Chapter 84. A fifth date
Lilly Bradley
I gripped the wine bottle tightly in my hand. In my other arm, I carried a bag with some snacks to enjoy, and in the other, my purse that barely held my sleepwear, toothbrush, and toothpaste. I'd get home in the morning to change.
I closed my eyes, recalling the kiss in the elevator at work. When I stepped out, my legs trembled, and I tried to collect myself. So I finished my workday and went home for a change of clothes. When I arrived, I was alone. It seemed my parents and Leah were busy with work and hadn't come home yet. I sent them a message letting them know I was home but heading out, and that I'd see them in the morning. The thought of finding my own apartment became more persistent.
The elevator doors opened, and Jackson was waiting for me. My heart pounded so hard I couldn't move. He noticed and came closer, his imposing and intimidating figure softened by a touch of innocence he didn't see in himself, which I loved.
"Finally, you're here," he said, pressing his lips to mine. His hands encircled my waist, and when he pulled away, he rested his forehead against mine briefly.
"I brought something," I said after catching my breath. He let go of me and took the things I was carrying.
"You didn't have to," he murmured, glancing at the contents of the bag and the bottle.
"I know you have everything, but this time I wanted to bring something," I said, setting my purse with my clothes beside the coat rack. Then I took off my coat as he walked to the kitchen.
"Make yourself comfortable. I'll put the wine in the fridge," he called out.
"Thanks," I said, crossing the foyer. I was surprised to see a table full of food in the center of the living room, with large, super comfy-looking cushions on the floor as seats. I took off my shoes, unbuttoned my skirt for comfort, untucked my blouse, and let my hair down. Finally free, I settled onto one of the cushions, confirming how soft and comfortable they were. I looked toward the fireplace; it was indeed a romantic setting.
"Do you want to listen to something in particular?" he asked. I found him with my eyes, heading to his music player. Bach's notes filled the background.
"I love it," I said, and he smiled triumphantly.
"Look, I prepared some snacks," he said, pointing to the table filled with fruit, cheese, bread, strawberries dipped in chocolate, and more chocolate.
"It looks delicious," I said, taking a small piece of cheese and eating it.
"I didn't see you bring a suitcase with clothes," he said from across the table, facing me.
"I'll go home first thing in the morning."
"Why not bring your clothes, have breakfast together, and go to the office?" His tone was serious but had a hint of anxiety. I finished the cheese I had in my mouth.
"I want to have breakfast with my parents and Leah," I said, surprising him. "I haven't done that lately."
"Oh, I didn't know," he said, taking some chocolate and eating it while still looking at me. "Have they asked about me?" His question caught me off guard.
"No, why?" He shook his head.
"Just curious," he said, then looked at the fireplace. "My parents are having a dinner tomorrow," he cleared his throat, then looked back at me.
"That's nice," I said, taking more fruit to eat as he continued talking.
"But I want you to come with me." I stopped what I was doing and locked eyes with him for a moment without saying anything. "Well, that wasn't right," he cleared his throat. "Lilly, would you like to join me for my parents' family dinner tomorrow night at their house?"
"Oh," I resumed what I was doing. "Yes, I could go."
"'Could'?" he asked, confused.
"Well," I cleared my throat. "Don't you think it would be inappropriate to bring an employee to a... family dinner?"
"Is that why you said 'could'?" I frowned.
"Yes, well, your parents are great, but if it's a family dinner, I think it would be inappropriate."
"But I'm inviting you," he replied, irritated. I raised an eyebrow.
"But it's inappropriate, Jackson." We fell silent, staring at each other without speaking. Then he softened his gaze and pressed his lips together.
"They know we're dating," he said, making me drop the grape I was holding. Nervousness washed over me. "Relax," he started to say, but it only made it worse. I couldn't find the grape; it had rolled to his side. He noticed and picked it up. "Lilly?" he said, with his head under the table. He couldn't see my reaction or my flushed face. "Are you going to spend the whole night looking for the grape I have in my fingers?" I slowly straightened up, giving him a half-smile.
"Oh, you found it." I paused. "So they know about you and me, that we go on dates..." Jackson nodded with a smile.
"So? Do you want to come with me?" I took a deep breath and let it out through my teeth discreetly, hoping it would calm my racing heart.
"Well, sure," I finally said out loud. "Do we need to dress a certain way?"
"No, just come as you feel comfortable. It'll just be my mom, my dad, Jacob, and the two of us."
"Oh, okay." "Too familiar and private," I thought.
"Why is your face red?" he asked, amused.
"Leave me alone," I joked and stuck my tongue out at him, while he smiled and returned the gesture.
"I'll go get the wine I put to chill before you arrived," he said, getting up and disappearing into the kitchen for a couple of minutes. I looked away to the fire where the flames danced attractively from side to side, much like how I felt about Jackson. A lot about him attracted me in large amounts, and I couldn't help it. But wasn't introducing me to his family already something serious? Or would he just say I'm someone he casually dates? I made a face thinking about the word "casual." Well, we'd already said "I love you," we already had an intimate bond after just five dates, maybe... I closed my eyes and refused to go to that place. Jackson was different from Oliver. Jackson was direct, and if he didn't want something with me, he would tell me, he wouldn't waste my time... Or would he?
"Calm down, calm down, don't make up stories in your head," I murmured under my breath.
"You'll love this wine, my dad brought it from his last trip to Egypt." I turned my face to look at him and smiled, but he noticed I was distracted. "Is everything okay?"
"Sure."
"Lie better, little one." It was the second or third time he had called me that, and each time, it made my skin tingle. It was a simple word, but it made me react like no one else ever had. "Tell me, communication is important between us." He finished with those words. I had to tell him I was thinking about something else and not about whether we were serious.
"Oh, I know, I was just thinking about what my sister said in the car before we came in from lunch. She unexpectedly told me she's already looking for a place to move out." Jackson sat down and began serving the wine without losing attention.
"Go on," he said as he placed the glass beside me.
"In London, we had become independent at an early age, until we moved here over a month ago, and although there's no complaint about living under our parents' roof again temporarily..."
"It's not the same, right?"
"That's right." He finished serving and looked at me again.
"And are you thinking of doing the same?" I took a couple of seconds to process what I hadn't thought much about.
"Well," I sighed. "I haven't had time to look for anything, but yes," I took the wine glass, smelled the interior, and it had a red fruit scent, which I loved. I took a sip and savored it. "Next week, I'll take the time to find a company advisor to help me find a place that fits my budget." I put down the glass and took a piece of cheese; the combination of flavors was indescribable.
"Why don't you ask me for help?" I finished eating and looked at him in surprise.
"You?" Jackson nodded. "You must have a lot of work to help me."
"If you ask me, I won't charge you a commission. I'll do it completely free for you." I tried not to smile at his serious face. "I'm serious."
"Jackson..." he shook his head, raising a hand in the air to stop my words.
"Before I had my real estate businesses, I was an agent, even the best. I have all the best properties with their features located," he pointed to his head with his index finger, "that we have available in the company."
"That's impressive," I admitted.
"There's an apartment in this building and..." he was interrupted as I almost choked on a strawberry.
"Wait, wait, I don't have a budget that high. This building must have apartments with rent through the roof, no, through the last planets of the solar system," I paused. "I couldn't afford it. And I definitely rule it out."
"Then... live with me."