"Is that what you see for yourself?" I asked. "Retiring to hold court at your favorite country club and find yourself a lovely queen?"
"Then, a big white house with a yard, a vacation home, and a few good years of enjoying it all before the kids come along," Jackson said. "Sounds perfect, doesn't it? I told you that great minds think alike."
He plucked my hand from the white linen tablecloth and brushed his thumb gently across the back of my knuckles. I had to admit that Jackson McRay was very attractive. A few women around the restaurant were watching us with barely contained jealousy. I did feel a thrill at the easy and comfortable life he had outlined.
The only problem was he was not Fenton. I pulled my hand back. "It's a bit expected," I said. "I wouldn't want you to think I was boring."
Jackson's lips curled in an appreciative smile. "You're right. I do like a girl who needs to be chased. So tell me, Kya, what kind of wild future do you see for yourself?"
I sipped my wine. "I'm going to try Las Vegas for a while. It makes the most sense for my business. So, there goes my country club plans. I might have to take up gambling," I said.
"Or martial arts?" he asked. His smile disappeared and he reached for his wine.
"Who knows," I said. "There are lots of hobbies I haven't tried yet. I think it’s kind of fun to takes things as they come. I mean, don't get me wrong. I had outlined the exact life you described, but now I think I should see what happens instead of trying to make it happen. Does that make sense?"
"No," he said. He took my hand again. "It makes sense that you want to cut loose and try on the world for size. But only for a little while, Kya. You're smart, you're practical, and you know the best course for your life to take. Once you're on that course and your momentum really gets going, it can feel a little scary. That's why you should find someone with your same tastes to guide you back when the time comes."
"You don't think I can take care of myself?" I asked. The words echoed what Dana Maria had said earlier.
"It’s not that. I just don't want you to wake up one morning lost. Having a goal keeps you on track."
I had to agree. Having solid goals was the only thing that kept me from falling apart when my parents passed away. "I know. I agree. I'm just not sure my end goal is a big white house. Lots of people work toward the goal of being happy and securing their future without mapping out every step."
"Like your fighter?"
"You can't possibly think of Fenton Morris as unfocused," I said.
"Then how about impetus?" Jackson asked. "He can certainly be all over the map with what he does and what he wants."
"I don't know if I agree," I said. "Both he and his sister are very driven. They might not have the house picked out, but I bet they are both working toward the same kind of security that you are describing."
Jackson snorted. "What I'm describing is worlds away from what a stripper saves her money for. You think she's going to earn enough to appear in polite society?"
"I don't think Dana Maria is interested in polite society. She knows exactly who she is and doesn't care what other people say."
"But you do," he said. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be testing out this idea of staying in Vegas on every person you meet."
"I might not have Dana Maria's confidence, but I'm getting there," I said. "That's why I'm not narrowing my options down to the safe path."
"That's not confidence," he disagreed. "That's the long term effect of being stared at by men. She thinks she's in control, she thinks she confident, but she's really just begging for attention."
"You were paying attention to her when I arrived," I said. I swallowed and wished I had the words back.
Jackson laughed and poured himself more wine. "Like I pay attention to the label on a wine bottle. Then, I drink what I want and toss it away. And, trust me, there are better vintages than her."
He smiled and I knew it was supposed to be a compliment. I smiled back and sipped my wine while my skin crawled. Jackson was perfect on the outside – a handsome gentleman, a professional golfer known for his grace under pressure, and a widely coveted and charming date.
He just was not the man for me.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Fenton
As soon as we stepped out of the elevator, I noticed people looking at my sister. The looks on their faces said they had the exact same thoughts as Jackson just had up in the suite.
"You could have changed clothes up in the suite, Dee," I said. "I didn't mean to rush you out of there."
"I'm perfectly comfortable," Dana Maria said. "Plus, it’s gotta be good for your reputation. Fenton Morris seen in broad daylight with an exotic dancer. Fits right into the image of the party boy fighter, doesn't it?"