I can’t get enough of this man, this mysterious stranger who has so quickly and skillfully captured my heart. Whether he’s paid to be nice to me or not, my emotions can’t tell the difference, and I’m in for either a huge heartbreak or the most marvelous mountaintop experience.
“I could kiss you forever,” Jordan says, tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. It promptly flutters loose in the breeze.
“Then kiss me forever,” I say, barely able to catch my breath. “I wish I could stay up here forever. Just looking at you, holding you close, and being with you.”
“I didn’t know you were such a romantic.” His eyebrows rise in symphony. “Dani Davison, romance audiobook narrator. You sure do have your lines down.”
“You think I’m parroting?” I put my hand over my heart. “You wound me. I have feelings, too.”
“Your feelings are my command.” Jordan breaks off his gaze and clears his throat. “I’m betting you’ll love the lunch I packed. You hungry?”
“Sure.” My heart lurches and sinks. He’s obviously not picking up what I tried to tell him. He still thinks I’m teasing and flirting, or I’m setting him up for a big fall—pranking his feelings.
I’m going to have to try again and explain myself better—not use romance clichés like the millions of romance novels I read.
“Let’s eat.” Jordan leads me back to the blanket and opens the picnic basket.
The lunch is delectable. We have gourmet salads and finger-sized sandwiches, mini-quiches, and sushi, along with the bubbly champagne.
Everything tastes exquisite, but my stomach flutters and my hands are clammy. I’m full of nerves, knowing time is ticking down and I need to get my true feelings off my chest.
“You seem nervous,” Jordan comments, pouring me another flute of champagne.
“How much time do we have before the helicopter returns?”
He takes a peek of his watch and frowns. “He’s actually late. We better clean up.”
I nod and down my champagne, dribbling a splash on my shirt. The alcohol content isn’t enough to warm me, but I must seize the moment.
Now I know how men must feel, always having to make the first move.
I set my glass down and take both of Jordan’s hands. “I have something important to say to you.”
His face falls and he blinks, eyes darting guiltily. “Uh oh. What did I do wrong?”
“Nothing. You’re doing everything right.”
“I’m glad.” He squeezes my hands and tips his head toward me so that our foreheads touch. “Have I made you happy?”
“Yes, more than I ever imagined possible. These past few days have been paradise. You’ve made me forget all my troubles, and I hope I’ve given you what you wanted.”
“You have.”
I wait for him to elaborate, but he’s not making it easy for me. I swallow and am embarrassed that my palms are so wet while his are dry.
I can hear the rhythmic thudding of an approaching helicopter along with my pulsating heart.
Here goes.
“I have feelings for you, Jordan, and I’m hoping we can keep this going.”
“You mean you like being worshipped?” he quips, and a grin slides across his face.
“No, I want you to be real with me. No more playacting or doing Jade a favor. Just be the real Jordan. And I’m hoping you have feelings for me, too.”
The sound of the rotor blades approach, getting louder, and the wind it generates blows my hair over my face.
“I do.” His eyebrows crease. “I truly do. Whatever happens, remember what we had up here is one hundred percent real.”
