He reached for his coffee. That wasnt the only reason. Growing up, hed also watched his old man. By the time he was twelve, he knew he didnt want to be anything like his father. Earl Haynes had a reputation for being a ladies man.
Jordan swore silently. It wasnt just the women his father flaunted. It was the disrespect for everyone else. No one mattered, and nothing was important but Earls pleasures. He often hit the boys for no reason, then told them to consider themselves punished in advance of their next mistake. Jordans brothers had been able to look past the man and carry on the family tradition of law enforcement, but not Jordan.
He could feel his anger building. Even after all this time, his father still got to him. He wondered if that would ever change.
Jordan? Are you feeling all right? Hollys voice was concerned. She rose and touched her palm to his forehead. With her other hand she took his wrist and felt his pulse. Slightly elevated, she murmured, but you dont feel hot.
She pressed the back of her hand against his cheek, then touched his earlobe. He figured if she kept that up much longer, he could really show her an elevated pulse.
Do you want a painkiller or are you due for some other medication?
Im fine, he said. Relax.
He was fine. Since getting out of the hospital, hed grown used to the dull ache in his body. Hed wanted to give up his prescriptions altogether, but he needed the medication to sleep at night. During the day he did without.
She released his hand, sank back in her chair and continued to study him. Gone was the blushing innocent. He liked the contrast of competence and shyness almost as much as he liked her freckles.
She gave him a half smile. I should leave so you can get some rest.
Id prefer that you kept me company. It gets pretty boring lying here all day.
Youve got Louise.
Rather than answer that, he reached for his coffee.
Holly opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say anything, there was a noise from the kitchen. She stood up and turned toward the sound.
Im back, Louise called.
Figures, Jordan grumbled to himself.
Holly glanced at her watch. Goodness. I didnt realize how long Id been here. You must be exhausted. Im so sorry. You should have said something. She twisted her fingers together. My only excuse is that Ive been spending too much time on my own. Mistletoe is a sweetie, but shes not much for conversation.
She was babbling. He liked it. It meant she was nervous and unsure of herself. Better than that, it meant she liked him. He wanted her to like him.
He heard footsteps in the hallway, then Louise stepped into the room. Her eyebrows arched in surprise.
You two seem to be getting along. Everything all right?
Its my fault, Holly said quickly. After dinner I
Jordan didnt know how else to shut her up. He reached out and grabbed her hand. She turned and stared at him. He ignored her.
Everything is fine, he told the housekeeper. How was your class?
Now both women were staring at him. He figured he had Hollys attention because of the incredibly hot sparks arcing between their clasped hands. Hed never felt anything like it before, and he sure as hell didnt know what it meant. He also wasnt going to let go, because he had a feeling if he did, she would bolt. He wanted to make sure she was going to come back and see him again.
Louise stared at him because his question was the first civil comment hed spoken since she arrived. For a moment he wondered if it was really so necessary to be such a bastard around her. Then he reminded himself of all shed done and how many lives shed torn apart, and he knew she deserved all that and more. The fact that she was doing a nice thing by looking after him was something he would have to learn to ignore.
The professor barely looks old enough to have to shave every day, but he lectures real nice, Louise said cautiously.
I should go, Holly said, tugging her fingers free.
Jordan didnt want to let her go. For one incredibly stupid moment he wished he could stand up and kiss her. If hed been on medication, he would have said it was the drugs talking, but he hadnt had anything since the previous evening. So it was the boredom or the pain. Or maybe it was the fact that outside his family, he didnt have many friends. He liked Holly. She was someone he could be friends with.
Even as he thought the statement, he half expected to be zapped by lightning. Sure, he wanted to be friends with her. Thats why hed spent half the evening staring at her curves.
Come back tomorrow, he said without thinking.
Hollys full lips turned up at the corners. Id like that, she said softly.
He smiled. Her reaction was instant. Her mouth parted, and her breathing increased. He saw the faint tremor that rippled through her body. Hed never much wanted it, but apparently he still had it. The infamous whatever that made Haynes men popular with the ladies. Years before hed used it to get whatever he wanted, but hed grown up and the game had lost its appeal.
He turned off the smile, and Holly blinked, as if she were awakening from a spell. She gave him a quick wave and walked from the room. Louise followed. Jordan was left alone in the silence.
He would have to be careful. Despite his preoccupation with her curves, he liked Holly and he would be grateful for her company. But only as his friend. He didnt want anything more. He knew the truth about romantic entanglements. Hed learned it from an expert. Despite all the songs and movies about the joys of falling in love, the truth was that love hurt.
Holly walked into the kitchen to collect her purse.
Im impressed, Louise said, strolling behind her. You worked a miracle.
It wasnt very difficult. Holly smiled at the housekeeper and hoped her trembling wasnt obvious. Touching Jordan to see if he had a fever was one thing. She could ignore the fact that he was handsome, charming and very close to naked. But when hed taken her hand and smiled at her, shed thought she was going to faint.
She drew in a deep breath. It wasnt fair that one man should have so many good qualities. They should be spread around among several men. Then she wouldnt have to worry about making a fool of herself in his presence.
Maybe it wasnt hard for you, Louise said, but I cant get a lick of cooperation out of that boy. I dont suppose youd consider coming here full-time until hes healed.
Holly grinned. Sorry, Ive got a business to run.
Just my luck. Guess Im stuck with him. She rolled her eyes. He forgot himself and was nearly pleasant to me tonight. Im sure Ill pay for that in the morning.
I dont understand why he acts like that.
Louise touched her right earring, separating the dangling silver moon and stars. Could be any number of things. Hes never come out and said. Glenwood is a small town. People know each others business. But hes carried his anger for a long time. I suppose one day Ill have to have it out with him, but not tonight. She smiled brightly. You coming back tomorrow?
You really think I should?
Of course. If nothing else, I could use a break from his bad temper.
I know its difficult. My mother was sick for nearly ten years. When she was feeling good, she was fun and easy to be around, but after days of being in pain she got Holly hesitated.