We lay there for only a moment until Jack rises up and hovers over me with a sexy smirk, "It's your turn."

I sense a deep ache inside of me as I attempt to close my legs slightly.  He swiftly lifts my dress over my head until I'm only covered by my white lace bra and underwear and I move my hands to cover my chest.

I suppose subconsciously the reason I buy sexy underwear is so eventually I can show them to someone, but suddenly I've become incredibly timid.

His breath hitches as he takes in my naked body and my nipples stiffen in my bra. My face flushes with heat and tingles spread through me as his hands slowly slide down the straps and he releases my breasts from their cage.

I cross my arms and cover my breasts, slightly embarrassed to be on show. Jackson gently takes my wrists in his large hands then whispers, "You never need to cover up for me."

My cheeks flush again and I allow him to remove my hands, exposing my breasts.  Jack's eyes rake over me as takes his lip ring between his teeth to steady his breathing.

"You're beautiful Maggie, every inch." He whispers, lifting his diamond eyes to meet mine.

I grab his neck to bring his lips flush with mine and taste my favorite mix of mint and metal. 

Jackson's lips graze my jaw as his hands massage my breasts tenderly and his fingers graze over my nipples. The sensation of his touch is otherworldly, a searing heat burns through me like a wildfire and my forehead begins beading with sweat.  I grip the sheets for dear life as he gently begins to tease each nipple in turn.

His hand lowers between my thighs and he shudders at my warm readiness for him. His skilled fingers begin rubbing the ample wetness all over the outside of my entrance and I lean back, pressing myself into his hand.

Jack lowers his face gradually kissing his way down, barely avoiding my core, until I feel the brush of his evening stubble first on one thigh, then the other.

I'm nearly to my breaking point, unable to endure any further teasing when his tongue glides up my thighs and meets my burning center.

I entangle my fingers in his long hair and pull him closer into me. Jack eagerly lifts my legs over his shoulders and I feel an intense pleasure building in my abdomen as his mouth devours me.

As his tongue glides over my bud, his finger pumps in and out slowly, teasingly building pressure that I ache to release. A second finger joins the first and my whimpers fill the room as I tug on his soft chocolate hair. He moans into me and I sense my entire body fill with vibrations.

My muscles start to tighten and I involuntarily arch my back. Jackson knowingly tightens his grips on my thighs, keeping me still and his movements come faster.

I straighten against him breathless until I feel the sudden shudder of an orgasm and cries of ecstasy leave my lips.

I'm attempting to calm my breath as Jackson brings himself next to me and pulls me into his arms.

When we've both regained our strength, I'm suddenly a little embarrassed to be sitting here fully naked with Jackson. I know he told me I never needed to hide with him, but I still am not completely comfortable this exposed. I wrap one of his soft grey sheets around me, which makes me a little more comfortable. 

Jackson lies still on his back staring at the ceiling as I begin snooping around his room for the first time. I figure since he's snooped around mine, he won't be offended if I have a little look around.

His grey walls are completely barren and boxes clutter the room. It has a modern bachelor look and I debate if that's just because it's unpacked or if he'll end up decorating eventually.  I get the feeling Jack's not the type of man who wastes time decorating his apartment. 

With the sheet still clutched tightly in my hands, I saunter over to the large ceiling to floor window that covers the entire wall. I pause to look out over the beautiful downtown view below us.

The realization that we're on the thirtieth floor creates a nauseous dizzy feeling in my stomach. I was so enthralled with the sight, I hadn't heard Jackson get up from bed until I felt his arm wrap around my waist. He pulls me closer, placing a kiss on my temple and we both admire our surroundings.

"You should come work for Redwolf Publishing with me." Jack whispers.

"Do you actually work there?" I ask. "You're an author."

"I help out a lot but I mainly go there to meet with my publicist or attend meetings. However, I do have a permanent office at this location. It was my gift for agreeing to stay in Arizona with Christian." Jack combs his hand through his hair and waits for my answer.

"I would love to get into the industry but I don't know if it would be a great idea to work together, you know with our-" I take a second to think it over, "chemistry."

