After Hours

Chapter 33

(A/N: I have changed one of the characters name. Katie's character (the baker/Jackson's friend) will now be known as Ellie. Her full name is Elizabeth but only Jackson will address her by this name. Sorry for any confusion.)

Leaning down, I pull my panties back up as I look around the room. It's a maintenance room, filled with tools and cleaning supplies. Classy. "You should go out first," Jackson says, tucking his shirt in properly before buttoning his pants.

I watch as he fastens his belt, his eyes flickering up to mine. Reaching out, I grab his tie and pull so his body is pressed firmly against mine. "I actually have to use the restroom," I say, fixing his tie.

I notice his eyes flicker down to my lips but I know we've already been gone for too long. Once his tie is in place, I push him away gently. Opening the door, I walk out and continue to the end of the hall. Glancing back, I see him glance over his shoulder at me. After quickly using the restroom and fixing my hair and makeup, I return to our table where Jackson is standing. "Would you like to dance, Mrs. Lancaster?" he asks, holding out his hand.

"I'd love to," I respond sweetly.

Taking his hand, I follow him out to the dance floor. I feel much more relaxed and at ease now. Placing my hands on his shoulders, I press my body to his and begin swaying once his hands are on my hips. Looking into his eyes, all my anger from earlier and the previous night dissolve into nothing. How could I not love this man? "You're right," he says, breaking the silence between us. "It's unfair of me to be mad about you hanging out with my brother and think it was okay for me to hang out with her. I apologize."

I am momentarily stunned. "I'm sorry too," I breathe. "That woman just irritates me. I can't stand her."

"Perhaps it's a bit of jealousy and lack of trust. I understand why you think I'd cheat because that's what Noah did but I can promise you that I'd never do that to you," he says. "I just hope you don't make me pay for his mistakes by not trusting me. I promise to be more honest from now on."

I take a deep breath, now wanting to believe the part about Noah but I know that is partially why I was so upset. "I promise to be more honest, too. The fight was stupid and I acted childish."

He closes his eyes for a short moment as he takes a deep breath. "I'm glad we talked about it but I don't want to talk about it anymore. Let's talk about how sexy you look in this dress," he says, smiling appreciatively.

"I'm glad you like it. I was hoping to get your attention," I smirk.

He raises an eyebrow. "You should know that it doesn't take much to gain people's attention. The moment you walked into the room everyone stopped and stared."

My cheeks warm a little but I roll my eyes, knowing he's exaggerating. "They do not."

"You're right. The women turn their heads because they're so jealous," he says.

I chuckle. "You're crazy."

"Crazy about you," he says, nuzzling my neck.

I tilt my head back, giving him easier access to my neck. This trip has been so much fun but I can't wait to get back home. An idea briefly crosses my mind and I pull away slightly. "Hey, I have an idea."

"Oh yeah?" he says, focusing on my lips.

"Seriously. It's about Ellie," I add.

His eyes widen. "I didn't even ask if it was okay that she made our cake. I'm so sorry."

I chuckle. "She can make our cake, I don't mind."

He furrows his eyebrows. "Then what's this about?"

I shrug a little. "You said she was a close friend so I thought you'd like her to be part of the wedding. She can be one of my bridesmaids if you want."

He raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Wow," he breathes. A long moment of silence passes and I begin believing that he thinks it's a terrible idea. "What about your sister?"

I sigh. "I never really wanted her to be part of the wedding. I just needed another bridesmaids but if you like the idea then Ellie can just fill in. If she agrees then she can get fitted for a dress when we get back."

He considers it for a moment before nodding. "I'd like that. Thank you."

I smile. "You're welcome."

"Are you sure? The only person in the wedding party that you asked was Sam. I don't want you to feel obligated to include my friends."

I shake my head. "They're my friends too. The only other person I was close with was Liam and after that was Noah and I don't want either of them to be at my wedding."

He frowns but before he can speak Jasmine interrupts. Everyone agrees to go back to the hotel and we head out to the limo. Jackson pulls me onto his lap and kisses me softly as the others talk quietly.

The car is relatively dark, a few lights creating a dim glow so we sort of have our own corner of privacy. His tongue slips between my lips and I indulge in his enticing pleasures for a short moment before pulling away. As much as I'd like to lose myself in him once again, I know this isn't the time or place. He keeps me close as I begin listening to our friends. "We should have a sleepover in the Lancaster suite," Jasmine suggests, waiting for Jackson's response.

Jackson looks at me, giving me the chance to answer. We should probably have some privacy to talk but Jasmine's pleading eyes makes my refusal impossible. "Okay," I agree.

"Driver, take us to the nearest store please," Jasmine says with a smile.

"Yes ma'am," he nods, slowing to make a turn.

Jackson shifts to get something out of his pocket so I try to move off of him but he holds me in place. He pulls out a one hundred dollar bill and places it in my hand. "Knowing Jasmine she is going to fill a cart with snacks," he says, rolling his eyes. "You girls can go in and get whatever you want while I discuss something with the guys."

Tilting his head back, I press a soft kiss to his lips and find myself regretting saying yes to this sleepover. I want nothing more than to be curled up in bed with him right now. "I love you," I whisper as the car comes to a stop.

"I love you too," he smiles.

He opens the door and we both climb out, his hand skimming across my behind. As Sam, Jasmine and I walk away, I get the feeling that we're still being watched so I glance back to see Jackson gawking. He stares at me hungrily and it boosts my confidence. I wink at him before entering the store.

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