Thanks so much to sea-dilemma for her patience with me and for beta-reading!

Disclaimer applies!

Chapter 14

New York City
November 11th
Juliet's Apartment

Loud knocking sounded through the apartment, jolting Juliet from her sleep. Sitting up, she glanced at her clock, seeing it was just past noon.

"Whoa, I overslept!" The knocking persisted, and Juliet scrambled out of bed and went straight to the door, nearly tripping over the cat in the process. Not minding her current state of dress – a pair of cotton sweats and an oversized shirt – she hastily swung open the door.

"So…" Shae began, arms crossed as she cocked her hips to the side, giving Juliet's appearance a once over. "This is how you spend your second 'Alan-free' weekend?"

Juliet rolled her eyes. "Why, hello there, Shae! Good morning to you, too!" Sarcasm laced her tone.

"Noon, actually." Shae corrected before walking past Juliet.

Juliet closed the door with a shake of her head and a knowing smile. "Come right in, then..." She mumbled under her breath.

Shae tapped her foot as she looked over the apartment. "So, what are the plans for today?"

"Um... Maybe watch a few movies?" Juliet shrugged, scratching her head.

Shae sighed. "Ok, Jules. You're my friend, and I love you, but SERIOUSLY?"

"What?"

"Shower and get dressed. We're going out. NOW." She crossed her arms with finality.

"What? Where are we going?"

"Anywhere! As long as it gets you out of this place!" Shae waved her arms dramatically.

"What if I wanted to stay in? I was out the other day…" At the look Shae gave her, Juliet sighed. "Fine, I'll go get showered and dressed."

"See that you do."

Juliet disappeared into her bathroom, muttering obscenities along the way.

"And make it snappy! I've got some exciting news to share!" Shae added as she made herself comfortable on the sofa in the living room.

Just as the shower turned on in the bathroom, Shae heard Juliet's phone ringing. Ever the nosey friend, she took it upon herself to see who was calling.

Shae found Juliet's phone sitting on the nightstand, and read the Caller ID.

Alan.

"Hey, kiddo. How's Canada?" Shae answered the phone.

"Shae? Where's Julie?"

"I'm kidnapping her today. She's in the shower right now. Was there something you needed?" Shae went back into the living room to plop down on the couch.

"No – no. I was just – calling to bug her, I guess…"

"Bored out of your mind already?"

"Yeah. I want to go home already. Canada's no fun."

"Aww…" Shae pouted playfully. "You miss your big sister?"

"No! – I mean. N – no, I don't." He sounded flustered.

"You don't have to lie to me, kiddo. I get that you miss Jules. You guys are practically attached at the hip!" Shae teased. "Your secret is safe with me." She added.

"Will you tell her I called?"

"Of course."

"Ok… Thanks, Shae."

"No problem, kiddo."

With short parting words, they hung up, and a small smile played at Shae's lips; as much as Alan took up most of her friend's free time, she clearly understood why. He was such a cutie-pie when it came to Juliet.

Once the telephone screen cleared of Alan's call, however, an unread text messaged popped up. Curious, Shae glanced at the bathroom door cautiously, still hearing the shower running, then looked back to the phone. The message was from someone labeled 'J.'

'Who's J?' She wondered. With another brief glance at the bathroom door, Shae opened the message.

Are your taste buds ready for me?

Shae's eyes widened as she re-read the message. 'Sneaky girl! Who has she been seeing behind my back?' She grinned, and waited patiently for her friend to finish her shower.

A bathrobe-clad Juliet finally emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, steam pouring out of the doorway behind her. "So, what's on the agenda for today?" She asked, but then her eyes zeroed in on the phone in Shae's hand. "What are you doing?"

"Who's 'J'?" Shae turned on the couch to face Juliet, waving the phone around in her hand, coy smile in place. Juliet tried to snatch her phone away, but Shae was faster, pulling it out of reach. "Come on, girly! Spill the beans! Who's this 'J' person? Is he someone I know?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Juliet huffed, climbing over the couch in an attempt to get the phone back.

