After Hours

Chapter 36

Before Jackson heads to work, he suggests that Ellie and I go out for lunch to get to know each other better and also so I can ask her to be a part of the wedding party. After giving me her number he leaves for work and I head upstairs. Grabbing my phone, I dial her number and listen as it rings. "Hello?"

"Hey, Ellie. It's Emery, Jackson's fiance."

"Oh," she says in surprise. "How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you. I wanted to discuss something with you and was wondering if you were available for lunch."

There's a moment of silence before I hear movement in the background. "Uh, I'm free between eleven and twelve. Does that work for you?" she asks.

"That's perfect. I'll meet you at your shop and we can go from there," I say.

"Alright. See you later."

"Bye."

Hanging up, I head into the bathroom for a quick shower. Much to my disappointment, Jackson woke me up after his shower because he thought I'd be tired after our late night. Memories of the previous night flood my mind and I can't help but smile. He took me to the same spot where we went a few days after we first met. This time he only brought a blanket so we looked out over the city for a while before cuddling on the blanket and looking up at the stars. It was absolutely perfect.

Pushing my thoughts aside, I quickly finish in the shower and slip into a matching bra and panty set I got recently. It's really cute, giving me an idea. Grabbing my phone, I head over into the closet. I slip into one of his nice black suit coats and leave it unbuttoned. Facing the camera towards me, I take a picture of my body and send it to Jackson. Feeling happy with myself, I quickly change into a pair of dark jeans and a cute blouse. I brush my hair and put on a little makeup before heading downstairs.

Not wanting to bother Franklin, I grab my own keys and head out to my car. I have a little time to spare before meeting with Ellie so I drive to Jackson's building. It looks magnificent and I am so proud of myself for coming up with such a brilliant design. All construction is done, which leaves paint and furniture left. I have already ordered some things Jackson and I talked about but most of the furniture will be brought over from the other building. There are a few large vans in the parking spots closest to the building and I realize it's the painters. Changing direction once again, I head towards the bakery, arriving about ten minutes early. She is taking a customers order so I sit at one of the tables. "I'll be right with you," she says brightly.

Smiling, I nod before taking my phone out of my pocket. There is still no response from Jackson and I wonder if he isn't really into that kind of thing. I just thought it'd be a little fun to surprise him. We've never done it before so he never would have expected it.

The bell rings behind me as the customer leaves and Ellie joins me at the table. Taking off her apron, she sets it on the table then sits in the chair. "We can just stay here if you'd like and we can have something out of the display. Everything's fresh - cookies, cupcakes, danishes and muffins."

"Do you have cherry cheese danishes?" I ask hopefully. She nods. "I'd love one, please."

She smiles. "Alright. I'll be right back."

Taking her apron, she disappears behind the counter. My phone begins vibrating in my pocket so I quickly pull it out, smiling when I realize it's Jackson. "Hey," I answer with a smile.

"You can't do that to me," he says lowly.

My mood immediately falls. "Oh," I say softly. "I'm sorry. I didn't know how you'd react."

He chuckles. "Don't apologize. I said it because it doesn't take much from you to turn me on. Your smell, your touch or the sight of you does the job alone."

I smile. "Then I guess you had the reaction I was hoping for."

"I did, but I have no one to take care of it," he says.

Biting my lip, I glance towards to door behind the display to make sure I'm still alone. "I think I could do something about that."

He groans softly. "If you don't come here, I'll come to you and fuck you on every surface available."

"Bring it on, Mr. Lancaster," I challenge.

I hear his sharp intake of breath. "I'll see what I can do."

The sound of the door opening pulls me out of our little fantasy. "I have to go now. I'll see you soon," I promise.

"Okay. Love you."

"Love you too," I say before hanging up.

Ellie returns to the table with two small plates, each holding a cherry cheese danish. My mouth waters at the sight of it. "Jackson?" she asks.

I nod. "I think I'm going to pay him a visit at work when I leave here."

Her face lights up. "Oh, then I'll send some banana bread brownies. He used to love when I made them."

I take a bite of my danish, thinking about how little I know about Jackson. I know about his family and a little about his work but I've never really asked about his likes and dislikes. The danish takes so good and I quickly forget about my worries. "This is so good," I mumble in appreciation.

She smiles. "I'm glad you like it. I could always make some for the wedding. We could just keep them on the cake table and let people get some."

"That'd be great. And maybe the banana bread brownies, too."

"Okay," she nods, taking a bite.

Clearing my throat, I decide to get straight to the point. "So Jackson and I had a little discussion and we decided we'd like you to be a part of the wedding - that is if you want to."

Her eyes widen in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes. I need another bridesmaid anyway so it's perfect."

"I'd love to," she says softly.

I smile. "Good. My other bridesmaid and maid of honor have already picked out a dress so we'll have to get you one. I'll contact the store so you can go get fitted and they'll order it."

"Okay. Thank you so much, Emery. This means a lot to me."

"It's no problem. I can tell you and Jackson used to be close."

She smiles. "Yeah, we were," she says, thinking I think. "Well, I'm going to get those banana bread brownies in a bag before I forget."

"Okay."

She disappears behind the display once again and I finish my danish before getting up to throw the plate away. Ellie returns with a paper bag, neatly folded over to hold the contents. "Tell him I said thank you."

"I will," I say. "I'll text you later with more details."

"Okay. It was nice seeing you," she says.

"You too. Thanks for this," I say, holding up the bag.

"No problem."

Pulling my keys out of my pocket, I head outside to my car where I drive to Jackson's work.

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