Chapter 19
JAMISON
We board the jet, thankful we’re on our way home. The attendant gives us a quick rundown of everything we need to know about the flight and takes our drink order.
Melanie sits across from Dori and me. “This is so cool, Jami. It was good thinking, booking us on a private jet.”
“It was nice of you.” Dori rests her head on my shoulder.
Melanie runs her hands over the leather seat. “Oh, I know. You should buy one so we can go on vacation whenever we want.”
I laugh. “Who’s saying you get to travel with us?”
She glares at me. “Dori, what do you think?”
She lifts a shoulder to her ear. “It seems excessive. I don’t think Jami needs to spend money on something we may use only a few times a year.”
“Whatevs. He should still get one for us. But if you think this is excessive, just wait until you see?—”
“Melanie…” My tone is full of warning. “You’re already getting me to buy a condo for you. I’m not buying a jet.”
Dori peeks up at me. “What’s this about a condo?”
My stomach swirls because I didn’t discuss this with her. “Mel was at our place and asked to move in. Since I want to start our new life with a little privacy, I told her you two could go find a place for her. I’ll buy it, and she can rent it from us.”
Dori sits straight and stares at Mel. “Why does Jami have to buy one? Why can’t you rent on your own?”
Fuck.
I didn’t think Dori would be upset, but her reaction tells me otherwise.
Mel crosses her arms over her chest as her expression grows wary.
“I’ve been looking for a place, but Miami is more expensive than I thought it would be.
I can’t find anything in my budget that’s near work.
Jami thought it could be a great investment.
And since you know me, you guys would rent it to me. ”
I jump in to alleviate Dori’s concern. “She would need a roommate to be able to afford something close to her office. I didn’t think you would mind. Actually, I thought you would love the idea of helping her out so she could live alone for once.”
Dori twists to me. “Oh, you’re misunderstanding. I love the idea, and knowing why you offered it makes it that much sweeter. I just asked because I figured she already had a place.”
Mel relaxes against her seat. “I didn’t tell you I was having troubles because you were busy with your move.”
Dori reaches for Mel’s arm. “Please don’t keep things from me. I told you before you moved I want our friendship to be equal. You need to lean on me with your struggles. You’ve always been there for me, and it’s my turn to be there for you.”
Mel digs into her bag and pulls out a magazine. “In that case, help me decide on decor. It’s the first time I get to do everything to my liking, and I’m not sure what I’ll need.”
Dori gets up from her seat and moves next to Melanie. “Oh, this will be fun. Tell me what you’re wanting.”
I try to get settled, but the pain from my gunshot wound is wreaking havoc on me. I keep gasping and shifting around when I get zapped with sharp bolts of searing misery all over the right side of my torso.
Dori peers over at me when I grunt from the throbbing in my chest. “Jami, what’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing.” Just as I say it, another shattering slice of pain swipes across my shoulder.
I grimace and shut my eyes, waiting for it to pass.
“Okay, where are your painkillers?” Dori starts to get up.
“Sit down. I’ve got them in my pocket. I’ll take one as soon as they bring us something to drink.”
As if on cue, the flight attendant brings us our water.
She places them on the table between where they’re sitting and where I am. “We should be leaving soon, so we ask you stay buckled up for takeoff. I’ll come by once it’s safe to move around and get your dinner order.”
“I’m starving.” Melanie smiles at the attendant. “Can we get a snack while we wait?”
“Sure. We have some hummus and crackers or a fruit and vegetable tray with dipping sauces. Do either of those sound good?”
“Can we have both?” Melanie asks.
“Of course. We need to take off first, and then I’ll bring them to you.” The attendant disappears.
I’m already digging into my pill container while Dori warily focuses on me. I lift the medicine and show it to her.
“Don’t worry. I’m taking them right now.” I pop them in my mouth and swallow them along with half my glass of water.
She nods and gives Melanie her attention. Once we take off and the snacks are laid out, the painkillers take effect. My eyelids grow heavy, and I nod off within minutes.
Dori’s soft, pouty lips brush against mine. I tangle my fingers in her hair to pull her closer without opening my eyes. Making love to her is all I want .
“Temptress, climb on me.”
“Babe, we’re landing now. You need to wake up,” she whispers.
I pry my eyes open and try to place where I am. “Whoa. I thought we were at home in bed.”
“Soon enough.” She smiles as she sits beside me and buckles up.
