“Good. Aunt Suzette back home?”
“She went home yesterday after I promised to call her at least twice a day. She will be such a good grandmother, and David’s mom is over the moon happy.”
“A baby is always a good reason to be happy.” I sighed as I thought of my own biological clock that was ticking. I shocked myself with that random thought. It was random, right? Right.
“So how are you and Jordan doing? And yes, I want all the details.”
I laughed at her nosey remark. “Well, we are taking it slow, but it’s going well, like holy hot hell we are…well, let’s just say I’m making up for lost times in the sex department.”
Jenna let out with a hooting laugh and told David what I said. I heard him whistle in the background followed by a, “Go, Jordan. That’s my boy.”
Now it was my turn to laugh. I couldn’t believe I was sharing my sex life with my brother-in-law.
“We need to get together soon and catch up. Like in a couple of weeks. Hopefully I will be feeling better or you and the girls can come here to Austin for another visit.”
“Sounds like a plan. Love you, sis.”
“Love you too, Zoho.” We ended the call, and I freshened up then went in search of Jordan.
He was on his phone as well in the hallway. From the sound of it he was turning down an invitation for tonight. He ended the call with a, “Later, man.” Then he turned toward me.
“Jenna doing well?”
“As long as she takes her meds. The first trimester is the hardest for most women. Maybe she will be over the nausea in a few weeks.”
We went back down the hallway and past the two empty bedrooms. We came to a heavy glass door and Jordan stopped to key in some codes then used his index fingerprint for identification. He opened the door and turned on the lights by remote control on his phone.
The room was exquisite and adorned with incredibly beautiful paintings. In the middle of the room was an easel. I walked slowly toward the painting on display. It was of Jordan and me dancing at Jenna and David’s wedding. It was a side view of us. I had my right hand on his shoulder and my left hand in his right. His left hand was around my waist and we were looking at each other, smiling. I stood in awe and turned toward Jordan.
He cupped my face in his hands. I closed my eyes, willing the tears away.
“I wanted a photo of us together, so just before I asked you to dance, I asked the photographer at the wedding to take one of us. I asked him to send it to me and not the bride and groom. I never got around to showing you the photo. Five years ago I asked a painter to paint the photo into a portrait.”
I placed my head on his chest and he slipped his arms around my waist, rocking us slowly from side to side.
“I’m speechless. A painting of the first time we met. Truly, I…of all the paintings you have in this room, you display this one in the middle of the room?”
“Of all the paintings in this room, this one is the most valuable to me. I wanted a picture of you because I was not sure that you would want to see me again. Sure enough, you turned me down. When I met you, I was quite impressed that you were so appreciative of art. Sometimes when we had cuddling time on your sofa, we used to talk about courses you were taking. Remember your art appreciation class?”
“Yes. I loved that class, and the next semester I took the advance course just because I wanted to know more about art. I see where you’re going with this. You must have some of the paintings that I ‘appreciated’.”
“So right you are.”
“So this is your art room. Yesterday, when you said that you would show me the art room, I thought you took up painting or pottery. I’m astonished at the pieces you have here.”
Jordan turned me around and started on one corner of the room. We walked slowly around, discussing each piece and its creator. There were paintings from Omar Chkhaidze, Francois Mathieu, Andy Warhol, to African and South American sculptors. The room had no windows and looked like a museum with professional lightings that was placed strategically enhancing the paintings, pottery, precious stones and other rare antique and pricey pieces.
“This is a beautiful collection, Jordan, and an incredible testament of your financial success and love of art.”
“It pleases me that you like the collection. I hope to continue to add to it with your help.”
“I would like that,” I replied.
“Would you like to go for a swim in the pool, maybe lay out and catch some rays?”
“Great plan. Do I have a swim suit?”
“Do you ever.”
Back in the closet that I was quickly becoming familiar with, Jordan pulled out a drawer with an array of bikinis.
“Holy shit. I might as well go topless. These threads barely cover my nipples.”
“That would suit me just fine, but I suggest not today since I have a few staff around.”
“Jordan, I was kidding.”
“Zoe, I’m not.”
“Perv.”
“Totally.”
He grinned that mischievous boyish smile that was sure to make me give in to any of his demands. If I had panties on, they would be soaked.
Chapter 26
I changed into the flimsy and quite revealing two-piece bikini then went in search of Jordan. He was waiting for me at the bedroom door. He growled and made a grab for me but I dodged him and ran to the stairs. I took the stairs two at a time and ran to the back door but he caught up to me.
He tickled me and playfully pushed me through the door. We jumped in the pool and swam a few laps. My limbs were relaxed and I felt more rested than I had been in weeks.
“Out with you. I need to get some sunblock on that delectable skin of yours. I don’t want you to burn, then I wouldn’t be able to touch you and that just won’t do.” Jordan led me to a padded lounging chair. I plopped down. He dried me off and applied the lotion.
We lie side by side enjoying the afternoon sun. Becky brought us some freshly squeezed lemonade with a plate of fruit. I was more curious about her now and asked Jordan to tell me more about Becky.
