Brian and Jordan help Neil and Cynthia center themselves, helping Neil relax.

Neil burst out laughing. “I knew some Nam vets who used to talk about hopping out of helicopters with their helmets over their nuts. They said they’d rather get shot in the head than lose their testicles. I’m here to tell you, ladies, I completely agree.”

“You’d rather be dead than lose your balls?” Cynthia said with frown.

“Yes. If I couldn’t make love to you, I’d feel like dying,” he replied, forgetting the teenagers.

Wisely, Jordan said nothing, though she was terribly embarrassed by the conversation. She knew instinctively that Brian felt the same way about it. Her heightened awareness of him also told her that he desired her more than ever. She wasn’t ready to give up that part of herself, though. She had plans and goals. Getting married right out of high school wasn’t included in those plans. Though she felt herself drawn to Brian in ways she couldn’t explain, she still put the brakes on when it came to making that commitment.

Brian’s phone rang. Frowning at it, he accepted the call. “Yeah, hi, Mom.” He listened intently, nodding and making non-verbal responses. “Okay. Yes. Will do.” He hung up. “I thought I’d turned that off. It’s weird, though. Even when my phone is off, if Mom calls, it’s on.” He shrugged, putting it in his pocket. “Mom said to tell you that dinner is at seven and you’re both expected. It’s just her, Dad and Jordan’s parents. Everyone else went home. I guess they finally realized that you needed some space. I think Jackie had a lot to do with that.” He smiled at Jordan. “We’re expected to dine with Chase and them. So, we’re gonna go….” He smiled at Neil and Cynthia. “There is one thing that helps the jangle,” he teased, raising an eyebrow. “But I expect you know that better than I do.” Winking, he picked up Lester, slung the bag over his shoulder and headed down the ladder.

Neil’s laugh followed them down. Jordan fussed and scolded all the way back to Brian’s car. He pushed her back against the door and loomed over her, one hand on either side of her head. Without a word, he captured her mouth with his, giving her a powerful, emphatic kiss that lasted several minutes. When he stopped, she held her breath for a few seconds before opening her eyes. Brian’s bright blue eyes met hers, pupils dilated. His breath came rapidly and she could see his pulse throbbing in his throat.

“Don’t make me wait forever, Jordan. I’m not kidding, this is misery. I don’t know if the other guys feel like I do…. Every minute I’m with you is divine torture.”

Jordan touched Brian’s cheek. He kissed her palm, rubbing his cheek against it. The slight rasp of his burgeoning beard tickled her skin.

“A little while longer. I promise, I won’t make you wait much more. Can we be eighteen first? Please?”

He sighed, not wanting to agree, but accepting her decision. She held all the cards. He couldn’t do anything but wait for her. It was awful not having power over this one aspect of his life. Based on what his father, Cliff and Heath had told him, that wasn’t unusual in any relationship. The woman was in control.

“I love you, Jordan. More than I ever thought possible. And I like to think that even if we didn’t have this whole Destiny thing going for us, that we would still be together.”

She patted his cheek. “Keep thinking that, Big Bri. You’re kind of a goof.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “Can you just take me seriously for one second?”

Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed him gently. “I do take you seriously. I love you, too. But you are kind of a goof.”

Laughing, he opened the car door. He lifted her, setting her on the seat before closing the door for her. Brian leaned through the window, giving her another kiss. It wasn’t as powerful as the first one, but it was certainly compelling.

“Don’t forget that I’m your goof and you’re stuck with me until the end of time.”

“Cool.”

“We’re going to Chase’s house for supper. Mom said.”

“Okay. I’m not arguing. What are we doing until then? It’s only four.”

“I can think of a thing or two.” He gave her a slow, seductive smile.

“Brian!”

“I meant the archives. Sheesh, Jordan. Dirty mind! Chase asked if we could meet up and help him and Marissa organize things.”

“Isn’t that Cynthia’s job now?”

“Yeah, but he’ll take over from her eventually. Besides, it helps him feel closer to his dad.” Biting the inside of his cheek, his eyes watered. “I can only imagine how bad he feels. I mean, I thought my dad was dead for awhile, but a part of me knew he wasn’t. But knowing he’s gone and never coming back….”

“Would be horrible,” Jordan whispered. Her eyes filled with tears. “We face the real possibility of losing our parents, or each other.”

Brian nodded, biting his thumb. “That’s one reason—I know I sound like a total asshole, okay? But that’s one reason I feel so compelled….”

“To make love? Because you don’t want to die a virgin? Get a grip, Casey!”

© 2017 Dellani Oakes

To Buy Dellani’s Books