Spring Into Love

by Chantel Rhondeau

  “Why?” Jordan forgot her fascination with the pool and looked at him, though it was hard to see her eyes through her sunglasses.

  Jake wanted to reach over and pull them off, but he respected her need to stay guarded, at least for now. “Because when I took the bottle from you, you didn’t fight me. You let me take it and pour it out and you even asked me to pour the rest of the glass out, too. You didn’t want to get drunk, Jordan.”

  “No, I didn’t,” Jordan said after a second. “Hell, my hand shook when I poured the wine and it didn’t even taste good.” She let out a humorless chuckle. “Apparently, I’m not very good at relapsing.”

  “I’d say that’s probably a good thing.” Jake reached over and took her hand. “I love you, Jordan. That means I’m not going to be scared away easily. So if you’re trying to get rid of me, that was a bad way to go about it.”

  “Oh, Jake, I don’t want to get rid of you. I never wanted to get rid of you.”

  They were the words he needed to hear. “Then don’t.”

  “You say the right things and make it sound easy, but I can’t promise something like that will never happen again,” Jordan said. “I can’t guarantee I’ll never slip up again.”

  “I know you can’t, and I don’t expect you to. There’ll always be challenges. I’m not going to run at the first sign of one,” Jake vowed. “I think you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, and I expect you to be just fine, but if something happens, I’m not going to desert you. I’m going to do whatever I can to help you.”

  “You say that now, but—”

  “But what?” Jake tried to keep his frustrations under control. “Why do you keep searching for reasons to doubt me? To doubt us? Why can’t you just take a chance?”

  “I want to,” Jordan said.

  “So what’s stopping you?”

  “Nothing, really. I don’t know.” Jordan sighed. “It’s just that Carl—”

  “What about Carl?” Jake demanded, clenching his fist. He was so damn sick of Carl. “Who is this guy to you, Jordan? Because I’m starting to think maybe he’s the real issue we need to be discussing.”

  Chapter 25

  “Whoa.” Jordan jerked her hand away, taken aback by the sudden hostility in Jake’s tone. “I’m not sure whether I should be flattered that you’re jealous, or offended because you seem to think I’ve got something going on with Carl behind your back. Either way, judging from that reaction, maybe he is an issue we need to discuss.”

  “I don’t mean to offend you.” Jake sighed. “Jeez. I always seem to say the wrong thing.”

  “A few minutes ago you were saying all the right things.” He was absolutely adorable in his frustration, making it all but impossible to stay annoyed with his suddenly petulant attitude. “I’m not mad at you. I’m just trying to figure out why you have such a problem with Carl.”

  “Because I’m sick of him always being around.” Jake exhaled. “I guess I am jealous.”

  “There’s nothing to be jealous of, and you were the one that called him last night,” Jordan reminded him. “I didn’t ask you to.”

  “I called him because I thought you might need help and I wasn’t sure what to do. Then he got all territorial with me and he seems a little too comfortable in your house…”

  It struck Jordan as a little funny that Jake thought Carl spent too much time in her house, since most of the time she always sensed he was anxious to leave once he got what he came for. “Carl’s a friend. I told you at that.”

  When Jake’s eyebrow arched, Jordan knew he didn’t believe her, and she sighed. “I suppose ‘friend with benefits’ was a more accurate term,” she said.

  “So you are sleeping with him.” His tone sounded accusing, and Jordan immediately found herself on the defensive.

  “Was,” she corrected. “Not since right after you came to town and before we started seeing each other.” With her straw, she jabbed at the lemon slice in her glass of tea. “I’m thirty-eight years old. I never expected or planned on having a relationship. I obviously don’t hang out in bars and I don’t pick up random guys, but celibacy isn’t something I’m built for, either. Carl fulfilled a need, and we used each other. It’s as simple as that.” Saying it out loud gave it an element of sleaziness Jordan had never thought much about before. “I’m not particularly proud of it, but that’s what it was. If that makes you think less of me, then—”

  “No.” Jake was quick to shake his head. “After Macy, I’m certainly not in any position to judge you. Talk about not being proud of something.” He laughed in a way that seemed self-deprecating, and it made Jordan smile.

