EIGHTEEN
MACKENZIE
“Let’s go back to my hotel.” My eyes widen before Jordan laughs and continues, “I have two beds—and there is 24/7 room service.” I agree, and as he stands, he takes my hand and kisses the inside of my palm before we leave. Outside, we hail a taxi, and the entire ride Jordan holds my hand tightly. Like he’s afraid if he lets go, I’ll disappear.
We arrive at the entrance, tip the driver, and walk into the lobby. I pause to soak it in while he chats with a few teammates before they head out for the night. Modern fixtures, clean lines, and light wood permeate the space. Windows line two of the walls, one opening onto a breathtaking pool and garden.
Jordan takes my hand again and leads me to the elevator. We step inside and he presses the button for the seventh floor. As the doors close, he releases my hand—only to slide both arms around my waist. They are so big they almost span my entire waist. He pulls me to him and lowers his head. I rise onto my tiptoes to meet him halfway in a blistering kiss—easily the best of my life.
As the elevator door opens, we walk a few doors down until we are in front of number 718. I take a deep breath as he pulls the key card fromhis wallet and scans it, the light turning green before the door opens into a darkened room.
We lock eyes, both knowing this choice will change everything—forever. A slow smile spreads across my face and I walk in with Jordan hot on my heels. The door shuts, and with it, the past. What lies in this room is the future.
I wait for Jordan to turn the light on and my jaw hits the floor. “This room is beautiful—and those beds are huge! I sleep in a twin bed in my flat and that looks so comfy.”
“Perks of the NBA.” He stops at the closet, pulling a fluffy white robe off a hanger and hands it to me. I look at him with stars in my eyes, pull it on over my clothes, and jump onto one of the beds, starfish-style, right in the middle.
“Make yourself comfortable,” he smirks and takes a spot on the other bed.
“I plan on it.” I fluff the pillows behind my head and this bed feels like I’m lying on a cloud. My eyelids drift shut, but I force them open, sitting up. “Now—what about this 24/7 room service?” I give him my cheesiest grin, and Jordan laughs as he grabs the room phone and starts to dial.
A tiny rayof light slips through the curtains and lands against the far wall. I blink awake, realizing I’m not in my flat. Looking to my left, then right, the bed is empty. I’m wrapped in the fluffy white robe, a thick blanket pulled up like someone tucked me in.
Jordan.
Oh my gosh, Jordan.
I sit up in a panic and see the other bed is empty too, blankets undone. My eyes burn as the realization hits—he’s gone. He told me all those sweet and pretty words last night. But morning reality must’ve hit, and he left. Just as I swing my feet on the carpet to stand, the door clicks,signaling it’s unlocking and I freeze on the bed. I turn as the door opens and Jordan strides in, his toned body slick with sweat from practice.
He’s incredible. His tall frame is all lean muscle. He and Reagan may be twins, but Jordan has sharper features, chiseled from stone. That dark hair and piercing brown eyes ruin me.
I don’t know why, but my whole body eases in his presence.
He looks at me with a smile, but then concern crosses his face. “Mack, what’s wrong? Are you okay—Is the baby okay?”
This brings a smile to my face, probably confusing him even more. “I’m okay. I just woke up and I thought you were gone—for good. That you changed your mind. I wouldn’t blame you if you did.”
He’s over to me instantly, sitting beside me, grabbing my hands with his.
“I’m not going to change my mind. As long as you want me, I’m yours.”
“Are you sure? This is a lot and it’s not going to be just me. I’m going to have a baby.”
“I know. I’ve had all night to think about it and I’m in. All in. We have a lot to figure out—but it’s you and me. I’m going to prove it to you.”
A sob breaks free, and he pulls me up, holding me while I cry.
“I’m sorry, J. These hormones are making me emotional.”
“You do know who my sister is, right? I’m used to emotion.”
“You’re right. Let’s go out today and I’ll show you around London.”
“Sounds perfect.” He kisses me on the top of the head and I feel my insides melt into goo.
“How about you shower first?” He looks at me, hand on his chest, like he’s offended.
“Are you telling me I stink?”
