“I have a suggestion, but you need to answer a question first.” He took her hand in his, kissing it. “Do you like the ring? That’s not the question…just wondering. I wanted the most beautiful and unique like you, not just the biggest diamond; however, you could choose a different one.”
“No!” she shrieked. “I mean ‘no’ I don’t want to exchange it. I love it! It’s exquisite. It would be exactly what I would have chosen if I had a choice of any ring in the world. It’s a princess cut, right?”
“Yes,” he said, smiling brightly, pleased by her acceptance.
She shook her head and huffed lightly. “You shouldn’t have done that. I would never have wanted something so expensive.”
“But you like it?”
She nodded.
“Then don’t worry. Now, the question I meant to ask. Jaynee, do you want a big wedding?”
“No.” She shook her head again. “I have hardly anyone to invite.”
“Would your grandmother or family be upset if you didn’t?” Instant concern filled his voice.
“My grandmother wants only what makes me happy, and I really don’t care what my mother thinks. No, I don’t want a large wedding.”
How strange to be discussing this over breakfast, in a t-shirt, with a man she only met four days ago. Her heart fluttered at the insanity that felt so right.
“Then, would you like to fly to Vegas and get married today?” Jayne tried to gulp the mouthful of food so she could speak, but nearly choked. Jordan quickly continued. “We can continue the honeymoon right there. There’s a romantic resort called the Venetian. Plus, Las Vegas has great hiking. Not to mention shows, dancing, boating, horseback riding, whatever you want. What do you think?” His eyes were bright. This sudden thought apparently energized him.
She covered her mouth, so she could speak. “You’re serious?”
“Of course, I’m serious.” He tilted his head. “Why would I want to wait? Unless you wanted a grand wedding and reception, then I would provide you with that instead.”
“What about your family? Won’t they be offended?” Unlike her, Jordan had a very close family. He’d told her about his two sisters and their husbands, even his mother and grandmother lived nearby.
“Nah.” He waved his hand in dismissal. “They learned ions ago to let me have my way.”
“Do you always get your way?” She narrowed her eyes at him.
“Usually. I got you, didn’t I?” He tilted his head to the side and gave her a penetrating gaze.
Unable to resist, she smiled. “Yes, you did.” He definitely had her.
“So...what do you think?” His eyes were intense staring into hers, awaiting her answer.
“Do I have a choice?” she asked, not surprised he always got his way.
“Of course you do. You can have a full-scale wedding or Vegas. Those are your choices.” He grinned then raised his eyebrows in anticipation. She obviously didn’t have a choice to say no, only how to go about marrying him.
“Isn’t the bride supposed to pay for the wedding?” Unfortunately, no one in her family would be able to foot the bill.
“Jaynee, I assure you…you don’t have to worry about money. I have plenty.” He smiled, happy to share this inconsequential tidbit of information. He pushed the table back and stood up. “You have a couple of calls to make. You need to quit your job and let your grandmother know we’re coming over. I’ll make the arrangements immediately.” He was already walking across the room to his laptop. He really was used to getting his way. Just like the first night when he asked her, no, insisted she go out with him.
She stood up and just stared at him. “What about college? I have a paper due next week.”
Jordan didn’t even turn around as he walked across the room taking a seat in the chair.
“The semester just started. You can drop your classes without affecting your grade, and I’ll pay for you to be reenrolled in Charlotte.” Jaynee sank to the floor as the blood rushed from her head. Jordan darted out of the chair, dropping down in front of her taking both of her hands in his. “Jaynee, are you okay?”
“I don’t know…I forgot…I mean…I don’t know what I was thinking. I forgot you lived in North Carolina. I assumed you would stay here.” Her eyes fell away.
He turned her face back to his. “Jaynee, I already thought about this. The only thing in Florida is your grandmother, and I’m certain she’ll understand. I have a home, a career and a business in North Carolina. I know you’ll love it there. I’m sorry. What I meant to say is, we have a home. And I know you will love it. If not, we’ll get a new one. But you will love it, I am certain.”
