Forever Rain (Rain Will Fall Trilogy #1) (11 page)

“Good. I will see you Tuesday night after the break-up then.”

“Whoa, slow down. I may be breaking up with Robert, but that does not mean I am making way for you in my life. I’m doing it because it’s the right thing to do for him and for me.” Looking back at Jordan, he seemed deep in thought about my announcement. His fingers slowly rubbed his chin.

“You’re doing the right thing, Zoe. There is no way in hell you would be happy living a life without passion. It is who you are and you would die emotionally by hiding in a shell. There is also the fact that we need to talk once and for all about what happened 10 years ago. We need to get it out in the open so we can move forward. There is a lot about that morning that you don’t know because you will not listen to me or anyone else at what the truth really is. Please give me a chance to clear it up. Please, baby. I hate that you have avoided me for 10 years, all the while hating me. I can’t take it anymore.”

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to hear him out, but 10 years of steering clear of someone and trying to put their memories away is not easy.

“I know what I saw, Jordan. You did not deny nor did you correct that…that despicable person that was laying in your bed.” Just thinking about it again made me angry and that is one emotion that I did not want to waste any of my energy on.

“You would not let me explain what happened. I was not in the bed with her. I slept on my sofa, for Christ’s sake…take a minute to hear me out. You refused to see me, and when I broke into your apartment and bedroom to try and explain, you had me arrested. Give me this. Please.” He stood beside the chair. His eyes never left my face, as if daring me to deny him the opportunity to rehash our past. I wanted to crumble, to weep and tell him yes. That I would listen and easily believe him this time…but I couldn’t. Not now.

“I have a lot to do and even more to think about. I need to get back to work and I am sure you have an empire to run and some new investors to play world domination with,” I said as I walked toward the door.

Jordan stood by the door and leaned against it. His gaze on my face was intense. I took a deep breath and looked at him, losing myself in the beautiful image of the glorious male that he is. His tall lean body erect, he leaned down and placed a sweet, soft kiss on my lips.

“I’ve missed you, baby,” he whispered in my ear. Slowly, he opened the door and left my office. I walked to the window and opened the blinds. Looking outside, I saw him get in the back of a new black Range Rover. He looked up at my window as I pulled back, but I knew he saw me staring at him. His perfect white teeth flashed his gorgeous smile that had my heart racing again.

Thankfully, the afternoon was just as busy as the morning and I didn’t have time to chit-chat with Veronica or Andre about my unexpected visitor, but I’m sure they were dying to know what it was about.

“Are you still up for a run?” It was 6 p.m. already and Veronica had changed into her running clothes. She sat in the chair in front of my desk with a smirk on her face.

“What?” I asked, as her smirk turned into a smile.

“Well, well. Our girl had a visitor that left her speechless. Hmm. Just tell me when we should all gang up on him and kick his handsome ass. I’m taking that kickboxing class twice a week and ready to try out my new skills.”

“You would not even believe how twisted up I am about all this shit between Jordan and me. Then there are my dwindling feelings about Robert and me. I sure did not need Jordan to waltz back on the scene, like ever. Anyway, I have to deal, right?” I stood up and pulled my gym bag from the corner where I’d thrown it this morning.

“Be right back.” I headed to the bathroom to change and ran right into Andre.

“Ah, drinks on me later this week if I get to hear what that visit was all about.”

“Yeah. I may just take you up on that offer. I will need several drinks by the end of the week,” I replied, as I continued my way down the hall. It felt good to have friends that cared about me. I needed to clear my head and sometimes talking about it helps. Stripping out of my dress, I pulled on my running clothes. I can’t wait to burn off some of this energy that had my heart racing every time I think of Jordan and his motives for moving back to Houston. I thought it strange that he didn’t mention moving back permanently, but there was no way in hell I’d ask him. His timing sucked! Not that it would ever be a good thing for Jordan and me to live in the same city, but I didn’t need the distraction.

Veronica and I walked to the parking lot and got in our cars. My phone rang as I started the engine. I grinned as I saw Veronica’s name flash on the screen.

