Shifting quietly to face her, he took a moment to study her in the sunlight’s reflection.

It was earlier than he needed to be up, but sleep had been a struggle lately.

A definite sign of trouble for him. 

He smiled at the sight of her. Peaceful, happy in her slumber. That stupid messy bun she slept in. He never understood it, as it never stayed in all night. She tossed and turned a lot. Always had. Still, she was adorable like this. Mouth slightly open, long eyelashes bathed in the light on her face. Her eyes didn’t need to be open for him to imagine the hazel of her eyes. She loved a good pajama set, but he preferred her in one of his t-shirts.

He wished it could always be like this. Easy, comfortable. It had been once. For longer than he had thought it would. 

Not lately, though. They knew each other too well. They had plateaued. There was routine to what they had, but the spark was gone. 

He thought of last night. Another fight. Neither of them willing to back down. The passion was still there, just focused on the wrong part of their relationship.

It always ended the same way. No resolution and great sex. He wasn’t ready to let her go. She was hanging on, too.

His mind drifted to a memory…

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she stared back at him.

“...Like what…” he bluffed, his mouth stuck in a lazy smile

She squinted at him, a warning, “JC Chasez you look like you like me…”

“...What if I do…?”

She sighed and shook her head, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth “That’s not what we agreed on…”

He grinned “Then why are you giving me the same look…?”

THE BEGINNING

Hannah fastened a silver hoop in her ear as she walked into the living room to grab her clutch.

Her hair was pinned on one side, leaving her naturally curly to hang free on the other. 

She was met by a once over by her roommate.

“THAT’S what you’re wearing?” Jade questioned

Hannah looked down. She didn’t understand what was so offensive about her designer jeans and patterned cropped top. 

“What’s wrong with it…?” Hannah made a face. 

“Are you wearing heels?”

“Would that make you feel better…?” she asked sarcastically.

“I mean..yeah...kinda…” Jade surveyed her from her slinky, body hugging dress and stilettos.

Hannah rolled her eyes. “Jade...this is your world, NOT mine...No one cares what I’m wearing…”

“Hannah...come on...You’re my best friend...Just do this for me?”

“I’m going, aren’t I...You promise I don’t have to talk to Eric?”

Jade laughed “I REALLY don’t get what your problem with him is...but I promise…”

“He’s just….creepy…” Hannah shuddered as she grabbed her leather jacket and threw it on “Is this Hollywood enough for you, Miss Starlet?” she teased with duckface.

Jade smirked “Yeah...You look ready for TMZ...Come on...We’re gonna be late…”

“Now see...THAT’S Hollywood…” Hannah winked. 

***

Jade and Hannah milled about the crowded room, Hannah following on Jade’s heels as she networked and laughed at the forced jokes of industry bigwigs and fellow actors. 

There was an air of pretense that Hannah didn’t love, but this was the game. Jade actually was talented, and she was happy to support anything that got her best friend the chance to show that to the world. 

Making their way to an open booth in the back area, they were stopped when Jade hugged a man in front of her.

“Hi! Oh my gosh how long has it been...Great to see you!”

“Damn, mama...Looking good…” he chirped. “We gotta get you out to more of these things.”

Jade blushed “Working on it...Auditions  have kept me busy…”

“Yeah? Anyone biting?”

“A few callbacks...We’ll see…”

“Well don’t forget us little people…” he smirked. 

Hannah hung back silently. The dynamic of all of Eric’s clients had always been strange to her. They were like a little family-an exclusive, schmoozy, kind of weird family?

She had heard Jade mention he was one of Eric’s clients, but had never run into him at an event with Jade before.

Still, she knew exactly who he was, blue eyes and charm and all.

Jade playfully answered his smirk with a light tap on the arm before turning to Hannah.

“Have you ever met my best friend Hannah?”

“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure,” he smiled, extending his hand.

“Hello…” Hannah took his hand to be polite. He lingered just a bit and she politely pulled away. 

Jade spoke up again “Well...We’ll see you around maybe later? These shoes are killing me...Gonna go find a seat…”

“Uh...Yeah...Have fun, ladies, “ he nodded at both of them. 

Hannah smiled briefly  “Great to meet you…”

Jade giggled a little as they walked away “THAT one...That one is trouble…” she shook her head.

“Eyes like that? Who wouldn’t be?” Hannah gave her a sly smile. 

Jade laughed and took a long sip of her drink “I’ve heard that’s not the only secret weapon he has…”

***

JC stared down at his empty glass from his VIP table. The night had gotten a little stale after making the rounds with the same crowd he was used to seeing. He had danced with a few women, all of them more interested in finding a way to fame than him. 

He scanned the room, sighing as he contemplated an early exit. His eyes landed on a familiar face. She was alone at the bar. He smiled to himself, noticing her lack of interest in the who’s who she was surrounded by. 

He straightened his button down a little and walked over to  find an open spot next to her..

Smiling casually, he turned to face her. “Hannah, right...Having a good night?”

Caught off guard, Hannah turned her head toward the voice on her left “Um...Yeah...Hi..It’s...alright. “ she smiled.

His blue eyes smiled with the rest of his face. Blue eyes she had seen plenty of times before. 

“What are you drinking?” he continued. 

She smirked “Whiskey...whiskey ginger.”

“Great choice” he grinned as he leaned up against the bar and settled in.

“I think so...I also think if you’re here to buy me one...Your timing sucks.”

“Excuse me..” he chuckled, thrown off.

“What do you think I’m doing at the bar,” she replied with a sarcasm that only made him more intrigued.

“Touche…” he smiled as he got the bartender’s attention.

Pointing at Hannah, he spoke a bit more loudly “Put hers on my tab? ...And I’ll take one too”

The bartender winked and nodded, and he turned back to look directly at a pair of surprised brown eyes. 

“How’s THAT for timing…”

She took a sip of the drink that had just arrived as he raised his glass. “Cheers?”

She clinked his glass “Ok...That was pretty smooth, Mr. Chasez…” she smiled softly.

He blushed slightly “Uh..You know…”

“...Who you are? Yes. I’m a woman of a certain age and...Well..It’s LA…” she smirked.

“ I thought maybe Jade told you...” 

Hannah shook her head “She didn’t need to...She did say you’re trouble, though…”

JC’s eyes widened a little “Oh did she?” He chuckled and looked into Hannah’s eyes “Well...She wouldn’t know…”

Hannah blushed. 

“So...Do you act, too?” he asked.

Hannah nearly choked on her drink “Oh GOD no,” she laughed “I’m a writer…”

JC smiled “Nice...Like...books?”

