She Belongs to Me

by Carmen DeSousa

  “Wow yourself, Jaynee. You were like an animal. I’m out of breath, love.” He fell down beside her, pulling her into an embrace. “I enjoyed it thoroughly though.”

  Jaynee nuzzled up to him, not wanting him to ever leave. She only had a few more days with him all to herself before they had to return to reality. They lay quietly together. She could hear his breaths and nothing else; it was comforting.

  He pulled her chin up to look in her eyes. “Jaynee, I want you to know you are the first woman I have brought here.”

  She could see the warmth in his eyes. She hadn’t thought about it before, but now she understood his earlier comment about breaking in their bed and was pleased.

  He propped himself up on his arm. “Three years ago, I turned my life around and haven’t been with a woman since. I told you I dated and I did, but I wanted to wait until I found my wife. Not that I was looking. I had no intention of going to Florida and falling madly in love.”

  “Thank you, Jordan, and thank you for making me wait too.” He was right; it was something they would have forever.

  His eyes took on a solemn look. “I have a question, and I should have already asked, but I was hoping you were…based on our conversations. I couldn’t find a way to ask before…but it’s important.”

  “Yes?” she asked nervously. Last time he broached a subject like this, it was about children. “What is it, Jordan? You can ask me anything.”

  “Are you a Christian?” His tone was apprehensive.

  “Oh,” she whispered, understanding. “You’re right; you should have asked.” She was teasing him but noticed his face grew serious, worried at once. She quickly assuaged his concern. “‘Do not be unequally yoked’ I think Paul said, right?”

  He released the breath he was holding. “Yes, exactly…but how did you know, did you know I was?”

  “Seriously, Jordan, you were doing missions in one location and then just decided to stop in another city. You don’t smoke or cuss and refused to touch me until we were married. And besides all that, I prayed nightly for God to send you to me. So…what…you were gonna toss me back if I wasn’t?” she asked in a playful manner, but deep down she pondered if he really would have. She had to get over the fear that he was like everyone else in her life. Jordan was genuine.

  “No, but I would have done everything I could to show you and would have received plenty of grief from my mother and pastor. Now I’m just thrilled.” He pulled her into an embrace. “I’ll love you forever, Jaynee.”

  “As will I,” she said, reaching up and kissing him. “I would like to take a shower, wanna help?”

  “Sure, but I need to get our things.” He pulled her up from the bed and walked her into the master bath, taking his time showing her where everything was located. His hand traced patterns on her bare back as he pointed to the various closets and doors. “I’ll be back in a couple minutes.” He kissed her on the lips before turning to leave.

  The bathroom was just as impressive as the rest of the house. A large whirlpool tub and separate shower, large enough for two if not more, filled the majority of the area. The toilet was in a private water closet, and the double vanity expanded the entire opposite wall. Jaynee also took notice the entire house was immaculate; nothing was out of place. She didn’t think his sisters had cleaned; the house appeared as if it were always this way.

  Jaynee heard Jordan stroll in a few minutes later. She didn’t turn around but waited earnestly. The door opened behind her, and in seconds, his arms enveloped her. The water and warmth poured over them, and she felt absolutely, totally loved.

  When the hot water started to wane, they stepped out, and Jordan wrapped her in a cream-colored fluffy towel.

  She found her suitcase opened on the bedroom floor and hunted through it locating the white, lacy nighty she’d purchased. She followed it up with a cotton robe. He liked surprises. He could unwrap her, she giggled. She may not be able to offer him a gift, but she could do her best to give all of herself, heart and soul as requested.

  “Jaynee,” Jordan called, coming out of the cavernous closet dressed in comfortable looking cotton pants and no shirt. Her heart skipped a beat; he was gorgeous. As many times as she saw him undressed, she couldn’t get accustomed to his perfection. “We need new bedroom furniture. This isn’t quite right for newlyweds. What do you think? Could you pick something out for us tomorrow?”

