Chapter 15
The morning was still really early, the sky barely tinged with the lightest hint of dawn, but Erin was wide awake, already deep into her plan. The early light filtered through her kitchen windows as she carefully gathered her supplies—fresh croissants from the bakery, a selection of juicy fruit, and the most important part: coffee, of course.
She didn't want to wake anyone or attract attention, so she moved as quietly as possible, sliding her car out of the garage and heading straight for Jay's place. Erin had only been there a few times, but she already knew the route by heart. Parking in the underground garage, she grabbed the bag she'd packed with breakfast, the scent of croissants filling the air, and the warm coffee in a to-go cup. She was determined to surprise him, and as she made her way to his apartment, she couldn't help but smile. She had a feeling this little gesture would brighten his day, even if it was early.
Her fingers were barely touching the coffee cup as she raised her hand to knock. She could hear the sounds of footsteps approaching, followed by the muffled shuffle of someone moving behind the door. Erin bit her lip in anticipation, her heart fluttering at the thought of seeing him so early in the morning, all groggy and disheveled.
The door swung open to reveal Jay, standing in the doorway in a pair of well-worn jeans and a fitted hoodie, his dark hair a little messy as if he had just rolled out of bed. His sleepy eyes softened when he saw her, and a small smile tugged at his lips. There was a moment of stillness, and then he raised an eyebrow, looking at the bag in her hands.
"Well, look at this," Jay said, his voice low and groggy, though there was a warmth in his tone. He was clearly trying to fight the yawn that wanted to escape. "What's the occasion?"
Erin grinned, holding up the coffee cup, its warmth already seeping into her fingers. "Just thought you could use a little something this morning. I brought you your usual—almond milk, no sugar," she said, her voice light, teasing.
Jay gave her a skeptical look, narrowing his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You're never gonna let that go, huh?"
"Never," Erin replied with a wink, clearly delighted by his reaction. She handed him the cup, watching as he took it from her with a soft huff.
Jay sniffed it, lifting the cup up like it was some kind of mystery drink, examining it as if it could be a science experiment. "I still don't know how you got me hooked on this stuff," he muttered, but Erin noticed the softness in his gaze as he spoke. He didn't seem quite as reluctant to admit he liked it as he used to be. "It's… good, though. Can't complain."
"Can't admit it either, huh?" Erin teased, leaning against the counter with a smug smile. She took a sip of her own coffee, savoring the warmth.
He shrugged, his lips curling into a half smile. "I'm not admitting anything," Jay said with that signature smirk of his, but it was clear to Erin that he enjoyed it more than he cared to admit. "It's just… functional."
Erin raised an eyebrow, letting the playful banter roll off her tongue. "Sure it is," she said, trying to hide her laughter. "That's why you've been drinking it every morning for the last month, right?"
Jay rolled his eyes, but the smile was still there, fighting its way through his attempt at indifference. "I just don't like black coffee anymore," he said, trying to adopt his best 'tough guy' voice, though it didn't carry much weight when he was holding a cup of almond milk coffee. "And it's your fault."
Erin grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll take that as a compliment," she said, hands on her hips as she stepped closer to the kitchen counter.
Jay looked down at the bag of croissants and fruit she had brought with a mixture of suspicion and hunger. The deep rumble of his stomach betrayed him, and Erin fought back a laugh. "You're really trying to spoil me, huh?" he said, his voice tinged with mock disbelief.
"Just trying to make sure you don't pass out from hunger," Erin replied with a shrug. She grabbed the bag and began pulling out the croissants. "Eat before I end up eating all the croissants myself."
Jay chuckled, but his eyes didn't leave the pastries. His stomach growled again, louder this time, and he finally relented, picking one up and taking a bite. The flaky, buttery croissant melted in his mouth, and he gave Erin a look that was equal parts affection and playful annoyance. "You're the worst," he said through a mouthful, but the teasing tone in his voice made it clear he didn't mean it.
Erin leaned against the counter, watching him as she took a sip of her coffee, letting the warmth of the drink settle in. "I'm just looking out for you," she said, her voice laced with playful mischief. "Next time, maybe I'll try to make you drink the caramel one."
Jay immediately shook his head, eyes widening with exaggerated horror. "No way," he said, his voice taking on a seriousness that was more comical than anything. "That stuff is like pure sweetness in a drink—way too much."
Erin raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Says the guy who devoured half a box of caramel popcorn during movie night last week."
Jay groaned, setting down the croissant for a moment as he rolled his eyes. "That's different. Popcorn is supposed to be sweet sometimes. Coffee? Coffee's supposed to wake you up, not give you a sugar coma."
