After Hours

Chapter 5

We lay in bed, our legs tangled together with my head on his chest. He runs his fingers through my hair, occasionally kissing the top of my head as I listen to his heartbeat. After what feels like forever, I press a soft kiss to his chest then tilt my head back to look at him. "That was amazing," I say with a tired smile.

He smiles. "It was."

His smile fades and he looks deep in thought but doesn't say anything. "What is it?" I ask.

Looking up at the ceiling, he rubs his jaw with his free hand. "I can't help but think about you and Noah."

I move away slightly and turn onto my stomach, using my elbows to sit up. I push my hair aside so it falls over my right shoulder. "You're better in bed if that's what you're wondering," I admit.

He laughs a little. "That wasn't what I was thinking about but thanks for letting me know."

"Yours is bigger and better," I wink.

"Better?" he asks, raising an eyebrow.

Nodding, I slip beneath the sheet. "He's not circumcised."

I take him in my mouth but pull away when he speaks. "Wait."

"What?" I ask, pushing the sheet back so I can see him.

"I can't let you do that after talking about another guy's dick."

Sighing, I sit up and place my hands on my thighs, still sitting astride him. "Fine. What do you want to know about Noah?"

His eyes flicker down to my chest before he sits up so we're eye level. "When did you two meet?" he asks.

My lips part and I hesitate for a moment. "I met him at the party the night we broke up. He gave me a ride."

"There has to be more to it if you guys ended up together," he says. "I need you to be honest with me."

I sigh. "Fine. I wanted to numb the pain so he drove me to a bridge and we jumped. Then he drove us to a hotel where we stayed in separate rooms," I explain. "He explained his upcoming projects over breakfast the next morning and when I told him I went to school for architecture he asked me to help. As much as I hate him for cheating, I am thankful for him because he started my career."

He blinks slowly. "You jumped off a bridge? Do you even realize how reckless that is? You could have gotten injured or worse."

I roll my eyes. "I'm alive, aren't I?"

He shakes his head. "So was he the one who told you about Sophie?"

The sound of her name coming from his lips makes my stomach churn. "Yes he is but I'm glad he told me because you obviously weren't going to."

He sighs. "Because I knew how you were going to react."

"My reaction would have been a lot different if you and I had discussed it after you found out," I say.

He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I screwed up, okay? I'm sorry."

Placing my hands on his shoulders, I lean my forehead against his and close my eyes. We sit in silence and I notice that the sound of music and laughter is gone. Someone must of shut the party down but I was too caught up with Jackson to notice. "Do you love me?" he asks, interrupting my thoughts.

My eyes pop open and I pull back a little. "I never stopped."

Bringing me closer, his lips meet mine and we get lost in each other once again.

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The morning light shines through the curtains as I glance at the clock. It's still early but I know I'll have to start getting ready for work soon. The thought is depressing because I am completely exhausted after last night. I lost count after round three. The memories of last night put a smile on my lips and I turn over to look at Jackson. He is laying on his stomach, his lips parted slightly as he sleeps.

My smile fades as I wonder what this means for us. Technically I am still dating Noah and even though he cheated on me, I still feel a little guilty for cheating on him. It was wrong and I should have broken up with him first. Plus, Jackson and I broke up for a reason. For us to be together, he'd have to cut all ties with Sophie and he made it obvious that he wouldn't do that. He also wants kids but I don't think I do. Maybe we're just not meant to be.

Careful not to wake him, I climb out of bed and put on my bikini and cover. Once I have my things, I quietly leave the room, spotting Jasmine still on the couch. I take the elevator down to the main floor get my bag from my car. When I get to my room, my phone begins ringing. Jackson's name flashes across the screen as I toss it onto the bed. After undressing, I reach into the shower to turn the water on but stop when there's a knock on the door. Groaning in frustration, I slip into a robe and open the door. "Hey," Noah says, handing me a coffee.

I reluctantly take it, shocked at his presence. "How did you know I was here?" I ask.

"Your assistant told me," he shrugs.

I shake my head as I place my coffee cup down. "I want space."

"You have space," he says looking around, his eyes stopping on the untouched bed. "Where did you sleep?"

"The maid service already came through," I lie, my stomach tightening.

Setting his cup down, he saunters toward me. "Were you with him?"

I frown. "With who?"

"Jackson."

"Of course not," I answer.

"Then open your robe," he says. "Prove to me that no other man has touched you."

I glare at him. "Why? You haven't touched me in months."

He frowns. "Did you sleep with him?"

"I wasn't with him," I insist.

"Yes you were," he snaps. "One of my friends was at his party last night. He took a picture of you two making out and another of you going into the bedroom with him."

"Fine. I did. But you cheated too!"

He stares at me for a long moment. "Then we're even. Let's start over."

I shake my head. "I don't know if I want to be with you anymore."

He sighs. "Just give me a chance to love you. I have already arranged for things to be taken care of at work and I'll be at home for a while. Please come home so we can work this out."

I close my eyes for a short moment. "It isn't that easy. We haven't loved each other in months."

"Just give me a chance," he pleads. "Let's go away for a while and reconnect. I don't want to lose you."

He holds his arms open and I hesitantly walk into them, allowing him to rub my back as I lay my head against his chest, feeling guilty for leading Jackson on. I am a horrible person but Noah wants are similar to mine. We don't want kids but Jackson does. It just feels like an unfair relationship with Jackson, no matter the choice.

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{A/N: As mentioned in the story's description, the first 5 chapters are published on Wattpad as a preview. The story is 100% complete & published on Dreame (more info in my bio). HOWEVER, I fully publish them on Wattpad at random times throughout the year to give you all a chance to read my stories here. If you follow me & add the story to your library, you will get a notification when I republish them here. Thank you all for your support! 😊}