Page 45 of Dreaming About Forever

The Christmas play was adorable.Alicia hadn’t laughed and gasped so much over a performance in her life, and Jordan had even cracked up at one point.

As soon as the kids started returning to the stage for their applause, Jordan got her attention, and they slipped out of the dark auditorium before the crowd started filing out.

“That was amazing. I can’t believe those young kids remembered their lines so well.”

Jordan chuckled. “I guarantee Mrs. Peterson had them practicing since Labor Day.”

Alicia followed him out of the auditorium to their waiting truck. Once inside the dark cab, she took a deep breath, decompressing from the fun. “Is your mom riding back with us?”

“She’s staying to help Caroline clean up.”

“Oh. Do we need to stay too?” Alicia asked.

“Nah. Mom and Caroline are pretty quick, and they have help.”

Alicia looked out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ruby and Levi. “Thanks for introducing me to your friends tonight. Do you want to hang out with them?”

“We’ll do whatever you want to do.”

Of course Jordan Taylor would be all work and no play. She loved his determination, but would she spend the rest of her time here wondering if she was keeping him from going after his own happiness?

Alicia sighed. “I know you’re here for a job, but you’re free to talk to people. If you want. We don’t always have to do what I want. You know more about things going on and the people who live here.”

Jordan gave an almost imperceptible nod in the darkness. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Sure, he would. She’d have to see it to believe it.

They arrived back at the ranch before everyone else and stepped into the quiet house. Jordan took her coat and hung it by the door.

“You need anything?” he asked.

Alicia couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face. “You don’t have to be my servant.”

“I don’t mind.” He scratched the back of his head. “I’m sorry if I came off like I thought you were spoiled when we first met.”

Alicia scrunched her nose. “There were only slight hints.”

“Anyway. I shouldn’t have acted like that. I’ve just been around my fair share of entitled rich people, and they tend to have a holier-than-thou attitude.”

“That’s pretty accurate,” she said.

“But it still wasn’t fair to judge you before I knew you. I’m sorry for that.”

The tightness in her shoulders dissipated. “You’re forgiven. Thanks for sharing your home with me. I’ve never been anywhere like this, and I’m having a great time.”

“You’re welcome.” Jordan jerked his head toward the stairs. “You heading up?”

Alicia wrapped her arms across her chest. “I need to catch up on my emails. I’ll probably make some coffee and set up my laptop in the kitchen.”

Jordan jerked a thumb toward the door. “I’m gonna bring in some wood for the fire.”

Alicia watched him walk out before heading up the stairs. She grabbed her laptop and headed back to the main floor where the warm smell of brewing coffee tingled in her nose.

Jordan was in the kitchen, with his back turned to her. She padded over to the table and put her laptop down.

“Want some coffee?” he asked without turning around.

“There won’t be any sneaking up on you,” she said with a smile.

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