She Belongs to Me (15 page)

She was completely comfortable in her decision. They lay entangled as one on the bed, but he didn’t attempt to make love to her. Instead, he just stroked her hair as she lay with her head on his chest.

Completely content in his embrace, she didn’t want to get out of bed, but she heard his stomach grumble and knew he was probably famished.

“What’s for breakfast?” She chuckled quietly.

“You caught that? I was thinking I could run down to the buffet and grab some provisions to hold us over. What do you think?”

“Sounds perfect.”

He kissed her once more then got off the bed. She curled her body into a ball as she watched him grab some clothes and then disappear into the bathroom.

She let out a long sigh. He was gorgeous, loving and kind. How did she get so fortunate all of the sudden? Was it possible all the awful circumstances that happened were so she could appreciate him when he came into her life, or was Jordan an answer to her daily prayer to God?

The moment he left, Jaynee bounded out of bed and ran to the bathroom. She brushed her hair and teeth, splashed water on her face and was back under the sheet in minutes.

Jordan returned carrying several plates: one with fresh fruit, another with different varieties of muffins and sweet rolls and still another piled with waffles and eggs. “Sorry, no
Linguica
…but I got a little bit of everything else.” He chuckled lightly as he set out his smorgasbord.

After pulling the table to the bed, he sat down beside her and offered her a grape. How could she resist?

He picked up a muffin and swallowed it in one bite. “So, what do you want to do today?” He choked as he reached for a glass of orange juice and took a sip.

“Um…I’m not sure. Did you want to go to the beach?” She really just wanted to remain here with him.
But not being from Florida, she figured he might want to see the beach in daylight.

“I have a suggestion, but you need to answer a question first.” He took her hand in his, kissing it. “Do you like the ring? That’s not the question…just wondering. I wanted the most
beautiful and unique like you, not just the biggest diamond;
h
owever, you could choose a different one.”

“No!” she shrieked. “I mean ‘no’ I don’t want to exchange it. I love it! It’s exquisite. It would be exactly what I would have chosen if I had a choice of any ring in the world. It’s a princess cut, right?”

“Yes,” he said, smiling brightly, pleased by her acceptance.

She shook her head and huffed lightly. “You shouldn’t have done that. I would never have wanted something so expensive.”

“But you like it?”

She nodded.

“Then don’t worry. Now, the question I meant to ask. Jaynee, do you want a big wedding?”

“No.” She shook her head again. “I have hardly anyone to invite.”

“Would your grandmother or family be upset if you didn’t?” Instant concern filled his voice.

“My grandmother wants only what makes me
happy,
and I really don’t care what my mother thinks. No, I don’t want a large wedding.”

How strange to be discussing this over breakfast, in a t-shirt, with a man she only met four days ago. Her heart fluttered at the insanity that felt so right.

“Then, would you like to fly to Vegas and get married today?”
Jayne tried to gulp the mouthful of food so she could speak, but nearly choked. Jordan quickly continued. “We can continue the honeymoon right there. There’s a romantic resort called the Venetian. Plus, Las Vegas has great hiking. Not to mention shows, dancing, boating, horseback riding, whatever you
want
. What do you think?” His eyes were bright. This sudden thought apparently energized him.

She covered her mouth, so she could speak. “You’re serious?”

“Of course, I’m serious.” He tilted his head. “Why would I want to wait? Unless you wanted a grand wedding and reception, then I would provide you with that instead.”

“What about your family? Won’t they be offended?” Unlike her, Jordan had a very close family. He
’d
told her about his two sisters and their husbands, even his mother and grandmother lived nearby.

“Nah.”
He waved his hand in dismissal. “They learned ions ago to let me have my way.”

“Do you always get your way?” She narrowed her eyes at him.

“Usually.
I got you, didn’t I?” He tilted his head to the side and gave her a penetrating gaze.

Unable to resist, she smiled. “Yes, you did.” He definitely had her.

“So...what do you think?” His eyes were intense staring into hers, awaiting her answer.

“Do I have a choice?” she asked, not surprised he always got his way.

“Of course you do. You can have a full-scale wedding or Vegas. Those are your choices.” He grinned then raised his eyebrows in anticipation. She obviously didn’t have a choice to say no, only how to go about marrying him.

“Isn’t the bride supposed to pay for the wedding?” Unfortunately, no one in her family would be able to foot the bill.

“Jaynee, I assure you…you don’t have to worry about money. I have plenty.” He smiled, happy to share this inconsequential tidbit of information. He pushed the table back and stood up. “You have a couple of calls to make. You need to quit your job and let your grandmother know we’re coming over. I’ll make the arrangements immediately.” He was already walking across the room to his laptop. He really was used to getting his way. Just like the first night when he asked her, no, insisted she go out with him.

She stood up and just stared at him. “What about college?
I have a paper due next week.
”

Jordan didn’t even turn around as he walked across the room taking a seat in the chair.

“The semester just started. You can drop your classes without affecting your grade, and I’ll pay for you to be reenrolled in Charlotte.” Jaynee sank to the floor as the blood rushed from her head. Jordan darted out of the chair, dropping down in front of her taking both of her hands in his. “Jaynee, are you okay?”

“I don’t know…I forgot…I mean…I don’t know what I was thinking. I forgot you lived in North
Carolina. I assumed you would stay here.” Her eyes fell away.

He turned her face back to his. “Jaynee, I already thought about this. The only thing in Florida is your grandmother, and I’m certain she’ll understand. I have a home, a career and a business in North Carolina. I know you’ll love it there. I’m sorry. What I meant to say is
,
we have a home. And I know you will love it. If not, we’ll get a new one. But you will love it, I am certain.”

