Starry-Eyed Love (Spark House)

I’ve just finished making the drink when London calls out hello from the front foyer.

I tell her I’m in the kitchen, and a moment later she appears. I’d like to say that her changing into something comfortable is better, but now she’s wearing a pair of navy leggings and a peach shirt that’s somehow flowy, but also manages to showcase all of her curves. I should probably go light on the scotch, so I don’t make poor choices that will cause me more problems, rather than fewer.

“Oh! Is that the drink I had at dinner?”

“It is. You seemed to enjoy it so I thought you might like another.”

“I loved it! I can’t believe you have the recipe for it. I might need to get it from you for girls’ nights.”

“I can most definitely make that happen.” I drop a whiskey ball into a glass and pour a modest amount of scotch into the glass, then lead London to the terrace. The breeze is warm and the view of the city is accompanied by the bustle of nightlife in the streets below. The lights on the terrace slowly rise, illuminating the lounge chairs.

“This is amazing.” London takes a seat and folds her long legs, tucking her feet under her.

“It is. Very different from Colorado, but this is where I come to relax, when I have the time, anyway.”

“I imagine that’s fairly rare.”

“You would be correct in that assumption.” More rare than I’d like. I take the seat across from her, watching her absorb the sights and sounds.

“Thank you again, Jackson. While the surprises were … surprising, I’ve had a wonderful time and I sincerely appreciate all the opportunities you keep giving us.” Her expression is earnest as she tucks a few windblown strands of hair behind her ear. “I know I’m taking up a lot of your free time, and I hope other parts of your life aren’t suffering as a result.”

“The only person I really spend much time with outside of work is Trent, and since we also work together, it’s not as if either of us is desperate for a guys’ night. Besides, he keeps a full social calendar so his spare time is occupied.”

She takes a sip of her drink before she sets it on the table between us. “I’d just hate to think that you’re missing out on other opportunities by spending so much time working with me when I’m sure you have other things to do.”

“As I’ve mentioned, I enjoy all this time with you, London.” And I’ll feel a lot better about that when the business part of this is over.

She smiles softly. “I feel the same way.”

“That’s good. I’m glad to hear that. I was worried that I’d pushed you past your limit with this whole scenario.”

She nods and gives me a sly smile. “Oh, there were a few moments when I was … less than impressed.”

“Like throw food at me or squirt lemon juice in my eye unimpressed?”

“More like kick you in the shins with pointy shoes, but”—she raises a finger to prevent me from interrupting—“once I got over the shock of it all, I enjoyed myself. And honestly, if I’d had time to prepare, I would have had a million questions for them and felt compelled to take notes, so I see why you didn’t tell me.” Her expression grows thoughtful for a moment. “I feel like I get to see a very different side of you here. The man behind the suit, I guess? Which sounds silly, since the first time I met you, you were wearing ripped jeans and a RECYCLE shirt. Very similar to this.” She nods at my attire. “I suppose I’ve been trying to figure out who the authentic you is, or if all of these versions I get to see are you.”

“And what have you surmised?”

“That all of these versions are you, just tailored to the situation.”

“Is there one you prefer over the others?” It’s good there’s a table separating us; otherwise I’d want to move closer, get in her personal space. Tuck that unruly piece of hair behind her ear.

She bites her bottom lip and tips her head, obviously thinking through her response. “I like them all if I’m going to be honest. I like the puzzle pieces, that I get to see how they all fit together and make you who you are. Charismatic, thoughtful, charming, altruistic.”

“What about fun?”

She chuckles. “You’re definitely fun, and an adventure, and also devious and sneaky, but again, I like that I get to see all of those sides. And I wonder if it would have been quite so easy if I hadn’t met you when you looked more like a regular guy than the kind who owns a private jet. I imagine that must be very difficult when it comes to dating,” London muses.