She Belongs to Me

by Carmen DeSousa

  As he placed her steaming latte in front of her, Jordan couldn’t contain a chuckle when he thought about what he was doing. “Now I’m waiting on you,” he said, leaning closer, so close he could smell her. Darn, she smelled incredible. He detected a slight grin, but then she gnawed on her bottom lip. Something made her apprehensive.

  “Thank you. And thank you for being such a gentleman. Men don’t stand when women enter a room, pull out chairs for them to sit or insist they have coffee with them anymore, do they? Though, I’m not sure that last aspect constitutes gentlemanly behavior.”

  He took the seat across from her and just smiled at her comment. Her eyes flicked toward the door, then down at her coffee. Was she afraid of someone walking in and seeing her with him? She didn’t have a ring. That was the first thing he looked for before asking her out.

  Her eyes returned to him. “Why did you want to have coffee with me when you don’t even live here?” She flashed a half-hearted attempt at a smile.

  “I honestly don’t know.” He paused for an instant and gave some thought to what he wanted to tell her. “I don’t want to scare you, but I felt something from the moment our eyes met.” She didn’t rocket from her chair again…a positive indication. So he continued. “It didn’t matter we didn’t know each other or if I lived in another country. I just couldn’t walk away always wondering, ‘What if’. Does that make sense?”

  She gave him a real smile this time, but then fiddled with her stirrer stick, swirling her coffee. “I admit that is why I accepted your invitation, but it doesn’t make sense. Those things don’t happen in reality, only in movies. Real life is harsh; there are no fairytales.” Her eyes were worried, but she remained seated. She hadn’t darted for the door yet. She took a sip from her coffee. “This will keep me up all night you know.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said, shaking his head and sighing. “So you don’t believe people can have an instant attraction to each other?”

  “Sure I do.” She huffed. It almost sounded like a laugh. “A physical one. But then after the initial attraction wears off, they’ll show their real stripes.” Her eyes returned to her cup.

  Just when he thought he’d broken through her guard, she’d thrown him a curve ball. “Wow…it sounds as if someone did a number on your heart.” She shrugged, and he knew he’d stumbled onto something. “And since you’ll be up all night,” he grinned when her eyes grew wide,” I’d be happy to stay up with you and listen if you want to talk.”

  Jaynee sucked in a deep breath then exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “I’m damaged goods, trust me. I’m not worth you staying up all night.” She took another deep breath as if intending to say more but decided against it and turned her head away.

  She probably anticipated him to charge the exit. Maybe she wanted him to retreat. Perhaps the majority of men would comply with her wishes, but he couldn’t force himself to budge. He wanted to know more.

  “Jaynee…can I call you Jaynee?” He kept his voice low and soft.

  “Yes…I suppose. I actually like it.” She returned her eyes to his. They were misty. He decided to change the subject.

  “Perfect. I do too.” He kept his expression light, hoping he hadn’t pushed her. He really wanted to connect with her. “What do you like to do for fun, Jaynee?”

  “Not much. I work and go to college. Spend my free days at the beach or with my grandmother. She is the only positive thing in my life.” She smiled at the mention of her grandmother. So they had at least one thing in common. They were both close with their grandmothers.

  Jaynee felt herself relax as Jordan fired questions at her.

  He hadn’t run away when she tried to frighten him off. He seemed generally interested in her boring existence.

  He asked her about her favorite movies, books and music. He asked about her major in school, her family—but that was a short subject—where she had visited and where she wanted to go.

  Jordan’s life was much more interesting. He was an army brat. He had lived all over the world as a kid and then joined the service himself when he was nineteen. He liked scuba diving, camping, hiking, kayaking and countless of other activities she’d never dreamed of but now found herself wanting to learn.

  But the most impressive quality she learned about Jordan was why he was in Clearwater.

