Chapter 37：Fear of the Unknown

Jordan had taken Lana back to rest. She was a bit despondent after her mother's visit and Jordan suggested she lie down for a bit before the guests arrived. When she awoke he was just coming out from the shower. He hadn't dried off his body because it was dripping with water and the towel hung loosely round his waist, putting his delectable abs on display. Lana could never get used to that view.

"Why did you let me sleep when we have guests?" She sat up on the bed and rubbed her sleepy eyes.

"Guest," he said pointedly as he sat on the bed, "but he's gone."

"Carter did you scare him away??" She narrowed her gaze.

"No sweets. He went somewhere with Jones." Jordan laughed.

"Where is everyone else? I thought you were having a party?" She inquired.

"We are," he smiled mysteriously, his arctic orbs sparkling.

"My head is still groggy Carter...I can't do this with you right now." She pushed her hair off her face and rolled her eyes.

"You need to get ready sweets. Michelle and Hannah will be here any time from now." Jordan stood up and stepped into the walk-in closet that was connected to the bathroom.

"Why are they coming? Did you invite them?" Lana trailed behind him, admiring his well-sculpted frame.

"Yes, I did." He took a tux of the hanger and a white shirt to go with it.

"Why are you wearing a tux? It's only a BBQ." Lana muttered as she trudged to the bathroom and began to run the water in the tub. Then proceeded to strip off her summer dress. "Isn't that a bit much?"

"Are you going to bath with the door open sweets?" Jordan blinked rapidly.

"It's nothing you haven't seen before Carter," Lana rolled her eyes and he chuckled.

"Oooh, the view never gets old baby," Jordan said as he walked back towards the bathtub and sat on the edge.

"I'm sure you do," she retorted.

"I'm almost tempted to have another bath.." his eyes roved over her, misted with desire.

"Like what you see?" she taunted.

"I can't put it into words so I would rather show you.." He winked at her and she blushed.

"You're so cute when you blush Bambi."

Lana dropped her eyes to the water, her lashes fanning her pink cheeks. Jordan laughed softly and she was even more determined not to face him.

"Hey... I like the way you look at me-it makes me feel some type of way..." He tilted her chin upwards with a single finger and their eyes met and the air became thick-and it wasn't because of the hot water. Jordan's breath caught in his chest and his heart skipped a beat-it happened every time he was this close to her.

"Flawless.." he whispered and she felt his warm breath caress her flushed face.

Lana couldn't help herself as she pulled him in, crushing her lips against his. She threaded her hands in his hair and he moaned softly. Then there was a knock at the door. Jordan pulled away from her reluctantly and gave her one last kiss before finally breaking away.

"Hie JC! Miss me?!" Michelle exclaimed and lunged at him, squeezing him in a crushing hug.

"Hey, Elle. Good to see you" He kissed her chick and smiled. "Where's your husband?"

"Ryan is downstairs. He had to take an urgent call. I'm sure he will be up in a few." Michelle said.

"Hello Mr. Carter," Hannah said shyly, without looking up.

"What's wrong Hans? You've never encountered such sexiness?" He smirked as he slid his hand slowly down his perfect abs.

"Don't worry Hannah, you'll get used to him." Michelle rolled her eyes, "where's the birthday gir-"

"Shhh!" Jordan covered her mouth with his hand, "she doesn't know anything yet. Keep it that way please?"

"Okay. My lips are sealed." Michelle pretended to zip her lips.

"Hey JC," Ryan came through the door, "you good?"

"Hey Ry," they did their bro handshake. "Is everything in place?"

"Yes. We're just waiting for the guest of honor to arrive," Ryan nudged Jordan with his arm.

"Oh, she will be there." Jordan smiled.

"She's still clueless?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah." He nodded.

"Why don't you guys ask the help, Angelo, to make you a drink or something. If you're hungry then ask Nina to make something quickly. I'll call you once she's done taking a bath." Jordan's phone buzzed on the nightstand and he went over to answer it.

"Yes?"

"We have located her."

"Where?

"Thailand."

"Do what you got to do to bust her out of there."

"We're on it JC."

"Keep me posted."

He threw the phone on the comforter and sat on the edge of the bed; lost in thought. He didn't hear Lana walk up to him and place her hand on his shoulder.

"Hey..are you okay?"

"What?" he turned around, "yeah baby. I'm okay." I pulled her to stand in between his legs and looked up at her.

"You seemed deep in thought?" She put her hands around his neck.

"I don't ever want to lose you, Lana." He burst out as he wrapped his arms tightly around her and buried his head in her towel.

"What's going on babe? You can talk to me.." Lana combed through his hair with her fingers.

Jordan didn't answer her with words but he responded with his body. He lifted her onto the bed and attacked her lips and her neck with hot fierce kisses.

"Jord-" Lana had never seen him like this and she was confused. 'Maybe my Mom got to him?' She thought to herself.

"I don't want to talk right now-I just want to get lost in you okay?" He continued to assault her body with his mouth and she gave in to his needs.

She didn't understand where this sudden insecurity came from but it was very unsettling. She would get it out of him eventually but for now, she would just be here for him. He had never behaved in this manner before.

Jordan buried himself in her, his fears were temporarily forgotten. But at the back of his mind, he knew that he had to come clean-sooner rather than later...