MELODY'S POV

I wake up to the sounds of incessant pounding and groan. The T.V. is still on, illuminating the room with the new Shark vacuum cleaner infomercial and both Layla and Tara are passed out on either side of me. For a second I take the time to enjoy the silence and peace that surrounds me before the pounding begins again, forcing me to leave my blissful state and return to reality. When the pounding erupts into the sound of a jackhammer against my wall I wrench the door open and gasp. My stomach churns at the sight of my neighbours Charlie and Debbie, going at it against the wall next to my door. The Debbie's left leg is wrapped around Charlie's waist leaving room for my poor eyes to actually see his fast insertion. With her head thrown over his shoulder and her nails pulling at his shirt, Charlie grunts and smacks the side of her ass in what looks like pleasure. Her back is constantly slammed against the wall, thus solving the mystery of the annoying sound. I try to peel my eyes away from the disgusting sight but my body won't move. It isn't until he throws his head back gasping like a fish out of water that I hightail it back into my room. Closing the door as quietly as possible I slide down against my door and close my eyes. Sadly the sight of the two going at it like animals just outside has been engraved into my mind. Sighing I draw my knees up to my chest and take a deep breath. The pounding has finally stopped, thankfully, but I can't move from the door. The point of watching T.V. with the girls was to avoid the impending doom of reality, but now that I'm awake... well it's almost impossible to avoid.

I miss Jake; the way his eyes would brighten whenever we were together, or the way he would hold me close after we had sex just enjoying the feel of my body against his. I miss waking up to him and sharing breakfast in the mornings. I miss how protective and loving he would get. I miss his touch... but I miss Dean as well. His strong will and desire to make me a better person. His kind eyes and soft hair. I miss cooking with him and playing stupid games together. I miss his encouragement and devotion to me. 

Maybe I am slutty, I mean it seems like I can't stay away from the attention that being with two men brings. As if being hit with a brick my mind connects the dots and I realize something, I am a slut! I am a slutty attention hog that likes to string on men and then break their hearts! I am terrible! Tears well up in my eyes and I bang my head against the door. Then I hit it again and again and again till my head feels numb. What surprises me though is that I hear a knock in response. I figure it's just my head spinning from hitting it so hard so I ignore it.

'Knock Knock' Light tapping against the door causes my head to throb slightly and I continue to ignore it but when I literally feel someone try to push against the door do I finally snap out of it. Is someone trying to break in? I think to myself as I back away from the door. It would make sense to look through the peephole to see who it is, but then again this person could have a gun and shoot me in the eye! Ok I know I'm exaggerating but you never know. I look behind me towards Layla and Tara and see they are still sleeping. This is just like a horror movie! The female protagonist is left alone to face down the psycho killer while her friends sleep soundlessly. Why couldn't I just stay asleep? I take a deep breath and grab an umbrella by the door. I swing the door open and get ready to hit the intruder but I stop.

"Melody? What are you doing with that umbrella?" The object drops to the floor at the sight of this dishevelled man. There's bags under his eyes, his hair is pointing in too many directions, his shirt is pulled out of his pants looking wrinkled and there is a coffee stain on the bottom of it. He runs a hand through his hair and sighs... he looks so... tired. I am shocked to say the least.

He raises his hand in defence and speaks. "I know what you're thinking and I tried to stay away but I couldn't do it. I was so worried and I missed you so much. I was only going to see if you were ok and then I was going to leave I swear." He steps back slightly and I sigh.

"Come in." I move to the side to allow him room and he smiles softly. As he walks in he places a kiss to my forehead and his eyes instantly find the girls and he frowns. Taking off his jacket and shoes he speaks in a whisper.

"I didn't know if they would have left you alone or not." I roll my eyes and close the door quietly.

"Of course they weren't going to leave me." He places his jacket on the arm of the couch and turns to look at me.

"How are you?" I shrug and look away from him.

"I did some investigating." I answer quietly and he takes a step closer to me.

"And what did you learn?" He takes another step closer and my mind begins to think of escape routes.

"Just that you're despicable and twisted..." His eyes soften and he stops moving.

