Passionate Kisses

by Various

  “That’s all right. You’re welcome to come over whenever your mom wants to bring you. Jordan has a fun swimming pool you girls can go swimming in.”

  Just as Allison brought in the cake with twelve lit candles, Hannah turned back to her and said, “I hope she comes soon. I don’t have many friends. It would be nice to have her as one.”

  Hannah turned to watch the flickering candles with glee as her family and friends sang the happy birthday song. She gave the candle flames a big blow.

  Chelsea glanced at the door in hopes Jordan would come back in. He didn’t.

  Once everyone started eating cake, she kissed the top of Hannah’s head and walked over to her sisters, who sat together at the end of the table.

  “Where did Jordan go?” asked Danielle.

  “Outside. I’m going to head out. It was a great party,” replied Chelsea.

  “Thanks for coming. It meant a lot to Hannah to have you and Jordan here.”

  “I invited her swimming when Jordan gets Elizabeth back, just so you know.”

  “Oh, while we are on the subject of Elizabeth, I have someone looking into the records with the board of nurses.”

  “How did you have time? You didn’t say anything yesterday at the house.”

  Danielle smiled. “She’s looking into it and as soon as I hear from her, I’ll let you know.”

  She gave them each a hug and made her way out of the restaurant in hopes of finding Jordan. He wasn’t in the truck. She walked around the side of the building and found him leaning against the restaurant.

  “Jordan? Are you okay?”

  “No,” his clipped word was like a dart being shot at her.

  “What’s wrong?”

  He unfolded his arms and turned toward the truck. “Ready to go?”

  She shrugged. “I guess I am, if you are.”

  “I was ready to go as soon as I got here.”

  “Listen, you didn’t have to come. You weren’t obligated to and I told you before we got here.”

  He gave a grunt as he stomped toward the truck, then flung the driver’s side open and jumped in.

  Following him out to the truck, she climbed in the passenger door, put her seatbelt on, and crossed her arms over her chest. Not wanting to talk to him, she stared out the window to discourage

  any communication. Jordan had a right to be angry at her, but the mood swings were driving her up the wall. She should’ve listened to her gut feeling and left him at home.

  “Hannah and Elizabeth look so much alike.” Jordan scowled as he said the words.

  “I know.”

  They were turning onto their street. “They could pass as sisters.”

  “I know.”

  “It was so hard, Chels, watching her have her birthday. I couldn’t take it anymore.” He slammed his fists against the steering wheel. “I’ve missed every birthday our daughter has had.”

  “Do you think I don’t know or realize any of this?”

  “But this is all your fault!”

  Each word felt like a rattle snake biting her heart. The queasiness increased and tears sprang to her eyes. Anger had finally been pushed away but replaced with sadness.

  “I shouldn’t have let you come with me,” she mumbled as they turned into the iron gates.

  Once the truck came to a stop, she flung the door open and jumped out. She slammed the door behind her and ran up the stairs. Jordan had given her a key, so she fished it out of her purse and used it for the very first time.

  CHAPTER 18

  She didn’t even leave the door open for him, she slammed it and went directly to her room. If he wanted to be an ass, then he could be one alone. Her room came equipped with a lock on the bedroom door. She flipped the lock, then flopped on the bed with a sigh.

  I will not cry, she vowed but it didn’t do any good. The tears flowed down her cheeks. She wiped them away and glanced up at the footsteps stomping on the second floor. A light knocking came from the door.

  She cried even harder. She didn’t bother fighting the tears or wiping them away anymore. Who cared if her pillow got wet from the tears? She blamed Jordan for the tears spilling even though deep in the corner of her heart, she still felt the burden of guilt.

  Another knock followed by a soft whisper. “Chelsea?”

  “Go away, Jordan.” She closed her eyes and wished all of this mess would disappear. The knocking grew louder, which made her eyes snap open. Her wish hadn’t worked.

