by Kay, Amanda
“That’s not it. I can assure you, that’s not it. You already have all of it. I want you to have the time you need. I don’t want you to think this is how you keep me till you make that choice. I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”
She gave him a small smile, “Will you sleep in here tonight?” she asked and he didn’t want to disappoint her, but he had to.
“Tonight, no. I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m not that strong.” He spoke kissing the tip of her nose.
“Tomorrow night?” She pressed.
Climbing off the bed he removed the condom. “Tomorrow night, it’s a date.” He winked before walking backwards out of the room.
Bethany
Since Jordan was working for her mom now, he was gone when she woke up. Today she was off, the only day for the next thirteen days or so. She had twelve doubles in there. She needed to get out of the house.
“Hey Beth,” Tai chirped when she answered the phone.
“Want to go to lunch?” she asked.
“Sounds great. Wanted to talk with you anyways.”
“Sounds interesting,” Bethany chuckled.
“See you in a bit,” Tai replied.
They had been sitting across from each other for about fifteen minutes. They had both been looking over the menu of the new place just outside of town that Bethany had suggested. Tai looked lost though. “Wow Tai, you look lost.” She finally broke the silence. Tai blinked a few times and focused proving that she was indeed lost.
“Yeah, was pretty deep, sorry.” Tai muttered still not completely out of the zone.
“It’s no problem at all. What had you so deep?” Bethany pressed.
“My mom,” Tai sighed. “I’m not really sure I want her at the wedding, she’s unpredictable.” Bethany worried too. Jordan hadn’t seen Meredith in months. “I’m terrified she’ll do something to interrupt the ceremony and cause problems for you and Jordan. Things for all of us are complicated enough,” Tai rambled.
Bethany shrugged, “What does Raiden think?”
“I haven’t told him yet about this last conversation, but based on the last one he was a part of, he won’t like what she said last night,” Tai paused, sipping her drink and Bethany knew that Meredith hadn’t dropped the whole Tai and Jordan thing she wanted.
“I know you’ll hate yourself if she doesn’t come, but if she does pull something it would screw with what is supposed to be your day.” How did she explain her and Jordan? “As for me and Jordan, well that’s complicated.” She let a long sigh because she knew she complicated things further last night.
“Bethany, you know he’s willing to wait, just don’t make him wait too long.” Tai winked. Bethany just nodded in reply. He had agreed to wait till after the wedding. It wasn’t too far away, Bethany was just hoping Jordan felt that way.
“I know. Jordan is great, things are progressing slowly. He calls me baby and I like that, it comforts me, but I still find myself holding back.” Last night she held nothing back until it was over. That was when she asked to have till the wedding. “Like sooner or later the rug is going to be pulled out from under me.” Tai nodded in understanding.
“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Tai sighed.
“Too perfect,” Bethany muttered and Tai nodded. They got each other and that was what Bethany loved. Tai wouldn’t push Jordan on Bethany, but she didn’t want her to push him away either. Bethany just needed a little bit more time.
Jordan
“Jordan, thank you for the last few days, you’ve been a big help.” Grace spoke walking into reception.
“Of course, Ma’am. I think it’s been good for Bethany and me to have a little space.” She smiled and nodded.
“I like you, Jordan. I’m not fond of what happened between you and Tai, but I do like what you’ve been doing for Bethany.” Jordan smiled.
“She asked to have till after the wedding.” Grace looked at Jordan and nodded.
“You’re okay with this?” she questioned. Jordan answered with a nod right as the door chimed. In walked Kai Lukas.
Jordan looked from Kai to Grace several times before Grace broke the silence. “Kai, I haven’t seen you in here for a while.” Jordan just continued to stare.
“What are you doing here?” Kai questioned.
“Jordan is working for me, shall we go to the back?” Both Jordan and Kai continued to stare at each other. Kai Lukas had a black eye and Jordan wondered where that had come from. “Jordan, you’re free to go.” Grace addressed breaking the stare he had with Kai.
