Only for You

by Jacquelin Thomas

  She sighed softly.

  Jordin missed her best friend and longed to see him again, but it was best not to get her hopes up. The pain in her heart was like an old wound that ached on a rainy day.

  Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her telephone.

  It was her father’s secretary.

  “Your father has arrived and he would like to see you.”

  “I’ll be right there, Charlotte.”

  Jordin left her office and walked the short distance to the large corner suite. “Good morning, Dad.”

  Etienne smiled warmly. “I heard you were fantastic in court yesterday.”

  She sat down in one of the visitor chairs. “I believed that my client was the best choice to raise his son and the judge agreed in light of the evidence.” Jordin paused a moment before adding, “I felt bad for the mother though, but she still has a lot to do before she can handle parenting.”

  “How is the boy?”

  Jordin smiled. “He’s happy. His mother will have supervised visitation every other weekend once she completes rehab.”

  Her father nodded in approval. “That child’s happiness and safety is what is most important.”

  She agreed.

  A slender woman strolled into Etienne’s office without knocking.

  “Good morning, Aunt Rochelle,” Jordin greeted.

  A flash of annoyance crossed her father’s face. She knew that he only tolerated Rochelle out of respect for his brother. His sister-in-law was a great attorney, but otherwise a selfish and inconsiderate person.

  “Hello, dear,” Rochelle responded. “You were on my mind last night, Jordin. I’m really surprised that you haven’t gotten married already. You’re pretty enough and I know how much you love children—”

  Jordin quickly rose to her feet, and cut her off by saying, “I don’t want to hold you up so I’ll leave so you can talk with Dad.”

  “Hon, can you drop these off with Ryker?” Rochelle asked, holding a thick folder.

  “Sure.” Jordin cast a look of sympathy at her father before exiting his office. Her aunt had a good heart but she was snobbish, opinionated and very protective of her children. When Ryker and Garland first got married, her interference almost ruined their relationship.

  Jordin walked briskly down the hall to where Ryker’s office was located. “These are from your mother.”

  “Hey, did you know that Ethan is back in town, cousin?” he inquired when Jordin set the folder containing legal documents on his desk.

  She felt a warm glow flow through her body and responded, “No, I didn’t know he was here. Have you see him?”

  He shook his head no. “Garland and I ran into Chandler Morris last night while having dinner. He told us that Ethan was moving back permanently.”

  “That’s great news about Ethan,” she murmured. “I’d really like to see him.”

  Ryker didn’t blink when he looked at Jordin and broke the news. “Then you’ll be thrilled to know that he’s moving his corporate offices here, as well. His office is in the building on the corner.”

  Jordin’s heart sang with delight. “Now that I know where his office is located, maybe I’ll drop by with a gift to welcome him back to Charleston, and then I’ll fuss him out for not keeping his promise to me.”

  Ryker gave her a knowing smile. “Why am I not surprised?”

  She folded her arms across her chest. “I’m going to forgive him because he has always been my best friend. I can’t wait to see Ethan again.”

  “I understand. I’d like to see him as well.”

  “We can go there together,” Jordin suggested.

  Ryker shook his head no. “I’m sure you’d like to have some time alone to get reacquainted with Ethan.”

  Her smile broadened in approval.

  “Oh, before I forget, the girls want to spend some time with you this weekend,” he announced. “What’s your schedule like?”

  “I don’t have anything special planned. Why don’t I come get them Friday after work and keep them until Sunday? You and Garland can have some couple time.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  Jordin met her cousin’s gaze. “I want to do this. I love spending time with Kai and Amya.”

  “Maybe you can explain to them that while they have the same birthday, they are not twins. They know that you and Jadin are twins as well as my dad and your dad.”

  She laughed. “They are just trying to figure all this out.”

  “Garland and I tried to explain that they are not twins because they have different mothers.”

  “Ryker, they are only four years old. Amya never knew her biological mother—all she knows is that Garland is her mom. She is also the only mother Kai has known. When they are older, they will understand that they were switched at birth and how it worked out in the end.”

  “Happily-ever-after,” Ryker murmured.

  Jordin broke into a smile. “I love seeing you so happy.”

  “I love Garland more and more each day. She is a wonderful wife and mother.”

  “You complement each other.”

  “I’ve always felt that way about you and Ethan,” Ryker told her. “Remember how you two used to finish each other’s sentences?”

  Jordin chuckled. “Yeah, we did do that.”

  “When you see him, don’t forget to give him my regards.”

  “I won’t. Thanks for the heads-up on Ethan,” Jordin said as she headed toward the door.

  Although she was happy to hear that her best friend had returned, troubling thoughts assailed her. Ethan’s back and he didn’t even try to contact me. Eleven years have gone by and no word from him. Why didn’t he keep his promise?

