Page 36 of Jordan
As the minutes ticked by, he found himself whispering promises into the night, vows that he hoped he could uphold. He pledged to protect her, to cherish her, and to explore the depths of this unexpected bond. With each word, his resolve strengthened, even as sleep continued to elude him.
Eventually, the soft glow of dawn began to creep in, casting gentle shadows and heralding the start of a new day. He felt the weight of reality begin to press down on him, but he embraced it, knowing that the night had changed everything.
Closing his eyes, he willed himself to shut down and get some sleep.
*****
They overslept and had to rush to get their stuff together in order to get off the ship. She woke up to find the place next to her empty and did not have time to wonder at how bereft she felt.
Refusing to dwell on it, she was grateful that the morning had suddenly become very hectic. By the time they got through the long lines and retrieved their luggage, a car was waiting to pick them up. He did not say anything to her, and she was content to stare out the window at the passing scenery. And wondered what was going to happen next.
Succumbing to the exhaustion of the night before, she drifted off and never felt when he eased her into his arms, so she could be more comfortable.
Pressing a gentle kiss on the top of her head, Jordan was mired down in his own thoughts. He had left her before she woke up this morning, because he did not want to see the regret on her face for what happened between them last night. And if he had stayed, he would have wanted to make love to her again. So, he had taken the easy way out and slid out, feeling the crushing regret that he was not free to stay, to indulge and feel her body beneath his again.
Turning his head, he stared at the exquisite face and yearned for her. Tonight, he vowed silently. Perhaps they would not talk, but he had every intention of a repeat performance. Now that hehad a taste of her, he wanted more, and he was not going to stay away. No matter what she decides.
*****
"We're here." His deep voice whispering in her ear had her stirring and opening her eyes. It took her a moment to realize that she was snuggled against him, practically lying on top of him in the spacious backseat of the stretch limousine.
"Oh."
He smiled at the flutter of her hands as she tried to brush back the hair that had come undone from the neat chignon she had styled it in before they left the ship.
"Don't worry, you look as beautiful as ever."
His teasing tone had her staring at him and for a second, she could not move. Memories of last night came crashing back and with it, the confusing thoughts. Pushing them to the back of her mind to take out and deal with later, she turned to open the door, but the driver was already doing so.
She stepped out to a surprise, which had her rooted to the spot. It was her aunt's house, the place where she had been brought up in when her father died, but it looked completely different.
"What-"
She turned to look at Jordan as he came alongside her.
"I wanted it to be a surprise."
"It-" her voice trailed off as she made her way towards the brand-new porch with the revarnished swing. The door was alsonew. Whereas it had been a dull metallic gray with the paint peeling, it was now a solid oak, gleaming golden in the sun.
"Just leave the bags on the porch John, we'll get them inside," he instructed the driver. As soon as the man left, he joined her as she stood at the base of the steps and stared around.
"What did you do?"
"You wanted us to stay here, and you said you were going to fix the place up." He wondered if she would shy away from him, if he took her hand in his and decided to risk it. When she did not say anything or even attempt to pull away, he twined his fingers through hers and guided her to the left.
The weeds had been pulled and the grass cut. The large oak tree at the front had gotten a much-needed facelift, giving the appearance of more space. Her aunt's prized and well-tended daffodils and peonies had been pruned and reshaped.
She felt a lump in her throat as she looked around. The house, now restored to its former glory, seemed to be brimming with new life and old memories. Jordan had truly outdone himself. He had transformed a place that had once been a reminder of loss into a sanctuary of hope and love.
"It's perfect," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
"I'm glad you like it." He squeezed her fingers lightly. "There's more."
"I'm not sure my heart can take it."
"Why don't we go inside and see?" he teased.
With a nod and her heart in complete turmoil, she allowed herself to be led back to the house and up the steps.