"Ah- ah- ah! You need to do better than that!" Shae giggled, easily evading Juliet and stepping away from the couch. "Are your taste buds ready for me?" She read out loud, causing her friend to look up, cheeks ablaze. "Wonder what he means by that? You're blushing!" She waggled her eyebrows.

Juliet had managed to grab her phone, shooting her friend a dirty look before reading the message herself, a smile spreading as she did so.

"Ooh! Look at that smile!" Shae pinched Juliet's cheek.

"Stop it, will you?!" Juliet waved Shae's hand away, but her large smile didn't falter.

"Are you going to tell me who it is now?" Shae nudged Juliet in the side.

"Um…" Juliet bit her lip nervously, mentally measuring the pros and cons of revealing the identity of 'J.' Pro: Shae'd finally stop nagging about the whole boyfriend thing. Con: She'd start nagging about meeting him… possibly asking if he had brothers… Which, of course, he did –

"I'm dying from suspense here, Jules! Who is he?" Shae was getting impatient.

"You've… never met him. But I have mentioned him before."

"OH! Is it that guy you were telling me about? Um – Jake? John? Ja-?"

"Jason." Juliet cut in. "Jason is his name."

Shae nodded. "Jason. That's a nice name. Is he hot?"

Juliet sighed, clutching the phone to her chest. "Absolutely."

"Wonderful!" Shae wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulder. "What did he mean by that text, anyway?" Shae quirked an inquisitive brow. "You making some naughty plans with mystery man?" She playfully poked Juliet in the side, earning a giggle in response.

"It's a bet we made, actually. I beat him bowling- which I know he let me win- but anyway-"

Shae held up her hand, stopping her mid-sentence. "Hold on. Bowling? When did you go bowling with him?"

"Oh. Um, the other day-" She was stopped again.

"You mean to tell me- that you went on a date? The first one in God knows HOW long, and you didn't tell me?!" Shae fumed, hands on her hips.

"Well... Yeah... I guess?" Juliet cringed, preparing herself for a mountain of questions.

"Consider my feelings hurt!" Shae grasped Juliet by the arms, as if intending to shake her vigorously. "Fill me in. NOW."

"Didn't you have something you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh! Right, sorry. You just got me all excited about you and 'Jason.' – anyway! Yes, I have news, and I need a favor!"

"Somehow I knew this wasn't a social visit." Juliet's tone was dry.

"Hush now, we still need to discuss your date that you never told me about!"

Later that afternoon
Shae's Apartment

Juliet liked to think she loved her best friend with all her heart. Though, as much as she loved her, she doubted she'd ever be able to talk her friend out of ANYTHING once she put her mind to it. In this case, Shae was helping her choose a nice outfit for her date – which, much to Juliet's dismay, would be that night; thanks to Shae's persistence.

"How about this one?" Shae held up a bright red skirt, which was WAY too short, in Juliet's opinion.

"That doesn't look like it would cover much of anything." Juliet chided from her seat on Shae's bed. Shae sighed and threw the article on a growing pile of clothing on her bed.

"Well, what are you going to wear tonight? Because you might scare him off if you answer the door dressed in those sweats you were wearing!" Shae huffed as she plopped next to Juliet.

Shae's exciting news was that, apparently she had a new boyfriend, and apparently, it was the new server at their favorite lunch spot! Shae and he had a date – for which Juliet would have to cover a shift for her. Juliet tried questioning Shae as Shae had questioned her, but none of her questions distracted Shae enough for her to forget to ask about Jason. This led to Shae answering the text that Jason had sent, much to Juliet's embarrassment, making plans for him to come over that night.

"Well... I was actually thinking of wearing my favorite-'lucky', skirt." Juliet rested her chin on her fist. "I wasn't sure about a top, though." Shae hummed as she mimicked Juliet's contemplative pose.

