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CHAPTER 31

Jordan came in through the back of the house carrying her purchases. Parking in the back was one step in making the place hers. Company parked out front and used the front door. She wasn’t surprised to see Kevin sitting in the livingroom.

Kevin didn’t look up as he spoke, “I started to call Skip and ask him if Nick was telling the truth, but realized it would require too much explaining.”

Jordan waited for Kevin to continue. He didn’t. He appeared to be calmly sitting there having a discussion about the weather or something else equally mundane. Jordan knew better. Just under the surface Kevin was a raging fire of anger. Putting down her bag, she decided to poke the surface.

“You mean to tell me you’ve been sitting here all this time stewin’ and that is the best conversation opener you came up with?”

“Don’t be cute Jordan.”

“But I do it so well.”

“I’m not in the mood for teasing.”

“Your mood doesn’t bother me in the least.”

“What are you trying to do?”

“Nothing.”

He heard her pick up the bags. He turned after a minute to see what she was doing, but she had left the room. She left without a word. He couldn’t believe it. All illusion of composure he had mustered was gone as he tore out of the room.

He pushed the bedroom door hard enough for it to bounce off the wall. She didn't even flinched. He watched her move from the bed to the closet hanging up some article of clothing still in a bag. Much to his chagrin she began softly humming as she moved around the room. She was ignoring him. Of all the nerve!

“I never thought of you as a coward.” Her sudden silenced spurred him on. “Nope. I always thought of you as a fighter. Someone strong and trustworthy, boy was I wrong! You are nothing more than a scared little girl. You didn’t have the guts to tell me you were leaving and you sure as hell didn’t have the courage to finish out the tour. It’s bad enough that you are running from me, but you're abandoning Nick too. He trusted you and you leave him when he needs you most. I regret getting Skip to hire you. Yeah that’s right, I’m the one who put the idea in Skip’s head. Thanks to you, I’m sure he'll never trust my judgement on staff again. By the way, what excuse did you give Skip for quitting? I don’t think you told him about us. If you had, he would have called to ream me out. So what was it Jordan?”

“Get out,” she said through clenched teeth.

Kevin closed the distance between them and pinned her against the bed.

“Oh no Jordan! You don’t get to call the shots on this. You always tried to be the one in control, but I’m not even going to allow you the illusion anymore. I am going to take a drive now, but I will be back. When I come back we’ll decide about dinner.”

He moved in for a kiss and she turned her head. He chuckled and planted a kiss on her cheek. Moving away, he released her hands. He left without another word.

Jordan lay on the bed shaking for several minutes. First Ormond and now Kevin, it was too much to handle in one day. Kevin didn’t know how close he came to seeing a side of her few had ever seen. It took all her strength not to fight back when he pinned her to the bed. One phrase kept chanting in the back of her mind – don’t hurt him. If not for that thought repeating itself she would have. She had learned how to fight a long time ago.

It was something Ormond enjoyed about her. She could fight him, making him work for her submission. He even trained her to keep up her skills. She could send a man twice her size flying across a room with one well placed kick. It had become instinct for her when in a fight or flee situation, she would fight. Once she managed to escape Ormond, she worked hard on unlearning the automatic response. Actually, she began unlearning it before leaving Ormond. It was how she got away from him.

Sighing she headed for the back of the house. She looked out at the lake trying to find some calm. Luckily Jordan’s nerves were under control, when her father’s truck pulled around the back of the house.

“Hey little girl.”

“Hi Daddy.”

“Something must be bothering you.”

“Why’d you say that?”

“You only stare that hard at the water when something’s weighin’ on your mind.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Nothing you want to tell your old dad about or nothing really?”

“It’s nothing.”

Sighing, Buck asked, “Where’s your company?”

“Nick left earlier today.”

“I know. I was talking about the other one, the one with the long hair. I haven’t met him. Didn’t know you'd be bringin’ all these people home with you.”

“Next time Delaney’s up you can thank her for him being here.”

“How is Mischief doing?

“We haven’t talked yet, so she’s fine.”