"So you spoke to Cameron then." I nod and look towards the girls.

"Why did you do it?" I ask him with a meek voice. Jake sighs and moves to sit on the arm of the couch.

"I just wanted to know that you were safe." I scoff and cross my arms.

"Oh come on Jake just be honest with me." He looks down and his fists begins to clench and unclench.

"You want me to be honest? Fine." He takes a deep breath and his head snaps up to mine, eyes blazing in a hidden rage. "I feel very... possessive of you. When you left me I was devastated. I was heart broken, lonely and confused. I was mad and I wanted you... badly. But..." He pauses and looks down losing a bit of the fury.

"I was too scared to go to you. I was afraid of the real rejection. So instead I had you watched. It helped to ease my aching knowing that you were ok. After the first few months I realized that even if I could never have you again... just knowing you were happy was enough for me. I don't regret it and I won't apologize." I gasp and he looks up at me. "Ok sure some of my tactics were a bit extreme but I had to do it. I love you." His eyes are shining with unshed tears and my heart lurches. 

For the first time in three years I see a vunerable side of Jake. Looking at him I can see what the time apart has really done to him and it scares me. I walk closer to him but still leave space between us.

"You're an idiot. You shouldn't have done what you did and I will be angry about it for a while." I pause and softly touch his face. "But I am sorry Jake, for everything that has happened. You look terrible!" He chuckles at that and runs a hand through his hair.

"Yeah well losing a loved one can do some damage." He jokes. An awkward silence fills the air and his eyes tune into my shaking leg. "Do you want to si-"

"I didn't know." He frowns and takes my hand from his face.

'You didn't know what?"

"How bad it's been for you. I just figured you moved on. You seemed so happy and successful that I figured you just forgot about me... that I was the only one still hung up on the past... still broken and hurting." I stare down at the floor in embarrassment and he laughs. Loud. I raise my hand to his mouth to shut him up. "What? Jeez I know I sound a little stupid now but that's no reason to wake up the girls." He's still laughing a little beneath my hand and his eyes look as happy as he seems, as he removes my hand and kisses the palm.

"You can't believe everything you see baby. Of course I looked happy and yes I was successful, but I was miserable. I used to lose myself in sex whenever I was upset but anytime I tried I felt like I was betraying you so it ended up in me telling them to leave. Though there was this one time..." I hit his arm and glare at him but he just squeezes my hand and smiles. "Oh come on Melody you moved on and dated your teacher! Cut me some slack." I sigh and frown, just thinking about Dean makes my heart hurt. Jake catches on and changes the subject.

"It was around Valentine's Day, just a few months after you left, and I told myself that I was going to make it without you. I was determined to be happy and find love again and you would see what you were missing... that mentality only lasted a month or so. I was a pathetic sap that stalked you on Facebook and sent people to watch you to cover up my own insecurities. It wasn't fair to you and I realize that now." I pull my hand back and cross my arms.

"So now what?" He sighs and looks up to me.

"Zack." I take a step back and narrow my eyes.

"Zack what?" He looks back down and frowns.

"Zack is the other person I had watching you. He also didn't tell me about Dean but apparently he didn't know. His feelings for you were real by the way. And he gave me back the money a few weeks ago." I shake my head and smile.

"Wow who would have guessed?" I sigh and bite my lip. "It doesn't matter now anyway... what's done is done. I will deal with him on my own time. So... so maybe you should leave now." I try to gather up as much courage as I can and look him straight in the eye. A small smile appears on his face and he plays with his cuffs.

"Let me stay with you tonight my love. I need you. I can sleep on the couch?" I point to the girls and he blushes a little. "Ok I can sleep on the floor... no I don't have to sleep at all I can just watch T.V. till you wake back up." It's always his eyes that get to me. They shine a beautiful silver in the moonlight and he reaches for me. My body fights against my mind and my feet begin to move forward. He pulls me into him, rests his face against my breasts and lightly nips me. My stomach tightens and I suppress a moan.

"Jake not tonight." I whisper as he begins to lift my shirt. He looks up to me with a wicked smile and kisses my stomach.