"That nice white skirt you wore when we went to Atlantic City?"

"Yeah, and I won $500 that day."

"Ooh, yeah, I liked that skirt. It made you look sexy-classy-casual..."

"Not to mention woosh-y when I do a twirl." Juliet chimed.

"A nice 'woosh-y' skirt needs a nice form-fitting top." Shae quickly stood and went straight for her closet, as if she knew exactly what she was looking for. "Alright, Jules. How about this one? It should fit you well enough!" She held out a grey, sleeveless, button-up blouse.

Juliet stood to slide her hands over the fabric. "Oh my God- it's so soft!" She gasped.

"Jason might not be able to keep his hands off of you." Shae smirked at Juliet's reddening face. "This is way better than that little number from earlier." She added, earning an eye roll from Juliet.

"I did just wake up, remember?" Her phone buzzed in her pocket, signaling a text message.

"Is it from Jason?" Shae asked as she quickly sat next to Juliet, reading over her shoulder.

Are you allergic to anything? Is there a food I should stay away from in particular?

Juliet grinned. No. No allergies. And I'm not picky about my food.

Though it went unnoticed, Shae was watching her friend with happy relief. She had thought that she'd never see Juliet let loose, and meet new people. She liked this Jason already.

"Well, you're gonna have to let me borrow that skirt when you're done with it."

Canada
Gregory's Suite
That Evening

"We're leaving already?"

Gregory looked up from his suitcase to see Alan standing at the foot of the bed. He sighed. "Yes. I know it's a lot more sooner than anticipated-"

"But you said we'd spend the last few days having fun!" Anger colored his adolescent cheeks. "You lied to me – again!" He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Silence filled the room as Gregory stared solemnly at the door. He deserved to feel like shit. He did promise they would have fun once the meetings and negotiations were over – yet, here he was, breaking yet another promise to his 12 year old son.

His other business was getting in the way again.

Fabian had called, demanding that he come back to New York as soon as he was finished in Canada; saying it was urgent.

So here Gregory was, packing his bags for his return trip home – hoping that the business, that was ruining the relationship between him and his son, was worth the trouble. He'd have to cancel the rest of his stay at the hotel, book an earlier flight… Gregory sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. 'So much for trying to fix my relationship with my son.'

Alan didn't go very far. He didn't even leave the hotel – he just found the quietest spot to sit and began to cry. His sobs echoed in the hotel's stairwell as he pulled his knees up and hid his face in his arms.

'I hate him! He never keeps his promises! He only cares about his stupid company…' He wished he never came on this stupid trip! He was glad that the trip was over – now he could go back to Juliet!

Alan sniffed. 'At least she cares about me…' He pulled out his phone, the light from the screen illuminating his tear-streaked cheeks and scrolled until he found what he was looking for.

Aside from bowling, Juliet loved ice-skating. The picture he found, was his favorite of the two of them – though he'd deny ever having a favorite if he was asked. The picture was two years old – they had gone ice-skating along with Shae, who had taken the picture.

The image was of him and Juliet, hands entwined as she led him around the ring. He was decent at skating now, but not then, and he had wanted to keep up with her, so she had held his hands and pulled him along – smiling. She always smiled when she was with him, and he had never missed it as much as he did now.

He sniffed again, wiping his tear-stained cheeks.

At least he was going back home to her, sooner than later.

New York
Later That Evening

To say that Juliet was nervous was an understatement.

Ridiculous was more the word to describe her at present.

She had cleaned just about every nook and cranny in her apartment that could possibly provide an embarrassing situation, including her bedroom. 'Who knew where things could lead tonight?' She boldly thought.

She had showered earlier, and had changed into her Shae-approved, pre-chosen outfit.

She stood in front of her bathroom mirror for a good 30 minutes before she decided to keep her hair down and use only light lip-gloss.