"You're so dramatic," Erin teased, enjoying the easy rhythm of their conversation. She took another sip of her coffee, watching as he took another bite of the croissant, clearly relishing the break from the chaos of his schedule. "But fine, I'll hold off on the caramel for now. You're lucky almond milk was already a big step for you."
Jay gave her a playful glare, but there was a soft look in his eyes as he shook his head. "You're lucky I even let you make me drink it."
Erin winked, her heart swelling with affection. "You'll come around," she said, with a confidence that made Jay chuckle. "But until then, I'll just keep making you breakfast and making sure you're well-fed."
Jay chuckled again, the tension from earlier in the morning fading as he leaned back against the counter, his arm brushing against hers in an accidental but warm touch. "Guess I can't argue with that."
There was a quiet moment between them, the soft hum of the apartment and the sounds of their easy conversation filling the space. The morning had only just begun, but in this small, comfortable moment, it felt like the world was still. The chaos of their lives could wait for a little while longer. For now, it was just the two of them, and that was enough.
Erin was nibbling on a strawberry, her eyes drifting over the cozy space as she asked, "So… how was your night?"
Jay, still in the casual hoodie and sweatpants he'd thrown on that morning, looked over at her as he sank into the plush couch beside her. A small smile danced on his lips. "It was fine. But, you know, they wanted me to talk about you."
Erin paused, a strawberry slice halfway to her mouth, her brows lifting in amusement. "Oh really?" she asked, letting her lips curl into a sly smile. "And what did you say, Mr. Halstead?"
Jay smirked, leaning back against the arm of the couch, his arms crossing casually over his chest. His gaze lingered on her, the corners of his mouth twitching with a bit of mischief. "I told them you were a figment of my imagination. A bestselling author-slash-caramel coffee enthusiast couldn't possibly be real."
Erin laughed, the sound light and carefree, before she popped the strawberry into her mouth. "Smooth. Did they buy it?"
"Not a chance," Jay admitted, shaking his head with a slight chuckle. "Mouse nearly choked on his drink, and Adam—he wouldn't stop saying, 'Oh, she's definitely real.' He's way too invested, by the way."
Erin raised her eyebrows dramatically. "Adam?" she feigned surprise. "The same guy who once forgot my name and called me 'book girl' at the gala?"
Jay's grin widened as he ruffled his hair, clearly enjoying the memory. "Yep, that's the one. Now he's your biggest cheerleader. I swear, he's probably already got plans for a fan club."
Erin leaned back against the armrest of the couch, her legs tucked underneath her, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Good to know I'm leaving an impression. But really, what did you say?"
Jay's playful smirk softened, his eyes shifting to something a little more sincere as he uncrossed his arms and took a sip of his coffee. "I just told them the truth. That you're smart, funny, and you keep me on my toes. And that you'd kill me if I said anything else."
Erin tilted her head slightly, touched by his words, but she tried to hide it, keeping her tone light. "Well, you're not wrong about that last part."
Jay's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, his lips curling into a soft smile. "I figured. So, how was your night? Aside from the paparazzi ambush?"
Erin let out a long, frustrated sigh, shaking her head as she reached for another strawberry. "It was good. Kim and Annie are always fun to hang out with. It's been a while since we all three had a chance to chat without any interruptions."
Jay nodded, his smile shifting into something warmer as he watched her. "I'm glad you had a good time. Even with all the chaos at the end."
Erin gave a small shrug, a casual but slightly weary look crossing her face as she popped the strawberry into her mouth. "Yeah, the flashes and questions aren't my favorite. But, Kim and Annie made it worth it. We even started planning a girls' weekend."
Jay raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Oh, yeah? Should I be worried about what you'll be up to?"
Erin met his gaze with a smirk, her lips curling. "Only if you're afraid of mani-pedis and bottomless mimosas." Her voice was light, but there was a playful note to it. "But don't worry, I'll save you a seat at the spa."
Jay chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned back against the couch, his hand sliding into his hoodie pocket. "I'll pass, thanks. But I'm glad you're making time for stuff like that. You deserve it."
Erin's gaze softened, her eyes holding his for a moment as she chewed thoughtfully on the strawberry. "Thanks, Jay. I mean it."
Jay nodded, his voice lowering slightly, his words steady and sincere. "Anytime."
The moment hung between them, comfortable and quiet, before Erin broke it, leaning back against the cushions as she stretched, her fingers brushing lightly over the fabric of his shirt. "So, what about you? Do you have practice this morning, or…"
Jay glanced down at his watch, then back up at her with a small grin. "Mh, I've got almost two hours. I think."
Erin's fingers lightly traced over the smooth fabric of his shirt as she leaned in closer, her body angling toward him with a playful spark in her eyes. Her voice dropped, just a little breathier now, as a teasing smile tugged at her lips. "Well, looks like we've got some time then."
