Jordan's Second Chance 3.1

Hello everyone and welcome to another addition to Wednesday's Briefs! For those new to the group, every Wednesday a group of authors write a 550-1000 word flash using either a verbal or written prompt. This week I've chosen two; I'm going to use a chair and use the verbal prompt; "Oh, I love it!"

This week we continue Jordan's Second Chance. Jordan has been receiving mysterious phone calls that put him on edge. Wynter vows to get to the bottom of things and find out what those calls are about, however, will Jordan trust him enough to tell him? I hope you enjoy this latest installment.

Happy reading,

TC

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Jordan’s Second Chance 3.1

            Wynter smiled as Jordan growled and chased Lucas around their family room. His heart warmed at the sound of Lucas’s delighted squeal. He was such a cute and precocious child. Jordan was a good father and it showed. Lucas had once told him in a whisper that his dad was his best friend. Wynter had whispered back that his father had also been his best friend.

            Wynter shook his head, not wanting to rehash the memories. He was slowly learning to cope with the guilt he felt over his parents’ deaths. He had some good days where he could beat it off, but other days when the guilt would unexpectedly hit him and depression seemed to crush him under its weight. Nana had told him he would struggle with these feelings for a long time and to take it one day at a time. Wynter knew how lucky he was to have Jordan, Lucas and Nana in his life. They kept him grounded and gave him a reason to get out of bed every day.

            Nana’s call for dinner brought Wynter out of his reverie. “Yay, food! Let’s wash our hands together, Wynter,” Lucas called, running over to grab Wynter’s hand and pull him toward the bathroom.

            “Ok,” Wynter agreed with a smile, allowing Lucas to pull him into the half bathroom.

            They walked into the kitchen to the sight of Chicken Alfredo, a garden salad and garlic bread. Wynter’s mouth began to water. He loved Nana’s Chicken Alfredo and knew the pasta and bread were homemade. Wynter pulled his chair out and calmly took a seat, resisting the urge to lunge for his food. Nana would have his head if he didn’t display proper table manners.

            Lucas bounced in his seat and clapped his hands. “Oh, I love it!” he mumbled between a mouthful of pasta.

            “Swallow your food before you speak,” Nana and Jordan instructed together.

            Lucas nodded, shoveling in another bite. Wynter grinned. Lucas was eating as if he was afraid someone would come and snatch his plate at any moment. Picking up his fork, Wynter took a bite and groaned. His Nana was the best cook.

            Movement across the table caught Wynter’s attention. He glanced up and gasped. The heat radiating from Jordan sent shivers through his body. His cock twitched in his jeans, thickening. Wynter blushed and shifted in his seat. Jordan smirked and winked, causing a groan to escape. Jordan was just too damn sexy!

            “Wynter!” Nana scolded, nodding toward Lucas.

            Wynter jumped and dropped his head, repentant. He peeked at Jordan and stuck his tongue out at him, feeling childish. Lucas saw it and giggled. Nana shook her head and muttered as she began gathering everyone’s plates. Wynter raced around the table and kissed her cheek before grabbing the tableware to put in the dishwasher. Jordan’s phone rang and he excused himself to answer it.

            “Wynter, can I watch cartoons?” Lucas asked, grabbing his pant leg.

            “Sure, let’s go to the family room.”

            “Yay,” Lucas said and hurried over there.

            Wynter turned the television on to Lucas’s desired channel and wandered to where he’d seen Jordan disappear. He heard Jordan’s angry voice before he turned the corner of the hallway that led to the patio. “Who are you and how did you get this number?”

            Silence and then Jordan growled, “No, damn it, don’t hang up!” Jordan gripped his phone and muttered, “Damn it!”

            Wynter took a tentative step toward Jordan. “What was that about?”

            Jordan shook his head and ran his hand through his hair, frustrated. “You remember those phone calls I kept getting over the past couple of weeks?”

            “Yeah.” Wynter nodded, remembering the way Jordan tensed every time his phone rang.

            “Whoever it was, only called me on my work cell so I had it changed.”

            Wynter frowned, confused. “But that’s your personal cell phone right?” he asked, nodding toward the flat screen device that was in danger of cracking from the choke hold Jordan had on it.

            “That’s what I don’t understand. No one should have my personal number but you, Nana and Lucas. It’s almost like …

            “They’re stalking you,” Wynter finished.

            Jordan nodded. “She.”

