Page 50 of Smooth Moves
Chapter 10
Jordan hadn’t expected to have so much fun with Hector and Lafayette, but she had. Simon, Lafayette’s new boyfriend, was adorable. Quiet, shy, and sweet. And of course, sexy as all get out. Figured Lafayette couldn’t just settle for a normal guy.
The date wound down two hours later than she’d expected, the four of them having a blast playing silly board games while the Jackson twins tried to outspell and outwit each other. Cash would surely have hated it.
Damn it. Could she just for one night not think of the man?
After Jordan and Hector said goodbye to the cute couple, he walked her out to her car, laughing about something Simon had said. “So what did you think?” he asked as she unlocked her door.
“I like him. And even better, Lafayette likes him.”
Hector shoved his hands in his jean pockets and leaned against her front panel. “Did you see the way Simon was looking at my brother? Like, he’s way into Lafayette. But did you think he was playing up since we were there?”
“No.” She frowned. “Why so concerned?”
Hector sighed. “My brother has a habit of trying to rescue people. His last boyfriend weaseled three months’ worth of rent money out of him. The guy before that was using Lafayette as a standby while he worked out issues with his ex.” Hector blew out a breath. “Lafayette met Simon while helping Simon fix a flat tire on the side of the road. Once again, Lafayette to the rescue. It pisses me off that he never considers that they might be using him. He says it’s all some stupid journey and he likes being helpful.”
Surprised to hear a tinge of bitterness in his voice, she paid Hector more attention.
“Don’t get me wrong. I want my brother to be happy. He likes taking care of people. But just once, I’d like someone to take care of him.”
She nodded. “You two are a lot alike. If it makes you feel any better, I got the sense Simon really likes Lafayette. And in case you didn’t notice, we had a gourmet dinner at Simon’s house, and Simon cooked it.”
“Yeah, that’s true.” Hector studied her.
“What? Do I have food between my teeth or something?” She ran her tongue over her teeth but couldn’t find anything.
He shook his head and grinned. “You sure do make me laugh, Jordan. Thanks for coming over tonight.”
“That’s what friends are for.” She socked him in the gut, hard enough to get his attention but not hard enough to hurt. “Even though you know you did me wrong by not telling me about Miriam’s.”
He rubbed his flat stomach, and she wished she could be as toned as the guys she worked with. Hector looked like a model and had twelve-pack abs. When he took his shirt off, his body was clearly defined. And yeah, she’d looked.
He was smart, nice, and handsome.
“Okay, now you’re staring at me. DoIhave food in my teeth or something?” he asked, humor in his voice.
“Kiss me, Hector.”
He blinked but stepped closer without hesitation. “You sure about this?”
“Let’s think of it as an experiment.” If Jordan should like anyone, it should be a man like Hector. Someone who had his act together and treated people with kindness. He didn’t bury a big heart under anything. No, Hector wore his intentions on his sleeves for all to see.
“Try not to faint when it’s over,” he warned.
“Ha ha.” She waited.
Hector slowly reached for her, his large hands on her shoulders, bringing her closer. He lowered his head, and the kiss, when it came, felt soft, dry, and…nice.
Not exciting, not panty-dropping or insanely hot. For a woman who didn’t like to deal with drama, he would be the ideal mate.
And he’d bore her to tears in weeks. A safe bet, like her exes.
She pulled back and forced a smile. “Thanks, Hector.”
“Well?” Hmm. He didn’t seem to be breathing too hard either.
“You tell me.” She crossed her arms over her chest, waiting.