“I think I'll call and warn her,” chuckled Jordan’s father.

Cracking a smile, Jordan replied, “don’t you dare! It'll take all my fun away.”

“Well if you don’t want this guy here just tell him to leave. Or did you try and he won't go? Cause you know I can take care him in short order.”

“No Daddy. Kevin can stay here. I just didn’t like the surprise.”

“So where is he?”

“He went for a drive.”

As if some director off set had cued him, Kevin’s rental pulled around the house to park next to Buck’s truck. Jordan could see Kevin studying the man standing beside her before he ever got out of the car. Crossing the yard Kevin joined them.

“Kevin Richardson this is my father.”

“Hello Mr. Buchanan,” greeted Kevin extending his hand.

“Kevin,” replied Buck.

Just as he had done with Nick, Buck tightened his grip as they shook hands. Unlike Nick, Kevin returned the favor by tightening his own. Neither relented, until Jordan placed a hand on her father’s arm.

“Janis tells me you're in Nick's group.”

“We're in the same group."

“Like that Nick. He’s a good boy.”

“Yes sir.”

“I hated seeing him leave so soon.”

“It'll be nice for him to spend some time with his family.”

“I suppose. Jordan tell the boy he's welcome anytime.”

“I will Dad.”

“Guess I’ll head to the house and give Del a call.”

“Dad,” scolded Jordan as she hugged her father.

“Anyway, I wanted to stop and make sure you’re OK. If you have any trouble or need something call,” he said.

Jordan didn’t see the two men as they locked eyes over her head. Kevin started to extend his hand again.

“It was nice meeting you Mr. Buchanan.”

“Kevin,” said Buck with a nod of his head. “Bye little girl.”

“Bye Daddy.”

They watched Buck leave. Wrapping an arm around Jordan, Kevin dropped a kiss on the top of her head. Jordan slowly turned until she was looking at him. He smiled.

“I’m hungry. Did you figure out what we're having for dinner while I was gone?”

“No,” she answered in an even tone.

“I’m thinking chicken. How about you," he asked, turning to go inside.

"I take it you're feeling all better?"

"What? Oh you mean earlier? Yeah."

Jordan watched him disappear into the house. She recognized what was happening. The big bad Kevin had gotten to yell and let out all his anger. He was fine. With an ego like Kevin's, he assumed if he was done with the fight then the fight was over.

Pulling the back door open, Jordan muttered, "not on your life Richardson."

Chapter 32

Upon entering the kitchen, Jordan pulled up short. Kevin was making himself at home by rummaging through her cabinets. She walked over to stand beside him. He moved his head out of the cabinet and smiled down at her. She smacked the door shut as soon as his face was out of the way.

“Who gave you permission to look in my cabinets?”

“Jordan, I’m looking for something to eat.”

“You don’t get to eat my food. Do you have the keys to your rental?”

“Yes. Why?”

“You’ll see.”

Jordan left the room. Kevin could here her climbing the stairs. He crossed his arms and leaned against the counter, waiting for her return. He was done chasing after this woman. Even if she did look cute when she was pissed. He was surprised to see her carrying his bags when she came back into the kitchen. He was more surprised when she tossed them at him.

“Jordan!”

“Get out Kevin!”

“What the hell?”

“My house. Get out! I think I’ve been pretty clear.”

“Will you tell me what’s going on?”

“No.”

“No?”

“It’s not necessary. See I’ve finally learned how you fight.”

“How do I fight?”

“You blow up, have your say, when you’re done the arguments done. You’ve had your say and my thoughts and feelings aren’t a part of the equation. So fight’s over. Now get out!”

“Jordan,” said Kevin in a soothing tone, crossing the room.

“Don’t try to placate me Kevin.”

“Jordan,” he repeated in the same tone, as he wrapped his arms around her and she struggled.

“Get out!”

Placing his mouth against her ear, he whispered, “I’m sorry.”

He wasn’t sure what he had expected. It sure wasn’t crying. Yet now he found himself holding Jordan as she cried. She suddenly pushed him away.

