Questing (Cosmis Connections, Book One) Read Free

give you my number. I’d like you to call me after you make arrangements for the tickets. I’m sure you’ll be treated properly but I’d still like to know on the off chance that he doesn’t have any for that game and I need to give you another source.”
    “Call you?” Kiley was stunned. Imagine, talking to Jordan on the phone. She couldn’t decide if it would be easier than it was in person because she wouldn’t be distracted by his incredible smile or if having his voice concentrated solely on her would make it even harder.
    “I’d appreciate it tremendously.” Jordan’s hand touched her cheek again. “Besides, I’ll worry about you all night if you don’t.”
    “Worry?” Kiley felt herself sway toward him. “About me?”
    “Mm, Dee told me you live alone,” Jordan said smoothly. “I always worry if you’ve gotten home safely, even though I can tell that you’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. Promise you’ll call me tonight about the tickets. It’ll give us a chance to chat again.”
    She couldn’t believe she agreed although with him standing that close, holding her hand, talking like he was, she’d probably agree to anything he suggested. And yes, she had some suggestions of her own to add!
    The moment ended when another customer came in but before Kiley could pull away, Jordan leaned closer and brushed her cheek with a light kiss. “Thank you, Kiley. And happy birthday again. Now I think I better go get Brett and Dee out of that plant they’re hiding in before they fall through it.”
    Kiley stared, stunned when she realized that he meant they’d been spying the whole time. As she turned to greet the new arrival, she felt the flush creep up her neck and knew her face was bright red.
    * * * * *
     
    During the afternoon lull, Kiley closed herself in her boss’s office to call the scalper. As she stared at the number Jordan had given her, she replayed their conversation. She could almost feel his hand on hers as it had been. He had wanted to celebrate her birthday with her. He thought she was pretty. He was attracted to her and was interested in getting to know her better. He said he worried about her safety at night, which meant he thought about her away from the restaurant. He’d been so quick to offer to help her. And he hadn’t been offended when she implied that he was a criminal. What a ninny she was to think such a thing! Jordan McKade was a decent man. Just because people said he made money hand over fist it didn’t mean he did it illegally as some assumed. Not when so many others firmly believed he was so successful because he was a true financial genius. Still, he was able to produce a scalper’s number instantly. Then again, Brett had once commented that Jordan always remembered anything having to do with numbers. And it was Will who suggested she go to him for help. With the way he and Dee always fussed over her, he certainly wouldn’t have her do that if he didn’t trust Jordan.
    With a deep breath, Kiley dialed.
    “Yo,” a gruff voice answered.
    “Uh, hello?” she began tentatively.
    “Speak up, cupcake,” the voice growled.
    “Um, hi, I, uh, need some tickets,” she continued.
    “Wrong number,” he snapped impatiently.
    “Wait. Please. I…um, Jordan gave me this number.” Kiley feared he’d hang up before she could explain.
    “McKade?”
    “Yes. Jordan McKade.”
    “Why didn’t ya say so?” He sounded slightly less annoyed. “Whatcha need, cupcake?”
    “Hockey tickets.” She quickly told him which game it was.
    “No problem. Ya want ’em dropped?”
    “Um, yes. Please. Jordan said I should ask you to do that.” She told him where she worked. “When do I pay you?”
    “Pay?”
    “Uh, yes. I need to pay you. For the tickets, that is.” Kiley was flustered because the man was laughing so hard.
    “You sure McKade gave you this number?”
    “Yes. Is something wrong?”
    “Not a thing, cupcake.” He was still chuckling. “You