Chapter 33
DORI
Hunter’s eyes twitch as if he’s holding something back from me. “I’m afraid heaven with you came with a curse.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means loving you brought back feelings I wanted to forget. I didn’t figure it out until just now.”
“I’m not sure I understand, but I’m sorry for any pain I’ve caused.”
“It’s okay. I finally get it.”
A heaviness swirls in my stomach as I speak from my heart. “You need to know. When we got back from Paris, I wanted to keep loving you and giving you my all, but everything changed.”
He rests back against the booth, tilts his head, and considers something while he studies me.
His eyes bore into mine. “It’s funny.”
“What?”
He leans closer to me, his gaze still connected to mine. “No, it’s both terrifying and confronting.”
I pull back a little. “What is?”
“Your eyes.” He shakes his head in wonder. “How did I not see it before? ”
“Hunter, please tell me what you’re talking about.”
“Your eyes are just like my mother’s.” He laughs under his breath like it’s unbelievable yet profound. “The first night I saw you, I couldn’t get over your eyes. They hypnotized me.”
This isn’t good.
“Hunter...”
“I’ve always wondered if she ever loved me.” He shakes a thought loose. “I would’ve done anything for her to stay with me before she left. The similarities are uncanny. How did I not make the connection?”
My knee-jerk response is to argue, so I bite down on my lower lip. Whatever is going through Hunter’s mind is none of my business anymore. I sip my wine while Hunter spins in a thousand different thoughts.
The server brings us our lunch a moment later, and I’m thankful for the interruption. Maybe Hunter and I can remove the heartache of the day and try to enjoy each other’s company one last time.
Once our server is gone, I address Hunter. “Are you alright?”
“I’m having a major breakthrough. One I think my therapist will find fascinating.” He pulls his plate closer and picks up his utensils. “My mind is blown, so give me a minute to center myself.”
I cut into my salmon. “Hunter Efron’s mind is blown. I think I need to record this. Nobody will believe me otherwise.”
“I know I wouldn’t.” He shakes his head again. “Have you ever had a realization hit you square between the eyes? One you couldn’t turn away from if you tried?”
“Not one my therapist would find fascinating. But that’s how I felt when I realized I couldn’t live without Jamison.” I peek over at Hunter, hoping I’m not hurting him by keeping my boundaries clear.
He shoots me a look of understanding, followed by a long pause. “Dorothy, I’ll miss sharing meals with you. They were some of my favorite times.”
“Thank you. They were some of mine too.” I take a bite and allow myself to enjoy my last meal with Hunter.
He’s been good to me and loved me the best he knew how. It wasn’t his fault I had feelings for another man. It was just bad timing and bad luck. I hope he finds someone who can give him all he deserves.
He slices into my thoughts. “Where did I lose you?”
“I was just appreciating the time we shared. We had some great moments together.”
“We did.” He puts a piece of steak in his mouth.
We eat for a minute in comfortable silence. I’m grateful as hell because, for a moment there, I thought he was going to beg me to give him another chance.
I glance at Hunter. “Jami was right. I needed this goodbye with you. It feels complete.”
Hunter’s eyes shine my way. “Beauty, this isn’t goodbye. This is bye for now. I’m sure we’ll bump into each other at one of Mateo’s bashes. I’m invited and expected to go to every one that crosses my desk.”
“You are?”
“Mateo owns clubs and restaurants in some of our casinos. The alliance is good for both our businesses. He hosts the events, and I can do a site visit while I’m there. I’m more productive that way.”
“I guess we never really talked about your business trips.”
He raises his eyebrows and purses his lips. “Events were always a sore spot for us. I didn’t bring them up for a reason.”
I smirk. “Probably for the best.”
“Most definitely.” He takes his last sip of wine.
The server rushes over to pour him another glass.
Once he’s gone, Hunter turns my way. “I’m surprised you went with red wine today.”
I bunch my nose up. “Why? I love red wine. ”
He changes his voice to mimic mine. “Because you know red wine doesn’t pair well with salmon.”
I may have said white wine doesn’t pair well with steak, but I know what he’s referring to. I burst out in laughter at his reference to our first dinner together. He joins in seconds later.
We enjoy a moment remembering each other in a positive light. It gives me hope he’ll be able to move on and find someone who can love him as much as he does her.
After we finish our lunch, he takes me back to Jami’s, with Tom following close behind. I have movers at my loft and want to stay out of the way.
Hunter gazes at me from across the back seat. “So, your plan is to spend the rest of your life with your man?”
