Chapter 166: A million dollar for a smile 3

''Is better to leave the door open'' he said to her and she nodded her head nervously before taking her hand away. She walked to the middle of the room and pointed at the study chair.

''You can sit here; I will use the bed''

''Sure'' Jordan placed the bag on the table and sat on the chair. Silence issued in the room as they both felt nervous in their own way.

''Your room is nice… and neat'' Jordan said and Paige chuckled.

''Yes''

''Why did you allow him to answer your phone calls?'' Jordan asked as soon as he remembered it.

''Huh? That wasn't intentional. I… it won't happen again'' Paige said and he smiled.

''The porridge. Should I open it for you?'' Jordan asked as he removed the bowl from the bag.

''Yes, thank you'' Paige said as she stood up to collect the bowl. Jordan opened the bowl and dipped the spoon inside it. He didn't give the bowl to her, instead, he stood up and pulled his chair closer to the bed and sat down before he turned to Paige who was still handing with her hands stretched in the air.

''Come here and sit. How can I left a sick person eat by herself?'' he asked her and she turned to face him ''come and sit down. hurry, or do you want me to feed you while you stand?''

''No, no need for that'' Paige and hurried to the bed. She sat facing him and he fetched a spoon of the porridge for her. Paige leaned closer and opened her mouth, taking it in as she stared at his freshly shaved face. She could smell his after shave which was pleasant.

''How many times has that man fed you before apart from that time at the restaurant? No, start from when you first met him. How many times had he fed you?'' Jordan asked seriously.

''This question… is the answer really necessary?'' Paige asked feeling awkward.

''It is. I need to fill up those days and then start my own time with you''

''But… this is not a race''

''It is a race to me. So, tell me''

''That… I don't think I can remember but it isn't that much. Just about a couple of times''

'How many times. I need a number to work with''

'Well… maybe a little over 2…''

''20 times?'' Jordan cut in and Paige shook her head.

''I meant a little over 200 times?'' Paige said sceptically and Jordan frowned.

''Were you that happy to be fed by him? Did the food taste that good when he fed you?''

''No. This taste better'' Paige said and pointed at the porridge ''Jordan, I'm hungry''

''After this, I still have to feed you for another 199 times to fill that up before I can let that go'' Jordan said and looked up meeting Paige's gaze. He paused and stared at her. Paige placed her hand on his lap suddenly for support as she leaned closer to kiss him and Carlien walked in. She saw them and screamed turning back. Paige turned towards the door and saw Carlien and mistakenly knocked the bowl off and it fell on Jordan's trousers.

''I'm sorry, I'm sorry'' Carlien said and ran away.

''Jordan, are you okay?'' Paige asked worriedly as she looked at him.

''Can I use your bathroom. I need to clean this'' Jordan said calmly and she nodded hurriedly.

''Over there, I will bring you trousers from my father's room'' Paige said and ran out of the room flushed. Jordan smiled and murmured to himself.

''Was she going to kiss me?''

...

Paige got to the hall and saw Carlien trying to hide and she spoke to her ''come out already''

''Paige, I swear it wasn't intentional. I really wish I could curse myself right now for being the one to destroy your chances of getting your first kiss from Jordan. I hate myself right now. You can't even begin to imagine how much'' Carlien said in one breath and looked at Paige.

''Come over here'' Paige said to her.

''Paige, don't do anything in a rush. I know I spoilt your chances but I promise I can create an opportunity for you if you give me the chance'' Carlien said thinking Paige was going to tickle her.

''I'm not going to tickle you. just come and sit here. I want to ask you something'' Paige said and Carlien heaved a relief before going to the dining table to sit by Paige.

''I'm here''

''What will he think of me Carly?'' Paige asked surprising Carlien.

''About what?''

''Aye, about the ki… kiss. I almost kissed him. God, I think I went crazy just looking at him''

''He will either think you are a crazy girl or he might be happy you took the first step to get closer to him. Either way, you can only know the answer when you ask him''

''I can't ask him. I'm already ashamed of my actions. I think I should stay away from him for a while. What if I suddenly can't control myself and pounce on him?'' Paige said.

''Well, avoiding him won't make things go away. Why don't you just ask him straight away. Ask him whether he likes you or not. He had been giving you signals that he likes you but he needs to tell you with his mouth. That way, you won't be confused about how to act in front of him''

''You are right. tomorrow, after school, I will ask him''

''Are you not going to get him a change of pants? He must be waiting for you''

''Right, I will be back'' Paige said and went into her father's room.

...…..

At the grocery store, Thomas Payin went round picking a few vegetables as he chatted with Joel.

''You like Paige, right?'' he asked Joel who seemed surprised.

''Uncle Thom''

''I always wondered whether you knew about Paige's feelings or not, but I am certain you knew she liked you. Why did you keep so long in accepting her feelings?''

''You are right. I always knew about Paige's feelings but I also always thought of her as a sister. I don't know when I started to feel differently about her, but, I feel that it's too late. Paige seems to like that man. Uncle, you seem to also like him''

''Joel, it is not the matter of whether I like him or not. In the end, I am a parent who wants the happiness of his child. Whoever Paige chooses, I will like that person because I know Paige best. She knows what is good for herself. I will always support her choices. Off course, I would have preferred you because I know you for a long time, but, this is about my daughter's happiness. Also, I can see that, that boy isn't so bad. If you find it unfair to give up on Paige, then fight for her fairly. But, what I don't want is to see you using the fact that we are like a family to make decisions for Paige. She might not be able to tell you because she respects you and don't want to sever the ties we have built for years, but it doesn't also mean it is right to do that''

''I know, uncle. I won't do that again''

''Joel, you will always be our family no matter whether Paige ends up with you or that boy. Nothing will change''

''I know''

''I like you because you are very objective. I think I've picked almost everything I need. Let's go and settle the bill'' Thomas Payin patted Joel's back as they went towards the counter.

....

''I will hang the trousers on the doorknob. I will be downstairs with Carlien if you finish, you can join us'' Paige said and hanged the trousers on the door knob and hurried back out of the room.

After she left, Jordan opened the door and removed the trousers. He quickly changed into it and went out of the bathroom. He removed a small brown envelope containing money and placed it under the pillow of Paige before going out. That was the money for the laundry she did at his house yesterday.

.....

Thomas Payin and Joel arrived holding bags of groceries in their hands. Jordan got to the hall and saw them send the groceries to the kitchen. Thomas Payin saw Jordan in his trousers and looked at him.

''Dad, the porridge accidentally poured on his trousers, so I took your trousers for him to wear'' Paige explained quickly.

''I see'' Thomas Payin said meaningfully.

''Dad, it isn't what you think'' Paige said.

''I didn't say anything''

''Uncle, I will help you in the kitchen'' Jordan said to him.

''That won't do. You are our guest. Sit back and relax. Paige, you and Carlien and Joel can play with Jordan while I prepare dinner. Let me tell you, I do my kitchen work alone, so you don't need to feel bad''

''Let's go to the hall and chat'' Joel said and took the lead. Carlien and Paige looked at each other before joining him and Jordan.