by Lisa Moreau
Sophie planted soft kisses all over Jordan’s limp body, ending at her lips. Jordan wanted to say so much, to put so many feelings into words. She’d had plenty of women in her past, but they weren’t Sophie. There was something different―something exciting, intoxicating―about knowing Sophie was the one caressing her into a frenzy. With the other women, she’d had sex, but with Sophie she was making love.
Sophie gazed into Jordan’s eyes and caressed her cheek. “You are the sexiest, most amazing woman I’ve ever been with. Stay with me tonight,” Sophie whispered.
This was usually when Jordan would make her escape, vanishing well before dawn. Disappearing, though, was the last thing on her mind.
“There’s no place I’d rather be.” Jordan wrapped her arms around Sophie and held her close, never wanting to let go.
Chapter Twenty-three
New Year, Second Chance
Love is strange. Sometimes it creeps up on you slowly, and other times you know exactly the moment Cupid shoots his arrow through your heart. For Sophie, it was the latter. She had fallen in love with Jordan when they were sitting under the eucalyptus tree after her mother’s arrest and Jordan had made her smile. Even at ten years old, Sophie knew she’d love Jordan forever, and she was right.
Sophie lay in bed and admired Jordan’s profile. Lightly, she ran a fingertip down the curve of her nose, over her lips, and down her chin. When Jordan stirred, she quickly removed her hand, not wanting to wake her just yet. Sophie let her gaze roam down Jordan’s body, which looked like a picture-perfect centerfold. The sheet billowed around her in all the right places, draped under one breast and revealing the smooth skin of a beautiful long leg. Sophie swallowed hard and licked her lips, recalling the way Jordan had moaned when she feasted upon her breast. She felt light-headed as she focused on her mouth, the same mouth that had made her come over and over throughout the night. With a touch as soft as butterfly wings, she caressed Jordan’s breast. Sophie felt a stirring down below when her nipple became aroused. Jordan moaned and fluttered her eyes open.
“Good morning,” Sophie said as she continued to stroke Jordan.
“Mmm…come here.” Jordan wrapped her arms around Sophie and kissed her deeply.
They spent the morning touching, stroking, exploring one another in heated passion, coupled with tender moments of gentle kisses and affectionate gazes. Sophie snuggled against Jordan as she lay on her back. There was no more perfect place to be.
“So tell me about your life in LA. Do you like living there?”
“Yeah. It has everything. Being here, though, reminds me to take more time off. Doug and I have worked nonstop since starting the business.”
“Do you have friends?”
Jordan shrugged. “Mostly just Doug. I know a lot of people, but not sure I’d call them friends. Why do you ask?”
Sophie caressed Jordan’s arm. “Just curious as to what your world is like. So I can picture where you are, who you’re with when you…” When you leave.
Jordan’s body stiffened. She leaned down and kissed the tip of Sophie’s nose. “Last night and this morning were amazing.”
Sophie forced a smile, even though her heart was breaking at the thought of Jordan leaving Monarch. She propped on an elbow and looked into Jordan’s eyes, which were the clearest and most joyful Sophie had ever seen.
“This was by far the best New Year’s Eve I’ve ever had.” Sophie froze for several seconds before she suddenly bolted upright.
“What’s wrong?” Jordan asked apprehensively.
“What time is it?” Sophie nervously looked around until her eyes landed on the clock on the nightstand. “Oh my God. It’s noon.” She buried her face in her hands.
Jordan rubbed her back. “It’s New Year’s Day. No work. Plus, I’m giving you the day off for good behavior.”
Sophie looked at Jordan, who had the cutest smirk on her face. “Good behavior, huh?”
“Well, maybe bad, but in a good way.” Jordan pulled Sophie down and kissed her.
“No, no, no,” Sophie whispered into her mouth as she regretfully pried her lips away. “I have to leave.”
“You’re throwing me out?” Hurt flashed across Jordan’s face.
“No, sweetheart.” Sophie wasn’t sure where that term of endearment had come from, but it felt right so she went with it. “See, every New Year’s Day the residents of Monarch have a picnic in the eucalyptus grove. It’s tradition. And I’m the host. I’m the one who sets everything up. I totally blew it.”