My cheeks heat as my heart swells. “Yeah, I think it is.”
“Well then, I feel good about being a part of that by letting you use my jet to get you there.”
My stomach twists. “Are you sure you’re okay with doing that for me?”
He lifts a shoulder to his ear. “It’s the only way you’re getting those routing numbers, so take it or leave it.”
“Fine. I’ll take it.” I lean my head back against the leather seat. “Thanks. Flying private is so much better than flying commercial.”
“That’s why my first major purchase was that jet.” He glances out the window, seeming to watch the buildings go by.
“You bought your jet before you bought your apartment?”
He turns back to me. “Yep. I was on it more than I was at home in the beginning. It made sense since I could stay with my dad or Jonah whenever I wanted.”
I shake my head. “I find it interesting that you’re just now opening up and telling me about your life.”
“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to. I didn’t know how.”
I palm his cheek. “And now that you do, don’t forget to share with the next woman you’re with. Make your relationship great from the start and keep it that way. ”
He places his hand on mine. “You taught me a lot, so don’t discount or dismiss anything about our relationship. Promise me we can treasure what we had.”
I nod and let the love we once shared flow between us with no reservations or guilt. “You’re a wonderful man, Hunter Efron. You’re going to make someone very happy.”
“And you, beauty, are going to get your happily ever after with the man you’ve held on a pedestal since high school.”
I push him on the shoulder. “It was more than that. It is a lot more than that.”
“I know. I was playing with you.” The car lurches to a stop, and Hunter looks out the window. “We’re here, but I need to go back to the office, so I’m just letting you out.”
I reach over for my purse. “Thanks for a great lunch, Hunter.”
“You’re welcome.”
“When should I expect you on Friday?” The door opens, and I scoot out.
He leans over so he can see my eyes. “I’ll pick you up at Jamison’s after my conference call. I’ll text you when I’m on my way down.”
“Okay. I’ll see you then.”
He goes out of view once the door is closed, and his driver waits for Tom to join me. Once my bodyguard is at my side, Hunter’s driver gets in and leaves. I shoot Jami a text on the way to his apartment.
Me: Lunch with Hunter went well. I think he’s finally come to terms with you and me. He was even pleasant about it. Thanks for encouraging me to do that. Once again, you’ve proved you know me better than I know myself.
Tom and I are entering Jami’s place when a message comes in. Tom does a quick sweep of the place as I stand in the kitchen, reading my text.
Jami the Stud: I’m glad it went well, but I can’t say I’m not envious as fuck. I wish it had been me you were with today.
Me: Me too, but only a few more days. I love you.
Jami the Stud: I love you too. Can we video chat tonight? I’m missing you like crazy and need to see you.
Me: I’m available all night.
Jami the Stud: Nine o’clock on the dot, temptress. Be on the bed, naked and ready for me.
My insides catch on fire. I glance at the clock and whine when I see it’s only three in the afternoon.
Oh, how my man loves to tease me and get me all hot and bothered. I should teach him a lesson, but since he’s getting his strength back, something tells me I’d pay for it in the long run.
My stomach is full of a million butterflies. I can’t believe I’m moving today. I squeal just thinking about seeing Jami tonight. I’ve missed him more than I could imagine.
My phone rings. I run to the kitchen and grab it off the island .
“Hello.”
“Sweetness, I’m dying for you to get here.” Jami releases a playful growl. “When are you leaving?”
“Patience, stud. Patience.”
“Look, we’re going to need to talk about that nickname. I didn’t agree to it.”
I laugh. “You don’t get a say in the matter.”
“I gave you the choice.”
“You did not. I told you I liked it when you called me temptress, so don’t change the facts.”
My other line beeps with an alert. “Hey, babe. I’ll call you once I get to the airport. I think Hunter’s on the other line.”
“Dori.”
“What?”
“I love you. Be careful today, okay?” Something in Jami’s voice screams of warning.
“I love you too.”
“I’m serious, Dori. Don’t take any chances.”
My other line beeps again. “Jami, you’re being strange, and I have to answer the other line. I’ll call you right back.”
“Don’t forget.”
“I won’t.”
“I love you.”
“Jami, I love you too. Now I’m hanging up.” I click to the other line. “Hello.”
“Hi, Dori. This is Patricia from your building. The cleaners just left, and I have time to do the final walk-through of your loft if you want.”
I glance at the time. Hunter shouldn’t be done with his conference call for another half an hour.