Hannah laughed a little. She didn’t know why she hadn’t made a beeline away yet. Probably because he was HOTT. He wasn’t really impressing her with conversation, though.

“Eventually...LA Times for now..”

He stuck out his bottom lip in acknowledgement “Impressive...Would I have seen any of your pieces?”

She laughed “Probably not..I’m an editor…”  

“Well...I’ll have to read the fine print next time…” he grinned.

“Mmm…I guess so…” she humored him.

She knew his reputation. She also knew his voice. And those cheekbones.  To be honest, she was flattered. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t.

“I should get back ….” she nodded her head toward where Jade was still dancing, pausing a beat before continuing “...Are you coming?” she smirked.

***

They sat in silence after a few minutes, enjoying their drinks as both of them surveyed the party. Jade was dancing the night away, coming back to check on Hannah and drag her out for a song every now and again. 

This was her element. She was born for this life, and Hannah was thrilled it was finally happening for her. 

“Not a big fan of dancing, huh?” he interrupted her thoughts.

She looked over at him  “I wouldn’t say that...Just not my crowd…”

JC nodded, his eyes narrowing into a bit of a squint “Yeah...I can tell...You’re not shy, though…” he stated matter-of-factly before turning back to his drink. 

Hannah smiled, intrigued “And how do you know that…?”

“I can just tell..” he shrugged.

“Hmm...Maybe..” she smirked a little, deciding to have a little fun as she stared at him over the rim of her glass as she took a sip.

“So then...You CAN dance…?”

Hannah giggled a little. “Oh I can dance…”

“I kinda don’t believe you..” JC teased. 

Hannah rolled her eyes, knowing full well the game he was playing. Setting her drink on the table, she stood up and nodded toward the dance floor. 

“Fine...Come on…”

JC’s eyes raised up to his brow, as he stood to meet her. “Lead the way, LA Times…”

All appearances had vanished from his mind the second she started moving her hips perfectly to the rhythm. This girl knew what she was doing, and he had a feeling she saw right through him, too.

Grinning, he pulled her closer by the hips gently, matching his moves to her body. Hannah had lost herself a little bit. He was a REALLY good dancer, and she was enjoying herself more than she had expected. Her hands travelled to his chest, where he caught her wrists, pulling them up around his neck. 

Following his motion with her eyes, brown locked on blue as they caught each other’s gaze. 

He dipped his head toward her, whispering as he got closer.

“Yeah...you can dance…” he smirked before placing his lips tentatively on hers. 

Hannah felt herself relax, losing her ability to form a comeback, as she returned his touch.

He smiled against her mouth, kissing her with more pressure as she kissed him back. 

A few minutes passed until a familiar melody broke them of their trance…

Don’t be so quick to..walk away...Dance with me…

Hannah was the first to break, laughing against his lips “THAT’S timing…”

She watched the corner of his eyes crinkle as his mouth twisted into a laugh and sighed.

“That guy...always ruining a moment…” he teased. 

Hannah shook her head, wondering if anyone had seen what just happened.

“Ya know...Its late...We could..Go somewhere a little quieter?”

She looked down briefly, considering his meaning, then back up at him. 

“Let me just say goodnight to Jade…”

***

Hannah looked around as she followed him inside. 

“Nice place…” she trailed off.

JC smiled “Thanks...It’s alright...You want a drink?” he asked as he made his way to a small bar area.

She smiled “Uh..whiskey neat..”

“You got it.” He poured two glasses and walked over, handing her one, watching her as she took a first sip.

“Great party, huh?”

Hannah smirked, looking down “I guess...Not really my thing. Roommate duty.”

JC nodded and chuckled lightly “Yeah I uh...just making conversation I guess. They can be kinda routine…”

She looked him up and down as he sipped his drink.

The air was heavy as a pause settled over both of them. An unspoken expectation lingered, both of them daring each other with their eyes to fulfill it.

JC was the first to move, walking toward her and placing a calm hand on her glass to pull it down from her lips as he hovered inches from her face. His eyes had deepened. 

“So what are you into, then…”

Taking a short breath, she leaned forward as his lips met hers. Their glasses disappeared onto a nearby table, hands wandering to skin. 

“You’re so hott, mama…” he whispered.”

“Shhh” she answered as they tore at each other’s shirts, desperate to get them off. 

It was primal. There were no pleasantries, just two people who were driven by attraction. 

Moving away from their now discarded clothing, JC lifted her as she began to unhook her bra. 

Hannah’s mind raced. This wasn’t quite like her. She had hooked up before, but never with someone so high profile. “Think like a man” had been her MO since her last few failed attempts at real relationships. Instant pleasure suited her much better with her schedule, and she never seemed to get any complaints from her partners about it. As far as she was concerned, men mainly wanted one thing, so why not just go with it and own her own path in life?

She found herself in a bedroom. It smelled like cologne. In one motion she was on the bed, blue eyes and arms on top of her. 

He moved his lips down her neck as his hands grazed lower to grip her hips. She let out a moan as he nipped at her breast, playfully moving around her nipple.

Reaching up, she grabbed the bulge that had formed in his boxer briefs and massaged in turn. 

Moving away from her body briefly, he peeled them off quickly and crawled back on top of her, this time moving her panties aside to cup between her legs, smiling as he felt her already ready for him.

“Take those off…” he growled, his voice smooth gravel.

Arching her back slightly. She slid them down effortlessly and kicked them off the bed.

As she settled back down, her hands found his lower back, bringing him back down closer to her.

Grinning, he took her wrists in one hand, pinning them above her head as his other slid around and just above her butt to enter her.

She gasped as she felt him, her body responding immediately to his.

Secret weapon, indeed.

 

Hannah tiptoed around the room as she pulled herself together. As she grabbed her bag, she searched for a mirror to check her hair and makeup. She was convinced she looked a mess.

She silently cursed herself for falling asleep. Spending the night was something she tried not to do as a general rule.

She rubbed a smudge under her eyes as she heard him walking up.

“Shit,” she whispered to herself.

“MMMHey...Good morning…” he smiled as he lazily looked over at her.

“Morning,” she offered a weak smile.

“Heading out?” he smirked. It was a move he knew well.

“Yeah um...Last night was fun,,”

He smiled “Uh huh...Wanna leave me your number, honey?”

She blushed “Oh uh...Yeah let’s not...You don’t have to do that.”

Jc raised his eyebrows “Alright….well uh...Need me to call a car or something?”

“I got it...Thanks.” she nodded.

“Get home safe…” he smiled. 

It was awkward. They both felt it. Morning afters usually were. He knew enough not to make it worse. 

She offered him one last smile...more of a satisfied smirk, and made her way out.

Smiling, he sighed as he rolled onto his back. 

