“Did I mention how lovely you look tonight?”
“Ah, no.”
“How remiss of me. You are stunning, Sandy.” He tilted his head. “You took your hair down.” He lowered his voice. “Was that for me?”
I was shocked how husky my voice sounded. “Yes.”
He eyed me over his wineglass. “Thank you.”
How did he do that? Lovely, soft-spoken words that wrapped around me like a hug. Unspoken thoughts that promised more as the night went along. I found my gaze straying to his mouth. How had I never noticed his full lips before now? How soft they looked. Felt against mine.
How much I wanted to feel them again.
As if he knew what I was thinking, he smiled, his tongue touching his lower lip. I had to duck my head, feeling that odd sensation of needing to blush again.
Dammit.
“I was talking to Gina on Sunday.”
I looked up. “How is she?”
“Good. Busy with the kids.”
“You miss them.”
“I do, but they’re happy and Eric is doing really well with his new position. They’re exactly where they should be.” Then he inhaled deeply. “I talked to her about a decision I’ve made.”
“Oh?”
“I’m going to sell my house.”
“Where will you live?” I asked, my throat tight. Was he moving? I was shocked to realize how the thought of him leaving distressed me.
He frowned, then leaned over the table, offering me his hand. I slipped mine into his, and he squeezed my fingers. “To a condo—here in Toronto. I’m not going anywhere, Sandy. I wouldn’t start something with you if I planned to disappear from your life.”
My shoulders relaxed and I sighed. I hadn’t even known how tightly I was holding myself until he spoke.
“Oh.”
He squeezed my fingers again, not releasing my hand. “I would never do anything to cause you pain.”
I nodded and reached for my wine. Our fingers remained entwined on the table.
“So, a condo?” I asked.
“It’s time,” he said. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while. The house is too big for only me. I don’t use the pool much, and the gardens are getting overgrown. I need to downsize. The house needs a young family.”
“Have you spoken to Bentley about it?”
“No.”
“They still have a few units in Ridge Towers they kept aside. Maybe one of them would suit you.”
“That’s a good idea.” Then he chuckled. “He’ll grill me about it. You know that.”
“Quite possibly. I think you can handle him.”
His fingers flexed on mine. “I think you’re right.”
“You’re not moving because of me, are you?”
He drained his wine and pursed his lips. “I’ll be honest. Your presence in my life has factored into the decision a little.”
“We’re very early on in a relationship to make a drastic change like that, Jordan.”
“I’ve been thinking of this for a while now. Gina brought it up when she was here again at Christmas, and I’ve been thinking about it more and more.” He sat back. “I have every confidence in our fledgling relationship, Sandy. The bottom line is I don’t want to make love to you in a place you shared with Max or one I shared with Anna.”
His words astounded me. To him, it was a given. Our relationship would move forward and become intimate. We would become a couple.
“Wouldn’t a hotel be cheaper?” I asked weakly. “A lot less stuff to move.”
He threw back his head in laughter. “Hotels are fun too, but I want a place we can be together and create our own memories.” He held up his hand before I could respond. “I’m not trying to put pressure on you, or us, here. It’s simply my time for a fresh start. But if you’re in my life, it makes it an even better decision.”
I blinked. Then again. I sipped the last of my wine. I looked down where our fingers were still clasped together. I wasn’t worried about Jordan pressuring me, and given what a thoughtful man he was, it shouldn’t surprise me he had thought about our future. He would consider all factors in such a major decision.
“All right, then.”
“Good. Glad we cleared the air.” He winked. “I told Gina we’d been on a date.”
“How did she take it?”
He smiled. “She was shocked I’d waited as long as I did to ask you. Apparently, Sandy, I talk about you a lot.”
I had no response to that statement. “Oh.”
“She is fine with it, by the way. She just wants me to be happy.”
“And I make you happy?”
He smiled, and once again, I felt the reassuring press of his fingers. “You do.”
I was surprised at the words I uttered.
“You make me happy too, Jordan.”
* * *
Two hours later, we headed to the car. Neither of us was exactly drunk, but we weren’t sober either. The food was wonderful, the wine delicious, and the courses more decadent as the night progressed. The final pairing of a Canadian ice wine with a rich, thick brownie dipped in the darkest of chocolate was addictive. We enjoyed the ice wine so much, Jordan announced we were going to go to the winery and purchase some this weekend. I had no problem with his decision.
He nodded, his voice firm. “It can count as one of the dates.”
I was sure I giggled, but I must have been mistaken. I never giggled.
Once in the car, Jordan slipped his arm around me, holding me close to his side. The driver told us a concert had just let out and the traffic was heavier than usual this time of night. Jordan waved him off.
“Not a problem.”
The driver chuckled and raised the partition. I frowned.
“Why did he do that?”
“Maybe because he knew I was going to do this,” Jordan’s voice was pitched low. He slipped his hand under my chin, turning my face to his. Then his lips—those full, soft lips—were on mine.
