Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One)

by Huffert, Barbara

  “Of course.” He had forgotten she was with them. “Sadie Brown, may I present Kiley Fisher? Kiley, this is Miss Sadie. She’s my most unique client and usually a good friend.”

  “H-hello Miss Sadie,” Kiley stammered.

  “Well, well, I’m very happy to meet you, dear. You’re just as pretty as Jordan said you were.” Sadie saw the surprise cross Kiley’s face. “He’s such a good boy, escorting me to visit my sister-in-law while my car is being inspected."

  “Yes, he is very nice,” Kiley agreed.

  “Who are you visiting?” Sadie asked.

  “Vera. She had been my mom’s roommate.”

  “Such a sweet girl, still visiting,” Sadie commented. “Oh I am just so glad we bumped into you. I was going to leave the boy in the lounge while I had my visit but now he can go along with you. Jordan, I’ll see you back here in an hour or so.”

  “I’ll be fine in the lounge, Miss Sadie.” Jordan was beginning to get suspicious.

  “I won’t hear of it! You don’t mind, do you, Kiley?” Sadie’s question sounded more like a command.

  “Oh, um, of course not. Jordan’s welcome to come with me.” Kiley was flustered but still knew better than to refuse.

  “There, that’s settled it,” Sadie said firmly. “Go on now, off with you.” She stood and waited until the pair started down the hall.

  “I’m sorry about this, Kiley. Sadie likes to have things her way and I’ve learned it’s easier not to resist. If you’d rather I go back to the lounge, I’ll just wait around the corner here until she’s gone,” he offered.

  Kiley began to giggle. “I don’t think that’s wise. She’ll know if you do and then you’ll be in trouble.”

  “You’re right but I don’t want to intrude or make you uncomfortable.” Her laughter was contagious.

  “Oh so noble, willing to sacrifice yourself for me. It really is fine, Jordan. Vera loves visitors and I have mentioned you. I’m sure she’d be very disappointed if she knew you were here and I didn’t introduce you.”

  “All right, Kiley.” He extended his hand. “Lead the way.”

  Kiley accepted it. Her heart thumped when he closed his fingers around hers. Her mind drifted to the night before and how she’d spent most of it criticizing herself for how badly she’d handled the ending of their phone conversation. She had replayed his words in her mind and was more thrilled each time. She certainly hadn’t been expecting what he’d said and she realized Brett had been very honest when expressing his concerns. Jordan really wasn’t as calm and confident as he always appeared. She’d heard the vulnerability in his voice which she never would have thought possible. Just thinking about that made her blush again. He’d bared his heart to her and she’d essentially hung up on him.

  She stopped just short of Vera’s door because she felt she had to say something. “Wait, Jordan. About last night. I shouldn’t have hung up like I did.” She was standing very close and put her hand on his arm.

  It was Jordan’s turn to have trouble breathing. The way she was looking up at him had his pulse racing. “It’s okay, Kiley.”

  “No, it’s not. I was just…you…well…you overwhelmed me and I didn’t know what to do.”

  “I never should have said all that over the phone. Things like that should always be discussed face to face. But I meant every word of it. I shouldn’t have been so impulsive and just blurted it out.”

  He meant every word! Kiley followed her emotions and hugged him. As she rested her cheek against his chest, she said, “Thank you for understanding. I was afraid that I hurt you with my reaction.”

  Jordan decided that having Kiley in his arms felt even better and more right than he’d anticipated. When she shifted to look at him, he had to force himself not to hold her even closer.

  “Can we talk about it again sometime?” she asked, her green eyes wide and serious.

  “You can count on it.” Jordan couldn’t resist claiming her lips with a gentle kiss.

  Kiley had to force herself to breathe once he raised his head. He kissed her! Every nerve was jumping as if electrified. God, it was just a tiny, little kiss. One most people wouldn’t even count as a kiss. So why did she want to drag him to the nearest closet and yank off both their clothes? She’d never been overly interested in sex before although she liked it just fine. And yet, here she was, one little peck and Kiley could feel the wetness between her thighs. One peck and she was ready to turn into a sex fiend. No wonder she couldn’t function around him!