“What time does it start?” Jordan sat up in bed and put her arm around Sophie.
“Now.”
“Okay, so we shower and get there in forty-five minutes. Nothing wrong with showing up fashionably late.”
“You would go with me?”
“Of course. There’s nothing else I’d rather do the first day of the year than spend it with you. And if I have to share you with everyone else in Monarch, then so be it.”
Sophie’s heart leapt as she laid Jordan back in bed and kissed her passionately.
When they paused for a breath Jordan asked, “Shouldn’t we be getting ready?”
Sophie stared at Jordan’s lips, moist and inviting. “Right. But if we get ready in thirty minutes, we could have fifteen to…relax.”
“We could do a lot in fifteen minutes.” Jordan slid her hand between Sophie’s legs, her fingers lightly touching her.
Sophie’s breath hitched. “Or if we got ready in fifteen minutes, we’d have even longer…to rest.” Sophie closed her eyes, chest heaving rapidly, as she reveled in Jordan’s touch, which had found its way deep inside her.
*
Sophie loved the sensation of Jordan’s hand in hers as they walked through the forest. She had a sudden fear, though, that Jordan might not be comfortable with public displays of affection since she was so private.
“Is this okay?” Sophie asked, motioning toward their clasped hands.
Jordan displayed a lopsided grin. “It’s strange, but yeah. It’s more than okay. Who’d have thought I’d be more out in a small town like this than LA.”
“So it doesn’t make you uncomfortable?”
Jordan stopped abruptly and faced Sophie. “I’m proud to be with you. That’s not something I’d ever want to hide.”
Sophie glanced around the forest, led Jordan off the trail, and pinned her back against an oak tree. The smoldering look in Jordan’s eyes indicated she knew what was coming next as Sophie pressed their lips together. It was a tender kiss, one filled with affection that left Sophie feeling cared for. They broke apart slowly and rested their foreheads together. This must be what it feels like to be with the person you love, where every moment is perfection. Sophie wanted to climb a mountain or belt out a love song. It was the most joyous feeling she’d ever experienced, even better than being with the butterflies.
Sophie slipped her arm around Jordan’s waist as they continued down the path. She’d much rather have Jordan all to herself, but she found something gratifying about being together in public. Like they were a couple. Sophie reminded herself not to get carried away. They’d slept together once, which didn’t mean they were engaged, or even dating. They still lived in different worlds, and of course, there was the issue of the sanctuary. Sleeping with the boss probably wasn’t the smartest thing she’d ever done, but Sophie didn’t want to think about that when she was flying high.
They were clearly the last ones at the picnic. Scads of Monarch residents were sitting on blankets and in folding chairs, chowing down. A long table covered with a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth held an array of dishes. Sophie’s stomach grumbled. She hadn’t eaten since lunch the day before and, come to think of it, not much all week. Her appetite had diminished when Jordan left, but now she was suddenly ravenous.
Sophie hugged Bertha with one arm while still holding Jordan’s hand. “I’m sooo sorry I’m late. Who set everything up?”
“Now don’t you apologize. Everyone pitc
hed it. Actually, I was hoping you might be late.” Bertha smirked and eyed their joined hands.
Heat rose to Sophie’s cheeks.
“It’s all my fault,” Jordan said, probably feeling the need to save Sophie from embarrassment. “We…uh…had a late night.”
Bertha held up a hand. “Say no more. I’m happy as a puppy with two tails you two finally hooked up. It’s about time. Now come on and get a plate. You must be hungry after a hard night at…work.” Bertha nudged Jordan. Now they were both blushing.
As Sophie surveyed the feast, Jordan pointed to Nanci, who was leaning against a tree chomping on a drumstick. “Whatever happened with Nanci?”
“We didn’t go out. I canceled the date and told her over Christmas that it wasn’t going to work out.”
“Ahh, well, can’t really say I’m sorry about that.” Jordan smiled and handed Sophie a plate.