He kissed me gently, our mouths moving together seamlessly. He slanted his head, cupping the back of my neck and bringing me closer. The kiss deepened. His tongue twisted with mine, stroking and tasting.
Chocolate. Cinnamon. Jordan.
The combination was heady, and I wanted more of it. I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him closer, letting him lead. The effect of the earlier alcohol was nothing compared to how drunk I was on his caresses. Endlessly, we kissed, sharing touches and whispered words of wonder. He discovered the spot behind my ear that drove me crazy. I found that he loved the feel of my tongue on his neck.
We both determined we lost track of time, and when the car stopped. I realized we’d been making out like teenagers for thirty minutes. We broke apart, both of us breathing hard. Jordan straightened his tie, shook his head to clear it, and slipped from the car, offering me his hand. He walked me to my door, waiting as I unlocked it. I felt the heat of him behind me, caught a whiff of his sexy cologne that was now soaked into my clothing from being pressed against him. His breath drifted across my neck, making me shiver. My fingers shook as I tried to get the key into the lock, and with a low chuckle, he covered my hand with his and steadied it.
He followed me inside, shutting the door. His gaze was warm, his smile indulgent. He traced one finger down my cheek, stopping at my mouth. Lazily, he ran his finger along my bottom lip.
“You are sweet. Addictive.” He lifted his eyebrow. “Dangerous.”
“I could say the same.”
He leaned down and kissed me. The lightest brush of his mouth on mine. “Then I guess it’s a good thing we’re together.”
I barely recognized my voice. “I guess so.”
He stepped away. “It amazes me how difficult it is to walk away from you already.”
I swallowed. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Text me when you get home.”
He lifted my hand and kissed it. “Goodnight.”
Jordan
Bentley and Aiden glanced
at each other after I explained what I was interested in.
“How big a condo unit do you want, Jordan?” Bentley asked.
“I was thinking a two-bedroom. I can use the spare room as an office and a guest room for when my daughter visits.”
He nodded, concentrating on the screen in front of him. “We have three left. Plus a three-bedroom. It’s on the top floor, great views, and is actually the best value for money, square-foot wise.”
“I’m trying to downsize, Bentley. The three-bedrooms are over twenty-two-hundred square feet.”
Aiden spoke up. “Some, like Maddox’s, are larger. The one we have is in building B and was made a little smaller because the person who shares that part wanted a larger unit. The three- bedroom is just under two-thousand square feet.”
I pursed my lips.
“Why don’t you look at both and decide?” Bentley offered. “You may not like either, and if that’s the case, no pressure.”
Aiden chuckled. “They’re one of the most well-made condos around, and the management is top-notch.”
I laughed along with them. “I’d heard that.”
BAM only built the best. There was no cutting corners with them—ever. This project had been a massive undertaking for them, and I was proud to have been associated with it.
“If you don’t like them, Jordan, what about the new project? The fifty-five-plus compound we’re building?”
“Those won’t be ready for a while, and I want to move fairly quickly, Bentley. I like the idea of the individual houses, but it’s also a little out of town while I’m still working. Maybe once I think of retirement.”
Bentley regarded me for a moment, his intense blue eyes meeting mine steadily. “First off, I hope that’s a long way off, Jordan. Second, we plan on holding back a few places for lease only. There are always those who prefer not to own, so we cater to those individuals as well. If you decided you wanted one of those places, you could buy direct from us.”
I smiled. “Knowing you, Bentley, by the time I retire, you’ll have a dozen other places I can pick from. But for now, I would like to see the units you have at Ridge Towers.”
“I’ll take you there today myself. Maddox will come with us since he has all the numbers and can answer any of your questions.”
Aiden piped up. “I think I’ll join you.”
I waved my hand. “Not necessary. I know you’re busy.”
“I insist.”
I stood, knowing Bentley wouldn’t move on this. “All right.”
“Two o’clock.”
“Fine. I’ll meet you there.”
I almost made it to the door when he asked.
“Will Sandy be joining us?”
Such an innocent question. Asked casually as if it was an afterthought, when I knew it was anything but.
I glanced over my shoulder. “I hadn’t asked her, but perhaps I will. She can offer me an objective opinion.”
Bentley nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
Aiden leaned back in his chair, grinning like a loon. I left the office before I started to laugh.
Sandy was right—overgrown, curious children. All of them.
* * *
Sandy and I walked around the two units, opening cupboards, listening as Reid, who’d found out about the trip and insisted on joining us, blathered on about the technical wonders he’d added.
As part of the company, I had watched these towers being built. Attended design meetings and looked over the blueprints many times. Toured the buildings once they were complete. But looking at the units as a prospective buyer was a different experience.
I opened the patio door and stepped onto the balcony, staring at the vista in front of me. This unit was on the side of the building that overlooked the water. I liked that, plus the fact that there was a small marina being added. I could walk to my boat. The drive into the office would take a little longer, but given the early hours I usually went in, it would be worth it for the ease of access to my boat.
