Page 22 of Jordan
His brows winged up. "I'm pretty sure the guy can take care of himself."
"He can."
They both turned to see the subject of their conversation leaning against the doorway, his stance deliberately casual.
The fact that he looked so much at home had Caleb's blood boiling even more.
"We need to talk."
"Of course we do." Jordan waited for them to join him on the porch. Ignoring the bristling man next to her, he took Julesa's hand in his, expression softening. "Could you give us a minute?"
"What?" Her gaze swung from him to Caleb, and she shook her head. "No."
"Please." He started rubbing his hand over hers in an unconsciously gentle manner. As he was looking at her, he failedto see the surprise and then speculation that leapt in Caleb's eyes as he watched them.
His face settled in a neutral expression when Jordan glanced at him. "We are civilized men aren't we? I am assuming you're not armed?"
A reluctant smile tugged at Caleb's lips. "Unarmed. Had to leave my piece behind in order to board the plane." He turned to his sister. "No bloodshed. I promise."
"That's not funny."
Kissing her on the cheek, he nudged her towards the door. "We'll be fine."
Hesitating briefly, she divided a look between the two men as if searching for the truth. Then with a fatalistic shrug, she left them alone and went inside, closing the door behind her.
"Shall we?" Jordan gestured towards the yard.
With a curt nod, Caleb preceded him down the steps and turned right. It was a fairly big yard with flowers blossoming everywhere. Birdhouses were erected every few feet and the sounds of their chirpings filled the air.
They came to stop at a flowering bed of daffodils and an old wooden bench propped drunkenly against a towering redwood.
Neither man thought to take a seat.
"Smoke?"
Caleb glanced at the open gold case; his lips curled derisively.
"You're a smoker."
Jordan grinned wryly. Taking a slender cigar, he lighted it and put the case away. "I take it you're not."
"It's a disgusting habit and bad for your health."
Jordan shrugged. "You're right of course. It's one vice I have not been able to give up. And it steadies me when I'm faced with a situation." His eyes narrowed against the smoke drifting upwards.
"What the hell game are you playing at?"
Propping one foot on the bench, Jordan lifted his head and stared at the brilliant sky.
"It's not a game."
"You're using my sister."
"We're using each other." His expression hardened. "And she's an adult."
"I will not have you contaminating her."
A startled laugh escaped him. Pitching the barely smoked cigar away, Jordan turned to face the bristling man. "Contaminate? That's a strange term. Makes it sound as if I have a disease."
