13. Jackson
Jackson
I’ve been in the playoffs many times throughout my career, even won the Stanley Cup once, but I don’t think I’ve ever been as nervous as I am right now.
I know Kitten likes me, likes spending time with me.
Logically, I realize that we hardly know each other and that we haven’t spent much actual time together, but this feels different.
I mean, I’ve dated plenty. I’ve been in serious relationships before.
But it's never felt like this... Sure, the other night was pretty damn weird. But it just endeared Kitten to me even more. My mama might have been playing her - in a sneaky, well-meaning way - but they still clicked. After Kitten snuck out, I drove Mama home and she talked about my girl the whole time. She had only good things to say, and I’m a little scared about what Mama’ll do to me if I fuck this up.
If I do fuck it up, I’ll deserve whatever sort of punishment she sends my way.
I never clarified that tonight was a date.
It is. But it’s dinner at home, so I don't want to go overboard with dressing up. Casual seems like the best way to be ourselves. I’m wearing my favorite pair of dark-wash jeans and a grey Henley.
At the risk of sounding like a douchebag, I’ll admit I look good in this shirt.
Hey - I make my living as an athlete; I'm proud of my body. I typically don’t try to put myself on display, but - seeing as how I’m trying to impress Kitten, while also hoping she might want to put her hands on me - I’ll use whatever tools I have.
It’s already dark outside, and I have the lights on low in the apartment, showcasing my view of downtown.
My condo has an open-plan living space, so the kitchen and large dining table have a view out the living room windows.
Past the kitchen is a hallway that leads to the master bedroom, a bathroom, and a second bedroom that I’ve turned into an office.
And, of course, on the other side of the living room is the set of stairs leading down to the library and theater.
I was serious in my text to Kitten last night; I would love to watch another movie together.
It’s not even so much that I think she needs to watch The Godfather .
I just want an excuse to get close to her and have her pressed against me for a few hours.
As I’m glancing around, wondering if there’s anything I overlooked, my phone rings. Seeing it’s the security desk downstairs calling, I answer.
“This is Jackson.”
“Good evening, Mr. Wilder. Henry from downstairs, I wanted to let you know that your guest has arrived, and she’s on her way up.”
“Thank you, Henry. I have food coming shortly; feel free to just send it up. No need for any more calls tonight.”
“As you wish, Mr. Wilder.”
“Have a good night.”
I gave Kitten’s name to the guys at the security desk downstairs so they could send her right up when she got here, but I appreciate the heads up. Knowing she’s this close has my impatience ramping up. I head to the door so I can greet her when she gets off the elevator.
I’m standing in my open doorway when the elevator dings and the doors slide apart, giving me my first view of her.
Kitten’s standing there, looking down, and I can see her chest rise as she takes a deep breath before smoothing down the front of her shirt.
She went the same route as I did - dressed casually, but she looks fine as hell.
I can’t help but give her a slow once-over, starting at her feet.
A pair of black ankle boots. Tight grey jeans.
Her shirt is black, and looks soft enough to touch.
It’s not tight, but it’s clinging in all the right places with a low neckline that I’m already a fan of.
Her tan jacket is hiding some of her body from me, but I know that I’m going to love the view from every angle.
She left her hair down, in glossy waves. Her pretty hair shouldn’t give me dirty thoughts, but it does. It really fucking does. I want to have my fingers running through it, gripping it, pulling it just enough to tip her head back so I can—
“Hi, Jackson.”
As my eyes snap to hers, I can’t help the smirk that pulls at my mouth. She just caught me daydreaming about her. And I’m not the least bit sorry.
“Kitten.” I extend my arm, gesturing for her to enter my condo. “Welcome back.”
As she walks past me, biting her lip, I get a whiff of her delicious scent. I don’t know if it’s something she wears, or just a combination of hair products and soap, or whatever it is that women lather themselves in. Either way, she smells divine. Like spring flowers and sex.
Stepping in behind her, I close the door and realize I missed my opportunity to get a hello hug. So I adapt.
Placing my hand on her back I ask, “Can I take your jacket?”
She flicks a glance over her shoulder at me before nodding. “Please.”
Stepping closer, I slide my hands over her shoulders, across her collarbones, and grab the lapels of her jacket. Slowly, I pull them aside, letting the backs of my fingers drag across the soft material of her shirt before sliding the coat down her arms.