Sandy stepped out beside me, laying her hands on the rail. “It’s surprisingly quiet.”
“They’ve designed this very well.” I swept my gaze over the landscape. The wooded area with a trail leading down to the water. The outside pool and tennis court. The feel of a small resort while still being at home. “It’s amazing.”
“Is it for you, though?”
“It would be a big change. I need to think it over carefully.” I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye. “How vigilantly are we being watched?”
She peeked over her shoulder, then chuckled and turned back. “Desperately trying to act casual and failing.”
“I can’t believe they’re all here.”
“They’re trying to act as if all the partners show off units all the time.” She snorted softly. “As if.”
“What are they expecting?”
“I have no idea. I think they wanted to see us together. See how we act?”
“I imagine they’re pretty disappointed.” I snickered. Sandy and I had acted as if we were in the office, discussing details of the units in a businesslike manner, standing apart, not touching.
She laughed softly. “Serves them right.”
“Do you think they know what I really want to do is hold your hand?” I asked quietly. “Pull you down on that bed in the master bedroom and lie there with you so I would know how it felt to open my eyes in the morning and not only see that view but see it with you beside me? Kiss you in the kitchen and see how you feel pressed against that imported marble?”
Her breath caught, but she didn’t turn her head. “Jordan…”
I slid my hand along the rail, covering hers. “Can you see yourself here, Sandy? Coming for dinner, spending time with me?”
For a moment, we stared at the view. Listened to the muted sound of laughter coming from down below.
Finally, she turned her head and met my eyes. “I would come and spend time with you anywhere, Jordan. If you’re asking if I like this place, then the answer is yes. If you’re asking if maybe one day, I would do those things you just described—” she let out a quivering sigh “—the answer is yes. One day I would.”
Then she turned, kissed my cheek, and walked back inside.
* * *
Sandy
Back at the office, I had trouble concentrating. It was an odd feeling for me. Usually, I was able to turn off my thoughts about anything but the office and only focus on the task at hand.
But not since returning from the condo visit. When I stepped back into the condo, leaving Jordan outside, I felt the stares of all the partners. Jordan followed me, standing close, his hand settling into the small of my back.
“I think I’ve seen enough. I need to do some thinking now.”
I traveled back to the office with Jordan, but he remained quiet, other than thanking me for coming with him. When we arrived at the office, he received a message on his phone.
“I have a real estate agent coming over tonight to look at the house. She was recommended by Bentley.”
“All right.”
“May I call you once she leaves?”
I slipped my hand into his. “Yes.”
Before the doors opened, he bent down and kissed me on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
I still felt the warmth of his lips.
Jordan sat with the boys, leaving Bentley’s office with a sheaf of papers. He winked at me as he went by, and I smiled as I dealt with one of the many people Bentley needed to call back. His impromptu outing had caused some glitches in his schedule, but I knew I would smooth it all out quickly for him. He would have to work late today—a rare occurrence now. It used to be he was the first in the office and the last to go, but once Emmy became part of his life, that changed. Since Addi was born, he rarely was in the office past six. He was always anxious to get home to his girls.
I shook my head and focused my attention on the work in front of me. The rest of the afternoon sped by, and I
left the office with Bentley, who insisted on Frank driving me home. In the car, he was quiet, staring out the window.
The car pulled up in front of my house, but before I could get out, Bentley spoke.
“Sandy.”
I turned to him, my hand on the door handle.
“All kidding aside, you know we want what is best for you, right?”
“I know,” I assured him.
“Jordan seems very attentive.”
“He is.” I let go of the handle and turned to him. “This is still very new. I don’t know if it will go anywhere. I don’t know if I’m ready for it to go anywhere. But I do know this. Jordan makes me smile. He makes me feel lighter. Less alone. I feel more like Sandy when I’m with him, if that makes any sense.”
“It does. I’m more me with Emmy than I am with anyone else.”
I squeezed his hand. “Yes.”
“He watches you. Today, I saw how important your opinion was to him. How it would factor in his decision. I think his feelings already run deep.”
“I know. He’s been upfront with me.”
“How do you feel about that?”
I sighed, contemplating his words for a moment. “Happy. Anxious. Safe. Worried. Scared. Incredulous.”
“That’s a lot of feelings.”
“That’s called being a woman, Bentley.”
He leaned forward, gathering my hands in his. “You deserve to be happy, Sandy. You know that, right?”
“I know.”
“Max loved you, and he hated the thought of you being alone. He would want you to be happy and cared for.” His blue eyes were intense as he stared at me. “I know what alone is like, Sandy. You have so much to give. So much love. You deserve to have that given back to you.”
I blinked at the sudden moisture in my eyes. “Is that your way of giving me your blessing?”
He smiled. “That’s my way of saying grab happiness, Sandy. Look forward, not behind you.”
“Sometimes easier said than done.”
“Your past made you the woman you are. Let the future benefit from that.”
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 79
