Naughty naughty

Naughty naughty
Even saying it out loud didn’t make the knot in Jamie’s chest disappear completely. I could still see it in the way his smile hesitated, the way his shoulders stayed just a little too tense, as though he was bracing himself for impact.

“Yeah I know. Although I still have mixed feelings about it,” he went on, rubbing the back of his neck, “But I think it’s better I trash this out once and for all. After all… how bad can it be?” He smiled at me, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

I reached for his hand immediately, lacing my fingers through his and squeezing gently, grounding him the way he always grounded me.

“I understand, baby,” I said softly. “I know it’s hard. Especially with the history you all have.” I tilted my head, forcing him to look at me. “But trust me—you’ll be okay. And when it’s finally resolved, it’ll feel like a huge weight has been lifted off your chest.”

His shoulders relaxed just a fraction.

“Thank you,” he murmured. Then, after a pause, his expression shifted, into something slightly mischievous. “Actually… while I was thinking about it, I decided I want you to come with me.”

My brows knit together instantly.

“You want me to come with you?” I echoed, more startled than I meant to sound. The idea hit me like being dropped into a battlefield without an armor. “Why, Jamie? I mean, this is your family affair. And me being there with you, doesn’t exactly sound like a good idea.”

I hesitated, then added quietly, “Especially since I was the reason this whole thing happened in the first place. I just don’t think it’s the right thing to do.”

He laughed softly, shaking his head.

“Relax, poodle,” he said fondly. “It’s really not a big deal. Yeah, I know it feels weird meeting my family like this, under these circumstances, but it’s nothing to worry about.”

Then his tone softened. “I just don’t want to go alone. That’s all.”

I studied his face for a moment, then sighed and nodded.

“Alright,” I said slowly. “That’s fine. I’ll go with you then, but on one condition.”

He raised an eyebrow, amused, his thumb brushing gently against my cheek. “And what condition might that be, poodle?”

“There’s an after-party today,” I said. “For the cast and crew, basically to celebrate the end of the shoot.”

I groaned slightly at the thought of it. “Honestly, I don’t feel like attending. But Macy insisted I did. She said the party wouldn’t be complete without the lead of the movie.”

I smiled at him then, hopeful. “So…why not come with me instead? That way I get to keep you to myself, and we both get to have fun.” My voice dropped. “You know, I’ve always wanted to do this with you. But back then, I just—” I paused. “The circumstances weren’t great. But now I want to do better, and that means in every category.”

I leaned in, exaggerating a pout. “So… will you come please with me?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Babe, you know I’m not a fan of parties. Plus—”

“I know,” I interrupted quickly. “But it won’t be loud or extravagant like the ones back in LA. And we can leave whenever you want. I just want to honor the invitation, that’s all. It doesn’t mean we have to stay till the need of it.”

He studied me for a moment before sighing.

“Alright,” he said. “Let’s give it a shot. I mean, how hard can it be?”

I leaned into him instantly, resting my head on his shoulder. “Thank you, baby. I love you.”

“I love you more,” he replied, kissing my forehead and pulling me closer.

We stayed that way for a while before I spoke again. “How about we go back to my place? I really need to rest for a while, before heading to  the party.”

“Oh right,” he said. “I almost forgot.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come on, poodle. Let’s get you to bed.”

We made it out without running into Macy—thankfully. We got into Jamie’s car and drove in comfortable silence, the kind that only exists when love is settled and safe.

Thirty minutes later, we were at my hotel. The moment I unlocked the door and kicked off my shoes, I placed the remaining chocolates in the fridge and collapsed onto the bed dramatically.

“Oh no,” Jamie said sharply. “We are not doing that. Shower first before anything else.” He said, standing over me like a stern parent. 

I groaned but obeyed, as I dragged myself up and headed to the bathroom.  The cold water washed over me, carrying away the exhaustion clinging to my bones. When I stepped out, my towel around my waist, I found the room spotless. My clothes were neatly folded, the bed arranged, not a single hair out of place.

“Oh wow,” I teased. “I guess old habits never die.” I said, slipping into the clothes he had laid on the bed for me to wear when I came out.

He smirked. “I guess I can say the same for you. You’re so spoilt. It’s so hard for you to pick up after yourself.”

My eyes widened. “Hey—that’s not true. I do pick up after myself. It’s just, I’ve been very busy this past week, so I never really found the time to properly arrange my things.” I defended. “I planned on doing that anyways, but seeing as you have, I guess there’s no need for that anymore.”

He laughed while finishing the last fold. “Sure, poodle. Whatever you say.”

A few minutes later, he joined me on the bed and stretched out his arms. “Do you want to cuddle?”

“Oh yes. Definitely,” I said instantly, curling into him. We both laid down, as he gently stroked my hair, as I listened to his hear beating steadily until sleep pulled me under fast. 

After about a couple of hours, i woke up to a face smiling at me like i was the only thing he wanted to see all day. 

“How long have you been staring at me while i sleep Jamie?” I asked sleepily. “Don’t tell me you didn’t even try to get some eye shut?”

He smiled. “Well I did sleep for a while, but I woke up earlier. I saw how beautiful you looked while sleeping, and I couldn’t help myself, so eventually I found myself staring at you.”

“You were so happy, and it made me happy, so I decided to keep at it until you woke up.” 

“You’re unbelievable.” I scoffed. “Anyways what time is it?”

“It’s past seven.” He replied casually. 

I bolted upright. “Jamie! O my gosh! We’re late!”

He pulled me back down effortlessly, locking me in, his face inches from mine. “Why are you in such a hurry, poodle?” He drawled, smirking mischievously at me. “It’s just a party. It doesn’t matter if we’re early or not. 

His hand slid slowly down my stomach, to my thighs, making my breath hitch instantly. “What if I change my mind and decide I don’t want to go anymore? What if I say, I want to have my own little private party here with you, what then?”

My breathing fastened. “Jamie—no. I know what you’re doing, but it’s not going to work. You promised to go with me, and I promised Macy to be there so we have to keep our promises. Now stop playing around and let’s get ready.”

I tried to escape his grip but he didn’t back down. He leaned closer, whispered in my ear. “Are you sure you don’t want us to have our only party here, poodle? I mean you could get a special appearance and even a private show from me, so are you sure you don’t want any of that?” He teased further. 

I swallowed hard, as my pulse hammered. I knew any more of this, I’ll have no other option than to give in to him. So I decided to play along, just enough for him to let his guard down, then I’ll make a run for it. 

“Oh really! A private show strip tease, I guess huh? Well I don’t mind seeing that.” I bit my lower lip, staring at him fully. And just when he was about to lean in and kiss me, his grip on me loosened and I shoved him off, laughing as I ran.  

He chased me around the room, until he eventually caught me, and we collapsed onto the couch, breathless and panting. 

He hovered over me, holding both my hands over my head, as he stared down at me, his eyes dark and playful. “You’ve been really naughty, Aiden.” 

Just then, he slid one hand down my shorts, stroking me gently as I arched towards him, while biting my lower lip. Seeing how I reacted, he leaned in again and kissed me harder this time, before pulling away and planted a kiss on my cheek. 

“Let’s get ready for the party.” He said, smirking as he walked away from me, leaving me with the bulge, I now have to deal with.