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“I don’t doubt that. I’m just not sure he cares for you as much as you care for him.”
Jordin eyed her sister. “I know what I’m doing.”
“I hope so,” Jadin replied. “I really hope so.”
Her sister never took the time to really get to know him when they were younger. She decided to change the subject by saying, “I’m picking up Amya and Kai this evening.”
“Oooh. I haven’t seen them in a couple of weeks.”
“Why don’t you come by tonight?” Jordin suggested. “We can make it a real girls’ night.”
“Michael will be back today. We’re going to have dinner together. If it’s not too late afterward, I’ll try to swing by to see them.”
Jadin and Michael had dated in law school. While she did not care for the man personally, Jordin was careful not to interfere in her sister’s relationship. She only wished her sister would give her the same respect.
* * *
Ethan pulled up to a stoplight and waited patiently for the light to change. He felt guilty. He should’ve called Jordin by now, but he kept putting it off. He hated avoiding her, but for now, Ethan felt it was for the best.
He felt the tiny hairs on the back of his neck stand up.
Ethan glanced out the window, his eyes landing on a pretty woman sitting in the car next to him. She smiled at him and gave a little wave.
He returned her smile out of politeness.
The light changed and Ethan was on his way. He harbored no regret at not getting her name and number. He had no time for romantic relationships.
Ethan pulled into a parking space fifteen minutes later. He got out of the car, grabbed a stack of documents and headed to the entrance of his new gym.
The manager was in his office when Ethan walked inside.
“Hey, Walter,” he greeted. “I wanted to touch base with you about the grand opening. Here are copies of the new ads coming out this week.”
Walter scanned through the pages. “Nice...”
“Are the showers fully installed?” Ethan questioned.
“All of the bathrooms and showers are all ready to go. The childcare center is almost complete. The painters should be here later today.”
“Looks like everything is right on schedule.”
Walter nodded. “The uniforms are due to arrive tomorrow.”
“What about the member T-shirts? When are they supposed to come in?”
“By the end of the week. I spoke to Allen and he can send us some if we need them sooner.”
Allen was the gym manager in Virginia. Ethan met him when he was a trainer at another company. Allen was the first employee Ethan hired to work at his first gym. He became a manager three years later.
Ethan left the gym two hours later to meet Chandler at a restaurant for dinner.
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into moving back to Charleston,” he stated after they were seated in a booth with a view of the waterfront. “You know when I left this town—I vowed never to return.”
He and Chandler had been best friends since kindergarten. Ethan had corresponded with him a few times over the years, but they had talked more frequently in the past six months.
“This is about business,” Chandler responded. “You have to admit that your new facility is the talk of the town right now.”
“I could have continued running my company from Virginia.”
“It was time for you to come home, Ethan. You and I both know it. You have a lot of unfinished business here.”
“We’ll see.”
Chandler laid down his menu. “Is your house going to be ready on time?”
Ethan nodded.
“What do you think of the office space?” Chandler asked. “The moment I saw the property listed, I felt like it was perfect for you.”
Ethan chuckled. “You know me well. The building is perfect. I did find it interesting that my office is so close to the DuGrandpre location.”
Chandler did not respond, but also did not bother to hide his amusement. “Have you spoken with Jordin yet?”
“As a matter of fact, she came to see me at my office last week,” Ethan said. “You didn’t have anything to do with that little meeting, did you? How did Jordin know where my office was located in the first place?”
Shrugging, Chandler responded, “I haven’t spoken to Jordin in months.”
“How about Ryker?”
Chandler grinned. “Well, I did run into him and his wife one evening.”
“And you told Ryker I was back, right? I knew that Jordin and I would eventually run into one another but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I wasn’t prepared.”
“Sounds like fate intervened.”
Ethan shook his head no. “Not in the way you’re thinking, Chandler. I can’t deny that it was good to see her, but things are different between us now.”
“In what way?”