  “Well, we all make mistakes.” She’d been grateful for the summer sun, giving her an excuse to wear sunglasses, but now Jordan pulled them off and looked him in the eyes. “I meant what I said yesterday. I’ve never been in love before, and I’m not sure how it all works, so you may have to be patient with me as I figure it out. I promise you, though, there’s nothing sexual going on between Carl and me, and there isn’t going to be.”

  “I believe you,” Jake said. “Sorry. I didn’t like the way he slammed me into the wall last night, so when you brought his name up again, I overreacted.”

  “Understandable, I guess,” Jordan said after a minute. She didn’t want it to be an issue anymore. “All I was trying to say is that Carl used to be married to a woman who didn’t really understand what it’s like to live with an alcoholic, even one in recovery. Sometimes she treated him like he was weak, other times she pitied him. Their relationship lost any sense of normalcy. I don’t want that to happen to us, Jake.”

  “It won’t,” he said. “I don’t think you’re weak. I think you’re one of the strongest people I know. That makes me a lot more likely to admire you than pity you.”

  “There you go saying all the right things again.”

  “That’s the idea. I’m trying to shoot down all your arguments for not being with me by being irresistible.” His face broke out in a boyish grin. “So how am I doing?”

  “Way too good,” Jordan admitted. “See, you make me weak, Jake.”

  “No. Don’t even go there.” He leaned across the table and brushed his lips over hers in an effort to silence her protests. “You’re strong and sexy and courageous and sexy and brave and—”

  “Sexy?”

  “Why, yes. That’s exactly what I was going to say.”

  “I was sensing a theme.” Jordan smirked.

  “Because you’re also intelligent,” Jake said. “And sexy.” He kissed her again. “I’d like to take you upstairs and prove it, too, if you’re done being stubborn.”

  Yes, he was irresistible. “Stubborn? Me?” Jordan jumped up.

  ***

  The elevator had just begun its ascent when Jake pressed the button to stop it.

  “What are you doing?” Jordan asked. “I thought you were anxious to get me back up to your room to have your way with me.”

  “I was, but I decided I’d rather have my way with you right here.” Jake moved closer, backing her against the wall, and his mere proximity made Jordan’s heart race in anticipation. “If that’s okay.” He didn’t wait for an answer, instead closing his mouth on hers.

  Jordan responded by parting her lips, inviting his tongue to join hers in a familiar dance. You can have your way with me anytime, anywhere. He had a hold over her, and if she were to be completely honest, he probably had since the first time they met. There was no point in fighting it.

  She allowed herself to take a breath, at least, when he moved his lips lower, nuzzling her neck while he worked on the buttons on her blouse.

  “Have I mentioned you’re sexy?” he asked, cupping one of her breasts in his hand and fondling it through the lacy fabric of her bra.

  “Maybe once or twice.” It sounded more like a whimper as Jake pushed up her skirt and moved his hand between her legs, inching toward her center.

  “Am I making you wet?” he asked.

&nbs
p; ‘Yes,’ she wanted to cry out. “Why don’t you find out for yourself?” she urged instead, then emitted a sigh as Jake’s fingers reached the spot they craved.

  “Oh, yeah. Nice and wet. Just the way I like it.” He found her pleasure point and rubbed it through the damp fabric of her underwear. “I bet I know what you like.” His voice was husky and his breath hot against her neck.

  “What’s that?” Jordan challenged, though she was barely hanging on.

  “This.” Jake pushed aside her underwear and thrust his fingers into her damp folds.

  The sudden penetration caused her breath to hitch, and Jordan bit down on her lip, but still he probed deeper until her cries of pleasure couldn’t be restrained.

