Page 34 of An Unexpected Love

“I…was out for most of the day.”

He took her by the shoulders and then, before she could protest, pulled her into his arms.

“Jordan?” She’d never seen him like this, didn’t understand why he seemed so disturbed.

“I just couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong with you.”

“I’m fine.”

“I know,” he said, inhaling deeply. “Thank God you’re safe.”

Seven

“Of course I’m safe,” Jill said, still feeling bewildered. Jordan’s arms were tight around her and he buried his head in the curve of her neck, his breathing hard.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” he said, loosening his hold. His hands caressed the length of her arms as he moved back one small step. He studied her, his gaze intimate and tender. “I hope it never happens to me again.” Taking her hand, he led her to the sofa.

“You’re not making any sense.”

“I know.” He momentarily closed his eyes, then gave a deep sigh. He raised her fingers to his lips and gently kissed the back of her hand.

“It was the most unbelievable thing,” he continued with a shrug. “I awoke with this feeling of impending doom. At first I tried to ignore it. But as the day wore on I couldn’t shake it. All I knew was that it had something to do with you.

“I thought if I talked to you I could assure myself that nothing was wrong and this feeling would go away. Only I couldn’t get hold of you.”

“I was out most of the day,” she repeated unnecessarily.

Jordan rubbed a hand down his face. “I tried to phone you at home and I couldn’t get an answer. I don’t know your cell number. So I panicked. I booked the next flight to Seattle.”

“What about your business in Hawaii?”

“I canceled one meeting and left what I could with an assistant. Everything’s taken care of.” He sighed once more and sagged against the back of her sofa. “I could do with a cup of coffee.”

“Of course.” Jill immediately stood and hurried into the kitchen, starting the coffee and assembling cups and saucers in a matter of minutes. She was arranging everything on a tray when Jordan stepped up behind her.

He slid his arms around her waist and kissed the side of her neck. “I don’t know what’s happening between us.”

“I’m…not sure anything is.”

Jordan chuckled softly, the sound a gentle caress against her skin. “I’m beginning to think you’ve cast a spell over me.”

Jill froze.Spellandmagicwere words she’d rather not hear. Even the smallest hint that the wedding dress was affecting him wouldn’t change what she’d done. She’d made her decision. The dress was packed away in the box Shelly had mailed her, ready to be returned.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this,” Jordan said again, sounding almost uncertain.

Jill should have been shocked. Jordan Wilcox had probably never felt confused or doubtful about anything in his adult life. She speculated that his emotions hadbeen buried so deep, hidden by pride for so long, that he barely recognized them anymore.

“I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Jill closed her eyes. She didn’t want to hear this, didn’t want to deal with a declaration of love. Not now. Not when she’d settled everything in her own mind. Not when she’d reconciled herself to never seeing him again.

“That’s not true,” Jordan countered, turning her around and into his arms. “I can’t live without you. I’ve known that from the first moment we kissed.”

“Oh, no…”

His amused laughter filled her small kitchen. “You said the same thing that night. Remember?” The smile faded as he gazed at her upturned face. His eyes, so gray and intense, seemed to sear her with a look of such power it was all Jill could do not to cry out and break off his embrace. She glanced away, chewing nervously on her lower lip, willing him to free her, willing him to leave.

His hands cupped her face, his thumbs stroking her cheeks. “You feel it, too, don’t you?” he whispered. “You have from the very first. Neither one of us can deny it.”

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