He finally says he needs to run and follows Oliver to the elevator.
I turn to look at the package. The only writing on the brown paper wrapper is my name and address. There's nothing indicating who sent it. My stomach begins to turn because of my always present dislike of surprises.
I take a deep breath and pull the paper from the corner. It falls revealing a canvas covered with bright colors. I start to laugh as I rip off the remaining paper. It's Brighton's painting from the opening. I stop for a moment to survey it in its entirety in the natural light of my apartment. I still don't see the appeal. I turn it around and find a small white envelope with my first name written in blue ink. I excitedly rip it open.
Ivy,
Please accept this offering as an apology for my behavior last night. Let me cook you dinner tonight. I'll send a car for you at 8:30. You bring the wine.
Your fanboy
I run into my bedroom to find the perfect outfit for tonight. My heart is pounding as I consider all the possibilities this night can offer me and the obviously interested Jax.
Chapter 6
We drive through Central Park in silence. The driver focused on the road, while I'm focused on what's waiting for me at Jax's apartment. I'm clutching the bottle of Shiraz so tightly my knuckles are turning white. I giggle to myself, realizing that I haven't felt this anxious about seeing a man since I first met Mark.
The driver makes a few quick turns and now we're on Amsterdam heading uptown. He manipulates the dark sedan around a couple in the crosswalk and brings the car to a stop on Eighty Ninth Street. Without a word, he comes around to open my door.
"Thank you." I smile at him.
He only nods in return and points to the charming townhouse we're parked in front of.
I turn to see Jax standing near the open front door. He's dressed in tailored gray slacks, and a dark blue shirt. His strong features are so much more vibrant in the soft evening light.
I walk up the steps while carefully holding closed the skirt of my navy wrap around dress. I've paired that with the nude four inch heels I found at the back of my closet. Once I reach the top step I realize that even with the added height my shoes afford me, Jax still towers over me.
"You're look beautiful, Ivy," he whispers into my ear as he gently embraces me. "Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for the invitation." I kiss him softly on his cheek.
He pulls back and takes my hand, leading me into the building. "I'm on the second floor."
I nod, even though his back is still turned to me. I follow him up the stairs, the entire time breathing in the subtle scent of his cologne.
"This is me." He motions to an open apartment door and I step through into a space filled with the aroma of spice and vanilla. The lights are low and there are several small candles burning. The sound of jazz music wafts through the air. The decor is clearly all male. A dark leather couch sits next to an oak coffee table, magazines strewn everywhere.
"I told you I admire your work." He nods towards the table where several Veray jewelry boxes sit.
I smile faintly. "Yes, I can see that you do."
"Are you hungry?" He walks towards the kitchen.
I walk into the living room, still clutching the bottle of wine I've brought with me. I immediately notice several photographs displayed on a shelf. One is of two small boys. "Is this you and Brighton?" I call in the direction of the kitchen.
Jax appears around the corner. He moves next to me. "That's us."
"How old were you here?" I stare at the photo noticing the younger boy is missing a few teeth.
"I'm six I think. Brighton would have been ten then." His voice becomes more expressive, "I always looked up to him. He picked on me constantly until I was taller than him."
I chuckle. "When did that happen? When you were eight?"
"Witty, are we?" His index finger lightly brushes against my nose.
"I am," I counter. "I haven't figured out if you are yet."
That brings up a laugh. "I'll take that," he says as he reaches for the wine. He disappears into the kitchen again as I sit on the couch.
"You bought a lot of my pieces," I say under my breath as I pick up one of the crimson plush Veray jewelry boxes. I open it and see a necklace I designed more than a year ago. I silently close it and grab another from the pile. This one contains a bracelet I remember working on with Mark. With shaking hands I reach to place the box back on the table.
"That's one of my favorites." Jax hands me a glass of wine as he settles in next to me on the couch.
"Mine too." I smile faintly taking a small sip of the fragrant, red liquid.
"I was out of line when I asked about Mark."