  * * *

  Jordin had such a warm, loving spirit and she was always smiling. Ethan loved her sense of humor and the sense of freedom she seemed to have in her life. Not only was she beautiful but she was intelligent as well. There had always been an undeniable magnetism between them, which probably explained why he was sitting in a parked vehicle across the street from the law firm, watching as she and Jadin walked to the bistro located on the corner.

  Coward.

  Ethan had missed her greatly but was unsure of the best way to approach her, especially after he hadn’t bothered to stay in contact with her over the years. He knew that in deciding to move back to Charleston, they would run into each other eventually.

  But as strong as his attraction was to Jordin, Ethan knew that he could never act on those feelings. A relationship other than friendship between them could never work because they were from two very different worlds. But also because love was not a part of his plans for the future. He was focused on his company and didn’t have the time or the inclination to deviate from the driving force that had been guiding him since college.

  Ethan pulled up the collar of his jacket and turned the key in the ignition. He drove to his hotel. The home he purchased would not be ready for another two weeks.

  He sat down in the living area of his suite and picked up the television remote. Jordin was still at the forefront of his mind. He considered calling her at the office, but decided to wait until he found the right words to say to her.

  Ethan tried watching TV, but when he couldn’t find anything to his liking; he gave up and reached for a magazine on health and exercise trends.

  He was interrupted an hour later when his friend Chandler called.

  “How did your interview go?”

  “Okay,” Ethan responded. “It’s just not something I enjoy doing. I’m thinking of hiring someone to handle publicity.”

  “Have you talked to Ryker or Jordin?”

  “Not yet,” he answered. “I’ve been so busy with the gym...”

  “You mig
ht as well know that I told Ryker you were in town.”

  “That means that Jordin knows as well,” Ethan uttered. “She was going to find out eventually, I guess.”

  “Her knowing is not such a bad thing, is it?”

  “No.”

  “Have you visited any of the old haunts?”

  “I did a ride-by on my bike a couple of times,” Ethan confessed, “but that’s about it. I didn’t go by my old neighborhood though.”

  “Are you worried that you’ll run into your mom? My aunt said that she saw her at the market last Saturday.”

  Ethan swallowed his surprise. He’d had no idea that Lydia was back in Charleston. “She’s the least of my worries.”

  “I’m sure she’s heard by now that you were moving back.”

  He chose his words carefully. “It doesn’t matter to me. She’s not a part of my life anymore.” Ethan changed the subject by asking, “What time are we meeting for dinner tomorrow night?”

  Their conversation ended ten minutes later after setting a time to meet.

  He got up and made his way to the master bathroom where he showered and put on a pair of sweats.

  Jordin.

  He found himself wanting to open up to her about everything, but to feel her pity was much more than Ethan could bear. He had no idea how much she’d heard about that awful period of his life, but staying away from Jordin would not be easy, especially when his new office was a block away from the DuGrandpre firm.

  Chapter 2

  I have no business being here, Jordin thought as she strolled through the doors of the 4200 Broad Street building where Ethan’s new offices were located. She’d debated most of the morning whether to show up at his place of business. Although Jordin had not heard from him, she decided to take the initiative.

  She’d chosen a black-and-white color-blocked dress with a pair of red shoes and red accessories for work today. I always get compliments whenever I wear this outfit. Jordin imagined her look would also garner Ethan’s attention.

  A sense of pride flowed through her as her eyes traveled around the lobby area with a two-story atrium filled with large vases of flowers and a stunning collection of abstract artwork. Ethan had chosen a great location for his home office.

  She followed the sign to the elevators and took one to the top floor.

  The elevator doors slid open.

  She walked down the short hallway to the penthouse suite.

  Jordin entered with determination through the double doors that led to the reception desk and waiting area of Ethan’s company.

  She smiled at the receptionist, but caught sight of the man she longed to see. “Ethan?”

  Their gazes locked across the room. Jordin noted the brief reaction of shock and pleasure in his chocolate-brown eyes before it faded into a businesslike stare.

  Ethan excused himself from the person he was talking to and quickly walked toward her.

  Smiling, Jordin met him halfway.

  He looked so good. She gave him a quick and not-so-subtle once-over. Ethan was no longer the scrawny boy she remembered. He had grown taller and was built solid like a military tank. She doubted there was an ounce of fat anywhere on his body. He was all muscle. However, his movements were fluid and agile.

  The words, “Hey, stranger, what are you doing here?” popped out of his mouth almost immediately.

  “I’ve been here all along,” she replied smoothly. “It’s you who disappeared without a word. Then you come back into town and I don’t even get a phone call.” Jordin tried to maintain her cordial tone.

  She heard his sharp intake of breath.

  “You’re right,” Ethan said after a moment. “Things were crazy for me back then and I didn’t want to involve you in that madness. As for now, I had every intention of reconnecting with you, but as you can probably understand, it’s been a busy time for me.”