“Another interesting night…” he shook his head at himself.

Hannah turned her key carefully and slowly, pushing the door open slowly to avoid its tell-tale creak. 

She had barely set foot inside when a voice sent her jumping in her own skin.

“HEY HEY Party girl!” Jade teased from the couch as she sipped something from a mug.

Hannah grabbed her chest “JESUS, Jade…”

Jade laughed and glanced at the time on the cable box before surveying her roommate in last night’s clothes. “10 am, huh? Gonna take a wild guess that you had quite a night…”

Hannah sighed “Can we not do this?” 

Jade smirked “I’m almost getting used to it…”

“What does that mean?”

“HANNAH...RELAX...No judgement! I live vicariously…” she gestured dramatically. 

Hannah rolled her eyes. “Nothing stopping you, ya know…”

Jade shook her head “I don’t need to be known as a party girl before I eve…” She stopped herself, considering the implication of her statement “...Sorry Han...You know what I mean…”

Hannah nodded “I get it...I, however, don’t have to worry what people think of me.” She stuck her tongue out at her friend.

Jade smiled “Sooooo…?”

“Sooo What?” Hannah asked.

“Oh come ON, girl...You left with one fifth of *NSYNC...I get NOTHING? No details at all?”

Hannah laughed “He USED to be in *NSYNC...and...No...I’m a lady…” she teased over her shoulder as she made her way to her bedroom.

“HANNAH RAE MARTIN, YOU BRAT!” Jade followed her down the hall.

Hannah stared at Jade as she sat on her bed. “It was fun. Secret weapon rumors are true…” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“Oh my Gooooood…” Jade squealed “Jesus girl…” she shook her head. “You gonna see him again?”

“Probably not” Hannah shrugged “Didn’t exchange numbers or anything. It was just for fun.”

Jade sighed “One day someone’s gonna break you, girl...You can’t keep that wall up forever…”

“I can and I will” Hannah replied matter of factly “It’s easier. No one gets hurt.”

“Whatever you say, girl...Well...Next round in two weeks?”

“What?” 

Jade bit her lip. “There’s a thing at Eric’s house…”

“No…”

“HANNAH come ONNN...You know I hate going alone…”

“So find a date.”

“I have one...You!”

“Jade...people are gonna start to think we’re together…”

“Not if you keep leaving with pop stars…” she winked. 

Hannah rolled her eyes and laughed “UGH Fine...now go away...I need a nap.”

“Oh I’ll BET you do…” Jade teased.

**

Hannah shuffled out of the town car to follow Jade. She stared at the house in front of them.

“Well this looks suitably douchey…” she remarked.

Jade swatted at her and laughed. “Stop!” 

“I’ll be nice...Why are we here again?”

“It’s someone’s birthday.”

“Whose birthday?”

Jade bit her lip. 

“What?” Hannah asked.

“So I SWEAR I didn’t realize when I got the invite…”

“Jade…”

“It’s….JC...It’s JC’s birthday.

Hannah’s eyes went wide “TELL ME you are kidding…”

“I didn’t know!”

“I’m going to look...like a stalker…” Hannah sighed.

“No! You are here with me...Come on, it’s fine he knows we live together...He knows you’re my best friend…”

“He knows what I look like naked…” Hannah finished.

“That was YOUR choice…”

“Jade I’m gonna go...This isn’t my scene, anyway…”

“HANNAH COME ON! You know I don’t like coming to these things alone….PLUS what if I book a job?...Then you will look back on these hangouts fondly…” she pouted.

“EPIC guilt trip, Jade…” Hannah rolled her eyes. 

“Did it work?”

Hannah gave her best friend a tired look “Yeah...Let’s go…”

Jade clapped her hands together “Yay!”

The two women made their way to the backyard, where the party was already in full swing. Their arrival went mostly unnoticed, as they searched out where to get a drink. Spotting the bar, they made their way over, getting stopped by none other than Eric himself.

“JADE...Sweetie! You made it!”

“Hi Eric!” she smiled, offering him a short hug as he kissed her cheek.

Hannah’s skin crawled. 

“Hannah, hey there...You look nice tonight…” He surveyed her modest black maxi dress with subtle ruffle detailing. The August night had left her no other choice than to forego pants. Her silver, chandelier earrings with flecks of jewel-tone and hair up in a neat bun accented the look.

“Thank you.” She faked a smile. 

He gestured to the two drinks in his hand. “Well ...Make yourselves at home. Plenty to eat and drink. Gotta get this back to the birthday boy. Jade, my love...Let’s chat later!”

“Sure thing!” Jade smiled. “I’ll find you in a few…”

“To the whiskey!” Hannah sped up to the bar. Jade shook her head and giggled, following her best friend. 

Two and a half drinks in, Hannah and Jade had actually spent most of the night chatting and dancing around the party. 

“I should probably mingle a little….Find the birthday boy and say hi…” Jade smirked. 

Hannah looked just beyond Jade to something behind her.

“THAT birthday boy?” she pointed with her eyes.

Jade twisted her neck to look behind her. JC sat at a modern patio set, slightly hooded eyes, flanked by two women hanging on his every word. He looked relaxed, casually dressed in well fitted jeans, a black graphic tee, and a simple black fedora.The male portion of the posse sat perched on the matching lounge chairs, engaged in the same conversation, occasionally managing a look from the pre-occupied women.

Jade laughed lightly “Well looks like his night is going well...I’m gonna go say hi...You wanna join me?” she gave Hannah a suggestive look.

Hannah shook her head “I’m good. Gonna roam. Have fun…”

Jade shook her head “Sure you’re gonna be ok.”

“I’m a big girl...And I think I saw cheese on that table over there…”

Jade laughed and held up her phone “You know how to find me…”

Hannah nodded and winked at Jade, slightly tipsy herself “Mmmhmm...Go be a movie star…”

Hannah walked around the huge yard, mostly admiring the view as she nibbled on her plate of party food. She managed conversation with a few people whose faces she recognized, not knowing all of their names. She was good at making friends. Maybe that’s why Jade liked bringing her to these things. 

She sat on a deserted bench, just out of range of the center of activity as she sipped her drink. She had just popped a cheese cube in her mouth when a voice joined her.

“Tired, already?’ A scruffy face with light brown hair greeted her, sitting just next to her.

“Just enjoying the view…” Hannah smiled and looked out toward the Hollywood Hills.

“Not from around here?” the man chuckled slightly.

“I am” Hannah challenged him “You have to stop and appreciate the simple things sometimes…”

He studied her, amused. “I’m Andrew...Andy…”

“Hannah…” She raised her glass in greeting.

“You look like you could use another drink, Hannah...Can I help with that?”

