Page 104 of Playing the Game
“Ouch. Why so cold?”
“I’m not trying to be cold.” She sighs. “I’m sorry. I’m just trying to set your expectations and honor my boundaries around spending time alone with you.”
“That sounds more like Jamison’s boundary than yours.” I let it hang out there while I study her every expression. I have to know if there’s still a chance for us.
For a second, she softens, exposing her gentle side. “Hunter, these are my boundaries. I can’t make you both happy, so this is the way it has to be.”
“But you still want me, don’t you?”
She pushes her chair back. “I need to get going.”
I place my hand over hers. “No. Please don’t run out. I still have some things I want to discuss.”
She settles back in her chair. “Fine, but I’m only staying because I saw that expression you get when you think I’m running away from you. I don’t want to traumatize you.”
She still cares about me.That gives me a little hope.
“Thank you.” My blood pressure comes down a notch. “I have a meeting with my dad today. We’re going over ways to get you reinstated. Is that something you’re still interested in?”
She analyzes me. “Is it even possible?”
“It is, but if you’re moving to Miami, I need to know so we can fill the void. Efron Worldwide can’t be without a marketing director.”
The server interrupts and asks us what we want to order. Once that’s done, Dorothy rests her arms on the table and inches closer to me.
She asks, “What are you guys doing in the interim?”
“We have Sadie filling in.” I take a drink of my water. “She knows the business and our systems. It was a quick fix.”
Dorothy’s eyes widen. “But what about her baby?”
Fuck!
I do not want to be talking about kids. I was hoping to avoid that topic.
I rub my neck and pray I don’t lead us into a conversation about Isabella. “Sadie’s working from home. We set her up remotely. It’s only temporary, so she agreed.”
Dorothy nods. “That makes sense. I’m glad it worked out for you.”
My insides tighten. “What are your thoughts on stepping back into your role?”
“I can’t think about it until it happens. I don’t want to get my hopes up.”
And that right there is my ticket to winning her back.
I can’t help but smile. “You’re going to be reinstated. I know I can sway the vote. It’s time you think about your options because it’s going to happen sooner rather than later.”
The server returns with our drinks.
“I’ll think about it and let you know.” Dorothy mixes her coffee to her liking. “Can I ask you a question that’s none of my business?”
My mouth gets dry. “Fire away.”
She peeks over at me. “How did the paternity test come out?”
I knew this was going to be brought up. I tried to brace myself for it, but it still has my blood running cold.
My shoulder tense. “It appears Isabella was being truthful.”
