Only for You

by Jacquelin Thomas

  Jordin was tired, but had trouble falling asleep. Humming softly to the music, she turned on her laptop. She had really enjoyed his visit. Seeing Ethan again brought back feelings that she had buried a long time ago.

  Jordin was physically attracted to Ethan, but that attraction ran more than skin-deep. She had always believed their relationship was a special one and what she felt for him defied definition.

  It was one of the reasons she couldn’t fully understand why he had a huge wall between them. Jadin was right about him being distant and very guarded. Jordin assumed it was a result of his past experiences, but they had been close. Surely, Ethan knew that he could trust her.

  Jordin glanced over at the clock, and then pushed her puzzling thoughts aside because she needed to shift into work mode.

  An hour later, Jordin was still reviewing case files when the telephone rang.

  “Hello,” she murmured into the receiver.

  “I know it’s late, but I wanted to wait until I thought Ethan was gone. How did everything go?”

  “It was great, Jadin. Ethan and I did some catching up and he invited me to an art gallery opening this Saturday.”

  “It sounds like you two didn’t have any problems reconnecting.”

  “We didn’t.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” her sister stated. “I’m going to bed and we can talk tomorrow. Aubrie dropped off some of her banana nut muffins, so I’ll bring you some.”

  “Great. Good night, sis.” Jordin hung up and returned her attention to the documents spread out on her bed. It was after two in the morning. She put everything away and turned off the lights.

  * * *

  Two days later, Jordin moved around her bedroom in a panic. “Why on earth did I agree to go to this opening tonight? I have no idea what to wear.”

  Jordin called her sister. “I really need your help. I’m not sure what I should wear for this event.”

  “What about that outfit I bought you for your birthday last year? I’m sure it’s hanging in the closet with the tags still on it.”

  “I think it’s much too sexy for a gallery opening, Jadin.”

  “Isn’t that the idea?”

  Jordin laughed. “No, it’s not.”

  “Okay, so what time is your date?”

  Jordin glanced over at the clock. “In a couple of hours.”

  “I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

  “Thanks,” Jordin said, her voice filled with relief. “I appreciate your help.”

  She hung up the phone and sat down to wait for her sister to arrive.

  “Help has arrived,” Jadin announced, walking briskly through the door. “I can’t believe you’re acting so nervous. It’s just Ethan.”

  Jordin led her to the bedroom.

  Inside, she pointed to the peach-colored dress on the bed. “I was thinking about wearing this but it looks kind of boring, don’t you think?”

  “Well, it’s not what I would wear.”

  “I was going to pair it with a pair of turquoise pumps.”

  Jadin smiled. “I like it.”

  She gave her sister a glance. “Really?”

  “I think it’s perfect. Jordin, you don’t need a stylist. What’s up? I’ve never seen you this way.”

  “I want to make a great impression on Ethan. He probably remembers me as the teen who wore nothing but jeans...”

  “And your obsession with the Bedazzler machine,” Jadin finished for her.

  “Hey, everybody wanted jeans like mine.”

  They both laughed.

  “Seriously, I really want to look nice for Ethan.”

  “Jordin, you will knock his socks off with this outfit. Are you planning on wearing any makeup?”

  Jordin frowned. “Do I need to?”

  “Just a little,” Jadin suggested. “Just to enhance your natural beauty.”

  After she was dressed, her sister broke into a smile. “You look gorgeous, sis.”

  Jordin dismissed her words with a wave of her hand. “Be serious.”

  “I am,” she responded.

  Jadin left within minutes of Ethan’s scheduled arrival.

  Jordin surveyed her reflection in the mirror once more, pleased with what she saw.

  “You look beautiful,” he complimented when she opened the door to let him enter the house.

  “Thanks,” she said with a smile.

  Jordin grabbed her purse. “I’m ready.”

  “Great,” Ethan murmured. “Let’s go appreciate some art.”

  She laughed. “Why do we always end up going to art galleries and museums when you don’t like doing stuff like this?”

  “I know you like it,” he responded. “Your mother used to always take us to gallery openings and artist showcases.”

  Jordin nodded in agreement. “She always said it was so that we would develop an appreciation for art.”

  “She is the reason I am an art lover and collector.”

  “I love the pieces you selected for your office. I would have imagined that you preferred abstract art over the landscape scenes.”

  “I chose those pieces for a reason,” Ethan explained as he drove toward downtown Charleston. “Research studies have shown that vivid paintings of landscapes can lower blood pressure and heart rate, while abstract pictures can have the opposite effect. I chose waterfalls and beachfront scenes to inspire a sense of peace in the workplace. It’s important that my employees feel energized and motivated throughout the day to complete their duties.”

  “Wow, I’m impressed.”

  Ethan smiled. “Like I said, I have your mother to thank for introducing me to the beauty of art.”

  “She is going to be thrilled to hear this. None of her own children have such a strong affection for art.”

  Chapter 6

  “Have you eaten here before?” Ethan asked after they left the art gallery.

