Page 73 of Playing For Keeps
He peeks into our room. “I made sure the police don’t need you for anything else, so we can go as soon as you’re ready.”
“I’m ready when Melanie is.” I join Jami and glance down the hall. “Mel, are you ready to go?”
She pops out of her room just as I say it. “Ready.”
“Let’s go, then.” Jami takes my hand, and his concerned gaze connects with mine. “You doing okay?”
“I am. I already scheduled a time to talk with my therapist about everything when we get to Miami. Please don’t worry about me.”
“Like that'll ever happen.” He huffs like I’m being ridiculous. “You’re going to be my wife, so get used to it.”
“She’s what?” Melanie slams her palm into his chest. “When were you going to tell me?”
He grimaces in pain. “Fuck.”
“Oh shit. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking when I did that.” She covers her mouth and peers over at me. She speaks through her hand. “I didn’t mean to hurt him.”
“I know, but let’s not hit him anymore. He still has a lot of discomfort.” I face him. “It’s my turn to worry about you. Areyouokay?”
He sucks in a breath and nods. “Let’s get the fuck out of here. I’ll take a painkiller once I’m on the plane.”
I grab his bag full of our belongings. “Then let’s go now.”
Melanie drags her carry-on behind her as she follows us out the door. “We can go, but you’re not off the hook. What did Jami mean, you’re going to be his wife?”
He tosses an intoxicated-like smile her way. “I asked her to marry me, and she said yes.”
We stroll to the elevator as Melanie curses us out. “I can’tbelieve you would keep that to yourself. What am I? Chopped liver? Just you wait. When it’s my turn, I’m leaving you in the dark.”
Jami and I laugh as he pulls me to his side. “Relax, Mel. I only asked her a little while ago.”
“Likely story.” She presses the call button and glares at me. “I thought I was your best friend.”
Her sad demeanor makes me think she’s truly hurt.
“Melanie, he asked me right before Aiden stopped by. There hasn’t been any time to tell you.”
She flicks her chin up to me. “Right. And I’m supposed to believe that?”
“It was a spontaneous gesture. Jami didn’t even have a ring when he did it.” I hold out my left hand.
She peeks down from the corner of her eyes at my finger. “Okay, so far, your story is holding its weight.”
The elevator doors open, and we file in.
He winks at me and pulls her into his chest as soon as the doors close. “Come on, Mel. Don’t be mad. You’re still the first to know.”
She pretends to fight his embrace but gives in to it when his words register. “Really? I’m the first to know?”
“Yes. You’re still the most important friend to both of us.” He scrubs the top of her head with his knuckles.
She wiggles free from his grip, slapping his thigh as she tries to get away. “Stop it. I just fixed my hair.”
I burst into laughter. “You two are worse than children.”
The doors open to the lobby, and we all step out joking with one another. It’s a pleasant change of pace.
We round a corner. Hunter’s standing at the checkout counter, waiting for someone to help him. Our laughter must grab his attention because he shifts and faces us.