It would be a fresh start and wasn’t that what she decided she needed? She was just nervous. Would her grandmother understand? Would she realize it would be healthy to move away from this area, especially after last night? She would, Gram wanted what was best for her little girl as she’d always put it.
Jordan still kneeled in front of her, holding her hands, his eyes anxious.
“I love you too. I’ll marry you in Vegas, and I’ll follow you to North Carolina.”
Without warning, he lifted her off the floor and swung her around. “Now I really am the happiest man alive. I was worried about the specifics of such a complicated situation. But now…Jaynee, I promise you, I am going to make you the happiest woman alive! I have a hotel and flight to book. Make your calls…then we’ll go get you some clothes. You’ll need some cold-weather gear and a wedding dress, naturally.” He set her back down, then walked over to the desk and flopped down. His fingers flew across the keyboard.
Jaynee didn’t know what to feel…overwhelmed came to mind. But, she was happy. It felt like a fairytale. She had fallen asleep, and the prince had shown up to wake her from her nightmare. He even wanted to buy her a dress…and that ring. She gazed at the sparkling diamond on her hand as a quiver swept through her body. It must have cost over ten thousand, heck maybe even twenty. She had seen those types of rings when she went shopping with her girlfriend. Rainey had chosen her own ring and told her fiancé where to buy it. They had a long engagement too, over three years. Jordan also said if she didn’t like their house, he’d purchase a new one. He’d obviously downplayed his little construction business. Well, at least she fell for him, admitted she loved him and agreed to marry him before she knew he was well off. Maybe that was the reason he hadn’t told her. Perhaps he had issues with people using him, too.
Jaynee picked up the phone, making the easiest call first to her boss. She didn’t explain why she was quitting, and she wasn’t on the schedule again until Wednesday, so he had plenty of time to replace her shifts. Still, he sounded displeased. She considered telling him about the assault but knew the attack was against her, not just a random act.
Now for the difficult task—telling Gram. But she decided they should do it together. Hadn’t she already hinted yesterday, not believing for a minute Jordan would have felt the same way and ask her? Gram would be content as long as Jaynee was happy.
She called her grandmother and told her they were stopping by.
Jaynee glanced up at Jordan working on the computer and was unable to keep from smiling. Sensing her gaze, he grinned. He was beautiful, even if he was spoilt. She wondered if they’d have a little time before leaving, and the thought surprised her. The desire to make love consumed her. Never had she wanted a man so much, her body yearned for him.
What the heck, she thought…I’ll be his wife shortly. It sounded bizarre. She had never wanted to marry anyone, but now her entire life was changing for this incredible man she’d only just met.
Jaynee ambled up behind Jordan, draping her arms around his shoulders and resting them on his chest. She nuzzled her face into his neck and started kissing him—a move she picked up from him. He leaned back into her kisses, then reached back with his arms and pulled her onto his lap.
“I thought you’d never come over here. We have about an hour before we have to get ready�
��we can shop in Vegas.”
He stood up with her in his arms, carried her back to the bed and continued to kiss her but nothing more.
“Jordan, you’re driving me crazy,” she finally breathed out, when he stopped kissing her long enough to catch her breath.
“As you are me.” His voice was breathless too.
“Why won’t you make love to me then?” Her frustration surprised her.
“Jaynee—” He stopped short, brushing her hair back from her face but keeping his hand against her cheek. “I want to, believe me, but not yet. You’re going to marry me, right?”
She nodded, answering him at the same time, “Yes.”
“Then we’ll be married tonight, so this is our last chance at a first time. Wouldn’t it be nice to wait, to not be rushed?”
How could she argue with his pure logic? “Yes, I guess you are right,” she conceded, falling back into his embrace. “I just never wanted a man as much as I want you at this moment.”
