“I’m certain you will,” he murmured.
We fell into a comfortable silence, simply enjoying the quiet. It was remarkable that, with Jordan, the quiet didn’t bother me the way it did when I was alone. With him sitting beside me, it was calming and peaceful.
I broke off a chunk of the dark chocolate we had picked up at the market and offered him a piece. I let it melt on my tongue and shut my eyes, enjoying the decadent, rich flavor. “This is amazing.”
“Yes, it is.”
I opened my eyes, flushing when I realized although he’d taken and eaten a piece of chocolate, he was staring at me.
I felt the heat in my cheeks. “Dammit, Jordan Hayes,” I muttered. “I keep blushing like a schoolgirl. Stop it.”
He chuckled. “I like making you blush. It’s unusual for you.”
I huffed out an exasperated noise. “Because, until you, it never happened.”
He slid closer so our knees were touching. He drifted his fingers along my cheek. “I like it even better now.”
Our gazes locked, the silence between us no longer peaceful. It bubbled and shimmered with longing. Jordan’s gaze dropped to my mouth, and he ran his tongue along his bottom lip. I tracked the sensuous gesture, my breathing picking up.
“If I come closer to kiss you, are you going to let me?”
“Yes,” I breathed out with no hesitation.
He pushed closer, lifting my legs on top of his so they rested over his hips. He tugged my waist, drawing me close until we were nose to nose, hardly any space between us. I felt his warmth, the firmness of his body as he leaned into me. The breeze lifted his thick hair, and I ran my fingers through it, settling my arm around his neck and playing with the nape of his neck. He shivered.
“I love it when you touch me, Sandy.”
I recalled his delight from earlier when I had taken the initiative and kissed him. I closed the final inches between us and pressed my mouth to his. His reaction was immediate. He wrapped his arms around me, yanking me tight to his chest, practically pulling me onto his lap. He buried his hands in my hair, slanting his mouth and taking control of the kiss. This wasn’t like our other kisses. There were no soft, languid movements. This was passion, heat, and possession. Sensations I hadn’t experienced for years. His tongue delved, stroking, seeking, exploring. He tasted of the chocolate we’d shared. Melon. Wine. Jordan. It was a heady combination.
I gasped in his mouth as he slipped his hands under the loose cotton shirt I wore. His long fingers traced my spine, sending shards of pleasure through my body. I felt him, hard between us, his desire evident.
I groaned low in my throat as he dragged his mouth to my ear, teasing the spot behind it.
“Sandy,” he whispered. “God, I want you.”
I whimpered, grasping his shirt with one hand as I clutched his neck with the other. He trailed his mouth down my neck, tasting my skin with his tongue. He nudged my collar out of the way, burying his face between my breasts. The feel of his hands moving over my rib cage, sliding up, his thumbs strumming over my hardened nipples was intense. Addictive.
Making me want more.
Until the sound of another boat entering the cove and blowing its horn broke us apart. We were both breathing hard, our eyes locked in a haze of desire. Jordan’s cheeks were flushed, his hair in disarray from my hands. My shirt was rumpled, and I knew my hair looked as if I had stood in a wind tunnel. My mouth was swollen and so was Jordan’s. His was red and wet from my tongue, and I wanted it back on mine. I knew if the boat hadn’t shown up, we would have ended up naked and writhing on the deck of the boat, the sun and breeze witness to our passion.
Then the hilarity of the moment hit me, and I giggled. I clapped a hand over my mouth, but I couldn’t stop. Jordan’s mouth quirked, and he began to laugh.
“Damn it,” he cursed. “Caught like a seventeen-year-old on my parents’ sofa.”
I kept laughing. Jordan caught me in his arms, and I leaned on his shoulder, the entire situation too ludicrous not to enjoy. He laughed with me, muttering about better planning. Once I got myself under control, I sat up, meeting his gaze. He looked at me with such tenderness, my heart skipped a beat.
“We should head back,” he said, stroking my cheek.