"Do you want me to stop?" The real answer is no, but I need time to myself and with him being here I obviously can't do that.

"Jake please..." I try to say it but damn does this feel good.

"I crave you Melody." His sinful tongue licks at my navel and I throw my head back.

"Oh!" I gasp. His hands squeeze my waist before running down to my ass and rubbing it lightly. He murmurs into my stomach and my legs begin to wobble. He nibbles on my stomach and breathes in my perfume. I barely see a figure moving behind him as his hands move to the zipper of my skirt.

Tara throws a pillow at us and I jump back to dodge it. "Get a room you two! Shit!" Jake laughs lightly and I hide my face in my hair. 

"Sorry about that Tara. Go back to sleep." I take Jake's hand in mine and lead him to my room.

He doesn't seem to need much direction and he opens the door for me, but then I remember that he's been here before. I walk in slowly and take a gasp. Shit! My bed is a mess, covered in tissues from when I was crying earlier. Jake seems to take his time in entering, so I rush forward and clean off the bed as quickly as possible. The tissue box falls to the floor in a thump and I jump at how loud it is. Instead of picking it up I rush to fix the comforter and fluff the pillows. When I'm satisfied I hear a chuckle and turn to see Jake leaning against the doorway watching me.

"Is there something funny?" I ask him getting annoyed with how this day is going.

"You don't need to fix the bed baby, it's going to get messed up anyway." He crosses his arms and smirks, but I'm not happy. Shooting him a glare I grind my teeth and turn back from him. He reaches me in seconds and his hands tickle my neck.

"I only meant you toss and turn a little in your sleep, so the comforter will be messy in the morning. Unless that has changed in the past three years?" Pulling my hair to the side he places a soft kiss to my neck and my lower regions begin to tingle.

"Jake please." I try to complain but my brain is turning to mush. His left hand is playing with my hair, while the right hand is drawing little patterns on my waist. I can feel his erection at my back and my mouth waters at the memories of it. 

"We don't need to have sex... but I... I can't-" I turn in his arms and kiss him with everything I've got. I can feel him contemplating on whether or not we should push this further, so I reach down between us and rub my hand against his bulge. His hips surge forward to create more friction and I know I've got him. 

"Melody I can't promise you that I'll be gentle." He groans out rushing to take his clothes off. He tosses his shirt somewhere in the room and kicks off his pants. Left in his boxers I stare down at the tent created by his erection and gulp. It really has been a while. His entire body looks like magic. Photoshop couldn't touch him. His arms a little hairier, the scruff on his face is lickable and he has a light trace of hair from his navel leading down to his manhood, allowing my gaze to roam back to his perfect specimen. With arms full and bulky and a lean yet muscular frame just waiting for me to ride him, I lick my lips and bite my bottom lip with a little smile. He stares down at me with so much desire I can feel it in the air. Quickly he dives back into the kiss taking my bottom lip into his mouth. He bites down on it softly and delves his tongue into my mouth. As he pushes me closer to the bed I pull back from the kiss and the pout on his face is priceless. He opens his mouth about to protest but I slowly begin to strip and his eyes darken.

I know I shouldn't be doing this. I know I should have fought a bit more about him leaving, and technically regardless of what anyone says I did tell him to go... so I'm not at fault for taking this opportunity. It has been three years. The buttons of my shirt are undone and my shirt is just about off when I hear him almost growl.

"Slower." His voice is deep and his eyes take in every inch of my body. I can hear his breathing pick up and I know he is trying his hardest to hold back.

I obey his command and remove my shirt even slower. As it drops to the floor my hair is a mess but I know he likes it like that as he runs a hand through it. When he gets to the tips he runs his hand through it another time and tugs. My intake of breath is all he needs to hear to know he needs to be a little gentler. Walking closer to me he turns me around so my back is facing him and lowers the straps of my bra. As they fall past my shoulders he places a hot kiss in its wake leaving me wanting more. With one hand he unhooks the bra and trails his tongue down my back, only stopping so he can pull off my skirt.

