Chapter 32 - Jordan

When he first arrived back at the house, there was an odd feeling of displacement. Everything in his home was in order like nothing happened three nights ago. But for whatever reason, home felt different, now.

"Son, how long do you want us to stay and help out? We can be here for as long as you need us to be," his father said, as they all sat in the spacious living room.

"Honestly, I've got a lot of help. I know you have flights scheduled tomorrow, so you're okay to head back home. It's really up to you." His manager had already arranged for his therapy to start and he still had his housekeeper to assist with chores. Even before the Darcy situation, Alex was supposed to move back into her place in at the end of that week, so he had her too, until then.

"Ok, then. We will stay tonight, then head back home, as scheduled. You've got Vince and your team to help, not to mention Alex is probably the only company you really want." His mother laughed. Jordan laughed too, but his mother wasn't lying. Alex was the only company he wanted, but he wondered if she would still want to stay the rest of the week after she faces a crazed fan in his house. His home was supposed to be a sanctuary for her, but she faced the worst danger possible, there. Perhaps she'd feel more comfortable staying with Zee or her mother, now that they were on good terms, again.

"I think I'm going to lay down for a bit," Jordan announced. "Vince already moved my things into the downstairs guest room, so I'll be in there if anyone needs me."

He got to his feet and grabbed his crutches from the side of the couch.

Alex rushed up and placed his arm around her shoulder, "I'll help you, babe. Just lean on me."

The two hobbled across the house to the guest room. Alex assisted Jordan with getting onto the bed, then carefully took his shoes off. Jordan just watched quietly, partly embarrassed and partly in awe of how lucky he was to have her in his life.

"Thank you, Alex, but don't feel like you have to do all of that, for me. Rule number one, remember? I'm supposed to be spoiling you."

"Well, maybe we should change that rule to: 'we'll always take care of each other'," Alex said, climbing into the bed next to Jordan, then snuggling up to him. He placed his right arm around her.

"Alex?" he asked, hoping not to be disappointed, "Do you feel comfortable, here? In this house?"

Alex thought for a moment, then shook her head, yes.

"What happened here was crazy. What happened at my apartment was crazy, too. But at the end of the day, I think anything can happen to anyone, anywhere. What's important are the people in your life and how you're treating them, while they're around. I used to want to keep things private between us. Even after we went public, I was careful not to post about us, too much, or even talk about us beyond special occasions. But after almost losing you, I don't have time for that anymore. You're going to know how I feel about you every day we're together and so will everyone else. I don't care what the fans think or how the studio feels. I love you, and that's that."

Jordan smiled wide, saying, "Ok then...don't go back to your place."

Alex looked up at him, brow furrowed with her nose slightly scrunched, "Why would I leave, now? Your parents will be gone tomorrow and I plan on staying here until you're fully recovered. That's going to take a few months, at least."

"Yes, but I don't want you to leave after that either." His face was serious as he looked into her deep brown eyes, "Alex, I want you to move in with me."

When Alex had gotten into the bed and tucked herself into his side, he realized that the unsettled feeling he felt when he initially came back to his house disappeared. Alex made him feel comfortable and settled. Over the course of their relationship, she'd become the person he looked forward to coming home to every day; the person he could have a wordless conversation with; the person he needed by his side every night. Alex filled a void Jordan never realized was there and he didn't want her to go.

"Will you at least take some time to think about it?"

"No," Alex said, matter-of-factly. Jordan's jaw tensed at the immediate rejection.

"I don't need anytime to think about it. I want to stay. I'll move in with you."

"You play too much," Jordan said, exhaling and squeezing her arm.

"Not true! You didn't even let me take a breath before you started getting in your feelings!" Alex responded, bringing his face towards hers and softly kissing his lips. His jaw relaxed as he pressed into her kiss and pulled her in closer. Despite everything that had happened, life was perfect. He was holding the woman he loved and had no plans of ever letting her go.