  Jordan needed every ounce of restraint he could muster to keep the kiss brief and light. Damn if she hadn’t leaned into him as soon as she guessed his intent! Damn if he couldn’t see the heat in her glazed eyes! Damn if she wasn’t flushed in a way different from her normal blush! Damn if he didn’t want to drag her off somewhere private where he could see exactly where she wanted to take this!

  Instead of following what every bit of his body was screaming for him to do, Jordan tucked a strand of hair behind Kiley’s ear and grinned. “There’s nothing sexier than big, green eyes and freckles.” He kissed her forehead as her flush turned to a blush. “Let’s go, beautiful. We should find your friend quickly, before I forget where we are.”

  Kiley could barely breathe as he linked his fingers with hers and urged her forward. How did this man do that to her? A tiny kiss, a few words and she was all but trembling. And he wasn’t even using that seductive tone of his. Just imagine if they’d been alone so she could have encouraged him the way she wanted to. She was still lost in thought as she led Jordan into Vera’s room.

  When the older woman looked up expectantly and Kiley didn’t respond, Jordan extended his other hand. “Hi. You must be Vera. I’m Jordan McKade. I hope you don’t mind if I share Kiley’s visit.”

  Vera chuckled at the startled look on Kiley’s face. “My goodness! Kiley told me about your voice but she failed to mention that the rest of you is equal to it. I’m glad you came along.”

  “Honestly Vera, we didn’t intend to end up together today but I think some well-meaning, meddlesome friends did a little scheming and here we are. Tell me, what did Kiley say about my voice?” Jordan asked smoothly, hoping to keep Kiley distracted until she answered.

  Vera was enjoying their exchange. “Let’s see. Actually she’s mentioned it several times. I believe she’s described it as incredible, amazing and sexy.”

  Jordan laughed and flashed Kiley a killer smile. “Hmm, interesting. But she seems to have left out soothing and comforting.”

  That comment caused Kiley to gasp.

  “Young man, there is absolutely nothing soothing about you at the moment nor is there intended to be. In fact, I suspect you’re being purposely distracting with how shamelessly you’re teasing our little Kiley right now.”

  “What about the way she’s teasing me?”

  “I’m not teasing you,” Kiley finally spoke. “And stop talking about me. I am right here.”

  “Yes but you seemed to be lost in your own little world instead of interested in our conversation. If you want to be included then you’ll need to participate, won’t you, dear?” Vera said sweetly. “Otherwise, I may end up relating some of the stories your mother told me, rest her soul.”

  “Oh no, Vera, please don’t.” Kiley looked mortified.

  “That’s okay, Vera.” Jordan winked. “I’ll come see you alone sometime and we can share stories without Kiley’s interference.”

  “Jordan!” Kiley gasped again.

  “He’s still teasing you, dear. Although,” Vera looked him over slowly, “I certainly wouldn’t turn away such a handsome boy if you feel like chatting sometime, Jordan.”

  “I’d be delighted to visit again, thanks.” He grinned as he guided Kiley to the chair next to Vera’s. He then leaned one hip on the windowsill and relaxed, facing them. “Why don’t we get better acquainted before we share Kiley’s secrets?”

  For the next few minutes Jordan and Vera bantered back and forth. Eventually, Kil
ey was settled enough to join in. When Jordan saw it was time to meet Sadie, he was disappointed.

  “Well ladies, I hate to break this up but I’m afraid duty calls.”

  “It’s been nice speaking with you. Will you come again? I know we were teasing earlier.”

  “I enjoyed meeting you too so I’d be glad to come back.” Jordan kissed Vera’s cheek, about to leave.

  “Good, I’ll look forward to it. Kiley, see your young man off,” Vera instructed.

  “Uh, oh, okay. Be right back.” Kiley practically jumped out of the chair while Vera smiled at Jordan behind her back.

  “Jordan, I’m sorry about the way Vera kept referring to you as my young man. It’s just…”

  “Gee, Kiley.” He stopped walking and turned to face her. “I like the way it sounded. In fact, I’d like very much to be your young man.”

