by Jeannie Moon
The taillights of his car flashed when he hit the remote, and Nick, being ever the gentleman, opened the door. That’s when Jordan did something she never expected to do.
She kissed him.
Chapter Ten
Nick wasn’t an idiot. He realized the chemistry between him and Jordan was off the charts, and that they were getting closer. They’d spent a lot of time together, and the idea that they were a couple, even if it was only for her father’s benefit, was starting to take root.
He liked her, and he wanted her.
But Nick never expected to find himself with the woman pressing her body into his, and teasing kisses out of him. Especially since she’d been keeping him at an appropriate distance since their close call the other night.
One second he was opening the car door, and the next she had his face in her hands and her lips against his.
Naturally, he responded like it had been his idea.
Wrapping his arms around Jordan, one hand settled on the small of her back and the other tangled in her hair. Her scent, the mint body wash that had become so familiar, circled around them and made him a little drunk.
Their mouths tangled in a rhythm that was perfect and familiar. Everything felt natural, like they’d been together forever, and that alone should have had every alarm bell going off.
Instead, Nick went in like a starving man.
Holding her tight, his mouth came down and captured Jordan’s in the kind of possession he usually kept in the bedroom. These were intense, hungry, possessive kisses, the kind that lovers shared, the kind that were meant to heat the blood and drive a man crazy.
Jordan drove him crazy. As his tongue swept through her mouth, he tasted the sharp sweetness of the cannoli she had for dessert. Just like her, it was a contradiction, and Nick wanted to understand what drove her, what moved her. She was kinetic and edgy… she was everything. And Nick wanted her to feel his need, to know he wanted to make love to her until they were both too exhausted to move.
Hearing a high-pitched wolf whistle from behind them, Nick crashed to earth. He pulled back, examining her face. Jordan’s cheeks were flushed and dewy, and her eyes had drifted shut. When she finally looked up through the smoky haze of her lashes, realization hit her full on.
Nick held her gently by the shoulders, touching his forehead to hers. Both were breathing heavy, but Jordan was putting in extra effort trying to hold it together.
“I can’t believe I did that. You must think I’m a horrible person. I didn’t mean to lead you on, Nick. Jesus. I don’t know what came over me.”
He didn’t think anything except that it was the greatest kiss of his life. “Don’t beat yourself up. It’s been an emotional day.”
“I had no right. I’m very sorry.”
“Jordan, don’t apologize.”
“No, I shouldn’t have…”
He stopped her, pressing his finger to her lips.
“Get in the car,” he finally said.
“What?” She was really out of it.
“The car. I’m taking you home.”
Turning and looking behind her, she nodded before lowering herself into his low-slung sports car. Nick watched as she pulled in a very long, shapely leg, and immediately he imagined those legs wrapped around him.
Fuck, he was in a lot of trouble.
Just looking at the woman set him on fire. It didn’t help that he hadn’t been with anyone since before he was shot. Not that he slept around, but he wasn’t a monk. If he thought much about it, he was probably relieved. Hard-ons had been few and far between over the past couple of years.
So, while he was driving home with a raging case of blue balls, he was thankful to know everything was still in working order.
Once they were on their way, he glanced to his right to see Jordan practically pinned to the passenger side window. If she thought she could get away with it, she would have ridden on the roof.
“It’s okay.”
“That was not okay,” she hissed. “It was like the other night.”
“Jordan—”
“Nick, stop. I shouldn’t have kissed you, especially like that. What’s got into me?”
Like that was pretty spectacular. He was still feeling like that in his twitching dick. “I don’t know. But you can’t deny we’ve been headed this way.”
“Yes… no. Ugh. I don’t know anything anymore.”
“We’ve been spending a lot of time together. I’m familiar, emotions were running high, that’s all.” His emotions were so jacked up he was going to need days to come down. “And there’s no denying the chemistry.”
“You’re right. It’s the fake engagement. It’s a mess, and it’s going to fail, and I’m going to look desperate and pathetic. We should come clean now.”
That wasn’t what he expected, and for some reason, it was the last thing Nick wanted. “Think it through.”
“I have. Everything we’re doing goes against my moral compass. That’s ironic, isn’t it? I don’t want to lie to anyone. I don’t want to be attached to anyone, even for my father’s benefit. It’s wrong.”
Nick should be impressed with a woman who was so independent, who was so sure of what she needed, who didn’t need a man… but instead, he felt like he could be losing the best thing that ever happened to him. He was tied in knots over Jordan, and for the first time in his life, he wanted to see if what was going on between them could be something. Still, he didn’t respond.
“You understand, right? You don’t need me with all my baggage dragging you down. It’s always better to be honest.”
“Sure. Of course.” The problem was, he liked her, and helping her carry the load she was given was something he was more than willing to take on. She was worth every bit of effort.
Making the turn onto Compass Road, his eyes adjusted to the lack of streetlights, and he turned on his high beams. The thick silence lingering in the car was like a humid summer day in the city. There wasn’t anything left to do. This was all Jordan’s call.
Making a quick right, he pulled into the driveway of his grandmother’s house, which sat on the corner of Compass Road and Cove Lane.
