Chapter Thirteen

Lance

As I open my eyes, the low, speckled ivory ceiling appears before me.

I stare at it as I try to recall where I am. My apartment? No, my bedroom ceiling is pale blue and much higher. A cheap hotel? But I never go to cheap ones anymore. Someone's house?

Then I glance at the burgundy armchair and my memory returns.

This is Jordan's house. Last night, I came over to watch her bake and taste the result. And yes, I did get a taste of the result.

I sit up and the bed creaks. I turn my head and see the empty space behind me.

Jordan isn't here. Did she even come back after she went to the bathroom? I don't know. I must have been more tired than I thought and ended up falling asleep.

I toss the blanket aside and get out of bed. My head almost hits the ceiling.

I look up at it with a frown.

Last night I didn't even notice how low it was. Well, last night I had more important things to pay attention to.

At the memory of Jordan's lips quivering against mine, of her breasts poking up at me, of the sight of her trying not to make a sound even as the rest of her body went wild beneath me, a grin forms on my lips. Heat stirs in my crotch.

Damn, that was good. Great. But again, it all happened too fast. There's just something about Jordan that makes me lose all control.

I glance at the bed.

Well, next time, I'll take things more slowly, thoroughly.

Next time? Wasn't this supposed to be just one sequel?

But no. Just thinking about Jordan makes me want to take her again. Twice isn't enough.

I run my fingers over the crumpled sheets.

I won't let her go until I'm satisfied.

For now, though, I'll go back to William's house and take a shower. And let Mrs. Cooper know that I'm fine in case she's noticed I haven't come home.

She may act like she doesn't care, but she's got a strong maternal instinct.

I walk out of the small room. As I pass by the stairs, I look up. I don't hear any sound. I'm sure Jordan's up there, sleeping with her son. It's still early, after all, and a lot of stuff did happen yesterday.

I grab my coat, put on my boots and let myself out. As soon as I leave the front porch, snow starts to sprinkle on me. I look up at the sky and a snowflake lands on my nose. I wipe it off.

Another snowy day getting ready to paint the portrait of a white Christmas.

I wrap my coat tighter around myself and walk to William's house. The snow sinks beneath my rubber soles and creates a trail for fresh snowflakes to gloss over.

As I leave my boots by the front door, I hear footsteps approach.

"Good morning, Mrs. Cooper. I - "

I stop as I lift my head and find brown eyes instead of gray on the other end of my gaze, copper hair instead of black and white.

Red lips curve into a grin. "Hello, Lance."

I frown. "What are you doing here, Elaine?"

"I heard you weren't coming home for Christmas." She leans against the wall. "So I thought I'd see you before heading home. I haven't seen you in ages, after all."

I take off my boot and walk towards the living room.

"When did you arrive?"

"Just an hour ago. The kind housekeeper let me in after I said I was your sister."

"Half sister," I remind her.

She shrugs.

I narrow my eyes at her. "Mrs. Cooper let you in?"

"Like I said, she's kind. She didn't want me shivering in the cold."

I roll my eyes. "I'm sure you pulled off quite the act again."

Another shrug. "Well, I am studying to be an actress."

"Really?" My eyebrows crease. "Last I heard, you were studying something about hospitality. Is that a pre-Hollywood course now?"

She punches my shoulder. "Don't be an ass. You know Dad just wants me to have a degree before I give acting a try, even though I told him a few times I could always get my degree when I'm famous."

"He's your dad. Not mine." I sink into an armchair. "How did you even know I was here?"

"Michael."

Of course. He'd tell her if she pestered him enough. And I'm sure she did.

"And is the rest of the family coming?" I ask her.

"No, silly." She sits on the couch. "Like I said, I only came to see you for a bit. I don't think Mom knows you're here. Or that I am."

I let out a sigh of relief.

Elaine sits back. "Do you hate the family that much?"

"They're your family," I tell her.

"Yours, too. It's not like you have a wife and a child."

I say nothing.

She leans on the arm of the couch. "Where were you last night?"

"None of your business."

"With a woman, I bet." She gives me a mischievous grin. "Did you find someone to play with in this little snow-covered town?"

I get up on my feet and tuck my hands in my pockets.

"If you came just to throw stones at me, or your opinions, I suggest you leave." I glance at my watch. "As soon as possible."

Elaine pouts. "You really are an ass."

"Then why did you come see me?"

"Because I miss you."

"Try again."

"Because I saw you on the cover of a magazine and realized I didn't really know you even though you're the only brother I have."

I glance at her. "You have Ralph, remember?"

"He and I don't have the same blood. It doesn't count."

"We only have half the same blood," I point out. "Maybe not even."

"Half is better than none."

I turn to her. "So, what? You want an interview now?"

"Heavens, no." Her eyebrows bunch up. "I want some money for new clothes and makeup. I didn't know you were that rich."

I grin as I cast a glance at the ceiling. I should have known.

"It is Christmas, you know. It's the time for giving."

I narrow my gaze at her. "If I give you money, will you leave as soon as possible?"

Elaine shrugs. "Maybe after I eat, take a nap and have a shower. In that order."

I frown. That doesn't sound soon enough.

"Also, after you fix my computer. It's been acting weird."

Another ulterior motive. Yeah, she missed me, alright.

"Do I look like a member of the Geek Squad to you?"

"Do it and I won't tell Mom you're here."

Oh, I hate her.

"Fine. Where's your computer?"

