"Should we watch this?" I asked with a smile. "I hear the leading man is to die for."

Jackson grinned but shook his head. "The last thing I want to see is my ugly mug tonight." He hesitated before continuing. "Have you seen it?"

"Sorry. I thought it was best if I didn't see any of your movies because of our...complicated past." Jackson nodded in understanding, and I glanced back at the TV, trying to reconcile the fact that the grim-faced man on the screen was the same Jackson sitting next to me. The Jackson beside me seemed like the old Jackson. My Jackson. "How were you able to get the part back? I was surprised they took you back after you just quit and left."

"Do you remember Mark, my agent? He did a lot of groveling, promising that it would never happen again. They also cut my salary." Jackson shrugged, taking the remote and changing the channel so that his image was no longer on the screen. "I really didn't care at that point. It was all Mark's wheeling and dealing."

The conversation was coming dangerously close to what had happened between us in the past so I changed the subject. "What are you working on next?"

"I have a few offers but I haven't accepted anything yet. I've been working non-stop since Negative Exposure and I think it's time to take a break."

We were interrupted by the arrival of room service and I gaped at all the dishes as Jackson signed for it. I looked at him when he walked back into the living room after the hotel employee left. "Okay, even I think this is a ridiculous amount of food. There's no way we can finish this."

Jackson winked at me as we settled into the sofa instead of the dining room. It felt much more comfortable and cozy to eat in the living room with the room service cart wheeled in front of us. "You have to keep your strength up. I have plans for you later tonight."

I rolled my eyes but felt my body tighten in anticipation. I couldn't seem to get enough of Jackson. I had never felt this constant state of arousal with anyone else and I wanted to get my fill tonight. It would need to last me a lifetime.

We watched a light comedy instead of Jackson's movie while we ate, the ridiculous hijinks of the characters making me laugh and relax. I gladly followed Jackson into the bedroom as the hour grew late, reveling in his mind-blowing ministrations of pleasure.

Afterwards, we lay in bed cradled together with my back against Jackson's front, his arms wrapped around me. I didn’t want to fall asleep because I knew it would make morning come quicker. And morning would mean us parting. Jackson didn't fall asleep either. He was still brushing his lips against my neck and caressing my hip with his hand when my eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion finally taking over.

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I was disoriented the next morning when I opened my eyes, scanning my surroundings. I felt extremely warm and realized that Jackson was still wrapped around me. I turned around in his arms and saw him watching me, a small smile on his lips. Despite his smile, he looked tired and worn out and I wondered if he had gotten any sleep.

"Good morning, sweetheart."

"Good morning," I replied, my voice hoarse from just waking up. As much as I wanted to melt against him, I needed to start putting distance between us now. It was the only way I could walk away.

I broke the circle of his embrace, watching a frown flit across his face as I rose, grabbing my robe from the floor and shrugging it on.

"Do you want breakfast?" Jackson asked, still lying in bed. The sheet was draped across his hips, his muscled chest a stark contrast to the white sheets. His dark hair was disheveled and he had a shadow of a beard on his face. He looked rakishly handsome and totally irresistible. I definitely needed to make my escape as soon as possible.

"No, I think I overdid it with dinner last night. I'm going to take a quick shower and then I should go."

Jackson's jaw tightened as he rose from the bed and I had to force myself not to lower my gaze on his naked body. I waited for him to protest but he just nodded his head abruptly, stalking out of the bedroom. I couldn't help watching him walk away, the muscles in his legs and buttocks flexing as he stormed out.

I sighed and entered the bathroom, taking a quick shower and pulling on my clothes from the day before except for my panties which I shoved into my pocket. I felt exposed wearing shorts with no underwear, especially since they were so short and white, but my panties had gotten soaked with my arousal.

When I left the bedroom, Jackson was sitting at the breakfast table wearing his clothes from yesterday, including his cap that he wore low so I couldn't get a good read of his expression. He was drinking a cup of coffee and motioned towards the kitchen. "There's more coffee if you want it." His voice was expressionless, showing neither anger nor sadness. His nonchalant attitude helped me shore up my defenses, telling myself it was good to end this with no emotion.

"No thanks. I should get going." I walked over to Jackson and stopped next to the table, trying to formulate what to say next. I grew nervous as Jackson continued sitting there, not raising his head. His face was blocked from view by the bill of his cap and I had no idea what he was feeling.

"I...I hope everything goes well for you," I stammered, grasping at the right words to say. I forced a laugh. "Maybe I'll start going to see your movies now. Just one more ticket to help boost your box office profits, although I doubt you'll need it." I grew more nervous as Jackson didn't respond, didn't even look up.

"Well...bye, Jackson," I said softly, not wanting to continue talking to a non-responsive statue.

"Bye, Emma," Jackson replied quietly, his voice still devoid of any emotion. I turned around, picked up my purse and left, shutting the door softly behind me. Our parting this morning was not what I had expected. A small part of me had been anticipating Jackson begging me to stay, telling me that he was sorry for what he had done to me in the past, and that he wanted to be with me. I laughed humorlessly as the elevator whisked me down to the lobby, feeling foolish about my hopes. Jackson Reynard had gotten exactly what he wanted and now he was through with me. He had played the part of doting lover yesterday and I had participated in the ruse. I didn't blame him for it, we had both been pretending, but now it was time for reality.

There was a chill in the morning air even though it was the beginning of August and I shivered in my inadequate clothing. The cab ride was mercifully quick as the streets were empty this Sunday morning. There was a quietness to the city, as if it were still asleep, which added to my melancholy. It was as if the city sensed my dejected mood and was matching my emotion.




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