We've still decided on no labels so I'm not exactly sure what to call us. We're supposed to be friends, but I don't do this kind of thing with my other friends and the idea of friends with benefits leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Jack smiles as he sits on the edge of the black leather chair nearest him. "I could get you your own office." He places his hands on my hips and pulls me between his legs. "Or it might be more fun if we share."

A rush of heat runs through me and I feel my cheeks light up. "I don't know."

"You said it yourself, your job at the Palace was only supposed to be temporary." He reminds me.

I look at the floor trying to compose myself because I can't imagine saying no to him while I'm between his legs.

Then he says, "Come visit me tomorrow and check it out. If you like it, we can talk about what position you would take."

Now my mind is in the gutter, "What position?" I ask with one brow raised and he knows exactly where my mind has traveled.

"Cheeky! You better knock it off or I'll drag you right back to bed." He laughs and smacks my butt then starts towards the shower. "Do you want to shower?"

"Yeah, I'll take one after you." I shrug.

"Why don't we just jump in together?" He offers as his hand threads through his chocolate hair.

His offer is tempting but I'm honestly exhausted from round one and two, and I know exactly where it would go if I showered with him.

"Too many firsts in one day would spoil me." I say with a smirk.

"First shower? Sick." He teases and takes his bottom lip between his teeth.

I lift my hand to smack his hard chest but he catches it which makes the sheet that was covering me fall off. He bends over and effortlessly lifts my naked body over his shoulder while I kick and scream for him to put me down. What is it with him and throwing me over his shoulder?

He carries me into his luxuriously large bathroom and sets me down on the counter.  I cover myself as best I can by crossing my legs and arms in front of me, suddenly extremely self-conscious.  Jackson may be used to walking around naked in front of other women but I certainly am not, no one has ever seen me so exposed. 

Jackson starts the shower to warm it up and walks back to the counter spreading my legs and pressing his body between them. He pulls my arms from my chest and bites his lip, examining me as if he's starving and I'm a delicious meal he'd love to devour.  And although I know I could easily push him away, I don't. Part of me, a hidden part of me craves his attention. 

I feel his hard package between my thighs.  The only separation being the slim fabric of his boxer briefs he managed to slip back on at some point.

I feel the heat spread through my body as his erection presses against my entrance and his lush lips gently mold themselves to fit mine perfectly. He pulls away and presses his cheek against mine then I feel the heat from his breath on my ear as he whispers, "Enjoy your shower, Mags."

Jack swiftly exits the bathroom, closing the door behind him, leaving me completely exposed and blushing on his bathroom counter.  Was that meant to tease me? I can't honestly keep track of this man's emotions.

After a quick shower, I notice a fresh white towel laid next to a pile of neatly folded clothes. I wrap myself in the towel which is so big, it's essentially a sheet and examine the clothes he left for me. It's a slim black Hanes v-neck and a pair of plaid pajama pants which look like they were never worn.

I laugh to myself when I realize how funny I'll look walking out in his clothes but throw them on anyway. The shirt is so long on me it looks like a dress and the pajama pants fit a little loose but I tie them with a drawstring to keep them from falling.

I examine myself in the mirror and immediately drop the pants. I'll just wear the long shirt since it fits like a dress anyway. I grab the yellow ribbon from the waist of the outfit I was wearing earlier and tie it around my midriff like a belt.

Better.

As I enter the kitchen I notice he's wearing jeans and no shirt while he dances around the kitchen with some new-age jazz playing.

I cross my arms and lean back against the wall, deciding to enjoy the show for a while. He spins with his arms out and stops in his tracks when he realizes I'm watching. His eyes rake up and down my body taking his lip ring between his teeth sensually.

I figured that would be the end of my show but he simply winks and continues dancing in my direction. I can't help but laugh at his goofy disposition. I secretly hope I'm the reason he's in such a good mood.

He grabs my hand, gives me a twirl and leads me to the kitchen where dinner plates are set up at the bar. I had hardly realized that we spent all afternoon in the bedroom and the sun was already setting.

There's no dining room table, instead, there are tons of boxes scattered everywhere. I sit at the bar next to one of the place settings and he starts dishing up some delicious smelling pasta.

"You moved in Monday?" I ask.

