Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One) (8 page)

“He went off to college that fall but came home at least once or twice a month. I made annoying him into an art. We’d hang out and everything would be great. Just before he was about to go back I’d do something to make him wonder what I was scheming. Brett, of course, always told me just what to say and then Shane would have to go. He’d be crazy until he got home again and saw that we hadn’t really done anything. Naturally we had to cause some trouble now and then so he wouldn’t get complacent.”

“What did your parents do about all that?”

“Nothing. They were both very generous with their attention. If they had a favorite, I certainly never knew. I think they guessed what I was up to and how Brett was involved and decided to stay out of it. I’m sure there was a line somewhere but I never crossed it.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. Or you can tell me every thought that’s crossing your mind,” Jordan waited.

“Hmm, okay. I think you must have always been charming. I think you underestimate yourself or put too much emphasis on your brother’s opinions. I’m not sure I like him but I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for now. Your parents are good people. You and Brett were very lucky with your teachers. It’s a good thing you two decided against being criminals because you probably would have been very good at it.

“I envy your friendship with Brett especially the way you’ve made it last over the years. I had what I considered good friends in high school but we haven’t kept in touch. Dee is a very good friend now but we don’t share a past. My uncle is a trainer of sorts and they moved around a lot more than we did so Alyssa and I weren’t as close as I think we could have been if we’d been together all the time. Or maybe I’m wrong. We see other pretty often now but there’s still this distance between us. We’re closer than ever but not like you and Brett are. I could tell that about you guys right away. I bet either one of you would do anything for the other if you ever needed something and I’m sure neither of you would have to ask.” She gasped. “Oh no, I said too much.”

“No, I told you I’m interested in whatever you think. In fact, I need to give some serious consideration to a few of your observations.”

“I…oh…damn!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Well, I said some things—”

“Yes, you did and I appreciate your thoughts.”

“But I was…”

“Perfect. Never be afraid to say anything to me.”

“Jordan, why do you tell me things like that?”

“Because I mean it, Kiley. I’m hoping that you’ll eventually feel comfortable with me.”

Without thinking, Kiley blurted out the question she’d had since the first day. “Why aren’t you married or at least with someone?”

Jordan could tell she was blushing by the way she groaned. “Simple. You’re not ready yet.”

“Oh God,” she groaned again.

“Can I ask you the same of you?”

“No one ever asked. And I wasn’t in love before. Oh damn.”

Jordan felt as if he couldn’t breathe. Could she mean what it sounding like she was saying? Did she even realize what she implied? “Kiley?”

She kept muttering.

“Kiley, please.”

“Just ignore me, Jordan. I can’t seem to make any sense when I try to talk to you.” She wanted to crawl in a hole and hide until she could control her stupid mouth. He must think she is such an idiot.

“I could never ignore you.” His voice dropped seductively. Kiley could feel it everywhere. It was as if he was right there with her, touching her. “Please don’t answer this now but will you marry me someday, Kiley?”

“Uh…oh…I…”

“Wait. Don’t say anything now. I’ve wanted to ask that since the instant I saw you that first day. Every day since then I’ve had to fight myself not to tell you that I know we belong together. I used to wonder why no one ever interested me. When I met you, I realized it was because I was waiting for you to love. I’ll make you very happy, Kiley, if you let me.”

“Oh God…ohgodohgodohgod,” she repeated rapidly. “I-I-I, um, have to go. Bye.”

Kiley hung up before he could say anything. What a damn fool he was! They were having a real conversation. They were getting to know each other. And then he had to go and blow it. Oh, he meant every word but she wasn’t anywhere near ready to hear it. And Kiley thought she lacked control when they were speaking! Why hadn’t he made some nice, safe comment to reassure her, changed the subject and kept on chatting? Still, Dee had suggested she was aware of him. Yeah right, aware of him, yes. Ready for declarations of love and marriage proposals, no. Should he call her back and try to smooth it over or would that just make it worse? Maybe he should give her a little time. He could call tomorrow and check on her. Or maybe he should just wait until Monday and see how distant she was first.

* * * * *

When the phone rang, Jordan glanced at the clock. It was eleven thirty so it could only be Miss Sadie. After her husband died, he had offered her his assistance in any way possible. One night, a few weeks later, Sadie had called him. She asked if he would be kind enough to give her a few minutes’ conversation. She missed having someone to talk to about nothing in particular. She said she would call one of those radio talk shows if he preferred things remain strictly professional but she liked his voice and just hearing him say hello already had her feeling better. It was a simple enough request so Jordan readily complied. Since then, she called him a few times a month and he soon found he looked forward to their chats. Sadie was extremely opinionated and never hesitated to speak her mind. She often claimed to be a cantankerous old bat. Jordan didn’t object. Conversations with Sadie were lively and always entertaining. And at the moment he could certainly use a distraction to get his thoughts off his blunder.

“Good evening, Miss Sadie. What’s your topic tonight?”

“Don’t humor me now, boy. I’m calling for some help.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Settle down. I just need a ride tomorrow.”

“Say that first next time. You had me scared.”

“What’s with you? You seem testy.”

“Sorry, ma’am. I didn’t mean to be short with you.” He took a deep breath. “How can I help?”

“I have to get my car inspected tomorrow. I’m to drop it off before lunch. I don’t feel like waiting around there so I thought, if you could spare the time, you could pick me up and drive me to the Villa to visit my sister-in-law. Her hip is almost mended but I should see her again while she’s there. I can always take a cab if you have plans.”

“No, no, I’d be glad to,” he answered automatically. He knew Kiley still visited there. He’d heard her talking about it with Dee. It must be someone she met while her mom was there so at least their conversation earlier had explained that mystery. What chance was there that they’d run into each other? Kiley’s friend had to be a permanent resident. Sadie’s sister-in-law would be in the short-term rehab area. Surely they had to be in separate locations.

