The generosity of Mr. Simpson, offering me his penthouse apartment, had me feeling like I was walking on clouds. I was in the store, picking up a few essentials, and decided to treat myself in the beverage aisle. I selected a small bottle of champagne and couldn’t help but smile.
But then, his voice broke through my happy bubble from behind me.
“You’re back, I see,” he said, his voice laced with a touch of bitterness.
“Yes.” I sighed. Scott was the last person I wanted to encounter.
“I heard you were staying with Claire.”
“Was. I have my own place now.” I couldn’t help but suppress a smirk as I watched Scott’s expression shift.
“Really? Where are you staying?” He moved closer.
“Just somewhere close to work.” I wasn’t about to give him any details.
I turned and walked away. After I finished shopping, I went to the checkout. Scott watched me, probably because I couldn’t stop smiling.
I chatted with the cashier as I bagged my items. The only thing missing was Jackson. I loaded my groceries into the back of my car and was about to get in when a knock came at the window.
“New car too?” Scott peered in.
“Yes, my old clunker finally gave out and couldn’t be fixed, so my parents gifted me this for Christmas.” I started the engine.
“Lucky you.”
“Goodbye, Scott.”
I shifted into drive and left before he could start another conversation. It felt good that he didn’t affect me anymore.
I drove back, parked, and carried my groceries into the apartment. My first night there was a bit odd; the place was massive and I had to get used to everything.
The next morning, the view from the windows was breathtaking. The rest of the week flew by, and I messaged Jackson to update him on everything and where I was staying.
He sent a quick reply back, saying his mission was successful, and they were coming home. Relief washed over me, knowing he was safe.
I was aware of the risks involved in his job, but I always held my breath when he was out of contact.
It was Friday night, the evening of the Kaine deals closing party. I was attending as I was the one who knew everyone and was Mr. Simpson’s information source.
He had dealt with several of them in the past, but there were a few new faces in the room.
Mrs. Simpson was a social butterfly, effortlessly mingling with the crowd. She didn’t need to know who she was talking to because she never discussed business.
The women were easy to please; their conversations centered around fashion, hair, and makeup. The men were more interested in their cars and who had the most powerful engines.
I stayed close to Mr. Simpson, feeding him the information he needed. Mr. Kaine had been watching us since he arrived.
I was aware of his gaze on Mr. Simpson and me. He approached when Mr. Simpson was deep in conversation with a colleague.
“Charlotte, right?” Mr. Kaine smiled and extended his hand.
“Mr. Kaine, I hope you’re enjoying the party.”
“This is wonderful. Thank you for your hard work. I wanted to talk to you about something else. I have a proposition for you.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow at him.
“I’d like you to join my team. I can offer you an excellent salary and numerous benefits.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m happy where I am.”
“I’ll send you an email with my proposal so you can review it at your leisure. There’s no pressure, but I’d like you to consider becoming my personal assistant.” For the first time, I saw him look nervous.
I’ve had a few interactions with his assistant. Although she does her job, there were times when I had to handle meeting arrangements for the sub-clients.
“I’m honored you think so highly of me, but Mr. Simpson has already done so much for me.”
“Well, the offer stands if you change your mind.” He raised his glass and turned as someone else caught his attention.
The rest of the evening went smoothly, and I was relieved when it ended. As I was heading back to my new apartment, I was caught off guard when I stepped out of the elevator.
“Charlotte.” His voice sent shivers down my spine.
“Jackson?” I stood there, stunned that he was here. Then I threw myself into his arms.
He picked me up and held me tightly. Tears rolled down his face.
I pulled back and kissed him passionately, my hands running through his hair, unable to get enough of him.
“You’re really here?” Tears streamed down my face. My mascara had run, and by now, it would be a mess, leaving black streaks down my face. But I didn’t care. Jackson was here.
“I’ve missed you so much, baby.” He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me again. His tongue danced with mine.
Finally breaking the kiss because we needed to breathe, Jackson rested his forehead against mine.
“So, are we going inside? I’m happy to make out with you here, but I’m curious about this big place you described to me and where I can have you.” He smirked.
I smiled, my heart pounding because I was still overwhelmed that he was here. I took out my keycard, unlocked the door, and turned on the lights.
Jackson’s jaw dropped.
“Holy hell, this place is amazing!” Jackson dropped his bag and looked around. He came back over to me and took me in his arms.
“So, where’s the first place you want me to fuck you?”