“As do I,” he said, crushing her tighter to him. But all she could think is she wanted him to hold her even closer. He brushed his lips over her cheek. “Every part of you, heart and soul.”
They flew first-class to Las Vegas. Somewhere Jaynee had never been or ever desired to go; she wasn’t a gambler. They were going because Las Vegas was the fastest and most popular place in the world to get married. Then again, she was making the biggest gamble of her life. Before, when something didn’t work out, she could walk away. She wouldn’t walk away from a marriage.
Jordan had made all the arrangements. She had heard him on the phone while she got ready.
She knew he had a head for business by the way he talked on the phone. He’d said, “I won’t settle for that,” at least three times while making hotel reservations. He never raised his voice, and she could only hear part of what he was saying, but then his smile indicated he must have gotten his way, because he informed her they would be married this evening in the gardens of the Venetian.
Jaynee found that Jordan easily took control over most situations including the discussion with her grandmother of their intentions to get married. He told Gram how much he loved Jaynee and would take care of her and provide her every need. He apologized she had to move to North Carolina but promised she could return as often as she wanted. Even Gram had easily succumbed to his charm, just as Jaynee had.
He left his F-150 along with her Focus in her driveway and then locked both keys in his truck. Right on schedule, a livery vehicle whisked them off to the airport.
In the air, Jaynee lifted the armrest and scooted next to Jordan. He was so comfortable to snuggle with, not one protruding bone. Lean muscle enclosed every inch of his body.
“So what were all those calls concerning?” She peered up at him while resting her head on his shoulder. “I’ve hardly had an opportunity to talk to you in the last couple hours.”
“I was making arrangements,” he said evenly. “I have a flatbed truck delivering my pickup to North Carolina, and they’re moving your car to your grandmother’s so you will have something to drive when you visit. I scheduled a moving company to pack your house. Everything will be in Stanfield when we arrive on Thursday. I booked us for five nights in Vegas. I have to return to work on Monday, so I figured we’d want a few days at home together alone.” He let out a chuckle, but continued before she could comment. “We’re having a cookout with just immediate family on Friday night at our house. My mother and sisters will prepare dinner so you won’t have to worry about entertaining in a house you aren’t familiar. And then, Saturday, we are having a wedding reception. I don’t know where yet, but my secretary Lorraine will take care of all the arrangements.” He smiled widely, visibly proud of his achievements.
Jaynee’s mouth dropped open, but words escaped her. He put his finger under her chin, pulled her mouth back up and kissed her.
His brow furrowed. “You okay, love?” he asked when she didn’t respond.
“Uh, Jordan…you are quite controlling, aren’t you?” Her lips pursed together in an attempt to hold back the sudden swell of anger. What seemed great earlier suddenly concerned her. How much of her life would he attempt to control?
His shoulders sagged, and his eyes took on a look of an adolescent scolded for a wrongdoing.
She quickly continued, “I’m sorry. That was rude…thank you for everything. However, will you promise me something?” He nodded and waited for her request. “I know you want to take care of me, but I’ve been on my own since I was seventeen. I’ve made mistakes, but I’m hardly incapable of making decisions. If we’re going to be married, we need to discuss what we are going to do in the future. Not that I don’t enjoy surprises, but would it have hurt to consult with me about wedding receptions and dinners with family members I’ve never met, not to mention moving my house—” She broke off, struggling to keep her voice level. She had a bit of a temper, and with the stress of everything, she was feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Jordan immediately pulled upright and stared into her eyes. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make everything effortless. I won’t do it again. I am controlling, I suppose, but not in a bad way.” His voice was compliant and apologetic.
She couldn’t stay mad at him, looking at the way his eyes melted into hers.
Jaynee took a deep, calming breath. “I’m not upset, Jordan, merely taken by surprise. I’m not accustomed to people taking care of me or making decisions. Can we just agree to discuss everything from here on out?” She rested her head back on his shoulder again. “With the exception of surprises, I don’t mind you don’t want me to see the pictures of where we are going. I understand that the fiancé…” She paused and smiled at the word. Jordan liked it too, his face lit up at her reference. “…is supposed to arrange the honeymoon and keep it a secret.”
