Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou)

by Arlene Lam

  “Caught?” Jordan laughed. “I can do as I want, I can’t get caught.”

  “You won’t do as you want or be so nonchalant if anyone ever finds out about me. It will embarrass you when people start to talk. It could ruin you.”

  “I’ve told you before. I don’t care what other people think. I care what I think. I am however flattered you care.”

  “You will care mark my words.” Amelia assured him in a hushed whisper, trying to ignore the kiss he placed to the back of her neck.

  Jordan felt her tense up and smiled against her neck. “No need to worry Princess, I’m afraid your words came back to haunt me. I’m exhausted.”

  Turning into him Amelia kissed his brow. “And you were so confident that we’d be up all night morning afternoon and into the next evening.” She laughed

  “Snicker now sweet, but I only need but an few hours of sleep before I am again revived.”

  “I’ve no doubt.” Amelia joked. All worries for the moment set aside.

  “Amelia to tell you the truth.” Jordan began sobering slightly.” With you by my side I could stay awake forever, but tonight I just want to hold you.” Linking his arms around her he could hear her intake of breath at his touch and pulled her as close to him as God would allow.

  “Jordan.” Amelia whispered.

  “What Princess?”

  “I’m happy we were caught in the rain today and that I’m here tonight with you. I just want you to know that.”

  Threading his fingers through her madly curly hair Jordan twirled a long strand about. “I want you to come back, I want you to stay?”

  “I can’t.” With a sigh Amelia opened eyes she had closed to gaze into blue on violet orbs.

  “Never say you can’t. You are capable of anything if only you’d strive for it.” Jordan threw back.

  “I don’t want to make things harder for Lorraine, though I’d sooner see Morgan beat for what he tried to do to me. I’ve embarrassed her enough. Coming back here even if we dislike each other would be a mistake an insult. I’m not that mean to try and see her unhappy forever.” Amelia added in an attempt to lighten the mood.

  “What do you mean? What did he do?” Jordan had only heard the beginning of her statement.

  Something told her it wouldn’t be best if she indulged him with the tale. “It was nothing.”

  He didn’t believe her. “Stay here Amelia.”

  “Jordan you don’t want people looking at you like they look at me. It was bad before, but before I was just nothing more than a bothersome darkie to a few hateful folks. I grew up with that. I can handle that.”

  “Amelia…” Jordan began before she cut him off by putting her finger to his lip. “I know you and your family don’t see me that way. You never judge, but others do. It’s hard Jordan. I’ve been labeled a tramp and I’m colored. You’d be silly to try and keep me in your house. I can’t count how many times I’ve been called a whore the past month, and not even by the folks you’d expect. They are old friends. You see it’s not just white now it’s also black. Do you have any idea how many people whisper behind fans at church when I come through the door? I don’t want anything like that to touch you.”

  Jordan felt his temper begin to flair. He wanted to find everyone who had hurt his Princess. Dared to call her a name, and kill them. “Who?”

  “What do you mean who?”

  “Who? Who called you a whore?”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does matter.” Jordan nearly bellowed

  “And what will you do, what can you do if I give you those names?”

  “Who?”

  “It does not matter.” Amelia repeated and laid her head on his chest hearing the pounding of his heart. “It doesn’t matter.” She said once more, hoping to calm his nerves.

  “I will find out.” Jordan stated. “And believe me they will never call you or another woman out of their name their damn lives.”

  “The great defender.” Amelia laughed half-heartedly.

  “For you, yes.”

  “You’re sweet.”

  “To you, yes.” Jordan smiled down at her. “Don’t think to change the subject so easily.”

  “I thought I had.”

  “Why the change of mood?” Jordan asked changing the subject himself. “Earlier you were ready to cut my head off and now after a good sleep; you’re as docile as a lamb.”

  “Before I was hungry, wet, and sleepy. Now I am not.”