  “Oh…well…um…” Kiley stammered.

  “You know, I think I’m beginning to understand you when you’re flustered. You’re trying to say you don’t object to the idea either.” He smiled as she stared at him. “Now we’ll have to check with Vera but I’m guessing that makes you my best girl.”

  Slowly, she nodded. “Yeah…I…”

  “Don’t worry, sweet Kiley. You make me nervous too.” When she looked doubtful, he took her hand and held it over his heart. “See? My heart’s racing just like yours is.”

  “But…”

  “But I can talk?” he guessed as she nodded. “Remember what I told you on the phone last night? I’ve had lots of practice talking in stressful situation.”

  “Stressful?”

  “Sure. What if I manage to do all this talking and you won’t let me into your heart? You’ve already captured mine, whether you realize it or not but…”

  “You’re in mine too,” Kiley whispered, meeting his eyes. Did Jordan just stop breathing?

  Very slowly, Jordan moved his other arm around her. He still had her hand captured against his chest. When he started to lower his head, Jordan whispered her name. His kiss was just as gentle as the one earlier had been. This time, however, Jordan let his lips linger just a fraction of an instant longer.

  For Kiley, it was over all too soon again. “Jordan?” There were so many things she wanted to ask him. So many things she wanted to tell him as well.

  “I’m sorry, sweet. Sadie’s probably waiting already.”

  “Oh! I forgot.”

  “I’d like to.” He grinned. “Call me later?”

  “I…no, I can’t. I’m going with Lyssa to visit some of her friends. We’re leaving in an hour and won’t be back until Monday morning.”

  “Ah. Well then, have fun and I’ll see you Monday.” He didn’t want to let her go. “Are you going home first or straight to work?”

  “Home.”

  “Okay. Will you call and let me know you’re back safely? I don’t have any appointments scheduled Monday so before you ask no, you won’t be interrupting, not that it makes a difference. I want to hear from you no matter what I’m doing.” He quickly kissed her again. “I’ll be thinking about you.”

  “I wish,” she sighed.

  “Me too.” He’d see her in less than forty-eight hours. He’d spoken with her the night before and seen her today, neither of which he’d expected. “I’m going to see Dee and Will tomorrow. Maybe, if I’m lucky, I can talk her into feeding me.” Jordan was trying to lighten the moment so Kiley wouldn’t see how badly he wanted to ask her things he had no right to ask.

  Finally, she smiled. “Jordan, is there any doubt that you’ll talk her into that?”

  “No, not really,” he admitted with a grin. “You better get back to Vera or she’ll think you deserted her.”

  “Now that she’s met you, she’ll be more surprised that I didn’t.” Kiley realized what she’d said. “Oh!”

  Jordan chuckled and gave her one last little kiss. “Phew. I was afraid you were getting too used to me. I’m not ready for you to be completely unaffected when I’m holding you.”

  “I don’t think I’ll ever live that long.” She blushed as she gasped.

  “That’s my girl.” He forced himself to turn her back toward Vera’s room and let go. “See you Monday, Kiley.”

  “Bye.” Kiley’s heart was still racing as she took a few steps away from him. Again, his light kisses left her unable to function. All she could think about was how much she wanted him. At the door, she paused to look at him and met his gaze before he walked around the corner.

  “Jordan,” she said but didn’t know how to continue.

  He could see the desire in her eyes this time. He had to force himself not to go back to her and claim her for a real kiss. “I know, Kiley,” he said instead. “We won’t always have other people waiting for us.”

  Kiley understood his meaning. God, she wished she could bail on Alyssa but she’d promised. She gave him what turned into a seductive smile and nodded before she made herself step back into Vera’s room.

  Jordan took a deep breath. Did she have any idea how she affected him? He’d purposefully kept their kisses brief, afraid that if he tasted her mouth he’d be unable to resist the reaction he knew his body would have. And did she have any idea how potent that smile of hers was when combined with the heat in those incredible green eyes? He had to stop thinking about it or he’d go after her.

