16. Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Fifteen
When I wake up the next morning, my brain is a little foggy. Two back to back evenings of little sleep are starting to wear me down, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to be with the people I care about.
Blaise and I had stayed up late, watching reruns of American Horror Story, eating Chinese food, and talking. He filled me in on him and Nathan's recent arguments, the two of them growing apart. Apparently, it's not just the distance, but also their career and life goals. And even though he didn't say it directly, I can't help but feel that I'm also a thorn in Nathan's side.
He's made it clear from the beginning that he has an issue with me. I'm not sure why — I guess some people are just like that. But Blaise reassured me that their problems are normal and sometimes, relationships just run their course.
Later that morning, I packed my bag, said farewell to Blaise for the remainder of the weekend, and drove to Jordan's house. It was nice being able to drive myself for once, without having to rely on lifts or catching an Uber.
I park my car in his driveway in front of the closed garage door and when he opens the front door for me, I practically fling myself into his arms.
"Missed me, did you?" he asks, laughing. Leaning down he kisses me, my feet lifting off the ground as he hugs me.
"I did. But mainly I'm just so thankful that you were okay with last night," I mutter, helping him to close the door behind us as we go inside.
Jordan places me back on my feet when we reach the kitchen. "Why wouldn't it be okay? Blaise is your friend. It's important to have solid relationships and show up for the people you care about."
I gaze at him. "I don't think I've ever been more attracted to you than I am at this very moment."
He laughs. "You're beautiful. I'm so happy you're here for the weekend. I promise we'll get more sleep tonight. And no more visitors — I've made sure to let all my friends know I'm busy this weekend."
Blushing, I shift awkwardly. "You caught me off guard with that one."
"As much as Kaden had fun, I promise you he was absolutely mortified the next day at interrupting us. I'll never let him live it down," Jordan grins. "But he's away with his family this weekend anyway."
Putting my bag on the ground next to the kitchen counter, I lean against it, my fingers playing with some mail left on it. "Poor Kaden. I hope he wasn't too traumatized."
"He'll survive," Jordan muses. "Plus he owes me a beer now after giving him the best night of his life."
"So, I set the standard," I joke.
Jordan leans against the counter, facing me. "Baby, you are the standard. You're what everyone could ever want. And we loved the other night so much. But still, you're mine. And Kaden is very jealous now."
I flush, fighting back a smile. "I'm glad I could help. You haven't opened your mail yet," I point out, changing the subject before I resemble a tomato.
"Probably just boring bills," Jordan says, walking over to the fridge. "Can I get you a drink?"
"Yes, please," I answer, running my finger over the envelope window.
Mr. Jordan Harding.
I say his name over in my mind a few times, realizing I knew something a little bit more intimate about him. I know last names aren't a huge deal — we all have them — but it made this more real. He wasn't just the guy who picked me up from the side of the road. He had a house, a name I could remember, and everyday that passed, my heart was growing more and more fond of him.
I think I might even be falling in love with him.
I remember when I first thought that I was falling in love with Jake. It terrified me, for reasons I can't even explain. Being vulnerable with someone, it's scary. But knowing I feel this way about Jordan, it doesn't scare me one little bit. It makes me excited, the possibilities endless.
Jordan walks over and hands me a can of Coke, opening the tab before I take it. I sip the drink, pushing the mail away.
"So, what did you have planned for the rest of Saturday?" I ask.
He leans down, cocking a half-smile as he kisses my cheek. "I thought we could watch a movie and talk some more. I really enjoyed finding out that you can't cook microwave popcorn," he teases.
I push him back playfully. "And I enjoyed finding out you dip your fries into ice cream, you heathen."
"You said you did it too," he chokes back, eyes wide.
I shrug. "I do. But it's not weird when I do it."
Jordan rolls his eyes, small dimples fighting to pop out as he smiles. "Well, I still want to take you out for dinner later. And then I'm looking forward to having you in my bed without needing to wake up early. In fact, that's my plan for tomorrow. We're just going to stay in bed all day, talking, eating, watching movies. And if I'm lucky, I might get to enjoy you to myself."
"As long as your friends don't turn up, I think we can manage that," I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I'm yours anyway."
"And I'm yours," he says back. "And I don't plan on letting you go."
After dinner — a redo at La Cacciatore — we ventured back to his house, putting a movie on. Jordan was right — the food was incredible, even if it took us two tries to taste it properly.
What threw me off guard even more is the fact that we didn't even have sex. We just laid together, talking. It's not that we didn't want each other — it's just we get lost in the other's words. I love learning everything I can about Jordan, and time passes so quickly when we are together.
I usually get overwhelmed with company. I have a malfunctioning social meter, and generally enjoy my alone time. But with Jordan, I feel like I could just stay in his presence forever.
The next morning, I wake up feeling recharged and refreshed — and with Jordan's face between my legs.