He rested his head on hers. “Yes I am, but I will try to be more considerate of your feelings in the future.”
“My Prince Charming,” she said, sighing softly, latching her arm around his again.
“Hardly,” he offered, chuckling, obviously amused by her comparison. “But, thank you.”
***
Lorraine Condrey set the phone gently back in the cradle. She wanted to launch it across her desk at the empty office next to her. But as always, she kept her feelings locked away for nobody to witness.
How dare he? How could Jordan leave on business, meet someone and abruptly decide to marry her? Was he utterly insane? No, he wasn’t. He was the most thoughtful, caring, loving, smartest, gorgeous and gentle man she had ever known. He belonged to her. From the time they were teenagers, she’d always known he was the One. Why hadn’t she told him?
She knew why. Because he would never regard her any other way than the girl down the street, with whom he and his sisters spent their summers. She saw all the girls who fawned over him when he moved here permanently. Some, she knew, would even purposely speed through his section of town, hoping he’d pull them over.
Now, she was responsible for organizing his wedding reception. She heard correct. He was getting married tonight, and nothing would stop Jordan. When he set his mind to something, he never surrendered. All she could do was do the best for her boss. “Make it beautiful.” He had said. “Spare nothing. Anything you can think of to make it special. I trust you.” So, she would. Then, when his impromptu marriage failed, she’d be there to shoulder his burden. She wouldn’t hesitate again. She’d comfort him the way she’d always wanted.
The door flew open, jolting Lorraine from her thoughts. All three partners, his brothers-in-law, Robert Brooks and Ronald Duncan and Detective John Ramos stormed into the office.
“Is it true, Lorraine? Did Jordan call you with the news?” Bobby’s booming voice rang out before he barely entered the office. “Sissy just called and said Jordan is getting married?”
Ronny narrowed his eyes and interjected, “Rachael said the same thing. Said he met a girl and they flew to Vegas this morning. Is it true?”
>
Detective Ramos said nothing, just had a questioning look that said without words, ‘Certainly his best friend and partner would call him before making such a drastic decision’, but Lorraine had thought the same thing.
Of course, they were all working on Saturday. It was the only day the entire team could get together and discuss their current projects. And naturally, they’d come to her for answers. Jordan hardly made a move without checking with her—she was his walking-daily-planner. But he had this time. It was too late to tell him he couldn’t fit a marriage into his schedule, that he was booked for that role for the rest of his life. Too late.
Lorraine shook her head in disbelief as the three men stared at her as if she held the answer to some mysterious equation. They knew Jordan made quick decisions. A quality they had come to admire about him, what gave every one of them an opportunity to work for him. He had been the one not fearful to venture on his own into the construction business and had brought them in with him in his enterprises, making them all wealthy in the process.
Lorraine pasted on a smile. “It’s true, called me a few minutes ago. I have to find a suitable location for a wedding reception before Saturday.”
She hoped the despair didn’t seep through her voice. But Bobby high-fived Ronny and John, then let out a hoot and a holler, so she figured he hadn’t noticed her reaction. Ronny, she wasn’t so sure; he didn’t seem as excited. She wondered why. John said nothing, just stood there with his mouth hung open, probably jealous. Jordan and John had competed with each other since they were teenagers. Though it wasn’t Jordan’s fault, John just always wanted whatever Jordan had.
Bobby slammed his hand on the table, causing Lorraine to jump. “Gone off and found him a Florida beach-bunny. That dog! And he said he had no intention in settling down anytime soon, hardly even dated from what I saw.” Bobby’s loud voice rang through Lorraine’s system. She couldn’t take it any longer; she had to get out of this office, Jordan’s office.
She Belongs to Me Page 11
