Page 72 of Dreaming About Forever

“You think she can put the concert together this quickly?” Jordan asked.

“Don’t let Lillian know you doubted her. She’ll prove you wrong in a heartbeat.”

“I didn’t say that. I just assume putting on a concert of this magnitude takes a lot of work.”

Alicia fired off the email to Lillian and put her phone down. “I’m more excited about this concert than the whole tour.”

“Why?”

Wasn’t that the question of the hour. Why was her thrill for the music dying? “I think it’s because I’m expected to put on a bigger show, despite writing and singing better songs.”

Jordan reached over and wrapped her hand in his. He didn’t need to say anything, and he didn’t let go until the headlights illuminated the Taylor Ranch sign.

The ranch was quiet when they pulled up in front of the house. One light was on in the living room, and the light out front lit up the porch.

“Sit tight,” Jordan said as he hopped out of the truck and rounded to her side.

The burst of cold hit her again when he opened the door, and she quickly grabbed his hand and walked as quickly as she could in her heels toward the door. Jordan unlocked the door in record time and ushered her inside.

Jordan hung their coats by the front door, then turned to her and wrapped her in his arms.

Alicia sank into the warmth of his embrace. Jordan put off more heat than any coat.

His lips brushed against the top of her head as he whispered, “I love this dress.” His grip on her waist tightened. “But do you want to change into something warmer?”

She nodded, brushing her cheek against his chest. The blush dress was a lot simpler than some of the things she’d worn to awards shows and events, but she’d never had Jordan’s gaze on her the way she did now. The softness of the fabric against her skin when Jordan touched her had every nerve ending in her body sparking to life.

Alicia stepped back, sliding her hand down his arm and linking her hand with his. She held onto him as they walked up the stairs, unwilling to let go until forced.

When they reached their bedroom doors, Alicia turned to face him. “I had a great time tonight.”

Jordan’s phone beeped, and he checked his watch. “Mom and Dad are on their way home.”

It was just after nine in the evening, and while they wouldn’t be going to bed for a while, their time alone was coming to an end.

Jordan rubbed the pad of his thumb over her hand, tracing a ring of fire on her skin. “I had a great time too. I wish I could have spent more time dancing with you.”

His expression fell a fraction of an inch. The change was almost imperceptible, but Alicia could see his guilt clouding his thoughts.

“Me too,” she whispered.

Jordan’s gaze locked with hers before dipping lower. Her stomach turned flips and her breath hung suspended in her chest. As much as she wanted to act on her feelings, she had to take her cues from Jordan. So much was at stake for him, and did she really want him to put his dreams on the line for her?

No, she didn’t. She wanted him to kiss her, but she wanted so much more than that. She wanted everything with him.

Alicia turned to disappear into her bedroom–the safe place where she could hide her uncontrollable feelings for him.

But Jordan’s hold on her hand tightened, and he pulled the link between them, spinning her back to him in one quick whirl. She crashed against the hardness of his chest, and his fingers threaded their way into her hair in the same moment his lips met hers.

The gasping breath she’d been inhaling stalled, and her heart raced loudly in her chest. Jordan’s arm slipped around her back, holding her close as his lips danced over hers.

Her moment of surprise gave way to elation, and she linked her arm around his shoulder while the other brushed over the stubble on his cheek before sliding into his hair.

He kept the kiss slow at first, adoring her as they discovered each other. But the pressure began to build, and the fire that raged behind his walls started to seep through.

She opened herself to him, welcoming the rush as they gave into the feelings that had been building for weeks.

Weeks?

---