by D. Camille
“What is it that you do Ray?” she asked conversationally.
“I own a security firm.” Ray answered giving her the once over. “So, if there's anything that you need guarded, I'm your man.”
“Oh...uh...okay.” Isabelle stammered. Wow!...Her mind screamed. What does that even mean?
“And what do you do Isabelle?” he inquired.
“I'm an art dealer,” she supplied.
“And just how do you know Jordan?” he said walking slowly with her.
“Jordan, Sean and I all grew up together. We were neighbors,” she explained.
They reached the doors and Ray stopped.
“So tell me Isabelle, is there anything that you need guarded?”
Isabelle stared into those brown eyes. “Ummm...nnnot that I can think of?” she stammered.
Ray reached into his tuxedo pocket. “Here's my card. Just in case you think of...something,” he said placing the card in her hand.
Ray snapped his hand and a security agent appeared. “Please make sure Miss...?” he looked at her.
“Mmmmartin.”
“Miss Martin gets to her car safely.”
“Yes sir,” the agent replied.
“Goodnight Isabelle Martin,” he said nodding his head to her.
“Ummm...goodnight,” she said then hurried out the door as Ray watched her go.
Chapter 17
When Jordan found Sage she was finalizing everything to be locked up for the night. Everyone was gone except for Ray and the security team.
Jordan walked up. “Let's go,” he said in a clipped voice.
Sage looked up. “Umm..okay. Everything here is done.” He escorted her to the parked car. He walked to the passenger door and opened it for her.
“You're driving back?” she asked.
“Yeah,” he said waiting for her to get in the car. He had to drive. Had to have his hands on something because he didn't want to put them on her. Jordan entered the driver's seat and sat completely still as Sage turned to him.
“Tell me that you did not agree to have coffee with that low-life bastard,” he said in a deadly voice.
“It's...it's just coffee Jordan,” her voice shook.
Jordan ran a hand down his face. “Why in the hell would you do that?” his voice was still a rough whisper.
“He's come all the way from Chicago so it would be rude not to meet with him for a short time.”
Jordan looked at her in astonishment for a minute, then started the car and took off.
Silence. Eerie silence. It filled the car for a portion of the drive.
“Jordan?”
“I have nothing to say to you right now Sage.” He kept his eyes on the road.
“I'm not sleeping with him Jordan. It's just coffee!” she exclaimed.
“So you enjoy having coffee with losers who borrow money from you and cheat on you?”
Sage looked surprised. “You checked him out?” she asked.
Jordan turned to her. “Hell yeah I checked his ass out. You sure as hell hadn't told me anything about him.”
“I didn't know he was going to show up Jordan,” she said softly.
“You should've told his ass to leave, Sage because now, he's a problem. One that I intend to handle.”
Sage turned to look out of the window for the rest of the drive.
When they pulled into Jordan's garage, Sage turned to him. “Do you not want me to be here tonight? Do you want me to go home?” she asked.
“We're here now Sage,” Jordan said shutting off the car and Sage reached for the door.
With both hands on the wheel Jordan said, “Please wait for me to open the door for you.” Sage dropped her hand.
Jordan exited and came around to her side. He didn't wait for her as he went into the house. By the time she made it to the kitchen he was already upstairs.
“Happy Birthday Sage,” she told herself. She removed her shoes and climbed the stairs. When she got to the bedroom door she heard the shower start. Sage pushed the door open and saw candles all around the large room with flower petals on the bed and floor. In the center of the bed was a perfectly wrapped gift with a bow on top.
Jordan.
He was legitimately pissed at her right now. Jordan had been mad at her before but never like this. She didn't like it. They could go toe to toe, but this quiet Jordan? No she didn't like it at all.