  Jordin nodded. “I’ve only been here a couple of times. The food is really great. A whole lot better than those edible art displays they served at that art gallery. I couldn’t recognize any of the food.”

  He laughed. “Who knew you could make appetizers look so unique and unrecognizable?”

  “I know. I did hear someone say that the owner is vegan, so that’s probably why we didn’t know what we were eating. Some of it wasn’t bad though. They were beautiful to look at—like miniature pieces of artwork.”

  He was in awe of the way Jordin looked at the world through eyes that searched out and found beauty in the most unlikely places. “You’re still more adventurous than I am,” Ethan stated. “I refuse to eat something that I have no idea of the ingredients.”

  They were seated immediately.

  Shortly after, a waiter arrived to take their drink orders.

  Ethan scanned the menu. “Any recommendations?”

  “You really can’t go wrong with anything.”

  “If the food here is so great, why have you only come a couple of times?” Ethan inquired.

  She smiled. “I prefer Aubrie’s restaurant.”

  Grinning, Ethan responded, “Imagine that. The DuGrandpre family are known for their loyalty to one another.”

  Their eyes locked as their breathing seemed to come in unison.

  Their waiter appeared once more with drinks and prepared to take their selections.

  When he was gone, Jordin questioned,

  “Why did you say that?”

  “Because it’s true,” he responded. “It’s not a criticism, Jordin.”

  “It sounds like one.”

  “It’s one of the qualities I do admire about your family,” Ethan stated. “You all love each other and will do whatever is necessary to protect one a
nother.”

  “You know I actually saw a few pieces that I really liked at the gallery,” Jordin stated, wanting to change the subject.

  “So did I,” he responded. “I noticed you have some nice artwork on your walls.”

  “I’ve picked up a few pieces here and there. My mom’s the serious art collector. You should see her collection.” Jordin’s eyes traveled the length of the restaurant. “I’m glad we did this.”

  Ethan met her gaze. “Why is that?”

  “Because it reminds me of how we were when we were younger. We had so many dreams and places we wanted to go.”

  Memories raced through his mind, causing sensory overload. He remembered the arguments, the conversations and the feelings of rejection... “Then real life happened,” he uttered.

  Jordin met his gaze. “Ethan, please.”

  “What? Don’t sound so bitter?” He paused for a few seconds before adding, “I’m sorry, but I don’t really have fond memories of my youth.”

  “Not even of the time we spent together?”

  Ethan did not respond.

  The waiter’s appearance put a temporary hold on their conversation. He placed their entrees on the table.

  Ethan said a quick blessing over the food.

  Jordin took a bite and closed her eyes, savoring the flavor. “This is so good.”

  She looked at him. “What’s wrong?” she asked, pointing to his plate. “Aren’t you hungry?”

  His gaze was on her and Jordin tried to throttle the dizzying current racing through her body. “You’re staring,” Jordin murmured. She wished for a moment that she could hide from the intensity in his eyes.

  “You have grown into an incredibly beautiful woman.”

  “Thank you for the compliment,” she said. “You’re very sweet.”

  He had complimented her at least twice on her dress and her hair. Jordin noted how handsome Ethan looked in the gray suit he was wearing. Each time she saw him, the pull was stronger.

  Jordin picked up her glass of wine, took a long sip and then set it down again. “This was a great choice in restaurants.” She used the corner of her napkin to wipe her mouth. “Have you ever been here before?”

  Shaking his head, Ethan responded, “This is my first time.”

  “How did you know about Bastile? It’s only been in Charleston for almost a year.”

  “I asked Walter for a recommendation. He also suggested your cousin’s restaurant.”

  She gave him a sidelong glance. “Ethan, can I ask you a question?”

  He met her gaze. “Sure.”

  “Do you ever just relax?” she asked.

  Stroking his chin, Ethan regarded her carefully. “Not really, but believe it or not—I actually know how to have a good time.”

  “What constitutes a good time to you?” Jordin questioned with a grin. “What is it that you do for fun?”

  Ethan leaned forward, gazing into her eyes. “Do you really want to know what I enjoy doing for pleasure?”

  Jordin flushed hotly as her gaze snapped to his.

  Ethan broke into laughter at the expression on her face. “I enjoy reading mysteries. Going to art museums, exhibits...stuff like that. I do it because it reminded me of you.”

  “Oh...”

  “So what do you do for fun these days?” he inquired, a soft smile curving his mouth.

  “I’m sure you remember how much I love the water. I still spend a lot of time on the beach during the summer,” Jordin responded. “I’m also a huge history buff—I’m always taking tours and of course, I still love music.”

  “Interesting... I love history myself,” Ethan commented.

  The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice.

  “There are a couple of contemporary art exhibits in Charleston but they’re only going to be here for a couple of weeks,” Jordin announced. “Would you like to see them?”

  Ethan held her gaze. “I’d love to,” he responded, giving her a smile that sent her pulses racing. His eyes shimmered with the light from the window.

  After their dinner, neither one of them wanted to end the evening, so they went back to her place after leaving the restaurant. Jordin made a pot of coffee, and then sat down with Ethan in the living room.