“Don’t think I’m crying, because of you. Well…it is cause of you, but because I’m so mad!”

He watched her swipe at the tears sliding down her cheeks. “Why are you so mad?”

“Because of that,” she yelled. “You’re being all calm and reasonable. It pisses me off.”

“Do you want me to yell? Fight back?”

“No I want you to not have your say, leave, then come back all hunky dory.”

“You’re mad because I’m not mad now?”

“I’m mad because you’re a self-righteous, egotistical, sanctimonious, son of a bitch! Who thinks he can show up on my doorstep and have me greet him like a long lost lover. A man who wants everything, but can’t commit to damn thing outside his career and even then can’t figure out what the hell he wants from said career. Mostly I’m mad that you thought you could treat me like every other woman you’ve been involved with.”

“Jordan, I’m not the one who ran.”

“I didn’t either.”

“How can you say you didn’t?”

“I can say it, because it wasn’t a matter of running away. I made a decision for me.”

“To run.”

“NO! I figured out what I want.”

Here it comes, thought Kevin. Here comes the ultimatum. Let’s see what she wants me to choose her over. “What do you want Jordan?”

Jordan realized what Kevin was thinking from his tone. “Oh don’t worry Kevin. You can’t give me what I want.”

“Oh really? Then what exactly do you want,” asked Kevin, feeling the sting of her statement.

“I want fidelity. I know you cheat. You’ve cheated with me. I want someone to love me the way I deserve to be loved. In return, I will give them the same. I realized what I was allowing by staying on tour. Everyday I lost another piece of my self-respect. You are incapable of showing me respect and leaving me alone so I made it easy for you Kevin. I removed the temptation.”

“I’m perfectly capable of controlling myself.”

“Sure you are. That’s why you’re here now,” she replied and was rewarded with him looking down at the ground like a kid being reprimanded. “Another thing I want made perfectly clear. I am in control. I’ve been in control. You gave me control, the second you decided to make the bet.”

“How so?”

“Kevin you started this tryst in front of Nick and AJ. You have always been more discreet. Yeah they all know you fool around. They also may have known more than a few of your women, but I seriously doubt you were ever that open about the start of things. You couldn’t stand that I wasn’t bending to your will and it made you careless. If you still aren’t clear on the control issue, remember you put your business out in front of Nick yesterday.”

“Explain.”

“You would have never explained yourself in front of him to anyone but me.”

“Fine.”

“Oh now you’re getting mad again? Why, because I’m telling you things you don’t want to hear?”

“No!”

“Yes. Well too bad, because here comes some more. Kevin this is done. Once you leave here you are never to come back. I can’t move on with my life as long as you think you can show up anytime. You are not welcome.”

“So that’s it?”

“Pretty much.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Don’t care, but I wouldn’t recommend testing me on this.”

“Oh I think I will.”

Before Jordan could react, Kevin had her engaged in a kiss. This wasn’t a tender kiss. It was a kiss to make her submit. He knew the affect he had on her. She felt something, even if she tried to deny it. He couldn’t believe she was still fighting him. Trying to twist away from his lips.

Catching her bottom lip between his teeth, he ordered, “be still!”

“No!”

“Yes,” he hissed as he bit down.

Her fingers tangled in his hair and she pulled his head back. His eyes flew open and the fire in them caught Jordan by surprise. Kevin pulled against her hold on his hair until he could extend his tongue enough to lick her throat. He chuckled when her breath caught. She relaxed enough for him to pull forward and attach his mouth to her neck. Kevin began backing her to the doorway separating the kitchen from the rest of the house. His moustache and goatee scrapped her skin as he moved from her neck to her mouth. Never loosing contact with her skin at any point on the journey. This time she kissed him back. His hands came up to the collar of her shirt. With one determined yank, all the buttons popped free. Kevin released her mouth and looked down to find her wearing a shear bra. He chuckled when Jordan pulled his shirt off. She watched him closely as she raked her nails down his back. He arched then growled as he buried his face in the cleavage he had been admiring. Sliding his hands down to cup her round bottom, he pulled her flush against his excitement. Jordan fought a moan when she felt his tongue slither between her breasts. She leaned into him, taking in his scent.