"Yeah, when I left that morning I decided to find a permanent residence here. I've been living in a hotel in Scottsdale since I got to Arizona." He says while gently tucking a loose strand of hair back behind my ear. "I was hoping you'd like it."

"I do! It's got a beautiful view, and it's surrounded by tons of activities. Did you know they have a rooftop pool here?" I ask excitedly.

"Of course I know that! I'm the one who lives here, remember? I was planning on surprising you with it one night." He winks, "Now the question is, how did you know that?"

My cheeks warm, "I wanted to live here. I saw the amenities, the rooftop pool, and saw that it had tons of nightlife in the area. Oh and not to mention the reviews, but we couldn't afford it."

He smiles and kisses my temple, "Well, now it's yours."

"What?" I ask wide-eyed. "Wait, why did you pick this apartment complex in Downtown Phoenix when you work in Scottsdale?" It dawns on me that this complex is only a two-minute walk from mine.

"You left my apartment to find a place to live near me?" I half ask, half accuse.

"I drove down the street until I came across the first decent looking complex I could find, walked straight in and asked for an application for their biggest apartment. Didn't realize it would be a penthouse, but I certainly can't complain." Jackson shrugs and my mouth drops.

"Did you even look around or did you just settle for the first apartment you found?" I ask on the edge of my seat. I can't imagine not doing my due diligence before making such a commitment.

"An apartment's an apartment. It's just a roof over my head." Jack shrugs again and I once again mentally jot down another difference between us.

"Also, I can't say that I didn't have you on my mind while I was looking for a place, but no I didn't move here only to stalk you." Then a smirk crosses his face and he nudges my arm. "Just a little bit."

I laugh and take a bite of dinner. "Wow, this is delicious!"

"It's easy enough to make, just spaghetti and spicy Italian sausage." He says between bites.

"So you can cook huh?" I ask excitedly.

"Don't worry I'll share the kitchen with you. You get Tuesdays and Thursday's and I'll take Mondays and Wednesdays, the rest of the nights I'll take you to dinner."

"Oh, planning ahead are we Charming?" I tease. "What happened to no commitments?" I instantly regret my decision to bring up his no-commitment policy but thankfully he takes it lightly.

"Well, we'll see how you cook before we sign any contracts." Jack says with one brow raised as he points at me with his fork.

I can't believe the difference from a few nights ago. Everything is going so well as we sit here dining and talking about the future. I normally would be worrying where we go from here or what our label is but today has been easy and carefree.

I start getting the sick sensation that the iceberg is lurking in the shadows but I push that feeling down again and concentrate on my lovely meal with Jack.

After dinner, Jack pours us both a glass of wine and we make our way to the balcony. The balcony is lined with a glass rail and a love seat is perfectly angled so we can see the whole city.

I've been so wrapped up in my evening with Jack I didn't even notice the type of wine he gave me.  When the wine slips past my lips and reaches my tongue I let out a slight gag.

Merlot, gross.

I sniff the glass to confirm my suspicions and my brows pull together in disgust.  I notice him watching me in my peripheral and quickly straighten my face. 

"Mmm."  I try to smile and nod in his direction while rubbing my belly.  I might be the worst liar ever.

"This is a Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac, a twelve hundred dollar bottle of wine.  Are you telling me you dislike it?" He asks in surprise. My eyes widen and I'm suddenly embarrassed. 

More like a twelve hundred dollar bottle of vinegar.

"Oh my God, you spent that much on a bottle of wine?" My shock briefly wears off and I realize I'm being rude.

"No I absolutely love it, I said 'mmm' that's Maggie for yum!" I lie. I lie enthusiastically, but it's still a lie.

"Oh that's excellent, here have some more." He says with a smirk as he fills my glass to the rim.

He knows I hate it and he's trying to tease me but I'm not backing down.  I hate losing.  I smile and hold my breath to avoid the noxious smell and gulp down about half it.

I can't stop myself from pinching my lips together and squinting my eyes. 

"Oh God Jack, it's so vile." I admit as I attempt to get the sour look off my face. "I can't."

Jack starts laughing so hard he spills a bit of his wine on the couch but just brushes it off to the floor with his hands. "What happened to being honest with each other?"