Hannah sighed softly. “Sure.”

He was cute. She was bored. Following him back to the bar, they talked and drank. He was a record executive at Jive. He looked the type. Tailored pants and a chic button down to a party. Shined loafers and dress socks. In the middle of August in Los Angeles. He smelled expensive and floated between disinterested and effortlessly charming. 

“So your friend...She any good?” Andy continued the conversation

“She is! I think she’s close to getting a break...I can’t wait for the world to know who she is.” Hannah smiled.

“Well she’s got the look for sure...Too bad she isn’t a singer...Might be able to help…” He took a sip of his drink.

Hannah shrugged “Her voice isn’t terrible…”  

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the face that matched the laugh she was hearing.

He threw his head back as the corners of his eyes crinkled. He was standing with Jade and a couple other people she didn’t recognize. Industry types, no doubt. She caught herself staring and looked down quickly when his eyes turned to the side, catching hers. He smirked, glancing quickly between her and Andy.

“Uh...Thank you for the drink...Would you excuse me?” she turned her eyes to Jade by way of explanation.

Andy followed her look “Uh...yeah...Yeah no problem...See you later maybe?”

“Maybe…” she smiled “Have a good night…”

She should really say “Happy Birthday,” right? Be rude not to. 

“Hannah! There you are!” Jade chirped. “Where you been, girl?”

Hannah smiled “Uh just ..mingling..” she shrugged. 

She looked toward JC. “Happy Birthday,” she said politely.

“Thanks, mama…” he tipped his drink in her direction.

Jade giggled under her breath. “UH...I need another drink...Excuse me..” she smirked as she walked off. 

Instigator.

The other two people Hannah had not recognized were engaged in a conversation of their own, leaving her alone with JC.

“I see you met Andy..”

“Uh...Yeah, I guess...Friend of yours?”

JC snickered and took a sip of his drink “Not exactly…”

Hannah shuffled on her feet. “Um...Okaaay...He seems nice, anyway...Friendly…”

“Uh huh” JC smirked.

“ANYWAY, uh...Having a good birthday?”

He smiled at her through slightly hazy eyes  “It may have just gotten better…” 

“Oh yeah?” Hannah snickered, a little past tipsy now. 

JC bit his lip lightly and looked her up and down. “Definitely…”

Hannah blushed against her will. “Uh...Well can I get you a birthday shot?”

JC grinned at her, before gesturing in front of him “After you…”

Downing his shot of Basil Hayden, JC winced slightly and turned to Hannah “Thank you…”

She giggled “Not a big whiskey guy, huh?”

He blushed a little “I like it...More a  wine or beer guy…”

“Red wine is nice…” Hannah offered. 

“Whiskey girl, though...It’s impressive…” JC smiled at her.

Hannah shook her head before licking a bit of whiskey remnant from her lips “You already got me in bed, Chasez...You don’t have to throw lines at me…”

JC grinned “Damn...you don’t miss a beat, huh?”

Hannah sighed “I’m honest. Saves everyone time…”

JC nodded. “Well...in the spirit of honesty...I wouldn’t mind you in my bed again…”

Hannah stared down at her empty shot glass, a smirk finding her lips as she avoided looking at him. “Repeats aren’t...usually my thing…”

JC smiled, leaning back on the bar a bit. He was feeling confident. There was no way he had imagined how good she was two weeks ago. From his side, she had enjoyed it quite a bit, too.”

“Well...Something to consider,” he gave her a polite smile before walking off.

 

Hannah shook off a smile as she watched him walk away. Damn, he really was HOTT.

JC scanned the yard as he willed himself to take another sip of his drink.

The crowd had dwindled, leaving only a handful of guests. He smiled as he spotted Jade talking to Eric, Hannah sitting next to her trying to look interested.

She looked good. REALLY good. A few stray hairs had fallen out of her bun to frame her face, leading his imagination to the thought of messing it up even more. She wasn’t trying to impress ANYONE, which had the opposite effect on him. 

He silently laughed at himself. In nearly every interview of his career, he had boasted about liking confident girls, but that wasn’t always the type he ended up leaving with. It was even more rare for him to get a second chance with a woman like that.

She looked bored; ready to go home. A great friend, he thought. He smirked at Jade’s enthusiasm. He had to give it to her, the girl could network. It was clear, however, that Hannah had no interest in promoting herself. He thought back to the first night he met her.

A writer. That’s it. THAT’S how she tells her story. He wondered what she wrote about. If their time together had been any indication, she must have a LOT to say.

It was his turn to get caught staring. 

Hannah looked up almost suddenly, answering his stare with a lazy smile. 

Damn, she was cute…

“You ok, birthday boy…?” she teased, loud enough to distract Jade and Eric. 

“Ya good, bro?” Eric chuckled, oblivious to JC’s gaze on Hannah. 

“Little tired..” JC managed, walking over to sit next to Hannah.  He noticed the shift in her body language as he settled in. 

Jade laughed “Getting old, huh?

“Big 3-1...Almost time for a walker…” JC teased back. 

Hannah laughed “Hardly…” 

JC’s eyes danced as they looked to her. Was the whiskey talking or was she?

Jade grinned and looked between the two of them. 

“Han...it IS late...Wanna get going?”

Hannah nodded. “Probably a good idea…” She turned to JC “Happy birthday again...GREAT party…”

The sarcasm was dripping from her mouth, served up just enough for him to understand it. 

He grinned and looked toward Eric “Can’t take credit…” 

Eric raised his glass “Only the best…”

Hannah turned her head to roll her eyes, digging for something in her bag and then sliding her hand closer to JC. 

Confused, he slid his own in its direction as Hannah got up to join Jade in exit. 

Goodbyes were said as both women left, and JC felt the piece of paper in his hand. 

Flipping it over, he read: A phone number with a short note.

“Something to consider...Jade never stays up late…”

A smile crept across his lips. DEFINITELY not shy.

JC closed the door to the car, giving the driver the address as he stared at the text exchange from a few minutes prior on his phone.

JC:...So how late does she stay up.

Hannah: She’s already in bed. Door closed. 

JC: Interesting...and what should I do with this information.

Hannah: Whatever you wish. Use your imagination.

JC: ...Are you a little bored, Hannah?

Hannah: Maybe

JC: Lonely?

Hannah: Maybe

JC: I think I might be able to fix that.

Hannah: And how is that?

JC: Better to show you in person

Hannah: 5115 N Lankershim Apartment 3C. 

JC: Be there in 20…

JC stood outside her door. This was weird for him. It was kind of exciting. He had texted her he was there, not wanting to wake up Jade. He heard the lock and smiled as the door opened. 

