Double Exposure: Book 7 (Completed)

Chapter Nine

The night of my first dream date with Jordan soon approached. He had left a cryptic note. It had said that I could wear a dress if I liked but be prepared to go barefoot. I wasn't sure what that had meant. I reached around and zipped up the back of my favourite red lace dress. Beside being one of my favourite colours, the dress flattered me and made me feel beautiful. I had let my hair run natural in soft, dark waves. It had been a while since I had dressed up for a date. Spraying on my favourite perfume for good luck I took one last look at myself in the mirror before grabbing my purse and heading downstairs.

The twins were already sleeping soundly for the night. They had fallen into a great pattern now and once settled, they could sleep the entire night. I tiptoed past their nursery carefully. I didn't want to wake them up. I passed Zac and Brittany's bedroom and noticed the new bassinet set up in their room in readiness for the next one. Brittany still had a few weeks to go before her due date but everything seemed set in place. Although they lived in a fairly large house it seemed like there wasn't enough room. The study was going to be converted into a bedroom for the twins while the new baby would move into the nursery when the time was right. Brittany had been particularly tired of late and Zac had been running around anxiously after his wife. It had been a whirlwind of activity lately. I was looking forward to going out more than I realised.

Zac and Brittany were lying down on the sofa downstairs. Zac leaned forward and kissed Brittany softly on her forehead. I felt like an intruder. I tried to tip toe quietly past them but they caught me. "Woo hoo. Somebody looks like they are out for a fun night. What do you say Britt? Let's go out for a night of dancing?"

"If you really think I can dance in my condition then you really need help. Besides I'm the size of a whale. You'd need to get arms extenders just to get your arms around me." Brittany teased Zac with mock annoyance. He responded by kissing her forehead again. My heart burst. This was what love was about. Sharing intimate moments and enjoying each other's company. After the thrill of the chase, it was the familiarity that kept the relationship going. That's what I wanted. Somebody to hold me tight and love me. Just to be content to lie on the sofa and comfort me.

"I'm just going out with Jordan. He's picking me up any minute now."

"Ok have fun. We'll probably be asleep by the time you come home." I went outside and noticed Jordan already there waiting for me.

"Milady. Your chariot awaits." He opened the front door and escorted me into his car. We started down the familiar road. I suddenly turned around to Jordan.

"Hey you're taking me to the beach aren't you."

"Yes but I've got a surprise set up." He parked the car and leaned over and opened the glove box. He pulled out a red rose and tucked it behind my ear.

"A beautiful rose for a beautiful girl and it matches your dress so well." I just smiled in response. This night was so beautiful so far. He ran around and opened the door for me. He was being a true gentleman tonight and it made me giggle. He took me by the hand and led me down the path towards the beach. I was familiar with this route. It led to a charming cafe whose floor to ceiling windows overlooked the beach. However the cafe was only open during the day. Why would he be taking me there at night time.

"Jordan?" I questioned.

"Trust me. You'll love it." To my surprise the cafe was fully lit. It seemed deserted but Jordan opened the door and stepped inside. The ceiling had been decorated with fairy lights. The scent of fresh roses perfumed the air. On a table in the middle of the room, a dinner place setting for two had been laid out carefully and there was a waiter ushering me to my seat.

"Jord this is so beautiful but you've gone to so much trouble. How did you..."

"Shhh Izzy. Just enjoy it. I called in a couple of favours. I just want to make this a night for you to remember." I took my seat and Jordan quickly took his opposite me. The waiter served the first course. Bruschetta and mushroom arancini. The main course was exquisite. The chicken scallopini melted in my mouth and the buttery vegetables tasted divine. By the time dessert came around I knew I was in heaven. The mixed gelato tingled on my taste buds. Jordan had certainly pulled out all the stops on this date. We had talked and laughed all night. Everything was so exciting. We didn't notice or care that the waiter was standing in the shadows. It was like we were in our own private world. After dinner, I stood to leave but Jordan took me by the hand.

"Leave your stuff here. I have another surprise. This is where we need to go barefoot." He led me outside and onto the beach. I slipped off my sandals and carried them in my hand. My feet sunk into the soft sand. The air was cool and crisp and I shivered involuntary.

"Feeling cold?" He wrapped his arms around me.

"Jordan, no. We said no physical contact." I didn't move his arms though.

"Shh. Just accept it and watch." I looked into the sky puzzled as to what he wanted me to see. Suddenly a shooting star burst in the sky. Then another. A beautiful meteor shower lit up the sky. I couldn't believe it. It was like the stars had aligned just for us.

"Jordan. It's beautiful. This whole night has been beautiful."

"No Izzy. You're the one who's beautiful." He turned me around and lifted my head towards his. My sandals slipped out of my hands and fell onto the sand.

"Jordan..." The words escaped from my lips but I didn't stop him as he lifted my lips to his. I just let him kiss me and drowned in the moment. I ran my fingers through his hair as our kiss deepened. I couldn't deny it. Our chemistry was unbelievable. It was like the stars that we just watched were exploding through my body. I dropped all thoughts of propriety and lost myself in the moment. I was truly in heaven.