Page 5 of Playing For Keeps
JAMISON
“So, how did I do, Mel?”I stand in the middle of the entertainment room in Dori’s and my luxurious penthouse.
Mel gazes out the window. “It looks like the pool is surrounded by a jungle.”
“But right past the pool is direct access to the beach. She’s going to love being right on the ocean.”
Mel crosses her arms, facing me. “She’s going to know you spent a fortune on this place, Jami. How do you think she’s going to respond to that?”
“I was just trying to provide a life Dori could easily transition into.” I swallow the uptick of my nerves firing off. “I had to get something she’ll love. She deserves this and more.”
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. She must be amazing in bed.”
I raise my brows and nod, brushing away from Melanie. Talking about Dori in bed is enough to make my dick jump at the mere suggestion. My heart can barely stand the two weeks it’s been since I’ve seen her.
“I did this because I love her.” I stroll into the entertainment room and glance around. “You haven’t said if you think she’ll like it or not.”
“You bought a penthouse on Ocean Drive, right on Miami Beach. I think she’ll drop to her knees and get you off the second she steps into this place.”
“Can we stop talking about sex?”
Mel passes me and meanders to the pool table behind the white sectional sofa. She inspects it as she slides her finger along the sand-colored felt top and skips over my question.
“Five bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Holy shit on a stick. That girl is going to give you anything you want.” Mel raises her head. “Once she gets used to the amount of money you spent on this place, Dori will love it, but don’t expect her not to stew about it for a few days.”
“I’m already two steps ahead of you. I’ve gone over every scenario I can conjure up about showing our place to her. Let’s just say I’m prepared for the tongue-lashing.” My stomach squeezes.
I really hope she can get past the money part of this place and enjoy it. I want her to feel like a queen, spoiled and enamored. She’s moving her entire life to be here with me and deserves this and more. This is the least I can do.
Mel wanders up to the bar, pulls out a backless light-gray stool, and scoots up onto the seat. “You know, I could rent a room from you, and you probably wouldn’t run into me.”
“Are you saying you think it’s too big?” Bees take flight in my chest. “Fuck, she’s going to feel like she could get lost in here. She loved her tiny box of a loft.”
“Yes, she did. I’m serious. You should let me move in. I still haven’t found a place to live, and it would soften the blow.”
I run my hand down the scruff on my face. “Now you have me doubting myself.”
Mel gestures to my gunshot wound. “It will make any residual pain you have with that feel like nothing.”
“My pain has been tolerable. I’m two months into my recovery, and my doctor says I should be back to normal in notime.” I join Melanie at the bar and take a seat next to her. “Tell me I didn’t fuck this up.”
Her eyes twitch mischievously. “I should tell you that you did, but I’ve tormented you enough. Dori’s going to love this place. Yes, she’ll be in shock, but she’ll understand your motives.”
“Do you belive that?”
“Yes. If it were about showing off, she’d take issue with it. But since it’s about you making her dreams come true, she’ll be more than fine.”
My shoulders instantly relax. “Jesus, Mel. You had me about ready to go out and buy another place.”
Her eyes light up. “You should buy an investment property and let me move in. I’ll take great care of the place.”
“That’s a better option than having you move in with us.”
She slaps me with the back of her hand. “Hey, I’m a great roommate.”
“I’m sure you are, but starting my life with Dori is something I want to selfishly keep to myself.”
“Yeah, yeah. I get it. You want to christen this entire place.” Mel glances at me and shrugs. “And that is going to take some time to get through all the rooms in this house.”
