Just One Night (The Kingston Family 1)

Jordan joined them for breakfast at a table in the restaurant located off the main part of the lobby. They approached the table, and Jordan greeted them with a smile. She rose and stepped forward to say hello to Aurora.

As she stood, Linc took in her outfit. A cute ruffled skirt hit above the knee, revealing her long legs, a pop of hot-pink polish looked bold and cute on her toenails, and a white tank top hugged her curves.

He drooled at the sight of her, her hair pulled off her face with a headband, putting his focus on her bright pink lips. He groaned and shook his head, wondering if she was torturing him on purpose or if he was just now noticing every little appealing thing about her.

“Aurora,” Linc said, his hand lightly on her back. “This is Jordan Greene, my … best friend and personal assistant.” He nearly stumbled over the description and couldn’t figure out why when the lines had always been so clear before.

“Jordan, my sister Aurora.”

“I am so happy to meet you,” Jordan said, pulling Aurora into an awkward hug due to the size of her belly.

When Aurora pulled back, she had a wide smile on her face, obviously thrilled with the warm welcome. “Same here.”

“Let’s sit.” Jordan gestured to the chairs and they each settled into one. “I thought you’d be more comfortable indoors with air conditioning than outside in the heat.”

Aurora nodded. “I hate getting hot and sweaty, especially now. I’m so uncomfortable.”

“I can only imagine.” Jordan smiled, and only Linc knew Aurora’s comment had brought up painful memories.

Jordan really had no idea what it was like to carry a baby to term and feel the things his sister now did, and Linc understood Jordan’s unexpressed pain.

“So what does everyone want for breakfast?” Linc asked, determined to lighten the subject.

Aurora opened the bound menu and scanned the page, her eyes widening before slamming the book closed.

Linc shot Jordan a concerned glance, and she gave him a slight shrug.

“Aurora? What are you having?” he asked.

She swallowed hard. “Umm, just a glass of orange juice. I’m not really hungry.”

“But you told me in the car you were starving.”

Jordan cleared her throat. “Well, I am hungry and I can’t decide what I want. If I order pancakes and scrambled eggs, will you share them with me?” she asked Aurora.

His sister’s eyes lit up. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely.” Jordan shut the menu. “Linc? What are you having?”

“A vegetable omelet and bacon,” he said, wondering what he’d missed.

“I’ll be right back,” Aurora said, rising from her seat and heading toward what looked like the restrooms in the back.

Linc glanced at Jordan. “Can you explain?”

She nodded. “The prices on the menu freaked her out, and she didn’t want to order anything.”

He narrowed his gaze, his stomach churning at the possibility Jordan was right. “How did you know what was wrong?”

A soft smile lifted her lips and she leaned forward. “Because I remember the first time you insisted I come with you for lunch to some fancy place you usually went with your family. I took one look at the menu and said I just wanted French fries.”

He stilled, recalling the day clearly. “I believed you,” he said, horrified by his privilege and ignorance.

“You had no reason not to.”

He shook his head, suddenly understanding so much more about Jordan’s take on his life and their different upbringings.

“At least now I have an idea about what to look out for with Aurora. I don’t ever want her feeling uncomfortable.” As he met her stare, regret filled him. “I never wanted you to feel that way either.”

She reached out and curled her fingers around his hand. “You can’t control everything, Linc. No matter how much you want to. Or how much money you have. As for Aurora, some things are going to take time.”

He let out a frustrated groan, but before he could reply, Aurora returned to the table and they enjoyed their time together. They took a walk down the beach and talked before Linc returned her home.

The rest of the week passed quickly, including the football game. Braden had managed tickets for Linc, Jordan, and Aurora, and they’d all had fun. Eventually Aurora agreed to come to New York with them. She understood how much easier her life would be around family and people determined to help her both emotionally and financially. As much as she loved the Prescotts and Willow, Aurora had a deep-seated need for family.

Another plus, Aurora and Jordan had formed a fast bond, and Linc was glad Aurora would have someone she already knew and liked to rely on once in New York. But what was good for Aurora wasn’t helpful to Linc. Having Aurora to focus on meant Jordan was able to avoid dealing with him and their relationship.