Page 5 of Stella's Christmas Rescue
“Okay,” he walks to the pantry and finds his treat. He comes back with the two poured rocks glasses I’d left in there to chill. Jordan delivers mine, and he has the strangest look on hisface. Something like amusement and confusion. “How did you know?”
We clink our glasses and sip. Then I put the steaks on. “When I had my shop, a part of why I was so successful was that I have a knack for reading people. For instance, not that you’d wear a cologne, but if you decided to try something, I would recommend a blend of leather and tobacco, with a hint of sandalwood and a carrier of almond oil. Manly, but not overpowering, and it would enhance your natural scent.”
“I have a natural scent?”
I nod, “Everyone does.”
“What’s mine smell like?”
“You’ll have to come closer for me to get a thorough whiff over the food cooking.”
He leans closer but holds back.
I smile. “Jordan, don’t be shy. I’m trying to get a good whiff of you.”
He laughs, “That’s the strangest thing a woman has said to me in a long time.” Then he comes closer.
I pull him down to me by his collar, then take a long sniff of his neck. God, it’s been way too long since I’ve been this close to a man. It’s all I can do not to shiver. Realizing I have to turn the steaks, I release him. “You smell like cardamom, bergamot, and cypress. It’s a very heady scent?—"
“I hope that’s good.”
“Very good. In fact, I may make that scent, once I get things back together.”
He smiles and says, “I’m flattered.”
“Take a seat, I’m plating.”
Once things are set and we dig in, the conversation doesn’t flow like it did. It’s almost like he’s suddenly shy. But then he asks, “How did things fall apart?”
“Excuse me?”
“You said you may make that scent, once you get things back together. Which implies they fell apart. Now, I’m not usually one to pry into a person’s affairs, but I think you left the window open to it.”
“You’re not wrong, I guess.” I nervously sip my bourbon. How do I navigate this? Three years in the program and I’ve never had this conversation with anyone. “There was a guy I was partners with. And I didn’t realize what kind of guy he was until it was too late. Now, I’m here.”
“That is awfully vague.”
I hope he isn’t going to pry?—
“And I’m sorry he was such a problem for you, but I’m glad you’re here now.” The candlelight catches the warm tones in his espresso brown eyes and casts shadows around his hint of crow’s feet.
I smile. “Me too.” Then, I get up and say, “I should take the dessert out. I like it best near room temperature.”
“I get dessert, too?”
I dip my head into the refrigerator, “Nothing too fancy, just a panna cotta?—"
He’s right next to me suddenly. “Thank you, but isn’t there something I can do to help?”
“Me, me, me!” I think to myself. His closeness makes my body hum. I don’t think he can see my nipples in this sweater dress, but I wouldn’t be surprised. They’re hard as rocks from the shivering. I swallow and say, “I’ve got it under control, I promise.”
“You’re used to being in control, aren’t you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Ran your own business. You’re out here on your own,” he stares into my eyes and my breath catches in my throat. “It can get lonely sometimes. Being alone.”
“I’m not lonely right now.”