Jay's grin widened, a glint of mischief in his eyes. He leaned in closer to her, his fingers intertwining with hers as he shifted, closing the small gap between them. He leaned in, brushing a soft kiss across her lips. "That's good to know," he said softly, his lips curling up into a playful smile. "What were you thinking about doing with our time together?"
Erin's heart beat a little faster at the way he leaned into her, the electricity of the moment sparking between them. She smiled, her voice dropping to a sultry tone. "Well," she began, letting her fingers twine with his, "I was thinking we could have some fun together." She let the words hang in the air as she traced the outline of his jaw with the tips of her fingers, feeling the warmth of his skin.
Jay's eyes flickered to her lips before meeting her gaze again, his fingers gently squeezing hers. "Sounds like a plan," he murmured, his voice low and full of promise.
Erin's lips curved into a smile as she leaned in slightly, her breath warm against his cheek. "It definitely is," she whispered, her hand sliding up to gently rest on his chest.
Jay smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement as he heard the request slip from Erin's lips. Her breath was quick, ragged, and it only made him more determined to take things slow. He wasn't in a rush—he wanted every second with her to matter.
He slid his hands from her waist, up her ribs, to trace the outline of her collarbone with the tips of his fingers. The skin there was soft, warm, and he couldn't resist dipping his head to place a gentle kiss there, right beneath her jawline. Erin shivered, her hand gripping the back of his neck as she pulled him back toward her lips.
Her body was pressed tightly against his, and he could feel the heat between them—wild, electric. She was intoxicating. He deepened the kiss, moving his hand down her back, feeling the curve of her body as he slid his fingers to the waistband of her pants, teasingly running the pads of his fingers along the edge.
Erin responded in kind, her fingers slipping under the hem of his shirt to explore the warmth of his skin. Every touch, every moment of contact made her pulse race. She felt like she was being pulled into a current of desire and couldn't fight it even if she wanted to.
"Jay…" she breathed again, this time more urgently, her lips brushing against his as her hands moved to his chest, tugging at the fabric of his shirt.
He lifted her effortlessly, guiding her back against the counter with a quiet grunt. She slid her hands under his shirt, running her fingers over his chest as he pinned her there, his lips leaving a trail of fire along her neck and jawline. She could feel his breath warm against her skin, each exhale a rush of excitement that only heightened the tension in the room.
She reached for his belt, her fingers trembling slightly as she fumbled with it, desperate to feel him closer. Jay smiled against her skin at the eagerness in her movements, but he took his time, slowly pulling back from the kiss to catch her eye.
"So impatient," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, though his eyes were filled with nothing but affection for her. He slid one hand down her body, his thumb brushing over the soft fabric of her jeans before continuing downward. She gasped as his hand found its way between her thighs, fingers lightly tracing over the smooth skin there, feeling her warmth.
The touch was slow, deliberate, sending waves of anticipation crashing over Erin. Her eyes closed briefly, and her hips shifted involuntarily toward his hand, her breath hitching as the feeling intensified. "Jay, please," she whispered, her voice thick with desire.
His lips curled into a smile, savoring the way her body reacted to his touch. "Patience," he murmured, his hand inching higher, the teasing motion making her ache with longing.
Erin gasped again, eyes opening as she leaned forward, her lips brushing his once more. Her hands slid down his chest to the waistband of his jeans, where she tugged at the fabric, silently urging him to let go. The tension was nearly unbearable, every inch of her body vibrating with need, but Jay didn't hurry—he was savoring every second.
He stepped closer, pressing his body against hers, and her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. He supported her effortlessly, lifting her with ease as she pulled him into a deeper kiss. Her hands slid to the back of his neck, holding him in place as she kissed him fiercely. Every motion, every subtle shift of their bodies felt like it was igniting a new wave of sensation.
"Take me to the bedroom," Erin whispered breathlessly, her voice quiet yet full of urgency. She didn't need to say it twice. Jay nodded, his lips barely leaving hers as he moved, taking slow, deliberate steps, never breaking contact as he carried her toward the bedroom.
Her fingers slipped under his shirt again, this time pushing it up, wanting to feel the warmth of his skin more fully. The tension between them had built to a fever pitch, and the anticipation was palpable in the air.
As they reached the edge of the bed, Jay placed her gently down, his lips still locked with hers, a soft growl of desire rumbling from deep in his chest. He paused, pulling back slightly to look at her, taking in the sight of her flushed skin, the way her chest rose and fell with each breath, the hunger in her eyes. He couldn't remember a time when he felt this drawn to someone—when everything in his body was screaming for more.
"You're beautiful," he whispered, his voice low and rough with desire.