  “That’s good to know; whenever you become irate I’ll make sure to see you get a nap.”

  “I’m not a child.” Amelia laughed into his chest.

  “If a nap cures your woes I can’t be too sure.”

  Amelia only smiled. “You’re not too much older than I am.”

  “You are quite a bit younger and I should be ashamed for taking advantage of you.” Jordan pushed up on his elbows to position himself more comfortably on the bed.

  “But you’re not.”

  “I said should didn’t I?”

  Amelia gave him a quick sideways grin. “Maybe I should be ashamed what if people think I’m using you? You’re rich and privileged, I could stand to gain a lot from this.” She just wanted to hear his smart remark.

  “I wouldn’t mind, I like you darling.” Tipping her chin up with his hand Jordan gazed down into smiling eyes. “I can see that fact pleases you immensely.”

  “Very much so.” Amelia leaned into his hard frame all the more. Taking joy out of the warm heat he gave. Giving him a crooked smile she rose as well so she could lean and linger over his chest.

  “Why, is that sweet?”

  Amelia gave him a comical glare. “What a silly question.”

  Hearty laughter filtered through the room at her reply and Jordan nearly couldn’t bark out his own response. “I must be the obvious choice then.”

  “Obviously.”

  Sobering some Jordan cupped her pretty brown face inside his large palms. “Why?”

  “Why.” Amelia smiled down at him and seeing the sudden serious appearance did some sobering of her own. “Because the mere mention of your name makes me smile, because when you hold me I feel safe, and when you kiss me I can never catch my breath. You make me feel beautiful and have never treated me like I was nothing, and you never make me feel wrong or unworthy.” Looking to him she asked, “Should I continue?”

  “Crazy woman make up your mind, you said the opposite earlier.” Jordan told her but shook his head after his statement so she would continue and his deep dimples could now be seen as she shot him an exasperated smile.

  Amelia brushed a dark lock from his forehead before continuing her long list. “Hmm let’s see, you’re beautiful.” Amelia giggled at the look he gave at her choice of words. “I mean handsome.”

  “Better.”

  “You are smart, tall, funny, sweet at times, have amazing eyes, and a heartwarming smile.” She laughed as he nodded his head jokingly in agreement. Kissing Jordan’s cheek she cupped his head in her hands as he had done her only moment before and said with all seriousness. “And because I love you.” Turning her face from his she chose not to see his expression at her confession.

  “Amelia.”

  She cut him off quickly not wanting for him to try to say anything just then and wanting desperately to make light of her feelings. “And because even now that I feel like an ass for telling you how I feel, you’ll pretend like I had never said a word to make me feel better.”

  True to her words Jordan kept silent, or more was stunned into silence. How could she love him? The answer was simple she could not. Amelia was young. That he knew and when he was young he too had mistaken the feeling of lust for love and look at the trouble it brought him. “You don’t love me, but I am flattered you think you do.”

  “And you pretend to know just how I feel, when you most certainly do not. That’s why you’re the most obvious choice.” Amelia ignored this last statement. “Now that all of that business is o
ut of the way I want you to kiss me and make this awkward feeling turn to something else.”

  Doing just that Jordan chuckled loudly and kissed her with fervor and passion that not only left her dazed but also himself by the time he pulled away. “You’re going to make me lose my mind Amelia.” Jordan stated truthfully as he went once more to claim soft lips.

  If Jordan had been tired before, he was rejuvenated now, shrugging out of his linen shirt in seconds. The feel of his flesh touching her warm body could only be described as divine. “You don’t know how much I need you right now.”

  If kisses could sear one’s soul, Jordan’s had done just that. His touch and feel forever branded upon her flesh. Arching up against his chest Amelia closed her eyes and let heat and deep yearning take over her senses.

  With quick hands Jordan reached underneath the white cotton shirt she had donned and edged it up past her rib cage and with some help from Amelia pulled it up over her breasts baring smooth honey brown skin from waist up.