“Are you sure? You don’t sound sincere,” Sadie stated bluntly.

“I’m sure, Miss Sadie. I made a bit of a fool of myself with Kiley earlier and…”

“At lunch? And you’re still moping?”

“No, she called me tonight.”

“Things are looking up.”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“Why? What did you say, Jordan?” When he hesitated, she used her most determined tone. “I’m waiting.”

Jordan sighed, deciding how much to tell her. Finally, he said that they had been having a good conversation up until she caught him off guard with an unexpected question. When he explained that he answered it very impulsively, he heard her snort.

“Harrumph. Put your foot in it good, did you, boy? Did you mean whatever it was that you said?” He had left out the details but Sadie was reading between the lines.

“Absolutely, with all my heart.”

“Then what are you worried about?”

“It was too soon for my comments. I probably just scared Kiley off for good.”

“That’s nonsense! It’s more likely that you just surprised her. If she’s as good a girl as you say she is she’ll come around. Of course, it would be easier to reassure you if I had specifics.”

“I told you I’m a fool and that’s enough for now.”

“Fine. Stop being ridiculous. From what Brett says, I’d say it’s safe to bet that this Kiley girl is plenty interested in you too. So what if you came on a bit strong? It’ll work out.”

“Ah then you did accept a date with the playboy tonight.”

“Yes and I’ll thank you not to repeat my comments to him in the future.”

“Why not? I’ve heard you call him both a gigolo and a playboy in person.”

“It’s not the same, coming from you,” she continued to discuss little tidbits with him until Jordan sounded more like himself. Then she reminded him what time to meet her at the garage and wished him a good night.

Chapter Six

“I won’t hear of it, Jordan McKade.” Sadie was annoyed. “If you insist on sitting in this car instead of coming in then I will too. There’s a perfectly good lounge where you can wait.”

“I’m fine here, really,” Jordan tried again. When she continued to glare silently at him, he finally accepted defeat and got out of the car.

“It’s about time.” She took his arm as they walked toward the door. “You’re acting like a petulant child and frankly, it doesn’t suit you.”

Jordan apologized and brushed a kiss on her cheek. “Forgive me? I’m in new territory here and it’s a little unsettling.”

“Hmm, interesting.” She stopped to stare at him. “It may be that you’re even more endearing and adorable when you’re being humble and vulnerable than you are when you’re charming and confident.”

Jordan had to grin. “And you, Sadie Brown, are impossible at all times.”

“That’s my boy.” She patted his arm. “Oh miss, excuse me but could you…” She trailed off at the expression on the girl’s face. Brett and Kiley’s friends had described her perfectly. And she was as punctual as they said she would be.

When Kiley turned toward the woman questioning her, the last person she expected to see there was Jordan. She knew she was blushing and staring like an imbecile and she couldn’t make her mouth function.

He recovered first. “Hello.”

She didn’t respond so Sadie stepped in. “Young man, where are your manners? Introduce me to your friend.”

“Of course.” He had forgotten she was with them. “Sadie Brown, may I present Kiley Fisher? Kiley, this is Miss Sadie. She’s my most unique client and usually a good friend.”

“H-hello Miss Sadie,” Kiley stammered.

“Well, well, I’m very happy to meet you, dear. You’re just as pretty as Jordan said you were.” Sadie saw the surprise cross Kiley’s face. “He’s such a good boy, escorting me to visit my sister-in-law while my car is being inspected."

“Yes, he is very nice,” Kiley agreed.

“Who are you visiting?” Sadie asked.

“Vera. She had been my mom’s roommate.”

“Such a sweet girl, still visiting,” Sadie commented. “Oh I am just so glad we bumped into you. I was going to leave the boy in the lounge while I had my visit but now he can go along with you. Jordan, I’ll see you back here in an hour or so.”

“I’ll be fine in the lounge, Miss Sadie.” Jordan was beginning to get suspicious.

“I won’t hear of it! You don’t mind, do you, Kiley?” Sadie’s question sounded more like a command.

“Oh, um, of course not. Jordan’s welcome to come with me.” Kiley was flustered but still knew better than to refuse.

“There, that’s settled it,” Sadie said firmly. “Go on now, off with you.” She stood and waited until the pair started down the hall.

“I’m sorry about this, Kiley. Sadie likes to have things her way and I’ve learned it’s easier not to resist. If you’d rather I go back to the lounge, I’ll just wait around the corner here until she’s gone,” he offered.

Kiley began to giggle. “I don’t think that’s wise. She’ll know if you do and then you’ll be in trouble.”

“You’re right but I don’t want to intrude or make you uncomfortable.” Her laughter was contagious.

“Oh so noble, willing to sacrifice yourself for me. It really is fine, Jordan. Vera loves visitors and I have mentioned you. I’m sure she’d be very disappointed if she knew you were here and I didn’t introduce you.”

“All right, Kiley.” He extended his hand. “Lead the way.”

Kiley accepted it. Her heart thumped when he closed his fingers around hers. Her mind drifted to the night before and how she’d spent most of it criticizing herself for how badly she’d handled the ending of their phone conversation. She had replayed his words in her mind and was more thrilled each time. She certainly hadn’t been expecting what he’d said and she realized Brett had been very honest when expressing his concerns. Jordan really wasn’t as calm and confident as he always appeared. She’d heard the vulnerability in his voice which she never would have thought possible. Just thinking about that made her blush again. He’d bared his heart to her and she’d essentially hung up on him.

She stopped just short of Vera’s door because she felt she had to say something. “Wait, Jordan. About last night. I shouldn’t have hung up like I did.” She was standing very close and put her hand on his arm.