I captured his hand. “Thank you for today, Jordan. It was perfect.”
I meant what I said. The boat arrived before we had crossed a line we couldn’t back away from. I was certain we would both know when the time was right to cross that boundary. After today, I certainly looked forward to it, but today was not that day, and we were both aware of it.
He smiled and kissed me fast. “Yes, it was, my darling. Yes, it was.”
Sandy
The next few days were a whirlwind.
With Van moving in to the new space, he was in and out of the office, overseeing his crews, and still working on various projects. Jordan helped him when he could, so he was often out of the building as well. Add in the fact that Jordan was preparing his house for sale, and he was a busy man. He made sure to keep in contact, though. I enjoyed his texts and phone calls on the days I didn’t see him.
The final construction was completed on the day care in the office building, and Bentley proudly brought Addi with him to work in order to show her what he had created for her.
I followed him around as he held her close, pointing out all the fun things in the nursery, talking about how she would have friends here and be near to him. He was obviously excited about her being in the building.
He lifted her in the air. “Daddy will be right down the hall and can come visit anytime. So will Mommy. Won’t that be great?”
She blinked at him, her eyes wide in her face. Before I could warn him, she opened her mouth and puked down the front of his expensive suit.
He turned his head to me, his expression all at once confused, uncertain, and slightly disturbed.
“I think she just ate,” I murmured.
“Emmy mentioned that,” he confirmed. “I forgot.”
He handed her to me as he slipped off his jacket, then cradled her back in his arms, cooing down at her, using his handkerchief to wipe her face. I enjoyed seeing his softer side. He showed it to very few people, but his wife and daughter saw it the most.
“You have a fresh suit in the closet.”
“Good thing.”
I chuckled. “Yes, it is.”
He rocked Addi, nodding in satisfaction at the large room. With Maddox’s wife, Dee, pregnant, plus Aiden and Cami trying, I knew he was looking forward to the day the room was filled with BAM babies. I knew he already planned on expanding the day care for other staff members, but it required some reconfiguring of the building. He would sort it out—of that, I had no doubt.
He glanced up. “Have you spoken to Jordan?”
I smiled. “Of course. He is almost ready to put the house up for sale. He says he can’t believe the difference a few days have made.”
Bentley grinned. “That’s what I hire the best for. Many hands make light work.”
Bentley had sent a team over to Jordan’s house, along with one of the decorators. They had moved, packed, and staged his house, and it would be going up for sale by the weekend. His unneeded possessions had been moved to one of the many warehouses BAM owned, so Jordan could take his time going through the items. Jordan had worked from home the past few days while it was being done, and I had to admit, I missed seeing him in the office. But we were having dinner tonight, and I was looking forward to it. I was cooking dinner at my place so Jordan could just relax.
“It’s happening so fast.”
Bentley cocked his head, his voice soft. “The sale of his house, or something else, Sandy?”
I smiled ruefully and took Addi from his arms, wanting to feel her warmth.
“His house, his new place, and yes, I suppose the relationship we’re in.”
Bentley shrugged, patting at the damp spot on his tie with his handkerchief. “The house was easy. Jordan
was ready, the house only needed the minimum of staging, and the crew is efficient.” He gave up on his tie, tugging it over his neck and stuffing it in his pocket. “The condo was simple. Paperwork is something Jordan excels at.” He smirked. “He’s letting Liv help decorate it once she’s back from her honeymoon next month, so again—simple. I have a feeling his house will go quickly, and he can move forward, which brings us to the last point—your relationship.”
“A very succinct overview.”
He rolled his eyes. “That’s what I excel at. Frankly, I was worried about you and Jordan having a relationship, but both of you look happier than I’ve seen you in a long time. You complement each other, and it’s good to see you smile. I know it’s scary—all relationships are scary—but you have a lot to offer each other, and I’m enjoying watching him woo you.”
“Is that a fact?”
Reid stepped into the room. “We’re all enjoying that.”
I glared at him. “I don’t think anyone asked for your opinion, young man.”