She had taken her hair down. The bun had made it a little wild, but no less sexy. She ran a hand through the strands that fell in her eyes. “Hi…”

“Hey..” he spoke almost in a whisper.

“Well come in..” she laughed softly, stepping aside so he could walk through the door. 

JC glanced around the apartment. “Nice..”

Hannah smiled “Uh huh. You want a tour or…” Her hands went to his waist as she looked up at him.

“Or…” he teased, running his hand up her arm to pull her closer. He bent down to kiss her, feeling no hesitation as she kissed him back.

Pulling away, he grinned. “I thought repeats weren’t your thing.”

Hannah shrugged “Neither are pop stars but here we are…”

JC snickered “Looking for bragging rights, Hannah?”

“Nope. Already got those, didn’t I…” she raised a brow at him. 

A low growl in his throat, he took her lips back into his, finding her tongue with his as his hands traveled south to her lower back. 

Her hands traveled up his back as his teeth found her neck. This was almost too easy.

A light gasp left her mouth as he nipped at her skin. He stopped for a moment.

“Is this not your thing either, mama?”

“Shut up…” she hummed as she pulled him back to her neck. 

He obliged and went back to aking his way down her neck, traveling to her shoulder.

“Second door on the right.” Her voice came out in whispered breath.

“What?”

“My room….second door on the right…” she repeated, grabbing his hand to pull. 

He loosened his grip, following her through the hall. 

“Shhhhh” she turned around, placing a finger to her lips “We can’t wake her up…”

He nodded silently, repeating her gesture with a finger to his own lips.

Inside her room, they found each other again, their mouths in a frantic rhythm. 

Their clothing seemed to disappear in record time, leaving her in a matching purple panty set, and him in his boxer briefs. 

JC let his instinct take over, lifting her as he found the nearest wall. 

Holding her close to him, he used one hand to push down her panties, sliding until they fell to the floor. Pushing her against the wall, he pushed his hips into her, drilling her with his eyes. She found her strength, holding on to him with one arm, and mimicking his move before to push his underwear down. 

Kicking them aside softly, he adjusted her against him. Her arms went around his neck as he pushed her harder against the wall, pulling her legs to wrap around his waist. 

Finding his way into her, she sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. Grinning, he started to move slowly as she clung to him. 

“Mmmm harder” she purred through closed eyes. 

Taking her direction, he slammed into her with force, causing her eyes to pop open as a slight giggle left her mouth. She nodded.

“Yeah...like that…”

Grinning against her neck, he continued to thrust, moving slightly faster. He felt her hands dig into his neck, grasping for both support and pleasure all at once. His hands found her backside, squeezing back as he kept up his rhythm. Her lips found his in a greedy kiss and he felt his control start to slip. He heard her start to pant as her body bucked in response. 

“Ahhuhhh...Jaaccceeee….” she struggled to finish his name as she reached her climax. He followed soon after, gripping her tighter so she didn’t fall. 

Resting his forehead against hers, he opened his eyes to find hers still closed, a casual smile on her face. 

“What did you just call me…?” he whispered.

Hannah chuckled breathlessly. “What…?”

“Jace...You called me Jace…”

“I..wasn’t trying to…” Her breathing had started to return to normal. 

“...I like it... “ he smirked. 

Hannah smiled “Don’t get used to it…”

“Hmmm...right…” JC replied playfully.

Sliding her carefully down, Hannah smoothed down her hair, making her way to a robe hanging on a hook above her door. Tying it closed, she picked his jeans up off the floor, tossing them toward him.

Catching them with an amused look on his face, she spoke.

“You want a glass of wine?” 

JC smiled “Sure.”

“K. Put those back on. I’ll be right back…”  

She made her way out of the room, closing the door quietly.

Running a hand through his hair, JC let out a breath…

“DAMN…”

Sitting on her bed, they sat talking about nothing in particular as they sipped their wine.

“Can I use your number again…?” JC asked. 

“As long as you don’t get the wrong idea…” Hannah took a sip of her wine.

“What does that mean?” JC took a sip of his own.

Hannah smiled and sighed “This is just...I don’t date…” 

JC grinned a sly smile “...A bit presumptuous, are we..?”

Hannah laughed “Just...being honest.”

“Mmm...That honesty thing again, huh….Well...Not a problem. Noted.”

Hannah patted his leg playfully. “Good...Then. Yes. You can use it.” she shrugged. 

“So repeats are your thing now?” He teased. 

Hannah blushed “I can make an exception…”

JC smiled, moving his head to her neck.

Hannah giggled. “Greedy...Sun’s gonna be up soon…”

JC sighed “Guess I should go before Jade wakes up.”

She nodded. “To be continued...maybe…”

JC’s eyes danced as he stood and placed his empty glass on her nightstand. “Maybe…Goodnight Hannah” 

“Good MORNING, JC…” she replied.

 

He shook his head in a smirk, grabbing his hat. One last sigh, he made his way to leave.

HANNAH 

Hannah woke up to the faint sound of music. She turned over to glance at the clock on the nightstand. Almost noon. She had a brief moment of panic before remembering it was Saturday.

He was in the studio. She knew the difference between that and a radio by now. She sighed and took a moment to stare at the ceiling. They should really talk. She knew they weren’t going to. Not about what needed to be talked about, anyway. 

As soon as she made her presence known, there would be a silent kiss greeting, maybe an “Are you hungry?” They would go about their day, orbiting each other until it was time for dinner, eventually ordering from somewhere and maybe sharing a bottle of wine. 

It was safe. It was predictable. It was going nowhere. 

Summoning her motivation, she pulled the comforter off of her body and rolled out of the bed. Shuffling to the walk-in closet that had slowly become mostly hers, she pulled on a robe and tightened the bun that had come loose on her head.  

She had basically moved in. Basically. Not officially. Her apartment she now lived in alone sat empty most days, but he hadn’t actually invited her to live with him yet. 

Slipping on a pair of slides, she made her way downstairs. Coffee. Coffee was the one thing she knew she needed. 

While she worked on the french press, she hummed along to the melody coming from the studio and caught herself. A hard habit to break. It wasn’t even a real song yet, but she always harmonized while he worked. He thought it was cute. Another thing that kept her there. Another distraction from reality. 

The music stopped and she heard the studio door open, followed by the slight creek of the wooden hallway floor. 

“You’re up…” he smiled. 

“Not yet...Caffeine first…” she smirked. 

He walked behind her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders as he kissed the top of her head. She closed her eyes, comforted by his touch, but aware his lips were on her hair instead of her mouth. 

“Smells good. That the hazelnut?”

“Yeah...Want some?”

