Chapter 11
CHAPTER 11
HUNTER
I scowl as my gaze bounces between Dorothy and Jamison, all coiled up in their chairs. “So Jamison, Dorothy’s the one who saw you at the club?”
They trade a wild-eyed glance. Dorothy turns her head away from us as she shrinks further into herself.
Jamison folds his arms over his chest and squares his shoulders. “And your point is?”
I straighten my spine and step to him. “You told me she blocked you and left with some other guy. Now I’m hearing you two loved each other back then, yet she fooled around with someone that night.”
He nods as he glares in her direction. “Seems like that’s the case.”
“I don’t know what to be more disgusted by. You both hiding how deep your past was or her actions.” I peek down at her.
She folds into herself. How I never put two and two together has me both baffled and hot as hell. All this time, I didn’t see it. They loved each other all the way back then.
I seem to never stop learning details about their relationship. Every time I turn around, I learn more about their connection, which only deepens my concerns.
Jamison stands, not nearly as protective of her as he typically is. “I didn’t think it was important, considering she runs to any guy other than me. You have nothing to worry about, Hunter. She’s all yours. I won’t fight you for her anymore.”
Dorothy gets to her feet and shakes her head. “It wasn’t like that, but it doesn’t matter.”
Jamison huffs. “See, Hunter. She agrees this situation is of no concern.”
She growls. “That’s not what I meant. Hunter, can you give us a little more time so I can fix this misunderstanding?”
If she thinks I’m going to give her the opportunity to work things out with Jamison, she doesn’t know me very well.
“Dorothy, I’m saying this for your benefit. You might want to stop working on salvaging anything you had with Jamison.”
“Why?” She turns to him, then faces me. “I want to repair my relationship with him.”
I gesture to him. “The look in Jamison’s eyes tells me he doesn’t want to have anything more to do with you.”
She starts to say something but must think better of it because she remains quiet.
“Dorothy, I know you were hoping to get to a point where we could all be friends, but we’ve been trying for some time. It doesn’t seem to be going well.” I raise my brows.
Her face turns red. “That’s because I have had a chance to fully explain myself.”
I advance more into the room. “Cut your losses before none of us can stand to be in the same room together.”
“But—”
“But nothing. We need to focus on getting the job done. Once the app is successfully launched, Jamison will be working from home. You won’t have to deal with seeing him anymore.” I brace myself for a lecture from her about interrupting.
She studies him. He flashes a hostile smirk and keeps his arms tightly over his chest like armor.
“For once, Hunter and I agree on something about you. It’s best if we focus on the app and only that. The friendship aspect isn’t working.” He glares and stares hard into her eyes.
Swarms of emotion take over her face. She lowers her head and strides to the door.
“Congratulations on the successful mock launch today, Jami. I know you worked hard on it and deserve the praise since Hunter forgot to acknowledge you in front of everyone.” She glances at me and pins me with resentment and anger.
It’s not the best thing in the world, but it’s better than her trying to figure things out with Jamison.
He fakes a laugh. “I don’t need your praise or pity acknowledgment. My belief in myself and knowing nobody can pull off what I did is enough for me.”
They’re clearly at odds, and their relationship doesn’t seem likely to be repaired. Maybe Jamison and I might be able to find a way back to dealing with our issues amicably.
It’s not likely, but it could happen. My therapist believes it could, so there’s a chance.
Dorothy huffs and storms off. I watch her until she’s on the elevator and returning to her office. When the coast is clear, I close the door behind me.
What I came down here to do has changed. After seeing them strained, I have an even better idea.
He rolls his eyes. “Why does everyone need to close the door today?”
“Relax, Jamison. I’m here to commend you. It seems you’ve finally taken me seriously. Cutting ties with Dorothy shows me you’re trying.” I sit before him and rest my ankle on my knee .
“Whatever, Hunter. I’m in no mood to play games with you today. Just tell me why you’re here.”
“I’m not here to play games. Since you’re finally respecting me, I thought I’d tell you how pleased everyone is with your effort. If it continues to go as planned, I have a few contacts who would be interested in having you work with them for something exclusive of their own.”
He sits straight, showing his interest is piqued. “Why would you help me after all that’s happened between us?”
“We used to be friends. If you can get past Dorothy and me being together, what would it hurt to be allies again? We might never be friends like before, but you’ve proven your value.” I nod, trying to convey sincerity.
“I don’t trust you, Hunter. You’ve spread rumors about me.”
