"Dinner is served."
"It looks and smells amazing," I said as I followed Jackson into the dining room, picking up his wineglass and setting it on the table along with mine.
After sitting down, I twirled the linguine onto my fork along with a piece of chicken and took a large bite.
"Oh my God," I said after I was done chewing. "I apologize for any aspersions I may have cast on your cooking ability. This is amazing."
Jackson looked pleased at my compliment, his green eyes sparkling with enjoyment as he watched me eat. "I'm glad you like it."
I paused mid-way of my second bite and looked at Jackson, who was just sitting there watching me. "Aren't you eating?"
Jackson picked up his fork and dug into his own plate. "I was just enjoying watching you eat."
"So you just fell into acting," I said, looking for conversation territory that wouldn't make my stomach do somersaults. Of course, no somersault could stop me from eating the delicious chicken. I wondered if I should eat more daintily but it was hard for me not to eat with gusto, especially since the food was so delicious.
"Yup," Jackson replied as he began eating. "And once I started, it just felt natural. I started getting more and more bit parts, I picked up an agent along the way, and I realized how much I enjoyed it."
"And now you're in a play with Claire."
"It's playing in a tiny theater in the Lower East Side but it's interesting and I like the part. It's called Choosing Matthew." Jackson winked. "Of course, I play Matthew."
"Of course," I said with a laugh.
"Are you coming to see it this week?"
"I'm not sure. I have to see what my work schedule is like." What I really meant was I had to see how things went between us tonight. I didn't want to commit to something that would make us both feel awkward if tonight didn't work out.
"If you can't come Friday night, there's always Saturday night. You can't be working on a Saturday."
I shrugged. "I'm not sure. My boss is pretty demanding, even though I like her. I'll see."
"Just let me know. I'll make sure to get you a seat up front." Jackson frowned before continuing. “Technically I guess you would be Claire's guest."
"I don't know," I replied noncommittally. "I told her I'd come see the show some time, but it wasn't anything definite."
"Great," Jackson said, beaming. "Then you'll be my date."
"Jackson," I said, unable to suppress a laugh. "I'll definitely try to come. I just don't want to make a promise I can't keep."
Jackson nodded but I could see the wheels in his head already turning. I told myself that just because this was a fling didn't mean that it couldn't be an extended fling. This could be my summer-long fling.
What a way to spend my first summer in New York.
"So what was it like growing up in Maryland?"
"It was good. Just your normal suburban upbringing. What about you? Where are you from?"
"I grew up right outside of the city in Westchester."
"Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
Jackson leaned back, watching me eat. It made me feel self-conscious and I made an effort to eat in a more ladylike manner.
"I have a younger brother, Ryan. He's twenty-three and living down in Miami. Finding himself, I guess."
"I've always wanted to go to Miami. It seems like such a gorgeous place with the white beaches. What's the age difference between you two?"
Jackson smiled faintly as he watched me. My self-consciousness kicked into high gear.
"I'm four years older."
"So that makes you twenty-seven, right?"
Jackson just nodded and I put down my fork. "Why are you just watching me eat?"
Jackson smiled even wider. "Am I making you nervous again?"
"No," I lied. "It's just kind of creepy."
Jackson laughed. "Sorry. It's just satisfying to see you enjoying your food so much."
"That's it," I groaned. "I'm never eating in front of you again."
Jackson picked up his fork and resumed eating. "Sorry. I promise not to creep you out anymore by watching you eat."
I watched Jackson eat for a few beats and then picked up my own fork. Jackson glanced up at me and grinned when he saw me eating again, but I just rolled my eyes.
"What about you? Do you have any siblings?"
I shook my head. “Growing up, I always wanted a sister, but it was just me. I guess the good thing was I never had to share my toys."
I looked down at my clean plate and smiled ruefully. "There goes my workout."
Jackson gave me a lazy grin. "I can think of other ways to work up a sweat."
I burst out laughing. "Wow, you're really relentless."
He winked. "It's part of my charm."
Jackson stood up and walked over to me, pulling me up and drawing me into the living room. He flicked on a switch on his sound system and the room instantly filled with the throaty voice of Billie Holiday. He drew me in close, resting his hands on my waist.
"Dance with me."
I was powerless to protest even if I had wanted to, which I certainly didn't. The look on Jackson's face told me everything I needed to know. I could see desire darkening his green eyes and I wrapped my arms around his neck as we slowly swayed to Billie's crooning voice.
Jackson increased the pressure of his hands, pulling my body closer until our hips were cradling each other. It was impossible to miss the evidence of his arousal pushing against me and my body ignited in response, desire pooling between my legs.
Jackson reached up with one hand, cupping my cheek and bending down so our breaths were mingling together.
"Do you know how much I want you?"
I looked up at him wordlessly, unable to form a response. I felt caught in his web of seduction and I surrendered myself to it.
Jackson smiled slowly, bringing his head down further so that his lips were barely grazing mine. I eagerly deepened the kiss, opening my mouth and welcoming the velvety softness of his tongue stroking mine.
Jackson groaned and crushed me even closer, pulling my hair out of its ponytail and gripping my scalp with his hands as he seemed to lose control of the kiss. I was right there with him as all my inhibitions went out the door. I eagerly tangled my hands in his hair, urging him closer, begging him to kiss me harder and welcoming the bruising force of his mouth on mine. I had never felt this kind of passion before in my life and it felt exhilarating.
Jackson broke his mouth free, breathing harshly and desire tightening his face. I whimpered in protest at the loss of contact, but Jackson just gently brushed my cheek with the back of his hand, the gesture so at odds with the fierce passion he had shown just moments before.