“One hundred percent, yes.” He pulls me into another sweaty hug as I squeal and try to get out of his arms.
Loosening his grip, he leans down and whispers, “I’m never letting you go.” I can’t help but smile as he saunters over to the bathroom and shuts the door.
Twenty minutes later, Jordan is opening the door to a blacked-out SUV he’s rented for the day. I was fully prepared to walk or take the Tube, but he insisted that I needed to save my energy and I couldn’t argue with that. He also had leggings and a Charlotte Sting sweatshirt delivered to the hotel room while he was in the shower, so I had fresh clothes to wear.
Our first stop is Bloomsbury, where we are able to shop several bookstores and grab a quick breakfast at Waterstones. The store itself is massive and houses an incredible selection for every type of reader. In Hatchards, London’s oldest bookshop, we find a few special editions of Reagan’s favorite romance novels for Jordan to give her for Christmas. Strolling down Charing Cross Road, we wander in and out of several shops hand in hand and it feels like a picture-perfect Hallmark movie coming to life.
“I can’t believe they have this many bookstores in one place.” Jordan has been a good sport about book browsing, even though I know it isn’t his favorite thing to do.
“I’m sorry, J. I get caught up in the smell of the pages and the atmosphere in these historic places. We can go somewhere else a little more tourist friendly, if you’d like.” He pulls our joined hands up to his mouth, kissing my knuckles softly.
“Mack, we could be doing anything, and I’d never get bored. I just want to be with you and if this is what makes you happy, I’ll spend all day in every bookstore in London.” My cheeks pinken and I’m awarded with the signature Jordan grin that sends sparks flying and my heart fluttering.
Lunch is a spread from Seven Dials Market. It’s an enormous food court full of diverse food selections from a cheese bar to sushi, toseveral delicious dessert options. There’s a little bit of everything. We grab food from a few spots and find a quiet place to sit and eat.
“I don’t even know where to start.” Jordan’s eyes are wide and with his athlete appetite, there won’t be any leftovers.
I grab one of the doughnuts and take a huge bite with a grin as Jordan stares back at me slack jawed. “What?” My mouth is full and I can’t begin to describe the sweet bursts of flavor that hit as I chew and finally swallow.
“That’s your lunch? A doughnut?” Jordan has a teasing tone to his questions, but I refuse to be embarrassed.
“Yes. I learned this year that life is too short and dessert first is the best way to eat a meal. Also, I’m pregnant, so I can use that excuse for all my eating habits for the next several months.” I stick my tongue out at him and we both end up laughing.
After lunch,we go to my flat to relax for a little bit before he has to leave. This is Jordan’s last night, the team flying back to the States in the morning. We haven’t kissed since yesterday—in the hotel elevator—but he’s held my hand or had his arm around me all day.
Taking our shoes off at the door, I show Jordan around my place which takes about ten seconds because it’s so small and then I plop on the couch, my feet tired from the day. I’m shocked when he pulls my feet into his lap and starts rubbing them. It feels heavenly and I could really get used to this.
“That feels amazing, but you really don’t need to do that.”
“I want to. Mack, you’ve been over here alone for months. Let me take care of you a little bit, since I have to leave tomorrow.”
That sours the mood.
“What are you thinking about, baby?”
“That this is too good to be true. That you deserve better than a broken girl.”
He stills, hands resting on my feet, surprised by my confession.
“You’re not broken. Not even close. Mackenzie, you’re perfect. Perfect for me. Don’t tell yourself anything else.”
“J, you’re in the NBA, gorgeous, and always have women throwing themselves at you. I will understand if you change your mind.”
“Mack. It’s only ever been you. I don’t want anyone else. I get that Trey embraced the stereotypical lifestyle of an athlete, but that’s not me. You can put your trust in me.”
I nod, words failing me. He continues rubbing my feet and I relax into his touch.
“I’ve been wondering, does my sister know you’re pregnant?”
“No. I knew she wouldn’t be able to keep it from Riggs or you, but I’m going to tell her. Now that you know, I won’t expect you to keep it from her.”
We sit, the silence easy and comfortable between us. Jordan stays until I’m yawning and ready for bed. I stand to walk him to the door when the car he hired sends a message it’s outside.
I don’t know what to say or do. It’s never been anything but a casual goodbye between us. Before I say anything, he pulls me to him in an embrace that I melt into. His strong arms make me feel safe, they make me feel like coming home.
When he finally releases me, our eyes meet, and I don’t know who initiates it, but we lean in and kiss. It burns down any and all reservations I’ve been holding on to. Jordan slides a hand into my hair and his touch sends thrills through me.
Our foreheads meet as our kiss ends, and I’m breathing heavily. I pull back, slowly, raising my eyes to connect with those beautiful brown ones.