  Nothing went away. Instead, nausea boiled in her stomach. “Go away,” she called while trying to push the yucky feeling away.

  “But, Chels, Danielle is on the phone.” The urgency in his voice should have brought her to open the door.

  “Tell her…tell her I’m not feeling well,” she said, trying to force the nausea down.

  “She was fine at the party, Danielle. She might be mad at me… Sometimes I don’t know when to shut my mouth…but I really think she’s sick,” Jordan said into the phone. His voice faded away as he walked to another part of the house.

  * * * *

  Jordan slid a box from the built-in cabinet in his closet. It was one of those fancy photo boxes. He’d seen it while out shopping with Bailey one day shortly before she’d moved in, and decided it would be the perfect size to store the hoodie. After all, he had to hide the thing. Glancing at the box, nobody would think twice about the contents. The vacation pictures and various themed words did a great job to form false ideas.

  But he knew it was inside. He lifted the lid off the box and fingered the fabric. Guilt tried to peek its head out but he quickly pushed it away. He knew it had been wrong to steal the hoodie but he’d needed it. Somehow, he would find a way to give it back. Not now. He was about to lose her again. He felt it. Knew it. Could no longer deny it.

  He took the hoodie out. It was in the same condition as it had been when the officer had found it on the side of the road near the highway. He had been so scared when he identified it at the police station. Everyone had thought she had been dead out in the desert.

  He held the fabric against him and could almost smell Chelsea on it, even though he knew it was his imagination. The hoodie had been her favorite though, and the only thing he had of hers for those ten years she’d been gone.

  Eventually he’d take back to its rightful owner. Just not yet. The vomiting sound in the bathroom startled him. Concern for her swept out the sadness. He carefully slipped the sweatshirt back into the box. With it safely in its place on the shelf, he went to see if she needed any help.

  * * * *

  She jumped up from the bed and ran to the bathroom. The heaves racked her body over and over as the knocking on the bedroom door became more urgent. He could hear, but what would

  she say about getting sick? She didn’t even know what was wrong, except maybe the greasy food she’d eaten.

  Ten minutes later, the heaving stopped. The tears and the knocking had too. She quickly brushed her teeth and washed her face on one of the pretty lavender washcloths she’d found on the shelf. After running a brush through her hair, she headed out to find Jordan.

  “Danielle called?” she asked as she walked into the den.

  Jordan sat at his computer, busy typing a document. “Yes. Call her.”

  “Did she leave a message?”

  “Nope,” he mumbled.

  Would he be like this all night? Without him wanting to talk, she turned toward the door to head back to her room. Right before she walked out, he asked, “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry for being rude earlier.” She looked down at the floor and kept her hand on the door.

  “Heard you while you were in the bathroom.”

  They turned toward each other, their eyes locked. Neither tried to break away. She loved the way his eyes reflected whatever emotion he was feeling. Right then, she stared into a pool of concern. It was obvious he still cared for her, still loved her.

  “Something from the party didn’t agree with me,�
� she whispered to break the connection. “I’m going to call Danielle.”

  “The phone in your room is a separate line. You can use it or the one in here. Whichever you prefer.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ll call in my room since I should lie down in case it’s the flu or something.”

  “Let me know if you need anything,” he mumbled and turned back toward the computer. He returned to typing on the keyboard but stopped suddenly to whirl toward her again. “Chels, will you go out on date with me?”

  Stunned, her hand found the edge of the door and grasped it. A date was more serious than having sex. They would be in front of other people and announcing themselves to the town. They couldn’t deny what was happening behind closed doors. “A date, Jordan? Are you sure?” She turned toward him again.

  His laugh rumbled out slow and sexy. “Yes, I’m serious.”

  She looked back over her shoulder as if someone stood behind her, waiting to hear the secret. “When?”

  “Right now, if you’re feeling up to it. Outson Fredrick is playing at the bar tonight. I’d really like for you to come with me.”

