to it.”
They wave as they walk off down the corridor.
Jami intertwines his fingers with mine. “We should probably follow since this is our night, and they’re here for us.”
“Agreed. Nice to meet you, Channel. Hunter, it’s always a pleasure.” I take about ten steps away with Jami.
Hunter calls out, “Dorothy, can I steal a moment? It will only take a minute.”
I glance at Jami.
“Dori, trust yourself and do what you want.”
He’s right. I’m practicing this in every other part of my life. I need to be able to do it when my ex appears on my wedding day.
I reach up and kiss Jami’s cheek. “Give me two minutes at most and then get ready to take me dancing.”
“Dancing? I’m a terrible dancer.”
“You can sit on a chair, and I’ll give you a show. Call it a lead-up for what I plan to do to you later.”
“Deal. I’ll be over there.” He points to where Mel and Aiden are waiting.
I turn back to Hunter. “We’ve got two minutes before Mel will cause a scene, so let’s make it snappy.”
He excuses himself and strides to an opening where the bar connects to the main floor. His gaze crawls over me like it did the first night I met him. Still, the lust in his eyes causes no reaction in me.
He stands before me and releases a deep sigh. “Congratulations. You make a beautiful bride.”
“Thanks, but how do you know I got married?”
“Jamison’s in a tux. You’re in a white gown. Your brotherand best friend are here with you, and you’re celebrating. It wasn’t hard to figure out.”
“Very perceptive.” My stomach twists. “We didn’t do this here, hoping to run into you. That was?—”
“Say no more. There’s no way you would’ve known I was here. I was teasing you earlier.”
“Just know I wouldn’t set out to hurt you.”
“I know that. I just wanted to say congratulations to you in private. You need to know I’m truly happy for you. Please know I’m sincere when I say that.”
“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” I peek around him. “Who knows? Maybe Channel can be your happily ever after.”
He laughs softly. “I’m sure she’d like that, but it won’t go anywhere with her.”
