Page 30 of A Suite Temptation
Maybe I should be looking for another manager, not just signing another contract extension.
That would teach him. After a minute she turned, intending to head back inside when another car came into view. It was a small white SUV, and it was driven through the gate at a far more sedate speed.
Thoughts of her high pressure manager and his fiery temper instantly fled as she caught sight of the person behind the wheel. It was Jordan.
Her pulse quickened. When he gave her a friendly wave, it was all she could do not to burst into tears. She hadn’t been entirely certain he would come, but he was here.
And unlike arrogant Foster who parked anywhere he damned well pleased, Jordan pulled up in one of the car spaces which were clearly marked for visitors. It reminded her once more that Jordan had manners.
Chloe did a quick check of her clothes. She was wearing a pink and orange striped sweater with faded jeans. Very, at-home-casual. Her original intention had been to head upstairs and change into something more stylish before Jordan’s arrival, but the unexpected visit from Foster had put paid to her plans. He was always doing that, pulling the rug out from under her whenever she thought she had a solid footing.
Forget about Foster. Jordan is here. That’s all that matters.
With a welcoming smile on her face, she went to greet her special guest.
* * *
From the seat next to him, Jordan retrieved his jacket and the box of Grand Cru Chocolates by Pierre Marcolini which he had purchased earlier that morning. The House of Royal had its own private chocolate brand, but he’d thought that might come across as him being a little cheap. He wanted to impress Chloe, not have her thinking he was tightfisted with money.
He glanced at the chocolates. Were they a misstep?
Shit. Maybe I should have gone with a piece of jewelry. Does she wear silver or gold? And what exactly do I buy a woman who has all the money she could ever want?
A tap at his driver’s side window startled Jordan’s doubt away. A grinning Chloe waved at him through the glass.
It had only been a week or so since he’d last seen her, but seeing Chloe sent joy immediately flooding through his heart. He had never been effected in such a way by a woman before. Never felt the need to wrap someone up in his arms and hold her, like he did with Chloe.
It had to be the jetlag.Yes, I’m just jetlagged.He ignored the obvious facts that he’d been back in the US for some time, and the private jet flight out to LA yesterday morning hadn’t exactly taxed him.
Chloe stepped back as he carefully opened the car door and climbed out. They stood looking at one another for a moment. He sensed she was as awkwardly shy about this reunion as he was, and also just as uncertain. There was something refreshing about it. Dare he say sweet.
He offered her the box of chocolates. “These are for you.”
A beaming Chloe took the gift, clutching it tightly in both hands. Jordan was suddenly reminded of having seen her on TV after winning a major music award. She held onto the box of chocolates like they were as precious as that shiny golden miniature gramophone.
“Chocolates. Ooh, lovely. Thank you.” Chloe glanced furtively over her shoulder in the direction of a nearby doorway. “I’m not actually allowed these, but if we’re quick, we might be able to eat one or two before they are confiscated.”
What the actual fuck?She wasn’t allowed chocolates? And who had the right to take gifts away from her?
Let it go. It’s not your place to question her life. You barely know the woman.
Perplexed Jordan followed Chloe around to the other side of the hire car, frowning as she dropped down to the stone paving, and hurriedly opened the box. She wasn’t joking about no one finding out she’d eaten the chocolates. What happened to enjoying the little treats in life?
He took a spot next to her. The driveway was immaculate, there wasn’t a stray leaf to be seen.
I expect they have rules against such untidiness in this part of LA.
Somewhere in the gated community body corporate regulations there would be a clause about nature’s litter.
Chloe offered him the box. “Here.” Jordan noted that she had selected one of the heart shaped chocolates. He took one of them as well. They’d been sending one another heart emojis in their messages, so it seemed apt.
With the forbidden sweet goodies stuffed into their mouths, Chloe and Jordan sat grinning at one another. When he reached out his hand, she took it, shuffling a little closer to him. “I’m so glad you’re here Jordan, I can’t wait to show you around my home. This is my most favorite place in the entire world.”
You are such a sweetheart.
He hadn’t felt anything like this since the time, when aged fifteen, he’d fallen for one of the household staff at his parents’ estate. He’d spent months mooning around after her, only ceasing with his foolish devotion when the young woman up and announced she was getting married. And she was pregnant. And she and her fiancé were moving to Texas. His summer crush had well and truly crushed his heart.
But this was different. He wasn’t a hormone fueled youth, he was a man.