Page 11 of Claiming Love
Hopping out of my truck, I nearly trip over my feet trying to get to the store as fast as possible. I’ve mostly gotten myself put back together by the time I enter.
Jordan spins around, her green eyes landing on me. They sparkle with recognition and excitement while her lips curl into a warm, welcoming smile. She’s so fucking beautiful with the afternoon sun tangling in her auburn hair and making her eyes stand out all the more. I can hardly breathe the longer I look at her; she’s that captivating.
“Hey, sweet girl,” I say, returning her glowing smile.
Jordan drops the twisted knot of bungee cords she was attempting to untangle and runs toward me. I catch her as she leaps into my arms, spinning her around like I did the last time I saw her. She giggles and clings to me, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt happier or more fulfilled in my entire life.
When I finally set her down, she stumbles a bit, laughing as she steadies herself with a hand on my shoulder.
“Sorry, I don’t know what came over me,” she says breathlessly.
“I don’t mind one bit, beautiful,” I tell her, kissing her temple. “Can I help close up shop so we can get the hell out of here?”
Jordan nods and directs me to a few things to wipe down and put away while she totals up the register to balance it for the day. Fifteen minutes later, we’re on the road to what I hope is another successful adventure for Jordan.
“I can’t remember the last time I went up into the mountains,” she says as she looks out the window at the scenery.
I frown, though I don’t let her see it. My girl is already so self-conscious about how her father treats her, and the last thing I want to do is make her feel ashamed. Still, I hate that she’s lived a few miles from one of the most beautiful places in the country and hasn’t had the opportunity to enjoy it because of her controlling asshole of a father.
“I’m happy to be the one to reintroduce you,” I tell her as I look over briefly into those emerald eyes. I grin and wink, loving the soft pink blush spreading across her cheeks.
We continue the winding drive through the Smoky Mountains until I see the turnoff for a valley with a large pond and plenty of large rocks to sunbathe. Or to do other things on…
“Oh my gosh,” Jordan whispers, her eyes going wide as I come to a stop within view of the serene space. “It’s picture perfect. Are we even allowed to be here? I feel like I’m going to mess it up by my presence alone.”
“Of course we’re allowed to be here,” I assure her, turning off the truck and exiting the vehicle. I open Jordan’s door, offering her my hand to help her down. When she’s on her feet, I pull her toward me, ensuring her eyes meet mine. “And you’re not going to mess anything up by being here. I know you don’t see it yet, but you’re so special. Not just your beauty, but your sweet spirit, big heart, and sense of adventure… All of it draws me closer to you.”
“Wow,” she breathes out, blinking up at me.
I kiss her forehead and smile down at her before taking her hand again and leading us toward the water. “I remember you told me on our date that you want to be free to jump in a lake. Granted, this is less of a lake and more of a private pool, but I didn’t think you’d mind. We can work our way up to a lake and, eventually, the ocean.”
“You’re too good to me,” she whispers, squeezing my hand.
“I’m trying,” I tell her. “I want to give you everything.”
We get to the water's edge, and I look down at Jordan, whose mouth is slightly parted as if in awe. She scans the large pond, taking in everything as if seeing nature for the first time. My chest aches when I think about how that statement is probably more true than not.
Jordan closes her eyes and lifts her chin, breathing in the refreshing air as the wind plays with the long strands of her hair. I can’t look away from her. Without even knowing it, she’s making me a better man. I want to see the world through her eyes and live in the moment, experiencing everything with my woman by my side.
“Want to go swimming?” I ask after a few moments of silence.
Jordan looks over at me, a spark of excitement flashing across her features. As soon as it appears, it’s replaced by a look of shame and defeat. She folds in on herself, the bright, curious, adventurous woman replaced by a shell of what her father made her.
“I don’t know how,” she admits.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but of course her father never taught her how to swim. That would be far too dangerous in his mind.
“Good thing I happen to be an excellent swimmer and teacher,” I say with a grin, hoping to dispel her anxiety.
“Don’t forget how humble you are,” she teases, the light returning to her eyes.
“Right, that, too,” I reply with a wink. Before she can doubt herself a second longer, I lift her hand to my lips, kiss her knuckles, and place it over my heart. “Do you trust me?” I ask, not for the first time.
“With all of me,” she says, the same response as last time. I love it.
I drop her hand and lift my shirt over my head, encouraging her to do the same. Jordan’s jaw drops slightly as her eyes roam over my chest and abs. She reaches toward me, fingertips tickling my muscles and making me tremble at her touch.
She stops at a nasty scar across the left side of my abdomen. Her fingers brush over the raised skin, then she peers up at me, sympathy and understanding in her gaze.