The silence of her empty apartment while she waited nearly drove her mad until she decided to turn on the living room stereo; she wasn't sure what kind of music he liked, but she did not want to play some sappy music. She took a deep, calming breath before she resigned herself to sitting on a barstool at her pass-over bar. Her favorite radio station played in the background on a reasonably low volume while she mindlessly drummed her fingernails on the bar's surface.

She had taken it upon herself to provide white wine, since Jason was the one to do the cooking, and her thoughts trailed to what he might make, and if his cooking skills were all that he claimed them to be.

Elvis soon joined her, seating himself comfortably on the bar, tail flicking back and forth, as if sensing her anticipation. She scratched behind his ears, happy for some kind of distraction, though she was cautious of his white fur, knowing its tendency to stick to clothing.

A knock at the door broke her brief calm, and startled the cat in to jump from his perch. Standing, Juliet took another calming breath – what was there to be worried about anyway?

Running a hand through her hair, she made her way to the door and opened it.

Jason stood in the doorway, wearing his brown leather jacket, a black crew t-shirt tucked into khaki cargo pants. Black boots completed his ensemble, and he looked – delicious. He looked back at her, his eyes dragging over every inch of her, a dazzling bad-boy grin growing on his face.

"Jason." Juliet smiled, thinking how very, very handsome he looked.

"Juliet." He mimicked, lifting a plastic bag, filled with ingredients for his mystery meal. "Are you ready to bow down to my superior cooking?"

"You can ask that after I've tasted it." She opened the door wider for him to pass through. "Your apron awaits." Shooting him a grin as he passed her, she allowed her eyes to linger on his backside.

"Joy." Playful sarcasm laced his tone as he turned and handed her the bag to take into the kitchen. While he hung up his jacket, his gaze lingered on the sway of her hips in the white skirt. "Nice." He murmured under his breath.

He turned his phone down to silent. Hoping no life changing calls occurred within the next few hours.

In the kitchen, Juliet placed the bag on the counter, curious of its contents and almost tempted to take a peek, but she didn't, and instead grabbed the neatly folded, frilly apron from the counter. It was certainly the frilliest apron she owned, and she usually saved it for holidays, though, today, it would be the 'lucky' piece of clothing to wrap around Jason. She smiled.

"So, Chef, what's on the menu for tonight?" Chills went down her spine as she felt his breath suddenly on her neck.

"You look a little too excited staring at that apron." The words were warm on her neck and she turned to face him – loving how snugly his black shirt fit him, and how the corner of his mouth was tugged upwards in a half-grin.

"I was just thinking of how it might bring out your eyes." She managed. "So, what's on the menu?"

"Ovoshchnoy Makarony." He said, earning an eyebrow raise from Juliet.

"Bless you?"

He snorted "It's Russian, actually."

"Oh- um- do you, uh-"

"Yes, I speak Russian."

"O-oh, really?" She was now flustered at herself for stumbling over her words, still very aware of how close his body was to hers. "What does it mean?"

"Vegetable Pasta." He supplied, as if it were common knowledge. "So, that's the apron you chose for me?" His eyes flickered down to the apron in her hands and back up to her eyes.

"Yes." She cleared her throat. "May I?" She unfolded it, and at Jason's nod of approval, she tied it around his neck.

Their gazes locked for a heated moment as she slid her hands around his waist to tie the apron behind his back. Once done, she leaned back against the counter she was suddenly much closer to. "Very nice. Very – enticing." She smiled, all of her muscles suddenly weak.

The corner of Jason's lip tugged into a half-grin at her light teasing. "Told you so."

"That you did, Chef. So how about impressing me with those cooking skills now, hmm?" She skillfully slid around him to sit at the bar, fighting against the urge to give his, most likely, firm bottom a nice pat as she passed him. 'Down, girl...'