It would be a fresh start and wasn’t that what she decided she needed? She was just nervous. Would her grandmother understand? Would she realize it would be healthy to move away from this area, especially after last night? She would, Gram wanted what was best for her little girl as she
’d
always put it.

Jordan still kneeled in front of her, holding her hands, his eyes anxious.

“I love you too. I’ll marry you in Vegas, and I’ll follow you to North Carolina.”

Without warning, he lifted her off the floor and swung her around. “Now I really am the happiest man alive. I was worried about the specifics of such a complicated situation. But now…Jaynee, I promise you, I am going to make you the happiest woman alive! I have a hotel and flight to book. Make your calls…then we’ll go get you some clothes. You’ll need some cold-weather gear and a wedding dress, naturally.” He set her back down, then walked over to the desk and flopped down. His fingers flew across the keyboard.

Jaynee didn’t know what to feel…overwhelmed came to mind. But, she
was
happy. It felt like a fairytale.
She had fallen asleep, and the prince had shown up to wake her from her nightmare. He even wanted to buy her a dress…and that ring. She gazed at the sparkling diamond on her hand as a quiver swept through her body. It must have cost over ten thousand, heck maybe even twenty. She had seen those types of rings when she went shopping with her girlfriend. Rainey had chosen her own ring and told her fiancé where to buy it. They had a long engagement too, over three years. Jordan also said if she didn’t like
their house,
he’d purchase a new one. He
’d
obviously downplayed his little construction business. Well, at least she fell for him, admitted she loved him and agreed to marry him before she knew he was well off. Maybe that was the reason he hadn’t told her. Perhaps he had issues with people using him, too.

Jaynee picked up the phone, making the easiest call first to her boss. She didn’t explain why she was quitting, and she wasn’t on the schedule again until Wednesday, so he had plenty of time to replace her shifts. Still, he sounded displeased. She considered telling him about the assault but knew the attack was against her, not just a random act.

Now for the difficult task—telling Gram.
But she decided they should do it together. Hadn’t she already hinted yesterday, not believing for a minute Jordan would have felt the same way and ask her? Gram would be content as long as Jaynee was happy.

She called her grandmother and told her they were stopping by.

Jaynee glanced up at Jordan working on the computer and was unable to keep from smiling. Sensing
her gaze, he grinned. He was beautiful, even if he was spoilt. She wondered if they’d have a little time before leaving, and the thought surprised her. The desire to make love consumed her. Nev
er had she wanted a man so much,
her body yearned for him.

What the heck, she thought…I’ll be his wife shortly. It sounded bizarre. She had never wanted to marry anyone, but now her entire life was changing for this incredible man she’d only just met.

Jaynee ambled up behind Jordan, draping her arms around his shoulders and resting them on his chest. She nuzzled her face into his neck and started kissing him—a move she picked up from him. He leaned back into her kisses, then reached back with his arms and pulled her onto his lap.

“I thought you’d never come over here. We have about an hour before we have to get ready…we can shop in Vegas.”

He stood up with her in his arms, carried her back to the bed and continued to kiss her but nothing more.

“Jordan, you’re driving me crazy,” she finally breathed out, when he stopped kissing her long enough to catch her breath.

“As you ar
e me.”
His voice was breathless
too.

“Why won’t you make love to me then?” Her frustration surprised her.

“Jaynee—” He stopped short, brushing her hair back from her face but keeping his hand against her cheek. “I want to, believe me, but not yet. You’re going to marry me, right?”

She nodded, answering him at the same time, “Yes.”

“Then we’ll be married tonight, so this is our last chance at a first time. Wouldn’t it be nice to wait, to not be rushed?”

How could she argue with his pure logic? “Yes, I guess you are right,” she conceded, falling back into his embrace. “I just never wanted a man as much as I want you at this moment.”

“As do I,” he said, crushing her tighter to him. But all she could think is she wanted him to hold her even closer. He brushed his lips over her cheek.
“Every part of you, heart and soul.”

They flew first-class to Las Vegas. Somewhere Jaynee had never be
en or ever desired to go;
she wasn’t a gambler. They were going because Las Vegas was the fastest and most popular place in the world to get married. Then again, she was making the biggest gamble of her life. Before, when something didn’t work out, she could walk away. She wouldn’t walk away from a marriage.

Jordan had made all the arrangements. She had heard him on the phone while she got ready.

She knew he had a head for business by the way he talked on the phone. He’d said, “I won’t settle for that,” at least three times while making hotel reservations. He never raised his voice, and she could only hear part of what he was saying, but then his smile indicated he must have gotten his way, because he informed her they would be married this evening in the gardens of the Venetian.

Jaynee found that Jordan easily took control over most situations including the discussion with her grandmother of their intentions to get married. He told Gram how much he loved Jaynee and would take care of her and provide her every need. He apologized she had to move to North Carolina but promised she could return as often as she wanted. Even Gram had easily succumbed to his charm, just as Jaynee had.

He left his F-150 along with her Focus in her driveway and then locked both keys in his truck. Right on schedule, a livery vehicle whisked them off to the airport.

In the air, Jaynee lifted the armrest and scooted next to Jordan. He was so comfortable to snuggle with, not one protruding bone. Lean muscle enclosed every inch of his body.

“So what were all those calls concerning?” She peered up at him while resting her head on his shoulder. “I’ve hardly had an opportunity to talk to you in the last couple hours.”