“In every way that matters,” Ethan stated. “Truth is that she’s always been out of my league. I was just too stupid to realize it back then. No matter how much money I have, I will never be good enough for Etienne DuGrandpre’s daughter. Her father tolerated our friendship, but I got the feeling that he did not want our relationship going further than that.”
“That may have been true back then, Ethan,” Chandler responded. “Jordin’s old enough to make her own decisions. I don’t think you should give up on her so easily. I know how much you care for her.”
Ethan shrugged in nonchalance. “Her father never cared much for me though. Anyway, I’ve got too much baggage, Chandler.”
“I don’t think she’d allow her parents to pick her husband. Jordin’s much too independent for that.”
“I don’t know...” Ethan uttered. He scanned his menu, trying to decide on what he wanted to eat.
His mind traveled back to Jordin. One of the qualities that attracted Ethan to Jordin was her genuine smile, which seemed prominently on display at all times. Her once shoulder-length hair was in a short bob. She wore no makeup outside of lipstick. Still, he found her incredibly sexy.
* * *
“How was your weekend with the girls?” Jadin inquired on Monday morning. “I couldn’t come by because Michael and I had a serious conversation about our relationship.”
“We had such a great time,” Jordin responded as she prepared a cup of hot tea. “Kai and Amya missed you though.”
Jadin poured coffee into a black mug. “I’ll have to see if I can set up a movie date with them or something.”
“I’m sure they would love it.”
Jordin picked up a plate containing fresh fruit and a bagel. “The more time I spend with those little girls, the more I want to have children of my own. I can’t wait to be a mother.”
“You’d definitely be good at it,” her sister responded.
She studied her sister’s face. There was a hint of sadness behind Jadin’s eyes. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“I know you, sis,” Jordin stated. “You mentioned that you and Michael talked—is everything good between you two?”
“He’s been offered a job with a large law firm in Beverly Hills.”
She met her sister’s gaze. “Is he going to take it?”
Jadin nodded. “He wants me to go with him.”
“What did you say?” Jordin couldn’t imagine her sister being thousands of miles away from her, but she would never try to stand in the way of Jadin’s happiness.
“I told him that I couldn’t. I could never do that to Dad. He’s always drilled the importance of the DuGrandpre legacy.”
“Dad also wants you to be happy, Jadin. I’m sure he would understand.”
“I’m not moving to California,” she stated. “Michael understands my reasons why and while he isn’t fond of the choice I made—he understands why I can’t go.”
“Yet you seem somewhat sad.”
“I love Michael and I’m really going to miss him.”
“Well, at least you can visit him.”
She shook her head sadly. “I told him that I thought it was best to just be friends. I don’t want Michael to feel obligated in trying to maintain a long-distance relationship.”
“You just said that you love Michael,” Jordin stated. “Why would you break up with him?” Deep down, she was thrilled because she suspected he was nothing more than a ladies’ man. Jadin wanted to get married, but he always used the excuse that he wasn’t ready.
“It’s for the best, sis.”
“For you or him?”
Jadin met her sister’s gaze. “For both of us. We are DuGrandpres, Jordin. Our grandfather started this company from the ground up here in Charleston. I am proud of our duty to make sure his legacy is carried on. You remember how upset Granddad and Uncle Jacques got when Aubrie decided to become a chef?”
“Her father eventually accepted her decision,” Jordin pointed out. “Granddad is still not happy about it though.”
“Deep down, Uncle Jacques is not completely okay with it either.”
She had to agree. It really hurt her uncle when his only daughter chose not to follow in her family’s footsteps. Jordin glimpsed the longing in her sister’s eyes. She knew that as much as Jadin wanted to be with Michael, she would never choose him over her family.
Despite her mixed feelings where Michael was concerned, Jordin did not necessarily agree with Jadin’s unwavering loyalty to the family. It was time for her sister to selfishly consider her future with the man she loved. “Think of your own happiness for once.”