"Jake." I whisper out. His teeth are playing with the straps of my thong and his fingers are kneading my ass. He's being rougher than I remember and a part of me is worried about what will happen when we actually lay in the bed... if he even allows me to lie down. I bite my lip at the thought and stand in waiting.

"You're body... dear God it's so sexy. I can't promise you that I'll last long. I'm going crazy right now." His breath is hot against my ass and I sigh when he licks a dimple. He's always liked those dimples. I call them craters, he calls them perfection. His fingers dance along my hips before pulling my thong down to my ankles. I step out of them and almost jump when I feel his mouth at my core. His eyes are focused on my clit and his hands grab my ass to bring me closer to his face. "Yes." Is the warning I have before he takes one of my legs and throws it over his shoulder. He doesn't take his time as he begins to suck on my clit. I strangle a scream at his assault and my legs begin to wobble again. His tongue traces every area of my core before it attacks my clit again. Darting in and out of my entrance with his tongue, Jake pulls down on my body stuffing his face with my core. One of his hands moves from gripping my ass and he begins to slide one finger inside my sheath. 

"Ahh!" I cry out and he looks up at me with vibrant eyes. His finger is joined by another and he pistons in and out of my entrance still watching me. My orgasm has just about reached its peak and I bite down on my lip so I don't scream. My body begins to shake and he knocks my leg off his shoulder, jumps up from his crouch and gets behind me. Bending me over with one hand he grabs his cock and thrusts himself into me. We both gasp and he doesn't wait to for me to adjust as he pounds into me relentlessly.

"F*ck!" He howls out. I'm so wet that his cock slips out and he almost inserts back into my ass. We both shakily laugh and he thrusts it back into the right hole. He spears into me at a furious pace as the sound of his balls smacking against my core echoes through the room. I force my face into the bed so I can scream but it doesn't slow him down. Instead he chooses to take my right leg and hook it around his waist inserting himself deeper than before. I can feel his thrusts in my stomach and tears build in my eyes at the intensity. The sheets bunch up in my mouth as I orgasm against him. My walls clench his cock and he groans.

"Ahh! Don't squeeze too tight baby." He pants and his nails dig into my skin. Hooking my left leg around his waist as well he begins to lean over me to push it even deeper. I muffle a scream and push up from the bed to try and breathe a little better. He's never been this... brutal before and it's exhilarating! I feel another orgasm build and push my waist against his to cause more friction. He laughs lightly and takes his hand to rub against my clit vigorously and it increases the orgasm ten fold. He slows down his pace just slightly that triggers something in me and I orgasm again.  

His grip on my waist gets tighter with each thrust and I can feel the sweat dripping onto my back from his face. Instinctively I know he is trying to hold back his release and I wiggle and convulse against him to push him further. He grunts out a frustrated "Stop," but I don't listen and continue to convulse.

He slaps my ass hard I buckle under the sheer strength of it. "Stop it Melody! I don't want to- F*ck!" His thrusting gets faster and he begins to gasp. My body reacts to his hit sexually but my mind is elsewhere. As great as this feels I am pissed that he even thought to hit me like that, let alone so hard. His grip is vice-like as he pistons in and out of me. My back and ass are sore and just when I slump against the bed and wait for his release he cries out my name and jerks forward. His pants fill the room as he slowly continues the motion even as I feel him begin to soften. He kisses my back in what I'm guessing is happiness but I don't respond.

"Melody?" He doesn't pull out but he does stop thrusting. Soothingly he rubs his hand up and down my back to get my attention.

"Baby what's wrong?" He unhooks my legs from his waist, pulls me up and tries to turn me to face him, but I remain forward.

"Baby?" His voice begins to sound panicked and he pulls out. I can feel the loss of warmth and the semen trickle down my leg and I want to pout and let him have his way with me again but my ass is actually burning from the hit so I stay quiet.

