Trouble(72)
“It’s fine.” I smile, shrugging it off. It’s easy to do because the shutdown on my emotions is still in place.
Leaning down close, Jordan brings his face to mine. “Pretend to the rest of the world, Mia. I understand your need to do that.” Lifting his hand, he runs his thumb over my lips. “But don’t pretend with me.”
I’m shocked to the core by him. All I can do is nod.
He cups my cheek and presses his lips to my forehead, pulling me close to his chest, saying the rest without words.
Every part of me is attuned to him in this moment.
I hear Wade clear his throat. Jordan and I part quickly.
Wade chuckles. “Here you go.” He hands Jordan the keys. “I’m lending you mine, didn’t think you’d want one of the eight seaters with just the two of you.”
“You’re sure?” Jordan checks.
Wade nods. “Take her, have fun. She’s parked up back. When you’re done, just put her back there. If I’m not here, put the keys through the mailbox.”
“Will do. And thanks again for this, Wade, I really appreciate it.” Jordan reaches over and shakes his hand.
“Anytime, son. Have a good time. Say hi to your dad for me. How is he? Haven’t seen him around lately.”
“He’s good, away at the moment. My grandpa had an operation, so he’s there taking care of him for few weeks.”
“Let him know I was asking about him,” Wade says.
“Will do, thanks.”
“Bye,” I say, following Jordan to the door. “It was nice to meet you, Wade.”
“You too, little lady.”
The instant we’re out of the shop, I ask Jordan, “How’s your grandpa doing?”
Jordan looks at me with warmth in his eyes. “He’s getting back to his old self. I called Dad yesterday and spoke to Grandpa on the phone. He was giving me grief, winding me up, so I know he’s getting better.” He smiles fondly.
“I’m sorry I haven’t asked before now. My head just gets a little filled up at times.”
“I get it.” He touches my shoulder. “Now wait here, I just need to grab something from the car.”
I watch him jog over to his car, then pop the trunk and pull out a cooler bag.
“Food for later,” he clarifies when he reaches me.
“Did you make a picnic, Jordan Matthews?”
For the first time ever, I see a blush in his cheeks. “I might have,” he mumbles and sets off walking.
Smiling, and feeling a little … glowy, I fall into step beside him and thread my arm through his. “Thank you. I’ve never had a picnic before.”
His look is one of surprise. “Never as in – never?”
“Never.” I affirm.
He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Well, I’m really glad I’m taking your picnic virginity because I make a fuckin’ excellent picnic.”
I laugh, glad he can’t see my face right now as it’s gone somewhere close to resembling sunburnt red.
“That so?” I try to sound casual, but it doesn’t work. “Well, I have nothing to compare it against, so I’ll have to take your word.”
“Oh, take my word. I am the best.”
Jordan really is gifted with the art of flirting. His innuendos have me blushing like a teenager, and my body firing up like a porn star.
We walk around the back of the shop where I see a big red jeep waiting for us. It’s covered in dirt but looks totally cool. My excitement ramps up a couple of thousand notches.
Jordan opens my door, then helps me in as it’s so high off the ground and I’m seriously vertically challenged.
My waist and hips are still burning from the feel of his hands as he climbs in the driver’s seat. He puts the cooler on the backseat.
“Buckle up, babe. I’m about to take you on the ride of your life.” Grinning, he starts the engine, revving it loudly.
Babe.
He called me babe.
I know it’s totally stupid, but I can’t keep the smile from my face at his term of endearment.
Recovering before he notices that I’m acting like a complete girl, I laugh. “You’re a total nerd, you know that?”
He looks mock-offended. “Hey! I’m cool, and you know it.”
I roll my eyes, shaking my head.
“Come on, say it … you know you want to. Just let the words out … ‘Oh, Jordan. You’re so cool and so awesome.’ There’s no need to be embarrassed to speak the truth, babe.” He gives a cocky grin.
I let out a laugh. “I like how you’re adding to it. I’ll give you that you play cool and drive an awesome car, but underneath it all is a nerd trying to bust out.”