  ***

  Jake expected the elevator to add some excitement, and figured he’d take her to the brink. After all, Jordan was the adventurous type and wasn’t afraid to live a little dangerously. She’d certainly proven that. What he hadn’t quite gambled on was her getting him so hot that he couldn’t wait to finish. At least his lack of response to Macy’s touch proved to be a one-time thing. His erection strained against his pants.

  “Hurry up,” Jordan begged for more as he fumbled with his zipper. Why was he suddenly all thumbs, anyway?

  The sudden lurch of the elevator caused him to start. “What the hell?” They were moving again. “Did you push the button?”

  “No. Why would I do that?”

  To torment me, maybe. The elevator lurched to another stop and chimed as the doors opened. Shit! Jake held his hands in front of his crotch.

  Jordan turned around, hastily trying to button her blouse.

  “Are you going down?” an elderly woman asked.

  “No, up,” Jake managed to say. “Definitely up. Sorry.” He jabbed at the button, trying to hurry the door closed.

  “Well, that was a little embarrassing,” Jordan said, turning around.

  Jake noticed her blouse was buttoned unevenly. “You think?” The elevator stopped again, this time on his floor, and he practically dragged Jordan out with him. “Are you sure you didn’t push the button to start it again?”

  “Yeah, because I really wanted the doors to open right then to give someone a nice view of my boobs! No, Jake, I didn’t push the damn button.”

  “Okay, whatever.” Jake didn’t much care. He just wanted to get inside—the room and her. He slid the key card in and yanked at the knob, thankful it turned right away. “I plan on taking you right here, so if you have an objection, now’s a good time to raise it.”

  When she didn’t offer one, Jake kicked the door closed and pinned her back against it. He hiked up her skirt with one hand and used the other to free his cock, emitting a sigh of relief as it sprang loose from his pants.

  “Let me help you.” Jordan jerked her panties off and reached for him, guiding him to her opening.

  She was slick and wet, and he entered her with ease. “Oh, God, babe.” He’d been in a hurry, but now that he was there, Jake wanted to make it last. He savored the feel of her around him as he moved inside her, gradually increasing their rhythm.

  “Faster!” Jordan cried after a few minutes, and Jake obliged, lifting her buttocks and thrusting deeper as she wrapped her legs around him. When her body shook, signaling her climax, Jake let himself go and they crashed over the edge together.

  ***

  “I think your equipment’s okay.” Jordan’s face was flushed and her breathing irregular. “Better than okay, actually.”

  Thank God. Jake rolled off of her and collapsed against the pillows, completely spent. The woman was insatiable, no doubt about it. They’d finally made it to the bed, though, and he’d managed to keep up. She still might kill him before the night was over, but at least he’d die happy. “You did cast a spell on it, didn’t you?”

  “Well, duh. It’s my master plan. Always ready for me, but it won’t work with anyone else.” Jordan grinned. “Genius, huh?”

  “Definitely.” God, she was incredible. “Assuming I can keep you from running away from me again.” If he couldn’t, it would be a lonely life.

  “I’m not planning on running away this time.”

  Her tone carried conviction, and Jake wanted to believe her. He was about to put it to the test, though. “I’m glad.” He turned so he could face her. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  “Okay.” Jordan sat up, wrapping the bed sheet around her. “Good something, I hope.”

  “Very good, at least I think so.” He hoped she would agree. “I signed on for another movie. Lead role this time. Chaz Collier’s directing. Kate Hudson’s co-starring. It could be big.”

  “Could be?” Jordan’s eyes widened. “I think that’s a pretty safe bet. Damn, Jake. You are hitting the big time.” She smiled. “How’s it feel?”

  “Overwhelming,” he admitted. “But great, too. It’ll be better if I can share it with you.” Jake sat up and reached for her hands. “There’s one small catch. The movie films in Saint Lucia, and I have to leave in a couple weeks. As soon as I get done here.”

  “Wow.” Jordan’s smile faded. “That’s fast.”

  “I know. I don’t want to leave you,” Jake said. “I want you to come with me.”

  “To Saint Lucia? For a movie location?” Jordan’s eyes widened as she cocked her head to one side. “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. Doesn’t that sound great?”