Taking a woman’s coat off should not be this sexy. I feel like I’m a fourteen again, and a pretty girl just brushed against me in class. Walking her jacket over to the entryway closet, I take the moment to compose myself. No need to embarrass us both with my immediate lack of control.
Turning back, I find her standing at the windows looking out at the city.
“It was so crowded when I was here before, I don’t think I even noticed your view. It’s stunning.”
Approaching, I make a noise of agreement as I try to focus on what she sees, not just looking at her reflection in the glass.
She leans closer to the glass. “Do you ever just stand here and watch the people down at street level? It’s like having your own little ant farm.”
The comment makes me smile. “It kinda is. I haven’t always lived in a big city, so I find the bustle entertaining. I’m just glad to be up high enough that I don’t hear the traffic noise too much.”
“Hmmm. I can understand that.”
We stand in silence for a moment, both looking down at the world below us.
But I can’t help myself. I reach over and touch the back of her arm. “I’m really glad you came tonight. I was a little worried that my mama’s attempts at being 007 would’ve scared you off.”
Chuckling a little, she turns to face me. “I am so sorry about all of that. I can’t believe I didn’t realize who she was! And then I invited her along... Seriously, I’m sorry.” Katelyn shakes her head at herself.
“There isn’t a thing for you to be sorry about, Kitten.
My mama is a wily one, and she would’ve found a way to tag-a-long with- or without an invite.
I, of course, told her that she shouldn’t have tricked you like that.
And she, of course, told me that it’s a mama’s job to pry.
” I give her a crooked smile. “I definitely wasn’t upset with you, and - try as I might - I can never be upset with my mama. ”
Kitten sighs. “She is kind of fantastic. And unapologetically in your face. She had me eating cotton candy within five minutes of meeting her. I don’t think I’ve had that stuff since I was in grade school.”
“That sounds like Mama. She’s good at being motherly, but she can also be a damn bulldozer.”
Looking at me with mischief, Kitten says, “I bet you have some good stories about getting in trouble when you were little.”
“That I do. But before you get me spilling all my childhood mess-ups, would you like a drink? I have the usual suspects. Oh, and are you okay with sushi?” Inwardly, I wince; I should’ve asked that the moment she arrived, since I already ordered it.
“We can get something else if you’d like, it’s no trouble. ”
“Sushi sounds great! I love it, but for whatever reason I never seem to eat it as often as I’d like.”
“If that’s the case, then you’re welcome. This will be your new favorite restaurant. One of the security guys downstairs has a cousin who owns the joint. He introduced it to me one night when I walked past his desk and caught sight of his dinner.”
“That’s quite the hard sell. It’d better live up to the expectation.”
The smile she gives me hits me deep. I am so screwed with this girl.
“I promise to live up to your expectations.” I give her a little wink and - to my undying enjoyment - she blushes. “I believe I offered you a drink?”
“Water is fine, thank you. I was debating about bringing a bottle of wine, but I wasn't sure if you can drink during the season. I mean I know we were at a bar the other night, and that drink I took from Luke was definitely alcohol...”
Laughing I say, “Yeah, that was a pretty clever ploy you laid out with Luke. You’ll be happy to know it worked, even if I did almost punch that smug fucker.”
“What!” Kitten giggles and covers her mouth. “Why would you want to punch him?”
“He was saying shit about your ass.” I give her my steely glare .
“He doesn’t like my ass?” she asks like she’s confused.
Stepping closer to her I feel myself growl. Like a damn animal. “He was very complimentary.”
Kitten glances back behind herself, pretending to look at her ass. “Well, that was nice of him. Can you give me his number? I’d like to thank him personally.”
As I step closer, putting me in touching range, there’s a knock at the door.
Kitten laughs as I stride away, and I hear her mumble, “Saved by the bell.”
-
Standing side by side, we look down at the array of sushi and side dishes that I’ve spread across the kitchen table.
Giving me a little side-eye, Kitten says, “So is the rest of your team coming over for dinner?”
I can’t really blame her for questioning my sanity. This is a stupid amount of food for two people. “I may have gotten carried away.”
“May have?”
“Okay, I did. I most definitely got carried away. But everything is so good, and I wanted you to try all my favorites, and I didn’t know what you’d like. So, yeah . . .” I shrug.