Chapter 17
CHAPTER 17
DORI
“Dori! Please, just talk to me!” a panicked voice screams from behind me.
I peek over my shoulder. Jami’s running toward me.
I grab Hunter’s hand. “Get me into the car, Hunter. I don’t want to speak to him right now.”
He nods, takes two big strides, and opens the door before the driver can. “Are you sure you don’t want to?—”
“Not tonight.” I jump into the backseat.
Melanie’s right behind me. Hunter and Jonah climb in seconds later. Jonah grabs the door and shuts it. The lock engages automatically. Jami gets to the door right as it does and pounds on the window. They stare at me, saying nothing.
“Dori, please.” Jami slams his palm against the glass. “Just give me five minutes. Please don’t do this. Don’t shut me out again. You know it doesn’t work.”
The pain of his betrayal has my heart slip from my chest and shatter around me once more. I glance at Mel. I can’t let Jami ruin her night. She never gets things like she’s been receiving from Jonah.
I crawl to the front of the limo to address the driver. “ Would you mind turning on some music? Play it loud, please.”
“Yes, Ms. Fisher. Anything in particular?” the driver asks.
“Party music. After all, it’s a night to celebrate.” I ignore Jami’s pleas and face my group. “This spectacle isn’t going to ruin our night.”
Hunter’s gaze drops to the floor, Melanie glances at the window, and Jonah just stares at me. Music fills the limo, drowning out Jami’s screams as we pull out of the lot, get onto the street, and drive away.
I climb back to my seat next to Hunter. “Would you please make me a drink? I’m afraid I’ll spill.”
My entire body shakes, so he doesn’t need me to spell it out. I’m a mess from that interaction.
He simply nods and pours champagne for all of us. He’s handing out the glasses when Melanie’s phone rings. She whips it out of her clutch and peers at the screen.
She glances up at me. “It’s him. Do you want me to answer it?”
“It’s your phone, Mel. Do what you want.” I take my drink from Hunter.
Mel lets it continue to chime until it stops. I get ready to toast everyone, but Mel’s cell goes off again. She closes her eyes.
Hunter leans to the side and hollers to the driver. “Can you turn the music down just a little?”
Once the volume reduces, Melanie takes a deep breath and brings her phone to her ear.
“Jami, she’s made herself clear. She doesn’t want to speak with you.”
His voice carries, but not enough that I can understand what he’s saying.
Mel’s eyes lock with mine. “He’s asking for a minute to hear him out.”
I glance at Jonah and he shrugs. Then I check out Mel. Her gaze floats around to each of us. I face Hunter and he pulls in a gust of air.
He slowly releases his breath. “It’s up to you. It’s your decision.”
I hold out my hand to Mel. “Give me your phone.”
My chest heats and I clench my teeth. I’m so angry Jamison’s ruining Mel’s night. She’s finally getting to experience something extraordinary, and he’s making it all about him.
Mel hands me her phone. I stare at it for a second, then power it down.
I hand it back. “Please don’t turn that back on until we’re at Hunter’s place. I don’t want to hear it ringing.”
She nods and puts the phone away. Hunter’s stare weighs heavy on me, so I twist his way.
“What?” I try to fight back my tears.
Hunter shakes his head. “I told you I would honor what you asked for. That still holds true, but you’re going to have to speak to him at some point.”
“I will, but I need time. Good God, he’s had months. At least seven fucking long months to tell me about this. Even my therapist said it’s not too much to ask for two weeks to wrap my head around it. If he can’t understand that, then fuck him.” I choke out the cry I was trying to swallow.
Hunter places his hand on my knee. “But what if what he says changes everything for you?”
“Why do you keep pushing me to hear him out? This is your chance to swoop in and take me. So why? Tell me why?” My stare connects to his.
His face softens. “Because I don’t want to win your love by default. I want you to pick me because I’m who you want. I don’t want to be your second choice. Otherwise, this will never work.”
The music fills the space as we all sit with Hunter’s declaration .
“Hunter, you wouldn’t be my second choice. Don’t you see? He had his chance. He’s had it over years. It always ends the same. This was the worst blow of all and I can’t take it anymore.
“I’m done playing his games. You’ve known me for less than a year, yet you put your heart on the line for me. You make me your priority. You open your house to Melanie and me.”
I motion to Jonah. “Jonah and your dad know about us now. Your dad even invited me to his home to get to know me. God, you’re in therapy to be a better man because of me. Everything you’ve been doing proves I’m number one in your heart. I deserve that and want that because being loved by you makes me really fucking happy.”
I wait for him to respond, but he’s speechless. Melanie’s sniffling pulls my attention her way.
Shit.
I had an audience for all that.
“That was touching, Dori. You didn’t tell me all Hunter’s doing for you, but I see it now. And you know what?” She blinks away a tear. “You deserve a love like the one he wants to give you. You do, so I support you all the way. Jami can fuck off.”
