Impossible to Ignore
Writer's Note: This is sequel to a fic I wrote a few years ago called "Ignorance Doesn't Last". I always wanted to write a sequel to the fic and I finally conjured up an idea. It's more of a light-hearted idea then the first fic was, but I kind of wanted to do a light-hearted Jackson/Lisa fic lately.
Chapter 1: Just a Little Chat
Lisa fiddled with her keys as she walked up to her apartment. She was started to get out again. Tonight she had drinks with a few acquaintances from her gym. Tomorrow night she planned to eat out with Cynthia at a new Italian restaurant. She was trying to be social, but the one thing she avoided was men.
If the rape and Jackson Rippner hadn't spoiled her life, Ethan Ramsey had definitely ruined any chance of her trusting a man any time soon. She wasn't too worried about her love life at the moment. Just living a normal, average life was good enough for her.
Lisa pushed the key into the lock, but noticed instantly that the front door was already unlocked. She stiffened. The door unlocked could only mean two things: she accidentally left it unlocked that morning or someone had broken into her apartment.
She took a few cautious steps into the doorway, noticing a light on in the kitchen. She heard the sound of a glass being set on the counter. Oh, it couldn't be. Lisa's shoulders relaxed and she walked into the kitchen, alert but at ease.
He had a wine glass in his hand, slowly sipping the red liquid inside it. He wore a light blue button-up shirt with dark blue stripes and black, pleaded trousers. His hair was an inch shorter than what it had been before.
Another full wine glass sat on the counter untouched. Lisa glanced at it then set down her purse. "I see you let yourself in again."
"Well, you never leave me a key under the mat. How inconsiderate." Jackson smirked, a little gleam in his eye.
"I aim to please," Lisa replied, dripping with sarcasm. "Why are you here this time, Jackson?"
This was Jackson's fourth visit in the nine months since Ethan's rampage. The first visit was the most disturbing for Lisa. She came home and he was there, sitting on her couch reading a book. She didn't totally trust him at the time, even if he did save her life.
"I'm here to check on you, Leese. Just making sure no former co-worker is stalking you again, so put the pen down."
Jackson stayed for the evening. The second visit he stayed in town a few days, showing up at Lisa's apartment every night for dinner. The more time they spent together, the more at ease Lisa felt.
"Drink." Jackson gestured to the full wine glass on the counter.
"No, thank you. I had my fill for the night," Lisa replied, cocking her head suspiciously. "Now why are you here, Jack?"
Jackson cringed at the use of his dreaded nickname. He breathed out, loudly. "It seems even the League gives vacation time. I have 10 days, and I want to use them wisely. That's why you're coming to Ireland with me."
Lisa gaped at him. It was odd hearing Jackson talk about going on vacation, but to say she was spending it with him? "You're kidding, right?"
"No, you're going to Ireland with me." Jackson smirked. "I know you've always wanted to go there."
A moment passed before Lisa grabbed the wine glass and gulped down the contents. She grabbed the open bottle and poured another full glass of wine.
"I thought you had your fill for the night?"
Lisa wiped her mouth rather unlady-like. "What makes you think I'm going to Ireland with you?"
"Because you can't resist the one place you've wanted to go since you were a little girl." Jackson pushed off the counter, strolling to the living room. "Pack your bags soon, Leese. We're leaving in a couple weeks."