“Is that someone knocking? Wait, who is that?—"
With my mimosa in hand, I disconnected the call. My floor-length robe trailed behind me as I made my way to the door. My heart thumped in my chest as I placed my hand on the knob and guided it open.
“Good Morning, Jordan.”
With his hands tucked in his sweats, he leaned against the door frame as his eyes began to roam my frame. Skip was handsdown the finest man I’d ever seen, and he knew it. Standing at six-four, he was perfection. A man who is equally fine in a tailored suit or T-shirt and ball shorts is dangerous. His tattoo-covered skin gave him a bad boy look, and I often think of how bad he could really be.
“That’s how you answer the door, Noemi?” He pulled me from my lustrous thoughts as he began to speak. “Go put some clothes on and come holla at me.”
Rolling my eyes playfully, I downed my drink before wrapping my robe around me and doing as he asked. Since I’ve met Jordan, he’s always had this commanding energy around him that made you want to do everything he said. Since I’d already showered, I dressed in a simple tank and shorts in no time. Walking back into the sitting room, I frowned at him sitting near the bar.
“You know… it’s usually me who’s up at the crack of dawn with a drink.” I held up my empty champagne flute before fixing myself another mimosa. “Would you like breakfast? I have some food left over.”
Seeing as though he had yet to answer, I glanced back over at him and found him in deep thought. Swirling his drink in his hand, he eyed the glass before throwing it back and pouring himself another shot.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong, or are you going to pretend you’re a fish and drink all of my liquor before noon?”
Slowly, he dragged his eyes up to mine. It was then that I saw a hint of a smile. “You know this is my beach house, right? So, technically, this is my liquor.”
Waving him off, I took the glass from his hand and led him onto the balcony. The weather was so nice and warm out that I wanted to spend as much time as I could outside. He was right about the beach house being his, but that wasn’t the point. Hisdrinking this early in the day was a tell-tale sign that something was bothering him.
“Talk to me and tell me what’s on your mind, Jordan. I called you yesterday, and you left me hanging.” I led him over to the small wicker chair and took a seat beside him. “Tell me what’s wrong and how I can help you fix it. I’m more than a pretty face, you know?”
Smirking, he licked his lips in a way that made me hot all over. I had to be careful around this man, or I was going to find myself in a world of trouble these next few days.
“There are some things about my past that I don’t openly talk about. Not because I don’t trust you, but because it puts me in a dark place, Mi.” His eyes lingered on my legs for a moment before he grabbed ahold of them, pulling my feet into his lap. My breathing caught in my chest at his sudden gesture, and when he began massaging my feet, I melted. This wasn’t his first time touching me in this manner. He always said that after a long day of being in heels, I deserved to come home to a massage. Looking up from his hands kneading my feet, I gave him my undivided attention once he exhaled, letting me know he was ready to dish.
“You remember me telling you about the girl I dated who was on some fuck shit?”
“Gia?” I spat with more malice in my tone than I intended. The arching of his brow caused me to giggle. “I don’t know the specifics, Skip, but I told you I did background checks on you and your family. I know a lot, but not enough. Tell me more about her. You want me to find her and shoot her?”
“Nah, not yet.” He chuckled as he pressed into my heels with his knuckles. I could feel myself sinking deeper into the chair. “After six years, she popped up on me at the club a few days ago.” He dropped his head for a moment before he continued, “She said she has my kid.”
Sitting straight up, I pulled my feet from his lap and slid closer to him. I couldn’t help but throw my arms around him. He didn’t waste any time in returning the embrace.
“Oh my gosh! Jordan… are you okay?” I hugged him tightly in shock. “Have you met her? What are you thinking? How do you feel?”
I know I was shooting questions at him back to back, but I was concerned. Jordan wasn’t the type of man who expressed himself, and the last thing I wanted him to do was keep his feelings bottled up and crash out about this.
“I don’t know how I feel, Mi.” He exhaled again as he tucked me under his arm. I gazed up at him as he stared out into the ocean. “What am I going to do if I have a child in this world? She said she’s five. What if the kid thinks less of me because I haven’t been around?”
I gasped as I sat up a little. “I can’t believe this… you’re scared.”
“Noemi, I’m not?—”
“You are.” I stopped him and laid my head on his chest. His fingers immediately found my scalp and began to massage. “You’re used to control, and this situation is one you didn’t see coming. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about you… I’ve learned you tackle every issue you encounter head-on. This situation is one you weren’t expecting, but I know you’re going to do the right thing, especially if this child is yours. It has nothing to do with the mother…” I placed my hand on his chest and felt his steady heartbeat. “But with you. If this kid is yours, you’re going to be a great father. You’ve had the perfect example, and I don’t expect anything less. It’s not in you to fail. Don’t get too much caught up on the time lost. If there’s, in fact, a child, focus on where you go from here. Go see Gia, Jordan. Have a conversation. Don’t wait too long.”
Although he didn’t respond immediately, he didn’t have to. Jordan was a man of action. The moment he finds out the kid is his, he’s going to spring into action and do the right thing. I made a mental note to look into his so-called ex. I’ll be damned if I sit around and let her cause chaos in his life.
“You know… I might keep you around a little longer.” His chest rumbled as he chuckled lowly. “You’ve been cooped up in here for two days. Come on… let me take you out.” Pulling me up from our seats, he eyeballed my attire. The darkening in his irises caused my heart to flutter and me to blush. His eyes finally found mine again, and he winked. “Go change your clothes and leave your wallet here. I feel like tricking on my best friend.”
“You got me fucked up if you think you’re about to drag me from store to store like I’m some simp-ass nigga.” I giggled as I listened to Jordan complain about shopping. “You could have asked my mama to come with you, and I’m sure she would have been more than happy.”
“You don’t like spending time with me, friend?” I looped my arm in his as we walked through The Galleria. Mills Manor not only had beautiful homes but also one of the most luxurious malls I’ve ever stepped foot in. “It’s not like I know anyone else out here since Dre and Denim aren’t in town yet. Plus, I want to go in here.” I stopped and nodded toward the boutique. “Since you’re a man, I figured you knew what men like. I was hoping you’d help me.”
Nibbling my bottom lip, I peered up at him with the biggest puppy dog eyes I could muster. Truth was, my confidence had taken a hit, and I was subconsciously too stubborn to admit it. Chandler disrespecting me was one thing, but his failure to evenattempt to be faithful to me had me wondering what was wrong with me. It was even more irritating that I was supposed to be on vacation but could not keep my thoughts off of the dick head who didn’t even deserve me.
So why does it matter that he won’t do right by you and try to have a traditional marriage?