“But things appear to be changing.”
“I don’t know if they are. You told your girlfriend I’m on a dating app, and you dug into my personal life using painful things over my head to keep me in line. You’ve proven you put getting what you want above anything else. That’s not an ally. That’s someone with whom you watch your back.”
“I can see your point, but I wasn’t the one who told Dorothy you were on a dating app. I’ll take ownership of only fueling the rumors about you and Melanie, but that’s all. The rest of your secrets are safe with me.”
He gets up and meanders to his window, considering what I’ve said. “What’s the catch?”
“Keep your distance from Dorothy on a personal level. Once she and I are married, you and I find a way to get on the same side. If you go back to wanting something with Dorothy, I’ll revert to the original plan. Excluding anything to do with your friend Chuck. I’ll admit I took that one too far.”
He turns and studies me to see if I’m lying. He sighs when he realizes I’m not. “You did take it too far.”
I dip my head in acknowledgment. “That I did. In my defense, I was seeing red, knowing you two had sex. It’s been hard to get past that.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about that now. I’m sure you two have been together plenty of times since then. She probably has no memory of what we shared.” His pain slips through a crack in his shield and flits across his face.
I consider extending an olive branch to show how serious I am about getting on the right page with him. With us getting along, I can find him a new gig far away.
Should I give him this piece of information?
There could be a better way to get him on my side. Nah, this is what he needs to hear. It’s the ultimate disclosure.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but to prove to you I’m being sincere with my new offer, I’ll tell you Dorothy and I haven’t had sex since before you two did.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Why?”
“She’s been dealing with a UTI that won’t go away, putting a damper on things. As you know, there’s still oral, but intercourse hasn’t happened.”
Something sparks in his eyes as he thinks about what I’ve shared. It doesn’t make me worry, though. Whatever he thought of didn’t seem to be about her and me having sex.
He comes back to his desk and sits. “She’s been sick with a UTI for that long? Are you sure it’s nothing more serious?”
I shift to get comfortable. “Yes. From what she’s told me, but she’s private about her medical issues.”
A concerned expression floats across his face. He may want nothing to do with her anymore, but his feelings for her still glow from beneath the surface of his skin. He still loves her and I can’t have him focusing on that.
I get us back to the topic I came down here to discuss. “Do you agree to stay away from Dorothy personally? After she and I are hitched, you and I work together to become business allies. Everything else will go into a vault, never to be opened again. ”
“The only problem with your proposal is she’ll never agree to marry you. I don’t have control over that, so your plan is flawed.”
He’ll never learn these are the kinds of comments that make me want to break him in half.
My jaw tightens. “What makes you think she’ll never marry me?”
“I know she wants kids and you don’t. She loves her job and won’t quit. Those two issues are the most important things to her. I have nothing to do with that, so how does your plan work knowing that?”
“It seems you don’t know her anymore.” I beam at this revelation.
His brows bunch together. “What makes you say that?”
“She told me she no longer wants children and we’ve been discussing different ways to get her clause removed. I suggested we take it to the board based on some advice I was given.”
“What was that?”
“If we’re upfront about it and she signs some documents, they’ll take it out of her contract. She’s hesitant because we have to disclose it before they agree to take it out. It’s risky.”
He remains quiet for a minute, staring at me like he doesn’t believe me. “What happens if she refuses to take it to the board?”
“Then we’ll get married before we take it to them. It’s a loophole my attorney found. Her clause states she can’t date anyone at Efron Worldwide. It says nothing about being married to someone here.”
“Jesus Christ, you’re serious about this.”
I nod. “As you see, Jamison, my new proposal is legitimate. Just give me the space and time so she and I can figure it out, and I’ll connect you with as many contacts as your heart desires. ”
“You don’t need to worry about your girlfriend and me rekindling our relationship. She’s made her choice very clear.”
“It’s your choice I’m worried about. You have a way of swaying her and getting her to doubt me.” I study him.
He pauses for a few seconds. “I’m done getting involved with her. Every time I do, she… Trust me, I’m done.”
“Wonderful. We have a new agreement with new terms that align more with the man I want to be for her. You think about the contacts you want me to connect you with, and I’ll do the rest.” I rise to my feet.
“You’ve got yourself a deal.” He stands and puts out his hand.
We shake on it, and I leave feeling much better than I did when I went in. I just hope it lasts.
Maybe tonight’s the night Dorthy and I officially get back together. I sure hope so because waiting for her is going to put me in the ground.