“So Kev likes pissed off sex,” she whispered.

“So does Jordan,” noted Kevin as he hips picked up the rhythm of hers.

“Generally I do, but Kevin stop.”

Kevin didn’t believe her and merely laughed.

“Kevin I’m serious,” she said as she struggled to free herself. “STOP!”

“What the fuck,” he asked, letting go of her.

“Kevin this isn’t a fight we have great makeup sex after.”

“What is it then?”

“This is a final argument, because this thing is ending.”

He saw the tears in her eyes, just before she ran out of the room. Instead of following her, he slumped against the doorframe. Running his hands through his hair, he felt his heartbeat slow. Her words replayed in his mind…fidelity, love, respect. He did respect her. God knew he loved her. It was the fidelity thing, which stopped him. She was right. He couldn’t be faithful to her, even if he never slept with another woman, including his wife, again. He was still married and had not a clue how to get out of it. Kristin made it very clear when she agreed to marry him what her conditions were. One being, she would destroy him if he ever left her. He didn’t want to risk it. He was not in a place in his career where he could weather anymore scandal than the current circus.

He thought back to a conversation he had overheard his mother and Aunt Jackie have a few days before his wedding. They were discussing if he was in love.

“Ann do you think Kevin is head over heals in love with her?”

“I hate to say it, but no I don’t. I don’t think she is gone over him either.”

“Why are they doing this then?”

“You know my youngest. He gets his mind set on something, he will make it happen even if he has to force it.”

“Would he listen to you?”

“Jackie what do you think?”

“How did we raise such stubborn men?”

“Look at our husbands.”

Chuckling, Jackie agreed, “I suppose you’re right. Of course, we have been known to have our stubborn streaks.”

“Yes but ours are justified,” replied Ann, laughing with her sister-in-law.

“I will tell you this, I pity Kevin the day love comes into his life.”

“Why on earth would you say such a thing Jackie?”

“Because when it finds him, it will knock him for a loop. He will never see it coming and if he’s still in this “marriage” he will be miserable.”

“Breaks my heart, but I think you’re right.”

Kevin was angry that day, because he didn’t want to believe what they were saying. Now, such a short time later, he was finding out how right they were. Realizing this reality helped him make a decision. Making his way up the stairs, he knocked on Jordan’s door.

“Come in Kevin,” she called from inside.

He quietly opened the door and walked to the bed. “We need to talk.”

“I can’t fight anymore. Correction…I won’t fight anymore.”

“Jordan look at me. I don’t want to fight.” Turning over, her tear stained face broke his heart. “I came to say I’m sorry and you’re right.”

Jordan just stared at him. As the meaning of the words took hold, she moved to turn away from him again. He prevented it.

“Jordan is this what you want?”

“No, but it’s the way it has to be.”

“Tell me Jordan what do you want me to do?”

The clock on the dresser tick off seconds as Jordan collected her thoughts. “I think you need to go back and try to make things work with your wife. You married her for a reason. See if you can figure out what the reason was. More than anything, I want you to figure out what will make you happy and do what you need for you to be happy.”

“You don’t ask for much do you?”

“Only the hardest things to do.”

“Are you going to take your own advise?”

“I’m trying.”

“So what now?”

“Up to you. When are you leaving?”

“Can I have one more day with you?”

“Why?”

“Even though I know you’re not going to be in my life anymore, I don’t want it to end like this. With us having a huge blow out. I want us to have a happy last memory.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“Just give me one more day and I’ll show you.”

A smile played at Jordan’s lips. “Richardson you want control.”

“For just one day. Please?”

“OK, but then you leave and you don’t come back.”

“Then I leave and I don’t come back.”

“Control is yours.”

“Thank you. It means more than you know to have you trust me.”

Kevin disappeared for a few minutes. Jordan heard him rummaging around in the kitchen. When he joined Jordan on the bed, he had a light meal for them. After eating, they snuggled and talked until drifting off to sleep.