Mel sat quietly watching them interact and she couldn’t believe her luck. A year ago, she’d barely known Jordan but now he knew almost all of her secrets and the two that he didn’t…well she wasn’t going to tell them anytime soon.
The night went on, and she relaxed into Jordan as they argued over their choice of pizza toppings. Tate maintained that it tasted like dirt while Jordan said it was more sawdust than dirt. She was laughing into her drink when the pleasantness was interrupted.
“Well if it isn’t Indy and her two masters…”
She instantly tensed but Jordan squeezed her shoulder pulling her back into him.
“I’m sorry I think you’re mistaken,” he said turning to look at Stephanie. “If anything we’re the ones on leashes.”
“Jordan!” Mel laughed as Tate let out a snort spraying soda all over the pizza and Stephanie.
“Ugh…gross,” she whined storming away as they fell apart again.
“I cannot believe you just said that,” Mel stated through her tears. “You do know that she’s now going to go on and on about us being into kinky sex.”
“I think that’s my cue to leave,” Tate stated leaning over Jordan to kiss her cheek. “Happy birthday Mel. Jordan…”
“What?” he asked when Tate paused.
“Just thought I’d remind you she’s officially eighteen now, even if you all are already married,” he said before strolling out.
Mel blushed to the roots of her hair at Tate’s obvious meaning and Jordan dipped his head to whisper to her.
“Careful there or someone might think you’re…Mel?” he said as she blushed even more.
One secret down, she thought burying her face in his chest.
“Mel, look at me,” he said gently lifting her chin. “Are you?”
“Does it matter? We’re just supposed to be friends, not take this marriage some place it shouldn’t be, right?” she asked as his expression changed and she couldn’t read what he was thinking. There was still warmth in it but there was something else she’d never seen.
“I was trying to be a nice guy then. I didn’t want to scare you by admitting how much I wanted you and I probably shouldn’t still. I’ve wanted to know you from the moment you walked into that conference room, but I could tell you wouldn’t respond not the way you were looking at me and the others.”
“Jordan this is crazy.”
“It is, but I’ve wanted to do this all night,” he said lowering his mouth to hers and kissing her. It wasn’t the light kiss they normally shared for his family or others’ benefit. This kiss was meant for only them and she felt herself drowning in it and the feelings it provoked inside her.
She pulled back when his hand slipped under her shirt and hit her cool skin.
“Damn…Mel, I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s not that Jordan. We’re in the middle of town and I…”
“I get it, we were close to going too far in public, weren’t we?” he asked as a bit of color rose to his cheeks. “I haven’t lost control like that in years Mel. You make me act like a teen again.”
“I am a teen Jordan,” she laughed.
“In age maybe but in your head and heart you’re probably older than I am.”
“You like older women too?”
“My first girlfriend was two years older than me.”
“Is that girlfriend orgirlfriend?” she asked raising an eyebrow towards him.
“Too clever for your own good. So, want to go for a walk with me?” he countered needing to cool down.
“Or we could go home,” she said taking a chance and being bold.