“Thank you, babe…” 

“You gonna be in there all day?” Hannah nodded toward the studio.

He sighed “Yeah...Most of it anyway, probably...Really trying to finish this track by Monday. Deadline is Tuesday, but ya know...edits and stuff…”

She nodded as she set the french press down to brew. “Gotta meet the Chasez standard.”

He shrugged “I am who I am…Plans today?”

She held both arms out to her sides “You’re looking at ‘em. I dunno...Maybe I’ll call Jade...see if she can squeeze me in for lunch. I think they are on a filming break right now.”

JC smiled almost sadly “Did you finish your draft?”

Hannah was trying not to think about the 200 pages she owed her editor. She had finally nailed down a topic and plot for her first book release, but a major case of writer’s block had set in. 

She sighed “Almost. I think I need to take a day off. Between work and the book…” 

She was lying. She had written 50 pages, if that. 

JC nodded. “You’ll get there. I know you will…”

Hannah finished the coffee and poured two cups.

“I’m gonna get back to it...Have an amazing day, honey…” He kissed her quickly before walking back down the hall to his cave.

Hannah watched him go.

Not so long ago, morning coffee would have ended a lot differently. Her mind wandered to a different time...

“Gonna get going?” JC teased, mischief in his eyes, as he propped himself up in the bed next to her.

She smirked, crawling closer to him to bring his lips to her own. “I’m a VERY busy woman, ya know…”

“Uh huh...You’re also a very naked woman...who doesn’t seem to be rushing to get dressed…”

“That’s because someone ripped my clothes off last night…” she smiled slowly. 

“What an asshole…” he teased, shaking his head for effect.

Hannah laughed as he snaked his arm around her. 

“I might need some coffee...maybe an egg…” she shrugged with a soft smirk.

“Mmmm...Mmmhmm...two cups…” he mumbled as he pulled her in for a deep kiss. 

Hannah brushed a strand of hair out of her way as she flipped through the paper in front of her. 

“You look pretty comfortable, Miss busy…” JC grinned.

Hannah blushed “Sorry...Occupational hazard...COFFEE. FOCUS. “ she looked at him. 

“Mama...Coffee is NOT what I am focused on right now…”

“Oh yeah…?” she teased , running her foot slowly up his leg under the table. 

He grinned and ran his hand up her calf and back down. “Yeah...Come here and I’ll show you.”

Hannah smiled, standing up to walk to him. Leaning in for a kiss, he pulled her onto his lap.

“Is this like Santa...Do I get whatever I want?” she grinned.

Loosening the tie to her robe, he began kissing down her neck. 

“Whatever you want…”

He pushed the robe down as she shrugged it further down her arm, turning around to straddle him. 

“In that case…” She slid her hand down to the elastic of his boxers, tugging them down as far as she could get them. She slipped her robe all the way off, dropping it to the floor to reveal its all she had put on before coming downstairs. 

JC grinned as he ran his hands up her stomach to her chest, pausing to pull off his shirt and kiss her from lips to chest. He stood just enough for Hannah to drop his boxer briefs to the floor before pulling her further into his lap. Pressing his body against hers as she moved closer, his tongue made a careful rhythm in her mouth as he found his way into her.  

Arching her back, Hannah let her head fall slightly back away from his lips, settling in to the satisfaction. A low whimper escaped her as she started to move to meet his pace.

“Oh God...Jaccccce…” she breathed.

He grinned, picking up his pace. No one else was allowed to call him that, and it always surprised him just how much it drove him wild coming from her like that.

Holding her own body to keep it against his, she found it harder to control her breathing as she got close. She felt his muscles flex and contract as his finish approached.

“AHHHH HA-NNAH…” he grunted as he let go. 

She let herself surrender, matching his release. 

Catching her lips in a kiss, his breathing was heavy. She could feel her own heartbeat in her chest.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that, mama…”

She grabbed his face, fingers on cheeks “You need to stop calling me that…” she smirked.

He bit his bottom lip as he grabbed her ass with both hands “Make me…”

Hannah grabbed his hands, pulling them off as she got up and kissed him quickly  “Later..Gotta get to work.” She smiled playfully at him “Maybe next time…”

Next time. How many times would that be? Both of them had lost count. 

Still, no promises had been made. Hannah had no idea what he did between their visits, and quite frankly, she didn’t care. They were exactly what each other needed...when they needed it.

****

THE MIDDLE

“Hannah...HANNAH...Earth to Hannah…” 

A voice ripped her from her stare at the screen in front of her.

“What?...Oh sorry...What’s up?”

Jenny shook her head, grabbing a seat in the chair next to Hannah’s desk. “What’s with you, girl? Late night?”

Hannah blushed a little “Kind of...Sorry...Here now...What can I do for you?”

Jenny giggled a little “Came to check on how the layout edits are going. Deadline is today, ya know…”

Hannah smiled “You’ll have it in an hour. Maybe sooner.” 

She pointed at her screen “Finishing it up now.”

Jenny nodded. If there was one thing Hannah NEVER dropped the ball on, it was her job.

“Thanks. NOW...About this late night…” she leaned forward on her elbow and spoke quietly.

Hannah rolled her eyes. “You need to get out more, Jen…”

Jenny agreed “I really, REALLY do…” She held up her left hand. “Old married lady...COME ON..Give me some excitement.” 

Hannah laughed “Not that thrilling.”

Jenny studied her “You’ve been tired a lot lately, though...OH MY GOD HANNAH Are you seeing someone? Is he cute?”

Hannah sighed “I’m not...SEEING...anyone...But yes...He’s pretty hott…”

Jenny almost choked “Okay, bad girl...Damn, you’re brave.”

“Brave?”

“Yeah, brave! I mean...You clearly go for what you want. “

“I just keep it simple,” Hannah shrugged.

Jenny leaned back to place her hands matter-of-factly on her legs. “Well ...Good for you, girl!...Let me know when those edits are ready…”

“Will do.” Hannah smiled.

***

Hannah carefully buttoned the last button on her shirt, pulling her hair from the back of the collar and fluffing it a bit. Bedhead was probably unavoidable, but she could at least try.

Afternoons were new for them, but it had been a rare uneventful weekend for them both.

“You want coffee or something?” JC asked casually as he pulled his t-shirt back over his head.

“Uh...That’s ok...I’ll probably grab some on my way home….” Hannah smiled.

She watched the expression on his face change; thoughtful, cautious. 

“Hey what if we ...grabbed something to eat?” JC offered.

“Um…” Hannah let out a heavy breath. She was hungry. He was perfectly respectful. It’s not like she couldn’t have a meal with a man without incident. Still, it made her a little nervous. “What...did you have in mind.”