I force myself upright and prepare for landing. It’s dark outside, but the Miami lights twinkle brightly, promising an exuberant nightlife below.
“Jami, look how beautiful it is. Wow, it’s prettier than I thought it would be.” Dori squeezes my forearm as she peers out the window.
“Just wait until you see your place,” Melanie sing-songs.
Dori twists back to me, clapping her hands. “I can’t wait to see where we’re going to start our life together.”
My chest swells. “Hearing you say that makes me excited to show you. I hope you like it.”
“We could live in a studio, and I’d be happy.” She kisses me on the cheek.
Melanie scoffs. “It’s no studio apartment. Think Hunter’s place, but twice the size.”
My stomach drops as Dori’s eyes round to the size of the moon.
She whips in my direction. “You can’t be serious. You didn’t get us something that big, did you?”
I wince and shrug. “Before you go on a tangent about being happy in a place like your loft, please try to understand that I want this to be our home for a long time.”
“What does the size of it have to do with that?” Her panicked gaze darts around my face.
“Dori, please try to accept this. I wanted to give you something that makes you feel pampered and adored. I want you to feel…cherished.” My pulse spikes as I take her hand in mine. “I want to show you how much you mean to me. ”
She bites down on her lip and gazes at her lap.
I peek over at Melanie, feeling like I fucked up by buying the penthouse without talking to Dori about it. Melanie tosses me a shrug as if saying, You knew this would be her reaction, so don’t look at me to fix it.
I bring my attention back to Dori with all my doubt kicking me into a pile of uncertainty.
She raises her head and softly touches my arm. “Thank you. I’m sure it’s beautiful.”
“You’re okay with this?” I search her eyes.
“Yes. If you love it enough to see us growing old there, I’m excited to see it. Why don’t you tell me about it?” She settles back while we descend.
Mel cuts in. “It’s stupid sick, Dori. It’s a dream penthouse located right on the beach.”
“It’s the penthouse?” She releases a nervous laugh. “Like on the top floor?”
“It’s two stories, fully furnished, and enough rooms for you to host a small army.” Mel points to me. “I asked to move in because I wouldn’t be in the way, but Jami has other plans.”
Dori’s mouth gapes. She places her hand on her heart. “How did you buy this place and furnish it in the two weeks you were there?”
“I had my agent looking for places before I moved. When we walked in, I envisioned us there. It was the third place we toured, and I knew it was perfect. I bought it fully furnished so we could have a smooth transition. I just wanted it to be easy for you.”
My palms sweat. I should’ve known it was going to be too much for her. I run my hand over my chin as I try to figure out how to make it better for her.
She softens with my explanation. “So you think I’ll like it?”
“I do. It’s right on the beach, and our views are breathtaking. You’ll never tire of sitting on our deck off our bedroom and watching the sunset. It’s more beautiful each time I get to see it.” Tingles run up my spine.
She pushes out a relenting sigh. “I guess I’ll have to get used to cleaning a big place?—”
“No, you won’t. I arranged for a full-time house manager who will coordinate everything the place will need. The cleaning, grocery shopping, the maintenance, she’ll take care of it all. All you have to do is change anything you don’t like and enjoy the rest.” I reach for Dori’s hand.
She gives it to me as her green eyes beam. “You did this all for me?”
“Yes. You deserve to be treated like a priceless jewel, a queen, and most importantly, like the woman I love with every fiber of my being.” I lean over and kiss her.
She lingers a little longer than I expect then pulls away. “I keep forgetting how much money you have now, but thank you, stud. It means a lot to me that you did this for me.”
“Keep calling me stud, and I’ll figure out a way to teach you a lesson.” I shoot her a disciplining stare.
She blushes. “Promise?”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “I’ve got my hands full with you, temptress.”
“And you wouldn’t want it any other way,” she whispers in my ear, then nips it, sending a zap straight between my legs.
Dori steps into our new home. Her gaze sweeps the foyer then travels down the hall. She takes a few strides and covers her mouth with her hand.
Tense nerves shoot through me. “What do you think? Do you like it?”
She continues to explore the classy and well-decorated penthouse. “Jami, this place is spectacular. I can’t believe you bought this for me.”
“This is our home, Dori.”
This is for us and for the future family we’re going to have. I think it but don’t say it. She may not be ready for that discussion after all she’s been through.
She ambles through our home, gasping with each step she takes. She gets teary-eyed when I show her our bedroom view.
I lead her to the balcony. “Listen to the waves. Aren’t they peaceful?”