Stop in the Name of Love (Completed)

Chapter 7

My hair drips on the soft robe around me as I dig in my bag for my pj's. I know I brought them, they must have gotten buried. Frustrated, I start pulling everything out of the bag until I find what I'm looking for. I pull out my faded, worn flannel pants and black shirt, I can tell they won't last much longer, maybe if I'm lucky they'll make it until I get my Christmas bonus.

I slide into my bra and underwear and get ready to put on my pants when I hear the doorknob turning. Quickly I cover myself with the robe and bolt for the closet.

"Rhea?" Jordan's voice is quiet as he peeks his head in the door, he see me looking at him from the closet, "What are doing?"

I squirm a little as my ears get warm, "I'm... Uhh..."

Realization flashes in his eyes and he fights to hide his grin, "Oh sorry. I'll let you finish real quick."

He steps back and closes the door, leaving me alone again. I still cover myself on the way over to the bed, I don't really want to be walked in on again. Dropping the robe for only a moment, I slip into my pants and yank my shirt over my head.

"I'm done!" I call out in the direction of the door. Jordan soon steps back in.

"I'm really sorry. Rosie said you were taking some time to relax, I should have knocked. I'm sorry," He fights his smile as he avoids eye contact.

"It's ok, I should have locked the door," I watch his hand wrap around mine.

"How are you doing?" He whispers as we stare at our hands.

I shrug lightly, "I don't really know? I guess I'm ok, it's just strange and confusing right now."

"What's confusing? Is there anything I can do?" He runs the back of his free hand down my cheek.

"I don't know. I'm not used to such big spaces and such fancy furniture. I'm not used to maids and bubble baths and..." Our eyes finally meet, "And sweet guys kissing me."

"I would happily do it again, just say the word," I chuckle as he pulls me close, "I mean it. Just say the word and I'd go to hell and back for you. I want to help you and be there for you. I know this is all new to you and it may seem strange and risky to just dive in like this but to me it just feels... Right."

"If your parents wouldn't be ok with this should I really be here?"

"I couldn't be made to give a damn about what my parents want. My father is an entitled ass and my mom is a softtouch. I love them, and I'm sure I could have convinced my mom to let you stay but... The three of us are rarely on the same page. I don't care what they have to say about this as long as you feel safe. Do you feel safe?"

I nod and stare at the floor. I don't want to think about anything, I just want to be. I want to hide and never go home.

"Let's get you something to eat, Rosie made dinner," Jordan pressed a kiss to my cheek before taking me down the stairs and into a large kitchen.

Smells of pepper and cooking meat, butter and seasonings invade me. I feel warmth radiate from the stove, the sound of something sizzling is loud and surprising. I look over to see pans and pots on the stove with Rosie standing over them.

"I hope you like pork chops," Rosie smiles back at us showing her crooked front teeth.

I don't know if I've ever had pork chops, if I have I don't remember. I watch her pull a rectangular, glass dish from the oven. I see her pull back shiny foil to reveal bubbling liquid around three thick pieces of breaded meat, it smells cheesy. I try not to look too eager.

"Rosie has been teaching me to cook, putting me to good use here at home. So if it tastes like death it's my fault," Jordan laughs as he pulls plates from a nearby cabinet.