When she returned, Jordin sat down beside Ethan. “How did you like the movie?”
He sat up and reached for his wineglass. “I thought it was great.”
“So did I,” Jordin replied. “I was kind of surprised that you would pick this one, especially with all of the romantic elements.”
Ethan met her gaze. “I knew you would like it.”
She smiled. “You were right. It was the perfect movie.”
He took a long sip of wine. “I had my doubts about moving back here, but I have to say now that I’m glad I did.”
“So I assume you’ll be staying around for a while then.”
“Yeah. I’d forgotten how much I love Charleston.”
Jordin grinned. “I’m glad you’re going to be here.” She picked up a plate and filled it with cheese and crackers.
“The only issue with being back here is Lydia,” Ethan remarked.
“Maybe not right now, Ethan, but one day you might change your mind.”
He shook his head. “I doubt that.”
A hushed quiet settled over the room.
Without warning, Ethan pulled her closer to him.
He took her mouth as if it was his to do with as he pleased, making it his own in a way that had Jordin’s hands rising of their own volition, her fingers curling into his shirt. Her moan slid free of her mouth and into Ethan’s.
The kiss was explosive, consuming and intense.
All Jordin could think about was the heat of Ethan’s body against her own.
Ethan released her slowly, leaving Jordin breathless, hungry for more of his kisses and drowning in desire.
He drew a slow breath.
She gazed into his chocolate-brown eyes.
“You are irresistible,” he murmured, as though having reached some internal understanding with himself. Ethan lowered his head down to hers, and pressed a single kiss on her lips.
Their gazes locked. Jordin and Ethan glimpsed the attraction mirrored in the other’s eyes.
Ethan kissed her again, lingering, savoring every moment.
Jordin’s emotions whirled. Blood pounded in her brain, leapt from her heart and made her knees tremble.
“I have always been drawn to you, sweetheart,” Ethan whispered. “From the moment I laid eyes on you.” He touched his lips to hers.
Jordin surrendered to him, her entire body trembling as his arms drew her closer to him. She could feel the heat of passion radiating from within. She wanted him.
Needed him.
Just when Jordin was ready to fully succumb to his seduction, Ethan broke the kiss and picked her up, causing her to gasp softly. He carried her into the bedroom and set her on the bed.
They stared at one another.
“Jordin.” He whispered her name, needing to hear permission.
She didn’t tear her gaze away as she whispered, “I want this too.”
A shudder moved through him.
He pulled away from her abruptly, which prompted her to inquire, “What’s wrong, Ethan?”
“On second thought, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to get carried away,” he said after a moment.
Jordin felt as if part of her soul vanished when Ethan tore himself away from her.
“Ethan...”
He shook his head. “We can’t do this, Jordin. It would be a mistake.”
“It’s what we both want.”
He shook his head sadly. “I’m messed up, Jordin and the last thing I want is to hurt you.”
“You won’t,” she responded. “I know you, Ethan. I know your heart.”
“I’ve changed a lot, Jordin.”
“Not really. You are still the same person I knew all those years ago—only better.”
Ethan laughed, breaking up the awkwardness between them. “Only you would say something like that.”
“It’s the truth.” She pulled away from him when she sat up. “C’mon, Ethan...admit it. You feel the same way about me. We’re attracted to each other,”
“We’re quite a pair, huh?” Ethan rose to his feet.
“We are,” Jordin agreed. “Otherwise, I would probably be offended that you don’t want to make love to me.”
“Let’s be clear,” Ethan stated. “It’s not that I don’t want to make love—I don’t want to mess up our friendship.”
“I’m thirsty,” she announced. “Want something to drink?”
“Just some water. Thanks.”
Jordin disappeared off to the kitchen. She returned a few minutes later with two bottles of water and handed one to Ethan, who smiled in gratitude.
As usual, his smile stirred something within her. Jordin unscrewed the top of her water took a quick sip.
“I’ve always been attracted to you,” Ethan confessed.
“Why didn’t you ever say anything?” she wanted to know.
“I didn’t want to get rejected.”
Jordin met his gaze. “I wouldn’t have rejected you, Ethan.”
“I didn’t know that back then. The way things turned out for me, it was probably better this way. Relationships are something I haven’t been very good at—I certainly don’t want to ruin what we already have.”
She eyed him. “Why not take a chance?”
Ethan shook his head no. “It’s just not a risk I’m willing to take where you’re concerned. You have no idea how special you are to me.”
Jordin kissed him. “Sure, I can’t change your mind?”
He had to tear himself away from the seductive look she gave him. “You’re definitely not making this easy on me.”
“To be honest, I don’t want to make it easy for you, Ethan. I know we would be good together, but until you come to your senses, I guess all we can do right now is watch another movie.”
Ethan picked up one of the DVDs on her nightstand and said, “Let’s watch this one.”
