Page 70 of Burn It Down
“Fine. I just thought you should know, I know nothing about notes or flowers. I called, yes. I wanted to talk to you, Gigi. I deserved some closure.” I slowed down, twisting to face him.
“Don’t mock my intelligence, Professor Dexter.” Jordan winced at the ice in my tone, and I frowned.
“Gigi, I really liked you. You’re smart and beautiful; so sexy and full of life. I wanted you. I go a bit overboard sometimes.” Rolling my eyes, I backed away more, glancing towards the parking lot.
There were plenty of people milling about, so I was sure I was safe. Just past the quad, I could see Charli’s big truck. Like the bad ass she was, Charli pulled up to the curb, front end up on it and headed our way. I thought Jordan might be worse off dealing with her than Finn, to be honest.
“I’d say so. Following us, calling the cops on us, the notes…” I stepped back when he made a noise of frustration.
“Gigi, gorgeous, I did none of that. I called you. I texted you. I did see you two out, and it made me jealous as hell. I did not stalk you! I don’t take rejection well, I admit it,” Jordan flushed a little, and I blinked at him in confusion, “I behaved a bit childishly. I just wanted to talk to you.” Jordan reached out again, but Charli was there.
“Touch her again, I keep walking right to your dean so we can chat about Boston, Mr. Dexter.” Even I shrunk away from the icy tone in Charli’s sweet drawl.
“No need for threats. I won’t bother you again, Gigi. I just…be careful of Bree. Finn and Bree…it’s not a good situation there. I might ask the same; leave me alone, I will leave you alone.” Jordan shot me a pleading look, and I knew what he meant; keep Finn away and keep our mouths shut.
“Goodbye, Mr. Dexter.” Charli had me in her truck, the tires screeching on the icy pavement before I was thinking clear.
“What did he mean by that? Why would he lie and say it was not him stalking me? Who else could it be?” I grumbled as Charli raced through the busy streets of Chicago.
Fall had blended into winter as if it had been here just to welcome it. The changing of the leaves turned to weeks of snow and the streets had been icy for days. Charli maneuvered easily through the traffic, but I was clutching the “Oh-Shit” handle so hard my hand hurt. Cranking her heater, I wondered aloud if I should tell Finn.
“’Abso-fucking-lutely, you tell that beast. If you don’t, it looks sketchy, Gigi. Honesty keeps heartbreak away, my dear. Hungry? We can figure out what Professor Pretty-boy meant over some Sushi.” I giggled, and she winked at me. Charli soothed the soul there was no denying that.
After we were seated at the long bar running in front of the sushi station, Charli shoved my phone at me. I took the hint and called Finn, hoping he was on a call.
My mind was still processing my run in with Jordan. I didn’t know if I could explain it to Finn. Not to mention his anger in finding there had been one at all. I had strict orders to keep clear of Jordan, and clearly, so did he.
“Hey, Sweet Girl. Miss me?” The tension of the last half hour burning at my shoulders began to fade at the sound of his voice.
“Yes, baby. I called because I need to tell you something.” I cleared my throat and my eyes fluttered as I felt Charli squeeze my hand.
“Listening Sweetheart. Been a slow day. Can’t wait to come home to you, Gigi.” I allowed that husky comment to coil through me, my thighs clenching beneath the counter.
“Me too, baby. I’ll be home waiting for you. Out with Charli for lunch. I finished up at school. While I was there…Jordan stopped me.” I literally had to hold the phone away as he cursed.
Charli shot me a look as she winced. Our sushi and sake was set in front of us, but we both waited. I understood he was protective, but today I hadn’t felt threatened. I was a big girl and could handle Jordan Dexter. It was nice to know I had Finn, though.
“I told that motherfucker not to come near you. You okay? Did he threaten you or touch you or….” I was shaking my head as I picked up my chop sticks.
“No, baby. I am fine. Actually, he surprised me. Jordan claims the stalking, the letters, even the night at the park was not him.” I debated telling him about the parting comment about Bree.
“Of course, it was him. Who has a reason other than that fuck to stalk you? Sick pathetic pretty motherfucker. That face won’t be so fucking pretty after I’m done.” I almost laughed because this entire thing was insane; instead I let out a sob.
“No. Please. Don’t go to the school, don’t confront him. Just leave it be. Something more happens, we talk to Diggs. Please, Finn? I can’t…if something happened to you because of me…” Charli brought me close to her side, a soothing hand smoothing over my back.
“Oh, Sweet Girl. I won’t do anything to lose you, Gigi. I can’t be without you again. What else did he say?” I heard Cage in the background and was relieved; my brother would not let him do something stupid.
“He, uh…he said to be careful of Bree. Ofyoursituation with Bree.” I snatched the sake off the counter and gulped half of it.
“Situation? There is nosituationbetween Bree and I. I swear to you, Sweetheart. I kicked her out that night. The night you brought that motherfucker home, I was doing it again. I don’t know why I brought her into my place that night. You hurt me; I wanted to hurt back. I explained everything to you.”
The sake burned my throat and left me coughing, Charli giggling beside me. I slapped her thigh and then leaned my head at her shoulder. Charli hugged me close, and I wanted to cry into her impressive bosom.
Charli was a fucking rock when we needed her, and my brother was a lucky fucking man. Finding her had woke Cage up; me too, because now I knew what good people were like when they weren’t forced by blood to be that way.
“I believe you. Jordan was being cryptic, I am sure. Charli Doll scared him off,” I giggled and pressed a kiss at the swell of her shoulder playfully. “I think our Midwest mouth put the fear of God in him more than my caveman ever could. I just needed to tell you... someone told me honesty is best.” I sighed and picked up a piece of Uni, dipping it in soy.
“I need you to always be honest. Even if it hurts me. Look, stick with Charli Doll till we’re done here, would you? I know my woman can handle herself so don’t argue otherwise. I just…it makes me feel better you’re not alone, Gigi.” I heard the emotion in his voice and knew it wasn’t something I was going to argue.
