“Ryker, they are only four years old. Amya never knew her biological mother—all she knows is that Garland is her mom. She is also the only mother Kai has known. When they are older, they will understand that they were switched at birth and how it worked out in the end.”
“Happily-ever-after,” Ryker murmured.
Jordin broke into a smile. “I love seeing you so happy.”
“I love Garland more and more each day. She is a wonderful wife and mother.”
“You complement each other.”
“I’ve always felt that way about you and Ethan,” Ryker told her. “Remember how you two used to finish each other’s sentences?”
Jordin chuckled. “Yeah, we did do that.”
“When you see him, don’t forget to give him my regards.”
“I won’t. Thanks for the heads-up on Ethan,” Jordin said as she headed toward the door.
Although she was happy to hear that her best friend had returned, troubling thoughts assailed her. Ethan’s back and he didn’t even try to contact me. Eleven years have gone by and no word from him. Why didn’t he keep his promise?
* * *
Jordin had such a warm, loving spirit and she was always smiling. Ethan loved her sense of humor and the sense of freedom she seemed to have in her life. Not only was she beautiful but she was intelligent as well. There had always been an undeniable magnetism between them, which probably explained why he was sitting in a parked vehicle across the street from the law firm, watching as she and Jadin walked to the bistro located on the corner.
Coward.
Ethan had missed her greatly but was unsure of the best way to approach her, especially after he hadn’t bothered to stay in contact with her over the years. He knew that in deciding to move back to Charleston, they would run into each other eventually.
But as strong as his attraction was to Jordin, Ethan knew that he could never act on those feelings. A relationship other than friendship between them could never work because they were from two very different worlds. But also because love was not a part of his plans for the future. He was focused on his company and didn’t have the time or the inclination to deviate from the driving force that had been guiding him since college.
Ethan pulled up the collar of his jacket and turned the key in the ignition. He drove to his hotel. The home he purchased would not be ready for another two weeks.
He sat down in the living area of his suite and picked up the television remote. Jordin was still at the forefront of his mind. He considered calling her at the office, but decided to wait until he found the right words to say to her.
Ethan tried watching TV, but when he couldn’t find anything to his liking; he gave up and reached for a magazine on health and exercise trends.
He was interrupted an hour later when his friend Chandler called.
“How did your interview go?”
“Okay,” Ethan responded. “It’s just not something I enjoy doing. I’m thinking of hiring someone to handle publicity.”
“Have you talked to Ryker or Jordin?”
“Not yet,” he answered. “I’ve been so busy with the gym...”
“You might as well know that I told Ryker you were in town.”
“That means that Jordin knows as well,” Ethan uttered. “She was going to find out eventually, I guess.”
“Her knowing is not such a bad thing, is it?”
“No.”
“Have you visited any of the old haunts?”
“I did a ride-by on my bike a couple of times,” Ethan confessed, “but that’s about it. I didn’t go by my old neighborhood though.”
“Are you worried that you’ll run into your mom? My aunt said that she saw her at the market last Saturday.”
Ethan swallowed his surprise. He’d had no idea that Lydia was back in Charleston. “She’s the least of my worries.”
“I’m sure she’s heard by now that you were moving back.”
He chose his words carefully. “It doesn’t matter to me. She’s not a part of my life anymore.” Ethan changed the subject by asking, “What time are we meeting for dinner tomorrow night?”
Their conversation ended ten minutes later after setting a time to meet.
He got up and made his way to the master bathroom where he showered and put on a pair of sweats.
Jordin.
He found himself wanting to open up to her about everything, but to feel her pity was much more than Ethan could bear. He had no idea how much she’d heard about that awful period of his life, but staying away from Jordin would not be easy, especially when his new office was a block away from the DuGrandpre firm.
I have no business being here, Jordin thought as she strolled through the doors of the 4200 Broad Street building where Ethan’s new offices were located. She’d debated most of the morning whether to show up at his place of business. Although Jordin had not heard from him, she decided to take the initiative.
She’d chosen a black-and-white color-blocked dress with a pair of red shoes and red accessories for work today. I always get compliments whenever I wear this outfit. Jordin imagined her look would also garner Ethan’s attention.
A sense of pride flowed through her as her eyes traveled around the lobby area with a two-story atrium filled with large vases of flowers and a stunning collection of abstract artwork. Ethan had chosen a great location for his home office.
She followed the sign to the elevators and took one to the top floor.
The elevator doors slid open.
She walked down the short hallway to the penthouse suite.
Jordin entered with determination through the double doors that led to the reception desk and waiting area of Ethan’s company.
She smiled at the receptionist, but caught sight of the man she longed to see. “Ethan?”
Their gazes locked across the room. Jordin noted the brief reaction of shock and pleasure in his chocolate-brown eyes before it faded into a businesslike stare.
Ethan excused himself from the person he was talking to and quickly walked toward her.
Smiling, Jordin met him halfway.
He looked so good. She gave him a quick and not-so-subtle once-over. Ethan was no longer the scrawny boy she remembered. He had grown taller