He'd done all this to make her birthday special and she wasn't about to let Nico of all people spoil it. She quickly undressed and went into the bathroom. Jordan was in the shower with his head down and his eyes closed. She loved Jordan's shower. It could probably hold six or seven people easily. There were a myriad of hoses and sprayers like a human car wash. She quickly slipped into the shower with him. She gave off a little scream when the water hit her. He turned around and looked at her.
“Why is the water cold?” she asked shivering.
He gave her a look. “Oh,” she said understanding.
He turned his back to her and adjusted the water to be warmer, but he didn't turn back around. Sage placed her hand on his back.
“Jordan, I'm not going to let someone like Nico come between us. He's not worth it. No one is.”
Jordan kept his back to her letting the water fall on him.
“Jordan don't do this. Please don't shut me out,” she pleaded.
“Why would you do that Sage? Why? I don't understand.” His voice was tortured. “Do you want to be with him again?”
“No Jordan. I didn't invite him. I don't even know how he knew about the gallery opening,” she explained.
Jordan shut off the water. “I want you to stay away from him Sage,” he ground out. “He doesn't mean you any good.”
“Okay,” she answered quickly.
Jordan turned. “No! Don't just tell me okay and then turn around and do what you want to do.”
“I'm not trying to control you Sage. I'm trying to protect you.”
She looked at him. “Jordan I really don't think Nico is a threat. He's harmless.”
Jordan backed her against the wall. “He's here for a reason. He wants you. Now more than ever since I'm in the picture.”
Sage raised a hand to his neck. “Well I don't want him. I have the man I want,” she finished softly looking into those beautiful dark eyes.
“Do as I ask?” he asked pointedly.
“Yes, I promise,” she said as he lowered his head and attacked her lips.
Jordan's mouth moved from her mouth to her neck as he lifted her against the shower wall. Sage's legs wrapped around his back and his mouth moved to her ear.
“Do you want it?” he whispered.
Sage threw her head back. “Yes...”
“Say it.”
She breathed. “I want it Jordan.”
He moved to the other side of her face.
“Is it mine?” he whispered in her other ear.
Sage arched against him. “Yes Jordan.”
“Tell me.”
She looked him in the eye, then smiled. “It's yours Jordan.”
Then Jordan entered heaven. Heaven in the form of Sage's heavenly body. Sage caught her breath at his invasion. Their eyes were locked and connected just like their bodies. Jordan began the tempo and Sage followed. He held her in place with his strong arms against the wall. She held him in place with her firm legs around his waist. Together they traveled the road of love. Jordan lifted her higher and Sage bent her back to give him access to her aching breasts. Jordan accommodated her, giving attention to both golden orbs. Sage soon felt herself reaching her breaking point.
“Jordan...I'm- Oh!” she moaned.
“Let go baby,” he instructed increasing his motion.
Sage came apart screaming Jordan's name. Jordan soon followed shouting her name.
A few minutes later Jordan lifted his head to look at her.
“I love you Jordan,” Sage told him.
Jordan tightened his hold on her. “I love you so damn m
uch Sage.”
Jordan and Sage managed to finish showering and wrapped themselves in towels heading back into the bedroom. Jordan looked at the bed.
“You didn't open your present?” he asked surprised.
Sage cut him a look. “Because you weren't supposed to buy me one,” she pointed out.
Jordan shook his head. “I never said that.” He looked from her to the package and back to her raising his eyebrow.
Sage climbed on the bed. “Okay Jordan,” she said reaching for the box. Slowly she removed the wrapping then glanced at him. He was watching her intently. She went back to the box, opened it and gasped. She looked up at him. “The Gods!” she exclaimed. “Jordan,” she whispered.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
She removed the necklace from the box. It was in the shape of a sage leaf encrusted in diamonds.
“It's beautiful,” she said as it sparkled at her. She looked from it back to Jordan in awe.
He came over to her and removed it from her hands. “Turn around.”
She turned and he fastened it around her neck. It hung just above her breasts. Sage looked down and fought to catch her breath. She'd never seen anything more beautiful.
