Unexpected

Chapter 9

WEEKS: 20-25

I love you...

Fucking hell, I was screwed. My heart thumped on my chest for the rest of the night after Jordan's declaration of love. Fair enough, he had been asleep, so I couldn't really take it seriously. I decided to ignore it for both our sakes and just carry on as nothing happened – I didn't mention the episode to Eva or Amelia, because I knew I would never hear the end of it.

Even after a few weeks, that episode got me thinking: was I settling for crème brulee? Was I accepting anything other than the full-fat chocolate cake?

My phone buzzed on my desk at work – a text from Jordan. My mouth opened up into a big – too big – smile, my tummy had butterflies, my heart quickened and I felt like I was levitating.

Somehow, I was sure that I hadn't picked a slice of chocolate cake... I just went ahead and ate the whole cake in one sitting! I couldn't shake his drowsy declaration, even after so many weeks. It lingered over my head, like an icicle waiting to follow and pierce my skull.

'Hey, Trouble! Know ure at work so didnt want to bother u. Clear ur weekend, Im taking u someplace nice – oh, & pack a little suitcase while ure at it. Ill meet u at ur place just after 6. xx'

My eyes blinked and I bit my lower lip. We were going away? Just the two of us? No meddling grandparents – who over the last few weeks had joined in the most unlikely tag team known to history –, no nosy best friends, no work?!

'Are u actually promising me a romantic weekend getaway, just the 2 – well, 3 – of us, with no meddling anyone?! :O'

'Told u I got u covered, honeybun! Take comfortable clothing & shoes – no heels or ure gonna break ur neck.'

'Should I be scared?!'

'With me, Trouble, u know u should always 'wait for it' :)'

'Shit... I knew I was right... Jack Daniels & lemon tea shouldn't mix together... '

'Really? U should try to spike up ur tea with a drop or 2 of Jack. Gives ur boring lemon tea that kick it needs ;)'

I chuckled at that. Fair enough... You really couldn't argue with the ironclad Jordan Marshall logic – my own personal Jack Daniels.

***

I ended up falling asleep in the car. Jordan was right, some time away would be great for both of us. I was still working very hard at Conrad's, and I knew the only way to stop would be to physically go away. Jordan picked me up at 6 on the dot and drove us south towards The Keys. It had been years since I had been there the last time, time on a cabin by the beach sounded fantastic. He woke me up gently when we arrived, after a two-hour drive.

"We're here" He smiled, killing the car engine.

The sun was setting slowly but steady, and I gasped at the lovely view. Jordan arranged for a beach cabin in The Keys, a small one-bed white wooden cabin with a private stretch of beach, loads of trees and sunshine. One of his many colourful friends owned it and we were able to borrow it for the weekend.

I took my shoes off immediately and wiggled my toes on the sand. I heard him chuckle as he took our suitcases from the boot of his car.

"Thought you would like this. I know you live by the beach, but this is so quiet" He said, taking the suitcases inside.

"Oh, this was a wonderful idea!" I shrieked, following him inside and sighing at the silence of the seaside "I can't wait to sleep on that hammock on the porch!"