  “Great? Sure. Also completely unrealistic,” Jordan said. “I can’t drop everything and go to Saint Lucia with you. I have a job to do here. Trey’s in serious trouble, and I have other clients who need my help.”

  Trey. Jake knew that would be a stumbling block. “I don’t expect you to just drop things. I’ll know you’ll need a little bit of time to get things settled.”

  “Settled?” Jordan pulled her hands away. “What are you talking about? Do you expect me to give up my law practice and follow you all over the world to various movie locations?”

  Jake thought the idea sounded pretty good, but judging from Jordan’s reaction, maybe not. “The salary for this next movie is…well, it’s a lot.” More than he ever expected to earn on one project. “And my agent just sent me another script. I don’t think you’ll have to work anymore.”

  “Good for you. I’m thrilled you’re making it big.” Jordan said. “But if you’re looking for a woman who’ll be happy sunning herself on the beach all day and spending your money, maybe you better call Macy.” She pushed the sheet aside and got up from the bed.

  “No.” Jake reached out to try to stop her, but she moved too fast. “Don’t run away from me. You promised you wouldn’t run away.”

  “And I’m not. This isn’t me running.” Jordan grabbed a robe with the hotel logo and cinched it closed. “This is me staying put so we can discuss this and try to reach a compromise,” she said. “If we’re going to be together, we have to find one, because I’ve worked too damned hard building my law practice to just throw it all away, to say nothing of the fact that I own a house here. Grande Valley’s my home now. I can’t just up and leave.”

  Chapter 26

  Since she’d spent much of the previous day scheming to get Macy out of town, then treating herself to a celebratory massage and facial, Jordan made sure she was at the office bright and early. She’d let Trey down a few days ago, but more importantly she let herself down. Now Jordan needed to prove it was merely a pothole in the road and she was still on top of her game. She couldn’t do that by giving everything up and going to Saint Lucia with Jake, no matter how appealing the idea sounded.

  After a quick stop at her condo to shower and change clothes, she still beat Jen to the office. Jordan had coffee brewing when the office door chimed, signaling someone had opened it.

  “Jordan?” Beth called out. “I saw your car out front and figured you might be here.”

  “With deductive powers like that, you’re a shoe-in for re-election,” Jordan teased as she came out of the conference room to gree
t her friend. “I just put coffee on. It’ll be ready in a couple minutes. What brings you by here so early?”

  Beth held up a DVD. “Border surveillance footage from two nights ago. Since one of your clients has a leading role, you might want to watch it. Or not.”

  “Want? No. Should, yes.” Jordan sighed. So much for any hope that Beth wouldn’t aggressively pursue a case against Trey. “How bad is it?”

  “It’s not great,” Beth said. “At least not from your point of view. But I figured you’d want to get started right away, so I brought my copy of the video to save you the hassle of trying to get it from law enforcement yourself.”

  “I appreciate that.” If Jordan had to request it herself, it would take days to get it. “Thanks.”

  “We can watch it in a few minutes. First I want to know if you patched things up with Jake.”

  Jordan considered that as she led the way to the conference room. “Yes and no.” She poured two cups of coffee and handed one to Beth.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means we’ve resolved the Macy issue.” Jordan poured butterscotch-flavored creamer into her coffee. “And the Carl issue.”

  Beth frowned. “I didn’t know there was a Carl issue.”

  “I didn’t either until last night.” Jordan sat down. “Apparently Jake has a jealous streak and needed to be reassured that Carl isn’t a threat.”

  “As if.” Beth snorted. “I assume you were able to reassure him?”

  Jordan smirked as she recalled the activities of the night before. Her back was still sore, but it was worth it. “Yes. I don’t think he’ll be worrying about Carl anymore. Unfortunately, we managed to find another issue that we haven’t completely resolved yet.” She set the mug down. “Jake’s going to the Caribbean in a couple weeks for another movie. He wants me to go with him.”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Beth asked. “Because a vacation in the Caribbean sounds pretty nice to me.”