Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0) Read online

  The entire rear portion of that room, completely enclosed with French doors, led out to the deck. Jordan set her down in the kitchen, but held his arms around her waist.

  He inhaled a deep breath. “Ahh ... Melissa, she never fails to amaze me,” he said, breathing in the delectable scent. “She makes delicious cookies, and I could go for coffee. How ’bout you?”

  “Sure ...” Jaynee had just assumed a cleaning lady had readied the house and prepared the coffee and cookies. “Melissa ... your older sister, right? She did this?”

  He dropped his arms from around her waist and walked toward the coffee pot. “Yes, I asked her for the roses and to freshen up the house, but she always goes overboard. I’m sure Rachael helped, but she probably complained the entire time.” He laughed as he poured two cups of coffee, so it must not bother him.

  A low groan, almost a howl, but not quite, emitted from a door off the kitchen. The strange wail sounded like the creature on Star Wars, Chewy or Chewbacca something.

  Jordan set the cups on the counter, then motioned for her to join him. “Come on, Jaynee; let me introduce you to Boomer. He must be going insane about now.” Jordan headed through a utility room off the kitchen that held a washer and dryer. He reached for the handle of the door on the other side of the area. “Step back, Jaynee. He’ll come charging through, and it can hurt if he steps on you. He weighs about a hundred pounds.”

  As soon as Jordan opened the door, the brindle-colored boxer came barreling through, sliding across the tile floor. He looked like a cartoon character trying to obtain traction as he made a beeline toward Jordan, his entire body bending in what looked like an unnatural state as he wiggled and wagged his way around Jordan’s feet. The sound she’d heard previously flowed freely from the beast’s throat, resonating through the kitchen. Boomer moaned and yowled with delight, and then, he detected Jaynee. He charged in her direction. She thought he would jump, so she shrieked backward, but he came to a grinding halt in front of her. She bent over to ruffle his floppy ears; he was adorable. He sniffed and wiggled around her too, overjoyed to make her acquaintance, it seemed.

  Jordan squatted down next to the pup and smoothed his fur under his neck. “He likes you. He’s always had superior taste.”

  “It appears he does.” She grinned and cupped the boxer under his chin, careful to avoid the bubbles forming at the sides of his mouth. “I like you too, Boomer.”

  Jordan stood up in front of her and rested his hands on her hips. “Would you like to see the backyard or the upstairs first?”

  Jaynee peered up into his eyes. “I think maybe we should start with the backyard while it’s still daylight. We may get sidetracked in the bedroom.”

  “Good point.” He took her by the hand and led her out the patio door. Boomer followed behind them, but then darted off as soon as they stepped outside, clearing the porch steps in one leap.

  Jordan led Jaynee across the expanse of the backyard then through a gate in the fence. From there, it was all downhill, literally. From the top, she could see a river below.

  Jordan offered her his arm. “That’s the Rocky River, and at certain times of the year, it’s great kayaking.”

  With a firm grip on Jordan’s arm, she descended the knoll, careful not to slip on the red clay mashing under her sandals. When they made it to the bottom, Jaynee thrilled at the beautiful rushing water. Right outside her backyard. She never would have imagined. Beside the riverbank sat a miniature wooden cabin.

  Jordan pointed to the shack. “That’s our clubhouse. It contains all our kayak gear, fishing equipment, lawn chairs, and other outdoor items. I enjoy coming here when the weather’s nice. It’s always been my own private beach, but now it will be ours.” He layered his hand over hers, and she felt a rush of warmth travel through her system.

  “It’s beautiful, and here I thought I was going to miss my beach,” Jaynee said, silently reveling in the fact that he referred to everything as ours.

  After they’d made their way back up the hill, Jordan approached the structure she’d seen from the driveway, which she now realized was a stable. “We don’t have horses, but I’ve always wanted them. We can decide what we would like together. How does that sound?”

  “Jordan, without a doubt you’re the most incredible husband in the world. Everything sounds wonderful!” She wrapped her arms around his waist, but he swung her up into his arms, then twirled her around before setting her down.

