IN MY FATHER'S GODSON'S BED

The air around the airport was cold and crisp. The noise was faint, but she knew what was to come was far noisier. She heaved a deep sigh as they drove by the lobby. Her father turned swiftly to her, her mood was void of emotions. He glanced at her waiting for an expression, but Irene kept her emotions flat. She was still angry with the fact he canceled her accommodations at the hostel to be with Jordan, her worst nightmare. “Still upset?” His voice broke into her thoughts, as he brought the car to a stop. Irene turned to him, “Well, who wouldn't be?” She sighed again. Her father flashes a small smile, unaware of her. “ Jordan promised to take care of you. At least I trust him. Have you heard of the recent stories in that same hostel? I can't take chances with my little girl, and you know that.” He said calmly, her daughter was everything to him. Irene had grown so fast in the space of eight years. She is twenty-three now. She was no longer his little girl who waited for him to read her bedtime stories. This time she looked more like a grown woman. And even without his supervision, men flocked around her like ants attracted to honey. “And Jordan is the best choice?” She arched her brows at him, “He graduated from the same college three years ago. So I see him like a big brother. You two don't get along, don't you think he deserves a chance?” The pressure in his voice weakened her. She could never win over an argument with her father. Her eyes flickered. “Sure papa… I'll try,” she said, dragging her words,“ But…. I'm not promising you.” She finally breathed out. “That would be great.” She sat there wondering if agreeing was the best option. Jordan was someone she dreaded. Her first encounter with him four years back was the most embarrassing one. She had confessed her feelings to him but was rejected with a text later that evening, and now she had to breathe and live in the same space as him for the next four years. “Well, for what it's worth, he has a girlfriend now.” She mumbled to herself as she got out, the gentle wind blew her brown hair backwards, exposing her shoulders. Her slender body, which exposed her defined curves with the cardigan she tied over her tiny waist. She walked over, with her suitcase she took off her glasses, hanging them over her head as her father's voice brought through. “Be good, my little girl. I'll see you during the summer break.” “Don't miss me too much.” She teased, as her heart clenched watching him drive away. “All passengers on board for the next flight to California. Get on board now,” the intercom broke through her thoughts. “This is it, Irene.” She said to herself, as she walked into the airport. . . . The flight landed on the tarmac. As she and everyone else got off the plane, the aura was different. For some reason she felt tense. With time, she located her boxes, and headed to the lobby to wait for him. Just then her phone buzzed, she took it out, “Papa…. I just landed.” She told him over the phone. “I miss you already. Home is quiet now.” “Papa…..” her voice cooed. Somehow, she felt guilty choosing a place really far from home but her father watched her like a cop, and she needed freedom. She didn't have a mom, apparently she did shortly after she was born. “Irene….? Still there…” her father's voice said, bringing her back to reality. “Sorry I was lost in thoughts, Papa...” she replied, taking her seat. “Be a good girl. Is Jordan there?” he asked. She rolled her eyes, as she hissed lightly. “Your favorite godson isn't here yet. How gentlemanly.” She grimaced. “Judging already?” Her father almost laughed. “Don't laugh papa. If you had let me stay in the hostel, then I'd be closer to Morin. I still don't get why you're scared.” “I can't trust Morin, you are both crazy.” “And Jordan isn't?” “No I'm not.” A deep husky voice said behind her, her heart sank immediately as she heard the one voice she had been dying to hear years ago. She lifted her gaze to meet his angelic blue eyes. “Hi, Irene Morgan Ross,” he said again, her gut clenched as he let out a slight cough. “Is that Jordan?” “Talk to you later Papa,” she said, cutting him off as she hung up. Her breath hitched as she stood up, Her eyes swept in a bid to access him, he was tall, really tall now from the last time he visited. His face was carved to perfection, and his chest? Broad as ever. He looked breathtaking, sending shivers down her spine immediately. He was just twenty-eight, and he had grown so much into a fine young man. “I'm guessing I'm that handsome. You've been speechless.” His voice cut through her admiration as she frowned. “Oh you wish….” She lied, as she ran her hair behind her ears nervously. “Cute,” he suddenly said, accessing her with his eyes in ways she found uncomfortable. “What's cute?” She squeezed her face. “The last time it was foams and tissues in those now… I can see...” he smirked. Her gaze darkened, "You're sick.” She cursed under her breath. He smirked as he took two steps closer to her, his eyes fixed on her. “Sick? More like aroused…” She froze on the spot, as she clenched the strap of her handbag tightly. Jordan loved the reaction he got, wanting to play along. He smirked as he drew close to her. She stepped back, her legs almost hitting the edge of the chair behind her. He leaned close, only inches away from her. “Miss me?” he said, his deep voice sent shivers down her spine, the butterflies in her stomach increased. She gulped down the lump in her throat, which sounded very obvious to Jordan. He leaned in, their lips just an inch apart as she shut her eyes. He smiled, then went around as he took hold of her suitcase and walked away. Irene slowly opened her eyes, embarrassment washed her face. “Jordan, you….!!” She cursed under her breath as she stood them watching him, before following him shortly.