Chapter 16 – Jordan
CHAPTER
SIXTEEN
JORDAN
With one last possession and three seconds on the clock, the ball lands in my hands.
On instinct, I take one dribble, faking the defender, then step back and pull up for the three-point shot.
I watch it release, arcing toward the hoop.
I know as soon as it leaves my hands—it’s good, and we’re going to win.
Sure enough, the ball swooshes through the net, the buzzer sounds, and the crowd erupts.
The Charlotte Sting just beat the Tampa Sharks, 101–100. It was back and forth, both teams shooting lights-out. We were lucky enough to have the final shot, and I found a way to get us the win.
My teammates congratulate me, then we shake hands with the Tampa guys—including one of my former teammates, Drew.
He grins, shaking his head as we embrace.
“Jordan Mills, you just can’t help yourself.
Congrats on the win, man.” I chuckle at the guy who was once a friend, then a rival— and now, I don’t really know what he is.
He was in love with Reagan and even had a solid chance—until Riggs came into the picture.
He tried his best, but it wasn’t meant to be. Poor guy.
“Drew, it’s good to see you, bro. How’s life?”
“Not bad, man. How’s your sister?” Of course he’s asking about her. I guess he’s not over her yet. Can’t blame him. My sister is the best he could ever get.
“Reagan’s doing great. She’s in grad school and she and Riggs will probably be headed down the aisle sooner than later.” I say it without thinking. He flinches, his face falters before he composes himself.
“That’s great. As long as she’s happy.” He’s lying—but good on him for trying. I know what it’s like to pine after a girl who chose someone else. Thankfully in this case, Reagan chose the right guy for her. Drew will find his happy ending one day.
I need to end this conversation before it gets worse. “Yeah. Listen, good game, Drew. Next time you’re in Charlotte, let’s grab dinner or something.”
“Sounds good. Catch you later, Mills.”
I head to the press conference, answering as many questions as I can before Coach calls time.
After a quick shower, I hope Mackenzie made it down to the locker room with the VIP pass I gave her.
This is the first time in a long time she’s been at my game and didn’t have Trey with her, or calling her.
We’re both single. My heart leaps at the thought.
Walking out a few minutes later, I stop dead in my tracks at the sight of her halfway down the hallway. Mackenzie came to my game, waited to greet me—and she’s wearing my jersey.
I repeat: she’s wearing my jersey. My number. My name across her back. Mine.
Finally.
I clear my throat, trying to calm myself as I approach her, but a huge grin takes over as I see her up close.
She has always been beautiful, but to see those blue eyes as clear and happy as they are right now paired with my jersey on her body, she’s never looked better.
“Mackenzie Banks,” I say, grinning, “you’re wearing my jersey.
” Her cheeks flame at my words and if that doesn’t pump my ego.
“Had to represent you, Jordan.” I love my name on her mouth.
That crush I’ve always buried breaks free—full-blown butterflies, sweaty palms, stupid heart-eyes falling hard.
I pull her to me in a hug and whisper, “It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” A little gasp is all I get in response and that’s enough to know that I affect her just as much as she affects me.
“How do you feel about showing me a little of London?” I ask her with a twinkle in my eye, hoping she’ll agree.
“I’d love to. But I need to change, first.”
“No,” I say, smiling. “What you’re wearing sends the perfect message.”
She laughs, swatting me in the chest. “And what message is that?” She says it in a flirty tone I haven’t heard in years.
“That you’re mine.”
Her eyes widen and I smile back at her, refusing to back down. No—tonight is the night I make it clear to Mackenzie.
She is mine, and I’ve always been hers. It’s time she knows it.
“Come on, let’s go grab a table before it gets too busy.
” Mackenzie pulls me with her and I don’t care where she takes us as long as she keeps holding my hand.
We walk into Scoff & Banter, Canary Wharf and I’m hit with a delicious aroma.
The place is inviting and it doesn’t take long to walk to a cozy table for two.
When we sit, there’s space between us—and I want it gone.
“It smells amazing in here.” I pull out Mack’s chair, help her settle, then take the seat beside her instead of across and I can tell it surprises her.
“As much as I’d like to see your face across the table, I need to be close to you.” Her cheeks heat at that admission and I internally high five myself for making her blush.
The waiter approaches and we both place a drink order as well as stuffed peppers to nibble on while waiting on our main course.
“Thank you for coming out with me tonight, Mack.” I can’t stop staring at her in my jersey which I made sure she didn’t change out of. She’s effortlessly beautiful and I’ve noticed a few wandering eyes taking her in as we walked to our seats.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” That answer makes me want to puff out my chest and go all caveman, claiming her right here in front of everyone.
“I loved visiting your class today. I can tell that those kids adore you, especially that Colin kid.” She laughs at my observation, stirring her water with a straw.
“They were mesmerized by you, Jordan. I love teaching, even more than I thought I would. It’s been the right move for me to start my career in London. Thank you for coming and reading to them.”
“You know I’d do anything for you.” Her eyes widen a little as I confess the first of many things I need to get off my chest.
Nodding, she gives me a beautiful smile. “I know. You’ve always been so good to me, J. Better than I deserve.”
“That’s not true. You deserve the world.” I put my hand on hers and instead of shying away from me, she flips hers over and interlaces her fingers with mine and squeezes. As I try to say more, we’re interrupted by the arrival of our food and the conversation slows down as we enjoy a delicious meal.
As the night wears on, the distance between us shrinks. Our chairs scoot closer and the inches disappear until our thighs touch and we’re sitting as close to one another as we can without her climbing into my lap. The ambience only adds to my growing desire to show her how I feel.
“Mackenzie.” I finally get the nerve to ask what I’ve always wanted.
She looks at me, eyes blazing. “Yeah?”
“Can I kiss you?”
She barely starts to nod and I press my lips to hers. It’s the kiss we should’ve had at fourteen—before I let her go too easily. Her soft lips fit perfectly against mine. It’s sweet and when we pull back, I see a smile on her face that matches mine.
“Jordan.” She looks at me and I’m done. Gone forever.
I’m hers and I’m going to make her mine.
She crashes her mouth to mine and this time there is nothing sweet about it.
It’s full of passion, desire, and pent-up longing.
I pour everything into that kiss, telling her without words that she’s everything I’ve ever wanted.