Jackson
Dishes. I know I have good dishes here somewhere.
I, of course, knew where the everyday stuff was, not that I even used those very often, but this was actually the first time that I could remember entertaining in my place. Was I really that anti-social? I would ponder that later. For now, I was on a mission to find the good china that my mother had hidden around here somewhere.
It actually was a shame that I didn’t feed people here more often; I had a pretty good setup for it. My dining room table sat ten to twelve, so I ruled it out for tonight. Too big and too imposing. I usually ate at the island in the kitchen, which could seat four, but that was too informal.
My final option was a really beautiful smaller dining room set that my mother had restored herself. She had considered it a rescue project when she’d found it at an estate sale. It had been long neglected, but that was Mother’s true gift. She could look at a piece of furniture or even a whole house and see the potential in it, no matter how bad the outward appearance. She was actually like that with people, too. She believed that enough love could restore anything or anyone, and she was usually right.
The table and four chairs were in the back corner of my library, behind the piano, but I could pull it out into the middle of the room for tonight. It would be a perfect setting for the three of us.
I had just finished with the place settings when the elevator bell rang. Dinner was right on time. I had ordered a ton of food, way too much for three people, but I wanted to make sure that there was a variety to choose from. I had ordered several wines as well.
I led the caterer in and had him set everything in the kitchen. After he left, I set to work. I knew it wasn’t going to be as good as Alissa’s hospitality. Nothing could beat her French toast and cozy kitchen. But I wanted to show that I had put forth an effort. I wanted her to know how much I cared.
I uncorked a bottle of the red wine and let it breathe on the counter. I turned the oven on warm and slid the hot food into it. I put the salad plates in the refrigerator to chill. Was I forgetting anything?
A moment later the elevator rang again, and I heard voices in the annex. That’s odd. Lexy hadn’t mentioned a guest, although now that I think of it, it was rude to assume that she would not want to bring a date. Did Lexy have a steady boyfriend? I was missing so much information.
Surely, she would have said something.
I opened the door and was very surprised to see David, fresh from the gym by look of it, talking to Lexy. How on earth did they know each other? I watched them interact for a few minutes and could see the obvious attraction that they had to one another. I knew Dave was single, and from Lexy’s body language, I thought that she probably was too. It was unexpected, but they actually looked really great together. I didn’t consider myself much of a matchmaker, but they had arrived on my doorstep already paired together, so I decided to run with it. I had too much food anyway, and this would hopefully make things more comfortable for Alissa as well.
I told Dave to go change and then pulled Lexy inside. I needed her help.
She looked around the apartment for a moment and then squealed and started clapping her hands excitedly. I wasn’t quite sure what to do with that reaction, but she saved me by chattering on about how perfect everything was and how Alissa was going to love it. I was very glad that she approved. I was hoping that meant that Alissa would have a similar reaction.
Lexy helped me to set another place at the table for David, and she lit the candles while I finished getting the food ready to serve. From the sound of the water, I guessed that Alissa had been in the shower just before the food arrived. I expected her to come down any minute.
Chapter 23: Dinner and a Storm
Alissa
I showered and tried not to get my bandages wet. The hot water felt exquisite after the traumatic experiences of the last two days.
Truthfully, I was a little disappointed when Jackson mentioned that Lexy was coming for dinner. The idea of cuddling on the couch and eating freezer pizza with Jackson had kind of appealed to me. I knew he was right though, Lexy would be worried until she got to see me in person. I guess I could share Jackson with her for a while. I was holding him to a one-on-one date soon though. I was really getting desperate to spend some time alone with him.
After Jackson had embarrassed the shit out of me, I had closed the door to finish going through the suitcase. I would never forgive Lexy for my choice of outfits for the night. I had finally settled on a knee-length cotton skirt and a simple white collared shirt. The neckline of the shirt showed way too much cleavage, and I would never be comfortable in a skirt, but it did look nice on me. As much as I hated to admit it, Lexy had good taste.
After what felt like an extremely exorbitant amount of time, I thought I looked presentable enough for dinner. I refused to put on shoes though. Those open steps were treacherous enough going up, I wasn’t going to attempt coming down in heels. Lexy, of course, had not packed my Sketchers.
When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I heard voices. Lexy and Jackson. Sounded like they were waiting for me.
A bell rang. I had heard it several times while I was upstairs as well. I wondered what it was. Jackson answered my question in his next sentence.
“That will be David. Would you get the door for me please, Lexy?” Lexy blushed. Blushed. Lexy. I was the one who blushed. I had never seen Lexy behave like that. And why was Jackson asking her to get his door? And who the hell is David? I swear, I take a shower for five minutes and I am totally lost.
Something smelled wonderful. Definitely not pizza.
“Jackson?” I questioned.
“I just wanted to make a good first impression,” he replied. “How did I do?” He had turned the lights down and lit the room with soft warm candlelight. The sky was growing dark outside the huge windows, and the city lights perfectly accented the feel in the room. The small table was set beautifully with elegant china. It wasn’t overdone, but clean and stunning.