JC shrugged. “I dunno...Few places down the street...or we could order in…”

Hannah took a minute to think, considering how well he’d be able to hide if we were out with a woman.

“...Would you feel safer ordering in?” Hannah studied him.

JC smiled, blushing a little “Kinda...Yeah…”

Hannah gave him a half smile “Okay...We can do that…”

JC returned her smile, appreciative of her consideration “Cool...Uh...Pizza?” he suggested. 

“No onions…” Hannah teased.

JC took a sip of his beer, letting her swallow the bite she had just taken before continuing the conversation they were having. “So all your life in LA, huh?”

Hannah nodded “Yep. Born and raised. Closer to Orange County, but ya know...borderline…”

JC nodded. “Not many natives left here...You never wanted to leave?”

Hannah smirked. He was easy to talk to. He had kind eyes and though she had never planned to get to know him more, she was having a good time. 

“I did...for a little while...Did a college semester in Arizona...Wasn’t for me…”

“Arizona, huh?”

Hannah nodded “Yeah...My dad lives there...Figured it would be nice having him close...Uh...Broken home…” She took a sip of her beer.

JC’s brow furrowed a little “Ah...Well me too...Kinda…”

“Kinda?” Hannah questioned.

“I’m adopted...It’s...complicated.”

Hannah looked at him, mid pizza bite “Really?”

“Yep…” he took a bite of his own slice. 

Hannah smiled softly “Divorced. “

“Daddy’s girl?” JC teased.

Hannah snorted “Guilty. Nickname and everything.”

JC’s eyebrows lifted, amused “Oh yeah? What is it?”

Hannah blushed “...Annie...It makes no sense…” she laughed softly, her eyes lighting up.

JC grinned “Cute...Annie...Yeah I like that…”

“Your parents don’t call you JC, do they?”

He shook his head “Josh, mostly...JC just stuck from…”

“Right,” Hannah smiled. 

“I’m ...ok with Jace, too..” he teased. 

“Noted,” she smiled. 

“You uh...You want another beer?”

Hannah noticed the time on the cable box. They had been talking for an hour. If she left now, it was just a quick bite. If she didn’t...Was it a date? She looked back at him, noting the way his bicep flexed holding his beer. The curl in his hair that was fighting to break the styler he used to tame it. His calm expression as he waited for her to reply. What could a little more conversation hurt?

“Uh...sure..” Hannah smiled. “Maybe some water, too?”

JC smiled at her as he turned toward the kitchen “You got it...Be right back.”

Hannah sighed to herself as she watched him walk away. What was she doing…

Returning a few minutes later, he handed her an opened beer and a bottle of water. 

“Thank you,” Hannah smiled.

“Uh huh…” JC said, sitting back down on the couch. 

He grabbed the remote to turn on the tv.

“Are you a football person, or…”

Hannah laughed a little “You aren’t gonna make me watch the Raiders, are you?”

JC made a face “Hell no! Redskins all the way…”

Hannah smiled “I’m a Chargers fan...Kinda…”

JC laughed “I am ..SO...sorry…”

‘Hey they don’t always suck!” she shot back.

JC stared at her.

“Yeah...Ok…” she smirked.

She hadn’t figured him for a sports guy. It was refreshing. In this moment she didn’t see a boyband member or a famous person. He was just a guy...doing what guys do. Drinking beer and watching the game on a Sunday. She smiled and quietly watched the action onscreen, chuckling to herself as he reacted to a penalty call. 

After a few minutes, his phone buzzed. She watched him pick it up, scowling.

“Shit…” he looked over at her. “I’m so sorry...I have to make a call…”

“No worries,” Hannah reassured. “It’s your house…”

He held up a finger as he dialed and made his way to a quieter part of the house. “I’ll be back.”

JC headed into a spare room and growled when his call was answered.

“ANDY...Are you fucking KIDDING ME?”

“I’m sorry, man..I tried. I really tried. You know this thing has been like pulling teeth from the beginning.”

“Only because YOU guys have dropped the ball...Over and Over again…”

“I don’t know what to tell you, JC...The interest just isn’t there…”

“That’s bullshit and you know it…”

There was a sigh on the other end of the phone “Maybe if you weren’t so stubborn… HAD to make an album YOUR WAY, didn’t you..”

“I think I deserve at least that much…” JC countered.

“You can do whatever you want, dude...It never meant it was going to work out the way you wanted it to…”

“What about the single?”

“That’s still a go. I don’t see much of a point, honestly, but...We can still push that release…”

JC paused, rubbing his forehead. “Do that. “

On the other end, Andy let out a breath. “Fine. I will call you with more details later.”

“Looking forward to it,” JC said sarcastically before hanging up.

Making his way back to the living room, Hannah noticed the change in him.

“Is….everything ok?” she asked.

“Yep. Perfect.” JC answered, clearly lying. 

It wasn’t her place to pry. His eyes were DARK blue and his descent onto the couch was more of a crash than a sit.

“O-kay...Well they scored while you were-”

He had moved toward her faster than she had time to react, kissing her impulsively. 

Hannah pulled away quickly “You sure you’re alright?” she asked, eyes wide. She heard the tension in his breath. He was being more aggressive than usual, and she wasn’t exactly complaining. 

“Shut up…” he whispered, pushing her back against the couch gently as he pushed his lips back down on hers.

 

She smiled against his lips, feeling her pulse quicken. Yep. DEFINITELY not complaining...

JC scrolled his phone and sighed. Sitting outside at a cafe, he was trying to take his mind off the email chain full of roadblocks and bad news he had just read.

 

At least he had the single. The second single. All this time later.

 

His first single from his second album was supposed to be the beginning. An introduction to a  sophomore effort. Instead, it had ushered in another delay. 

 

This song felt more personal, more heartfelt. He had exposed himself, but would it pay off?

 

“Need another drink, handsome?” He looked up to see the waitress smiling at him. She was cute, probably around his age, maybe a year or two older. 

 

“Uh...Yeah that’d be great. Thanks..” he smiled politely back at her. 

 

She blushed slightly and stared a little as she grabbed his empty glass “Be right back.” 

 

There was an extra rhythm to her step as she walked away and JC shook his head to himself, out of her view.  He was used to it, but not sure if he would ever understand it. Even grabbing a casual bite to eat, there was always at least one woman who looked at him a certain way. Eyes that burned a hole into him. A flirty tone of voice. He always tried to be nice. 

 

He looked down as his phone began to ring, a slightly confused look on his face. 

 

“Hey J…” he clicked to answer. “What’s up?”

 

“Hey man...Just checking in. Been awhile.”

 

“Uh huh. How’s the tour going?”

