Thursday, 8:45 am

"Morning, Jazz."

"Mornin', sweetie."

"You're calling a bit later this morning. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine. Rose and I just got involved in some planning before we go into this second meeting and lost track of time."

"You still hoping to catch the 2:00 pm flight? I can change—"

I cut her off. "It's fine, Ali. I guarantee we'll be on that flight," I say with a determined edge. "How's everything there? Anything I need to know about?"

"No. Everything's running smoothly. I'm just doing some re-scheduling now for the Pearson meeting and then—"

"Hang on. What do you mean re-scheduling? The Pearson meeting was yesterday." I'm confused. I've spoken to both Mike and Edward since then and neither mentioned a change; granted it was during a conference call with another client when I spoke to Mike, and then Edward was practically falling asleep on the phone when I spoke to him.

"I'm sure I emailed you..." She pauses. "Yes, I did." I pull up my inbox, it was during my first meeting with Mr. Russell; no wonder I overlooked it.

"Sorry, Ali. Mr. Pearson postponed?"

"He's been sick, but his secretary said he should be okay for today."

"And Edward and Mike are free for the change in times?"

"Umm… Yeah." She seems unsure. I'm just about to question it when she changes the subject, leading me into some other important matters that need my attention, and really, I shouldn't concern myself with Edward and Mike. They know what they're doing.

Thursday, 6:45 pm

"Would you mind waiting for me, Paul? I'll only be fifteen minutes."

We dropped Rose at her apartment on the way. I'd prefer to have gone straight to my house, or even Edward's, but the delay of our flights means I'm very behind and I need some documents. I still have hours of work ahead of me, but I'll do it at home. Sebastian will be happy to see me and I might even be able to convince Ed to come for a visit. Well, I'll certainly try.

"I'll wait here, Sir."

"Thanks, Paul."

I hurry for the elevator, hoping to be in and out of the building quickly. It's late and I assume everyone will be gone for the day, so I nearly fall over when I walk into the office and find Edward at his desk.

He looks up at the same time as I exclaim, "Ed!" I can't believe he's here.

I quickly look around and check we're alone, and as soon as I'm sure we are I hurry to him, reaching him at the same time as he stands. I pull him into my arms, kissing him soundly. He feels so damned good. I knew I'd missed him, but in this moment I realize just how much. I actually feel like I'm home.

"Why are you still here? Not that I'm complaining."

He pulls back slightly, his smile shy. "I had some work to catch up on."

I bring my hands from his waist to his face, cupping it gently and rubbing my thumbs softly over his cheeks. "Damn, I missed you." I kiss his lips again; he tastes so delicious.

"I missed you too, Jazz." He holds me tight for just a moment longer and then tries to pull away, but I'm having none of that—I hold on tight.

"Where are you going? I haven't seen you in far too long."

He smiles but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. His next words pacify me though. "Let's go to your office." He tilts his head toward the security camera. Ah… of course.

"Sure."

I take his hand and lead him behind me, drawing him deep into the room and out of sight. As soon as we're there I enclose him in my arms. "I've really missed you." I want to show him how much, and this time when my lips meet his, it's with a reserved passion. Our tongues dance together and as our desire escalates I push one hand into his hair, the other grips his lower back, holding him as close as I can.

At this point I truly couldn't give a shit about any work I need to do. I just want him. I need him.

"Oh, Jazz," he purrs when my lips suckle on his neck. I can feel his erection hard against my leg. All I want to do is rip his clothes off and ravage him.

"Want you so bad," I murmur against his hot skin. "Come home with me, love. Please come home with me. Paul is waiting downstairs; we can be there in twenty minutes."

"Can't…"

I pull back and stare into his eyes. "Why not?"

"Jazz, I can't. I'm sorry."

This time when he steps back I let him. I'm confused.

"I need to go. I'll see you tomorrow." He drops his head, shoulders hunched, and he walks out the door.

I'm so surprised that I don't speak—I can't speak—I just stand there, my feet rooted to the floor. What the fuck is going on?

It's only moments later that I hear the ding of the elevator, and it spurs me into action. I run out of my office but I'm too late.

Thursday, 10:45 pm

I pull off my glasses and rub at my eyes; the glow of my laptop is bright in the darkness of the room.

Sebs is half on me and half beside me. He's barely left my side since I got home.

I've forced myself to do the work I needed to do, but it's been difficult. I can't stop thinking about Edward. I've called him but he's not answering, and I'm confused. I don't know what's changed.

"Oh, Sebs," I say as I rub his ear, making the decision to go to bed. I log off and close the screen then stand. "Come on, buddy."

We're just at the stairs when there's a knock on the door.


Thanks for reading. Hmmm… Thoughts?

I am very fortunate to have an amazing beta on this story. Not only is she always honest and calls it like she sees it, which I appreciate more than I can say, but she is also there to listen to all my crazy ideas, help me sort them out, and supply unwavering support. Love you, Suz.