Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Jordan's fingers twirl in my hair. I pull his blanket closer as I lean in to kiss him. His skin against mine is a feeling I wish would never end.
A gentle smile rests on his face as he stares at me, "You're absolutely wonderful, you know that? That was amazing, you're amazing," He leans in, placing himself above me to kiss me.
I crave the feeling of his muscles under my fingers, and I explore every tense muscle in his back. A deep moan escapes his lips.
"You are an angel," He whispers against my lips, "You are such an angel, soft and gentle and... Kind... Pure, even after everything you've been through, even after... This."
I feel my cheeks get red as I chuckle. He lifts his hand, his fingers barely meeting my skin. His fingers are so nice and cool.
"I mean, look at you," He mumbles, his eyes searching me, "You still blush and give that sweet smile, after everything you've been put through, everything you've suffered through... You're still so... Angelic."
"Jordan, stop," I turn away, unable to hide my smile.
"Why? It's true, and I know you don't hear it enough. Your blushing makes that very clear to me," He presses his lips behind my ear, he whispers, sending chills up my spine, "What's wrong with telling you the truth?"
My body reacts to the sensation, my nails dig into his back for a moment, but long enough to get a rise out of him.
"Are you looking for a round two?" He growls.
I laugh as he starts nibbling my ear, "No, but everything you do feels so incredible."
"Oh yeah?" His hand travels, down under the blankets and down my leg, "Even that?"
"Definitely that," I wiggle at his touch.
He pulls away, staring down at me. A hopeful smile on his face.
"I love you."
I return his smile, "I love you too," I turn my head to see his clock, it's almost ten, "It's getting late, I hate to say it but I should probably get home."
He sighs, "Yeah, probably. I'll go with you, I can help you get in your window. It might keep you out of your dad's line of fire."
"Maybe, I don't want to keep you up. It's late."
"If it's for you, I'd stay awake for years."
I stare at him for a few minutes before I start to roll away, climbing off the bed in search of my clothes. I grab his t-shirt in the meantime.
"Stealing my clothes now?" He pulls on his boxers and sweatpants, clearly amused.
"Sorry, it's just for a minute."
"No, no, don't apologize. I like it," He picks up my underwear, dangling it in front of me on his finger, "This what you're looking for?"
I blush, "Maybe," I snatch the fabric and slip it up my legs.
As I'm looking around the room, I feel his arms wrap around my waist as he pulls me against him.
"Meet my parents?" His voice is firm.
"What?" I chuckle.
"Meet them, this upcoming Friday, I want them to know you. I don't want to feel like I'm hiding you. I want them to know you and how much you mean to me."
I stare at him. Speechless. I can't believe what I'm hearing.
"You want me to meet your parents? Really? What if they don't like me?"
"I couldn't care less, if they don't like you they're full of shit. I just want to be open about you, I don't want to make it seem like you're some dirty little secret. Will you at least think about it?"
I nod slowly. I'm left standing there while he finds and gathers the rest of my clothes for me. When he brings them over to me, I go to take off his shirt.
"No, you keep that. It looks cute on you, and maybe it can provide some comfort when you're at home. I'm really sorry I missed your call the other day, it'll never happen again. If you need me I will be there in a heartbeat."
I pull him into a hug, refusing to let go, "I don't know what I would do without you Jordan. Only a week with you and... Everything has changed."
"I could say the same. Probably one of the best weeks of my life, thanks to you."
I give him one last squeeze before pulling away to finish getting dressed. He finds another shirt and takes me back down through the house.
We both hesitate to get in the car, knowing what it means. Fear runs through me, he looks devastated that he has to take me home. I wish I could tell him that I'll be ok.
He sits in the drivers seat, staring at the steering wheel. He shakes his head and hands me a plastic container.
"So you have something to eat later. I can come by the hardware store tomorrow before you need to babysit. You know, check up on you, bring you lunch?"
"I'd like that," I try to smile as I take his hand, "Thank you for tonight Jordan."
He takes a deep breath and turns on the car. Slowly driving back in the direction of my house. I've never seen him drive so slow, and I appreciate it.
"So... Your parents," I pull my fingers, "Friday you said?"
His eyes light up, "Yeah, if you feel up to it, dinner, the four of us. I think they'll love you."
"Ok," I smile, "Then I'm in. Just tell me what I need to wear, I want to make a good first impression."
"You will, you're incredible!"
I look out the window, begging time to slow down. I don't want to go home, I want to stay safe with Jordan. I reach out for one of his hands, gripping it tightly.
"It's ok," He whispers, returning my squeeze, "I'll get you in your window and I'm staying until I'm sure you're ok."
As my street and house draw closer I start feeling sick. I hope my dad is asleep or at least unaware.
Jordan doesn't park in my driveway, but on the street a house over. Quietly we get out of the car, he carries my bags as we move around to the back of the house.
At my window I hesitate, my fear becomes paralyzing.
"It's ok, I've got you," Jordan reassures me before boosting me up into the window, handing me my bags carefully.
He passes up the food he gave me and takes a few steps back to look into my window.
"Thank you," I whisper, leaning out into the cold.
"I'll see you tomorrow, alright? Call me if you need anything," He smiles, "I love you."
"I love you too."
"Get some sleep, alright? You seem exhausted," He starts to walk away.
"Call me when you get home, and then you get some sleep too. I'll miss you."
He turns back for a moment, "I already miss you. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, baby."
He gives me a light smirk before heading back out to his car. I watch him until he's beyond my line of sight. Slowly and quietly I pull back into my room, putting on my pajama pants and preparing for tomorrow.
I empty the duffle bag, putting in my change of clothes for babysitting as well as my homework and my phone charger. I want to limit how many trips I have to make.
In the pile of things I took out of my bag, I see two new CD's. One has a sticky note on it.
"Get lost in the music, pretend I'm there with you. Love, Jordan."
I fall back onto my bed, the small note pressed to my chest. I'm still wearing his shirt, rich with the smell of chili powder and chocolate.
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