Page 30 of Vail

“A pool?” I asked.

He nodded. “There’s a parcel of land behind this building. I enjoyed having the space separating the properties. Until now, I didn’t have an idea for what to put on it. More housing didn’t seem right, given the apartments here already. So, I decided to use it for a pool.” I should have expected this. Jordan didn’t do anything in small measures.

“You remembered the one time I said I missed swimming.”

“I did. I remember everything you and Hart say. That’s why I’m also putting in a sauna and a luxurious hot tub. No expense will be spared.” Jordan didn’t need to say it, but he was making up for missing Hartley’s birthday last month. We were sick with the flu and Hartley didn’t mention it. I completely forgot, which I felt like shit about.

Hartley sat back in his seat. “I can’t wait to feel those jets beating against my body.”

“We need a place to unwind,” Jordan stated. “It will take some time, but once it’s done, it will be ours.”

“The guards can use it too, right?” I asked. It wasn’t fair if they didn’t get to.

Jordan’s jaw clenched. “If that’s what you wish.”

I grinned. “They’ll be happier.”

Hartley leaned over to put his hand on mine. “I’ll give you your gift later.” He winked and waved his other hand down his body. Happy birthday to me.

13

VAIL

Jordan didn’t think he was romantic. And while he might not be in the traditional sense, he did things I thought were romantic. It was the small moments, the touches, the considerations, making sure Hartley and I were cared for. That we had what we needed. Even when Jordan wasn’t here, he checked in to see how we were. I’d get texts while at Untouchable. I couldn’t look while cooking, but on breaks, I’d see messages from him. Hartley said he did the same for him while he was at his studio.

Tonight, well, this was him being the romantic he thought he needed to be. The one he thought we deserved. No matter how many times I told him he didn’t have to do more than he already was, Jordan wanted to do better for us.

We were going out with him to an event fundraiser. It was being held by an organization that assisted unhoused people in East Dremest. Jordan donated money and items to the silent auction. He was sure to not put his name on the items or make it obvious they were from him, so as not to tip the scales to get more bids on his. Jordan was aware of how the people in this half of the city viewed him. Most were grateful for what he’d done and wanted to get in his favor. The others who saw nothing more than the criminal side of him stayed away from events like tonight’s.

When Jordan told us about the event, we both jumped at the chance to attend. I would do this every day if I could. Helping others, making the community better, sign me up. But Jordan also wanted to take us out for a nice dinner, so while he said this wasn’t the date he had in mind, he would take us on one in the future.

“The only view better than my men in tuxedos is when they’re naked,” Jordan said, entering the room, already dressed. Hartley and I had just finished getting ready while Jordan took a call. We matched in tuxes. Hartley didn’t have time to make these, so we bought them. Or I should say Jordan paid for them and wouldn’t allow us to spend a dime.

“I mean, we could definitely arrange that,” Hartley replied with a grin.

“Not now. We have to go, or we’ll be late.”

“You don’t care if you’re late any other time,” I pointed out.

“No, but that’s when I don’t give a fuck if I irritate people. This is important for our city. I like to keep myself visible so they know who they can rely on.” What he didn’t say was also who he could rely on. Sometimes Jordan got the citizens of the city to help him. He didn’t give us details but said they’d come through when he was in a pinch.

“You said our city.”

“It is. You’re mine, and therefore, the city is yours. If there are two people who are going to take care of it with the same passion I have, it’s you.” He said it with such surety, like it was a fact. And there he was with his romantic words, or as much as he could say at the moment. They weren’t easy for him to admit aloud all the time but meant the world to me. When I glanced at Hartley, it was obvious they did to him as well.

Hartley stepped forward to throw his arms around Jordan’s neck. “Thank you.”

“For what?” he asked, holding Hartley close.

“You don’t realize what you say to us and the impact it has,” I answered.

“I said nothing that wasn’t true.”

Reaching up, I cradled Jordan’s cheek. “We love you.”

His eyes met mine. Emotion swam in them, so much, I waited for some of it to leak out. “I love you too,” he brokenly whispered.

When Jordan glanced at his watch, I knew our sweet moment was over. There would be plenty more of them in the future.

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