"Oh, I'll impress you – don't you worry about that. Just don't feel intimidated when I put your food to shame." He shot her a wink before turning to the task at hand.

He easily made quick work of the vegetables, perfectly dicing each one until there were several small piles ready for the pan. It was like watching some kind of 5-Star chef cooking inside her very own kitchen. Either he was very good at this, or he was trying to impress her; either way she was impressed.

"You think you could put the pasta to boil?" He asked her, and she quickly did as she was bade.

She'd be lying if she said she wasn't at least a little envious at his skills. She watched as he expertly sautéed the vegetables and added seasoning.

"Got something you want to say?" He asked, sliding her a glance.

"It smells good. I'll give you that." She teased.

"Wait 'til you taste it."

It wasn't long before the food was done and plated. Jason sat the plates down at the pass-over bar and he removed his apron, while Juliet went for the wine and two glasses.

"What is it with you and wine?" Jason asked as she set the glasses down, pouring the light liquid into each.

She shrugged "I just like it, I guess. Beer is ok sometimes, depending on the brand. And liquor… Well, anything as long as it's nice and sweet."

"I see. So you like 'girly' drinks."

"Well I am a girl, if you hadn't noticed."

"I'd be surprised… and a little put out if you weren't."

"So, the food..." She quickly changed the subject, and they both sat at the bar, side by side, though halfway turned to each other.

"The food." He echoed, scooting close. "Go ahead. Taste it and tell me how good it is."

Juliet gave him a look, not at all minding his proximity, and grabbed her fork to stab it in the pasta. She slowly and teasingly guided it to her mouth, knowing that he was watching her every move.

Once she placed the fork in her mouth, the assault of delicious flavors hit her tongue and taste buds. "Wow." She nearly moaned in delight. "That's good. Really good." She took another bite and a sip of her wine.

"And you had doubts." He couldn't help but feel the tightening in his gut and loins as he watched her chew, completely ignoring his own plate.

His aroused gaze didn't escape her notice.

"I'll admit, I was a tad bit worried. BUT-" She put her fork down. "You surprised me. I reluctantly admit that your cooking skills may be marginally superior to my own." She quickly added, "The apron was an added bonus."

"Well, you did win the bet we made."

"Hmm. You let me win." She hummed, his hooded gaze giving her goosebumps.

"Ah, but we wouldn't be here if I hadn't."

"And where is here, exactly?" She asked, though part of her already knew, their plates completely forgotten.

"I think you know where." He carefully placed his hand on the bare skin of her knee, and her feet, now out of her shoes, rubbed against his legs in a coy response.

Blue eyes locked with hazel, as warm masculine hands dared to grab the back of her knees to pull her a little closer. Licking her suddenly dry lips, her gaze flickered to his lips briefly, unsure if she should move first, or wait for him. She gasped as he didn't give her much more time to think as she was suddenly yanked into his lap, straddling him, his hands gripping her thighs to wrap them around his waist.

She could feel the heat of his skin through their clothing as their lips met in a ferocious synchrony. Her eyes dipped in arousal at his rough handling and her arms coiled around his shoulders to pull him closer, swallowing his light groan of approval as her legs tightened around him.

Leaving her kiss-swollen lips, Jason made use of his tongue and lips to lick and suckle on her neck. Juliet moaned, head tilting back to give him better access as her hands explored his broad shoulders, uncaring as he unbuttoned her blouse.

She couldn't get enough of his touch, and she wanted to feel more of him. She practically clawed at the bottom of his shirt, eager to have it off of him. Jason obliged, hastily removing it, to both their pleasure; their lips found each other once more as he stood, holding Juliet to him and carrying her to the bedroom, as her legs were still wrapped around him. Juliet buried her hands in his hair, lightly scratching his scalp. Distracted, Jason didn't even notice the white fluffy tail in his path; and his foot stepped right on it.