He slid his hand down the back of my dress and unzipped it. As it fell to the floor, he groaned.
I stood there in a matching set of red lacy underwear.
“Fuck, this has to be the best sight to come home to.”
His words hit me hard, and I started crying again.
“I’m here, baby.” Jackson cupped my face in his hands and placed a soft kiss on my lips.
After getting my tears under control, I went to the bathroom to clean up my face and blow my nose. When I looked in the mirror, I was shocked—my face was a mess.
I quickly removed the makeup from my face and gently wiped my nose. When I walked back out, I was greeted by the sight of Jackson standing there, completely naked.
“Oh God.” I gasped and had to hold on to the door frame as I stared at his chiseled body and his arousal.
Jackson moved toward me as I stood trembling in the doorway of the bathroom.
“I’ve missed you more than you can imagine,” he confessed, his hands tracing the contours of my body.
My breath hitched, becoming uneven as Jackson’s touch ventured lower. I clung to him, my legs threatening to buckle under the intensity of his touch.
His arousal was evident, nudging against me.
He groaned, his voice thick with desire. “Charlotte, I’m on the brink of losing it for you,” he admitted.
Without wasting a moment, he spun me around, pressing me against the wall. He unclasped my bra, his hands eager to explore my bare skin. I discarded the garment, letting it fall to the floor as Jackson slid my panties down.
His hands roamed over my backside before circling my sensitive spot.
“Jackson… I need you,” I pleaded.
“Bend over, baby. I’m going to take you hard,” he commanded, his hand gripping his arousal.
He teased my entrance with his tip before plunging in. “Damn! I need you so much, Charlotte,” he gasped, his voice choked with pleasure.
He started slow, gradually increasing his pace until he was pounding into me. His hand tangled in my hair, holding me steady as he drove into me relentlessly.
My body convulsed around him, my release trickling down my thighs. With a final thrust and a loud cry, he found his own release.
“I thought I was going to lose it,” he admitted, catching his breath.
I was still trembling from the aftershocks of my climax. “Are you okay? I might have been a bit rough,” he murmured, pressing kisses down my spine.
“I’m more than okay. That was incredible,” I assured him, standing up straight.
He slipped out of me, our combined release trickling out. “I need to clean up.”
We retreated to the bathroom, each grabbing a washcloth to clean ourselves. Naked, I crossed the apartment to fetch two bottles of water.
We both gulped down the water, quenching our parched throats. I leaned against the counter, catching Jackson’s eye.
He lifted me onto the countertop. “I remember having you in this position at my place, only we were clothed then. We got interrupted before I could have you like this,” he reminisced.
His hands roamed my body, eventually settling on my back. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from his.
He paused, holding me close before our lips met in a passionate kiss. We lost ourselves in each other, our lips growing numb from the intensity of our kisses.
“I want to make every moment with you count,” he panted.
“How long are you here for?”
“Just this weekend. I had to see you,” he confessed, his eyes reflecting his sadness.
“Jackson, I’ve missed you,” I admitted, nibbling on his lips.
“I love you, Charlotte. So damn much,” he confessed, his eyes welling up with tears.
His confession triggered my own tears. We had only been apart for a short while.
“I love you too, Jackson. I’ve tried to keep busy, but it’s not enough. You’re always on my mind.”
His parents must have felt the same way when he was away. I had spoken to Laura before I left.
Some missions were easier than others, but Jackson never revealed where he went or what his missions entailed.
“Do you think you could hide me here so I don’t have to go back?” he asked, his mouth trailing down to my breast.
“Jackson… I’d do anything to keep you here,” I confessed.
I didn’t want to return. He continued to lavish attention on my breasts, his gaze never leaving mine.
His fingers brushed against my sensitive spot, causing me to grip the edge of the counter. He pushed me back, his mouth replacing his fingers.
The pleasure he elicited left me breathless, on the verge of passing out. He slid into me, causing me to gasp.
Jackson closed his eyes, his movements slow and deliberate. We moved in sync, heightening the sensation.
“Jackson, I’m going to come again,” I warned, my eyes fluttering closed.
“Yes, baby, let me feel you. I’m going to fill you up,” he promised, his pace unrelenting.
His eyes widened as he lost control, his release filling me. He continued to move, riding out my climax.
Drenched in sweat, I pulled him closer, wrapping my arms around him. I wanted to hold onto this moment, to the intimacy we had just shared.
