Page 37 of Make You Love Me
I shake my head in mock disappointment before backing the car into the road. “Just like a man. Can’t see what’s right in front of him.”
???
The rest of the trip up the mountain then back to Richmond went by without tough conversations or confusing freak outs. We settle into the roles of two people comfortable in each other’s space.
But the long day also weakened Jordan and his overworked body. He didn’t try to start something we couldn’t finish withadventurous hands. He didn’t ask why I escaped the car earlier and looked as though I considered hurling myself over the railing. He didn’t bring us up once over the last several hours.
While it is easier on me to ignore things, he prefers to face concerns like the enemy—assess, address, and neutralize. The fact that he isn’t addressing what happened on that mountain has me assessing every word, glance, body movement, and murmur.
What if another side effect of his injuries is taking hold? What if he remembered something? What if he’s waiting to see how far I’ll take it before he calls me out?
For a distraction, I put a pot of water on the stove for tea before pulling his wallet out of my purse. “Is that famous bucket list in here?”
“Since you’re holding it, I assume you’re going to check.”
“With your permission, of course.” He nods, and I unfold the worn leather. “Did you have fun today?”
“I did. I’d choose to spend time with you over anything.”
My heart squeezes as relief consumes and relaxes my muscles. I roll my shoulders, realizing how on edge I’d been, waiting for something to drop and ruin our easy flow. “Especially over sitting in the quiet apartment.”
“Especially over that…at least until you’re willing to remove my chastity belt.”
And just like that, flirty Jordan is back. Thank goodness. This side I know how to handle. “You’re not ready for that,” I inform him.
“I beg to differ.”
“Anyway.” I pinch a yellowing piece of paper that looks to have been folded and refolded until its creases are tearing and hold it up. “Got it.”
“Go ahead.” He waves a hand. “Read all my desires.”
My eyes narrow with suspicion. “I thought this was a trip bucket list, not a—”
“It is,” he says a little too quick, cutting me off.
“Hmm. We’ll just see, won’t we?”
I unfold the list, which I soon realize is an old, faded store flyer with his scribbles on the back. Most of the ink on the front has worn off. Only a few random words and shapes remain. Turning it over, I begin reading the list aloud.
“Drink wine and squish grapes in Italy. Check.” With a grin, I lean my elbows on the counter.
“Sort of.”
“It’s checked for now. Next, climb a mountain. Check.”
“I could go for another climb so long as you kiss me like that again.”
It had been a kiss I won’t soon forget, and a piece of my resolve was left on that mountain alongside part of my heart. Damn him.
“Next,” I continue, ignoring the heat rising from my core into my cheeks. “Cave exploring, skydiving, gambling in Las Vegas. Oh.”
I look up from the list and find him smirking.
“Number six,” he says in a confident, you-know-it-would-be-amazing rasp. It’s a look I adore on him.
Clearing my throat, I skip that sexy little number to something safer. “Swim with dolphins, learn to paint. That’s sweet.”
He shrugs. “It’s important to her.”