  The day was drawing to a close, and it was spectacular. The faint changing of the leaves and the smell of the surrounding woods was enchanting, and best of all ... it was quiet. She’d never lived anywhere so secluded from all the hustle and bustle of the city. No sirens, no construction noises, and no semi-trucks whizzed down the road. All she heard were birds singing.

  “Jaynee, I have at least one more promise to keep, and I didn’t know whether you would rather it be a surprise, or if you’d prefer to choose?” He stopped where they were walking and looked at her face, gauging her response. She hated him spending money on her; she’d made that clear, but he couldn’t seem to stop trying to spoil her. She needed to convince him that she didn’t need anything but him. She opened her mouth to protest, but he put his fingers over her mouth. “What kind of vehicle would you like?” he asked, quickly adding as her face turned down in embarrassment, “think of it as a wedding gift.” He lowered his hand to her shoulder.

  “Jordan, you’ve already given me everything —” Again, he raised his hand to her mouth, shushing her. She swatted away his hand with a laugh. “Stop that! I’m serious. I’ve given you nothing. You can’t keep doing this.”

  “Well, that’s not exactly accurate. You uprooted your entire life ... gave me your heart; that’s a pretty big gift. You didn’t throw me out as though I were a maniac. That was a good thing. And you love me for me, no pretenses. You actually fell in love with me before you knew what I had to offer other than love. But ... you need a car. You don’t want to be cooped up here all day.” His steel-blue eyes were intense as he gazed into her eyes, awaiting an answer.

  Cooped up? Actually, this was like a vacation. What the heck, she thought. I do need a vehicle. “You know, Jordan, I’ve always wanted a Jeep ... a topless, off-road Jeep.”

  “Okay,” he hedged. “It’s great to see you enthusiastic about something I can give you,” he started walking toward the barn again, “but those are only practical for half the year here. What else? Something stylish and elegant, a Volvo, an Acura, or a Bimmer, what do you say?” He stopped and waited for her answer.

  Jaynee knew one vehicle she’d always wanted but could never afford, even older. Diffidently, she said, “How about an Altima? I’ve always liked those.”

  He nodded, flashing her a bright smile. “What color?”

  “Pearl!” she said in a matter-of-fact tone, grinning from ear to ear. “I like that multi-color white.”

  “That’s better. I’ll spoil you yet, Mrs. Monroe.” His face beamed with pleasure at the notion. “Now, follow me ... I have something else to show you before I sweep you into the house.”

  Jaynee loved the sound of her new name coming off his lips, and the threat to sweep her away sent a thrill through her, heating her insides.

  Jordan opened one of the stable doors, and inside wasn’t a horse, but it was one of her dreams. An off-road ready CJ7 Jeep sat in the stall, topless, bright yellow, with humongous tires ... bigger than on his truck. She wondered how she’d ever climb into it. “What do you think? I’ve been working on it for years, but it’s operational. I just tinker around with it adding accessories and such. Is it what you were thinking?”

  “Oh, my God! It’s exactly what I was imagining! How cool is that?” She felt exultant, like a little kid on Christmas day.

  Jordan smiled at her elation. “It’s not practical for everyday use, but it is fun on the weekends. I enjoy taking it when I go hiking, sort of starts the adventure. We can drive it next weekend; I have a special place I want to show
you.” His mouth turned up in her favorite smile. She was just going to have to get used to Jordan and all his surprises. At least this one didn’t sound as if it would cost anything; it sounded like one of his hiking trips he’d mentioned.

  Jaynee rested her hands on his chest. “Sounds awesome, Jordan. Are you going to sweep me back to the house now so I can see my new bedroom?”

  “I thought you’d never ask. Maybe we should run. It’d be faster than me carrying you across the lawn and upstairs ... I may lose my strength.” A wicked grin lit up his face as he reached down and grabbed her hand, sprinting across the lawn toward the house with her in tow.

  Jaynee stopped about halfway to the house. “Jordan, where’s my stuff? You said they packed my house?”

