Chapter 83. Confessions of girls
Lilly Bradley
Lee Cook Chinese Restaurant
"What do you think?" Leah asked excitedly. I hadn't even finished my plate of food when I heard everything my sister was telling me. The way Jacob defended her from the annoyance of other employees, how his outlook on life was similar to hers, and how he gradually caught her attention, leading to their... first date.
My sister had her first date! I couldn't believe it. Leah was finally getting to know someone, someone who truly attracted her.
"I think it's exciting," I smiled. She furrowed her brow, expecting me to react like her sister, so I ignored the people around us. "It's your first date!" I exclaimed, excitedly letting out a little squeal of joy along with her. The diners looked at us, but we didn't care at that moment. After the commotion at our table died down, we just smiled at each other.
"I'm excited. When I wake up, I see a 'Good morning, Miss Bradley' message, and other texts that make me smile like an idiot. I haven't even had my first date yet, and I'm already this nervous with a mix of excitement!" I understood her.
"I love seeing you like this, Leah."
"Thanks, and I really didn't see it coming. Despite putting up those walls, his attentiveness and kindness caught my attention. He loves his career, he's passionate about it like I am. We have a lot in common, quite a lot, and I think, finally, I've met someone who shares something similar..." she paused. "I'll just go with the flow, and even though I know there's a chance he might break my heart, I'll know how to handle it. I just know..."
"Wow, that's very grounded and self-aware of you."
"Who hasn't suffered a broken heart? If you don't take risks, what flavor will life have?"
"Well, well, what have they done with my sister?" I joked. "I like that you're aware..." I paused briefly, and she knew I had more to say.
"Speak."
"Well, Jackson mentioned that Jacob doesn't usually date women, just occasional outings. And although he feared you might break his heart, he thinks it would be Jacob who does it. You know if it were up to me, I'd take away all the pain or suffering the future might hold for you, but I know it's an experience for you. You're an adult and you know what you want."
"Oh, Lilly..." Her eyes welled up. "Thank you for your words..."
"I want you to go with the flow, to enjoy it, and to know what love is..." After discussing other topics, we finished lunch and arrived at the company. To my surprise, Jackson was outside on the sidewalk, subtly looking around. Leah noticed.
"Is he waiting for you to return from lunch?" Leah asked curiously, looking in my direction. I just shrugged.
"Maybe he came out to see Jacob off."
"Did they eat together?" she asked quickly as I unbuckled my seatbelt.
"Yes, Jackson mentioned something." I said and looked at my sister to say goodbye. "I have to go, I'll see you at home." She stopped me before I got out and I turned back to her.
"I started looking at apartments," she confessed, surprising me.
"Already? I thought you'd stay with our parents for a while." She let out a long sigh.
"I know, but they moved for their own adventure, not expecting their two daughters to tag along. I think I could find something that fits my salary and savings."
"I think it's a good idea. Now that you mention it, it wouldn't be a bad idea to do the same. I still have some savings from selling the apartment and my car, so... I'll do the same."
"We should talk to them."
"But only when we have something certain, to keep them calm, don't you think?" she nodded slowly, her gaze drifting beyond me. I followed her line of sight and saw Jackson waiting on the other side of the car door. "I think I have to go now." I gave her a kiss, and we finally said our goodbyes.
"Hi," said Jackson with a big smile, leaning in to greet Leah before she left. "Hi, Leah."
"Hi, Jackson, have a nice afternoon." My sister waved goodbye, and I did the same. He waved too, and we stayed until she merged into traffic.
"Did you have a good lunch?" Jackson asked as we entered the building.
"Yes, and you?" He sighed as we crossed the lobby towards the elevators.
"Good, too." I was about to press the elevator button when he signaled me not to. I frowned, and he guided me to his private elevator. We entered without anyone seeing us. We reached my floor, and before I got out, he grabbed my wrist, then pressed the red button, signaling to the elevator camera as the red light next to the lens turned off.
"What are you doing?" I asked, confused. His eyes darkened, and the atmosphere changed. "Don't do it," I warned, understanding what he wanted.
"No one can see us. Besides, no one else is authorized to use this elevator."
"But..."
"We've had busy days since our last date, and I haven't kissed or touched you..." his voice turned into a whisper as he closed the distance. "...I just want a moment with you."
"Oh, Jackson." He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close to his body. My hands rested on his chest, and I caressed his dress shirt with my fingers.
"I want to kiss you," he whispered. I looked up at him and leaned in to kiss him. The moment our lips met, I felt an indescribable pleasure, confirming how much I needed and missed this, kissing him. The kiss intensified, and the heat in my body rose, making me want to do it right there, but I stopped. Jackson moved me so my back was against the stainless steel wall. His fingers traced my lips, then slid down the curve of my neck and under the fabric of my blouse. The skin-to-skin contact made me shiver.
"I think... we should stop," I whispered, not breaking eye contact. He nodded.
"I want to see you tonight. After work. Fifth date?" I smiled.
"Already? I was planning something for that fifth date."
"Stay with me."
"No," I replied. "Let's wait for our fifth date," I quickly improvised. "I wanted to do a double date."
"No," he countered. "These are our dates. They should have theirs."
"Okay, then scratch that..." He leaned in and kissed me gently. When he pulled away, he smiled.
"Tonight. Fifth date. At my place." I took a deep breath and then nodded slowly.
"What are you doing to me, Mr. Johnson?" He caressed my chin.
"The real question is, what are you doing to me, Lilly?"