“I’m so sorry you were worried, but I’m fine, really, I’m fine. The car died. It was running normally, then it just stopped, and nothing on it would work. I tried to get a signal on my phone, but it wouldn’t and then it started raining. Devon was headed this way and recognized the Jeep,” she told him as he hugged her tightly again.
“I should head out,” Devon stated grabbing his bag and stuffing his book in it.
“I’ll have to move my truck,” Jordan told him letting himself hold her tightly yet again. She rested her head against his chest enjoying the way it felt and sighed as he stepped back surveying the scene spread out across the living room floor.
“Devon offered me a ride home so I wouldn’t be stuck in the Jeep. That storm was crazy, and the hail smashed the windshield of his car. We hung out hoping it’d pass over but then the power went out,” she explained slipping into her tennis shoes knowing Jordan wouldn’t want her out of his sight for long the way he was acting. “Figured we’d get a head start on that paper since there was nothing else to do.”
Mel followed them out and took a deep breath at the damage that the storm had caused, tree limbs were scattered everywhereand Devon’s car looked like it gone ten rounds with an angry gorilla. “Wow.”
“The Jeep’s worse,” Jordan admitted and she knew why he’d been so frantic. “Devon, I don’t know how to thank you enough for rescuing Mel. If you hadn’t went by and something had happened to her…”
“Forget it,” he said shaking the outstretched hand. “Mel, thanks for the game, never thought I’d see the day when I was taken down by a girl and just name the time.”
“Later,” she said at Jordan’s inquisitive glance.
“Devon, take your car to the shop for an estimate to repair the damages. Whatever it is I’ll take care of it,” he told the other man as he headed towards his truck.
“That’s not necessary.”
“It is,” he argued. “It’s the least I could do. Mel’s the best thing to ever happen to me and when I said the Jeep’s worse off, I meant it. There was a tree limb through the windshield and when I found her phone but not her…”
“Really, it’s not necessary. I probably would have gotten the same damage if I’d been at home.”
“Please just let me. I drove here after looking around the area where the Jeep was for thirty minutes praying that she would be okay. Believe me I’d gladly buy you a whole new car if it meant that she was safe.”
“You really love her, don’t you?” Devon asked.
“It’s impossible not to love Mel, everyone she lets in falls for her, but it seems you’ve found that out, haven’t you?” Jordan said eyeing him closely.
“There’s nothing going on with me and Mel.”
“Not on her part but I’ve seen you around and I know what men think of her. So I’ll warn you, mess with my wife and you’ll find out just how far I’ll go to keep her. Now accept my offer so you don’t upset her and then back off graciously.”
“Why not? A free car repair in exchange for spending the night with Mel, I can deal with that,” Devon said sending him a grin Jordan wanted to wipe off his face.
“Don’t push me Devon. You wouldn’t be the first man who’s went after her, but she never sees them as anything other than friends. You’ll be the one with a broken heart and no girl not me,” Jordan tacked on before he moved the truck out of the drive and let him leave.
Mel watched and wondered what exactly was going on with him. Jordan had been acting strange since he’d walked in and she didn’t know why. She didn’t think he really thought they’d done anything, but it seemed as though he was warning Devon about something. She waited for him to get back to her side and then reached up and kissed him, showing him how much she’d missed him since he’d been away.
“Keep that up and we’ll give the neighbors something to talk about other than the storm,” he teased pulling her back into the house. “I should call Tate and let him know you’re okay.”
“Jordan about Devon being here…”
“It’s fine Mel. I was a little curious I must admit but knowing that you’re safe, that’s all that matters,” he said giving her a kiss before he went to call Tate.
Mel went into the bedroom to change and sighed with relief when the power came back on finally. At least she’d be able to take a hot shower and wash her hair thanks to the electric point tankless water heaters Jordan had installed after they’d quickly discovered how easy it was to run out of hot water.
She was letting the warm water soothe away the tiredness that staying up all night had brought on when she felt a small rush of cool air. She smiled before taking a step back encountering the large body behind her. “Mmm, Tate all squared away?”
“Yup and I have some guys going to pick up your Jeep,” he said running his hands down her body. “God Mel,” he added turning her around so he could see her beautiful face. “When I found the Jeep, I saw everything we’ve worked for slip away and I couldn’t stand it. The thought of losing you baby…”
“You’re never going to lose me Jordan. I promise no matter what happens we’ll make the best team ever,” she said wishing she could just tell him those three words she’d been holding in for six years. “You’re kind of stuck with me around the office because where else am I going to find such an accommodating and attentive boss who doesn’t stare at my breasts, well at least when they’re covered,” she teased as his gaze lingered on her body a bit too long.
“Good, now come here,” he said bring her fully up against him and covering her mouth with his. She’d talked about the office, but he wasn’t. He wanted to know she was safe and felt the same way he did. He knew she still wanted him that was obvious, but she had never hinted that she loved him as much as he loved her, or even at all.
Seeing her smiling at Devon, innocently as it was, had gutted him. He was worried that she’d discover how much she’d missed out on by marrying him and rushing through college, and he didn’t want that to happen. He wanted her to stay by him for the rest of their lives. Convincing her of that was his biggest goal and the perfect way to start was right where they were.
Chapter 13
