Captivated by the Millionaire

Teddy turned back to him and dropped a hand on Jordan’s shoulder. “That other lady you were with wasn’t being very understanding about your new circumstances now, was she?”

Jordan gave him a tight smile before responding. “Old history.” His response was an obvious cue to let the subject drop.

Teddy didn’t get the hint. “In fact, I think she was just being down right bi—”

“How about a cup of coffee, Teddy?” Jordan interrupted before he could finish.

Teddy threw his head back and laughed out loud. “Way too late for coffee, son. But come on by my table later. I have some projects we should discuss.”

With that, Teddy sauntered away.

“Let’s forget that even happened and enjoy the rest of the night, shall we?” Jordan suggested as they sat back down.

Right. As if she could do that. As if she could stop wondering about who this woman Teddy spoke of could be. And what had she been unreasonable about?

She couldn’t even presume to make an educated guess. It’s not like Jordan had shared enough about himself to even make speculation possible. Jess thought back to the picture she’d found in his desk earlier today. He certainly kept things close to his chest. When she really thought about it, how well did she really know Jordan? He hadn’t told her much about himself.

He hadn’t confided in her at all beyond the barest of facts.

* * *

He didn’t want the evening to end just yet.

Jordan unbuttoned his collar as they drove back to the penthouse and glanced over to Jess in the seat next to him. Sweet heavens, she was beautiful. He couldn’t deny he enjoyed spending time with her. Aside from the uncomfortable interlude with Teddy, he’d had a really fun evening. When was the last time he’d thought that about a charity auction? He couldn’t think of a single one.

He wasn’t ready to bid her good-night.

He helped her out of the car once they arrived. “What would you say to getting some air?”

She took in the scene around them. “That sounds lovely. Though it’s a little late for a walk, isn’t it?”

He winked at her. “It’s never too late to stroll around New York. Surely, you’ve heard it’s the city that never sleeps.”

She laughed. “Of course.”

“But that’s not what I had in mind. Follow me.”

He led her to the front doors of his building and through the lobby, past the main elevators.

“Where are we going?” Jess asked, glancing back at the elevator panel behind them.

“Trust me.”

He took her to the back of the building, past the service entrance and loading dock. The elevator shaft back here was much narrower. Using his key card, he summoned the car to the first floor.

“Curious about where I’m taking you?” he asked after they’d passed several floors.

“I’m guessing it’s an alternate route to your penthouse? I can’t imagine why, though.”

“Hmmm. Good guess. But it’s wrong.”

He showed her a few moments later when they got off on the top floor then traveled up a flight of stairs to the metal door that led outside, a door that only a handful of people had access to and the means to unlock.

“Oh, my God,” Jess shrieked as they stepped out onto the roof of the tall high-rise. “This is amazing.” The high wind served to muffle her words somewhat but her meaning was clear.

Jordan took her by the hand and led her to a small enclosed area that housed some of the backup generators. The walls were just tall enough to block out some of the wind.

She turned to stare out into the horizon, her breath deep and heavy with excitement. Jordan didn’t take time to think about what he was doing. He put his hands on her hips and pulled her to lean back against him, her back up against his chest. The scent of her teased his senses. A subtle floral scent with a hint of lavender.

They stood that way for several moments, just silently admiring the view.

“What do you think?” he finally asked her.

“I’m in awe.”

Her reaction sent a ripple of pleasure through him. He liked that she was enjoying herself so much. He’d never brought a woman up here before. It hadn’t even occurred to him to do so. But he’d decided he would bring Jess when he’d seen her watching the city out of the limo windows.