Little moans spill from my lips as I become conscious, his tongue already deep within me as I wake up to a beautiful sunny Sunday.
"Shit," I mutter, hands reaching for his head under the blankets.
"Mm, I love when you curse," he murmurs against my thigh. "My little fucking firefly."
Grabbing his head, I pull him up, pressing my lips against his as I taste myself on him. He kisses me back, parting my legs as his cock nudges my thigh.
"I want to feel you fully again," he says between kisses. "Can I take you without a condom?"
At this point, we've already done it without one, and I'm protected against pregnancy. I trust him, so I nod, mouth falling open as he immediately pushes himself into me at an agonizing slow rate.
It's the polar opposite to our hot tub session, his pace slow and deep as he makes love to me. There's no other way to describe it — our hands on each other, bodies entwined as we fight our way to mutual climax.
He connects our fingers, holding my hands as he rolls his hips into mine, kissing me like air doesn't exist. And when I feel my body start tightening around him, the feeling of my orgasm rolling through me, he groans, the two of us riding the pleasure together as we come at the same time.
"Fucking hell," he groans, putting his forehead against mine. "I've never come at the same time as someone else before."
I smile, breathing raggedly. "Me either."
"You know," he says, rolling off me and laying on his side. "They reckon if you do that, it's because you have a spiritual connection to someone."
This guy is going to be the death of me.
"Do you think we have a connection?" I ask, brushing his sweaty hair off his forehead.
"Absolutely," he replies without hesitation. "You mean so much to me. It scares me sometimes."
I frown. "Why?"
He smiles. "It's a good thing. It just scares me how fast I'm falling for you. It's like I've known you my whole life — not just a few short weeks."
"I think sometimes you just know," I answer warmly.
"I agree. I knew from the second you gave me that poor, drenched look that you were going to change my life," he laughs, but there's sincerity in his tone. "I knew you were special and I'm thankful every day that I got to meet you."
I grin sheepishly. "It's a funny story to tell anyone. Did you see I got my car back?"
"I did," he nods. "Now, don't drive into flood water again. I can't risk someone else saving you."
Monday morning rolls around too quickly. It actually feels like my heart is breaking when I stand on his front doorstep, willing myself to let him go. I cling to him, our arms secured firmly around the other as we say our goodbyes.
I don't want to leave my little happy bubble. And what's even worse, is that Jordan has to travel to another office today. He'll be gone until Friday, and while it's only an hour and a half away, it feels like I'm losing a part of me.
"I'll be back in a few days," he comforts me, squeezing my body. "We'll text and call each other."
I nod against his chest. "I know. I'll miss you though."
"I'll miss you more," he replies, kissing my forehead. "You've given me motivation to get through the week. I'll be ready to get back to you and your body come Friday."
"Make sure you drive safely," I lecture him. "Don't speed or drive through water."
Jordan's lips twitch into a smile. "Ditto, firefly."
"Why do you call me that?" I ask, curiosity finally getting the better of me.
He looks at me, standing up straight. His eyes twinkle and dazzle, like he's about to reveal an inside joke that's been begging to come out.
"Because your name reminds me of the sky. And when I think of the sky, I'm reminded of all the nights I spent alone. And suddenly, in the darkness, you emerged, glowing like a beautiful firefly."
I choke back words as I stare at him, my heart melting. He steps forward, closing the small gap between us again.
"A few years ago I went camping with some friends in the middle of the forest. I got up in the middle of the night for some fresh air and when I crawled outside the tent, there were hundreds of fireflies glowing nearby. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. I didn't think I'd ever see anything as beautiful and breath-taking again — until I met you."
"Jordan," I murmur, tears welling up. "I don't know what to say."
He smiles, little dimples staring back at me. "I know it's only been a short while, but you mean so much to me, Skylar. I daydream about coming home to you, being married to you. I know that probably sounds ridiculous given everything but… that's just how I feel."
"I feel the same way," I confess, face breaking out in a smile as I quickly brush away a stray tear. "I never knew I could feel this way about someone."
He sees the tear, concern crossing his face. He grabs my hand, pressing it against my cheek. "You're my firefly. I don't ever want to make you cry."
Laughing, I tilt my head into his hand. "It's good tears, I promise. But I better go. If I don't force myself away now, you'll have to put me in the car with you."
Jordan raises an eyebrow, a challenge in his eyes. "Don't tempt me. I'd absolutely do that if you didn't have to go home for work."
He sees the indecisiveness and idea cross my face, laughing. "I'm not going to get on Blaise's bad side. Go home, and I'll call you tonight. We'll facetime so I can see your perfect face. I'll need something to hold onto."
"Okay," I mutter reluctantly. "I'll go. But please message me when you've arrived safely."
Nodding, he gives me one last kiss. "I will. Have a great day, firefly."