“Are you sure?” Jordan questioned looking towards her. She looked to Kai and back at him and nodded. Jordan thought it would be best to not argue and quickly gathered himself to leave the clinic.
Bethany
He was already in her room when she arrived home. The room was dark only being lighted by the hall light. “Jordan,” she called gently.
“Hi, baby, was waiting for you.” He yawned.
“Were you asleep?” She chuckled walking into the room.
“No, was just thinking,” Jordan replied.
“Oh really? what about?” she questioned as she crawled in bed next to him.
“Kai Lukas came into the clinic today. He had a black eye. I’m not sure what happened and your mom sent me home.” Bethany was processing what Jordan said when her phone started ringing. ‘Tai Calling.’
“It’s Tai,” she said he nodded for her to answer so she did.
“Hey Beth, got a minute?” she asked the second Bethany answered. For Tai, of course she had a minute.
“For the woman that saved me from marrying Raiden’s behind, always.” Jordan stifled a laugh.
“Good,” Tai sighed. Oh wait, this wasn’t good at all.
“Wait a minute, what’s up?” she replied sitting straight up. Jordan followed her movement.
“Raiden got a document hand delivered by Kai.” Bethany looked at Jordan as Tai spoke. His eyes widened and she shrugged at him.
“Oh dear. What did it say?” She didn’t want to hear this answer. She knew it was going to change everything.
“Basically, I have to become a vampire.” Bethany gasped at Tai’s statement.
“What are you going to do?” Jordan was now wrapping his arm around her shoulder she leaned into him
Trying to stay calm.
“The choice is easy, Bethany, no worries. I want Raiden.” Bethany felt relieved for a brief moment. “The problem is Raiden.” What was Tai saying?
“What does that mean?” Bethany asked.
“It means he made a promise to me that I wouldn’t have to change and now he feels like this breaks his promise.” Tai choked up and Bethany knew she had to find some strength for Tai. Of course Raiden would feel like that.
“Oh Tai, I’m sorry. We’ll figure it out, we’ll make him see. He just loves you.” Bethany felt the tears hit her cheek. They had to make Raiden see this wasn’t breaking his promise. They had to.
“I need to go, Beth,” Tai sighed.
“Yeah, of course, goodnight,” she said regaining a little composure.
“Goodnight,” Tai replied before ending the call.
Bethany set her phone down and put her head in Jordan’s lap. His hand came to her hair. “Are we going to talk about it?” he asked quietly.
“Raiden hit Kai,” she said. She of course didn’t know that for sure, but she knew if Kai delivered that document Raiden would have snapped.
“Tai say that?” Jordan pressed.
“She didn’t have to. Kai delivered a document to Raiden that said Tai had to become a vampire.” Jordan nodded.
“What does this mean?” he asked, his hand continuing to stroke her hair.
Bethany shrugged, “I don’t know. Tai said the choice was easy for her. Raiden feels, however, he’s breaking a promise to her.”
“I get that,” Jordan replied to her. “Let’s go to sleep. We can figure out how to help in the morning.”
“That sounds good, Sup
erman,” she answered moving her head off his lap.
He pulled her to him and kissed her temple she closed her eyes as he held her and drifted off.
Jordan
Once he was sure she was asleep, he carefully slipped out of bed grabbing his phone that was on the nightstand. He closed the bedroom door as he stepped out. He dialed Grace.
“Jordan?” she said clearly confused by his call.
“I need to know if Raiden hit Kai,” Jordan pressed.
Grace sighed, “Jordan, I can’t answer that.”
“Bullshit!” he snapped.
“Jordan, I won’t confirm that, but if you are calling and asking then you already know the answer.” She hung up on him.
“Shit!” he mumbled. He didn’t want her mad at him, but he needed to know what they could be up against. His phone signaled a text. ‘I know she didn’t tell you, but her birthday is tomorrow.’ Jordan sighed Bethany hadn’t told him it was her birthday. He replied to Grace’s text, ‘Thank you.’ He returned to her bedroom and slipped back into bed. He wanted to make it special for her. It would be special. She deserved special.