“Sure. I’ll be over soon.”
“Great. If that works, I’ll meet you in your loft in fifteen minutes.”
I pull out a drawer, looking for a sticky note. “That works well. I just need to leave a note for my friend, and I’ll be right there.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you soon.”
We hang up, and I grab a pen out of my purse to write Hunter a note to leave on Jami’s front door.
Hunter, I didn’t want to interrupt your call, so I left this message here. I’m at my loft doing the final walk-through with my landlord. Pick me up there when you get this. I have all my bags with me. Thanks, Dori
I tell Tom our change of plans, and we leave a few minutes later. He helps me load my bags into the car and drives me to my loft.
I take in everything I’m leaving behind. Five years ago, I pulled into town and thought I’d live here for the rest of my life. Now, I’m going to Miami to move in with Jami.
My smile grows as my heart soars. Even with all the pain, being with Jami is right. I know it to the depths of my soul. He’s my other half.
We get to my loft in record time. Tom lets me out of the car and leads me into the building. He peeks into the stairwell and nods when he thinks it’s clear.
I lower my head so I can roll my eyes without him seeing me. I’ll be happy once Jami fires them all. It’s the first thing on my agenda. Okay, maybe not the first, but it’s not far down the list.
I unlock the front door and push it open. Tom rushes inside and does a quick assessment of the place. He gives me clearance once he has checked the bathroom.
I would talk to him, but none of the team Jami has working for him has more than a one-word response when I do, so I don’t waste my time anymore. I feel stupid when I do.
My loft is empty, and it takes me back to the first time I walked in here. I thought it was huge.
Looking at it now, I see what everyone’s been saying all along. This place is tiny and not more than a step above a three-star hotel. I laugh out loud at the realization.
Tom just stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. I don’t care. It’s too funny to go unnoticed.
My phone rings, so I pull it out of my pocket. Hunter’s name shines on the screen.
“Hi, Hunter.”
“Hi, Dorothy. I’m calling to let you know I’m on my way down. The car is meeting us in the back parking lot.”
I walk to the window and peer down at the street. “Did you not get my note?”
“No. What note?”
“I had to leave, so I left you a note on Jami’s door. I’m at my loft. My landlord?—”
“Is your bodyguard with you?” Hunter’s voice booms through the phone.
“Of course. Why?” My heart rate shoots through the roof for reasons I’m not clear of.
“Stay in his sights, and whatever you do, don’t leave.”
“Okay, but why do you sound so upset?”
Right as I ask the question, two large men kick through the door and pummel Tom to the floor. I scream and try to grasp what’s happening. My body trembles as I hold my phone for dear life.
Hunter yells for me at the top of his lungs. “Dorothy! What is happening?”
The two guys take turns beating Tom. Blood splatters all over the clean white walls as he grunts with each blow he takes.
Something moves in the corner of my eye.
“Dorothy! Answer me,” Hunter yells .
My blood drains from my limbs when Isabella steps toward me with a gun pointed right at my heart. Another woman stands at her side with a gleam in her bright green eyes that could cut a diamond.
She focuses on me. “Dorothy Fisher, you have caused more than enough trouble. It’s time I take you out once and for all.”
My gaze bounces from Isabella to the other woman. I’m frozen with my hands cupped around my phone where it’s being held at my chest. Hunter’s still screaming into the line.
Isabella jerks the gun toward me. “Hang up.”
Every cell in my body tells me the second I do, I lose my lifeline. I wrap my fingers around it tighter.
“I said hang up. We have some business to attend to.” Isabella steps toward me as the two guys restrain Tom up in a hogtie.
Oh shit, I’m going to die today.
Please make it quick.
“Drop the phone, Dori!” Isabella screams at the top of her lungs.
I jerk, and my phone flips out of my hand and crashes to the floor. Isabella digs her boot heel into it, cracking it into pieces that scatter along the floor.
The two guys get up and hurry to my side. Each man takes one of my arms.
“Do you really think one man could save you?” Isabella snarls.
“I…didn’t… No.” My legs go numb, and I sway. One of the guys yanks me back to awareness so I don’t pass out.
Isabella gets a foot before me. “Dori, I’d like you to meet Joan Venturi, Hunter’s mother.”
My eyes slide to her as my breath stills.
The woman with bright green eyes joins Isabella. “Dorothy Fisher. You’re quite the problem child.”
My mind goes blank. “I’m not sure what you mean. ”
Joan’s evil smile grows. “It means it’s time to meet your maker.”
The End…