Chapter 13

I woke up to the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting through the apartment, wrapping me in its inviting warmth. Feeling surprisingly well-rested, I stretched lazily before heading to the bathroom to brush my teeth. The cool splash of water on my face helped me shake off the last remnants of sleep.

As I rinsed my face, the sensation of two arms gently wrapped around my stomach startled me for a split second before I smiled. JJ’s head rested lightly against my back.

“Good morning,” I murmured.

I turned around and gave her a kiss. It was supposed to be quick, just a soft brush of lips to start the morning. But the moment her hands slid behind my neck, the kiss deepened.

She pulled me closer, her fingers tangling gently in my hair. She pulled me closer to her and started to kiss me a little rougher. She tried gaining access to my mouth with her tongue, but I quickly denied her. I could tell she was getting frustrated based on the way she kept pulling me closer.

As things escalated, we slowly backed into the bedroom without breaking our kiss. Slowly, I started kissing down her jaw and hitting her sweet spot on her neck. She let out a soft moan, and my grip around her waist tightened with every breath she let out.

She started pushing down on my shoulders to get me to pay attention to her breasts. I moved back to her lips while I took off her bra. “No good morning, just straight to business, huh?” I whispered.

I moved my head down to her chest and slowly licked her nipples. Her head slowly went back at the sensation of my tongue. I slowly moved my hand up her thigh towards her wet center.

“Good morning indeed babe.” She moaned as I started rubbing over her shorts.

I trailed kisses down her stomach to her thighs. I spent not even two seconds on her thighs and she got impatient and immediately took off her shorts and underwear.

“Damn, someone is eager,” I teased as I hovered over her center.

“Baby, I cannot take you just staring. Do something!”

“We are missing a magic word in that sentence.”

She put her thumb in my mouth and I gently sucked. “Please,” she moaned as her head slowly dropped back against the pillows.

I lightly placed my lips around her clit, sucking slowly enough to get a reaction that made me go crazy. She moved her legs over my shoulders so she could lock her legs around my head so I wouldn’t move.

Her moans started to grow louder, so I picked up the speed of my tongue and slid two fingers in, her back arched at the feeling. “Oh my god baby please go faster.”

JJ started putting pressure on the back of my head and moved her hips to the timing of my thrusts. I picked up my pace and started sucking on her clit a little harder. Her mouth dropped open as moans poured out. I moved my free hand up and started playing with her one breast, pinching her nipple.

“You’re so tight for me, baby. Are you getting close for me?”

“Mmmhmm! Baby you feel so good, please don’t stop, daddy!”

We never really discussed kinks or anything, but when she called me that, I had to actually lock in. I sped my fingers up, curling and hitting her gspot. Her hand started gripping the sheets.

I stuck a third finger in and continued my rhythm. “Are you going to cum baby? Cum all over my fingers for me.” A couple of seconds later, her legs started to shake and her mouth dropped open. The sheets below me were soaked, and so was my face. I cleaned her up and licked my fingers clean of all of her juices.

I moved back up to her and gave her a kiss, but she did not have the energy to kiss me back. I wrapped my arms around her. “Are you ok, you’ve never squirted with me before?” I said kissing her shoulder.

“I’ve never done that before with anyone,” she said softly, her breathing still regulating. “That was…that was the best sex I’ve ever had with anyone,” she kissed my lips. “That had to be 100%.”

I moved the strands of her out of her face. “That was close to 100% for sure. There is still more to come. Pun intended.” I giggled.

She sighed, “You’re so lame for that, you know that right?”

“I’m sorry, who just made you cum the hardest you ever had?” I looked at her and no response. “Yeah, exactly, so you can go ahead and take back that comment thankss.”

She laughed and kissed me, relaxing into the bed. I got up and grabbed the breakfast and coffee she had made. I came back into the bedroom with our breakfast in hand.

I set the tray down between us, the warmth of the food adding to the cozy atmosphere of the morning. I kissed her forehead gently, a soft gesture that made her smile. Before I could pull back, she reached up, pulling me down to her lips.

Her lips were as soft as silk, and every time they met mine, it was like a spark that lit me up from the inside. The kiss was slow, unhurried, full of the quiet intensity that only comes from being with someone who means so much.

When she pulled back, her eyes stayed on mine, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Good morning, Y/N/N” she whispered, her voice warm with affection.

I couldn’t help but grin. “Good morning to you too.”