"SHIT!" Startled at the loud cry and hiss from the cat, Jason nearly dropped Juliet, who yelped in surprise and clung to him to prevent herself from hitting the floor. "This is the second time that cat has thrown off our groove…" He said through gritted teeth, one hand braced on the couch whilst the other was wrapped securely around Juliet's waist.

Recovering from their near fall, but heart still racing, Juliet buried her face in Jason's neck, giggling lightly. "Threw off our groove?"

Jason straightened up, boldly gripping Juliet's rear to adjust his hold on her. "You laugh now, but I'll have you singing a different tune soon enough." He was walking them to her room, wanting to make good on his word.

"Oh, can that ego get any bigger?" She asked against his skin.

His response was to pin her against the bedroom doorframe, grinding his pelvis deliciously against hers, making her fully aware of his hardened member. Oh, did she want him then and there! His lips found hers once again as they continued where they left off.

It seemed, however, that the night had other plans.

A brief knocking at the door was heard, Juliet barely registered what was happening – her mind a complete mess and her body quivering in anticipation.

"You expecting anybody?" He asked, voice rough in frustration and arousal.

"No." She sighed, equally frustrated – the mood was quickly dissipating as she was let down gently from his waist. "Um – wait here… a moment…" She finished lamely and he nodded, fists clenched.

'Cool it down, Jace…' He thought as he watched her retreating form. 'You gotta be patient with girls like her.'

Juliet ran a hand through her disheveled hair, and quickly straightened her clothes. As she buttoned her shirt, she passed the bar where their cold food lay. 'Maybe we were moving too fast…' She wondered, as she finally reached the door.

Gazing through the peep hole of the door, she saw a familiar face waiting patiently on the other side – completely unaware of the date that she had probably ruined.

"Brenda." Juliet greeted the visitor awkwardly as she opened the door halfway, blocking the inside of her apartment from view. It had been a while since Gregory's secretary and close friend stopped by.

Brenda regarded Juliet, taking in her appearance. "Juliet… Is everything alright?"

"Um, yes – sort of…"

"Sort of?" Brenda took a step forward as if to try and open the door.

"Everything's fine. I actually, um… have someone over right now."

"Oh… Oh!" Realization dawned on Brenda. "I'm so sorry, Juliet – I should have called first!" She quickly turned to leave.

"Brenda! Was it something important?" Juliet stopped her.

"Oh, no, dear. It's been a while since we spent any time together and I wanted to stop by for a while. What with Gregory out of town and all. I'll be sure to call ahead next time." Brenda gave Juliet a reassuring smile. "Have a nice night."

Juliet blew out a breath as she watched the older woman leave.

Now thoroughly cooled off, she turned back into the apartment. She found Jason sitting on the couch, head tilted back and arms spread out, eyes closed.

"That was a mood killer" His tone was blank.

"Sorry about that. It was just a friend of mine." Juliet joined him on the couch, and nestled herself into his side, tucking her legs underneath her. "She didn't know I was… entertaining." She tried to joke, hoping it would lighten the mood a bit.

The corner of his lips quirked a bit, and he lifted his head to watch her practically snuggle into his side. "Entertaining, huh?"

Her big hazel eyes turned to him, practically twinkling in amusement. "Yeah…" She said softly.

Moments passed with them just staring at each other, one partly at a loss as to what to say, another in oddly comfortable silence.

A thought came to mind.

"Maybe I could entertain you sometime." He said suddenly.

She smiled.

"I'd like that."

Hello my lovely readers!

I know, I know - it's been FOREVER since I've updated! (quickly doges flaming chickens)

I do apologize for this agonizingly long wait, there's no excuse for my absence! Everyone knows that life happens :)

Anywho, I hope you have enjoyed this chapter! I will start updating regularly again, though not as often as I would like, but at least it wont' be another 2 years!

Love all the reviews/favorites/follows! It warms my heart that you all love this fic! Thank you ALL!

Until next time! Happy writing and much love!

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