Part 9
"Nice room," Jake commented as she entered Hamilton's hotel suite. It was a small but pleasant room, with a dazzling view of the downtown skyline. She stood in front of the window and admired the sight. "Wow. It looks gorgeous."
He was standing right beside her, but the remarked that followed was not directed towards the same thing. "Yeah…gorgeous."
"It's been awhile since I last really, really looked at the city like this. I've been too busy being busy to actually take time and appreciate how awesome New York is."
"You have been busy. Six films in two years. It's a wonder you even find time to sleep."
"It's not easy, but when you find something that's really worthwhile you can't pass it up." She meant that, but the underlying reason for her doing film after film was simple—to get over Hamilton.
"I understand that."
Jake now fixated her stare at him. It was amazing to have him next to her again. No longer wanting to avoid the inevitable, she said, "Enough with the small talk Hamilton. Tell me, what are you doing here?"
"You know why."
"Do I?"
"I think you do." He moved closer to her. They were as close as could be without their lips touching. Then he said again, "You know why."
"I guess so." She stared at his lips, wanting to press hers against them. "I guess I do."
Hamilton grabbed her and kissed her passionately. Their bodies pressed together sending a pulse of electricity through them and in that moment, two years of want, need, and longing melted away. It was unlike any other kiss that they had ever had. He cupped her face and held it to his, unrelenting in his hunger for her. Their tongues tangled, their embrace tightened. They continued for some time before Hamilton pulled away, still holding her face, breathless.
"You have no idea how much I've wanted to do that. How long I've waited to do that."
"I do. Because I've waited and wanted it too." They kissed again, this time it was a gentle, sweet peck.
Taking her hand, he led her towards the bed and sat down. "Jake, I am so sorry. It's just that I…"
Putting her finger to his lips, she silenced him by saying, "I'm not ready to talk about it just yet. Right now, I, I just want to be with you."
He smiled. "Whatever you want."
The faint sound of music expelled from the radio that Hamilton had absently left on when he departed from the hotel that afternoon. Getting up, she took his hands and said, "Dance with me."
If we never make it back to how far we've come along this way
We search around for solid ground that will help to carry us away
If the memories I left throw the light that helps to guide you through
We trickle down to our goodbyes but a part of me will stay with you
What we've spoken over time
Never broken or compromised
Dream on together
Leaning against each other
However it happens I hope it's
Whatever makes you happy
With her arms wrapped around him and his around her, Hamilton whispered, "I missed you."
Resting her head on his shoulder she answered, "I missed you too."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
It was eight a.m. when Jake returned to the apartment. She slowly opened the door, not wanting to make too much noise just in case Will was still asleep. She tip-toed through the living room, as if sneaking in after curfew, something she had done many times at Rawley after her late night excursions to be alone with Hamilton. Jake got to the stairs and took three steps before she heard Will's voice. Judging from the fact that he was still in the same clothes as he wore last night, Will spent the night on the sofa. He had been waiting for her, but instinctively, he knew where she had been—with Hamilton.
"Jake? Where the hell have you been? I've been waiting for you all night!" he exclaimed.
"Oh gosh I should have called you. I stayed at the hotel. Hamilton and I…we were just…"
"Dammit Jake! I can't believe you spent the night with him!" he declared, unmistakably angered by her rebuttal.
"What? Nothing happened! You know I wouldn't do something like that! After all this time…just let him off that easily? I don't think so. You know me better than that."
Will got up from the sofa and traveled towards her. "I do know you Jake, that's the problem. You and Hamilton…whatever happened, its over now…but that doesn't change anything. You still love him. That I know."
"Shit Will! Where is this coming from? Why does this bother you so much? I thought of all people you would understand."
He looked down at the floor. Now the space between them was minimal, only about a foot. She looked at him, waiting for an answer, but none came. He just stared at his feet, rubbing his head with his hand.
"After all he's put you through, after all the sleepless nights, the tears, the pain…you still love him."
"I never said that."
"You didn't have to."
"Will? What is wrong with you? This doesn't make any sense. Please, I want to understand what's wrong. Tell me." She put her hand on his chin and picked his head up. His eyes were filled with tears.
Not being able to hold back any longer, Will revealed the source of his unhappiness. "I love you."
Before she could say anything, he took her in his arms and kissed her. And for a moment, she found herself kissing him back.