“I always thought that you didn’t care much for Michael,” Jadin stated, “yet you are telling me to follow him to California.”
“I don’t believe he’s the man for you,” Jordin explained. “However, it is not my right to stand in the way of your happily-ever-after.”
Jadin met her gaze. “I suppose you would like for me to do the same where you’re concerned. Right?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Ethan.”
“This isn’t about me or Ethan, Jadin. We are talking about you and Michael.”
“So if Ethan wanted you to leave the firm—would you?”
“I would consider his request,” Jordin confessed.
“You would put a man before the good of our company...our family legacy?” Jadin questioned. A look of disbelief crossed her face.
“Our legacy is woven into the fabric of this beautiful city, sis. I am a DuGrandpre by blood and nothing will ever change this,” Jordin stated. “However, I also deserve to be with someone who loves me. I want to create a legacy with my husband for our children. I would think that you’d have the same desires.”
“The DuGrandpre name is a burden we have to bear, Jordin. We can’t take it lightly.”
“You sound like Granddad,” she uttered in response.
“Granddad told us how he was threatened by a group of racists when he started the law firm. The original office was burned to the ground, but our grandfather didn’t give up. Our company was founded on his blood, sweat and tears, Jordin.”
“I know all of this, sis. I wouldn’t do anything to tarnish our history, but I have the right to live my life on my own terms—we all have that right, Jadin.”
“I’m afraid we are never going to agree on this subject,” she responded with a sigh.
“Jadin, I don’t disagree with you. I just believe that I can have a life of my own without bringing dishonor to my family. Aubrie has a very successful restaurant—this is an extension of the DuGrandpre legacy and there’s nothing wrong with it. Our legacy reaches far beyond the law firm.”
Her sister remained silent.
“I know you are beyond loyal, Jadin, and it’s a wonderful quality. I am also loyal to this family and our company, but I am not going to give up on marriage and a family,” Jordin stated. “No one requires this of us.”
“I disagree.”
“Well, I intend on living my life on my own terms, Jadin, and I suggest you do the same. If you don’t...you may one day regret it.”
Chapter 4
“Jordin, what are you doing here?” Ethan asked, surprised that she had come to the office to see him a second time.
She lifted her chin, ran her fingers through her hair as she walked toward him—she was electrifying. Her hair, her eyes, and the way her hips swayed invitingly when she walked, screamed sexy.
The soft tap of her heels against the marble floor sounded a steady rhythm, even over the noise of the employees scurrying around in the office. She did not stop until she was right in front of him. “I came to see you, silly.”
“Let’s talk in my office,” he said.
The two walked in silence down the hallway.
Inside his office, Jordin’s eyes traveled around the room. He had added more furnishings since the first time she visited. “Very nice...”
“It still needs a decorator’s touch.”
Her perfume reached for him, flavoring the air he breathed. Ethan looked down into her eyes, saw the sparkle and knew he was in deep trouble.
“Why don’t you give my mother a call?” Jordin suggested. “I’m sure she’d welcome the opportunity to enter a bid to land the contract.”
“She doesn’t have to bid—I’ll give her a call to see if she can schedule me in.”
“I’m sure you’ll be pleased with her work.”
“I don’t doubt that,” he responded.
“I hope I’m not keeping you from anything,” Jordin stated as she made herself comfortable in one of the visitor chairs.
“I always have time for my friends.” He had a mild, interested tone.
“Really?” she asked. “I figured you must have been really busy since I haven’t heard from you. We are still friends, right?”
“I deserve that.”
“Yes you certainly do,” Jordin responded. “I mean...not one phone call or text to just say a quick hello.”
“I accept full responsibility for my actions. I have been busy too.”
She sat with her arms folded across her chest.
“How can I make this up to you?”
“Why don’t you come by my house for dinner this evening? I actually learned how to cook, although it was only out of necessity.”
Ethan laughed. “Tell the truth...are the meals you prepare edible?”
