Page 85 of Playing For Keeps
“But he won’t take it because it keeps you tied to him.”
I jump to my feet. “I’m not tied to him. It’s not like that.”
“No? You just said you feel indebted to him. You called him, didn’t you? If that’s not having ties to someone, I don’t know what is.”
I shrink into myself. “I wasn’t trying to…”
“What? Reconnect with someone who does nothing but cause problems between us?” Jami takes in quick breaths. “Help me understand why you would reach out to him.”
I lower my head. “If I’m being honest, I called him because I knew he’d talk to me. I’m lonely and feel like I’m becoming my mother. I don’t want to live like this.”
“Live like what?”
“As someone who doesn’t contribute. I’m only here to keep you company and make sure all your needs are taken care of.” I raise my gaze to his devastated eyes.
His face sets in a deep frown. “Is that how you see this? That being here with me is only for my benefit? Is that how you feel?”
My stomach twists, and a part of my heart cracks. “Sometimes.”
His eyes gloss over with sadness as his posture goes slack. He nods as his gaze drops to the floor.
We stand in thick, heavy emotions. We promised we wouldn’t lie to each other, so I had to tell him how I’m truly feeling no matter how hard it is to hear.
A few moments pass, then he lifts his palm and cups my cheek. “I’m sorry I’ve made you feel that way. I never meant for you to feel taken for granted.”
Before I can respond, he kisses my cheek and leaves the room. I turn to say something, but I can’t find the words.
The truth is, he hasn’t made time for me, and it hurts. His business is blowing up, so I understand he has commitments, but I thought he would make room for me.
Don’t get me wrong. He treats me great and loves on me when he’s here, but I miss our friendship. I miss us.
He works in his study as I pack my bags for my trip. It’sthe first time we’ve hit a stumbling block in our romantic relationship, and I hate feeling the strain between us.
I’m getting ready for bed and brushing my teeth when Jami comes into the en suite. Our eyes connect in the reflection of the mirror. His gaze speaks of apologies, and mine speaks of longing.
I spit and rinse my mouth. He slides up behind me and runs his palms over my ass and up my back.
I turn to face him, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I don’t like fighting with you.”
“We’re not fighting. We’re learning how to live together while both getting what we need from the other. It’s not going to be perfect.”
“I know, but I don’t have to like it.”
He rests his forehead against mine as he holds me at my waist. “I’m sorry I haven’t made you a priority. You’re the reason I’m working so hard, yet I’m forgetting to take care of you like you deserve.”
“Why would you be doing that for me?”
He pulls back and laughs softly. “Because I want to provide you with a life where you feel adored and spoiled. I want to give you anything you desire and then some.”
I lift my brows and smirk. “You know I’d be happy in a tiny apartment as long as I have you at night when you get home.”
“And that’s where I’ve gotten it wrong. But from now on, work ends the second I step in the front door.”
“Come on, stud. I know you’ll need to attend to business sometimes, and I’m okay with that. I just want time to connect with you and be friends, not just lovers. I miss our conversations.”
“Understood. I know that’s what you need. And if I think about it, I need it too. It’s what makes us…” His brows pinch together.
“Us. The word you’re looking for is us.”