“I’m with my baby girl. You and Hunter deserve each other.” Jonah slides his arm around Melanie’s neck. “I’ll be honest. I’ve been worried you’re going to break my brother’s heart, but he keeps telling me to relax.
“You’ll make whatever choice is in your heart, and that’s all he asks. You make him happier than I’ve ever seen, so you have my blessing. And Melanie’s right. Jamison can fuck off.”
I laugh out the remaining tears I was holding in. “Thank you. Now, can we please get back to showing Melanie the time of her life?”
Hunter slides his hand into mine. “Of course. Anything you want. ”
When we get back to his place, we dance in his living room, but it doesn’t take long for Jonah to carry Melanie upstairs. Her laughter proves that my decision not to talk with Jamison tonight was right. This night is about Melanie. Everything else can be dealt with later.
Maybe…
In the guest room I’ve been staying in, Mel slips into her new designer jeans Jonah gave her for today. “Dori, I’m fucking nervous. What if I say something stupid? Christmas dinner with Patrick Efron… Fuck. I’m seriously fucked.”
“Stop.” I work myself into a fitted black turtleneck. “If you can stand your ground with Hunter and Jonah, their dad will be a walk in the park. From what I’ve seen, he’s more relaxed than his sons.”
Mel twists to check out her reflection in the mirror. “I hope so.”
“Baby girl, you got this.” I laugh as I mock Jonah.
She blushes and continues to get dressed. I go to the dressing table and pick out some gold jewelry.
“In all seriousness, Mel. How are you doing with this thing you’ve got going on with Jonah?” I put on a link-style necklace.
She runs her fingers through her straight hair. “I’m doing fantastic. The gifts, the sex, and his company are phenomenal. It’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever given me.”
“You did this all on your own.”
“With Hunter’s help. Remind me to thank him later.”
“Will do.” I grab my black boots and sit on a chest at the end of my bed. “Baby girl is an odd pet name for me to understand. It doesn’t fit you. ”
“What’s not to understand about it? I almost came the first time he said it.”
“Why?”
“Duh. I knew the second he said it what the sex would be like. And let me tell you, it’s better than I imagined.”
“Help me understand. How did you know how he’d be in bed?”
“He’s a Pleasure Dom, Dori. I’m his baby girl, meaning he tells me what to do and when to do it. Then he rewards me like crazy.”
She nudges me to scoot over so she can put on her shoes. “He’s even trained me to come on demand. I never thought I’d be able to do that. And it’s only been a few days.”
“Holy shit.” Dumbfounded, I stare at her. “You’re a submissive? No way. There’s no truth to what you’re telling me. You’re doing it to fuck with me so I make an ass out of myself. Ha ha. Jokes on me. Not.”
“I’m not fucking with you. Ask him if you want.”
“No. I’d rather not.” I finish zipping my boots, stand, and straighten my jeans. “It’s going to be hard to see him any other way now. I can’t imagine how strange it’ll be when we return to the office after the break.”
She finishes shoving her foot into her brown riding boots. “My guess is everything will return to how it was before this.”
“How will that be possible? You’re dating my boss, and now I know things about him that I didn’t before. It’s going to be strange.”
“Nah. This little charade with him will end right after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.” She stands and adjusts her jeans and belt.
I go to the mirror to check out my final look. “Has he told you that?”
“He doesn’t have to. I’m not blind, Dori. I know I don’t fit in here. He’s just having a little fun with me while we support the two people we love. ”
There’s a knock on my door. “Come in.”
Hunter steps into the room. “We’re ready to go whenever you are. How long do you think you’ll be?”
I shrug. “I’m ready. Mel?”
“Ready.” She brushes past us and sways down the hall, singing Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend .
She’s soaking up all the lavish gifts Jonah keeps giving her, and it suits her.
I start to follow her, but Hunter takes my hand. “Wait here for a minute.”
“Okay. But why?”
He leads me to my bed. “Sit down. I have something I want to give you.”
I sit, and he hands me a present shaped like a ring box. It’s wrapped in blue paper and has a tiny white bow stuck to the top. My heart stops beating. I slowly nod and sit.
Oh, please don’t let this be an engagement ring.
“Dorothy, stop worrying. It’s not a ring. Open it and see for yourself.” He stands before me, sliding his hands into his pockets.
I glance up and down, then tear off the paper. When I open the box, I can’t believe my eyes.
“Hunter, is this…”
He sits next to me and takes the box out of my hands. As he removes the necklace and moves my hair to the side, my mind tries to come up with a reason he’d give me such a gift.
He drapes the locket around my neck, then clasps it together. I reach up and cup the gold heart in my palm. He turns me to face him and smiles softly as I let it hang.