  “I’m glad to see that you’re not as much of a stuffed shirt as I thought you were.” She handed him a mug of coffee.

  He chuckled. “I haven’t changed that much, Jordin.”

  “I must have looked a hot mess when we were younger from the way you keep staring at me.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Not at all. It’s taking me a minute to get used to you all grown-up.”

  “If you’d stayed in touch, we could have grown together.”

  “I thought you had forgiven me for that.”

  “I did,” Jordin confirmed. “I’m just not going to let you forget it so easily.”

  “Same Jordin...” he murmured with a chuckle. “I have to remember to stay off your bad side.”

  She took a sip of her coffee as she studied him. Jordin couldn’t deny the spark of excitement at the prospect of being with Ethan in a romantic relationship. Her emotions whirled. Blood pounded in her brain, leapt from her heart and made her knees tremble.

  Ethan finished one cup of coffee before announcing, “I have an early day tomorrow, so I should get going.”

  Their gazes locked and she could see the attraction mirrored in his eyes.

  Ethan pulled Jordin into his arms, surprising her.

  He kissed her.

  “Good night,” he whispered.

  For a brief moment, Ethan had let down his guard, allowing her a glimpse of affection. It was only a matter of time, Jordin decided.

  * * *

  Jordin had the ability to cut through his defenses and bring him to his knees. She had such a warm, loving spirit, and kept a permanent smile on her face.

  He couldn’t resist kissing her at least once. Ethan yearned to taste the sweetness of Jordin’s lips and hold her close. He had been fantasizing about kissing her when the act became a reality, surprising them both.

  Ethan had no regrets. The kiss was something that had haunted him since they were teens. However, he could not let his yearnings get out of control.

  I have real feelings for this woman, and I can’t see my life without her in it, but I have to be realistic. Nothing could ever become of his feelings for Jordin, so Ethan had no other choice—he had to accept that they could only be friends. Nothing more.

  He changed clothes and climbed into bed.

  Sleep eluded him, however. Ethan’s head was filled with thoughts of Jordin.

  He tossed from one side to the other, seeking out comfort.

  Ethan gave up after an hour passed and he was no closer to sleep. He set up in bed, propping himself against his pillows.

  Watching television was just as futile. Ethan stole a glance at the clock on his nightstand and groaned.

  He had a very long day ahead of him.

  * * *

  Jordin’s phone rang a few minutes after she entered her office. “Hey, sis,” she said, recognizing the phone number.

  “How was your date with Ethan?” Jadin asked. “Did he like your dress?”

  “Ethan definitely liked my dress. We had a great time,” she told her. Jordin decided to keep the kiss she and Ethan shared to herself.

  “Have you told Mom and Dad that Ethan’s back?”

  “Mom knows because she’s working on a project for him,” Jordin stated. “I’m sure she’s mentioned Ethan’s return to Dad.”

  Her sister did not offer a response and she hadn’t really expected one.

  “Jadin, I don’t expect you to understand my relationship with Ethan.”

  “I�
��m not going there, sis. I’m just glad you had a great evening.”

  “I really did.” She was grateful that Jadin had decided to back off. They were close and she did not want anything coming between them.

  They talked for a few minutes more before ending the call.

  Jordin touched her lips as she recalled the kiss. It was sweet and gentle. She knew that Ethan would take things slow—it was the type of person he was and had always been. He was a good man. Together, they would make a great team.

  But before anything could progress between them, she had to get Ethan to unlock his heart.

  The rest of her day went by as smoothly as it had started. Jordin left the office and met up with an old classmate for drinks.

  “Cheryl, I’m sorry I’m late. Traffic was backed up due to an accident.”

  “It’s all good. I just got here about five minutes ago.”

  Jordin embraced her friend. “It’s good to see you.”

  They sat down at a nearby table.

  “What have you been up to?” Cheryl inquired.

  “Work,” she responded with a laugh. “How about you?”

  “Same here. I have been in court most of this week.” Shaking her head, Cheryl said, “Some days I question why I became a lawyer. On other days, I love my job.”

  “I understand,” Jordin replied. “I feel the same way.”

  The waiter came to take their order.

  He returned a few minutes later with two glasses of white wine.

  Cheryl took a sip. “So are you dating anyone?”

  Jordin shook her head. “No, I’m still very single.”

  “Any prospects?”

  She smiled. “I have one.”

  “Tell me about him.”

  “Not yet,” Jordin said. She picked up her glass and sipped her wine.

  “This doesn’t have anything to do with Mr. Ethan Holbrooke, does it?”

  She was stunned. “Why would you ask that?”

  Cheryl laughed. “When I first met you, Ethan was all you talked about. I figured since he was back in Charleston—you two would hook up.”

  “We haven’t hooked up, but we have reconnected.”

  “Sounds like a love story in the making.”

  Smiling, Jordin took another sip. “I guess we’ll have to see.” She was trying not to set her hopes too high where Ethan was concerned.