We ate our breakfast in a comfortable silence, enjoying the warmth of the food and the peaceful morning. Afterward, we settled back into the bed, her legs feeling weak from the night before. For the next hour or so, we just cuddled, wrapped in each other’s arms, the world outside feeling far away. We switched on a movie, but neither of us paid much attention, content to simply be in each other’s company. The quiet moments, the soft laughter, and the closeness made everything feel just right.

Eventually, though, the quiet calm was broken by the buzz of my phone vibrating on the nightstand. I sighed, pulling away from her just a bit as I reached for it.

JJ, looking a little more alert now, glanced at me with a raised eyebrow. “What’s up?”

I checked the screen and saw a voicemail from Alex. JJ’s expression shifted slightly as she saw me glance at the voicemail. Her eyes softened with curiosity, but she said nothing, instead waiting for me to explain.

I hesitated for a moment before pressing play.

“Hey, Y/N. It was good seeing you last night. I was wondering if you wanted to catch up. I’m free this afternoon if you’re free. Um…yeah. Just let me know if you can. Bye.”

I stared at the screen for a moment after the message ended, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Hearing Alex’s voice again, even in such a casual tone, was like opening a door I hadn’t realized I’d closed. I turned the phone over in my hand, avoiding looking at JJ, who was now watching me with a gentle but expectant gaze.

JJ didn’t press for an answer, just letting the moment stretch out before she spoke. “What’s going on?” Her voice was steady, but there was a quiet curiosity in it.

I took a deep breath and replayed the voicemail, letting Alex’s words settle in my mind. The invitation was innocent enough, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty that came with it. “It’s Alex,” I finally said, keeping my tone neutral. “She wants to meet up today. Catch up, I guess.”

JJ didn’t flinch or look away, but I could tell that her thoughts were running. “And how do you feel about it?” she asked carefully, her gaze unwavering.

I paused, biting my lip as I sorted through the thoughts racing in my mind. “I don’t know. Since she’s getting married, she may want closure or something. I may just invite her over and make dinner. I just don’t know if I’m ready to do a one-on-one with her yet.”

JJ’s eyes softened, her thumb gently brushing the back of my hand. “It sounds like you’re trying to do the right thing, but it’s okay to take your time with this, Y/N,” she said quietly, her voice full of understanding. “You don’t owe her anything, especially if you’re not ready. But if you do decide to meet, I’ll be here for you—whatever you need.”

I took in her words, appreciating the calm and steady presence she offered. It meant more than I could express to have her here, supporting me no matter what decision I made.

“I just… I don’t want to keep things lingering between us,” I admitted, exhaling slowly. “But I also don’t want to open up old wounds if I’m not ready.”

JJ gave me a reassuring smile, her hand finding its way to my shoulder. “It’s okay to not have all the answers. You don’t have to make a decision right away. Just take it one step at a time. And if she does come over, we can make it a low-key thing. No pressure.”

I nodded, grateful for her understanding. “Thanks, JJ. Really.” I leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips, the gesture calming the nerves that had begun to take root. “I’ll text her and see if we can figure out a time. But no promises, okay?”

“Of course,” she replied, her smile warm and patient. “Do what feels right for you, Y/N.”

With a deep breath, I grabbed my phone again and sent a simple message to Alex: Let’s do dinner tonight. I’ll pick something up.

JJ gave me a supportive nod as I set my phone down. “You’ve got this,” she said, her tone gentle but encouraging. “Though I have to admit, I’m kind of curious to see what your type was back in the day.”

“Back in the day? Really?” I said giving her a sharp glance.

JJ gave me a teasing smile. “Yeah, back in the day. Before you hit the jackpot with me, of course.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Oh, so now you’re the jackpot?”

She leaned in, giving me a soft kiss. “Absolutely. And don’t you forget it,” she whispered.

I put my finger under her chin, tilting her face up to meet my eyes. “Not a chance,” I said with a grin before kissing her softly. She laughed against my lips, her hands resting on my chest.

A few hours later, just as we’d finished tidying up the living room, a knock sounded at the door. JJ looked up from her spot on the couch, raising an eyebrow. “That’s probably her,” she said.

I nodded as I walked to the door. I paused for a moment, taking a breath before pulling it open. Alex stood there, holding a bottle of wine and wearing a tentative smile.

“Hey,” she said, giving me a warm smile. “I brought this. Thought it might go with dinner.”

“Moscoto my fave. Thank you!” I replied giving her hug.