The tree that had crushed Jordan’s car had been cleared and the wreckage of her SUV had been hauled away by her insurance company. Pulling to the front of her cottage, Nick killed the engine of his car and hoped he could think of something to say.
There was no small talk, however, and Jordan let herself out before he could utter a word. Taking her lead, Nick followed so he could walk her to the door of her cleaned and repaired cottage.
“I enjoyed dinner,” he said.
“I did too.”
“I like spending time with you, you know? This isn’t only about what we’ve told your dad.” He meant that, but he also knew he shouldn’t push.
“You’ve been so great, Nick. Thank you for everything. I mean that, but I don’t know what I should do. I’m very confused. And obviously crazy.”
He chuckled and took her hand securely in his. “You’re not crazy, but here’s an idea. If you want to tell your dad the truth, do it. I’ll take all the blame.”
“Really? Thank you. You don’t have to, but I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. Think about it.” This was so fucking awkward. He wanted to kiss Jordan until she couldn’t breathe, not make pleasant conversation. He wanted her in bed, under him, reeling from pleasure, but he also wanted her quiet, curled against him, and safe from the rest of the world, like she’d been the night of the storm.
He could find a bed partner. That wasn’t a problem. But Jordan was the first woman he wanted to be more. Their kiss had unleashed powerful proprietary feelings where Jordan was concerned. The way they connected emotionally, the way their bodies meshed together… this was his woman. And he didn’t know how in God’s name he was going to get her to give him a chance, because she was hiding behind a pretty big wall.
She didn’t make a move to kiss him, but she didn’t let go
of his hand either.
“I, ah…” She was stammering. “I wish things could be different.”
“I’m not sure what you mean by that.” Now he was confused. “Different how?”
“Between us. You know…”
Maybe the wall wasn’t as big as he thought.
“Jordan, this is your decision. If you want your life to be different, let it be different. Whatever you decide about your dad, I still want to see you.”
“I’m kind of a basket case.” Her voice cracked. It was times like these that Nick wanted to run Chase into the ground. He hated seeing Jordan doubting herself so much, so afraid to take a chance. “I hide it well, but I am.”
“I get it.” Without thinking, he leaned in and kissed her forehead. It was a friendly peck more than anything else, but he sensed she needed it. He needed it, too. “But basket case or not, I like you. Good night.”
*
Why did he have to be so damn philosophical?
“Let it be different…” she repeated. “Is he out of his mind? Can you believe him, Gertie?” Now she was talking to the dog. “I want to be happy, but just because I don’t want to lie to myself about our relationship doesn’t mean I’m afraid.”
Gertie sat and stared. Not a bark, a moan, nothing. She just stared, which was about as helpful as Nick’s comment. And the truth was, she was afraid. She was a damn coward.
Nick. She kissed him. Right on Green Street. In front of the whole world, she just laid one on him.
And it was magic.
Jordan had been in love before. She’d felt the thrill of attraction, the tingle of awareness. But her reaction to Nick was like nothing she’d ever experienced. If she needed proof that she and Chase were totally wrong for each other, it was the way Nick made her body hum, her heart pound, and her mind race.
Nick Rinaldi made her think about the future in a way she hadn’t before. In his arms, with his mouth against hers, she didn’t think about a future spent being the dutiful wife—she thought about how he made her feel. How they connected deep down; that if she’d let him, he’d know exactly how to touch her, or what to whisper in her ear.
Nick would make her feel that way every day for the rest of her life, and it would never be routine. It would always be new and exciting.
His kiss brought her heart to life. It was terrifying, because unlike Chase who, in the long run had only made her feel like a fool, Nick could break her heart, and that was a far scarier proposition.
When she walked into her living room, she gazed at her couch and imagined him asleep. He’d stayed there while she was sick, and the vision of him—arm draped across his eyes, snoring like a bear—made her smile. With all the jerks in the world, Nick was one of the good ones. He was smart, kind, and funny, but he took no crap. That he was gorgeous was the cherry on top, as her dad would say.
As all the reasons to say yes to him stacked up, Jordan had to admit that there was only one reason she didn’t want to try: he had secrets. Pieces of himself he wouldn’t share.
And while she might have been anxious to let him in completely, he wasn’t any different.
A little ping came from inside her purse. Retrieving her phone, she had a text from Lilly. How are you feeling? Are you back in your place?
Better, and yes, she typed. Saw my dad, had dinner out.
Dinner, huh? Good offer?
You could say that. Do you want to come over?
It was only eight o’clock, and Jordan could use someone to talk to.
Immediately her phone rang. Lilly.
“Do you need anything? Ice cream? Wine?”
“Nah, ice cream still makes me cough and I can’t have wine with my meds.”
“Well, that’s no fun,” Lilly joked. “You’re still really hoarse. Where did you go to dinner?”
Jordan cleared her throat, aware that her voice had dropped a gravelly octave. “Lambrusco’s. It was good.”
“It always is. Were you with Nick?”
“Yes. But I need you to come over, okay?”