“It’s perfect, Jackson,” I whispered. I wanted to cry. He didn’t need to go to so much effort. Didn’t he know that I was already head over heels for him?
Lexy entered a moment later with a tall blond man behind her. Totally Lexy’s type. Holy hell, was Jackson playing matchmaker? That didn’t seem like him, but the man was dressed in khaki slacks and a blue button down shirt that looked fabulous on him. His hair was still wet. It was pretty clear that he had just showered and come up for dinner.
“Alissa,” Jackson said, “I’d like for you to meet David, my neighbor.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alissa.” David said shaking my hand. Lexy looked smug.
“You too.” I wanted to say something else, but I honestly couldn’t come up with anything so I shut my mouth and focused on crossing the room to the table.
Jackson pulled out my chair. “Can I get you a glass of wine?” he asked.
“Sure,” I said smiling. “It smells like Italian, so red if you have it?”
“Of course. Lexy?”
“Red for me too, please,” Lexy replied.
“I’ll give you a hand,” David said. The two men disappeared into the kitchen.
As soon as they were out of eyesight, I turned full force on Lexy. “What the hell?” I said quietly. “First, you pack me nothing but dress clothes, lingerie and high heels! And then you’re all gaga over Jackson’s neighbor. How do you even know him? And...”
“You look fabulous,” she interrupted my rant with a wave of her hand. “And, you will look amazing in everything that I packed for you. Believe me. I know these things. You will be very glad that you have all of that stuff.”
I tried to give her a disapproving look, but she held up one small manicured finger to stop me. “And I met Dave in the elevator on the way up here. Jackson was kind enough to invite him to join us for dinner.”
I gaped at her like a fish out of water, but didn’t have time to respond before Jackson and David returne
d carrying four glasses of wine and a breadbasket. Jackson set the wine down and returned to the kitchen, saying something about salad. Dave seated himself beside Lexy.
I sipped the wine. It was fabulous. I tried not to let myself wonder how much it had cost.
“So Alissa,” David said turning his attention to me, “how do you know Jackson?” I took a deep breath. “Well,” I said, “that’s a very long story.”
“But a very interesting one,” Jackson said, returning to the table with chilled salad plates and a large bowl of a mixed greens salad. His smile was devastating. I was a bit surprised that I continued to remain conscious in his presence.
He sat down beside me and handed the salad across the table to Lexy to have her start.
David was still waiting for an answer.
“Um, I own a restaurant,” I volunteered, “and I was having a bit of trouble with some live crabs, and well Jackson kind of went superhero on me and saved my lunch special.” Dave quirked an eyebrow at me, and Jackson burst out laughing. After that, the conversation flowed freely. Jackson and I shared the telling of the whole story of the last week, pausing only to serve an incredible dinner, and as we finished I felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. It was freeing to have it all out in the open. We had given them the short version, including the basic outline, but editing it to a manageable length.
“Well,” said Lexy “that will be quite a story to tell the grandkids.” I shot her a dirty look. “Well what about you two?” I threw back at her. “That must have been some elevator ride.”
David looked mortified, but Jackson was almost in tears he was laughing so hard. When he managed to get his laughter under control, he changed the subject by asking if we were ready for dessert. After the incredible amount I had eaten, I just wasn’t sure it would fit. Jackson had gone all out ordering Lasagna, stuffed chicken breasts, wonderfully spiced green beans, salad, bread, and now dessert. Everything had been fabulous, and he had played the perfect host.
Someone had taught him very well.
“I thought maybe we would move into the living room,” Jackson suggested.
We all agreed, and I moved to the couch. Jackson brushed by me on his way back to the kitchen, and I didn’t think that it was an accident. I hoped that he wanted to be as close to me as I wanted to be to him. The wine and good company had warmed me, and I felt elated.
Jackson brought coffee in an elegant French press and served it with the dessert, a rich chocolate mousse cake. What a way to get to a woman’s heart. He settled beside me on the couch after a few minutes. Lexy and David were sitting no more than six inches apart on the loveseat across from us.
A brilliant streak of lightning flashed outside the picture window suddenly illuminating the city. It was followed moments later by a monstrous crash of thunder. I jumped, and Jackson slid his arm around my waist in a comforting gesture.
“David,” I said, “what do you do for a living?”
David set his coffee aside. “I’m an investment consultant,” he said. I gave him a look encouraging him to continue. “Essentially, I help wealthy people make wise strategic investments.”
“That sounds fascinating, Dave,” Lexy cooed. I wanted to hurl. Could she be any more obvious? Usually Lexy was on the standoffish side when it came to men. She was a big fan of playing hard to get. I had never seen this side of her, and it was kind of freaking me out.
“Who do you work with?” I asked.
“Well,” David smiled, “Jackson for one. That’s primarily how we know each other. I manage his personal portfolio. We became neighbors after we already knew each other. He told me about the remodeling project for this building, and I was very interested. I moved in shortly after.”
“How did you get into that line of work?” Lexy asked.
David turned his whole body to answer her. Honestly, if those two leaned any more into each other they were going to smack noses.