“Yes, they are. I’m a really good cook. I learned from Aubrie.”
“How is she doing?” he asked. “Chandler was crazy about her, but she would never give him a second look, probably because he was Ryker’s friend.”
Jordin nodded in agreement. “She never wanted to be involved with any of her brother’s friends. Aubrie has her own restaurant now.”
“That’s great. I can’t believe there’s actually a DuGrandpre who did not go into law.”
Jordin chuckled. “Both my grandfather and uncle went into shock when she told them she wanted to be a chef.”
They were quiet for a few minutes.
“I really thought I would’ve heard from you,” she blurted. “Since I haven’t, I decided to come here so you can tell me why?”
“I know that I haven’t been a very good friend.”
“That’s not at all what I’m saying, Ethan.”
“It is what it is,” he responded. “I didn’t stay in contact with you as promised and now that I’m back...nothing has changed. I know this is what you’re thinking.”
“The thought crossed my mind once or twice.”
“Let me make it up to you, Jordin. I ordered lunch for the staff,” Ethan announced. “Do you have time to have to eat something? I want to continue our conversation about your so-called cooking skills. I have to confess that I’m not buying it. As I recall, you couldn’t even make a decent mud pie when we were younger.”
She laughed. “Yes, I can stay for lunch. As for the mud pie, I didn’t like getting my hands dirty. Really, I can cook.”
“I’ll be the judge of that tonight.”
Jordin broke into a huge grin. “So you’re accepting my invitation, then?”
Ethan nodded. “We have a lot to talk about and I’d rather not do it here at the office.”
“I understand,” she murmured.
Ethan leaned back in the black leather desk chair, watching her.
Jordin’s cell phone began to ring. She gave him an apologetic smile, and then said, “I need to take this call.”
“Do you need some privacy? You can use the office across the hall.”
“Thank you.” She rose to her feet fluidly and headed to the door, saying, “I’ll be right back.”
She returned ten minutes later. “Sorry about that. I’m afraid I’m going to have to take a rain check on lunch, but I look forward to seeing you tonight. I’ll text you my address.”
“I’ll make sure to bring my cast-iron stomach.”
Jordin broke into a grin. “You are going to regret those words, Ethan Holbrooke.”
He laughed as he escorted her out to the lobby area.
When he returned to his office, Ethan’s eyes landed on the clock. He found himself looking forward to the evening. Spending time with Jordin filled him with an unexpected excitement.
The thought occurred to him that he never once considered turning down her invitation. He no longer wanted to keep his distance, an invisible string pulling him toward her. He longed to be in Jordin’s presence, to hear her joyous laughter and her teasing.
* * *
“I’m cooking dinner for Ethan tonight,” Jordin announced as she strolled into her sister’s office later that afternoon.
Jadin’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Really? When did this happen?”
“A little more than an hour ago,” she responded. “I went over to his office and invited him.”
Her sister sighed in frustration. “Why are you doing this to yourself? You gave Ethan your number which he never bothered to use, Jordin. I find that very telling.”
“I didn’t call him either.”
“I know how badly you want to reconnect with him, but maybe you should sit back and wait for him to make a move.”
“Jadin, I’m not going to play games,” Jordin stated. “I care about Ethan and I miss our friendship—it’s not about who makes the first move. I still consider him my best friend and I intend to make sure he knows it.”
Her sister shrugged in nonchalance. “I don’t know why I bother trying to discuss this with you. It’s not like you ever listen to me.”
“Sis, I hear what you’re saying,” Jordin responded. “But it doesn’t change my feelings. I will always care for Ethan.” She sighed softly. “Why can’t you just be supportive?”
“Because it’s not like you really know this man. I would feel differently if you two had been in touch all of these years.”
“Jadin, the truth is that you never thought he was good enough for me—even when we were younger. I know that Dad felt the same way.” Shaking her head, Jordin uttered, “I don’t care what you all think where Ethan is concerned. I am not going to give up on him.”
