Chapter 29: Claire’s POV
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Seven o’clock rolls around and I hear Jas greet Jordan at the door. I admired Jordan’s punctuality. Leonardo rarely made things on time – when he bothered to show up. He had left me waiting on multiple occasions for Charlotte. I walk out of my bedroom to greet Jordan in the foyer.
“You look stunning, Claire. Ready?” He says this as he gently places a kiss on my cheek.
“Of course. Thank you.” Part of me knew that Jordan had interest towards me. And after everything having been finalized with Leo, I think I might be ready to give Jordan a chance. We had always been close and I trusted him, despite Leo’s very clear waning.
We leave Jasmine’s house and head into town for dinner. After arriving, Jordan had given his name for our reservation and we were quickly seated and tended too.
“I have something to ask you if that’s okay.” I say as soon as wine is brought to us. I wanted to lay Leo’s accusations to rest and enjoy the rest of our evening.
“Go for it.” He says with a smile.
“I got a call from Leo today and he made some pretty vivid accusations about your company. He said you’ve been making some rash decisions when it came to some of your contracts and it was conflicting with your business rapport. I told him I didn’t believe him but I want to ask you if there’s anything that I should know.” He looked at me as if disappointed by my question but accepting to my concern and places his hand on mine as he answers.
“I have nothing to hide, Claire. I’ve made a honest living in what I do and I conduct my business by the book. I hope you trust me.”
“I do.” I smile and give his hand a squeeze.
If Jordan says there’s nothing going on, then I believed him. He had always been honest and trustworthy in my eyes and there was no reason for me to think otherwise. I dismiss Leo’s ” concerns” as nothing but an attempt to get me to come back to him.
“How are you enjoying the office, Claire? I hope you’re not planning to leave us anytime soon. You’ve become the office favorite.”
“Oh, I intend on staying actually.” I smile as we order our food and enjoy dinner.
“This is really nice. I can’t remember the last time I went out to eat.” The thought stung a little. The last time I was supposed to have a nice dinner – my ex–husband stood me up to celebrate another woman. A woman he had prioritized over me, causing us to divorce. And the result of it was devastating. I had lost our son. I almost lost my brother Matthew. I lost my will to continue and I lost my marriage.
Claire, before we leave, I want to be honest with you. I have had this immense attraction to you since college. I was so excited to see you on that sidewalk a few weeks ago and I was terrified when you took ill. I’m really glad you’re okay and having you at the office has been a
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great time but I need to honest about my feelings. I hope it doesn’t change anything negatively.” Hearing him say he’s had a crush on me since college was flattering. Jordan had always been there and I confided in him regularly but I had never thought about his feelings for me. I can see why Leonardo was concerned it my involvement with him. He was clinging to the idea that I’d return and Jordan’s genuinely and presence threatened that for him.
“I like you too, Jordan.” I say this confidently. They say the best lovers are best friends first. And Jordan has always prioritized me and believed in me. There was no reason for me to doubt anything when it came to him.
“Should we get out of here?” He smiles as he holds his hand out for me, leading the way as we make our way into the dimly lit streets. We look into each other’s eyes for a moment as we wait for valet to retrieve the car. Slowly, Jordan leans down and kisses me gently. I kiss him back – feeling long awaited passion. The kiss was patient and warm. I feel butterflies start in my stomach. I had long forgotten how this felt after being married for so long and I liked it.
