When she woke up to find Jack's arm slung across her, a part of her could admit she liked it – a lot. And when she noticed he had discarded his shirt she felt a blush creep in as she lightly traced circles into his arm. It had been long since she woke up to a man lying next to her and when she had spent the night with him, she'd been too focused on leaving to relish in soaking into the feel of his arms around her.
Since he was in her space – there was no need to run.
She reached out to feel his stubble cheek and when he nuzzled his face against her palm, her lips stretched into a small smile. Her eyes moved all over his face tracing a silent path, taking note of the small mole just on the side of his neck. It amazed her how she had missed it and when they landed on his pink, pouty lips an increase in her heart was only further proof of the damage those lips had done to imprint themselves on her body.
And ss if a light bulb lit up in her head her hand immediately dropped to the side once Maxwell emerged in her head. And suddenly her mood grew dim to the fact he should have been the one here with her instead of Jack. She gently removed his arm from her body and though she missed the warmth he provided she ignored her body's pleas to go back to bed as she threw on her robe and left the bedroom.
Entering the kitchen, she paused briefly to find Sabrina sitting on the kitchen stool munching on some cereal," I thought you'd be passed out by now," she inquired helping herself to a cup of tea. Erica wasn't much a coffee drinker, and she didn't bother to look at Sabrina to know her eyes were following her every move.
"And miss meeting him, hell no," she replied standing up to place the bowl into the sink." Soo... where is your lover anyway."
"He's still sleeping," Erica bit back moving away from her to occupy a seat by the counter. She took a sip of her warm beverage and glanced up to find Sabrina smiling at her." What?" she snapped.
"Just find it cute how you've accepted that he's your lover."
Her eyes widened at the realization that she hadn't bothered to correct her," H-He's not –"
"Too late, bitch," Sabrina held up her hand silencing her, but Erica refused to allow her to think that there was anything romantic going on between them.
"There's nothing going on between us."
"Why?" Sabrina frowned," And your reason better not have anything to do with Maxwell."
"Erica?" Jack mumbled entering the kitchen, still bear chested as he wiped the sleep out of his eyes a sight Sabrina had no issue soaking in as her eyes moved along his wide expansive chest. Erica took note of the way her cousin gawked at him and for some reason it didn't settle well with her. As if she could feel Erica's heated look, she glanced in Erica's direction to see the annoyance on her face.
"Fine," Sabrina mouthed getting the message loud and clear.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Better, thanks for helping me out – again," he smiled looking at her.
"Your welcome – again," she chuckled nervously only to have the moment ruined when Sabrina cleared her throat. Erica closed her eyes fighting the annoyance begging to take over as she reopened her eyes and said," Jack this is my irritating ass cousin, Sabrina. Sabrina... this is Jack."
"I'm actually the sweet one between us both," Sabrina pointed out causing Erica to roll her eyes. She reached out and shook his hand," the way she described you doesn't do you justice," she stated. And that comment made Erica nearly choke on her drink at the absurdity in her statement. She hadn't described him and when her eyes looked at Sabrina the wink, she sent her way unveiled her intention to make this situation awkward for her.
Jack's eyes briefly connected to hers in question and all she could do was smile sheepishly as Sabrina excused herself. But just as she passed Erica she quickly bent down and whispered in her ear," Don't ever throw your fucking slipper at me again."
She quickly left the room ignoring Erica's glare.
"Your cousin is... " he paused rubbing the back of his neck feeling awkward for what to say.
"You don't need to finish that statement. I didn't get to choose my family- unfortunately," she grumbled.
"Don't say that," he assured taking a seat next to her," the way you guys act is kind of like my brother and I."
"Really? So are you the older one-"
"No. I'm the younger one."
"And you're the one who's running the company," her brow quirked. She didn't know much about how most businesses operated but, in most cases, it was usually the children who'd inherit the business.
"He... wasn't seduced by the idea of wearing suits and practically living in his office," he chuckled- knowing that deep down he wasn't seduced by the idea of it either. But what other choice did he have.
"Even though I'm studying law, I know that life isn't for me... "
He studied her quietly, engrossed by how beautiful she looked without any makeup. The previous night he was in bad shape but now with his mind clear he wanted to touch her. Feel her body against his again and maybe the direction at which his thoughts were heading was felt by her as she stopped talking when he didn't respond.
She stood up from the stool hoping to reduce the sudden tension," You want anything to drink. We have coffee, te – AH!" she shrieked, jumping in surprise at the feel of his hands wrapping around her waist.
"J-Jack... " she breathed placing her hands against the edge of the counter as the butterflies erupted in her belly. He pushed his hips forward tightening his hold on her as he bent his head into the crook of her neck," I don't think this is a good idea," she whispered tilting her head to the side allowing his lips more skin to lick and nip.
His hand keeping her close his other hand snuck into the opening of her robe turning her around to fully face him. It's not long before she's placed on the counter with him occupying the space between her legs placing his hands on her thighs. She looked away unsure of how to approach this. On the one hand she was aware he was still going through something but on the other hand she wanted to be selfish and revel in his touch.
"We can't keep avoiding this. We're going to have to sit down and talk about it," he murmured kissing her cheek.
She wanted to say something, but the second his lips landed on hers she couldn't remember what. And just as she tightened her legs and allowed his tongue to touch hers, she didn't care to recall what it was she wanted to say. His hands gripped her hips seeking refuge in the warmth he'd desperately been yearning for and though he still felt a bit disoriented from last night it seemed the feeling would take a break and allow him this moment with her.
It's a shame the rest of the universe wouldn't allow him the same luxury. For when a throat cleared, they broke apart to find Sabrina standing there amused whilst another male glared in their direction looking visibly upset at them.
"Maxwell... uh," Erica froze unsure of what to do; the cold look in his eyes wasn't one she was accustomed to. She immediately closed her robe and pushed Jack from the space between her legs hopping off the counter," What are you doing here?"
"Well, I came here to discuss something concerning a project I'm working on," he frowned crossing his arms before he glanced behind her back to look at Jack with a murderous look," but I see you're occupied fucking this stranger-"
"Hey!" Jack snarled standing in front of her, his stance protective, he didn't know who this person was, but he didn't particularly like the way he was addressing her." There's no need for that tone."
"Jack its fine," she mumbled softly placing her hand on his back. Though he was tense at first, he immediately relaxed at the feel of her hand on him." Max can you just give me a second?" she asked only to have him scoff and leave the room. Sabrina switched her gaze between them both, a question simmering in her brown orbs before eventually leaving them alone.
"I gotta go. And you need to go and clean up the mess you made in your drunken rampage," she chided stepping further away from him. Despite a part of him wanting to stay, he knew he'd have to go out and face the real world once more even if he was barely surviving. Silently nodding his head, she gave him a small smile and left the kitchen.
She left him to go grab his things and leave their apartment and her life...