  “I guess I can get ready.” Her cheeks flushed and she turned away. Why did she have to feel like a silly teenager because he had asked her out? A date! A real one with Jordan Case.

  She went back to her room and dialed Danielle’s cellphone. Her happy voicemail greeting floated over the line. Why did people even carry the stupid things if they didn’t want to be bothered by them? She left a short message before hanging up the phone.

  The sun started going down and her stomach growled. This was ridiculous, one minute her head hung over the toilet bowl and the next, starving. “I’d rather be eating than puking any day,” she said to herself. Hopefully the bar would have some good food, she thought as she slipped on a black sundress with some strappy sandals.

  After running a brush through her hair and applying a bit of lip gloss, she turned the bedroom light off. Sure, she found herself pretty, but not beautiful. It would be impossible for her to hold a candle to Danielle’s beauty. She also wasn’t as smart as Allison. She was kind of in the middle of the two. Did her mother have a preference between the three of them?

  She found Jordan waiting for her in the living room. “You look great,” she said softly as she eyed his navy blue polo with khakis. Curls fell against his tanned forehead. His grin spread, showing a perfect set of teeth.

  “You’re beautiful.” He got up from the couch and pressed his lips against her cheek.

  She fumbled, trying to think of a reply. “Thanks,” she mumbled.

  “I wish I’d planned this better.”

  “Why?” she looked up into his dark brown eyes. His fingers found a piece of her hair and twirled it.

  “I would’ve done things the right way. You know, dozens of roses…dinner…all of that stuff.” His cheeks flushed.

  She giggled. “There’s no need for it.”

  He let out an exaggerated huff. “So you don’t like flowers? I thought all women do.” He looped his arm through hers as they walked to the door.

  “Oh, I do. But I don’t need them in order to be impressed.”

  During the short drive to the bar, Jordan slid his hand over hers. She felt the heat rush through her from his touch. Neither said anything, even though it felt like there was so much to say. Once

  in a parking lot, he turned off the truck and went around to open her door. She slid out of the truck and found his arm around her waist shortly after.

  It was weird being here with him. They had never really dated in their teen years. Teenagers didn’t date in Wilson. It had been more like a “Will you be my girlfriend?” type of thing. After all, most of them had grown up together. The only ones they hadn’t known really well had been the kids from other towns bussed into Wilson.

  Outside the door, she stopped to look up at Jordan. “Are you worried?”

  “About what?” One brow lifted.

  “What people are going to think about us. I mean, this is our first appearance together in ten years.”

  “Chelsea, I don’t care what anyone thinks about us. I want to take you on date so we’re going. Come on. You’ll love this guy.”

  “I’ve never heard of him. Who is he?”

  “A singer out of Las Vegas. I saw his video on the Internet, so Lou tried to book him. It worked.” He swung the worn door open.

  The crowd was large, making her wonder if the bar ever had live entertainment. There didn’t seem to be one single table available for them to sit. Maybe they’d have to stand in the back of the room while the guy played.

  Lou rushed up to them. “I got your table ready, Jordan. Thanks for telling me about him.” Lou pointed at the tall bald guy warming up on the stage.

  “No prob, Lou,” Jordan said as he guided her by the hand through the crowd.

  “Hurry. I don’t think I can get away with holding the table much longer,” Lou called after them. The words were barely heard over the varying voices of the crowd.

  “Do you want anything?” asked Jordan. His breath felt hot against her ear. Such a simple question, but a strong reaction.

  “Do they serve food here?” she asked as her stomach rumbled.

  “You bet.” He raised his hand to motion for a waitress. A quick glance at menus and two veggie burgers were ordered along with tall glasses of iced tea. As soon as the waitress walked away, she felt Jordan’s hand slide across her leg. A slow smile spread across her lips.

