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“You’re just being polite.” She and I shared a brief laugh.
The silence came over us for a breath. “Was the food good at least?”
She giggled in my arms. “It was.”
“That’s good.”
Jourdanne let out a shuddered breath. “She thinks I’m a gold digger.”
“Oh, she just doesn’t know you.”
Jourdanne leaned up and caught my eyes with hers. “But, Matt, I am.” She sat all the way up and I pulled my arm from behind her. I wanted to argue what she’d said, but she kept talking before I could say anything. “I’m here for your money. That’s all.”
“Is it?” I refused to believe that was the only thing Jourdanne cared about.
Jourdanne’s brow furrowed as her lips parted. Those plump, pink lips were looking irresistible, but I had to focus. I wasn’t about to agree with Leandro’s mother, or Jourdanne’s words, for that matter.
“I mean…”
“You might want the money, but it isn’t the only reason why you’re here. Don’t let her confuse you or intimidate you. I know you aren’t a gold digger.”
She let out a sigh, then a grin came to her lips. “I guess you’re right.”
“Of course, I’m right!” I put my arm around her again and pulled her close. She nestled back against my chest like before, yet this time, she draped her arm over my waist. It immediately aroused me, but I couldn’t let my desires take over. She wasn’t here for that. She needed a friend.
“I should really go back inside.”
“Yeah.”
Jourdanne sat up and adjusted her hair. I moved my hand from behind her and reached up to her face like before. My fingers traced the edge of her hair, then I brushed back a large, loose curl from her face.
“Just tough it out a little bit longer. Then she’ll be gone for another six months, and you probably won’t ever have to see her again.”
Jourdanne nodded. “Thank you.”
I smiled at her. “Anytime.”
I went closer, intending to kiss her forehead in a polite and friendly manner, but Jourdanne leaned right into my lips. It was a delicate kiss, soft and sublime. Her mouth pressed tenderly to mine, and we sat there for a few seconds enjoying the quiet.
When she pulled away, she had a tender look in her eyes. She was happy, truly and fully happy there in my arms. Why Leandro had to put her in an uncomfortable position was beyond me.
Jourdanne got to her feet, and as she did, I ran my hand down her arm and took hold of her hand. It was a light grasp, just long enough for us to find each other’s eyes and share a smile. After releasing her, I watched her leave the garden and return to the house. I sat there for a few more seconds as I lingered in the sensation of our kiss. Then I went back to the pool house alone.
JOURDANNE
After dinner, I spent the next day by myself. I wanted to see Matt again so badly, but I was about to leave town with Leandro, and everything felt strange, almost like I was cheating on Matt. He was comforting and kind when I needed it most, but there I was leaving him behind. It was in the contract, though, and I had to honor my end if I wanted to get into Yale.
“You packed a dress and a casual outfit, right?” Leandro sat down beside me. We were in the airport waiting for our flight to board. I gave him a nod, then looked forward.
“Have you ever flown?”
“Once. I was eleven.”
“Where to?”
I glanced sideways at Leandro to see him flipping through his phone. The small chit chat was only a distraction for him. Nonetheless, I had nothing better to do.
“Northern California. My grandpa died and my dad and I flew there to the funeral.”
Leandro’s eyes lifted from the device. He looked at me with a softened gaze, and said, “Oh. Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay. It’s been a long time now.” I pulled my shoulder bag up high on my lap as I tucked a clump of hair behind my ear. “I don’t even remember what he looked like. Not in person, anyway. My dad has a couple of old pictures, but they’re put away.”
Leandro nodded along. He had lowered his phone and given me more attention, which felt nice. “I remember my grandmother. She taught me how to make homemade pasta.” Leandro drew a grin thinking about his grandmother. “We would make a batch for us, then give the rest to the shelter at the edge of town.”
“That’s nice.”
“It was. I think she’s the reason I went into charity work to begin with. Seeing those people eat a good meal every now and then was worth more than any dollar I’ve ever earned.”
Leandro was a surprise for sure. He had a soft heart, but for some reason, he had closed people off from his emotions. At least it seemed that way with him and Matt. Even his mother had no idea how her son truly felt about things. If she did, she would’ve met Matt long ago. Instead, Leandro felt the need to hide away his love.