“Yes, beauty. It’s the necklace I demanded you take off. I had Katy look for it when she picked up your clothes.”
“Why would you do this? You hated seeing me wearing this.”
He lowers his head. “I’m not proud of how I reacted to what you were going through. You deserve to mourn the loss of your child in the way and in the time frame that works for you. I’m sorry I didn’t understand that before. I let my jealousy and my insecurities override what you needed.”
Wow!
I never would’ve expected this. He’s trying hard for me and his effort melts my heart.
“It’s nice to hear you say that.” I take his hand in mine. “Does it still bother you that Jami gave this to me?”
“It’s not the best feeling knowing it’s from him, but it doesn’t matter because it was given to you to offer comfort and support. Who it came from is irrelevant.”
Hunter gazes into my eyes. “Your feelings are what matter. This necklace was something special to you, and I demanded you ignore that. It was controlling and wrong. Can you accept my apology?”
“I appreciate that, and I accept your apology.” I stand and pull him to his feet. “We better get going.”
“Just so you know, that locket isn’t your gift from me. I was just making amends.”
“I don’t need anything. You’ve done enough.”
“We’ll see.” He leads me downstairs.
We join Jonah and Melanie and gather our belongings. An hour later, we’re in Patrick Efron’s mansion on the outskirts of the city.
The building is decorated exquisitely, with Christmas decor in every room. Just as Hunter said, their interactions are down-to-earth. If it weren’t for the house, I’d think they were just three guys hanging out for Christmas dinner.
When we gather around the table for a delicious beef tenderloin dinner with all the side dishes that any holiday dinner would have, the conversation flows nicely.
Despite Melanie’s claims of being nervous, she comes across as relaxed and funny. Patrick seems to enjoy her as much as the rest of us.
After dinner, Jonah takes Mel on a tour of the grounds. Hunter and I exchange glances—no tour will be given. Jonah’s wandering hands revealed his true motivation before they left. He couldn’t stop touching her. They needed the privacy before he took it too far.
Patrick, Hunter, and I end up in a game room with all the football games playing on various televisions hanging around the room.
Patrick rolls a cigar between his thumb and pointer finger. “I didn’t get a chance to say good night to any of you the other night at the ball.”
Hunter picks up a cigar and smells it. “We were tired and left early.”
“Not true. We left because I had blisters on both my heels and wanted to go home and get out of my shoes.” I circle the pool table. “But thanks for trying to cover for me, Hunter.”
“You’re welcome, but now he knows I lied to him.” Hunter winks at me.
“Not to worry. If your feet were hurting, I can’t blame you for wanting to leave.” Patrick lights his cigar. He puffs a couple of times, and clouds of smoke rise to the ceiling.
Hunter places his cigar back in the box. “Dad, you said you wanted to speak to Dorothy and me. Now is good.”
What? Why didn’t Hunter mention Patrick requesting to speak to us? My heart’s about to leap out of my chest as I return to where they’re standing.
“Very well, I’ll get into it.” Patrick flicks his ashes. “Dori, Hunter came to me about changing your contract. We’ve come to an agreement, and I thought I’d give you an update. At first, I was concerned. Our company is not something I like to put at risk.”
My eyes slide between his and Hunter’s. “I wouldn’t do anything to go against the company. I love working there.”
“We’re aware. Jonah and Hunter have made it clear your loyalty and integrity are solid with Efron Worldwide.” Patrick sits on a stool near the end of the pool table .
I place my hand on my heart. “It is. I can assure you. I sought out this company because I believe in it.”
“That’s wonderful to hear. I trust Hunter, but your confirmation means a lot. Even so, Hunter knows what he’s doing, and he’s made his decision known. That said, I wanted to let you both know we’re close to resolving the issue.”
My brows draw down. “What exactly was Hunter’s decision?”
They exchange a look that only a father and son can understand.
Hunter comes to my side. “I’ll explain that later. First, I’d like to hear about how the issue of her clause is almost resolved.”
“To remove the clause, we only need seven of the twelve board members to vote in favor of renegotiating your contract. As of today, I’ve secured five of those votes. All that’s left to do is figure out the other two we want to approach before the vote occurs.”
Hunter rests against the pool table. “Who are the members you’ve talked with?”
“There’s you, Jonah, myself, and now I have Gerald and Douglas on our side. I met with them before the Christmas ball. They understand the situation and have given us their support.” Patrick takes a puff on his cigar.
My mind hooks to the most obvious question I have. “What about Ava? Won’t her dad flip when he finds out the reason for the removal is so Hunter and I can explore our relationship out in the open?”
“Hunter, have you not discussed this with Dori?” Patrick glances at Hunter.
He stares at me for a second too long. There’s a lot more to this situation I don’t understand. And Ava seems to be a part of it.
My pulse quickens. “Hunter, this is my career and life we’re talking about. Tell me what this is all about.”