“I know that she was my mother’s best friend in high school and she was one of the few people that mom would see besides her family. They spent a lot of time together when mom was pregnant with me and the following year as well.”
“I’m glad that your mother had someone her own age to keep her connected to the outside world, like what was going on in school and with other friends. She must have been a great source of comfort at a very painful and confusing time for your mom. Do you think you mother ever confided in her about the rape?”
“I often wonder that myself but I have not asked her. I would like for Becky to tell me on her own.”
“I suppose she may be waiting for you to ask her. Maybe she thinks that it would be too painful for you to hear, if she knows anything, that is.”
“It’s possible. My grandfather still thinks that mom is alive. He’s in denial of her death.”
“Sounds like he needs closure, like some kind of evidence that she’s really gone.” I reached for Jordan’s hand, needing the tactile connection to let him know that I cared.
“Unfortunately, that is impossible but if it help’s him to get through his day by thinking of her as alive, then so be it and I will not discourage him.”
“I can’t begin to imagine the pain that he feels. You and I are in a similar situation since we didn’t know our parents, therefore we don’t miss who we don’t know, but this was his child. No wonder he’s still hanging on to the hope that she’s out there somewhere, still alive. I suppose I would do the same.”
“There just seems to be no leads or evidence that she is. No plausible explanation for who did it and if someone knows, they sure as hell aren’t talking. You would think that it wouldn’t be easy for people to disappear, but whoever did this to my mother…”
“It’s been thirty-seven years since she disappeared, right
?”
“Yes. Becky has shared photos of her and my mom when they were teenagers. Maybe that’s why I like having her around. It’s one of the few connections that I have with my mother.”
We fell into a companionable silence then Jordan said we needed to get out of the direct sunlight, but I suggested a stroll around some of the backyard and he happily obliged by pulling me to my feet and pointing out the obvious.
“This is the pool.” He made a grand gesture with his hands.
“Never would have guessed that one, Sherlock.”
He laughed that low, sexy as hell laugh that sent butterflies flying in my stomach.
Palm trees and foliage that were indigenous to Texas adorned the beautiful contemporary pool and hot tub. Blooming flowers overflowed from massive decorative pots. A pebbled path led into the woodsy area of the estate. Live oak and other trees and plants filled in the landscape.
“I don’t recognize some of these plants and trees,” I commented, looking around the tranquil landscape.
“Some are imported from different parts of the world and carefully tended by my gardener. He’s a member of the American Horticultural Society and takes great pride in the garden. There is a butterfly garden on the other side of the property.”
Numerous water features were scattered throughout the estate.
Different species of orchids bloomed in the trees providing a natural habitat for the treasured flowers. A Japanese garden was at one corner of the estate surrounded by vibrant green bamboo trees and other plants that flanked a pond.
“I could sit here all day and watch the butterflies.” We sat on a bench under a tree and looked at the insects with beautiful vibrant colors going from flowers and plants to fresh fruits.
“We have plenty of time to stay as long as you wish.”
We made our way back to the pool on a different path with blooming roses, hibiscus, cactus and other plants and flowers. The ones that I did point out on my tour with Jordan were my favorites, and of course he knew that, which was why he specifically had them plentiful throughout the estate. When we got back to the pool we were met by Becky.
“The masseuses are ready when you are.”
“Thank you, Becky.”
“You’re getting a massage?” I asked.
“We are. This way.” He led us toward the gym where there was an adjoining building that housed a spa fully equipped with a sauna, hot tub, four massage tables and a full bathroom with shower. A soothing eucalyptus aroma permeated the air as we entered the ethereal room elegantly decorated with bouquets of fresh flowers, paintings of Texas landscapes, plush seating and a chandelier that complimented the bamboo wood ceiling and tile floors. There were glass windows with black-out screens throughout.
“Mr. Dawson, Miss Caine.”
We were greeted by two women that owned ‘Our Hands, Your Home Spa’. “My name is Claire and this is Angie. Please let us know when you’re ready, sir. We’ll be in the waiting room; just ring the bell.” Claire provided us with fluffy white robes and a tall glass of cold water with a splash of fresh squeezed orange and lemon slices. They stepped out to give us privacy.
“You’ve thought of just about everything, Jordan. This is heavenly. I just may fall asleep.”
“I think falling asleep is a compliment to a masseuse. It means you’re totally relaxed by their hands.” I drank the entire glass as Jordan instructed. “Don’t want you getting dehydrated.”
We lay on our stomach with white towels across our bottoms.
“Hmm. I love the music. Yo- Yo Ma?”
“Correct. Should have known you would recognize that piece which is why we’re going to his concert tonight in Houston. I have box office seats and invited one of my investors and his wife that are in Houston from Belgium.”
“OK, you did think of everything.”
We were lulled into silence as hands moved over our bodies. An hour later I was barely awake. Jordan and I looked dazed but relaxed.
He led the way to the hot tub that was bubbling with a wonderful minty aroma. We slid into it for a few minutes and sipped on cold water.
“Out with you, before you drown. Time for a shower.”