"Did I hurt you? Was I going too hard? F*ck I'm so sorry. I lost control. It's been so long that I thought that I had died and gone to heaven." Jake turns me to face him and begins to kiss my chest and neck. His hands run up and down my body, but when he rubs my ass I flinch and it doesn't go unnoticed by him. He groans and clenches his fists. "Shit! It was the slap wasn't it? I was so caught up in the moment... damn it! I never meant to hurt you baby. I'm so sorry. It won't happen again I swear." He holds my face in his hands and kisses all over. "Please forgive me Melody. I won't do it again." I nod my head slowly and he holds me against his chest. I hug him limply as the sexual prowess is completely gone.

I sigh and speak up. "Maybe we should go to bed. I have work in the morning." He doesn't let me go but I feel his head nodding. His heart is beating like an 808 against his chest and he tries to control his breathing.

"Yeah ok." Still he won't let me go but he instead he maneuvers us so that he carries me bridal style into the bed. He kisses my head and holds me against him while his other hand pulls the comforter to cover us but then he stops halfway.

"I'll be right back baby." He jumps out of the bed and returns in less than five minutes. I roll onto my back to see him and he's holding a rag in his hand. When he sees me staring at it he blushes.

"I just thought you might want something to... cool you off, and clean you up?" I nod and reach forward to grab the rag but he shakes his head.

"Let me do it... please." Again I nod and he climbs into bed. Pulling back the covers he looks down at my swollen clit and smiles. "I love you Melody." He cleans me gently and leaves the rag to rest on my core to cool it down. I smile in gratitude but frown when I see him put on his clothes.

"Where are you going?" He looks towards me with hopeful eyes.

"I didn't know if you wanted me to stay here or not. I can just wait in the living room." He continues to put on his boxers and I pat the empty space beside me.

"I've never seen you so shy before Jake... it's kinda weird." He smiles and slides in beside me. I rest my head on his chest and trace his muscles.

"Yes well the Jake you knew was an over confident, cocky bastard. The man I am now is scared shitless of losing you a second time, so I will do whatever it takes to keep you with me." He kisses my hair and sighs. "I'm pussy-whipped aren't I?" I laugh this time and kiss his chest.

"No baby, you're in love. There's nothing wrong with that." His heartbeat skips and his arm tightens around me.

"You called me baby?" I hear what he asked me, but the sound of Thump Thump, Thump Thump reigns over any other words.

"Mhm." Again his hold tightens.

"Does that mean we can be together? Does it mean you've forgiven me?" I look up at him and he sees the answer in my eyes. A huge smile breaks onto his face and he pulls me up to kiss him. "I love you so much Melody. I will be the best man I can be for you. I promise." I pull back smiling and flick his nose.

"Yeah yeah, just remember if you ever slap me like that again, it's the dog house with you." He smiles and nods his head.

"Are you sure you have to go to work this morning? Can you stay with me today?" I sigh and rest on his chest again.

"After the stunt you pulled? Yeah right! I have to go in. Besides I have a lot to do with Trev's birthday and I can't bail on my first big event." He sighs and begins to play with my hair.

"Can I take you to lunch then?" I hesitate before I answer.

"Jake... right now I think it's best if we give each other a little space." His hand freezes.

"But you just said you forgave me." 

"Yes I did, but I still need time to myself. I have to think and I have to work and I need to talk to Dean." He scowls.

"There's nothing else to say to him." I sit up and draw my knees to my chest. 

"That's not for you to decide Jake. He will be back home soon and I know we will have to talk." Jake sits up with me and takes my hand.

"Fine... how long?" I look over to him and kiss his lips.

"I don't know but I promise it won't be too long." His grip tightens a little but he relaxes.

"Can I see you at night then?" I laugh a little and hit his shoulder.

"Are you asking if we can still have sex?" He laughs too.

"Yes I want sex, but I've really just missed holding you at night, and waking up to you. I've missed having you at my side and if I can't be with you during the day, at least give me the night." He's trying to make this seem light but I can hear his plead, he really wants this.

"Every other night." He frowns but nods his head.

"So I won't see you till Wednesday?" 

"Wow you know how to count?" He pinches my side.

"Then on Friday can I take you to dinner?" Again I hesitate and take a deep breath. Here we go.

"I won't be in town on Friday night." His eyebrow rises.