Reid laughed, not at all put out by my tone. “Bent, Maddox is looking for you. He needs some stuff signed.”
Bentley took Addi from me and headed to the door. “I’ll leave you to it, then.”
Reid turned to me, a wide smile firmly in place. “We’ve all noticed, Sandy.”
“Noticed what, exactly?”
“The little bunches of flowers. The small boxes of chocolate that appear on your desk. The fact that you actually leave the building for lunch—at the same time Jordan does, by the way. And that funny little grin you sport when he sends you a text.”
“How do you know it’s Jordan sending me a text?”
Reid leaned closer, his eyes dancing. “He’s the only person I know who makes you blush or smile that way.”
I crossed my arms. My boys were far too observant.
Reid mimicked my action. “Not to mention the way your eyes follow him when he walks away.” He winked, his lips quirking. “I think you like his butt.”
I gaped at him. “Reid Matthews!”
He bent to kiss my cheek, still smiling. “You once told me to grab happiness, Sandy. Take your own advice.”
“Go back to your office and do some work. I am the one to give advice around here.” I pushed him out the door. “And I do not stare at his…butt,” I added.
“Whatever,” he called over his shoulder.
I watched him disappear around the corner, then began to chuckle.
I did stare—it was a nice butt. But for Reid to have noticed meant I needed to be more careful.
I couldn’t let the boys have one up on me.
That simply wouldn’t do.
* * *
The doorbell rang about seven. I finished stirring the pot and replaced the lid. I peeked in the oven, and satisfied, I hurried to the front door, opening it with a smile.
Jordan stood on my front porch, returning my smile. In one hand was a large bunch of lilies—my second favorite flower—and in the other, a bottle of wine.
He grinned at me, indicating my porch door with a tilt of his head. “The door squeaks. Needs some oil.”
I winked. “No one can ever sneak in without me hearing them.”
“Ah, good plan.”
I waved him in, and he stepped past me, his woodsy scent filling the hall. I shut the door and turned to him. “Hello, stranger.”
He set the wine on the table, holding out the flowers. I took the bouquet, inhaling the spicy fragrance of the lilies. I lifted my eyes to meet Jordan’s gaze. His green eyes were soft, gentle, and filled with warmth.
“It feels like years since I saw you,” he confessed.
“It’s been four days.”
He moved closer, sliding his arm around my waist. “Like I said, years.”
He tugged me close and I wrapped my arms around his neck, the plastic encasing the flowers crinkling in protest. He lowered his head and I met him eagerly, his mouth hovering over mine.
“Hello, my darling.”
Our lips touched, and the world ceased to exist. He gathered me close, the heat of his body soaking into mine. Our mouths moved together, sliding and tasting, refamiliarizing themselves with each other. His tongue stole in, caressing and light, then going deeper, his arms cinching me tighter. I cupped the back of his head, swimming in the sensations his touch brought out in me.
I had missed him—more than I realized. The hole, the feeling of emptiness closed up, and I felt alive and rejuvenated.
He explored me, his hands spread wide across my back, his mouth never ceasing its wicked possession. I clutched him close, never wanting this moment to end. I was lost to him. His taste, his feel, the safety I felt in his embrace.
Until reality exploded, and Colin walked in.
“Whoa—What the…?”
Jordan and I broke apart, both of us startled and gasping for air.
So much for not sneaking in. Neither of us had heard the porch door.
I stared at Colin, struck dumb. He looked between Jordan and me, an odd expression on his face. He lifted his hand and ran it through his hair, then began to chuckle.
“Nan, seriously. Making out in the front hall?”
I cleared my throat, totally flummoxed. “Ah, Colin, I wasn’t expecting you.”
He smirked. “Obviously. I assume it slipped your mind it was the second Thursday of the month?”
Oh no—it had slipped my mind totally. Colin always came for dinner the second Thursday of the month.
He began to laugh, not at all upset or even worried about the man standing beside me, with his arm around me, protective and wary.