“Fine, fine,” she giggled. “Oh, Mia and Fiona are with me. We’ll be there soon.” The call ended before Jordan could respond.
“Great,” she tossed her coat on the window seat. “It’s going to be an inquisition.”
Pulling back the curtain from her big front window, she could see the lights on in the main house. Nick was in there, probably filling in Lina and Angelo about the visit to her father and about the ring. She wondered what he was thinking. Had he decided she was crazy, or was he as fixated on the kiss as she was?
It didn’t matter either way. Jordan had used up her courage in the relationship department.
Before she flipped on the light in her room, she went to the tall windows that faced Jennings Bay. This time, she wasn’t thinking about Nick as she gazed out, but she wondered about the future. The moon was casting a blue glow across the beach and she could see the gentle waves ripple on the water. In the distance, lights from waterfront homes caught her attention.
There were stories connected to all those lights. Family stories. Love stories. Stories that would make her cry, and stories that would make her smile. Whatever was going on in those homes, people had made a choice. For better or worse, they had committed to something.
Jordan’s future was like the water—calm for the moment, but there was always the possibility of a storm. Nick was a Category 5 storm and he had the potential to turn her life upside down. She couldn’t deny the attraction between them, but did she have it in her to try?
With her friends coming over, she exchanged her sweater dress and boots for soft pajama pants and a big warm hoodie. Rifling through her drawers, she found her favorite pair of soft socks.
Glancing around the room, it was like nothing had ever happened here. No storm, no burst pipes, no pneumonia. Everything had been put back in its place. But not really. Jordan had never felt so adrift in her life.
Gertie followed her to the kitchen, and Jordan loved that she could open the door and let the dog out into the newly fenced space right next to the cottage.
Nick had braved rain, snow, and wind to take the dog out, and even in the worst weather, Gertie had taken her sweet time. It had bugged Nick to no end. So, yesterday a fencing company showed up and created a nice little yard in the open space between the houses.
Jordan was already thinking about planting flowers along the outside of the fence when the weather warmed up. For the foreseeable future, it didn’t look like she was going anywhere. Popping a pod into her brewer, she pressed the button and the aroma of the herbal tea filled her little kitchen.
The rapping on her front door cued Gertie’s yowling bark and signaled to Jordan the questions were about to commence. Once she was inside, Gertie raced to the front door, slipping and sliding on the wood floors. She got there just as Lilly, Mia, and Fiona entered the cottage.
Lilly and Jordan had been friends for years, but in a very short amount of time, Mia and Fiona had become very important to Jordan as well, and if she needed good advice, she knew any one of them would be ready and willing. All three had offered to go out in the storm and get her food and medicine. Each of them had checked in on her and spent time with her as she recovered. She was lucky to have such good friends.
She also knew she’d be relying on them in a big way when her father died.
When he died.
It was the first time the words were real. Nick had explained what the changes in his medication probably meant. And when they talked to the nurse practitioner on staff, she confirmed Nick’s suspicions. Not only had the medication made her father nauseous and unable to eat, he was more confused.
Adding a dollop of honey, she grabbed her mug and went to face the tribe. The scene that greeted her in the living room made her laugh. Gertie was rolled on her back, her stub of a tail wagging away, as Lilly, Mia, and Fiona cooed over her and rubbed her belly.
Who’s a pretty girl. Aw, pretty Gertie. Who’s a sweet puppy?
>
The dog was so spoiled.
It was a few more seconds before any of her friends realized she was standing there. When they did, each one rose to give her a hug. Lilly, having seen her the other day when she was still pretty wiped out, gave her a good once over.
Mia DeAngelis was engaged to Adam Miller, the head football coach at Jennings College. New to Compass Cove, Mia found herself in a whirlwind relationship with Adam, a native son and ex-NFL superstar. The two of them were adorable together. Mia was a beautiful, brainy librarian, and Adam was just gaga over her. Once she came to town, the confirmed bachelor was a goner.
Fiona Gallagher worked with Mia at the college library and she was a bit more of an enigma. She was smart and bold, and Jordan really liked her, but she still had to figure her out.
The four of them couldn’t be more different, but inside, they just clicked. There was an understanding and a bond. None of them had sisters, but together they were sisters of the heart.
“You look better today,” Lilly said. “Your color is back.”
“I feel so much better. Now that school has reopened, I want to go back to work, but Nick conspired with my regular doctor and I’m clear to go back next Tuesday.”
“I bet your class will be thrilled.” Mia was cross-legged on the floor with Gertie in her lap.
“I miss them. My principal came by with a card the whole class signed. They’re so cute.”
“But you saw your dad, and went out to dinner?” Lilly asked.
“Yes,” Fiona plopped on the couch and crossed one long leg over the other. “I want to hear about your dad.”
“My dad is fine. There are some changes to his meds, but he’s in good spirits. He was chatty, but you know, that’s him.”
“Chatty is good.” Fiona was wiggling her food. “I hear he really likes Nick. Wants a date for the wedding.”
“He does. They get on great.” Jordan didn’t know which one was going to ask the question, but she knew it was only a matter of time. “It’s awkward.”