"Oh? Are you going to New York again? If so I know a perfect restaurant that you will love." I sigh and look down.

"I'm going to California." He looks at me with those piercing eyes and watches me closely.

"What's in California?"

"Mike..." He stiffens and grips the sheets.

"Excuse me?" I can hear him trying to remain calm and I appreciate it.

"I got in contact with Mike earlier in the day. We reconciled our relationship and he invited me and the girls to Cali for the weekend. So I'm going." I say quicjly to get it out of the way. His breathing is getting harsher and harsher by the second.

"So you can forgive him so damn easily but not me? After everything he did to you?" I grab his arm to make him look at me and caress his face.

"Jake I am in bed with you aren't I? Did I not just say I forgive you? Please I want to go. I need some time away from everything." His eyes soften a little.

"Does Dean know?" I nod and he grunts. “Of course he does.” He runs a hand through his hair sighing. "You'll only be gone the weekend right?" He pouts a little and some of his hair falls into his face giving him a child-like innocence. I kiss his lips again smiling.

"Yes I will be back for Monday." He nods his head and drags me back down on the bed.

"Well if I am losing two days with you that means I get to have you all week. It's only fair." I laugh as he begins to tickle my sides. 

"Ok ok! All week! But only in the evenings ok?" He kisses my forehead.

"Anything you want baby." His hand begins to trail up and down my arm and I know what he's thinking. I grip his hand and shake my head.

"I want to get some sleep or I will be a zombie later today." I look over to the clock by my bed and sigh. It's already 5 in the morning. I have to get up for 7 to be there on time. "And I have two hours to sleep." I snuggle into his arms and close my eyes.

"Goodnight Melody. I love you." I smile and kiss his peck.

"I love you too Jake. Night." It only takes me a few minutes before I completely knock out.

I wake up to the sight of a naked man and almost scream. 

"Hey,  hey relax baby it's just me." Jake's face comes into view and I sigh.

"I'm sorry I almost forgot you were here." I yawn and lift the covers as I sit up. He smirks at that and puts on his boxers.

"Baby why are you covering yourself? It's nothing I haven't seen." His smile gets wider and I roll my eyes.

"Yeah whatever." I push back the covers and stretch my back.

"Man you look sexy doing that." His pants are already on as he walks over to me. Slipping his arms around my waist he gives me a deep, passionate kiss. When he pulls back a stupid smile is plastered on his face. "I can get used to this." We both laugh a little and continue to get dressed. I take a nice hot shower and brush my teeth to wake myself up and when I finish I feel refreshed and happy. Choosing to be simple today I throw on a sundress with a blazer and flats. Jake is already dressed when I'm finished and is waiting on the bed for me. 

"You look beautiful." He tries to kiss me again, but I hold up a hand and point to the washroom. He just smirks and kisses my nose. I made sure to put out an extra toothbrush and when I hear the water running I know he found it. He comes back to me a few minutes later and flashes me a smile. "All better?" I wrap my arms around his neck and smile back. 

"Perfect." I kiss his lips softly, placing light kisses to every inch of his lips. Then I kiss him a little harder and lick his bottom lip. Catching on quickly Jake lifts me up in his arms and lays me on the bed gently. His lips trail my jaw and down my neck, pushing down the strap of my dress in the process. My breast pops out and he sucks on it immediately. Damn it I'm going to be late for work. His hands slide down my stomach and cup my core. 

"You better call in late because I'm not letting you go." I giggle at his comment and push against his hand. His wicked smile comes back and he licks his lips.

"Mel!!! We need to go hurry up!" Layla's voice makes us jump and Jake groans resting his head on my stomach.

"Never mind." He pushes up from me and pouts which in turn makes me smile. I get up as well and fix my dress, all the while knowing that Jake is watching me hungrily. "You're so sexy, you know that right?" I bite my lip and saunter over to him. I slowly slide my hands up his chest and unbutton his shirt.

"I may know tha-"

"Mel shit hurry u-" Layla freezes in the doorway and stares at the two of us. "Oh hi!" Her face tints red and she slowly backs out of the door. Sighing I unwrap my arms from his neck and grab my blazer.

