Page 79 of Then Came Love
Chapter Sixteen
JORDAN STARED OUT the window of the cab, her thumb twitching against Jax’s hand as they made their way through stop-and-go traffic in Manhattan. He wished he knew what was going through her mind. The week had passed in a flurry. Busy days and sexy texts had led to dinner dates and late-night walks, and at the end of each evening, neither wanted to say goodbye. They’d fallen into each other’s arms. Sometimes at her place and other times at his. Their steamy nights gave way to midnight conversations about everything from silliness and childhood memories to how nervous Jordan was about meeting with Reggie, and all of the what-ifs that went along with it. She hadn’t said she was nervous about being back in the city, but he had a feeling that added to her anxiety. He was glad he’d arranged for her to tour Josh’s design facilities and hoped it would distract her from her worries while he took care of business.
He squeezed her hand. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
“As okay as I can be when I’m meeting your cousin who just happens to be a world-famous fashion designer and then meeting with a PI about my long-lost sister. I feel like I’m going to pass out or throw up. Are you sure I look okay?” She’d changed her clothes three times before they’d left Maryland that morning, and when they’d checked into the hotel this afternoon, once she’d come down from the awe of the luxurious penthouse suite, she’d considered changing again.
He leaned in and kissed her. “You look gorgeous, and you could have come in jeans and you would have looked just as beautiful. And don’t worry, sweetheart. If you pass out, I’ll catch you, and if you throw up, I’m sure Josh has a few extra clothes in the design closet.”
She bumped him with her shoulder, smiling.
“There’s no reason to be nervous about meeting Josh and Riley. Don’t think about their fame. They’re just normal people who design clothes, and you’ll want to be best friends with Mia. She’s a riot.” He lowered his voice as the cab pulled over in front of JRBD’s offices. “And I’ll be with you every step of the way with Reggie. If things get too difficult, we’ll leave. He won’t be offended. He’s a professional, and you’re in charge.”
“I know you will. We’ve been so wrapped up in my stuff, I didn’t even ask if you were ready for your meeting.”
“More than ready.” He paid for the cab, and as they stepped onto the sidewalk, he put a hand on her lower back. “Ready to have some fun?”
She shouldered her tote bag, eyes brightening. “I still can’t believe I’m meeting the Josh and Riley Braden.”
“Hey, I don’t hear you gushing like that over your Braden.”
She grabbed the front of his suit coat with both hands, grinning as she said, “Yes, you do. Every night as I cry out your name.”
He swept his arm around her and kissed her. “Damn, I like you, you sweet, sexy thing. Do I really have to wait until tonight to show you just how much?” They’d decided to stay in the city and fly home Sunday, and he was looking forward to showing her a great time.
“Yes, you do.” She giggled and gave him a quick peck.
They went into the building and headed for the elegant mahogany and granite reception desk. After a quick conversation with the perfectly coiffed receptionist, they waited for Mia to come get them.
“This is exactly as I pictured it,” Jordan whispered excitedly.
“This is just the customer service area. Wait until you see the rest.”
The elevators opened, and Josh and Mia walked out. Josh was dressed impeccably in a fitted navy suit, his six-three frame dwarfing Mia, even with her spiked heels. His short dark hair was side parted, and his serious brown eyes were moving appreciatively between Jax and Jordan.
“Jax, it’s great to see you.” Josh extended his hand, and when Jax took it, he pulled him into an embrace.
“You as well,” Jax said. “It’s nice to see you again, too, Mia.”
Mia rolled her eyes. “Are you trying to impress your friend with your professionalism? Get in here and hug me.”
Jax laughed as he hugged her. “Mia, Josh, this is Jordan Lawler.”
“It’s such a pleasure to meet you both,” Jordan said excitedly. “Jax has said great things about you, and I appreciate you allowing me to visit.”
“Jax has told us wonderful things about you, too,” Josh said. “I understand you’re quite the designer.”
“Oh my goodness,” she said incredulously. “Jax exaggerates. I have no formal training. I just draw what I like.”
“In our business we call that innate talent,” Josh said warmly. “My wife is looking forward to meeting you as well, although she’s tied up in a meeting at the moment, which I’m due to attend. Jordan, I’ll leave you in Mia’s capable hands and catch up with you shortly, and, Jax, I’m sorry we couldn’t get together for dinner tomorrow night, but our flight home leaves this evening. Let’s get together soon.”
“Absolutely,” Jax said. “Thanks, Josh. Give my love to your family.”
As Josh walked away, Mia said, “The meeting he’s going to is about their upcoming fall line. Play your cards right, and you’ll get a sneak peek at it.”
“That would be amazing.” Jordan looked like she was going to burst from excitement.
“I’m going to head out to my meeting, too. Mia, thanks for showing Jordan around.”
“We’re going to have a blast,” Mia assured him.
