Chapter 15- Jordan

Back at his house, Jordan sat in his television room petting his Purina puppy's head.

"Daddy really mess up today, Biscuit...I think Alex is going to be really upset with me when I tell her what I did." The puppy barked twice, then licked his paw.

"You don't know who Alex is?" Jordan pulled his phone out and showed Biscuit a picture. "I've shown you pictures before, buddy. This is who I hoped would become your new mommy, one day. Isn't she beautiful?" Jordan's phone buzzed, as he received a text notification from Alex.

[Text from Alex to Jordan] What's going on, Jordan? I'm starting to get worried. It's almost midnight.

Alex had called Jordan twice and texted a few times, however, Jordan had yet to respond. He'd never ignored her before, but he simply didn't know what else to do. The moment he spoke with her, he'd had to tell her that he approached her mother, because keeping that under wraps would essentially be lying to Alex.

He was also thinking about what Pamila had said. Maybe he was getting Alex off track. It might be better for him to keep his distance and give her time to shine, first.

"You know what Biscuit? Daddy's got a lot on his mind and needs to work things out. I know it's late, but we're going for a walk." At the sound of the word 'walk' Biscuit perked up and started wagging his tail. Slipping on his sneakers, Jordan grabbed his phone and keys before heading towards the door.

The time on his watch read 11:55 pm. Jordan clipped Biscuit's leash onto its collar and Biscuit leaped up, scratching frantically at the door.

"Calm down, boy! Down, buddy!"

Jordan's watch now read 11:56 pm. He knew he wasn't ready to talk with Alex, but he agreed they would talk at least once before the clock struck twelve. After dialing her number, he let out a breath and listened to the phone ring. He froze when he realized he could actually hear her phone ringing, both on the line, and somewhere else.

Biscuit continued to scratch at the door, and Jordan hesitated before reaching for the knob. Slowly pulling the door open, his eyebrows went up when he saw Alex standing at the front door, her phone still ringing, with the words 'Man Crush Everyday' across the screen.

Alex stepped in and scratched Biscuit behind the ears. The puppy purred contently. "I don't know why you haven't responded to my texts or calls, today, but Cinderella is here to remind you what rule number four is."

Jordan smiled, before saying, "Rule number four: never give up on us."

Alex was right. He may have messed up today, but if what they had was real, they'd just have to work through it. He needed to trust that she was willing to fight for them, just as much as he was.

Pulling Alex into a long and tight embrace, Jordan kissed her as he'd never done with anyone else. "That was nice!" Alex exclaimed, wondering what came over him.

"Alex, I have some things I need to tell you, right now...before we do anything else." Still holding Alex, he closed the front door and watched Biscuit slump to the ground, disappointed his walk got canceled.

"First off, I don't want you to feel any pressure about feeling the same way, but I love you. I've never felt anything near this for anyone else in my twenty-seven years. And I need for you to know that I don't want to hurt you, or overshadow your career, or distract you...I just want to love you...and I really do, babe. I love you."

Jordan then took a deep breath, because he'd been dreading telling her the next thing. "Second, today, at the studio, I saw--"

"Shhhh," Alex put a finger up to his lips. He tried to start explaining again, but Alex refused. "I need you to let me enjoy this moment." She said, her eyes closed. "Now, please, tell me how you feel one more time."

"I love you so much, babe." Jordan repeated softly watching Alex's lips spread into a smile.

"Good," she finally said, her eyes now looking into his, "because I love you, too."

With those words spoken, the deal was sealed. Alex became a permanent fixture in Jordan's heart and mind. He wasn't going anywhere; no matter what Pamila Montgomery had to say about it.