Every Rule Has an Exception

Every Rule Has An Exception - 2

Jackson laughed, although masking an amazed look. He was forced to accept.

"I mean, like you said, isn't this as good a reason as any?"

Jackson shrugged his shoulders at Jo's inquiry, keeping a bright smile on his lips. "I deserve that, I admit. I wanted to ask you something, actually."

"Oh?" Jo folded her arms over the chest. She was, admittedly, intrigued. "Sure, anything."

"After we had dinner, you know, couple of days ago, I searched your company online. I took a look at your product and services and your vision aligns well with an initiative we'd like to do at Team Wang. So, I wanted to ask if you'd like to talk a bit about that."

Out of all the possible questions he could have asked, that was not even on the list of what Jo expected. She was positively impressed, nonetheless.

"A partnership with us? Don't mind me asking, but what piqued your interest in our activity?"

"Look, I'll be honest, okay? You did, and I'm not saying this just because. The way you spoke about your firm, about your dreams and the sacrifices you had to make to achieve it, it just clicked with me."

Jo was at a loss for words. It hadn't happened in a while, to be dazzled by another person, even though, ironically, it seemed like she had known Jackson for a lifetime. She had to be reminded that the public lens was not a good means to judge anyone.

"And I hoped you'd hear me out. Maybe become partners."

There was that little something that made Jo feel attracted to him. A chance to know Jackson for who he truly was.

"No kiss goodbye then?"

Jackson was bewildered. Jo laughed and continued.

"I am kidding, of course. I am happy to hear that feedback, and I would love to sit down with you. I have some time tomorrow evening if you'd like."

"To hell with the professional businesswoman," Samantha sighed. "I won't pretend to know him too well, but I do hope you didn't blow it."

"Blow what? Sam, there's not a tangible possibility of a something, even though I admit I like him. Who in their right mind doesn't like Jackson? Let's be honest, I am everywhere all the time, he's everywhere all the time, the most promising prospect would be to have a one-night and fly out the next morning."

"Again, I'm not pretending to know him; I'm just saying that some things you just feel. He looked like he could have eaten you out at any moment last night."

Jo rolled her eyes. The doorbell ringing had her get up. "Firstly, who wouldn't? Secondly, all the planet knows Jackson is touchy-flirty with everyone he meets. Let's not get ahead of ourselves here."

Jackson thanked the coffee shop employee and grabbed his tall cappuccino on the way back to the table. Jinyoung was still silently laughing, and Mark couldn't believe his ears.

"Man, she was flirting to your face! What else should she have done?"

"I don't know man! It's been a while since I had any romantic encounter."

"I wouldn't call that a romantic encounter," Jinyoung said, still chuckling to himself. "That was a crumb you stepped on with your foot."

"Jackson, I can't recognize you! Out of all of us, you are the affectionate one. And you left with a bow?"