Next they could hear voices and laughter as the car door slammed. “Watch your hands,” the woman yelled. “At least wait until we get inside.”

“Get me out of here! Tom is the last person I want to see.”

“Too late!” Alex replied. The door opened and Tom and his date waltzed in draped over each other.

“What are you doing here?” Tom blurted out, trying not to slur his words.

“No fear. We’re leaving,” Alex replied.

“While you’re here, you might as well meet Ruby. She’s the prettiest girl this side of heaven.” Tom gave Ruby a squeeze. A young woman, nineteen or twenty, in a skimpy, tight black dress stood there leaning against Tom for support.

“Pleased to meet ya.” Ruby smiled, batting her light blue eyes at Alex.

“Ruby, go grab us some beers. Couldn’t wait to see me again, could you?” Tom looked at Jorden with a silly grin.

“We’re going.” Alex opened the door.

“You’re no fun! Ruby, just bring two beers; let’s go to bed and forget them.”

Alex apologized as they walked to the car. “Tom can tie one on. He’ll be a pain to be around tomorrow. Glad I’ll be working.”

Jorden noted the Mustang’s engine fired up and there were no problems on the drive back to her apartment.

“I didn’t mean for tonight to end like this, but I meant what I said earlier. I love you.” Alex leaned down and kissed her.

Adrenaline rushed through her veins as she stepped into the apartment. Before she could think, the words flew out: “Please stay.”

Alex paused.

“Just lie down next to me until I fall asleep. There’s not much left of the night. It’s almost three.”

“Let’s do it.”

Jorden took his hand and led them to her small bedroom. He touched her arm and slid the quilt over her.

Jorden woke around nine the next morning. To her surprise, Alex was next to her with his leg halfway off the bed. It struck her as funny, but she suppressed the urge to laugh. It amazed her how different she felt from just a month ago—now she was convinced she did love him.

Her eyes settled again on Alex’s leg. The small bed barely had enough room for one, much less two. She couldn’t control herself and started to giggle. Alex woke up and pulled himself further onto the bed. “What’s so funny?”

“You are. Look at you.”

“Well, you don’t look much better.” Alex propped his head up on his elbow. “Well Miss Marshall, what do you have to say for yourself this time? Two nights in a row!”