“I can see you, goofy. What’s up?” I asked, as she was sitting in her car right beside mine.

“Last one there is a rotten egg.”

“Because that is not childish!” We laughed and set off for Memorial Park where we would run.

After a brisk two-mile run, I made my way back home and took a shower. I pulled out a chicken salad from the refrigerator and poured a generous glass of Pinot Grigio. Feeling sated and relaxed, I placed a call to Jenna. I needed her advice in this confusing turn that my life had taken.

After a casual chat, I mentioned the visit from Jordan. I even mentioned the kiss in my office and confided my concern about his move to Houston. I told her about my feelings for Robert, that I care about him and what a great person he is, just not the one for me. Liking and respecting was not enough when one is talking about a long-term commitment and marriage.

Jenna is a great listener and did not interject her opinion of my decisions, which was what I needed right now. She did, however, agreed with me about ending it with Robert if I did not truly love him. I just needed her to listen and she did. After our conversation, I lay on the sofa and listened to the music of Lana Del Rey playing on my iTunes. My eyes fluttered closed as I allowed in thoughts of the events that led to the break-up between Jordan and me.

Chapter 10

Ten Years Ago

I didn’t respond to Jordan’s calls or texts. I knew he was on his way back to Austin from his trip overseas. Still hurt and confused about the photo of him and the woman in the newspaper, I told Mia and Veronica that I didn’t want to see him and they went into protective mode.

Sure enough, Jordan landed back in Austin and headed straight for my apartment. I was walking from the library when his long lean frame easily caught up to me.

“Zoe. What the hell is going on? You won’t take any of my calls answer my texts or emails.”

“Seriously? How many girlfriends can you juggle at one time, Jordan?” I increased my pace but did not look at him. “Let me guess, you have one in every country.”

“Please tell me what you are talking about. I don’t have a girlfriend anywhere else but here. There is no one else but you.”

“Don’t play games, Jordan. Fine, let me refresh your memory. There is a photo of you and a woman in the Sunday papers and you sure look chummy with her.”

He put his hand on my arm and stopped me from walking. “I did not attend an event on this trip. It was just business and even if I had somewhere to go that required a companion, I would have taken one of my employees.”

I wanted to believe him but the picture was proof.

“I’m not dumb, although you’re playing the part really well.” I pulled my arm from his grasp and continued to the apartment. Mia was on the balcony and ran to the door when she saw us. She opened the door and pulled me in while glaring at Jordan.

“Back the hell off from her, Romeo,” she said.

“Mia, please listen to me. I did not attend an event. I have no idea what is going on about a photo with me and another woman.” Mia was trying to close the door but Jordan’s broad shoulder was wedged against it.

“Here, let me refresh your memory.” Mia went to the coffee table and picked up the newspaper. I took it from her and shoved it in Jordan’s face.

“Remember now?” I yelled at him.

Jordan studied the photo as we glared at him.

“This photo was taken a year ago. Obviously I know who this person is, but she is no longer in my life. I have no idea why they would have reprinted this photo. I’m sorry it upset you, Zoe, but I’ll find out why it was published and who is responsible for it.”

I crossed my arms over my chest wondering if what he said was true. An old photo. After a few more minutes of negotiations to continue seeing me, Jordan decided to leave and was already making phone calls about the photo.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The next morning I woke to a knock on my door. I still had another thirty minutes of sleep before the alarm went off. This had better be good.

“Come in ’cause am not getting up yet,” I replied to whoever was behind the door. Mia sauntered in with a huge bouquet of red roses and a card from Jordan.

I leaned up on my elbows and eyed the elegant bouquet.

“Open the card already,” Mia said. Veronica came in yawning and complaining about all the noise.

‘Babe, the person in the photo is the daughter of the family that owns the newspaper in Germany where the photo was taken. She’s pissed that I have a new girlfriend and somehow got the photo printed again in hopes of causing distrust between us. I am sorry that it caused you to be upset, but it proves that there is no one else but you in my life. Yours, Jordan.’

I handed the card to Mia after I got through reading it. “OK, friend. Sounds believable, but where the hell did he get roses so early?” she asked.

