Chapter 30 – Jordan
CHAPTER
THIRTY
JORDAN
Iadjust the collar of my black dress shirt as I step out of my car in the familiar Banks driveway. It’s taken eight years to walk up these porch steps and knock on the door, knowing the girl who grew up here is waiting for me.
I told Mackenzie we wouldn’t be back in time for our Valentine’s date, but only so I could surprise her.
The texts she sent after opening the box had me doubled over laughing.
To say the dress and shoes were a hit is a huge understatement.
But that bag, the one she talked about when she was sixteen, it did exactly what I hoped it would.
It showed her how well I know her—and that I want to give her the world.
Knocking on the black front door, sporting a wreath wrapped in red-and-pink heart ribbon, I feel the excitement build. Nothing could have prepared me for what was waiting for me on the other side of that door.
Mackenzie Banks is a vision—looking like all my dreams come true in that pink lace dress.
The perfect mix of sophisticated and sexy.
It’s tight, showing off every fantastic curve on her body and hits right at mid-thigh.
She’s wearing the matching heels that make her legs look a mile long.
Paired with a light pink lipstick, those blue eyes, and her blonde curls, she’s glowing.
Pregnancy looks good on her. I never thought she could be more beautiful—but I was wrong.
“Mack, you look incredible. That dress is doing things to me.” I can’t help biting down on my knuckle as I slowly look her up and down.
“Not so bad yourself, J.” She gives me a once-over and it feels good having her eyes on me.
I have a stylist who helps me plan outfits for games and going out.
Right now, it’s the black button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled and charcoal grey pants that are a little tighter than I’d normally pick.
With the way Mack is looking at me, I’m happy to wear them.
“Are you ready to go?” She nods, and I offer her my arm to hold on to as we make our way back to my truck.
I hold the passenger door open, giving her my hand as she gets in.
I close the door and hustle around to my side.
Once we’re settled, I take a moment to soak it all in before turning the ignition.
“You know, I’ve wanted you in my truck like this forever.”
“I’m glad we made it, Jordan.”
I pick up her hand, I place a kiss in the center of her palm, before answering.
“Me, too, baby.”
Bella Italiano sits right between our hometowns and it’s the one local restaurant I know she loves, but never went to with Trey. Dressing up and going out is something Mack loves to do. What she doesn’t want is a place where she has to google the menu options.
A smile lights her face as I pull the truck into the parking lot. Her face shifts to confusion once she realizes that we’re the only vehicle here. “Are they closed? I figured it would be packed on Valentine’s Day.”
“Since this is our first official date, I wanted to make it special. So, I called the owner and we have the restaurant to ourselves tonight.” I wish I could freeze her face right now. Her mouth hangs open and her eyes are as wide as I’ve ever seen them.
“You’re joking, right?” I shake my head and she covers her mouth with her hand.
“Jordan, this is…”
“Too much?”
“No. It’s perfect.”
“You sit right there and I’ll come get the door.”
I hop out of the truck, coming around the front and over to her side.
As I get her door open, she practically jumps into my arms. Laughing, I carefully set her down.
I can’t hold back as I dip down and press my lips to hers.
It’s a quick, chaste kiss because if it’s anything more, I don’t know if we’ll leave the parking lot.
Placing her hand in mine, we take the short walk to the front of the restaurant. I open the door and let her walk in ahead of me.
Twinkle lights adorn the walls and a makeshift dance floor has been created at my request. All of the tables are empty except one.
It has a black tablecloth with a gorgeous crystal vase holding pink roses.
There are two candlesticks that give the table a soft glow.
It has been set for two with sparkling white plates and two goblets filled with ice water.
“Jordan, I can’t believe you did all of this for me.”
“Mackenzie, there’s very little I wouldn’t do to bring a smile to those lips and a blush to your cheeks.”
That shade of pink I crave crawls up her neck and onto her perfect high cheekbones at my words.
I take her hand and lead her to the table, pulling out her chair and allowing her to get settled before I take the seat across from her.
I couldn’t decide whether to sit beside her or across from her, but ultimately, I wanted to be able to look at this gorgeous woman all night.
And if I sit beside her—well, the temptation would be too strong to forget everything else and kiss her breathless. I still might do that… later.