Erin's hand slid up his arm, tracing the lines of muscle as she pulled him closer, her legs guiding him to lay beside her. "Don't make me wait any longer," she breathed, her hands slipping down his chest, desperate for more of him.
Jay's lips curved into a grin before he kissed her again, slow and deep, a kiss full of promises and heat. He moved his body closer to hers, his hands slipping beneath her shirt as his lips trailed down her neck, savoring every inch of her skin.
Everything else faded into the background. There was only this—only them.
Jay grinned widely at her words. He lifted Erin up,his hands grasping her thighs. Erin wrapped her arms around his neck, softly kissing his neck as he carried her. As they approached the bedroom, Jay kicked the door shut behind them with his foot.
He placed Erin down on the bed, following her down and trailing kisses along her neck as he does. His hands explore every inch of her body, lingering on the sensitive areas with just the right amount of pressure. Erin arched her back in pleasure as Jay's lips and hands moved over her.
Their clothes were fast discarded as they gave into their desires. Erin felt her heart pounding in anticipation as Jay moved between her legs, his warm breath fanning across her sensitive skin. She gasped when he finally entered her, their bodies moving in sync as they explored each other's pleasure spots.
Jay thrust into her with a groan, feeling the tight heat of her walls surrounding him. His hands grip her hips, pulling her body closer to his as he deepens the rhythm. Erin's breath hitches and her nails dig into his shoulders as she meets his thrusts with equal fervor.
With their bodies entwined, Jay and Erin lose themselves in the passionate embrace. Their kisses grow deeper, more intense, reflecting the fiery desire that burns between them. The sensation of their skin sliding against each other sends shivers down Erin's spine.
As they reach the peak of their passion, Erin's body tenses and she lets out a long, throaty moan. Jay follows soon after, his body shuddering as he releases himself into her. They collapse onto the bed, panting heavily. Jay rolls onto his side, pulling Erin into his embrace.
Erin snuggles closer to Jay, her cheek resting against his chest. She feels a contented sigh escape her lips as she savors the afterglow of their passionate encounter.
Jay glanced at his smartwatch again and let out a low groan. "Okay, now I really do have to get moving. Twenty minutes isn't much time."
Erin, still wrapped in the sheets, turned her head to look at him, her brows furrowed in mock disapproval. "You're just gonna leave me here?"
He smirked, leaning over to press a quick kiss to her forehead before getting out of bed. "I thought you had a big day in your office too, Miss Famous Writer."
"Don't remind me," she muttered, stretching before reluctantly throwing the covers off herself. "What's the rush? You could just call in late. I could make it worth your while."
Jay laughed, pulling a pair of joggers out of his dresser. "Don't tempt me, Lindsay. The coaches would kill me if I showed up late again. And if I don't train, I'll never hear the end of it from Adam."
Erin rolled her eyes but smiled as she stood and headed for the closet. She grabbed a pair of high-waisted jeans and a cozy sweater, tossing them onto the bed. "Fine. But only because I also have stuff to do. Otherwise, I'd make you suffer."
"I believe that babe," Jay said, pulling on his Chicago Bears hoodie. He turned to watch her as she shrugged on her sweater. "You sure you're not planning to completely distract me, though? You look good."
She smirked as she zipped up her knee-high boots. "It's a gift. But don't get any ideas—we're both heading out. Separately."
Jay grabbed his sneakers, sitting on the edge of the bed to lace them up. "Yeah, yeah. Separate cars. I know the drill."
Erin finished brushing her hair quickly, tossing it over one shoulder as she applied a light layer of lipstick. She glanced at him through the mirror. "You're really cutting it close. You've got, what, fifteen minutes left now?"
Jay looked at his watch and groaned. "Twelve. Don't rush me, I'm multitasking here."
She laughed softly and grabbed her purse from the chair. "Multitasking. Sure. You mean still half-asleep."
Jay stood, grabbing his keys and his gym bag, slinging it over his shoulder. He walked over to her, placing a hand on her waist as she adjusted her purse strap. "You sure you don't want to call in sick? Play hooky for a day?"
Erin raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye. "You mean you're trying to sabotage my productivity?"
He smirked, leaning in to kiss her briefly. "Just saying. A day off wouldn't hurt."
"Tempting, but no. Besides, I've got a deadline breathing down my neck," she replied, brushing her thumb across his jawline to smooth away some lingering stubble.
They both headed to the door, grabbing their respective coats. Erin paused before stepping out into the hallway, looking up at him. "See you later?"
Jay nodded, his eyes soft. "You know it."
"Try not to get tackled too hard," she teased.
"And you try not to get into another fight with your editor," he shot back with a grin.
With a final smirk, they both stepped into the elevator, heading out to face their busy day.