  Several hurricanes had struck Florida in the last couple of months. Jordan had been working in South West Florida after Hurricane Charlie hit Punta Gorda, doing construction work. He was on his way home when Frances came through this area. There wasn’t a lot of damage, but he stopped by a local church to see if he could offer assistance before he left town. He’d spent the last two days cleaning up and making small repairs.

  Who was this man, and how had he turned up in her booth? He seemed genuinely good, but she had thought that before. None of the guys she dated were good. If he really was a good man, what did he see in her? If he knew everything, would he still be interested?

  “So, Jaynee,” Jordan drawled after they had talked for hours. “Will you honor me with a real date?” His accent and smile flabbergasted her. How could she resist? She couldn’t help but notice the erratic beating of her heart every time he smiled.

  “I’m not off again until Saturday. Will you still be around?” She hoped, but then wondered if seeing Jordan again would be an intelligent decision.

  “I don’t think I have a choice. I would like to finish the book.”

  “What does that mean?” Her look of confusion must have humored him. His smile broadened.

  “It’s just something I learned from my mother.” He ignored her question and continued. “Can I see you before Saturday…breakfast, lunch or coffee again?” His voice was low and intense, his eyes persuasive. Her heart reacted again without warning. This was not good. If she was feeling like this now, she could only imagine how she would feel on a real date, and then he would leave.

  “I have school tomorrow and work again tomorrow night.” The words flowed on their own accord, as if she didn’t know her own mind. “But I will meet you for coffee again tomorrow evening if that’s all right. I’ll try to be here by nine. It depends on how busy we are.”

  Suddenly, she was thrilled at the idea of him wanting to see her again but managed to keep her emotions intact. She couldn’t mistake desire for something else. He was a stranger from out of town. Where could this possibly lead?

  She gathered up her purse and keys. It was late. They had talked for hours and time had slipped away from her.

  Jordan stood up and held the chair for her again. They walked out of the coffee shop, and he walked her through the parking lot. He held his arm behind the small of her back, barely touching her as he escorted her to her car. It was more of a protective action than a romantic gesture, but a feeling of warmth soared through her at his slight touch.

  She paused at her vehicle before opening the door. Would he kiss her, she wondered. She licked her lips in anticipation.

  Jordan inhaled deeply as he lowered his head. He brushed his fingertips under her chin and pulled her face within inches of his. “You are lovelier than words, Jaynee, and you don’t smell like a restaurant…actually, you smell like vanilla. I’ll be waiting to see you tomorrow.” He took a step backward.

  She opened the car door and climbed in, sighing. Jordan shut the door and gave her a little wave. Jaynee stared at him in her rearview mirror. He stood there watching her as she drove away.

  Embarrassed at her reaction to his words and touch, she felt her cheeks burn. She’d wanted him to kiss her. Her entire body felt as if it were on fire. This is bad. This is not smart, Jaynee. She giggled at the name he bestowed, now in the privacy of her car. “Jaynee,” she repeated, aloud this time, liking the way it sounded but then proceeded to rebuke herself swiftly, “What have you gotten yourself into this time?”

  Jordan jumped into his truck and followed Jaynee home, careful to keep his distance.

  He hated the idea of following her. No doub
t what she would think if she detected his shadowing. But he couldn’t bear for her to drive home alone, unprotected.

  What was he thinking? She drove herself home every night. Why did he feel this overwhelming need to protect her? He couldn’t explain it, but there was something about her, and he wasn’t about to leave without having a chance to finish the book. He just hoped there would be an opportunity to write himself into her story.

  He had wanted to kiss her something fierce. His entire being longed for her, and he could see she was attracted to him as well, but he’d restrained himself. Something told him this might be his last first-kiss. It should be special, not standing in a parking lot. Still, the emotions were powerful.

  He wanted to sprint up to her once she pulled in her driveway, but he couldn’t. She’d run in terror. She would definitely think he was stalking her. He would have to be patient. But he didn’t know if he could. Jaynee had gotten under his skin, unlike no women ever had. Letting her go wasn’t an option.