  Sadie was waiting. He strongly suspected that she and Brett, with Dee’s help, had set up this little meeting today. He decided to pretend he didn’t know that and keep her hanging a little. No matter how well it had turned out, it could have just as easily backfired and pushed Kiley away from him.

  While he drove, Jordan kept the conversation focused on Sadie’s sister-in-law and Vera. He could tell Sadie was beside herself but too stubborn to give in and ask about Kiley. After he checked to make sure her car was ready, he confirmed their next visit, said goodbye and left her to stare after him with a look of total frustration on her face.

  Heading home, Jordan wondered about Kiley. Did she have any trouble concentrating during the remainder of her visit? What questions did Vera ask and how did Kiley answer? And what, if anything, would she tell her cousin later? He also wondered which of Alyssa’s friends they were visiting. Were they male friends who might be interested in Kiley? What if one of them caught her attention? What if it was love at first sight and he lost her forever before he even had her?

  Jordan knew he had to squash that train of thought before he made himself crazy. Instead, he’d replay the day. When he thought of her asking if they could talk more about the things that he’d said during their call, Jordan had to smile. He had been slightly concerned that Kiley was so nervous around him because she was trying to find a nice way to tell him she didn’t want his attention. Now it appeared that Kiley was very receptive to him. So maybe if he could stay calm and minimally restrained long enough for her to get comfortable with him, he just might be able to convince her to be a permanent part of his life sooner than he’d dared to hope.

  Chapter Seven

  “What do you think?” Will showed Jordan all the new features on his website.

  “Very impressive. You’ve been busy.”

  “Thanks but I can’t take the credit. It was nothing like this until Brett was here last Sunday. It took him less than an hour and the whole time it seemed as if he wasn’t really paying attention.”

  “That’s Brett for you. He mentioned that he tweaked it a little.”

  Will nodded. “Hon, the coffee should be ready. I’d sure like some.”

  Dee left her husband to show off his newest creations. His father had taught him to tie fly-fishing flies when he was a child. A few months ago they were teasing each other in front of Brett about the space the flies took up and he suggested that they set up their own website to sell some of them. The couple dismissed the idea until Brett presented the research he did that indicated there was real demand for high-end, hand-tied flies. When he showed them the amount of money that serious fisher
men were willing to invest, they were amazed. In the three days that Will had been online, he’d already received more orders than he’d ever imagined as well as inquiries for specific, custom-made items.

  “Jordan, while Dee’s out of the room,” Will’s voice dropped to a whisper, “let me say that I tried to talk them out of it. Brett showed up Friday night with your friend, Sadie and eventually they got started on you and Kiley. It was Dee who suggested they try to get you two to bump into each other yesterday. They refused to believe that you will get together on your own.”

  “Thanks for understanding and for attempting to discourage them. I appreciate that. Fortunately, it was fine but I admit I’m letting them twist a little. I want to see which of the three will break down and ask about it first.”

  “So you already figured it out?” Will asked.

  “Yeah and I might thank them eventually but not right away.”

  “I’d wait until after they promise to stay out of it. How did Kiley react?”

  “I’m not sure she realized we were set up.”

  “It was good?”

  “Oh yeah.” Jordan smiled as he remembered kissing Kiley. “But you’re right. We can manage on our own. Kiley called me Friday night.” His smile grew. “And we had a nice, long conversation without any outside help.”

  “Glad to hear it.” Will heard Dee returning, realized she wasn’t alone and winked.

  “Glad to hear what?” Brett handed Jordan a mug. “What did we miss?”

  “What makes you think you missed something?” Jordan wasn’t surprised to see Brett.

  Brett and Dee exchanged a guilty look. “We must have, judging by Will’s comment.”

  “I hate to disappoint you,” Will responded, “but I was referring to the program Jordan set up to keep track of the website expenses so they mesh with our personal ones.”

  “Were you expecting something else, Brett?” Jordan asked innocently.

  “No and you can both spare me the details. That’s Jordan’s realm.”

  “You really should take at least minimal interest,” Jordan advised.