  A dark-haired woman weaved in and out of tables. Her black hair styled in a designer-looking bob, her makeup wasn’t the cheap cake-looking substance most of the women were wearing— probably purchased from the local chain store. This woman was different. She stood out from everyone else. Her eyes were fixed on Jordan and Chelsea.

  She let out a sigh. Bailey Roan.

  Bailey stopped right next to the table with her date a few feet

  behind her. Her hands clamped onto her narrow waist as she looked down at Jordan.

  “I’d heard she came back.” A delicately painted nail pointed in Chelsea’s direction. The noise of the crowd quieted down a few notches, probably to hear the confrontation between them.

  “She did, indeed,” Jordan answered. He leaned back in his chair and squeezed her thigh. His comment had more meaning than Bailey would ever know.

  “So you finally got what you have always wanted.”

  “Bailey, let’s go,” said the handsome date from behind her. He didn’t come any closer.

  “Is there a point you’re trying to make?” Jordan snapped. Bailey flinched back as though his words had stung her.

  “Well—”

  “If there is, then hurry up. You’re disrupting our date.” Even she couldn’t help but cringe at Jordan’s remark.

  Bailey made a quick recovery. “I don’t think she’ll mind, since she disrupted my relationship with you for a quite awhile.” Then her attention snapped to Chelsea. “Did you find it?”

  “Um, find what?”

  All the people at nearby tables were staring now. Her cheeks flushed and she shifted in her seat. Why couldn’t Bailey leave them alone? Because she never had as a kid. Chelsea

  needed to be strong, not for Jordan or to the people watching, but for herself. It was about time she stood up to Bailey Roan. She sat up straight and looked Bailey in the eye.

  “Nothing.”

  “Are you done bothering us? If you don’t care about disrupting our date, then why don’t you start caring about your own?” The dirty look Jordan shot at Bailey stung worse than his words.

  Bailey’s face turned crimson. She glanced back at the guy, who shifted his weight under the various glances from onlookers. Bailey said, “But I—”

  “Why don’t you take your date back to your little corner over there,” Chelsea pointed in the direction Bailey had come from, “and give him the attention he deserves.”

  “Come on, Bailey,” her date said as he tugged on h
er arm.

  “Bye,” Jordan said with a wave. He looked at Chelsea. “Do you want to leave?”

  She laughed. “Because of Bailey? Never.” She leaned back in her chair. As soon as the smooth voice of Outson Fredrick washed over the crowd, she felt every muscle relax. She needed the singer’s CD.

  During the break, Danielle came bouncing over to their table with a big grin splashed across her face. “Hi,” she replied as she flopped down at the table.

  “How’d you know we were here?”

  Danielle waved her hand with her perfectly painted nails through the bar. “Take a look around. If anyone’s not home tonight, they’re here. I‘ve been here for awhile but didn’t want to interrupt the show. He’s good, huh?” She pointed a perfectly painted red fingernail at the stage.

  Jordan leaned closer to Danielle. “Even though it’s always a pleasure to see you, Danielle, we’re on a date.” He winked. “So what can we do for you?”

  Danielle didn’t hide the shock of Jordan’s claim. “You are on a date?”

  She smiled. “Yes, we are. I tried to call you back before we left.”

  “I know. One of the kids hid my phone.” She rolled her eyes like a teenager. “I looked forward to them being older but now it’s a whole new stage. Obnoxious!” Her eyes shown as bright

  as her dress, but she looked beautiful.

  “And you need to talk to me about?”

  Danielle reached into her purse to pull out a piece of paper. She shoved it across the table to Chelsea. “I found Muriel Markales.”

  “What?”

  Danielle tapped the paper with her nail. “I found her. Well, probably found her.”

  “You did?” She snatched the paper out from under her sister’s hand. “What are you talking about?”

  “My friend did some digging around in some files. Muriel Markales changed her name to Harden with the board of nursing a few years ago. She must have gotten married. There’s also an address and phone number, although it might not be correct.” Danielle tapped her nails against the table.