“By rolling around on the ground like a pair of animals?”
His jaw clenches tightly. “He started it.”
Daisy scoffs a laugh. “You really are a child still at heart.” She leans in closer, her lips brushing the shell of his ear. “Just one of the many reasons why I love you.”
Before he can react, she’s pulling away, biting her bottom lip and walking back towards the others. His trousers tighten at the front as his blood rushes south and Clarence shakes his head, forcing the thoughts away while he’s in public.
Swallowing, he trails behind her, catching sight of Jordan and Valarie approaching the group.
“You’re late!” Daisy calls out, embracing Valarie tightly.
“That was Val. She couldn’t choose a dress to wear,” Jordan mutters as he walks past them towards the others.
Valarie giggles, spinning in her light pink and white dress. “I chose the right one, eventually.”
“That you did. You look lovely,” Lewis says, standing in front of her and brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. “Do you want to walk with me?”
Valarie peers behind him to Jordan, who nods once. Another giggle bubbles out of her throat as Lewis takes her arm in his and they set off towards the edge of the water where other couples are strolling arm in arm.
Clarence approaches Jordan, holding his hand out to him as Kora, Daisy and Matthew talk between themselves. “I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Clarence Hamilton.”
Shaking his outstretched hand, Jordan’s posture loosens slightly. “I’m sorry, I don’t. It’s been a very long time since I was in London, so I barely remember anything about it.”
“That’s very understandable. How are you finding London so far?”
“It’s defiantly livelier than Oxford, that’s for sure. There are more people, and more things to do.” Jordan admits to him.
Clarence’s smile is warm as he pats Jordan on his shoulder. “You will fall in love with this city, believe me.”
Jordan’s eyes move off his onto Kora’s as she laughs with Daisy and Matthew on the blanket. Her auburn hair falling around her in fiery wisps. Eyes bright and a single dimple showing in her cheek. Jordan can almost feel his stony heart beginning to thaw as he watches her. “I think I will too.” Jordan hushes out.
Her hazel eyes catch his, and Jordan can almost feel the sensation running along his skin again. After catching her last night, and feelingher energy mixing with his own, Jordan needs to know more about her. He’s never been this entranced in a girl before.
“Clarence,” Daisy says loudly from where they’re sitting, “you have to try one of these.”
Clarence strolls over, plucking a biscuit from her hand and biting into it. He gives a soft groan of delight. “Superb, Kora.”
“Always making the best sweets.” Matthew says in agreement.
Clarence wipes his mouth before turning back to Jordan. “Do you remember my sister, Kora?”
Jordan’s gaze meets hers and he sees the twinge of pink staining her cheeks as she bites down on her bottom lip. “We met again last night at the soiree. It’s lovely to see you again, Kora.” Her name escaping his tongue so effortlessly and smoothly, like melted butter.
“It’s good to see you again, Jordan.” She says, nervously tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. She can feel the swarm of butterflies appearing in her stomach once again.
Kora can feel Daisy’s glare on within an instant. It feels like a spotlight shining solely on her, burning her skin like fire.
He sits beside Kora on the blanket, trying one of her biscuits for himself as Daisy turns her attention onto Clarence. Kora’s skin tingles from their close proximity.
“You made these?” he asks, almost in shock.
She nods to him as a gentle smile gleans her face.
Jordan polishes off the rest in one bite and grins, his dimples deepening. “Delicious.”
“Thank you.” She breathes out.
His turquoise eyes study her, moving up and down casually before landing on hers once more. “Your dress is pretty.” He admits coolly.