Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Lily

The streets of New York are oddly quiet for midnight on a Friday. Together, Jax and I walk unhurriedly with conversation flowing easily.

“So why do you know so much about art? Who are you really Jackson Knight?” I tease, although I am really curious why every comment he made at the viewing tonight was so spot on. Relating parts of an artist’s work back to anyone but the well known masters such as Van Gogh, Chopin, Dali, Munich, usually takes a trained eye. But Jax was able to pull out understated qualities and relate them back to the lesser known artists.

“No one important.” I expect Jax’s typical witty and cocky response, but instead he smiles halfheartedly and shrugs his shoulders. “My mother just thought I should be well cultured. Art history was my minor in college.”

“Well cultured, huh? Are you a prep school brat?” Playfully, I bump my shoulder into his as we wait for the light to change.

Jax volleys the focus back to me. “Tell me about you. Did you ever consider being an artist as a profession or has it always been your dream to own a chain of gyms filled with testosterone flaring men?”

“Nope. When I was little I dreamed about being a ballerina,” I respond proudly.

“A ballerina, huh?”

“Yep.”

“So what happened?”

“You witnessed how graceful I am first hand the other day when I fell out of my chair. Need I explain more?”

“That wasn’t just a one time thing, huh?” Jax chuckles as he speaks.

“Unfortunately not.” I smile.

“How old were you when you figured out it wasn’t going to happen for you as a ballerina?” Jax asks with a smirk.

“Six.”

“And how, exactly, did you figure out that you weren’t suited for the role of ballerina?”

“I fell off the stage while trying to pirouette at my first ballet recital.”

Jax stops in place, smiling, but looking at me with disbelief. “You fell off the stage?”

“Yep.”

“Then what happened?”

“I cried. My father came to the front of the stage and got me. The next year when he went to sign me up, the instructor suggested I might be suited more for karate.” I pout my response.

Unable to contain his amusement, Jax breaks into laughter, throwing his head back, enjoying a good laugh at my expense. I feign being annoyed, but he can tell I’m not.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh. But that’s pretty funny.”

“You owe me an embarrassing story now,” I declare.

“Okay, but I may need some time to come up with one. I’m pretty damn near perfect you know.”

“And pretty damn full of yourself too.”

“That too.” He smiles. “So being a gym mogul was your second choice?”

“Maybe third. I might have wanted to be a butterfly in between a ballerina and a mogul.” I admit. “What did you want to be when you were little?”

“A professional boxer.”

“Are you training for a fight now?”

“Not really. It’s more of a hobby.”

“So Knight Investments is your passion?”

“Not really. Fighting was always my passion. But I’m good at what I do with Knight Investments.”

“And that’s what? You help people sell businesses?”

“Sometimes. I manage other people’s money.”

“Like a stock broker?”

“Sort of. I help them figure out what to invest in. Sometimes it can be a business, sometimes it can be a fund. Depends on what they’re looking for and how much risk they’re willing to take.”

“Why would people want to take risks with their money?”

“Because usually the more risk you take, the bigger the reward.”

“Sounds sort of boring,” I tease.

“It is,” Jax laughs.

“So why do you do it?”

Jax quiets for a minute as he considers his answer. “I don’t even know anymore.” There’s sadness in his face, although he tries to hide it with a forced smile.

Too soon, we arrive at my building. “This is me.” I point to the ten story dated apartment building set between towering modern skyscrapers.

Jax turns toward me, taking a step closer. Slowly, he reaches down and takes one of my hands into his. I don’t even notice I’m avoiding eye contact until he calls my name.

“Lily.”

My eyes jump to meet his. Being so close to this man makes me nervous for some reason. “I’d love to see you again.” He smiles. “And you don’t even have to show me yourself naked next time.” A dirty grin replaces the smile. “Unless you want to, of course.”

I can’t help but smile back. Although the thought of having to decline an invitation for a real date with Jax, makes my smile wilt quickly. “I’m sorry. I’d love to, but I can’t.”

His smile falters too. “You’d love to, but you can’t?” Questioning, Jax tries to make sense of my response.

“Mixing business with my personal life hasn’t turned out so well for me. I went down that road with my ex boyfriend and I’m still struggling to extract the personal mess from the business.” I pause. “I like you, Jax, I really do. But I’m not sure it’s a good idea”

“You’re not sure if it’s a good idea?” Jax asks.

“Yes. That’s what I said.” Confused, I confirm my words.

Jax smirks. “I can work with that.”

“You can work with that?”

“You said you’re not sure it’s a good idea. You don’t sound that committed to your new rule.” He shrugs and smiles.

I laugh. “Good night, Jax.”

Pulling the hand he’s been holding to bring me closer, Jax leans in for an unexpected hug. As he pulls away, his mouth close to my ear, he whispers in a deep voice that sends chills racing up my spine, “The painting was beautiful.”

Pulling his head back, his mouth curves into a sinful smile, “Going to make for some sweet dreams tonight.” Leaving me speechless, he turns and walks away, smiling back at me as he glances over his shoulder while I’m still glued to the spot where he left me.