The mere touch of Ethan’s hand against her own sent a warming shiver through her, which Jordin tried to ignore. She moved her hand away from his.
He glanced over at her. “Jordin...I don’t want things to be uncomfortable between us.”
“We’re fine, Ethan.”
“You sure?”
Jordin awarded him a smile. “We’re cool. Let’s just watch the movie.”
She chewed on her bottom lip and pushed away her fantasies of making love with Ethan. He was determined to keep their relationship platonic, much to her disappointment.
Maybe Jadin was right. Maybe she was wasting her time where Ethan was concerned. He seemed to be able to turn his feelings on and off, but it was not something she was gifted with. Maybe it was time that she faced reality and let go of any dreams of being with Ethan.
* * *
Ethan was extremely conscious of where Jordin’s flesh touched him. He could barely keep his attention on the movie. He and Jordin talked very little during it, but he felt there was still so much that had been left unsaid.
“So what did you think of it?” Jordin asked after the movie ended. “All of the blood and gore.”
“It was... I enjoyed it.”
Jordin shook her head no. “Terrence Howard was perfect in the role of policeman. I really like him.”
“I’m sure most women feel the same way as you do about him. Don’t get me wrong—he’s a good actor.”
“Hater...”
Ethan laughed.
“I have to say this,” Jordin blurted. “Ethan, I heard you, but I can’t switch my feelings on and off. And I can’t just dismiss what almost happened between us earlier. It’s going to take me some time. I just need you to know that.”
“Jordin...this isn’t easy for me either. The things that you do to me...the way you make me
feel,” Ethan shook his head. He feared if he stayed a moment longer, his resolve would evaporate.
As if she knew what he was thinking, Jordin said, “I guess it’s time you head home, then.”
He nodded in agreement. “This is for the best, Jordin.”
“I don’t agree,” she retorted.
“I’ll call you sometime tomorrow.”
“That’s fine,” she murmured while escorting him to the front door. “Drive safe.”
He embraced her.
This time Jordin pulled away first. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Alone, she ascended the stairs to her bedroom.
Jordin opened the door and stared at her bed. She never realized just how cold and lonely it looked until now.
Her lips were still tender from Ethan’s passion-filled kisses. Her body temperature hadn’t cooled yet, so Jordin decided to take a bubble bath, hoping to ease some of the pent-up tension she felt.
No man had ever made her feel the way Ethan made her feel, his touch leaving her burning with desire.
* * *
At home, Ethan took a cold shower. He was dealing with a battle of his own. He was in love with Jordin and the truth of the matter was that he did not want to lose her. Ethan had no idea when it happened, but it did not really matter. She was the only woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
This is so crazy. I’m in love with my best friend, but I can’t tell her. The way Jordin responded to his kisses proved that she was attracted to him as well. Ethan just didn’t think it was a good idea to put their friendship at risk.
After slipping on a pair of pajama bottoms and a T-shirt, he settled down on the sofa and turned on the television. When he couldn’t find anything that captured his attention, Ethan stood up and walked over to the bed.
Climbing inside, he settled back against the pillows.
Sleep would not come easy. Ethan tossed and turned most of the night. He could not escape the look of disappointment on Jordin’s face. She had no idea how much he wanted to be with her, but he’d experienced some negative consequences when it came to friends with benefits. Ethan was not willing to risk his friendship with Jordin for sex.
Chapter 11
Ethan had to go to Chicago for business, leaving Jordin to attend the firm’s annual event solo. The rows of seating were garnished with riots of red-and-orange roses arranged with gold ribbons and baby’s breath. As usual, her mother did a wonderful job with the decorations and themes each year.
“What’s wrong, cousin?” Ryker inquired. “We’re at a party. You haven’t been yourself all evening.” He dropped down into the empty seat beside her.
“I’m fine,” Jordin responded before taking a sip of wine.
“Does this have something to do with Ethan? I assumed that he would be here with you.”
“He’s out of town.” She met Ryker’s gaze.
“How are things between you two?”
“I know that Ethan cares for me, but he won’t allow himself to act on those feelings. Every time we seem to get close, he finds a way to put distance between us.”
“Ethan’s been through a lot, Jordin,” Ryker reminded her. “The real reason that he came back here is to make peace with his past. He needs time to do just that.”
“You’ve spoken to him?”
Ryker nodded. “I ran into him and Chandler a couple of days ago. We sat down and talked over drinks. He told me what happened with his mom.”
“Do you know if he plans on staying in Charleston?” she asked. “Sometimes, I get the feeling that he would rather be anywhere but here.”
“I think so, especially since he moved his offices here.” Ryker met her gaze.
She nodded. “I really believe that Ethan is my soul mate.”
“Then give him the time and space he needs to deal with old wounds,” Ryker advised. “If he truly is your soul mate, he will come looking for you.”