* * *
Ethan steered his SUV out of the parking lot and onto the street, per the vocal instructions of his GPS. He was not familiar with the area where she lived. He was mildly surprised that she did not live in the same Sullivan’s Island neighborhood where her parents and Ryker lived.
He arrived at her condominium located in the Village at Wild Dunes almost thirty minutes later.
The Isle of Palms area drew thousands of tourists annually. Jordin loved the beach, so he was not surprised she would choose a waterfront residence.
Ethan parked his car, climbed out and walked up to the front door with a bouquet of yellow roses for Jordin.
When Ethan entered the residence, the delicious scent of freshly sautéed garlic and herbs assaulted him.
His eyes landed on Jordin, who was wearing a clingy black dress that landed right above her knees and a pair of sexy high-heeled sandals. “You look beautiful,” Ethan murmured.
“Thank you,” she responded with a smile. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I’m going to change really quickly into a pair of comfortable jeans and shoes. I hope you don’t mind.”
Ethan burst into laughter. “There’s the girl I remember.”
“I would keep this on, but my shoes are killing me.”
“You can just take your shoes off,” he suggested.
“Naaah... I wanted to impress you. Now I just want to be comfortable.”
“I was greatly impressed,” Ethan confirmed.
“Good. Now I can get comfortable.” She tossed him the TV remote. “Find something interesting to watch.”
Ethan’s gaze traveled his surroundings. The mustard-colored walls and deep-purple-colored drapes provided a richly colorful backdrop while soft music floated throughout the house. Jordin had wonderful views of palm trees, lush landscaping and the beach.
She chose contemporary furnishings to decorate the spacious floor plan. The dining area was large enough for a table of six and overflowed into the great room. He liked the purple-and-gold theme accented with sage-green accessories.
“Did your mother decorate this place?” Ethan asked her when she returned to the living room.
Jordin shook her head. “No, I insisted on doing it on my own. She did make some suggestions, however.”
“You have a nice home.”
“Thanks. Have you found someplace to live?”
He nodded. “Yes, I’ll be moving in a couple of weeks. Remember the house we used to dream of living in on Orange Street?”
She met his gaze. “No way... You bought it?”
He nodded. “I did.”
“I loved that house,” Jordin murmured. “I used to imagine us sitting out on the terrace drinking lemonade and talking about everything under the sun. I love the double piazzas.”
“You have to see the inside of the house,” Ethan said. “Multiple French doors, high ceilings and hardwood floors throughout.”
“How many bedrooms do you have?” she asked. “I’m sure it has to be four or five.”
“Actually, I have six bedrooms and five baths. There is also a two-story guest cottage in the back with two bedrooms.”
“I told you there was another place in the back, remember?”
Ethan smiled. “You were right.”
“I hope you’ll give me a tour of the house. I’ve wanted to see inside for so many years... I can’t believe you bought our place.” Jordin gave a short laugh. “I guess it’s just your place now.”
“When I found that it was for sale—I felt like it was a sign that I should buy it.”
“I’m so glad you did, Ethan.” Jordin said with a smile.
Their gazes met and held.
“Okay, so why don’t we address the elephant in the room?”
He chuckled. “Same Jordin. You won’t give up until you have all of the answers.”
“That’s because you’ve always done a pretty good job of keeping secrets. I just thought that we had gotten way beyond that.”
“I wasn’t trying to keep secrets from you, Jordin. I just didn’t want you knowing just how terrible things were for me at home.”
“Ethan, that’s what I don’t get,” she murmured. “Why not? We were best friends. I used to tell you everything.”
“You are a DuGrandpre. I didn’t think you could understand what I was dealing with.”
“My family isn’t perfect, Ethan.”
“They were as near perfect as I could imagine.” Ethan paused a few seconds before continuing. “I’m sure you heard rumors about my mother.”
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