  “It’s all in the garage. We can go through everything later and get you unpacked, and I still need to bring our suitcases in from the truck. But first things first, we need to break-in our bed.”

  Following Jordan’s lead, Jaynee kicked off her shoes at the entry and then followed him upstairs. He didn’t bother giving her a tour of the second floor. Instead, he turned to the right and walked into an enormous master suite.

  A king-sized sleigh bed, adorned with the same neutral gold and tan colors used throughout the house sat center stage. The surrounding furniture, again light oak, matched the bed. And then a sitting area over to the far right side of the room contained a small loveseat and two wingback chairs. Pictures hanging on the walls were the same motif as downstairs, various outdoor scenes that lent warmth to the area.

  Jaynee assumed the master bath was on the opposite side of the sitting area but didn’t think she was going to get a chance to see it. Because Jordan decided right then and there that it was time to sweep her off her feet. It was so sudden it knocked the wind out of her, then his mouth was on hers, taking whatever breath she had left.

  He removed his lips from hers as he swung her onto the middle of the bed, laying her down gently. She gasped at the chance for air, then proceeded to pull him down on top of her. His hands were frenzied over her body as he unbuttoned and removed her clothes.

  “Welcome home, Mrs. Monroe,” he whispered breathlessly. “It’s so wonderful to finally have you here.”

  “It’s good to be home, Mr. Monroe.”

  His mouth returned to hers, and her body arched in succession to his hands moving over her skin. She was in no mindset to wait this time while he teased her. Unbuttoning his jeans, she pushed them as low as she could with her hands. When that didn’t do the trick, she used her feet to finish removing them. He helped her at the end, effectively kicking them off. She grabbed him again pulling him down on top of her.

  “Are you in a hurry, love?” he murmured into her ear, his warm breath sending a thrill through her entire being.

  Oh, how he loved to tease her. She’d swear he liked foreplay more than she did. “Yes!” she blurted out. “You can take your time later; I want you now!”

  Jordan obliged.

  Jaynee was pretty sure a bomb must have exploded outside, not that she would have cared or noticed, but the pounding in her ears from her blood pumping and the fact that the room had literally gone black for a moment made her believe that something had detonated. If not outside, certainly something had gone off inside of her body. The feelings soaring through her were so powerful, so overwhelming. Her entire body ached for more and more of him until she couldn’t take any more. She finally collapsed in a heap — entirely spent — her head spinning from the sheer pleasure.

  “Holy cow, Jordan.” She whooshed out a breath as her body melted into the bed, feeling as though all her joints had disconnected, and she was just a pile of jelly.

  “Wow yourself, Jaynee. You were like an animal. I’m out of breath, love.” He fell down beside her, pulling her into an embrace. “I enjoyed it thoroughly though.”

  She nuzzled up to him, not ever wanting him to leave. She only had a few more days with him all to herself before they had to return to reality. They curled up together, only the sounds of their breaths filling the air; it was comforting.

  He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “Jaynee, I want you to know you’re the first woman I’ve brought here.”

  She hadn’t thought about it before, but now she understood his earlier comment about breaking in their bed and was pleased. Not sure how to respond, she just nodded, offering him a small smile.

  He propped himself up on his arm. “A few years ago ... I was living a life I’m not proud of, but I turned my life around and haven’t been with a woman since. I’ve thrown myself into my work to keep my mind occupied. I’ve dated a few women here and there, but mostly, I’ve just been waiting ... until I found my wife. Not that I was looking. I didn’t intend to go to Florida and fall madly in love.”

  “Thank you for waiting for me, Jordan. I’m sure glad I was the one.”

  His eyes took on a solemn look. “I have a question, and I should have already asked, but I was hoping you were ... based on our conversations. I couldn’t find a way to ask before ... but it’s important.”

  “Yes ...” she asked, attempting to keep her face impassive. Last time he’d broached a subject like this, it was about children. “What is it, Jordan? You can ask me anything.”

  “Are you a Christian?” he blurted out.

  “Oh,” she whispered, understanding. “You’re right; you should have asked.” She was teasing him, but noticed his face grew serious, worried at once. She quickly assuaged his concern. “‘Do not be unequally yoked’ I think Paul said, right?”

