Page 50 of The Tryst List

I stop in my tracks. “But…”

“I’m not an idiot. We're practically living together and it's obvious something at work stresses you out and it’s not like you’re quiet when you have calls.” She rolls her eyes. “Besides, Pops told me all about London when I put you on the guest list. You must have a good reason for keeping this from me and tomorrow you’ll tell me what it is. Tonight is our first Valentine’s Day and I’d like to enjoy it and the rest of the wedding without fighting.”

I take her hand, surprised at the grace she’s giving me. “Why aren’t you mad?”

“Peter, I grew up with my pops. It’s not like he could disclose every little thing to my mom. He protected their relationship by not talking about work all the time and she trusted him to tell her about things impacting our family.” She shrugs. “You and I are still new. I trust how you feel about me. Let’s drop it and talk when we’re alone and can get into it without a million people around.”

I reach into my pocket, feeling the flat velvet box I picked up last week. “Okay. Thank you, baby. I'll give you the details later, I promise. How about I try to get the evening back on track. I have a Valentine’s Day gift for you.”

“What?” Her eyes widen with surprise. I open the box to reveal a delicate necklace. The pendant is a beautifully crafted mermaid made up of aquamarines, opals, and sapphires, shimmering under the twinkly lights.

“Oh, Peter, it’s stunning!” Her hands cover her mouth in awe.

I carefully lift the necklace from the box, moving behind her to clasp it around her neck. “Taking inspiration from your mermaid designs I had this made. Beautiful, unique, captivating…like you.”

“Ohmygod. This is so thoughtful.” She turns around, her eyes glistening, and throws her arms around me. “Thank you, baby.”

We share a tender, passionate kiss, the kind that makes the rest of the world fade away. A moment of pure intimacy, like most of my moments with Jordan. Sometimes I feel our emotions for each other expressed without words, and I want to do better. Be better. “Jordan…I know we said we wouldn’t do this…”

“Not yet.” She puts her finger up to my lips and shakes her head.

Sadly, I nod my understanding. She’s right. We agreed to take the “L” word off the table until we were sure our lives meshed. With London looming, I don’t know if they do. Instead, I gather her in my arms, and we sway under the stars, wrapped together. I can only hope my embrace conveys how I truly feel about her.

Eventually, we realize we’ve been gone a hair too long. Reluctantly, we make our way to the reception where everyone is dancing and it’s not long before we encounter Jace and a couple guys from his band.

“So, Peter, enjoying the party?” Jace’s knowing glance and slightly raised eyebrow don’t escape my notice. He looks exactly like Jordan’s father must have thirty years ago.

I grip Jordan’s hand. “Yes, thank you for including me. Congratulations, by the way.”

“So, he’s the infamous Vegas guy,” Jace says to his band mates while clapping me on the back.

Jordan slugs him in the arm. “Shut up, ohmygod.”

“What?” Jace puts his arm around her. “I’ve been there. To Alex, I was the infamous rockstar and now look at us…”

Alex taps him on the shoulder. “Say another word and we’ll rewind this whole day.”

The LTZ guys burst with laughter and continue bantering while I watch in fascination. They're so…free. I haven't found many friends I can trust—or be myself with. Jordan was the first. She's the center of attention and, considering how often they look over at me, I'm the main topic. The realization our history is common knowledge amongst her family and friends is both touching and overwhelming.

I mean something to her.

Throughout the night, Jordan introduces me to about a million people. We eat cake. Eventually, she and I find ourselves on the dance floor. As we sway to a slow song, I grapple with tomorrow's conversation hanging over me. It looks like I’ll be in London for a few weeks as part of the final round of scrutiny for Project SoHo.

The thought of having to choose between two once-in-a-lifetime opportunities is unfathomable. A career in London? Or a committed relationship in Seattle with the love of my life?

I've let this go too long and it's not fair to Jordan. I need to be honest with her, even if it changes everything. I’m not sure how she'll react when she realizes I'll be away on business for weeks, let alone that I may have to move.

As the reception draws to a close and we say our goodbyes to her family and friends, the weight of my unspoken news feels heavier than ever.

Walking to my car with Jordan’s hand in mine, I know without a shadow of a doubt I can’t live without this.

Without her.

I’m in a hell of a conundrum, with no easy way out.

Chapter twenty

Jordan