After Hours

Chapter 12

The next morning I wake up with a throbbing headache. Looking around the room, I realize I'm not at home. I quickly sit up and find myself instantly regretting it. "Jasmine?" I call out.

"In here," she yells.

I wince, slowly getting to my feet. Going towards the sound of the TV, I walk through a door that leads into the living room where Jasmine and Zach are. They're playing the Xbox while Dominic and Benjamin are sitting at the dining room table eating. "What time is it?" I ask.

"Almost noon," Jasmine answers.

"Fuck," I say, rubbing my forehead.

"You look like shit," Zach says glancing at me.

"I feel like it," I admit. "I'm going to take a cab home. I'll call you later Jasmine."

"Sure," she nods, focusing on the game. "Your phone and keys are by the door. Thanks for going out with me last night. I had fun."

"Me too... I think," I add.

She chuckles. "Do you want me to call Franklin for you?"

"No, it's fine. Thanks."

"I can drive you home," Zach offers.

"I'll manage," I reply, walking to the door.

Grabbing my phone, I contact a car agency who says a car will be here shortly. My heels are by the door so after slipping them on and grabbing my keys, I head downstairs where a car drives me home. When I get home, Marilyn stops me in the hallway. "Would you like something to eat?" she asks.

"Not yet," I answer. "I am going to take a bath but I'll let you know when I'm done," I say with an appreciative smile.

"Alright. Let me know if you need anything," she smiles before walking away.

I am happy that they're so welcoming. Part of me thought they'd hate me after leaving Jackson last time. I'm glad they don't because I couldn't live here if they did. Pushing my thoughts aside, I go upstairs to my bedroom and run a bath. While I'm soaking in the tub, my phone begins ringing beside me. I quickly dry my hands before answering. "Hello."

"Hey, babe. What are you doing?" Jackson asks.

"Taking a bath," I sigh. "How about you?"

"We're grabbing some breakfast right now so I thought I'd call. Did you already take everything to the house?"

"Yeah. I emptied out my storage unit and brought a few more things over. I got rid of most of the things in there."

"Have you thought about designing a house yet?" he asks.

I smile. "Yes. I actually have something in mind already. I just have to draw it out."

"Since I'm going to buy a property with a lot of acreage, there will be a lot of room for play," he says. "I was thinking about having a pool house in the backyard."

"That sounds nice," I admit. "I don't want to start on the plans until you get back. Both of us have to love it."

"You designed my building perfectly. I know that it's still being built but the model was incredible and the materials you had sent to the office were amazing," he says. "I trust you completely."

I take a deep breath. "I know you do but it's something I want to do together."

"Okay. Next weekend can have dinner and discuss the plans," he suggests.

"Only if I get to take you to bed afterward," I say with a smile.

He chuckles. "That's one thing I'll always agree to. I have to go but I'll talk to you soon. I love you."

"Love you too," I smile.

After my bath, I go downstairs where Marilyn has lunch waiting. When I'm finished eating, I go upstairs and unpack my clothes, placing some into the drawer that Jackson emptied for me and hanging the others in the open space on the back wall. I notice a few garment bags hung up to the side so I unzip one, peeking into it. There are five party dresses in it - all in my size. The next bag contains formal dresses and the last bag contains dresses I could wear anytime. Zipping the bags, I continue my search in the other drawers. One contains bras while another contains panties. They aren't just average items - they're all designer brand. In the shoe compartments, I find heels with red bottoms - Christian Louboutin's. Shaking my head, I stand up and finish.

When I'm done, I check my phone to find a text from Jasmine asking if I wanted to go out tonight. Before I can text her back, my phone begins ringing causing me to jump. "Hello," I answer.

"Why didn't you text me back?" Jasmine asks.

"I just saw it," I chuckle. "Where are you going?"

"All of us are taking Zach's jet out to Vegas."

"I don't know," I sigh, thinking about last night.

"Don't worry, we won't be drinking," she insists. "Zach mentioned going out for dinner and a show then finding some roller coasters or something. You up for it?"

"Sure. When do we leave?" I ask.

"We're already on our way," she chuckles. "Wear something comfortable."

She hangs up and I shake my head. With such little notice, I rush to get ready. Wearing jean shorts and a tank top, I go downstairs where Jasmine is just coming through the door. She grabs my hand and pulls me out to the limo where Dominic and Benjamin are waiting. The car begins moving once we're in and I accept a soda from Benjamin as Dominic indiscreetly begins snapping photos of us. Jasmine poses beside me but I just roll my eyes. "Where is Zach?" I ask.

"He's already waiting on the jet," Jasmine says. "Us three were getting our things from the hotel when he called and made the plans. Benjamin's girlfriend will be joining us once we get there so there's an even number. It's going to be fun."

"Sounds like it," I agree.

When we get to the airport, we all climb out of the car and board the plane where Zach is on the phone. Once everyone is seated, the jet slowly begins moving forward.

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