Page 81 of Playing the Game
I’m not going to lie. The tension in the room is enough to send me into hiding, but I brush it off for Mel’s sake.
This night is about her. Not me trying to figure out how to be around Jami and Hunter when I’m openly in a relationship with Jami.
I return to our table and sink into my chair. “Most of the appetizers are gone, so I’m having the server bring you some chips and salsa. I don’t want your stomach to get upset.”
Jami adjusts himself to get more comfortable. “Thanks. I’m not hungry, but after downing that martini and taking pain medication, I need something to keep my wits about me.”
“Jami, you’re not?—”
“Before you lecture me about mixing the two, I had to do something to keep myself from taking a swing at Hunter.”
I want to laugh because there’s no way Jami could hit Hunter with his injury, but I swallow the urge.
Jami already told me he feels like he’s losing some of his manhood by leaning on me. I don’t need to make it worse.
“It’s all good, stud. I know you are more than capable of knowing what you need. I just enjoy being your nurse.”
“Ugh. That nickname.” He pretends to growl and eases back against his chair. “In all seriousness, you’re the best caretaker anyone could ask for. Plus, I have some dirty fantasies I’d like to share with you one of these days.”
“Oh, tell me about them.”
“They include you and a nurse’s uniform.” His eyes twinkle in my direction. “You’re on your knees, taking care of me in a certain way.”
“That could be arranged.” My abdomen clenches. “What else are we doing?”
He shifts and adjusts himself. “We can discuss this later because if we keep talking about it, I’m going to demand we leave.”
“Melanie would kill us.”
“That’s why we should quit talking about it.” He takes my hand. “Playfulness aside. You look absolutely gorgeous right now. I can’t describe how much I love you.”
My insides warm as my smile erupts. I’ve waited most of my life to share these types of moments with him. Every time he openly compliments me, my heart grows ten times bigger.
I’m so in love with this man.
Melanie breaks my thought, sliding into a chair next to me. “You two are beyond cute. I’m so happy you found your way back into each other’s lives. Not that I think it’s good you got shot, but I guess if that’s what it took, then yay!”
My eyes bulge. “Melanie! That’s a horrible thing to say.”
“Stop overreacting. You know I didn’t mean it like that.” Melanie scans the room. “I forgot to say thank you for inviting all these hot as fuck beefcakes tonight. Just look at them. God blesses me after all.”
She claps her hands, making Jami and me laugh. She always knows how to make things light and fun.
I relax. “One question for you, Mel. Which one are you going to spend your last night in town with?”
She taps her index finger against her lips. “I think I’ll take Luke home. He’s fun and up for anything. But then there’s Jonah, and he’s all-around fantastic. He’s even been flirting.”
Jami’s brows come together. “Jonah? I thought you two were on the outs.”
“I think he’s over it. He even got involved in the planning of this event. Not only that, he flashed me a command to behave, so he was definitely telling me he’s up for getting down. If you know what I mean.” She tosses a flirty grin at someone off to the side of me.
I track the trail and land on Jonah. His eyes are glued on her, looking like he’s about ready to take her into the back room for some fun.
Jami grunts as he pushes forward. “What’s this about him giving you commands?”
“Like you don’t know what I’m talking about.” Mel deadpans his way.
Jami peeks over at me and shoots a quick desire-filled gaze, then addresses Mel. “I know nothing about you and Jonah, so I can’t comment on the similarities.”