“Jordan, this is the most beautiful gift I've ever received,” she said still gazing at it.
“I'm glad you like it baby.”
“Like it? I love it!” she said throwing her arms around his neck kissing his face. “Thank you. Thank you,” she said happily.
“See, and you said you didn't want anything,” Jordan said slyly.
Sage gave him a look. “Well I didn't know it would be something this special. How did you choose this?”
Jordan shrugged. “One day in my office I was scrolling through my pictures on my phone and saw the one of your tattoo. That gave me an idea.”
Sage tilted her head. “What picture of my tattoo?” she asked. Sage didn't recall posing for any pictures.
“The one on the picture I took of your ass.”
Sage's mouth formed a perfect O. “You have a picture of my ass on your phone?” she accused.
“Of course. More than one.”
Sage sat back on her haunches. “Since I didn't pose for any pictures Jordan, when did you take a picture of my behind?” she said folding her arms.
Jordan looked down at her. “While you were asleep,” he supplied.
“What if someone sees them Jordan?” she screeched throwing up her arms.
“Sage, no one touches my phone. Besides they're on the private line phone not the business phone,” he explained.
“Why didn't you just ask me to take pictures of me?” she asked looking at him.
Jordan lifted his eyebrows. “I really didn't need your participation for the pictures that I took.”
Sage shook her head. “So what do pictures of my ass have to do with this necklace?” she inquired.
Jordan sat on the bed. “Like I was saying I saw the picture with your tattoo and I took it to the jeweler to see what they could make,” he said.
When he saw her expression he added. “Before you go off, I did crop your ass out of the picture. He just saw the tattoo.”
Sage dropped her head into her hands then looked back at him.
“Sometimes Jordan....”
“What?” Jordan asked smiling at her. “You know that your ass is sexy.” He pinned her with a look.
She smiled at him before turning around and lifting her towel to reveal golden brown butt cheeks. “This ass?” she asked.
Jordan stood and dropped his towel. “Oh hell yeah.”
Sage was awakened the next morning by Jordan bringing her breakfast in bed.
“Wake up pretty girl,” he said coming towards the bed.
Sage opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Jordan. What is this?” she said sitting up.
“It's your birthday breakfast,” he announced.
She pushed her hair out of her face. “My birthday was yesterday,” she said smiling.
He shrugged. “I didn't get to do it yesterday because you were busy preparing for the gallery opening. So I'm doing it today,” he said placing the tray on her lap.
Sage looked at the beautifully prepared tray with all of her favorites. Everything looked delicious. She looked up at Jordan. “Did you make this?” she asked warily. Jordan was not known for his skills in the kitchen.
Jordan smiled reading her thoughts. “Ha. Ha. No I didn't. My housekeeper came this morning and prepared it for me.”
She looked towards the ceiling. “Thank the Universe.”
“We got jokes this morning huh? I didn't hear you laughing last night when I -”
“Okay Jordan,” she cut him off. She smiled at him. “Thank you for breakfast. That's very thoughtful of you.”
She picked up her fork as Jordan settled on the bed next to her. She looked over at him and smiled again. He was in his relaxing attire this morning in yet another Jordan sweatsuit.
“Tell me about you and Nico,” he said quietly.
Sage froze with the fork in mid-air. “Really?” she asked looking at him.
He nodded.
She bit her lip and sat her fork down. “Well I was in Chicago on an assignment and I went into this little club that wasn't too far from my hotel. Nico was playing in a band there. He approached me after his set and asked if he could join me. We started talking and then one thing led to another and we were dating.” She stopped and looked down at Jordan.
“Why did you loan him money?” he asked concerned.
She looked away. “I'm ashamed to say I gave Nico lots of money. The last time he asked me for money I told him he'd have to pay me back. Which he hasn't.”
Jordan watched her. “What about this other woman? The woman you caught him with?”