            “She?” Wynter repeated.

            “Yes. She’s only spoken twice but I don’t recognize her voice.”

            “What did she say?”

            “She said the same thing both times. ‘I know what you did. You can’t hide it forever.’”

            Wynter shivered, that sounded ominous. “Do you know what she meant?”

            Jordan paused, hesitant. “I … I might.”

            Wynter’s brows rose in shock. He’d never seen Jordan act like this. “Jordan, what’s going on?”

            Jordan sighed and shut the patio door. He paced, raking his fingers through his hair. After a few moments, he turned toward Wynter. “I think it might have something to do with Lucas’s mother.”

            “His mother?” Wynter gasped. Jordan and Lucas had never mentioned her, so Wynter had assumed she’d died and thought it might have been too painful to bring up.

            “Yeah. I killed her.”

 

To be continued …

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Jordan's Second Chance 3.0

Hey everyone and welcome to Wednesday's Briefs! For those new to the group, every Wednesday a group of authors post a flash fiction anywhere from 500-1000 words using a verbal or written prompt. This week, I am using the written prompt, "Wow, you could cut the tension with a knife".

This week we continue with Jordan's Second Chance. Wynter is coping with his new life after some devastating revelations about his past, however, as things seem to be settling down, trouble seems to have found Jordan. I hope you enjoy this latest installation.

Happy reading,

TC

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Jordan’s Second Chance 3.0

            Jordan smiled as he watched the small leopard cub pounce on the clouded leopard. Wynter and Lucas were playing, chasing each other in Wynter’s backyard. He’d been hesitant at first about letting Lucas play around outside in his leopard form. However, Nana had assured him that the fence she’d had erected a week ago provided ample protection. Wynter had also assured him that it was safe. He’d told Jordan that every night to let his leopard run.

            Jordan glanced down when he felt his hip vibrate. “Hello,” he answered.

Silence.

“Who is this?” Jordan snarled when the silence continued.

He’d started getting calls like this two days ago. Jordan had no idea who it could be but it was beginning to piss him off. At first he’d thought it was a mistake or prank call, however, the number of calls were increasing, erasing that theory. What also bothered Jordan was that whoever it was, only called on his work phone. He never gave his professional number out. The only ones who had it were his boss, the members of his team and their clients.

Jordan tensed when his phone rang once again. ‘Unavailable’. He wanted to ignore it, but knew there was a slim chance it could be from a potential customer. Which was why he couldn’t block ‘private or unavailable’ callers. “Hello?” he answered.

Silence.

Jordan growled and hung up. He was getting tired of this. He was going to put an end to it and get a new number. His boss would want answers, but Jordan didn’t have any to give. Jordan hated bringing mess into his professional life, but this time he had no choice. Hopefully with the new number, things would calm down.

Jordan sighed and smiled as he watched Wynter shift into his human form and put his clothes back on. Lucas was still in his shifted form and trying hard to catch a butterfly.  

“Lucas, Nana has ice cream!” Wynter called out.

“Yay! Ice cream,” Lucas yelled and raced to the back porch.

Wynter laughed. “Pants!”

“Oops.” Lucas blushed as he rushed to the lawn chair and pulled his shorts on. He waved at Jordan and rushed into the house.

“Wow, you could cut the tension with a knife. What’s going on, Jordan?” Wynter asked, coming to stand beside him.

“Nothing, just work,” Jordan said after a moment’s internal debate. Wynter had a lot on his plate and Jordan didn’t want to worry him. Besides, this mess would be over in a couple of days.

“Are you sure it doesn’t have anything to do with those phone calls you’ve been getting?” Wynter asked.

“What do you mean?” Jordan asked, tense.

“Your phone has been ringing a lot lately and every time it does, you get tense.”

 Jordan ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, it does, but I would prefer not to talk about it,” Jordan replied after a moment, not wanting to continue lying to Wynter.

“Understood. I’m here anytime you need me,” Wynter whispered, wrapping his arms around Jordan’s waist.

Jordan returned the embrace, tightening his grip. He’d never met anyone as kind or compassionate as Wynter. He was a rarity in today’s world and Jordan never wanted Wynter to lose those qualities. “Thank you. Let’s go in before Lucas eats all of the ice cream.”

Wynter laughed and headed for the door. As the pair walked into the house, Jordan’s phone rang once again. Pausing in the entryway, Jordan glanced at the caller ID. “Hello?”