  Jordin broke into a smile. “I’m glad you decided to come home. I have missed you so much.”

  The tenderness in Ethan’s expression amazed her. “I missed you too.”

  Her only emotion was relief.

  Jordin glanced around. She could feel the heat of the receptionist’s gaze on them.

  “How about a tour of your new office?” she suggested in a low voice.

  “I have to warn you that there’s still a lot of work left to be done,” Ethan told her as he escorted her down the hall. “I guess we’ll start with my office.”

  “Did your employees relocate here with you?”

  “Most of them did,” he responded. “I was quite surprised because I hadn’t expected so many to want to leave Virginia.”

  As soon as Jordin walked into his office, she said, “I don’t know what you were talking about, Ethan. This place is amazing.”

  She loved the contemporary look. Ethan had combined leather and fabric furnishings for a unique, yet professional representation of his company. The camouflage chairs looked to be custom designed.

  “The furnishings are from my old office,” Ethan explained. “I think it’s time for something new.”

  “I think it fits your Boot Camp Gym branding.”

  Jordin swallowed past the dryness in her throat, her hungry gaze taking him in. He wore a suit, black with faint pinstripes running through the expensive fabric; a crisp, pale gray shirt and a perfectly knotted burgundy tie. Ethan’s eyes were a rich, dark brown and his caramel-tinted face had chiseled features with a strong jaw. Everything about the man sizzled with sensuality.

  Once inside with the doors closed, he said, “I’m sorry about that, Jordin. I want you to know that I regret not staying in contact with you.”

  His intense gaze made her breath go ragged. “So why didn’t you call or write me?”

  “At the time, I thought it was best.”

  She embraced him, surprising them both. “It was a long time ago.”

  “A lifetime ago,” Ethan responded as he held her close. “From the looks of it, you were too busy to miss me. I hear you’re a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom.”

  Stepping away from him, Jordin broke into a smile. “I don’t know about that, but I do fight tooth and nail for my clients.”

  He gestured for her to sit down in the green leather chair near the window. “It’s what you always wanted.”

  Ethan sat down in the other one.

  “It’s in my blood,” Jordin responded as she settled against the chair cushion. “You’re the one who’s doing big things around here. I’ve read all about your success. Ethan, I’m so proud of you.”

  “I found something I was passionate about and things just kind of took off from there.”

  “I’m going to have to check out your gym.”

  His eyes slid casually over her body. “The programs are rigorous.”

  “What are you trying to say, Ethan?” Jordin asked with a grin. “You don’t think I can handle your boot camp program?”

  “It’s intense. Do you believe you’re up to the challenge?” he questioned.

  Jordin met his gaze. “Definitely.”

  “The gym will be open in a couple of weeks,” Ethan announced. “I guess we’ll find out what you’re made of then.”

  She laughed.

  “How is your family?” he inquired.

  “They’re great,” Jordin responded. “How about your mother? Have you two been in contact since you’ve been back?”

  Ethan’s smile disappeared as he walked over to his mahogany desk and stared down at his reflection in the uncluttered surface. “She’s the last person I expect or want to hear from,” he stated in a curt tone.

  Jordin was stunned by the look of loathing on his face. It was clear that he held a lot of resentment against the woman who had abandoned him. She swallow
ed hard before saying, “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Don’t be,” he uttered. “I’m not.”

  She stared, wordlessly. Jordin could not believe he was talking about his mother like that. At one time, the two shared a very close relationship.

  “I know it sounds harsh, but I see no point in pretending.”

  Jordin wanted to ask what happened after he left Charleston, but had a feeling this was not the right time. They would have the chance to have that conversation in time.

  Finally, she said, “I’m just happy you decided to come back home, Ethan.”

  “It was not my original intent,” he confessed. “But now that I’m here...seeing you again...it’s all good.”

  “Deep down, I always believed that you would return,” Jordin stated.

  As their eyes met, she felt a cold shock run through her.

  “To be honest, I vowed never to return to this place.”

  “This is just more evidence that I’m always right,” she responded, wanting to lighten the mood.

  Ethan chuckled. “That statement proves just how wrong you are.”

  “You have always been a sore loser.”

  They both laughed.

  Jordin glanced down at her watch. “Ethan, I need to get to court, but I wanted to come by and see you.”

  “I’m glad that you did. It’s good to see you.”

  Ethan walked her out of the building and to her car. He handed her a business card. “Text me your phone number.”

  “Definitely,” she responded with a smile. “I’m thrilled you’re back.”

  Jordin stared with longing at him before getting in and turning the key in the ignition.

  Ethan’s really back. Jordin had to see him for herself before she actually believed it. His return was an answer to her prayers.

  Upon her arrival at the courthouse minutes later, Jordin parked her car, and then texted her cell and home numbers to Ethan. She anticipated hearing from him within a few days. The prolonged anticipation was almost unbearable.