Page 145 of Playing For Keeps
My curiosity gets the best of me. “Why spend time with her if you don’t want more?”
“She makes for pleasant company.” He glances over his shoulder at her.
She waves her fingers at us, then he looks back at me.
“Just so we’re clear. When she said she’s known me for years, that doesn’t mean she was a part of my life when we were together.”
“I didn’t think that. What I took from it was she has wanted you for a while and was making that obvious.”
He slides his hands into his pockets. “Sometimes people want what they can’t have.”
Gut punch.
“Hunter…”
“No. I didn’t say that to stir up old feelings. You’re married now, and I respect it.”
“Then why say something like that to me?”
He shrugs. “Old habits die hard.”
“Yeah, I guess they do.” I hike my thumb toward my group. “I better get back to them.”
“Of course. I wish you the best. And if you ever need anything, I’m just a phone call away.”
“Thanks.” I take a step back, ready to say goodbye, but he scoops me up into a tight hug.
“Jamison’s a lucky man. Don’t ever let him treat you wrong.”
“I won’t.”
He places my feet back on the ground. “Thank you for the good times we’ve shared. I’ll always keep them close to my heart.”
“Me too. I hope you find that special someone because you deserve it.”
“Thanks.” He runs his palm across the side of his neck. “Well, I guess this is goodbye.”
“Yeah, it is. Bye, Hunter.”
“Bye, beauty. May all your dreams come true.” He sends me a soft goodbye smile.
I return one to him and turn away, hurrying toward my husband. Jami’s eyes shine as he meets me halfway, making me soar in an instant.
He slides his arm around my waist as we follow Melanie and Aiden. They lead the way through the casino.
“Are you okay?” Jami asks.
“I’m better than okay. I just married the man of my dreams. He happens to be the sexiest man alive.”
“Is that so?”
“Um-hmm.”
“That’s funny, because I just married the woman of my dreams. I’ve loved her since I was twelve, and there’s not one day that’s gone by since I met her that I haven’t wanted her. Do you want to know why?”
“Why?”
“Because she’s the sexiest woman alive. She’s gorgeous, smart, forgiving, compassionate, and the list goes on and on.”