They loaded up with fried chicken, potato salad, rolls, and more. Scanning the area for an empty blanket, Sophie located one under their tree, which was the perfect place. As they sat, Jordan leaned back against a boulder. It was the same rock Sophie had used to mark the spot where she’d buried the items for the soul-mate invocation. She smiled to herself. The chant had actually worked; Jordan was her soul mate. Sophie sighed contentedly and raised her face to the sun, feeling the warmth on her skin. It was a glorious day amongst monarchs, the scent of eucalyptus in the air, loving friends, and, most of all, the perfect woman.
“We heard about you two,” Molly and Mabel said in unison as they approached. “We’re so happy for you.”
Wow, Bertha moved fast. Sophie wouldn’t be surprised if half the people at the picnic knew by now. The girls looked adorable in matching red-and-white-checkered dresses, which looked oddly like the tablecloth. In fact, Sophie was sure it was the tablecloth. They’d probably made dresses with the extra fabric. The twins froze when several butterflies flew around their heads like a halo, and their eyes filled with excitement. The monarchs went around and around as though on a merry-go-round until they flew away.
“Wow. Did you see that?” Molly asked.
“Butterflies do amazing things.” Sophie smiled at their excitement.
Jordan whispered, “Like even grant wishes.”
“Yes, definitely that, too.” Sophie put her hand on Jordan’s knee and gazed into her eyes. They were a deep, rich gold, sparkling like an ancient coin and filled with wisdom and depth. She wasn’t sure how long they stared at each other, but it wasn’t until Mabel spoke that Sophie remembered they weren’t alone.
“You two are so cute, but we don’t want to intrude. We just wanted to say congratulations.” The girls sped away before they could respond.
“Word gets around fast,” Jordan said, with a nervous chuckle.
“That’s Bertha for you.”
This would have been the perfect time to talk about their relationship, but for some reason Sophie avoided doing so. She wanted to enjoy the day, pretend like they were a couple, and not discuss any reasons why they shouldn’t be.
After eating, they mingled and ended the day standing by the dessert table with Bertha, sneaking chocolate-chip cookies.
“So Bertha,” Jordan said through a mouthful. “Have you asked Coach Bryant out yet?”
“I haven’t had a chance. You know, with the holidays and all.”
“Well, he’s standing over there. Now would be the perfect time.”
“Playing matchmaker, I see?” Sophie asked with a grin.
“It is what I do best.”
“Oh, I can think of a few things you do better.” Sophie loved to make Jordan blush, and she was pretty sure Bertha had missed the innuendo since she was nervously glaring at the coach.
Jordan cleared her throat and regained her composure. “How about I invite him to join us?”
Bertha looked panic-stricken, but Jordan didn’t give her a chance to reply. She walked over and chatted for a few minutes before he was following her back like a puppy on a leash.
“Good heavens, she actually did it,” Bertha whispered.
As they approached, the coach looked just as nervous as Bertha did.
“I think everyone knows Coach Bryant,” Jordan said.
Sophie shook his hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”
The coach took his cap off and looked at Bertha. “And how are you, Ms. Bertha?”
Bertha averted her eyes to the ground. “No complaints on this beautiful day, Coach.”
“Um…you can call me Benny, if it pleases you to do so.”
They looked like two shy junior-high-school kids. They’d probably be Jordan’s most challenging love connection.
“Would you like a homemade cookie?” Jordan extended the tray to the coach. “Bertha made them. She’s quite a cook, you know.”
“Oh, I do know. I’ve had enough of her meals at the coffee shop.” He patted his protruding belly and took a bite out of a cookie as an awkward silence settled over them.
Sophie raised an eyebrow and cocked her head at Jordan, sending her a telepathic “this isn’t going to be easy.”
“So, have either of you been to that new Italian place on the highway?” They both shook their heads. More silence. “Sophie and I heard it’s really good.”
The coach finally spoke after he’d downed the cookie. “I’ve been wanting to check it out.”
“Bertha, didn’t you say Italian was your favorite?” Jordan asked.
