Read Jordan's Return for Free Online

Thank you.”
    â€œMy pleasure,” she said, and meant it. Jordan glanced around the table. “Time for cleanup,” she prompted, and the boys sprang into action.
    Rob rose as well and began to help but Jordan swatted him away. “This is part of their chores. Please, just sit and relax.”
    Rob sat back and enjoyed the sight of Jordan and her sons working together in the kitchen. She ran a very tight ship. A single mom would have to do such things, he realized. In a matter of minutes, the room was immaculate. He was amazed the boys didn’t complain about having to help out so much, but maybe it was just because they had company. He smiled as Jordan placed a kiss on each of the boy’s heads.
    His smile turned to a frown when he realized this could very well signify an end to their night and he wasn’t ready to leave this family yet. He was enjoying himself and had hoped to have more time to talk with Jordan alone. Thinking quickly, Rob rose from his chair and clapped his hands together.
    â€œWho’s up for ice cream?” he asked. He risked a look at Jordan and mentally kicked himself. Maybe she didn’t allow for such things. He was mildly surprised when he got a positive response from all three Mannings. The boys ran off to their room to grab their jackets and waited anxiously by the front door while Jordan went to her room to get one for herself.
    As they walked out the front door, Rob said, “There’s a great place down by the beach.”
    â€œWe’re already by the beach, Rob,” Jake reminded him. Rob chuckled and patted the boy on the head.
    â€œI meant it’s within walking distance,” he said to Jordan. “If you don’t mind the walk.” Though she showed no outward signs of difficulty from her accident, Rob wasn’t sure if she was fully up to walking around town.
    â€œThat sounds nice,” she replied as she slipped a black cardigan sweater on.
    Rob held the picket gate open for them and as Jordan walked past him, she caught a hint of his aftershave. Without conscious thought, she said the name of it out loud. She smiled at the thought that the simple woodsy scent was still his.
    â€œExcuse me?” he chirped from behind her.
    Jordan blushed furiously and ducked her head. “Nothing,” she said as she walked as fast as her still-sore body would allow to catch up with her sons, thoroughly embarrassed.
    Real smooth, Jordan, she chided herself. He probably thinks you’ve been pining away for him all these years.
    Soon they were all heading down the few short blocks to the beach. The thought of seeing the sun set on the ocean had Jordan picking up her pace a little. She breathed in the salty air. The smells of the beach filled her senses, and she inhaled deeply and smiled. It was early September and the nights hadn’t cooled much yet, but there was still a hint of a breeze coming from the ocean. Once they reached the sand, Jordan stopped and kicked off her shoes. She turned when she heard Rob’s soft laughter.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?”
    â€œStill hate to wear shoes on the beach, I see,” he observed.
    Jordan found herself laughing, too. “Honestly, who likes to wear shoes in the sand?”
    His eyes were watching her intently and Jordan felt very aware of him at the moment. It was getting hard to force her gaze away, but the sound of Jake and Joseph taking off down the sand forced her to straighten and stare after them.
    â€œBoundless energy, those two,” she muttered with mental exhaustion.
    â€œI’ll handle it. You take your time,” he said and took off, sprinting after them.
    Jordan watched him run. No one had the right to look that good in motion. He had a confident air about him, and rightfully so. It had always been that way. Rob looked good in everything he did, particularly when he was involved in physical activities.
    Great, now there was a mental picture that was going