We giggled, but all decided that knowing Jordan, he was sure to charm the owner of the flower shop out of bed at some ungodly hour this morning. We were laughing at what the explanation would have been to the shop owner when another banging sounded at the door.

“Regular Grand Central Station this morning,” Veronica commented and went to the door. “Wait in the living room. I’ll tell her you’re here.”

Right then I knew it was Jordan. I got up, pulled on a robe and went to the living room.

“Did you read the card?” he asked with an anxious look on his face.

“Yes. Makes sense, I guess,” I mumbled and slid my arms around his waist.

“Good. Have time to go for breakfast?” he asked.

“If I hurry.”

“I want to see you. Change quick.” He pushed me toward my bedroom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

We got back in to our routine. Sometimes we didn’t go out to dinner but rather stayed in and watched a movie. Jordan was fun and it was easy to be in his company. It was also easy to forget that he’s an entrepreneur in the business world. His travels to Europe and Asia were more frequent than when we first met.

Thanksgiving was a welcome break from college. I headed to Austin since newlyweds Jenna and David were hosting Aunt Suzette and me, along with David’s parents in their new home. Jordan was on his way back from Hong Kong. He’d been gone for five days and I was happy about his return tonight. He asked if he could steal me away for a few hours and I was more than happy to be in his company.

After a short visit with Jenna and David, Jordan took me to his penthouse in downtown Austin. I was impressed with his taste in modern art and elegant furnishings. I stood at the door of the kitchen admiring the stainless steel appliances and gleaming granite countertops when Jordan wrapped his arms around my waist. He gently rocked me from side to side.

I closed my eyes, savoring the feel of his strong arms around me and leaned into his body, inhaling his unique scent and a hint of his cologne.

“I missed you, pretty girl,” he whispered in my ear and moved one hand to rub the side of my breast. Instinctively, my body arched and pushed my breast into his hand. Taking full advantage of my body posture, he pinched my nipple through the bra.

“Jordan, I…” Aware of my inexperience with sexual intimacy, I wanted to warn him that this would be my first time to go further than a few kisses, but his expert hands on my body was seductive. I responded to the onslaught of his delightful fingers that made me squirm against him.

My heart was pounding, I could hear the blood roaring in my ears. He turned me around toward him and tilted my chin up to meet his eyes.

“I want you. I want to make love to you. You are sexy and gorgeous. I am consumed with thoughts of you. What is it about you that has bewitched me?” His voice was low and seductive. His lips touched mine once, twice…

I closed my eyes for the onslaught of his mouth on mine. I gave in to the moment, this moment, this time. I wanted to be his. I wanted to know what it was like to be taken by this gorgeous man with brilliant blue eyes, bulging biceps, steel hard abs, narrow waist and long legs.

He swept me into his arms and headed to his bedroom. It was the first time that he had brought me to his place. He lay me on the huge king-sized bed and switched on a bedside lamp. The mattress dipped as he sat beside me.

“Look at me, Zoe.” I turned my gaze to his face. “Is this your first time?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“I can imagine you’re probably scared. I will take care of you. We’ll go slow and if you’re not comfortable with doing this just let me know.” His hand caressed my leg while he talked.

My breathing increased and I feel like squirming. I nodded my head yes.

“Are you on birth control?” His hand moved to my neck as he slowly rubbed his thumb up and down my now sensitive skin.

“No.” I bit my bottom lip. It hadn’t occurred to me to get on the pill. I felt foolish and my face warmed with embarrassment.

“It’s OK. I’ll use a condom, but I want you to get on the pill.”

His hands slipped behind me to unzip my dress. I lifted my back to help with the process as he effortlessly slid the garment down my legs and off my body. My hands clenched in the bedding. The pink demur cotton undies and bra was all that was left on my body. His gaze was intense and I saw that he was as affected by me as I was by him. He slowly kissed his way up my leg. I shot up to a sitting position as he reached the apex of my thighs. Not missing a beat, he reached behind me and unclasped my bra. My arms looped around his neck and I drew closer to his body. His soft lips molded to mine and I opened my mouth to give him better access to explore.