Sage took a sip of her juice before responding. “I didn't know her. I still don't know who she is. I'd given Nico a check for some studio time because he was trying to create an album, and I'd gone to his place to see how everything had worked out. The door wasn't locked. I guess they'd been in a hurry. Clothes were all over the living room floor. I could hear them in the bedroom. I walked over to the door and there they were.” She stopped for a minute. “I'd told him that I wasn't ready to share physical love and he'd said he would wait until I was ready because he loved me.”
Jordan stroked his beard listening to her. “I'm sorry baby.”
Sage looked straight ahead. “It was more embarrassing than anything else. I'd never told anyone until I told you...that day on the beach. I've told Lily now too. At the time, I didn't dare tell Ray. He would've killed him.”
Jordan took her hand and brought it to his lips. “You have nothing to be ashamed of Sage. You have good heart and he took advantage of you but I promise you, he won't ever again.”
Sage smiled down at him.
“Finish your breakfast before your food gets cold,” he said nodding at the tray.
Later that evening at her apartment Sage was dressing for dinner with Jordan. After breakfast he'd brought her home saying that he'd be back later to take her out. She'd come home then washed and twisted her hair in order to wear it down tonight because she knew that's how Jordan preferred it. She dressed in a green form fitted dress that crisscrossed over her breasts. Her necklace shone brightly as she touched it with her hand. She knew she didn't have to ask Jordan if the diamonds were real. She couldn't imagine what he'd spent on it! She added her heels she was ready. She wore no additional jewelry. The necklace said it all.
Hearing the doorbell ring she smiled. Sage opened the door to Jordan and had that re-occurring thought. He was beautiful. Dressed in dark gray slacks and blazer with a bright white shirt that complimented his coloring, he was certainly easy on her eyes.
“Hi Jordan,” she smiled up at him.
He smiled back at her. “Hi Sage.”
He took her hand. “You look beautiful tonight.”
She thanked him and they walked out to the car. Sage was surprised t
o see the limo and the driver. She arched a brow at him.
“Just enjoy the Black Magic baby,” he said standing back to let her enter.
Sage climbed inside to find a huge bouquet of flowers on the opposite seat.
“Jordan.”
He climbed in behind her and sat next to her.
“Happy Birthday Sage,” he said leaning down to kiss her.
“Jordan, I told you my birthday was yesterday,” she complained.
He pulled her closer. “Just enjoy the Black Magic baby,” he repeated.
She shook her head and snuggled up against him enjoying the ride. At the restaurant they were escorted to a private room and Sage gave Jordan a questioning look.
“Just enjoy the-”
“Black Magic baby,” she finished for him. He smiled and shook his head.
They reached the private room and Jordan opened the door for her. She stepped inside and heard, “Surprise!”
Her hand went to her heart as she looked around the room at Ray, Sean, Lily, and Isabelle.
“The Gods!” she exclaimed. “You all scared me to death!”
“Happy Birthday Sage!” they all began to exclaim coming to hug and kiss her.
After all greetings had been made she turned to Jordan and wrapped her arms around his waist hugging him.
She looked up at him and whispered. “Oh Jordan the Black Magic is real.”
He winked at her and led her over to the table where everyone was seated. Jordan held out her chair for her and she looked at everyone as she sat.
“Thank you all. So much,” she said genuinely touched.
“Happy Birthday Baby Goddess,” Ray said handing her a wrapped gift.
She took it slowly. “Sun God you didn't have to do this.” She opened it to reveal a new silver Ankh necklace. “Oh, it's beautiful.”
Ray slid a look to Jordan. “Yeah. I didn't think to have it diamond encrusted,” he said nodding at her neck.
Sage stood from her seat and went to kiss her brother. “It's still beautiful. I love it and I love you.”
He hugged her briefly. “I love you too.”
Sage took her seat again. This time Sean said, “Happy Birthday Sage.” He too produced a gift.
“You all didn't have to do this!” she exclaimed.