Bethany
He wasn’t in bed when she woke up which confused her. He didn’t have work today with it being Saturday. She rolled over and something crinkled under her head. She reached up for the piece of paper.
‘Good Morning, Beautiful,
Someone forgot to tell me it was their birthday today. I have called the diner and you have the day off now.’ She smiled at him doing that for her.
‘I had to run a couple errands. I promise I will be back soon, and we will celebrate the right way. Don’t forget, beautiful, I love you.
~Jordan.’
Her eyes filled with tears as she thought about what he was doing for her. She only celebrated her birthday with her mom after that night with Kai. This was the first time she was really letting herself be vulnerable again. It terrified her. Right then her phone rang. ‘Mom Calling.’ She wiped her eyes and answered. “Hi, mom.”
“Happy birthday, darling girl,” she chirped.
“Thank you.” Bethany’s voice broke.
“Are you okay?” Her mom quickly asked.
“Fine. Jordan was gone when I woke but he left me a beautiful note. He called the diner and got me the day off.”
“I like that boy. He’s being good to you. Remember my dear, that is what you deserve.”
“Mom, I love him.” She admitted aloud for the first time.
“I know that. I think he knows it too, but sooner or later you are going to have to tell him that.” Bethany sighed. She knew that.
“I know. I asked him if I could have till the wedding. And now with Tai having to become vampire. I’m glad I have that time.”
“Good point,” her mom stated.
“Did Kai talk to you?” Her mom replied with a sigh.
“Yes, we talked. He’s pretty stuck on Gloria Keller.” Bethany nodded even though her mother couldn’t see. She knew there was more than what met the eye the last time Kai dropped Gloria off. He was playing it up as well though. “Have good day, happy birthday again. Love you.”
“Love you too, mom.” The called ended and just then Jordan walked through the door.
Jordan
He had just pulled back into the parking of the apartment. He had been going since early this morning and he was excited to spend the day with her. Excited to celebrate her birthday with her.
He walked up the stairs and entered the apartment, breakfast in hand and a gift he had to get her the minute he saw it. “Morning, Birthday Girl,” he said as he closed the door. She turned and rushed towards him.
He had a split second to put the bags down before she was in his arms. “Thank you.”
“I haven’t done anything yet,” he chuckled.
“Even I know that’s not the truth,” she said pulling back and locking her eyes with his. He leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss.
“I brought breakfast. Let’s eat and then we can discuss my plans.” He winked. She stepped out of his arms allowing him to pick up his bags again. He laced their fingers together and walked them over to the breakfast bar.
“It smells good.” He smiled at her.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked as he prepared their plates.
She shrugged, “I really haven’t celebrated since my twenty-first. Mom and I have dinner usually, but we never make a huge deal about it.” He nodded. He understood. Her twenty-first the night she lost her virginity to Kai. The night that changed things for her.
“I understand,” he whispered.
“I have a feeling things are about to change.” She smirked at him.
“Yes. I need a moment to get things ready.” She nodded and he walked into his bedroom. He had to wrap her gift.
When he exited the room, he had the wrapped present in hand. She smiled up at him, “For me?” He nodded at her.
“A little later.” He smirked as he set the gift on the breakfast bar.
“Oh, so you are going to torture me,” she amused.
He went to her and wrapped his arms around her middle. “Happy birthday,” he muttered against her mouth. He felt her shiver against him.
“Thank you, Superman.” She smiled placing a quick kiss on his lips. He didn’t let the kiss linger, because he knew he wouldn’t be strong today at all. He stepped away from her turning to get the food out. He tried to adjust himself on the down low, but she laughed. Damn, busted!
“Problem?” she chuckled.
“Not at all.” He smiled as he turned towards her with a plate full of food.