JJ stood up from the couch, smiling politely as Alex entered. “Well, hello. Jennifer, right?” She asked, extending a hand toward JJ.

“Guilty,” JJ replied smoothly, stepping aside to allow Alex to fully enter the room. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Water? Or would you like to crack open that wine that you brought?”

Alex let out a small laugh, her posture relaxing. “Water’s fine for now, thanks,” she turned towards me. “How’ve you been?”

“Things have been good. Busy, but good,” I said, standing up and glancing between them. “Um, I’m going to step outside for a minute. Would you ladies like to join me?”

Alex tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Fresh air sounds nice. Sure.”

JJ glanced at me with a knowing expression before nodding. “Why not? Let’s make it a group outing.”

I grabbed the balcony door handle and slid it open, letting the cool evening breeze drift into the room. Alex stepped out first, leaning against the railing as she looked out over the cityscape. JJ followed, standing close to me as I closed the door behind us.

“It’s a nice view,” Alex said, her voice soft as she gazed into the horizon.

“Yeah, it is,” JJ replied, her tone casual but her hand brushing against mine as if to remind me of her presence.

I leaned against the railing, reaching for my pack of menthols in my back pocket.

“Yeah, it is,” JJ replied, her tone casual but her hand brushing against mine, a subtle reminder of her presence.

I leaned against the railing, reaching for my pack of menthols in my back pocket, the familiar gesture grounding me for a moment. I slid one out, tapping it against the pack before lighting it. The smoke curled upwards, disappearing into the night air.

Alex, who had been quietly observing, glanced at me with a small, almost amused smile. “You still smoke those?”

I took a slow drag, then shrugged nonchalantly. “Old habits die hard. Would you like one, you’re staring like you miss it.”

JJ shot me a look, a mixture of amusement and mild concern. “I’ll just take a puff of yours if you don’t mind.”

I handed the cigarette over to Alex and saw some of her stress melt away as she inhaled. “So Miss Cabot, tell me about this mysterious fiance of yours.”

Alex exhaled slowly, her eyes momentarily closing as she savored the smoke, then passed the cigarette back to me. “Mysterious fiancé, huh?” She chuckled softly. “Well, he’s not really all that mysterious. His name’s Sam. We met a couple of years ago, and things just… clicked. He’s a good guy. Kind, patient, and—” she paused, glancing at me with a slight teasing smile, “—he’s not a smoker.”

“Well good for you Lex. I’m glad you found your person, honestly,” I said looking over at her. “You deserve to settle down and enjoy life.”

Alex smiled warmly, clearly appreciating my words. “Thanks, Y/N. That means a lot coming from you. It looks like you’ve got yourself a keeper too.”

We all spent the rest of the evening chatting, laughter filling the space as we got reacquainted. The conversation flowed easily, and what had started with some tension now felt comfortable, almost like we had picked up right where we left off—just a bit wiser, a bit older.

“Well, I’ve better get going. Thank you for inviting me over,” she handed me an invitation to the wedding. “Hopefully you both can make it, Y/N you always know how to make things a party.”

I took the invitation, giving it a quick glance, seeing Sam with Alex on the front. “Damn Cabot, you got yourself a handsome man,” I giggled, “Anyways, I’ll be there, and I’ll make sure JJ comes along too. You can count on it.”

She gave me a knowing smile. “I’ll hold you to that.” After a moment, she turned to JJ. “It was really nice seeing you again Jennifer. I hope we can do this again, maybe do a double date sometime.”

JJ smiled, nodding. “It was great seeing you too. A double date sounds fun, definitely something to consider.”

Alex gave us both a final, friendly wave before stepping out the door. As the sound of her footsteps faded, the apartment felt quieter, the air settling into a more relaxed atmosphere.

I turned to JJ with a playful grin. “Well, that wasn’t as awkward as I thought it might be.”

JJ chuckled, her hand finding mine as we moved back into the living room. “No, it wasn’t. It felt… good, actually. I’m glad we did it.”

I nodded, feeling the weight of the evening’s events slip off my shoulders. “Yeah. I’m glad too.”

We sank back onto the couch, the soft glow of the living room light casting a warm, intimate ambiance around us. There was no rush, no pressure. Just the quiet comfort of being together, the world outside for once feeling like it could wait.

“Wanna watch something?” I asked, glancing at the TV remote.

“Only if we can cuddle.” JJ replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I laughed, pulling her closer. “Deal.”