  “Uh, sure…but I think it looks wonderful.” She didn’t know how to select furniture; all she owned were hand-me-downs.

  “I was thinking something from the islands…something to bring in your Florida warmth. Dark wood with a canopy, pictures of palm trees and such.” He pulled up in front of her, delicately pulling at the belt of her robe. She stopped his hands.

  “Sounds as if you already know what you want,” she added with a grin.

  “I usually do,” he said, arching a brow, returning her smile. “What’s underneath this?” He pushed back at the collar, exposing her shoulder.

  “A surprise.” She pulled away, leaving the bedroom to venture through the remaining upstairs.

  Jordan followed, pointing out the room beside theirs. It was an entertainment room with built-in speakers and a flat-screen TV. The sofa was U-shaped and enormous, it would accommodate nine to ten people easily.

  The next two rooms on the opposite side of the hall were identical and had nothing in them, future kids’ rooms she assumed. The final room at the end of the hallway was again massive with an entire wall of windows overlooking the backyard. It was set up as an office but also held an elliptical machine and some type of weight training contraption. One of the top-of-the-line devices they advertise on television.

  He looked at her expectantly, as though waiting for her approval. “So that’s it. What do you think?”

  “I think it is magnificent, Jordan, but so enormous for one person. Why did you buy such an extravagant house?”

  “Oh I didn’t buy it; I built it. It’s the house I always wanted.” He beamed. “It has just enough room to grow.”

  “You built this?” She knew he owned a construction company, but the news shocked her. “Wow! It is wonderful.”

  “Well, I didn’t do everything. I designed it and did work on it, but so did a lot of other workers in my company.”

  “Still…to be able to do this…w-o-w,” she drug the word out, truly impressed.

  He wrapped his arms around her again, pleased by her acceptance. He meant what he’d said; he would have built her another house if she wanted.

  “I’m so delighted you like it.” Jordan took her hand, leading her downstairs to the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.” They hadn’t eaten since that morning. She followed him into the pantry and then rummaged through the fridge and freezer. “What would you like to eat, Jordan?”

  “Umm…I’m not sure, what can you make?” he asked, an inquisitive look on his face.

  “Well, I don’t know what you have, but I can prepare just about darn near anything.”

  His eyes widened in shock. “You can cook?”

  “Of course, I can cook,” she said indignant. “I’m an amazing cook. I have worked in restaurants for the last five years, and my father was an incredible cook.”

  He grabbed her up in a hug. “Woo-hoo! I was afraid to ask…I just figured it was too good to be true; you couldn’t possibly know how to cook too. Yes!”

  “She’s a Christian, and she can cook,” she mocked. He looked embarrassed. She couldn’t help but laugh at his assumption. Typical man…the only thing better than a pretty woman was a woman who could cook.

  She rummaged through the freezer, finding some frozen chicken patties. In the pantry, she pulled out a box of pasta and jarred spaghetti sauce. It wouldn’t be as tasty as homemade chicken parmesan, but it would work in a fix. “You didn’t leave me much in the way of fresh ingredients, but I can throw something together. Just remember it’s not homemade. I’ll do better I promise. We’ll go sho
pping tomorrow for food too. Okay?”

  He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the side of her neck. “I love you, Jaynee.” She saw a light glaze in his eyes, but ignored it, not wanting to embarrass him.

  “You go sit down. This will take all of fifteen minutes.” She shoved him off with a kiss on the cheek and a slap to his cute butt.

  A wide smile lifted his face. “Then after dinner, I get my surprise?”

  “Yes,” she agreed, satisfied with this simple gift she could offer. He liked surprises, and she could cook. She would do everything possible to make him happy, so he wouldn’t toss her aside as everyone else had done her entire life.

  63

  Carmen DeSousa

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jaynee felt warm lips on her head. Her eyes popped open and immediately darted to the clock.

  “Six forty-five,” she groaned. She never awoke before seven…usually not even before eight. Years in the restaurant business had made her a late riser. And after staying in Vegas for five days on Mountain Time, it felt like three forty-five in the morning.