  He released the breath he was holding. “Yes, exactly. It would have been the first question my mother and grandmother asked, as they know that can cause friction in a marriage. Since you obviously are ... weren’t you worried? I mean, because of your past issues with your ex.”

  She shook her head. “No. I prayed nightly for God to send you to me, since I obviously made lousy choices on my own.”

  He pulled her into an embrace. “I’ll love you forever, Jaynee.”

  “I’ll let you,” she said, reaching up and kissing him, smiling so he knew she was playing ... sort of. It wasn’t easy letting someone really love you. To trust another person with your heart and soul, but she’d decided she would. “I promise to love you forever too.” She tapped his nose. “I would like to take a shower, wanna help?”

  “Sure, but I need to get our things.” He pulled her up from the bed and walked her into the master bath, taking his time to show her where everything was located. He traced patterns on her bare back as he pointed to the various closets and doors. “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” He kissed her on the lips before turning to leave.

  The bathroom was just as impressive as the rest of the house. A large whirlpool tub and separate shower, large enough for two if not more, filled the majority of the area. The toilet was in a private water closet, and a double vanity expanded the entire opposite wall. Jaynee also took notice that the entire house was immaculate; nothing was out of place. She didn’t think his sisters had cleaned; the house appeared as if it were always this way.

  She stepped into the glassed-in shower, feeling exposed. But he’d seen and explored every inch of her body over the last few days ... and hadn’t seemed displeased, so she brushed off the feelings.

  Jordan strolled in a few minutes later, and the sound of his jeans hitting the floor made her smile. She didn’t turn around, but waited earnestly. The door opened behind her, and in seconds, his arms enveloped her. The hot water poured over them, and she felt absolutely, totally loved.

  When the hot water began to wane, they stepped out, and Jordan wrapped her in a fluffy cream-colored towel.

  She found her suitcase opened on the bedroom floor and searched for the white lacy nightie she hadn’t worn yet. She followed it up with a cotton robe. He liked surprises. He can unwrap me, she giggled to herself. She may not be able to give him a gift, but she could do her best to give all of herself, heart and soul, as he’d requeste
d.

  “Jaynee,” Jordan called, stepping out of the cavernous closet dressed in comfortable looking cotton pants and no shirt. Her heart skipped a beat; he was gorgeous. As many times as she’d seen him undressed, she couldn’t get accustomed to his perfection. “We need new bedroom furniture. This isn’t quite right for newlyweds. What do you think? Could you pick out something for us tomorrow?”

  “Uh, sure ... but I think it looks wonderful.” She didn’t know how to select furniture; all she owned were hand-me-downs.

  “I was thinking something from the islands ... something to bring in your Florida warmth. Dark wood with a canopy, framed images of palm trees and such.” He crossed the room and stood in front of her, his hands immediately playing with the belt of her robe.

  She stopped his hands. “Sounds as though you already know what you want ...” she trailed off, grinning.

  “I usually do,” he said, arching a brow, returning her smile. “What’s underneath this?” He pushed back at the collar, exposing her shoulder.

  “A surprise.” She pulled away, leaving the bedroom to venture through the remaining upstairs.

  Jordan followed, pointing out the room beside theirs. It was an entertainment room with built-in speakers and a flat-screen TV. The sofa was U-shaped and enormous; it would accommodate nine to ten people easily.

  The next two rooms on the opposite side of the hall were identical and had nothing in them, future kids’ rooms, she assumed. The final room at the end of the hallway was again massive with an entire wall of windows overlooking the backyard. It was set up as an office, but also held an elliptical machine and some type of weight training contraption. One of the top-of-the-line devices advertised on television.

  He looked at her expectantly, as though waiting for her approval. “So that’s it. What do you think?”

  “I think it’s magnificent, Jordan, but so enormous for one person. Why did you buy such an extravagant house?”

  “Oh, I didn’t buy it; I built it. It’s the house I’ve always wanted.” He beamed. “It has just enough room to grow.”