  63

  Carmen DeSousa

  Chapter Three

  Jaynee spent extra time getting ready the next morning. She decided to toss a change of clothes, a little makeup and her vanilla-scented body spray and lotion in her bag. It had surprised her that Jordan noticed the fragrance.

  For not wanting to see him again, she was certainly going through a lot of trouble. She blow-dried and straightened her hair, an undertaking that took an extra twenty minutes, only to end up pulling it back; it wasn’t permissible to work with it down. The Florida humidity would have it curling up by this evening, but at least the curls would be soft, not wild looking.

  The day at school dragged. She found herself checking the clock every five minutes. She wanted to call in sick to work but needed the money. Besides, he hadn’t given her his number. So he could have already left town, and she may never see him again. She couldn’t blame him if he decided to stand her up. After all, she’d tried to warn him off.

  Her words hadn’t seemed to bother him. He even tried to make her feel better when he saw her eyes water up. He couldn’t have missed her reaction, and yet, he remained seated, even managed to turn the conversation to a more pleasant topic.

  Could Jordan be everything he seemed? How disappointed would she be when he returned to North Carolina? Her insides burned at the thought. The appropriate action was to put those ideas aside. Tomorrow wasn’t important. She would enjoy the moment, live for today and not worry about tomorrow.

  She drove to work in a daze, already resigned to forget about him. If he showed tonight, great, if not, oh well. She would just have to stumble through the next few hours and be acquiescent to whatever outcome developed.

  Jaynee had finished her prep work and had just started to roll silverware when Amy poked her head around the corner. An impish grin spilled across the hostess’ face.

  Powerless to stop herself, Jaynee smiled wide in response. “No…don’t tell me…he’s here, isn’t he?” She couldn’t contain the excitement in her voice.

  “Sure,” Amy sneered. “As if you didn’t already know. You haven’t worn makeup since you started here. You lucky dog, he’s a hunk, and did you see his pickup?” Jealousy seeped through her words, but deep down Jaynee knew Amy was tickled. She had been attempting to set her up for months.

  “No,” Jaynee answered honestly. She never cared about trivial things like vehicles. Moreover, she was too enthralled with him.

  Jaynee held her breath as she stepped out of the kitchen. Rounding the corner, she caught Jordan’s gaze, and a glorious smile spread across his face. Was it possible it was for her? She couldn’t contain her smile either, but a nondescript “Hi” was all she could choke out. Her mouth suddenly felt parched. Her heart also started acting up, thumping so loudly she was sure he would hear.

  “Hello, Jaynee,” he drawled, his voice seductive. Whether that was his intention, she couldn’t be certain. “I needed to eat, and the food here is good, and the service is incredible, so why experiment with something new.” He folded up the menu and returned it to the end of the table as carefree as could be, as if they were old friends. “What do you recommend?”

  Jaynee looked around the restaurant and then back at Jordan, shrugging. “Um…the grilled chicken & shrimp over fettuccini is my favorite,” she said in a casual tone, trying to imitate his relaxed behavior. It wasn’t working.

  “I’ll take that with a salad and sweet tea please. Did I liberate you from rolling silverware again?” His eyes brightened at the notion.

  Jaynee’s heart fluttered, attempting to resume its normal rhythm. “Yes, you did. I’ll order your dinner and be right back.”

  She placed the order, waited for his salad while she retrieved his beverage and grabbed a loaf of bread. She wouldn’t have to dart off until another customer arrived. Jordan was watching as she rounded the corner again. How could he be looking at her like that? He made her feel wanted. No one had ever looked at her the way Jordan did. As if he cared about her thoughts and dreams. The way he listened to her last night, as she rambled about her pathetic life made her believe he had a real interest in her as a person, not just an object to possess.

  After placing his beverage and food on the table, she took a seat opposite him again.

  “It’s nice you can sit down with your customers. I only wish you were staying and eating with me. I hate eating alone.” His words rang with sincerity.

