Chapter 32
Her heart was racing; nervously she wiped her hands on her slacks. He was just as she remembered. It was like no time had passed at all. It'd been an agonizing three months. She couldn't remember a time when she'd been so miserable. She missed him consistently and despite her trying, he did exist. He was on her mind, in her home and in her heart. She wanted him so badly that she couldn't stand being away from him any longer.
Jordan didn't know a guy could get to her the way he had. She cried herself to sleep everything, longing for his arms and his touch. And now as he stood there before her, she felt herself starting to loose her nerve. That professionalism she always had was crumbling. She watched as the cup of water he was holding stilled and then slowly lowered. She couldn't look him in the eye, she bowed her head. If only he could give her another chance. She'd treated him so badly, said so many hurtful things because she was scared of what she didn't know, of what she didn't want to admit at the time.
Jordan felt more than heard him approach and she strengthened herself and prayed for the courage to say what she had to.
"Jordan?"
Slowly she lifted her head and looked into his eyes, they still had that same effect and she felt as if she were drowning. "Hi Howie. How are you?" She whispered.
He studied her a moment. "I'm good, how about you?"
"I'm ok."
"That's good." He smiled.
Jordan realized he genuinely looked happy to see her. So maybe he didn't hate her after all.
"Jordan, what are you doing here?"
She shrugged. "I wanted to watch the relay."
"You came all the way to Orlando to watch the relay?" He smiled.
"Yeah, I hear the weather here is really nice."
He couldn't believe it; he just couldn't believe it. He was actually talking to her, she was there. Part of him was afraid to reach out for fear she'd disappear. But here she was and this time he wasn't letting her go without a fight. "So, how long are you staying?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
"On you."
"On...me?"
"Yeah. I was kinda hoping you'd show me around, introduce me to your family, your friends maybe." She looked at him hopefully.
He blinked.
"I'm so sorry Howie. So sorry for all that I said. I was just scared. I mean my life back home is all I know. I know you weren't asking me to give all that up, but I panicked and I shouldn't have snapped at you. I've so badly wanted a change, to go out and enjoy myself. I lost the best years of my life absorbed in my work and that may have been fine for the time, but I don't wanna do that again. I don't wanna miss anything and...I don't wanna miss you anymore. I want to be with you Howie. I love you." She was shaking, shaking so hard she was afraid he'd notice.
He just stared at her; he had to be dreaming. He couldn't form words. This was more than he'd ever hoped for. She mistook his silence as rejection and looked down suddenly, taking a step back.
"I-I know I have no right after what happened. I shouldn't have bothered you. I'm sorry Howie." She could feel her eyes welling up.
"Jordan..."
She turned, starting to walk away when Howie caught her by the arm, whirled her around and kissed her deeply. He pulled away and she stared at him, stunned. "My parents are here." He winked, turning to and waving to some people.
Jordan watched as a short Hispanic looking woman and a tall man approached, smiling widely.
"Mom, Dad, this is Jordan. Jordan, these are my parents Paula and Hoke Dorough."
"Ahh Jordan, a pleasure to finally meet you! Howie's talked about nothing else the last three months!" Paula smiled.
Jordan shook their hands. "It's great to meet you too Mr. and Mrs. Dorough."
"Please, just call us Paula and Hoke. Any friend of Howard's is a friend of ours. Come, I want to introduce you to the rest of the family." Paula smiled.
"Honey, I think Howard and Jordan want some time alone." Hoke grinned.
"There'll be time for that later, come." Paula smiled, reaching out to take Jordan's hand.
"Mooom!" Howie whinned.
"Come on, we can talk to Jordan later." Hoke chuckled, prying Paula's hand from Jordan's. "It was nice to meet you Jordan. Son, whenever you're ready, we'll be waiting over there with Ann and Kevin."
With a wave, Hoke led his wife back over to Kevin and his mom.
"I love your Mom." Jordan smiled.
"And she likes you which is always a plus." Howie grinned. "I can't wait for you to meet the rest of the guys. You can meet Kevin now and the others tomorrow."
Jordan nodded; it was all happening so fast she felt like her head was spinning. She felt Howie's arms wrap around her waist, pulling her to his body. "I'm glad you came back, I missed you." He whispered, hugging her tightly.
"I missed you too, as much as I tried to fight it, I couldn't anymore. I don't know when exactly I fell in love with you, but I did and I want to be with you." She smiled.
"I want to be with you too." Howie smiled, leaning down to kiss her gently.
"So, our relationship is no longer strictly business?"
"It could be, just a business with perks." Howie grinned.
"Mmm, sounds like my kinda job." Jordan chuckled as Howie leaned in for another kiss.
The-End