She’s standing at the window in my luxurious apartment, gazing out over the city.
I’d like to say she’s only focused on our first official date night since I gave her the ultimatum to take off her locket, but her fight with Jamison today keeps getting brought up.
I slide my arms around her waist and kiss her neck. “Have I told you how beautiful I think you are?”
She leans against my chest and places her arms over mine.
This feels so good.
“You tell me that all the time, Hunter.”
“Because you are.” I move her hair aside and nuzzle her earlobe. “There’s not another woman that even comes close, but that’s not the only reason I find you so attractive.”
“Is that so?” She pats the top of my hands.
“Yes. You see, you make me want to be a better man because you expect more from me. You’re also smart and driven at work. It’s admirable.”
“You’re very sweet.”
“Just being honest.”
We hold each other for a moment as I take the time to appreciate her being in my arms.
She sighs heavily. “I know these last couple of months have been difficult for you. I want you to know how appreciative I am that you’ve stuck by me. It makes me grateful for you.”
“I wouldn’t want it any other way.” I plant a peck on her cheek.
She turns to face me, wrapping her arms around my neck.
I slide my hands over her ass and pull her closer to me. “You’re worth it. As far as the past, we’ve both made mistakes. Big ones at that, but those are all behind us now.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Our problems are almost all ironed out.” I lean in for a kiss.
She steps out of my arms. “How are they almost ironed out?”
She’s going to kill me if she keeps this up.
“We agree about not having kids and we’re close to an agreement around your work clause. Once we decide how you want to handle it, we can go public and the world will see how in love I am with you.” I take her hand and lead us to the couch.
She sits, staring at her lap. “Those are only two of our issues. You’re forgetting the biggest one and that’s Jami. He’s not going anywhere, and I hope to make amends with him once the final launch is complete. How are you going to handle that?”
Internally, I roll my eyes. Externally, I show her an understanding smile. “I know you want that, but you might not get it. Why don’t we wait until we need to cross that bridge?”
She pushes into the corner of the couch, hugging her knees. “What did you two talk about after I left today?”
“That’s a loaded question, beauty. And I’d rather not talk about him on our first official date in a very long time.”
“We can drop the subject once you answer me.” She gives me a suspicious stare.
My stomach churns as I resign myself to her request. She knows I can’t say no to her.
I face her, resting my arm over the back of the couch. “We came to an amicable agreement. I’ve even offered to help him land more contracts when he’s ready to move on.”
She shifts to sit cross-legged on the couch. “That’s generous of you, but what’s in it for you?”
I consider lying to her, but I want to get this relationship back to where it started. We were so happy then because lies weren’t smothering us. Sure, we hid our relationship, but we’ll need to continue that until we come clean to the board.
“Jamison has agreed to stay away from you on a personal level. But before you get upset with me, he didn’t resist it. In fact, he seemed to welcome it. From what I’m getting from him, he doesn’t want anything to do with you after he completes his contract.”
Her expression sobers. “He said that?”
“Not in so many words, but he wasn’t upset. Nor did he give me any pushback when I approached him with the offer.” I find her gaze. “He and I used to be friends. I hope we can repair some of that and become business allies.”
“That would be great for you.”
“Then why do I get the feeling you’re bothered by this?”
She deflates. “He’s really upset with me, but I hope to fix our issues.”
“What if he doesn’t want that from you? ”
Her brow furrows, and she stands. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Sure, a bourbon sounds nice.” I sit back and admire her, wanting to get off the topic of Jamison.
She leaves the room and goes into the bar area. She moves about making drinks for us as she thinks about something. My guess is she realizes Jamison was serious when he said she was all mine before she left the room.
It doesn’t matter to me what she’s thinking about. I just love seeing her comfortable in my house and going about life as if she lives here.
I get up, move to the bar, and slide up onto a stool, resting my chin in the palm of my hand. She finishes pouring her drink and passes me my bourbon.
She swirls her wine around in her glass to let it breathe. “What are you smiling about?”
“I love having you here and you being comfortable again. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m returning to my old self. When I was this honest and relaxed with you, we were good. Actually, we were fantastic.”
“Things were great back then. And I’m thrilled you feel honest and relaxed. If that’s your old self, I like it.”
My heart jumps at her response as my stomach holds on for dear life. “That leads me to a question I have for you.”
“And what would that be?”
I suck in a breath and slowly release it. “Does that mean you’ll consider making it official between us again?”