  Jordan brushed the hair off her face and kissed her again. “Come on, sleepyhead, we have to be out of the house by eight fifteen.”

  She rolled over and resituated herself. “I can get ready in half an hour.” She did the mental math. “Wake me at seven forty-five.”

  Not thwarted by her protest, he scooted up behind her. “That gives us an hour. Are you sure I can’t persuade you to wakeup now.” He nuzzled his face into her neck and pulled the blanket off her waist. It didn’t cover much of her anyway; she only covered her midriff when she slept. Otherwise, she felt claustrophobic.

  His hands made their slow way down over her hips and ended up latched around her, pulling her against his body.

  She sighed in acquiesce, forgiving him promptly for waking her so early.

  Their first stop of the day was a Nissan dealership on Independence Boulevard. Jaynee watched as Jordan strolled by the salesmen lurking around the front door, heading directly to the receptionist.

  Within minutes, they were seated and signing papers. The salesman, Keith, escorted them around the building showing them their new car, pointing out options and describing in detail the aspects of the new Altima.

  Jordan stepped back and gestured to Jaynee. “Don’t tell me; it’s her car.”

  “I’m sorry,” Keith apologized, starting over, paying special attention to Jaynee.

  After the salesman finished his presentation, Jordan pulled him to the side. “Just deliver the car to the address on the paperwork.” He took her arm and started to walk away.

  “Uh, sir.” Keith ran up behind them. “Um, I have to check with my manager.”

  Jordan gave him a stern nod. “Go ahead.”

  Jaynee watched the exchange in reverence. Jordan was like a different person when he put on his—she assumed—cop persona. He stood perfectly still while he waited for the salesman to process his request.

  The salesman left them for a few minutes and then returned with a smile. “Whenever you would like it, sir,” he offered, seeming embarrassed he even had to ask.

  Jordan’s mouth lifted on one side. He loved getting his way. “Today, whenever, just drop it off at our home address and leave the keys inside. It will be fine.” And with that, Jordan directed her from the dealership and helped her into his truck.

  “Do you like it?” he asked, after he climbed in and started the truck.

  She shook her head and furrowed her brows. “Of course, but how…” she trailed off, not surprised. He seemed to manage conducting business quite well over the phone and via his laptop.

  “I have a woman named J.T. She locates all my commercial vehicles. She does all the footwork. All I do is sign. I never even have to go to the dealership; she brings them to my business. This was a special circumstance though.” He turned the radio on but kept the volume low. “So, it’s what you wanted?”

  “Yes, it’s perfect.” Jaynee narrowed her eyes at him as a thought occurred to her. “So, what does the J.T. stand for?”

  “I never asked,” he replied without hesitation.

  “Really?” She found that hard to accept. “Is she not attractive?”

  He shrugged. “I suppose so, never thought about her that way. She’s married.”

  “I just assumed since the way you bugged me about calling myself C.J., not accepting ‘no’ for an answer until I admitted my entire name—”

  He interrupted her with a boisterous laugh. “Oh, is that what you’re getting at?” Her comment obviously caught him off guard. “Jaynee, your name had nothing to do with my persistence. I just wanted an excuse to talk to you, and to be quite honest, know everything about you, including why you called yourself C.J.” He tore his eyes off the road for a quick glance at her, seemingly amused. “You’re so silly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re jealous of someone you’ve never met.”

  “I guess when you said, ‘you have a woman’. Well, I suppose I am,” she retorted, serious.

  He reached for her hand. “You don’t have to be, love. There’s no way any other woman will ever catch my eye. It’s not possible. You’ve changed me completely from the moment we met. It was the same with my father and my grandfather.” He curled his hand around hers, bringing it to his lips. “So, it’s your dream car?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “Yes, I love it! I can’t wait to drive it. But, I prefer being with you than driving alone.”

  He smiled, seeming to appreciate her honesty.