“I am originally from Texas,” he answered. “My family’s had oil investments going back several generations. One of my uncles kind of took me under his wing as I was growing up and got me interested in stocks. It just seemed like the right fit for me in college, and then I took over most of the family interests and added a few additional clients along the way.” Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of rain falling in heavy sheets on the balcony. “That’s quite a storm,” Jackson said. “Are you sure you want to drive home in this, Lexy? I would be happy to make up one of the guest rooms if you would prefer to stay the night.”
Lexy looked from Jackson to David. She didn’t speak for a moment, but I got the feeling that she was somehow communicating with David via ESP or something. Those two were really getting weird.
“No thank you, Jackson,” Lexy said, not taking her eyes off of David. “I’ll be fine for the night.”
Wait. She didn’t mean... she wasn’t going to go home with him? She just met him. I mean Lexy had her fair share of one night stands in college. So did I, for that matter, but I thought she had outgrown that phase.
“Actually, I should probably get on my way,” she continued. “I know Alissa needs to rest, and I have an early consultation tomorrow.” I opened my mouth to protest and then thought better of it. Lexy was a grown woman. She could make her own decisions. I was going to hear about it in the morning though. If she didn’t call me, I was going to break down her door.
“Thank you for all of your help, Lexy,” I said instead.
“Of course, ‘Lissa. Call me if you need anything. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“I’ll walk you out,” David said.
“It was nice to meet you, Dave.”
“You as well, Alissa. Night, Jackson.”
As Jackson showed them out, I made a halfhearted attempted at gathering up the dessert dishes and coffee cups. I didn’t want Jackson to think that I was unwilling to help, but the good food and wine had made me sluggish. He returned a few minutes later.
“Just leave it,” Jackson said. “I have a cleaning staff that comes in every day. They will take care of it tomorrow.”
“Oh,” I said dumbly. Of course, he has a cleaning crew. What doesn’t he have?
“Are you ready for bed?” he asked. It wasn’t really late. I knew that I needed to rest, but right now all I wanted to do was spend time with Jackson. It had been a lovely evening, and I wasn’t quite ready to let it end.
“I was hoping for another cup of coffee,” I said. “Would you like to watch the storm with me for a while?”
Jackson smiled and returned to the kitchen for the coffee. I made my way over to the wall of windows and looked out into the night. When Jackson came back, he moved the loveseat so that it was closer to the windows. He handed me my coffee and then turned out the remaining lights so that we could watch the lightning.
He sat down in the middle of the loveseat and then gently pulled me into his lap. I sighed contentedly and laid my head on his shoulder. My legs were draped over his, one arm was around my waist, the other resting on my knee. We sat like that quietly watching the storm and enjoying each other’s presence.
I kept waiting for the night to get awkward, for me to realize how different Jackson and I were, but it never came. Truthfully, I felt at home here as much as I did in my own place. I put aside my feelings of inadequacy and decided that right now, for this one moment, I had a right to savor this night and this amazing man. I didn’t understand it, but I was certainly enjoying it.
In the safety of his arms, I was content.
David
We made polite conversation through the evening, and with every passing minute I felt more and more attracted to the incredible creature that fate had placed in my elevator. Lexy. She was funny, genuine, interesting, sweet, smart, beautiful, energetic, and everything else I found desirable in a woman. I’d never met anyone like her.
I found myself moving closer and closer to her as the night wore on. It was like being distanced from her caused me phys
ical pain. I knew that I should be nervous, as it was like a first date, but I wasn’t. I was more comfortable with her than I had ever been with women that I’d known for years. I never wanted to leave her side.
The storm grew worse and worse outside, but I didn’t even notice it. The whole world could fall apart for all I cared.
“That’s quite a storm,” Jackson said. “Are you sure you want to drive home in this, Lexy? I would be happy to make up one of the guest rooms if you would prefer to stay the night.”
Wait, wait, wait. She couldn’t stay here. She belonged with me.
Lexy looked at me, silently asking a question that she should never have to ask. Of course, she could stay with me. I never wanted to be without her. I smiled, trying to be reassuring without coming right out and saying it. I didn’t want her friends to think she was slutty for going home with me. It just wasn’t like that.
“No, thank you, Jackson,” she said. “I’ll be fine for the night. Actually, I should probably get on my way. I know ‘Lissa needs to rest, and I have an early consultation tomorrow.” I offered to walk Lexy out, and said a polite goodnight to Alissa and Jackson. I had a feeling that I would be spending a lot more time with them in the near future. That was fine by me. They were wonderful people.
I took Lexy’s hand in mine while we waited for the elevator.
“So..”
“So...” we both started at the same time.
“No, you go ahead,” I said.
“I um.... I’ve really enjoyed your company tonight,” she said.
The elevator arrived, and we stepped inside. I pushed the round 32 and then turned to face her. I cupped the side of her face in my hand and pressed my lips to hers gently.
“I’m not done with you yet, darlin’.”
“I was hoping you weren’t.” She smiled up at me, and I was done for.
“I know it’s fast, and please don’t feel pressured, but I really would feel better if you didn’t drive home in this rain. Stay with me.”
The Billionaire Bum Page 13