Bertha looked confused before she apparently had a lightbulb moment. She wasn’t the quickest gazelle in the bunch. “Oh yes, I love pasta. Angel hair, fettucine, linguine, macaroni, penne―”
Jordan interrupted the never-ending noodle rampage. “You two should check it out sometime.”
Coach Bryant rubbed his gray stubble, deep in thought. Finally, he took the bait. “We could…you know…go together one night if you’d like.”
Bertha nodded enthusiastically. “Sure. That’d be nice.”
“Are you free Friday night? Say around seven? I could pick you up.”
“Okay.”
The coach lifted his chin and puffed out his chest. He placed his cap on his head, winked, and said, “I’ll see you then,” before bouncing away.
Jordan released a satisfying sigh. “I’m proud of you.” She nudged Bertha’s shoulder.
Bertha, who was still staring at the coach, looked like she’d just smelled a skunk. “I haven’t been on a date in over thirty years.”
“Don’t think of it as a date,” Sophie said. “It’s two people going out and having a meal together. No pressure.”
Bertha looked at Jordan and Sophie with fear in her eyes. “I don’t have anything decent to wear. And Lord knows what I’ll do with this.” She pointed to the teased mop on her head.
Jordan put her hands on Bertha’s shoulders and looked her directly in the eye. “Clear your calendar, because you and I have a makeover date Thursday. You’ll look like a queen by Friday night. I promise.”
“Really? You’d do that for me? Thank you,” Bertha said, looking relieved.
After Bertha excused herself to help the girls clean up, Sophie wrapped her arms around Jordan’s waist.
“You like making people happy, don’t you?” Sophie asked.
“Sure. That’s why I started SOS.”
“And what about you? Are you happy?”
“I’m happy right now. Here with you.” Jordan glanced around to make sure no one was looking before she planted a soft kiss on Sophie’s lips.
As Jordan pulled away, Sophie kept her eyes closed and sighed, feeling more content than…well, ever.
Chapter Twenty-four
Makeover Day
“Yippee!” Doug screamed.
Jordan held the phone away from her ear. She’d never gotten a cheer for having sex before. Ordinarily, she wasn’t the kiss-and-tell type, but Doug had coaxed the news out of her.
“Now don’t get carried away. It was just one night,” Jordan said as she walked briskl
y down the sidewalk. She purposefully neglected to tell him that she and Sophie hadn’t actually talked about anything yet. That was the whole reason she’d gone back to Monarch early―to talk—but other, more enticing, events had taken precedence.
“All right, all right. But I’m happy for you. And proud.”
Jordan grinned. “Thanks. Listen, I gotta go―”
“Wait. Before you hang up I need to tell you something. Ophelia is doing a live show on Monday to promote her charity, and she asked me to be on it. I’m sure she’ll mention SOS, so it’ll be good press.”
“Great. Go for it.”
“It’s just…I’ve never done an interview before. And it’s live. You’re the pro at that sort of thing.”
“Nonsense. You’ll be great. Just don’t let her show my bra on camera, okay?” Jordan chuckled.
“You got it. And if she does, I’ll swear those are your double Ds. I’ll defend your honor, even if it’s a lie.”
“Attaboy. Talk to you later.”
Jordan disconnected, rounded the corner, and bumped into a brick wall in the form of Madame Butterfly.
“Oh my, we have to stop meeting like this,” Madame said. She was wearing a flowing red gown that matched the color of her fiery hair, thick green eye shadow up to her eyebrows, and an abundance of black eyeliner.
“I’m so sorry. I should watch where I’m going,” Jordan said.
“You do always seem to be in a rush. Why don’t you come by the shop for some tea? We haven’t had much of an opportunity to chat since you’ve been in town.”
“I’d love to,” Jordan lied. “But I have several errands to run today. I’ll see you later.” Jordan scurried down the sidewalk, Madame matching her stride. They walked in silence until they stopped in front of the psychic parlor.
“Your F is missing.” Jordan pointed at the sign, which read Madame Butterly.
“It’s in the shop, but it’s too heavy for me to hang.”