  Their next stop was a furniture store. It was as if Jordan already knew what he described would be there. They found the bedroom set he’d envisioned; though, he made her feel as if she’d discovered it. It was perfect. She could feel the island breezes already. He ordered the entire set, which they agreed to deliver by tomorrow. Again, part of his persuasion and the fact he must be a regular customer.

  Last stop was Harris Teeter. It was strange, grocery shopping together. It made their impromptu marriage suddenly authentic. Jaynee made her way down every aisle as she always did at home, the way her grandmother taught her. Jordan continually checked the time on his phone, as if he were in a hurry. He probably only came into a grocery store on the rare occasion he was going to cook and even then just for that evening.

  She smiled up at him when they hit the third aisle and he sighed. “Are you in a hurry, Mr. Monroe?”

  “I’m always in a hurry, and I would like to get home before the family arrives.”

  She managed to keep her expression blank; she almost forgot about the cookout. “I thought country boys were supposed to be laid back. We have plenty of time; it’s only one o’clock. If you want me to cook, I need groceries.” Then a thought occurred to her. “What do we need for tonight?”

  “Nothing but drinks, my sisters are taking care of everything…their gift to us. And I told you…I’m not your typical country boy.” He held his mouth in a firm line but then relaxed.

  “I’ll hurry,” she assured him.

  She sprinted through the aisles grabbing her favorite staples. Next, a few fresh salad fixings and frozen vegetables, her favorite other than planting her own like Gram always did. She’d have to try her luck at a garden now that she was in a real home. She sighed in contentment at the thought.

  Jordan looked down at her. “Is everything okay,” he asked. “I’m not in a hurry, just impatient, but I’m better now…this is kinda fun.” He had grabbed a few items he liked.

  “That was good sighing, Jordan…this is pleasant.” She gestured her hand indicating the two of them. “I was picturing a garden if you can imagine. A week ago, I had no idea I wanted to be married. Now I’m daydreaming of gardens. Who would have thought?”

  He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Me.” Then he looked at her and winked. “I’ll eventually learn your sounds, Jaynee. I’m very good at reading people. Cop, remember?”

  “How could I forget? You always look
as if you’re on the lookout for some threat.” She sighed again to keep him guessing and then walked toward the checkout.

  They headed back to the house, about a thirty-five minute drive. Living in Stanfield would take some adjusting. She was accustomed to everything being five to ten minutes away from her home in Florida.

  Jaynee put everything away then darted upstairs to freshen up before her in-laws arrived.

  Jordan walked up a few minutes later, carrying her personal boxes from Florida. “It’s a beautiful evening, so I’m going to prepare the backyard for company. Dinners always seem less formal outside, don’t you think?”

  She nodded in agreement, feeling relieved he wanted to make her comfortable. After all, he couldn’t be nervous; they were his family and were evidently familiar with his history of making quick-second decisions in life-altering situations according to him.

  She unpacked all her clothes, but unfortunately, the movers must have missed some items. She had known the exact sundress she wanted; now she had no idea what to wear. Everything Jordan had bought for her felt too dressy.

  Frustrated, she decided a shower would help her relax, and she could do her hair and makeup from scratch so that she’d look refreshed.

  Thirty minutes later, she was just staring at her face in the mirror, debating on which color shadow to use.

  “Are you okay, Jaynee?” Jordan whispered as he walked into the bathroom.

  She jumped for no reason; he hadn’t even spoken loud.

  She attempted a smile. “Yes, I’m just trying to look presentable.”

  “You are undeniably the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I know my family is going to love you as much as I do.” He wrapped his arms around her and stared at her in the mirror. “But, I’d like it if you could be downstairs before they arrive.”

  “I won’t be long,” she insisted.

  He kissed her neck and turned to leave.

  “Oh, by the way…Jordan?” He looked back in her direction. “Did you unpack all my belongings?”

  “Yeah…all the boxes marked clothes, bedroom and bath. Why?”