  “Management actually encourages us to sit with our patrons, although not the eating part.” She giggled at the thought but then leaned across the table. “Why are you really here?” She peered up at his face, narrowing her eyebrows. “Did you assume I would stand you up and you needed to pressure me?” She smiled, hoping the words didn’t emerge harsh. She didn’t think Jordan was the domineering type, and she didn’t mind him pursuing her; actually, it was rather flattering. But she would never allow a man to control her again.

  “Not exactly. I just couldn’t wait to see you. I had to make sure I didn’t dream you up. And now I see you’re even more beautiful than I remember yesterday.” His eyes smoldered, and she felt her emotions spiraling inside again. “Are you okay with me coming here?”

  His honesty surprised her, sparking something within. Why should she conceal her interest? She only hoped he wasn’t pretending attraction in expectation of a vacation fling.

  She sighed deeply. “It was a long day for me.”

  He smiled, obviously pleased with her admission. He pushed the tomatoes aside to the bread plate then speared a perfect forkful of salad. “I won’t hold up your table, but I did need to eat.”

  Jaynee stood up. She couldn’t remain with one customer without getting into trouble.

  “Well, it’s not as if you don’t tip well. Do you always double the gratuity, or was that just for me?” The hostess trailed two older couples behind her, heading toward one of her tables. “Sorry, I have to move around, and Amy’s getting ready to seat me.”

  “Of course.” Jordan gestured his hand for her to proceed. “As long as you regard me as your number one priority, that’s all I ask.”

  His eyes were intense, and Jaynee couldn’t suppress a laugh at his request. “Number one priority? Well, okay if that’s all…” What was he asking, and why was she okay with it? Two states separated them. Where did he intend on this going? Was this just an affair to remember or worse—to forget? He seemed so sincere, and she didn’t want to destroy what little enjoyment she could have by broaching the subject.

  “And yes, I always double the tip when I dine alone. It doesn’t seem fair otherwise.”

  She smiled at him and shook her head, letting out a small huff. “So it wasn’t just me,” she teased, but walked away before he could comment. He was too cute and too sweet, which meant he was too good to be true.

  Jaynee assisted her other tables but always kept her attention on Jordan—she didn’t want him to think he wasn’t her number one priority. She made certain she was in the kitchen when his dinner w
as ready, and then grabbing another fresh mug of tea, headed to his table.

  After he’d finished his meal, she left the check and waited on her other customers.

  He stood up as she returned to him. “Will I distract you if I sit at the bar?” His fingers grazed hers as he handed her the folder with the dinner check inside. She could see two bills sticking out. He obviously gave her way too much of a tip again.

  Her heart thudded uncontrollably at his slight touch. “Yes…” she admitted, gulping, but hoped he would.

  “Good.” He flashed a wicked grin then strolled toward the bar.

  Jaynee did something unprecedented. “Tim.” She walked up to the general manager hesitantly. It was too early for him to cut a server, but other waiters had asked this early. She knew this, of course, because she was always picking up their slack. “I know it’s early, but could you close my station.”

  Tim’s head cocked slightly “Seriously? You never ask me to cut you early, C.J. Don’t tell me you’re gonna start acting like the rest of the college kids?”

  “No, no, it’s nothing like that. Actually, I have a paper due, and I need to work on it,” she lied lightly. She really did need to work on her novella; though, she had no plans on doing that tonight.

  “Fine, I’ll tell Amy not to seat you again.” She turned to walk off, hoping he wouldn’t press her. “But, C.J…” She turned to look back at him. “Please don’t make this a habit. I like the fact I can count on you. The reason I give you the best stations.” He lowered his gaze and smiled, assuring her of this fact.

  She completed her closing duties, so when her last table finished, she was ready to leave. She rushed to the employees’ lounge, changed clothes, freshened up and then headed to meet Jordan at the bar. It was only eight.

  Bounding up behind him, she startled him. He turned around quickly when she touched his arm, shielding his body. She cringed at the suddenness of his movements. He reacted like she’d seen men do in thriller movies, as if they were gearing up for an attack.