"Upstairs." Elaine pats my shoulder. "I'll give it to you later after I eat what Mrs. Cooper's prepared. You should take a shower. I don't know where your fingers have been, and I don't want any suspicious smudges on my keys."

She marches off towards the kitchen. My eyes throw daggers at her back.

"Oh, by the way." She turns on a red heel. "It's good to see you again, brother."

"Half brother."

She grins. "I rounded it off."

As she disappears from sight, I roll my eyes.

Why do I get the feeling that someone just put coal in my stocking?

I let out a sigh and head to the stairs. I just hope Elaine leaves soon.

~

"There." I set Elaine's laptop on the coffee table in front of her. "It's all fixed. Now you can leave."

She looks up from the book she's reading but says nothing.

"You're welcome," I add before turning my back to her.

"And my money?"

I let out a sigh. Before I can say another word, I hear the thud of brass against wood. A knock on the door.

I wonder who it is. Audrey? Jordan?

"I'll get it!" Elaine volunteers excitedly.

"Wait..."

I try to stop her, but she's already running towards the door. By the time I catch up to her, the door's open. Jordan and Claus are standing outside.

Great.

"Hello there," Elaine greets.

Jordan's eyes grow wide as they gaze at her.

"Oh, we haven't met." Elaine offers her hand. "I'm Elaine. I came to see Lance."

"Oh." Jordan reluctantly shakes her hand.

I clear my throat. "Elaine is - "

"You must be the neighbors," Elaine cuts me off. Then she pinches Claus's cheek. "Oh, you're so cute."

Claus frowns as he rubs his cheek.

"What's that you have there?" Elaine points to the round tin box in Jordan's hands.

"It's... um... macaroons."

"Macaroons?"

She glances at me. "The ones I baked last night. They're all yours, remember?"

"Oh, right." Elaine takes the box. "The macaroons. How could you forget them, Lance?"

She opens the box and grabs one of the pink cookies.

"My favorite." She stuffs it inside her mouth. "Mmm. This is really good."

Claus frowns. "But that's not for - "

Jordan claps a hand over his mouth. I already know what he was trying to say, though.

I take the box from Elaine. "I believe that's mine."

"Oh, I thought what's yours is mine." She sucks on her thumb. "Being as close as we are."

My eyes narrow. What is she playing at?

"We better go," Jordan says as she steps back. "I still have stuff to do at home."

Claus seems to be mumbling something, but her hand muffles the words.

I throw her a puzzled look. "You don't have to - "

"Thank you for the macaroons," Elaine says. "And for your warm hospitality last night. I'm sure the snow was falling down so hard that he couldn't come home."

Jordan blushes.

I throw my half sister a harsh glance. "Elaine!"

She just grins, though. No sign of remorse. And Jordan is already walking away, Claus in tow. I try to run after her, but Elaine clutches my arm.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," she says. "She's upset, and women don't listen when they're upset."

"And whose fault is that, huh?" I wrench my arm away. "Why did you have to do that, Elaine?"

"Because I love drama," Elaine answers as she retreats inside the house.

My jaw clenches. I seriously want to throw her off a cliff right now.

Elaine sighs. "You like her that much, huh?" She turns around. "Wait. Don't tell me you're in love with her."

I close the door. "I'm not telling you anything."

"And she seems to be in love with you, too," Elaine adds.

My eyebrows arch. She does?

"Or she wouldn't be that jealous. Trust me. That wasn't an act."

I turn to Elaine with narrowed eyes. "Were you testing her?"

She shrugs. "Maybe."

She grins as she twirls a copper strand of her hair around her finger.

"You're not mad anymore, are you?"

"Wrong," I answer. "I still want to wring your neck."

Elaine chuckles. "I have to say she seems nice. She did bake for you. And they are good macaroons."

"I didn't ask for your opinion."

"But she has a kid. I thought you didn't sleep with mothers."

I purse my lips.

"Then again, that kid was cute. He reminds me of how you looked when you were a kid."

I cock my head to one side. "How would you know?"

"I saw all the embarrassing pictures." Elaine gives a wide grin. "Even the... naughty ones."

I roll my eyes.

"You don't want those leaked to the press, do you, brother?"

"Half brother," I correct her again. "I can't believe how many times you've tried to blackmail me today."

"Just thrice."

I glare at her. "I should sue you."

"But you won't, because I'm flesh and blood."

I grin. "You really think that will spare you, my dear half sister?"

She just grins in return.

I sigh. "Now will you leave?"

Elaine stretches out her hand.

I take out my wallet and hand her a wad of bills. I usually don't carry a lot of cash, but I did stock up for this trip.

She stares at the money. "Hmm. I don't think that's enough."

"I fixed your computer," I remind her.

"In exchange for me not telling Mom you're here," she retorts. "I need a bit more."

"Fine." I put a few more bills in her hand.

"I need money for the plane fare, too. After all, I bought a ticket to see you instead of paying for my ticket home."

"And whose clever plan was that?"

She says nothing.

I add another bill. "That should cover it."

Elaine stuffs the bills inside her pocket and plants a quick kiss on my cheek.

"Merry fucking Christmas."

She walks off with a spring in her step, then stops and glances over her shoulder.

"Oh, one last thing."

"What?" I ask impatiently.

"I need a lift to the airport."

"Fine," I say. "Whatever it takes to get you out of here."

She sticks out her tongue and skips on.

I glance at the front door. As soon as Elaine's gone, I'll explain everything to Jordan, and hopefully, everything will be alright.