I could so get used to this. The shower was stocked with everything I could think of including my favorite shampoo and conditioner. Now why didn’t that surprise me? Jordan washed my hair, his magic hands on my scalp totally delightful.
His hands ran over my body with L’Occitane citrus shower gel. Suddenly his hands stop moving. He cupped my breasts in his hands and squeezed my nipples. The dusky pink buds perked up responding to the tactile stimulation that had me immediately responding to his erotic touch.
I leaned back into his hard body that was slick with water as the showerheads beat down on us.
He pulled me closer to him as one arm hugged me around my waist and his other hand slipped between my legs.
I immediately opened my legs and two of his fingers slipped in to assuage my soft, wet folds. I pushed my ass against his cock. The steel hard erection pushed against my body, seeking entrance to my pulsing womanhood now puffy with need.
Jordan pulled us further back in the shower. He sat on the shower bench and pushed me forward. Fisting his cock in his hand, he lifted me onto his erection seeking my slit as he lowered me down on his glorious cock. My ass nestled to his lower abdomen as a moan escaped my lips.
“Move with me, baby.” He lifted me up and down and I joined in the motion. Our slick bodies moved in perfect harmony.
“I won’t last long, babe.” We slammed against each other. “Need you to come with me.” Jordan panted behind me as my pussy slid over him.
My inner folds clenched on his cock. His body went rigid and his hands grasped my hips as I flew over the pinnacle, my orgasm crashing into me. I bit my lip from screaming out his name, but I am unable to control the sound mewling in my throat. I gasped as he pulled me into his chest, his cock pulling out of me, still semi-hard. Our breathing struggled to return to normal.
“You totally undo me. I can’t keep my hands off you. Can’t get enough.” He bit my shoulder gently. After a few minutes we showered off, again.
“I’ll head inside. Claire and Angie will help you with your hair and makeup in the dressing room.”
“Really, Jordan, they don’t need to do that. I am perfectly capable of doing my own grooming.”
“Just humor me. I delight in pampering my lovely lady.”
I rolled my eyes but he just smiled and took his leave. I put on my robe again and went in search of the ladies. They were in the adjoining dressing room waiting for me. I gratefully sat in the chair. Claire started with my hair and Angie did my manicure and pedicure.
Another hour later and I was pampered, puffed, fluffed and ready for a night at the symphony. I made my way back to the house where Becky met me. She said Jordan was in his office so I went in search of him.
He was dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and a dark pink striped tie. His face looked impassive as he focused on the computer monitor where he was engaged in a videoconference.
“Just get it done, James. They are in dire straights and can’t afford to keep their doors open for more than six months.”
“They’re looking for funding and more than likely will get approved by a bank that is willing to take some risk. They’re in the red and struggling, but not ready to give up.” He paused as his attorney spoke quietly back to him.
“Then we do a hostile takeover. I own the majority of the shares and have permission from the board of directors.”
“When did that happen?”
“I bought all the shares I could get my hands on last week which gave me majority.”
I didn’t want to eavesdrop any longer, so I slipped upstairs.
There was a gorgeous cocktail dress lying on the bed. The metallic dress by Hervé Léger was elegant and sexy with narrow shoulder straps and a moderate plunging neckline. The body cre
ated an hourglass effect and flared gently just before the hemline. I slipped into the dress that swirls at mid-thigh. A pair of strappy four-inch sandals by Fendi was beside the dress so I slipped them on.
“Beautiful lady.” Jordan was leaning at the bedroom door.
He was looking some kind of hot, with legs apart and both hands in his pants pocket. His incredibly blue eyes seemed to look right through me. I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. I could not help the total admiration I felt for the gorgeous man now approaching me. My hands fluttered and I grasped the edge of the dress totally aware that I had no underwear on. Just as Jordan instructed.
I felt naked as air from the ceiling fan overhead swirled, sending cool air up my legs and beyond. I chided myself that after all the hot sex that we’ve had, and I was shy? Really? I am not sure why the hint of anxiety set in, but looking at Jordan was making me feel restless, edgy and horny again. Damn!
“Turn around, lovely.”
I stumbled as I turned in the super sexy high shoes. Jordan steadied me and zipped up the back of the dress.
“Did this fashion guru guy consult Mia by any chance?”
“No. Why?” He kissed me softly on my neck.
“Because these ‘fuck me’ heels are just her style.”
“You are wearing those heels because I absolutely intend to fuck you in them later on tonight.”
Oh God! I was so not going to be able to think of anything else tonight but Jordan fucking me in these gorgeous heels and nothing else. I laughed at his blatant admission of what he intended to do to me. I could only imagine and I couldn’t wait.
“Now for a little something extra.” Jordan walked to the closet that he insisted was mine and came back with two blue boxes.
Now, I knew that color to be Tiffany’s signature color. I mean, every woman on the planet knows, has, wanted or needed something…anything from Tiffany’s.
Jordan slid a platinum and diamond bracelet on my left wrist. The other box was a matching necklace and earrings. He clasped the necklace around my neck and I clipped the earrings to my ear lobes.
Forever Rain (Rain Will Fall Trilogy #1) Page 21