"You just said it cost you over a thousand bucks.  I didn't want to be rude." I'm embarrassed I couldn't keep my composure.

"It was." He says proudly. "Yeah, it bloody tastes like shit but I thought you'd like it."

"You don't like it either?" I gasp.

"Nah, I prefer whiskey on the rocks." He admits and we both start laughing. "I thought you liked wine."

"Yeah, a ten-dollar grocery store bottle of any sweet wine.  I hate red wine, it tastes like vinegar." I admit.

"A tenner huh?" He smirks.  "You're not like the other women I've dated."

"Please don't compare me to those harlots you've slept with in the past. The ones that chase men with money and prefer anything shiny, like Julie." I half tease.

"Never." He says with a smirk and gives me a wink.

We cuddle up on the love seat and sit in a comfortable silence as we enjoy the view until he speaks. "My book, 'After All' has been nominated for the National Book Awards."

"What? That's amazing!" I announce, pretending I didn't already know.

"It is." Jack says in a contemplating voice. "That's what we were celebrating the night we met.  But it also means a lot more work is coming up for me. Which means less time for you."

"Oh." I mumble.

"I'll have to be constantly promoting my book. Which means fancy parties, travel, press, and other events. But I don't want to be away from you." He says while he rubs circles into my shoulders. "If you worked for Red-Wolf publishing I'd see a lot more of you, plus you could come with me to all of my publicity events."

"Jackson, I don't know." I start to protest.

"Well don't decide now, just come visit me tomorrow on your break and check it out. I'll give you the grand tour." His words are confident as if he knows he'll get his way and I won't bother arguing with him tonight.

"Alright, I'll commit to checking it out at least." I give in but just a little.

"Great and there's one more thing." He adds.

"Uh oh, what is it?" I tease.

"Part of being nominated for the NBA's is getting a lot of press. We've got a boring party happening tomorrow night to celebrate at a ridiculously lavish hotel with some big wigs to get attention from the press." He's quiet as he waits for my response as if he's just asked a question.

"Oh?" I don't see what this has to do with me.

"Be my date." He asks, no more like commands with a wink.

If it were any other night and I had the energy to argue with him, I'd make him work for it. Maybe that's why he spent so much time with me in the bedroom tonight, so I wouldn't have the stamina yell at him for telling me what to do.

"Okay." I state simply and I'm unable to hide a smile and he awards me with one of his own.

"I'd love to show you off to the world." He adds and I blush.  I'm not sure how I feel about being in the limelight, but for Jack, I think I'd do anything.

After another hour of cuddling and me turning him down twice about staying the night, we stand from the love seat and he grabs his keys to take me home.

"You're sure you don't want to just crash here and I'll take you to work in the morning?" He asks for the third time.

"Jackson, I seriously doubt my boss would like me showing up to work in your clothes."

"I don't see why he would mind, you look hot as fuck in my clothes." He gives me a devilish grin before he takes his lip ring between his teeth.

My stomach flips with excitement at hearing his crude words but I know for a fact I wouldn't get any sleep if I stayed here. In fact, I'd probably end up losing my virginity. I smack his shoulder as punishment for his lewd comment and we head out the door.

WHEN WE ARRIVE back at my apartment Jackson walks me to my door and as I start to unlock it, I feel his body heat against my back. I turn to face him and notice his hands holding the door frame as he backs me into the door.

He bites his bottom lip and his face lights up with devious glare reflecting through his diamond eyes. My pulse speeds up and my breathing hitches as our eye contact intensifies. He lets one hand off the door frame and it wraps around my waist pulling me flush against him. This seems like so much more than a goodbye kiss, but I don't let myself question it.

Jack's lips crash into mine and now both of his arms are wrapped tightly around me. Our kiss intensifies and he lifts me off the floor and I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist.

I feel a waft of air behind me as the door abruptly opens and the moment is ruined. Jack sets me down in a daze and I straighten his shirt that I'm wearing before I begin to apologize.

"I'm sorry Beth, I-"  But as I turn I'm staring into Sam's burning eyes. His jaw is clenched and his fists are at his sides. I don't think I've ever seen Sam with this kind of intensity before.

I clear my throat and begin to speak when I notice Sam and Jackson are glaring at each other.