"I assume you didn't let the girls know that you stayed the night?" I place my hands on my hips and raise an eyebrow.

"Was I supposed to?" He smirks. I roll my eyes and bite the inside of my cheek. I look over to my bedside table and see that my necklace is outside of its box and waiting for me to put it on. Jake catches my eye and walk towards it, picks it up, moves my hair to the side and latches it on my neck. He kisses the side of my neck before pulling back with a grunt. I take a deep breath to calm my racing heart and turn towards him.

"I should get going. Where will you go?" He smiles, picks up his tie from the floor and begins to tie it.

"I'm staying at the Trump so I'll head back there and do some work. I had my secretary station me here until everything between us was ok so..." He shrugs on his jacket and puts on his watch.

"So what?" I put on some makeup and fluff my hair.

"It's just I didn't think you would forgive me so quickly. I'm not complaining at all but... how much longer do you want me here? I mean you said you wanted space, so maybe next week I can head back to New York and get things cleared up while you... think." I frown and bite my lip.

"I guess that makes the most sense." He smiles and pulls me into his arms.

"That just means I'm going to have to make this week the best you've ever had." He kisses me softly and I mew. "I love you Melody." I stay in his arms for a few more seconds before I pull back.

"I love you too." I grab my purse and we leave my room. The first thing we see is Layla, Aiden and Tara jumping back and scampering to the front door. Jake gives me a look and I smile before speaking.

"Before you ask any questions yes Jake stayed over last night. No I won't tell you what may or may not have happened. Yes we did make up and but no I don't know if we are officially a couple again. We are working on it right now." They all nod their heads and release an almost simultaneous breath.

"Well I heard some screams so I already know what happened last night." Tara says wrinkling her nose. Aiden looks everywhere but near us and Layla giggles.

"Alright well I have some work to do so I will see you tonight baby." Jake kisses me deeply before heading out the door. Everyone is still staring at the door while I hide in my hair.

"Ok let's get going." They all snap their heads to me and remain silent.

"You're not going anywhere till we talk." Tara grabs my arms and sits me on the couch and I groan.

"I already said everything! I'm going to be late for work." I rest my head on the couch and close my eyes.

"You were willing to be late with Jake so you can be late with us. Now spill." I rub my temples and recall everything that happened in the past few hours. Aiden steps outside to give us space and the girls listen wide eyed. When I finish it's already 8:10 making me 10 minutes late. Both Lay and Tare stare at me before they speak.

"Wow..." I look at them and smile.

"So he didn't flip about California?" Layla asks playing with her hair.

"He was a little upset but I calmed him down. Everything is fine. He leaves next week for New York and I will have time to myself to sort my life out." They both nod and get up.

"Alright... well I guess if you know what you're doing..." I look up at them and narrow my eyes.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Tara shrugs and Layla looks away. "Hello? What is that supposed to mean?"

"It just means you were bawling your eyes out just yesterday because of the stress of the situation. You call Dean and let him know that you guys aren't broken up as yet but that you will talk about it when you get home. AND you make it very clear that you need space from the both of them to clear you head, thus the trip to Cali." Tara says placing her hands on her hips.

"Yeah I know that. And it's not my fault that he just showed up at my doorstep! I tried to tell him to leave but he wouldn't listen." Layla sighs and looks at me.

"But that doesn't warrant having sex with him." I look down and frown.

"Yeah... he's hard to resist. But I told him he has to stay away and he's agreed with me." Tara shoots me a look and raises an eyebrow.

"Ok but why are you spending the week with him?" I sigh.

"He just wants to spend a little time with me. I do too, it will help with my decision." They both share a look and walk towards the door. "What! What did I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong hun really. Just make sure you do take some time to figure everything out. Ok?" Layla holds out her hand from me to stand and I take it smiling.

"Ok." We all head out and take the elevator to the main floor. I send a text to Miranda that I'm on my way and she responds with a happy face. When the elevator opens the three of us gasp at the sight of Zack's fist swinging towards Jake's face.