“Fine with me.”
With that established, I climbed on Jordy’s back and held on as he took the short trek back to his car. I tried not to pay attention to how good he smelled or how good his body felt against mine. It was all too much.
I wanted to give in to Jordy and give us another chance. I had the slightest idea of how we would navigate things. It didn’t even feel like a good time to think about it while I was working on getting my life together. I was thankful when he opened the car door and turned to let me get in. I got settled in the car as he moved around to get into the driver’s seat.
“I think basketball will be good for little man. It’s good to have balance. Team sports are good for young boys.”
“Did Jase tell you to say that?”
He laughed under his breath. “No, it was actually Cameron this time.”
“I’m going to let him get on the team, but y’all better take care of my baby, JoJo. I’m not playing.”
“OK.”
“The first time he gets into trouble, I’m pulling him off the team.”
“Give him a chance, Harper. He’s growing and adjusting. You have to remember, he’s a child.”
“I know that, but I have a lot on my plate as it is. I can’t keep dropping things because he’s acting out.”
“You can’t shelter him from the world because he’s facing challenges. That’s how he learns to deal with them. He has to fall down to learn how to get up.”
“I hate when you start making sense.”
“Another thing, Jase texted to confirm that you wanted the job.”
“What job?” I frowned.
“He said you would know what he was referring to.”
“You know there’s no telling with that boy,” I said, shaking my head.
We rode in a comfortable silence the rest of the way back to my house. When we pulled out front, I grabbed my boots off the floor and hopped out.
“Wait,” Jordy called as he climbed out and followed me.
“I can make it to the door, JoJo. This is probably the safest neighborhood in the country.”
“Forgive me if I want as much of your time as I can get,” he said as he fell in step next to me. “Good, God! I can’t front like following behind you is a bad gig. Fuck, you’re sexy as hell, Harper.”
“Don’t push it, JoJo,” I teased.
“I’m just saying. How the hell did you get finer?”
“Good genes, I guess.”
“I don’t know, but I love it.”
When we made it to the door, I turned to face him. “Thank you for tonight, Jordy. I didn’t realize how badly I needed to hear you out.”
“Thank you for hearing me,” he said, reaching out and touching the side of my face.
Before I knew what was happening, his lips brushed against mine. The warm surge of energy that came from our lips connecting made me wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. The kiss wasn’t rushed or over passionate. It was slow and careful like JoJo. His hands moved down to my waist as the intensity of our want increased.
I wanted him to ask to come inside. I knew I wouldn’t and couldn’t refuse him right now. My body belonged to him. It probably always had. When my back slammed against the door, he pulled back and released one of his signature low chuckles.
“My bad, Harper. I can’t help myself when I’m around you.”
