After Hours

Chapter 34

My body aches from lying on the hard surface beneath me. Opening my eyes, I look beside me to see Zach sleeping​, his lips parted slightly. Turning my head to the other side I see Jackson. Everyone is still asleep, sprawled out on the floor in front of the couch. Last night was fun - so much fun that we all passed out on the floor. Jasmine filled two baskets full of snacks to bring back to the hotel for our sleepover, leaving me to wonder how she keeps such an amazing figure. Deciding to have some fun of my own, I place my hand on Jackson's bare stomach and slowly begin sliding it down. He stirs in his sleep but doesn't wake up. When I reach the band of his pajama pants, I slip my hand beneath his boxers and continue down. Wrapping my hand around him, I watch as he comes to life. His eyes open and his lips part. After quickly looking around the room, his eyes return to mine.

Leaning down, I press a kiss to his chest and he closes his eyes. My hand begins moving up and down his impressive length as I continue to kiss his chest. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jasmine move so I withdraw my hand and lean my chin against his chest. He opens his eyes and frowns when he notices Jasmine moving. "Mrs. Lancaster, I'm afraid I have to go," he whispers softly.

I give him a questioning look then follow his gaze down to the monster I've created. There's no hiding that. Blushing, I sit up and he follows suit. I didn't think that far ahead. "Good morning," Jasmine says.

"Morning," he mumbles.

"We should probably head to the airport after breakfast," she says.

He nods in agreement. "Wake everyone up and order room service. We're going to shower."

He stands and holds his hand out for me to take. When we look at Jasmine again, she is smirking but wisely decides to keep her mouth shut when Jackson glares in her direction. The others begin moving and Zach sits up using one of his elbows. "Good morning, Emery. It was nice cuddling with you last night," he grins.

Jackson pulls me closer, snaking his arm around my body. "Do us all a favor and keep your mouth shut," Jackson sighs.

Sam sits up and I notice her eyes flicker down Jackson's body. Blushing, she glances at me before excusing herself to use the bathroom. I purse my lips grab Jackson's hand, leading his to the bedroom. "Can I join?" Zach calls after us.

Rolling my eyes, I lock the door behind us and Jackson chuckles. "Mrs. Lancaster, I believe we have some unfinished business."

"That we do," I smile.

Releasing my hand, he picks me up and carries me into the bathroom while kissing my neck.

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The flight back is rather dull since Sam and Zach aren't talking to each other, or anyone else for that matter. Jasmine also seems to be bad-tempered so we mostly keep quiet since she's usually the life of the group. Jackson responds to emails beside me and I think about all the things I have to do when we get home. After Jackson and I agree on the final drawings for the new house, construction can begin and I couldn't be happier. His newest building is close to being done. I have teamed up with an designer to help design the interior. We have agreed on most things but we still have a little bit of work left to do. The building should be done by the end of next week.

When the plane lands, Franklin is waiting with one of the SUV's. He drives our friends home before taking us home. Jackson heads to his office to work and I go upstairs for a quick shower before going in to work. I don't want to go but my assistant contacted me earlier about some things that needed my attention. Wearing my navy blue pencil work dress and a pair of black stockings, I head downstairs. Peeking into Jackson's office, I see him at his desk on the phone. "Just send it over and I'll sign it. Get Fred to look into the other account then have him contact," he pauses. "Thank you."

Hanging up, his eyes meet mine and he frowns. "I'm going to work. I shouldn't be long."

Standing, he meets me in the doorway and traces his finger down the V-cut of my dress. "This looks good on you," he says softly, distracting me.

"Thank you," I smile. "I'll call you when I'm on my way home."

He pouts and I can't help but smile. "Let's just go to bed. I'll stop working now."

I shake my head. "As nice as that sounds I'm going to have to pass. I promised I'd be there."

"Okay," he sighs. "Franklin can take you."

I nod and he follows me out of the room. Franklin enters the house and I smile. "Could you take me to work please?"

"Of course."

Turning, I kiss Jackson's lips softly. "I'll be home before you know it. I love you."

"I love you too," he responds, kissing me once more.

Following Franklin outside, he opens the car door and I glance back at the door where Jackson is still waiting. Smiling, I blow him a kiss before climbing into the car. Franklin drives me to work and I thank him before heading into the building. When I sit at my desk, my assistant begins pushing numerous papers in my direction. She only pauses when we hear someone enter the office. His voice causes me to freeze. "Noah?" I say aloud before I can really think about it.

"Emery," he says, peeking around the corner. "Do you have a moment?"

"Sure. Come in," I say, surprised by his presence.

He sits in the chair on the opposite side of my desk and smiles. "You look good," he says, his finger skimming across his lower lip.

The act doesn't go unnoticed by me and I find myself regretting ever coming to work in the first place. "Thank you. What can I do for you?"

Sitting up straighter and placing his hands on the side of the chair, his demeanor changes to a more business-like one. "I bought property in Clearwater recently. It has direct access to the Gulf and plenty of land for building."

"How many rooms total?" I ask.

"Ten," he says softly.

I raise my eyebrows in surprise. "You're building a house?"

He nods. "I want six bedrooms inside and four bedrooms in the guest house."

Grabbing paper and a pen, I begin taking notes. "How many bathrooms?"

He continues explaining what he has in mind for the house as I take notes. It's going to be a beautiful house. It makes me wonder what has changed in him. Why so many bedrooms when he said he didn't want a family?

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