“I know what you did. You can’t hide it forever.”

To be continued…

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Jordan's Second Chance 2.3

Hello everyone and welcome back to Wednesday's Briefs. For those new to the group, every Wednesday authors post flash fiction anywhere from 500-1000 words using a pictorial or verbal prompt. I am using a verbal prompt, "I can't help with that".

This week we continue with, 'Jordan's Second Chance 2.3'. Unable to face the guilt of his parents' deaths, Wynter has disappeared. Can Wynter cope with the overwhelming feelings flooding through him, or will he succumb to the dark abyss? I hope you like this latest addition.

Happy reading,

TC

Jordan’s Second Chance 2.3

 

            Wynter found himself wandering through the park where he’d first met Jordan and Lucas. Walking over to the large oak tree that had always soothed him, Wynter sat with his back to the tree and his legs drawn up. He wrapped his arms around his legs and rested his head on his arms. Wynter closed his eyes and inhaled, his breathing ragged. He’d wanted the truth of who he was his entire life—but not like this. To learn he was responsible for the deaths of his parents, what type of person did that make him? If he’d never been born, then his parents would be alive today, living a happy life.

            Wynter’s heartbeat sped up. He was an abomination. His whole life a lie. Jordan’s face flashed in Wynter’s mind, but he pushed it away. He no longer had the right to pursue anything with Jordan. He didn’t deserve to be happy. The only thing Wynter could do now was try to cope with knowledge that he’d been the cause of his parents’ death.

            “Wynter?”

            Wynter’s head snapped up when he heard his name being called through the trees. Jordan was hurrying toward him. “Didn’t you hear me? I called your name three times,” Jordan panted. He was dripping with sweat, his face ravaged with worry.

               “What are you doing here?” Wynter asked, making no move to get up. He ignored the happy yip of his leopard.

            “I was worried about you. Of course I’d come find you.” Jordan’s tone made it seem as if it should have been obvious to Wynter.

            “I’m . . .” Wynter began.

            “You’re not fine. If you prefer not to talk about it, just say that. Don’t lie to me and say you’re fine,” Jordan interrupted.

            Wynter nodded. “I’m sorry. I just needed to be alone and process what Nana told me. I never expected . . .” Wynter broke off, biting his lip.

            Jordan sighed and sat down. He reached over and grabbed Wynter’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “I know this must have come as a huge shock to you, but you’re not alone and you don’t have to deal with it alone. You have me, Lucas and Nana. I want you to remember that when it seems as if the walls are closing in on you.”

            Wynter gasped, his head snapping toward Jordan. That was exactly how he felt--as if the walls were closing in on him. “You know this feeling,” Wynter made it a statement, knowing instinctively Jordan’s past was not a happy one.

            “Don’t we all,” Jordan responded with a sad little smile.   

            “I know in my head that I didn’t kill my parents. But my heart is a different matter. I keep thinking that if I was born normal, then none of this would have happened. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do!” Wynter squeezed Jordan’s hand, hating himself.

            “I don’t think you’re supposed to do anything, but take it one day at a time. I can’t help with that part, but I can be here for you and lend you my shoulder anytime you feel you can’t handle it alone. I’m here, Wynter and I’m not going anywhere. So don’t be afraid to reach out for me. Ok?”

            Jordan dragged Wynter against his chest, touching his forehead against Wynter. “Ok?” he repeated softly.

            Wynter nodded, his fingers clutching Jordan’s broad shoulders. “Ok,” he answered. The large knot that had settled into his stomach, eased.

            “We should head back, Nana’s probably worried sick,” Wynter said moments later. He’d enjoyed lying in Jordan’s arms under the big oak tree, but he knew Nana was worried.

            Jordan nodded, helping Wynter to his feet. He cupped Wynter’s cheek, his forefinger raising his chin. Intense jade eyes searched Wynter’s, questioning. Wynter smiled, turning his head to kiss Jordan’s palm. “One day at a time, right?”

            Relief eased the tension around Jordan’s mouth. “That’s right.” Grabbing Wynter’s hand, he led them over to their cars. “I’ll be right behind you,” he said. He buckled Wynter in and shut the car door.

            Wynter nodded and started the car. He waved at Jordan, grateful that he’d chased after him and ease Wynter’s pain. As Wynter drove away, he wondered what he could do to return the favor. What could he do to chase the shadows from Jordan’s eyes?

To be continued . . .  

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