  Igniting fire when once more flesh made contact with hot flesh. Amelia allowed her arms to encircle his abdomen. Jordan moaned deeply and began raining kisses upon her dark curls and face.

  Returning each vehement kiss until they both trembled within, Amelia could feel his hands as they touched her belly as he fumbled hurriedly at the task of unbuttoning his trousers.

  Kicking free from his pants Jordan immediately took her legs and wrapped them around him.

  Even though she had been prepared, it was still a surprise how good he felt and Amelia could not help but call out his name. She would have done so again if he had not captured her lips with his own, tasting her mouth.

  With one hand at her thigh and his other free hand holding her wrist above her head. Jordan absorbed all that she was. And Lord but she was beautiful, trailing kisses down her throat right to her chest he released her wrist and let her begin her own assault.

  Soon enough small hands started massaging and kneading the muscles in Jordan’s back, while sweet lips rained down kisses that made his heart skip a beat upon contact. Touching hands to either side of his waist Amelia arched her back and drove her hips up meeting his thrust.

  “Stop or we’ll be finished before we had a chance to begin.” Jordan managed between ragged breaths, a fine beading of sweat forming at his brow at his effort to restrain himself.

  Amelia could scarcely hear his words, less understand them and once more brought her hips up to meet him for he was too still and the spiraling pleasure in the pit of her soul would not allow her to be still.

  The remained in sync for how long Jordan didn’t know but they both had grown weary as time passed by trying to hold on to the bliss that they were creating. Crying out at the feel of her Jordan could no longer contain himself and plunged himself deep within her as quick and hard as possible, blind to her own wails of passion. Then holding her close finally found his release and yelled it out to the wind.

  Her cry mingled with his only moments after and Amelia closed her eyes, her body slowly stopping its shaking and shivering. Embracing him Amelia never wanted to let go and when he hugged her to him knew that she never could. Resting her head in the crook of his arm she sighed heavily, truly content with everything in the moment.

  Jordan held her close to him. Then without knowing what to say but wanting to hear her voice asked. “What do you want in this life?”

  “I already have it.” Amelia replied dreamily

  “Seriously.”

  “I want love, to be wanted, respect.”

  “I want you, and more than respect you.”

  “Then I’m more than halfway there already.”

  “I care for you.”

  “I want love.” Amelia corrected. “That you do not have for me.”

  Silenced, Jordan just stared into golden eyes. He didn’t deserve her devotion, for her to care for him as she did.

  “Don’t look at me that way.” Amelia said casting her gaze downward shyly. “It makes me feel…well …here.” Taking his hand in hers she placed it over her heart that now beat rapidly. “It skips, when you look at me like that. I can barely breathe.”

  “I can’t help it.” Jordan croaked, voice caught in his throat. She truly was striking just then and he wanted to give her all that he had, the world, because when she looked at him or spoke his name he felt as if he held everything within his hands. That most anything was possible, could be achieved, if he only wanted it.

  Smiling at Jordan, Amelia linked her arms around his neck. “At least I know I have some type of hold over you.” Amelia joked laying her head at his chest.

  “You control me Princess you just don’t realize it.”

  “I don’t believe anyone has ever controlled you and I’d be silly to think I do.” Pausing she flicked his nose. “Stop calling me Princess.” Smothering a yawn Amelia stretched her body against the length of him much like a cat, achieving the impossible becoming more comfortable.

  “You look as if you plan to stay right here forever.”

  “Or until the sun rises.” She threw back lightly. Though it was the truth. She hoped the moon would stay up in the sky forever.

  “You say these things but even as they escape your lips I can tell you would rather the opposite occur. Why do you refuse to stay with me?”

  “I told you. Besides I think you would tire of me.”

  “Princess don’t you think I should at least get the chance to decide that myself.”

  “No.” Amelia laughed up.

  “You’re stubborn.”

