8. Jordan
8
JORDAN
I take my time getting out of the Olympic-sized pool at the hotel, moving slowly because every blink brings back that look on Cassi’s face.
For the past four days, I’ve beenmovingon autopilot, like a man with no purpose because nothing fucking matters. Not since Cassi hit me with that look—one of heartbreakanddisappointment. I let her down, Iknow I did.
Hell, I also let myself down.
But there’s no denying the fact she took me by surprise at her father’s house. The fact that she’s willing to give up her future, the life of luxury she’s always knownjustto have me?It didn’t make any sense.And before I could figure out what the fuck I was feeling, she was up and gone.I tried going after her but it was too late after fighting with Mom and Sam. She was gone.
Gone.
And I didn’t have a goddamn clue where she went.Hence,my extendedstay here in San Diego instead of beingback inmy penthouse apartment in Chicago.I keepreaching out to Cassi, callingandtexting herbutstill no response.Fuck,I don’t even get the three dots signifying she’s even thinking about me.
Nothing.
She’s angry and hurt.
“WellI’m hurt too, dammit.”I’m a powerful man and although I don’t often throw my weight around,this time I will.I block my number and call Cassi.
“Hello?” The soft sound of her voice hits my earbutI remain silent. “Hello?” I watch the call counter until fifteen seconds pass. “Wrong number,” she murmurs and ends the call.
I smile, thankful to be the CEO of a tech company that’s always on its game because thirty minuteslaterI’m standing on the doorstep of a little condo one block from the ocean. I knockandthe door opensinstantly, almostas if they’ve been waiting…
I recognize the blonde with freckles and big blue eyes.She looks justthe wayCassi described her. “Ah, well at least I can see why she fell for you,” she smiles to herself before remembering the best friend code.“Why should I let you in now, Mr. Pansy-Ass ? I don’t know how you let my girl just walk away.”
Well, damn. “You’re right,” I admit becausesheis, andit’s going to be the fastest way to get to Cassi. “I wasn’t surethat sheshould give up her chance at the life shewantsjust to have me. Her father is going to cut her off.”
Margo frowns. “So? She has tons of money saved upandyou’re rich,aren’t you?”
Her attitude pulls a low chuckle from me. “Indeed. I’m happy to find she has a friend like you, I’ll say.”
“I’m damn lucky to have her too,” Margo adds, even more fiery than a moment ago.
“But although money isn’t an issue, Cassi isn’t looking to go from one man taking care of her to another. That’s why her and I need to talk.”
Margo’s shoulders slump. “Eh, maybe. You can come in I suppose. But if you make her cry again I swear I’ll cut your rich ass. Got it?”
I nod and step inside, not taking this friend too lightly while finding Cassi was just a few feet away. “Cass.” Itake astep towards her, ready to gather her in my armsbutshe steps out of my reach.
“What are you doing here?” Her eyes are red, her cheeks puffy. She’s been crying and it’s all because of me. Fuck.
“I’m here for you,” I tell herwith ease. “That should be obvious.”
“Why?”
“Yeah, why?”I turn to find Margo staringkeenly, anattentive audience.Realizing she’s not going anywhere, Iturn backto Cassi and prepare to bear my soul. “Because you’re unlike any woman I’ve ever met.”
“That’s not an answer,” Cassi snaps backand swipesat her tears.
Alright, let me try this again. “You shocked me the other night with what you said. Most of the women I meet want me because I’m rich andpowerful, rarely wanting me for the man that I amandyet all weekyoutreated me like I’m some amazing man on my own.It’s an intoxicating feelingandI found myself falling for you, Cass. I’m falling hard for you.”
She nibbles on her bottom lip like she does when she’s nervous. “Oh.”
“And you didn’t just tell your father that I’d take care of you, youwere ready to leave, to walk away from what I’m sure is a bigasstrust fund and just for me? I was honestly surprised. I’m ashamed to say it took longer than it should’ve for me to make sense of this all.”
Cassi takes a step forward, a hesitant hand now cupping my cheek.“But Jordan, you aresomuch more than your money andyourbrilliant mind.How…how could I not love you?”
My heartis racingat her touch and heartfelt words.“It was difficult to believe at first and the moment I gave in, I came to grips with the truth of how I feel about you.”
“And how’s that?” She’s standing a little taller and I take that as a good sign.
“I love you, Cassi. That’s why I’m still here. Icouldn’t go back to Chicago without telling you even if you don’t feel the same way.But if I’m a betting man,I think you do.”
“You love me?”
I nod. “When I said you were mine, I meant it. Did you?”
Surprise flashes in her eyes. “I did.”
“And that’s why I’m still here, baby. I’m not leaving without you.” She stares at me in confusion. “What? Chicago is the best hub for your travels.”
“Y-You don’t want me to give up seeing the world to be at your side?”
“You wouldn’t be the woman I love if you did.What I want is foryou to go out there and see everything, taking me with you at times, of course.But when you come back, I want you tocome backto me, Cassi.”
“Holy shit,thisis so romantic ,” Margo whispers in a shaky voice.
Cassi ignores her friend and tilts her head to the side, still confused. “You would travel with me?”
“As much as I can.You can focus on tourist traps and off-the-pathtype of travels,and then hidden gems you can explore withme.”
“Jordan,” she coos. “Youreallyare perfect, aren’t you?”
I shrug. “I don’t need to be perfect, baby. I just want to be perfect for you, to be just what you need.”
“You are,” she sayssimply, kissing me softly.“Perfect in every way. Even your big dick.”
A laugh breaks out of me. “Gladhemakes the top five.”
“Top three,” she clarifies sarcastically, and it’s taking all my willpower to not throw her down now and remind her just how much she loves my cock…
But first, we have to get the fuck out of here.
“I love you, and now that you know it please say you’re coming to Chicago with me.” Nearly holding my breath for an answer, luckily she doesn’t make me wait long.
“You don’t have to ask twice. Chicago, here we come!” A sense of relief rolls in by her excitement. “Butfirst, there’s something I have to do.”