He slowed at the question, in the process of loosening his tie, and wondered what exactly he wanted to prove. That he could take it? Or that he could take what he wanted without having to apologize for it? The thought had Jackson turning away, if only because the memory of the dinner party he attended still sat a little too close for comfort.

"You can start by not calling me dude," he answered as casually as he could manage. He threw his tie over the back of a chair carelessly and quickly began working on the buttons of his shirt. "It's Jackson."

He glanced over his shoulder. "And losing your clothes."