Colin stuck out his hand. “Hello, Jordan.” His lips twitched. “Nice to see you again. Unexpected, but nice.”
For a moment, I was confused, then remembered Colin had seen Jordan in the office several times.
Jordan extended his hand. “Colin.”
They shook hands, one bemused and smiling, the other cordial but tense. Colin spoke up.
“I assume you’re joining us for dinner?”
Jordan glanced at me, and I lifted one shoulder. “Yes, he is,” I stated.
Colin chuckled. “Teasing. How about we reschedule? I’ll call you tomorrow.”
I shook my head. “No, stay. You can have dinner with us.” I drew in a long breath of air for bravery. “Get to know Jordan.”
Colin smiled widely. “I’d like that.”
I picked up the bottle of wine. “I’m going to check on dinner.”
Colin headed toward the living room. “I’ll get us drinks.” He clapped his hands. “This is gonna be fun.”
I met Jordan’s amused gaze and mouthed, “Sorry.”
He shook his head and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “He took that well,” he muttered.
“I forgot,” I whispered. “I forgot about our standing date because of you—you befuddled my head!” I slapped his chest. “What are you doing to me, Jordan Hayes?”
He lifted my chin, his eyes twinkling. “Not what I want to be doing right now.”
That odd giggle escaped my throat. Jordan grinned and kissed the end of my nose. “I’m looking forward to getting to know him a little. I know how much you adore him.”
Colin appeared in the door.
“Hey, kids, the sooner we have dinner, the sooner I leave, and you can get back to, ah, doing what you were doing. Let’s go!”
I threw him a look that should have had him writhing on the floor. Instead, he grinned widely. “Come on, Jordan. I know Nan is sexy, but I have some great scotch I keep here I’m willing to share.”
Jordan chuckled and squeezed my hand as he moved past me. I sighed as I headed to the kitchen.
This was going to be an interesting evening—not at all what I planned—but interesting, nonetheless.
Sandy
I sat back, sipping my wine, listening as the two men I adored got to know each other. When I’d walked into the room earlier, they had been standing by the fireplace, talk
ing in low voices, looking serious. But when they saw me, they both smiled and seemed at ease. Every time I left the room, their conversation began again, and I wondered what exactly they were talking about. They certainly seemed to have a lot to say to each other.
At dinner, Colin was his usual chatty self, catching me up on all the things happening at the hospital and in his life. He was busy, happy, and seemingly quite comfortable with Jordan. We kept the conversation neutral, and the atmosphere was cheerful.
He finished his second helping of dinner and set down his cutlery.
“Awesome coq au vin. One of your best yet.”
Jordan hummed his agreement as Colin picked up his wine.
“So how long have you two been an item?” he asked casually.
I cleared my throat. “Not long.”
“You looked pretty friendly when I walked in the door.” He winked. “And I’ve never known you to forget about me coming over.”
I felt my cheeks flush, and Colin began to laugh.
“Nan, are you blushing?” He slapped the table as he chuckled. “Jordan Hayes, what kind of effect are you having on her?”
Jordan joined in his amusement. “A good one, I hope.” He reached for my hand and squeezed my fingers.
“I asked Sandy out a few weeks ago, Colin. We get along very well.”
“I noticed,” Colin deadpanned.
“I know you were close to your grandfather, and I hope my relationship with Sandy doesn’t upset you. But I’m very fond of her, and I think she is of me as well. Surely, you want her to be happy?”
Colin sat up straighter, all teasing gone. He regarded Jordan and me briefly. “I want nothing more than for her to be happy. I haven’t seen her smile like this for a very long time, and if you’re the cause, then you have my full blessing. Not that you need it,” he added with a shrug. “You’re both adults and can do with your lives whatever you choose.”
“I would prefer to have your blessing,” I said, meeting his eyes. He reminded me of Max—he had his eyes and the same tall, slim build. “I wasn’t looking for a relationship, but…” I trailed off.
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 81