  “Oh you’ve nerve to say such a thing as that.” Scooting up Amelia rose above him. “You’re more stubborn than an old mule.”

  “You act as if you’d have me any other way.” Jordan rested all of his weight back against the pillows his skin reacting to every inch of her flesh that made contact with his own. Taking up her arms in his hands he placed them on either side of his chest so that she lingered above him. She looked like an angel. Soft hair framing her face in a waterfall of sumptuously lavish curls that every so often brushed against his chest with her steady breaths.

  Brazenly, Amelia brought her left leg across his waist to rest at his side until she sat atop him straddling his waist. Playfully she cocked her head to the side and said. “You’re going to miss me terribly come morning.”

  Sternly Jordan captured her gaze and with an unwavering determination stated. “I won’t. We both know you’re not going anywhere. The sooner you realize it the better.”

  “Are you sure?” Amelia warned leaning into him all the more.

  Reaching up Jordan laced his fingers through her thick hair and brought her face mere inches from his own. Placing a kiss to her forehead Jordan lay back and let his hands slide down to her hips and then playfully jolted her forward.

  The quick movement won a minor giggle from her and lightened the slightly serious mood.

  Amelia rested small hands on his hard chest for security lest she topple completely over. Not that if she did it would be too tragic. Scrunching up her nose in an odd way Amelia gave him a devilish look. If this was to be her last night with him like this she was going to make it the one to remember. “Jordan?”

  “Yes Princess.” Jordan responded already reading her mind and using his hands to pull her forward until her most intimate part pressed against his own. But before he began his lesson in extreme lovemaking he needed to make one thing clear. “By no means does it end here tonight.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Jasper was overseeing the loading of crates onto the ships from the dock when Jordan sidled up beside him. “Finally made it I see.”

  “I need a seamstress.”

  “Our friendship had at one point no bounds but here I draw the line.” Jasper gasped before signing off on some document brought to him by one of the men.

  “Who does Margaret use?”

  “Duvall. Why?”

  “Isn’t it self-explanatory?”

  “Melanie.”

/>   Jordan felt no need to give any name for certain and just grinned at Jasper. Lending his signature to the paper Jasper presented in front of his face and taking hold of a few documents his friend had soon handed him Jordan said. “Women prefer jewels to most anything.”

  “Of course they do.”

  “Come with me, I could use your help.”

  “And leave all this?’

  “Leave what?” Jordan countered.

  “I tend to leave shopping for apparel and jewelry to women and—apparently you, I do begin to wonder…”

  “Never doubt my fascination with women. Readymade dresses at Duvall’s?”

  “Some I suppose.”

  “Good…no need for the irritation of fittings.”

  “Off with you, your tête-à-tête is disturbing.”

  “Good day to you Sir.” Tipping his hat and giving a humorous bow Jordan tucked the papers into the side bag of his saddle on Colossus before climbing on.

  “I will stop by today make sure you’ve signed and dated everything.” Jasper voiced a reminder.

  “It will be done friend.”

  *

  By evening Jordan’s head was aching, the damned women of the boutique were sure that he could not possibly know the correct measurements of any woman. Therefore he’d gone through a grueling hour at the least of looking at models and women alike who he had to make most certain were a match to Amelia’s size and stature. When that had been done and the ladies ogled him and pet him for another half an hour to see if they could not steal him away from this mystery woman he looked at fabrics of satin, silk, chiffon, and lace.

  Bored Jordan soon felt the eyes of a pretty blonde upon him and gave her a wicked smile. Like lightning she was at his side and on his lap and to his chagrin as she tried to place kisses to his neck in the privacy of the back room where he waited, an intense feeling of guilt washed over him and he spent an ample amount of time trying to avoid her..

  By and by however he had gotten what he had wanted, and some hours later several ladies emerged with numb fingers and several day dresses elegantly assorted in bright blues and yellows to soft pinks, lavenders, greens, and whites.