“He has so much bitterness where his mother is concerned. Sometimes I wonder if he’ll be able to bury the past and forgive her. He shuts down when I try to get him to even consider the idea.”
“Don’t take it personally, cousin. Ethan needs time to confront his demons. Give him that space. He’ll come to you when he’s ready.”
“I wasn’t there for him when he really needed me, Ryker,” Jordin stated. “I should have sensed that there was something going on with him. I don’t want to make that mistake a second time.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. None of us knew all that Ethan was going through back then.”
“I just don’t understand why he wouldn’t tell me,” Jordin stated. “We were friends.”
“Ethan knows that,” Ryker said. “He wanted to be a man. He wanted to take care of himself.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
Ryker rose to his feet. “I need to return to my beautiful wife.”
Jordin smiled. “Talk to you later.”
“Is this seat taken?”
She turned around. “Ethan, I thought you were in Chicago.”
“I was,” he responded. “The meeting ended early, so I flew out this afternoon.”
“I’m so glad you’re here.”
He sat down beside her. “Looks like a nice party.”
“The law firm throws one every year to celebrate our clients.”
Ethan glanced around. “Where are your parents? I’d like to say hello to them.”
“They will be back shortly,” Jordin stated. “They went to pick up my grandfather.”
“Mr. Marcelle DuGrandpre?”
Smiling, she nodded and said, “You remember him.”
“Oh, yeah, I remember Mr. Marcelle,” Ethan said. “He told me once that if I ever hurt you, he would pistol-whip me.”
Jordin laughed. “I wish I could tell you that he didn’t mean it, but I’d be lying.”
“Oh, I know he meant it.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “My parents are here.”
Jordin stood up and gestured for them to join her.
“Ethan, I heard you were back in town,” Eleanor stated. “It’s good to see you again and congratulations on the new gym.”
“Thank you, Mrs. DuGrandpre.”
“I see you and Jordin wasted no time reconnecting.”
He smiled. “She’s one of my closest friends.”
“Ethan’s also in need of your services,” Jordin said.
“When you have some time, let’s get together,” Eleanor suggested.
“Ethan Holbrooke, you’re the last person I expected to return to Charleston especially after the scandal,” a woman’s voice interjected.
“Aunt Rochelle...” Jordin uttered in frustration. She loved her aunt dearly, but the woman could be so vexing at times.
She stole a peek at Ethan but his expression was blank. Jordin knew he would never let her aunt know whether or not she hit a nerve.
“Rochelle, why don’t you and I check on the cake?” Eleanor suggested. “The delivery truck arrived just as we were pulling in.”
“You can check on it. I want to catch up with this young man.”
Eleanor gently grabbed her sister-in-law by the arm. “No, I insist that you join me.”
“That woman is still a piece of work,” Ethan whispered, sparking laughter from Jordin.
She ran her fingers across her gown, a tangerine color.
“You look beautiful,” Ethan stated.
“You clean up pretty nice yourself. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a tux.”
He laughed. “I guess you hadn’t.”
She was entranced by the silent sadness of his face. Jordin had seen this look a few times and knew he was thinking of the past
. She reached over and gave him hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Do you feel like getting some fresh air?” Ethan inquired.
Jordin smiled. “Sure.”
A few of the guests were scattered outside the huge estate that belonged to her parents. She and Ethan walked beneath a huge elm tree.
“This place is really pretty at night. I love the way the moon reflects on the waterfront.”
He agreed. “This is my first time here.”
His words made Jordin realize just how little Ethan had seen of the city of his birth. He had been ripped away before he could get a real glimpse of all that Charleston had to offer.
She glanced up at him to find Ethan watching her.
“Where did you go?”
Jordin met his gaze. “I was thinking about taking you to see all of the wonderful places you never got to see.”
“I’d like that. I love spending time with you.”
A delicious shudder heated her body. She cleared her throat, pretending not to be affected by his words. “Same here.”
For a moment, Jordin thought he was going to kiss her. When he didn’t, she felt a shred of disappointment snake down her spine.
“Ready to go back inside?”
She nodded.
Jordin chewed on her bottom lip as Ethan escorted her into the room where the party was held.
He guided her over to their table and pulled out a chair for her.
“Thank you,” Jordin murmured as she sat down, her heart hammering foolishly.
I’ve got to stop this, she told herself. She watched him as he dropped down into the chair beside her, noting how handsome Ethan looked in the black tux he was wearing. It fit him nicely as if it had been designed just for him.
They dined on grilled London broil served with mushroom sauce, vegetables and an assortment of rolls.
Jordin used the corner of her napkin to wipe her mouth. “Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”
“I need to finish unpacking the equipment for my home office. What’s up?”
“Nothing,” she responded. “I was just being nosy.”
He laughed. “What are your plans?”
“Shopping,” Jordin answered. “I need some new shoes.”
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