She sat down at the stool and dug in. He joined her after making sure she had coffee too. “So, do you have plans today?” she asked him.
“Yep, spending the day with you, beautiful. I thought we could make you a cake. I also bought stuff to make pizza.” He answered as he took a bite of his breakfast.
“When did you come up with all of this?” she questioned.
“Sometime last night, after I found out you forgot to tell me about your birthday.” He smirked.
She laughed, it was such a beautiful sound. He wanted her laughing and smiling all day long. “So, mom told you?”
“She did and my plans are to make you smile all day long.” He looked at her and tears were in her eyes. “No crying, baby. What’s wrong?”
She shook her head, “I can’t help it. I feel like I don’t deserve this from you yet.”
This bothered him. What was it that she didn’t deserve? If anything, it was Jordan that was undeserving.
Bethany
He studied her as she cried. He wasn’t her boyfriend, but that didn’t stop him from treating her like she was his everything. She was crying because she knew by asking for time that she didn’t deserve this.
“What don’t you deserve, beautiful?” he questioned, stroking her cheek. She placed her hand on his and pulled it from her face, but she didn’t release it. Instead, she rested their hands on her lap.
“You. I mean, I’m making you wait. And this…” She waved her free hand for emphasis. “I don’t deserve this. Boyfriends do this for their girlfriends, and I’m not…” He stopped her placing a finger to her lips.
“Stop right there. I can’t hear anymore. I love you, Bethany. I love you so very much. I’m waiting because to me, you’re worth it.” She shook her head. “Stop, you are, baby. You only get one soul-mate and I know you’re mine.” She leaned forward and placed a kiss to his lips. She touched the tip of her tongue to the seam of his lips, but he didn’t part them for her. Instead, he pulled back from the kiss. She felt the disappointment seize her. Her hand moved up his leg, but he quickly stopped her.
“No, we can’t,” he said sternly returning to his plate of food. She felt crushed.
“Why?”
“I told you, Beth, that wasn’t happening again until you had made your choice.” He spoke but he didn’t look at her.
“I just don’t understand why
, I guess. You have needs,” she seductively suggested.
He laughed a little, “That is true, baby, but for now, I am taking care of it.” He turned to look at her a smile on his face.
She studied him suddenly worried about his statement. “How?” she asked.
“My hand and I have become best friends these last few months.” He smirked leaning over to kiss her cheek.
She laughed and let out a sigh of relief. “Oh,” was all she could manage.
Jordan
She was smiling again that was all that counted. It didn’t matter that he basically just told her what she was doing to him the last few months. He wouldn’t have sex with again until she confessed her love. It wasn’t to protect his heart it was to protect hers. He knew she didn’t understand this, but he would make her.
“Shall we bake a cake, beautiful?” he asked, standing up with his breakfast plate and walking into the kitchen.
She followed, “That sounds like fun.” The happiness in her voice wasn’t missed. Jordan wanted her happy today. She had let a black cloud hang over her birthday since her twenty-first, not anymore. She was twenty-eight today and from here on out, her birthday would be a day she looked forward to.
Once her dishes were in the sink, he tugged her to face him and put his arms around her waist. He held her at arm’s length so he could look at her. “Bethany, I know you don’t get this, but I want to explain. The no sex isn’t protecting me, it’s protecting you. My heart is gone, baby, I’ll be crushed in six weeks if you walk away, but I would’ve been crushed prior to us having sex.” She stared back at him as he spoke. She didn’t move, she didn’t blink. She listened intensely. “Beth?” he questioned and she blinked ending her trance.
“I still don’t think I get it,” she responded.
“You will. I’ll explain more later. Let’s bake a cake.” She nodded and smiled. That was good that was what he wanted.
Together they started to get the things they needed out in order to bake the cake. “So when do I get my present?” she smirked.
He laughed, “Have a little patience, beautiful.” She laughed back at him. She moved closer to him and he felt her presence right away. She nudged him with her elbow and placed the bowl on the counter.