After Hours

Chapter 20

Jackson surprised me by joining me for a shower but we manage to keep our distance so we can finish as quickly as possible. When we get downstairs, I follow Jackson into the game room beside his office. There are several game tables located around the room along with a mini bar and a flat screen TV with gaming systems. Zach is sitting on the couch eating while playing the Xbox. "About time," he says, pausing the game and biting another fry. "I was about to go up and join."

Rolling my eyes, I sit on Jackson's lap. He grabs something out of the bag and hands it to me before grabbing something for himself. As I begin eating, I glance at the TV, noticing he's playing Call of Duty. "I don't remeber inviting you," Jackson mutters before taking a bite of his food.

"You didn't. I was just bored and wanted to use your Xbox," Zach explains. "Food was just a bribe to let me stay."

I shake my head in disbelief. "If you're such a good actor then why can't you afford to buy your own."

All eyes are on me and I find myself regretting it because I shouldn't be rude to him. "You have quite a mouth on you," he says, leaning forward to place his elbows on his knees. "Just so you know, I can afford to buy anything I want. I just wanted to hang out with my brother if that's okay with you."

My shoulders drop slightly and I frown, feeling guilty. "Of course it is. I'm sorry."

"I just moved here recently and hardly know anyone," he explains. "All of my friends live in L.A. or out of the country. It gets pretty boring."

"You're welcome here when ever," I reply. "Just run it by Jackson first."

He nods before continuing to eat. I glance at Jackson who just gives me a small smile. My phone begins ringing so I press my lips to his, tugging at his bottom lip before turning with a smile. I lean forward to reach my phone and Jackson flexes his hips slightly, causing me to gasp but I quickly clear my throat, hoping Zach didn't notice. "Who is it?" Jackson asks.

"Sam," I say, reading the caller ID. "Hello?"

"Hey. I'm back in town if you want to catch up. We can do drinks at my place," she suggests.

Jackson flexes his hips once more so I playfully smack his leg. "Or you could come to my new place for some drinks," I say. "I'll text you the address."

"Sounds good. I'll be there soon. Should I bring anything?"

"No, I have everything we'll need."

"Alright. I'm heading there now."

Hanging up, I turn and steal one of Jackson's fries. "Hey," he complains.

"Sam's coming over. We're going to have a few drinks," I say.

"Okay," he nods. "Should we order more food?"

I shake my head. "This will be okay. I can always share."

He nods before he continues eating. We eat in silence as Zach continues playing his game. When I hear the doorbell ring, I jump up and race to the door. Sam is outside, looking around. "This place is huge," she exclaims. "Who the hell are you dating now?"

I chuckle. "Come in and I'll show you."

She follows me to the game room where both boys are now playing the game. I press pause on Jackson's controller, causing Zach to whine in annoyance. "We were almost done," he stops when he notices Sam. "You didn't say Sam was a girl."

"Why would I invite a guy over for drinks?" I ask.

He shrugs. Jackson stands up and shakes Sam's hand. "It's a pleasure seeing you again."

Sam reluctantly shakes his hand, furrowning her eyebrows before they shoot up in surprise. "Wait... Jackson right? Your ex," she says, looking at me.

Biting my lip, I try to hold back my smile. "Not anymore."

I hold up my hand and she gasps. "Emery! How could you keep this from me?"

I chuckle. "Well, you didn't exactly approve of him the first time we dated. Plus, the only people we've told are our parents."

"You just told Zach too," Jackson mumbles.

"Everyone was going to find out anyway. The wedding is in a month."

"A month?" Zach and Sam ask at the same time.

Jackson nods. "It's the last Saturday of next month. We'll pick the venue this weekend and invitations will be sent out next week."

Things are moving so quickly but I know this is what I want. I regret leaving him the first time. If I would have stayed, we would most likely already be married. Jackson has had a hold on me ever since we met. I love him more than words can describe. "I want to take you shopping for a dress," Sam says excitedly.

"Of course. You'll be needing one too. That is if you'd like to be one of my bridesmaids," I smile.

She grins. "I'd love to."

Smiling, I turn to Jackson. "I'm going to ask Jasmine to be my maid of honor if that's okay with you."

"That's fine. I'll arrange for her to fly here so you can ask in person, he says, kissing my forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too," I smile.

Grabbing Sam's wrist, I lead her out of the room. We go into the the living room where there's a small cabinet with a decanter and a couple glasses. I pour a little into each glass then hand one to Sam before grabbing one of the bottle in the cupboard. "I'll show you around," I say, giving her a grand tour of the Lancaster estate.

At the end of the tour, we sit outside my bedroom on the balcony with our drinks. There's a light breeze that makes the perfect temperature. "This is all happening so quick," Sam comments. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

I sit quietly for a long moment, thinking. "If his ex wasn't such a bitch and I hadn't left him, we'd most likely be married already. I love him so much and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him."

She smiles. "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you," I smile.

We sit in content, making unrealistic wedding plans as the night falls over us. My future is so bright and I have never been more excited.

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