self-confidence. It’s hot!
“Presumptuous as ever Jackson,” I roll my eyes playfully. “What did you have in mind?” I think I’m appearing calm on the outside, but inside I feel like I’m burning up.
“Dinner? Unless you’ve already eaten that is.” His head is tilted and he’s looking up at me, almost as though he’s actually concerned that I might say no.
“I haven’t.” I smile, and for the first time, I relax slightly in his company.
“Good,” he looks up and grins like the Cheshire cat “You look good enough to eat by the way.”
I gasp and blush. I didn’t expect that, and find myself unable to respond. I think I may be panting! Jackson holds out his arm in his best Mr Darcy impression. Somehow I doubt he’s much of a gentleman, the wild child in me hopes that he isn’t!
“This place does the best Thai food in Ao Nang Rosie! Have you had much Thai since you’ve been here?” He is looking at me. It’s a genuine soft look, like he’s really interested in getting to know me.
“Some. I’ve never really eaten Thai at home, so never know what to order, papaya salad maybe?” I tilt my head to the side and smile, he knows that I’m reading his book and he laughs,
“Indeed Rosie, indeed! Let me order for you, anything you don’t like? Allergies?”
“Nope. I’m good to go.” I smile and look up at him through my eyelashes,
“I hope so,”
Oh my, that grin! He is seriously hot, and he’s flirting with me!
I tell myself, ‘ Do it Alvez, just do it, you really bloody need it.’
When the waiter comes over, Jackson orders what sounds like an incredible amount of food, without even looking at the menu…in Thai. There’s no hesitation on the words or it seems, the pleasantries as the waiter laughs, and saunters off to prepare our order. Oh Mr James, you know full well that impressed me. He looks thoroughly pleased with himself.
“So, Rosie, how’s the book coming along?”
“It’s not really. I’ve just been just playing with some ideas. Still, the juices are flowing.” I smile and bite my lip. I notice Jackson’s lips part slightly. He swigs his beer, keeping eye contact with me. Am I actually flirting?
The waiter arrives with a number of dishes. Papaya salad, of course, grilled red snapper, Pad Thai, sticky rice and more. It’s all to die for! The fragrances of Thai food are completely intoxicating.
“Wow, Jackson, this is really impressive!” I’m genuinely excited at the prospect of trying all these new flavours, Jackson James included.
“Wait till you try it Miss Alvez!” His eyes flare briefly at me and we’re both clear that we’re not talking about food.
Who would have thought I’d have such a great evening with Jackson James for company? But the fact is, he’s nice, he really nice!
We even exchanged phone numbers. He paid for dinner and he made me laugh, he even listened to my sob story about Michael. Why I brought that up I don’t know, but he listened and sympathised. As obnoxious as Jackson can be, he actually seems like a nice guy.
He stands and holds out his hand for me to take, which I do, happily, and we walk back towards my hotel. As we get closer the conversation dies out, I’m so nervous. Am I really doing this?
He comes in and leads me to the elevator, not saying a word. I press the button for the third floor and as the doors close he steps towards me, pressing me back against the side of the car. I put my hands on his stomach and through his shirt I can clearly feel the definition of his abs. I’m ready, so ready. I want this.
“I would do very, very bad things to you Rosie Alvez…” His voice is breathy as he leans into me. His right hand is on the wall above my head as his left skirts down my hip to the bare skin of my thigh. He looks intensely into my eyes, oh wow! I tingle and I’m ready. “…But not tonight.”
WHAT!?
The elevator doors open and he takes my hand once more, we walk towards my room. I’m
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