 

“Good man...Good. Got some time off before Europe…”

 

“Yeah? You back in town, man?”

 

“For a couple weeks, yeah...Wanted to see if you wanted to grab dinner or something. Catch up.”

 

JC sighed. “That would be great, actually.”

 

“You good, C…” Justin’s voice shifted to concern.

 

“Yeah...yeah man...So where were you thinking…”

 

***

 

Justin and JC had opted for a quiet Italian dinner catchup, sitting in a dimly lit corner at the back of a well-known Los Angeles haunt. 

 

“So...REALLY...No conditions or anything?” Justin sat back in his chair.

 

“Completely casual, man…” JC confirmed. 

 

“Wow...Wow…” Justin reacted. 

 

JC smiled “Yeah it’s been uh...It’s been fun.”

 

“Dark hair? Brown Eyes?” Justin teased.

 

JC chuckled “Am I THAT predictable?”

 

“Yeah,” Justin laughed back. 

 

JC looked down to his phone, typing something and waiting for the page to load. He pulled up a Facebook profile photo and slid his phone across the table to Justin.

 

“This is her?” he asked.

 

JC nodded.

 

Justin’s eyebrows shot up as a smile found his mouth “Damn, C...She’s cute.”

 

JC smirked “Yeah...She is.”

 

“Ahhhh fuck..” Justin teased.

 

“What?” JC asked, suspicious.

 

“Are you gonna actually fall for this one?”

 

“What? No! No, we’re just having fun - She doesn’t do the whole relationship thing…”

 

Justin took a sip of his beer “So you’re sleeping with the female you…?”

 

JC gave him a look “Ha...ha…”

 

“Hey man look...Happy for you..Casual, not casual..Enjoy it.” Justin raised his beer for a cheers.

 

“Thanks, man…” JC clinked his beer with his drink.

JC’s phone buzzed, and Justin watched him grab it quickly, smiling as he opened a text message. 

 

“That her…?” Justin swallowed a swig of beer quickly.

 

“What?” JC looked up from his phone.

 

“Uh - HUH…” Justin mumbled under his breath, a sly grin on his face.

 

JC finished his reply and hit send, a slight blush on his face. 

 

“Gotta go?” Justin teased.

 

“Huh? Nah dude...Uh. Plans for later.”

 

“Right,” Justin smirked “Anyway...any progress on the album?”

 

JC sighed “Mannn...That’s ..a mess…”

 

“They STILL giving you the runaround?”

 

“Yep.” JC pursed his lips. 

 

Justin shook his head as he grabbed a piece of bread “Bullshit man...bullshit…”

 

“Yeah, well…” JC sighed “Single is still dropping, though…”

 

“GOOD,” Justin replied “It needs to be heard!”

 

“Let’s hope other people think so, too…”

 

Justin looked directly at JC this time “C...Look at me..You deserve this. You do.”

 

JC smiled “Thanks, J...Your mouth to God’s ears…”

 

Justin nodded “We should order...You got places to be later…” He winked at him suggestively.

 

JC shook his head and laughed. “Shut up, dude…”

 

**

JC smiled as wrapped his arms around her. She reached behind him to close the door, stretching up to kiss him.

 

“Um hi..” he chuckled.

 

“Hi..” she grinned. 

 

He looked down to her. She clearly had no plans to leave her apartment. It was 11 pm, and she looked the part. White cami with a neat pair of sweatpants that hung low on her hips. She was barefoot, but he could see a fresh pedicure and pale pink toes. Her hair still held gentle curls from the day, and her makeup had either recently been done, or just held up very well from whatever she had been doing earlier. She was sexy as hell without much effort.

 

She wrinkled her nose up at him “You smell like food…”

 

The corners of his eyes crinkled into a smile “Just had dinner…”

 

“Oh yeah? So am I number two for the night? “ she stuck her tongue out playfully at him.

 

“Uh huh...Justin knows what gets me going…” he smirked.

 

He watched her face twitch into a controlled reaction “Oh...Justin..?”

 

JC nodded “Yes...Justin. Timberlake.”

 

Hannah smirked “Thanks for clarifying...”

 

Jc chuckled “So should I leave and shower first or…” he took a step back toward the door. 

 

Hannah moved closer to him and tugged the bottom of his shirt “Eh...This is coming off, anyway…”

 

“Oh yeah? You sure about that…” He teased. 

 

Hannah shrugged “Well you can keep it on if you want, but...might be kinda weird…”

 

JC chuckled as he wrapped himself around her to kiss down her neck. Her hands gripped his back as she rolled her head into his lips. She giggled as he started to kiss harder.

 

He started to slide the strap of her cami down as they heard the lock on the door. Hannah startled away from him as the door opened and Jade walked in.

 

“Oh...shit...SHIT...Sorry…” She held her hands up, keys still in hand.

 

Hannah stared at her as JC put his head down, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

 

“Early night…” Hannah stared at her pointedly.

 

“Uhhhh yeah...Early audition tomorrow…” Her eyes went to JC. “Hi JC…”

 

“Jade...” He flashed his eyes quickly up at her in acknowledgement, a bit bashful.

 

“UM...ANYWAY...I’m not here…” She started to walk backwards toward her room as she spoke to Hannah. “Carry on...Have a...Have a good night, guys…”

 

They watched her door close, JC speaking first. “You ok?”

 

“Yeah. Sorry. I didn’t know she’d be home so early.” She adjusted the strap of her cami.

 

“It’s fine,” he smiled. 

 

Hannah rubbed her neck where his lips had just been. The mood had clearly been broken. JC watched her amused. He hadn’t thought it was possible to embarrass this woman, but she clearly was. 

 

“Wine?” Hannah offered.

 

JC smiled softly “Sure…”

They sat quietly sipping, neither of them having said much. 

 

“So...Is that song still coming out soon?” Hannah broke the silence.

 

JC swallowed hard “Uh...what song?”

 

Hannah bit her lip “The single...You mentioned it...last time…”

 

“Oh,” JC answered, looking down at his glass “Um. Yeah. Next week…”

 

“...Can I hear it?” she asked cautiously.

 

“What, now?”

 

She nodded. “Yeah um...Sorry. My bad. I was...kidding”

 

He smiled, fishing his phone from his jeans “This is gonna be rough...phone and all…”

 

Hannah smiled “That’s ok…”

 

He sighed, pressing buttons until he found what he was looking for. “Keep an open mind, ok?”

 

Hannah rolled her eyes. “Like it’s gonna be bad…”

 

“What?”

 

“You have an amazing voice…”

 

“How do you know that?”

 

Hannah stared at him, laughing softly “Woman of a certain age, JC…”

 

He smirked, “Whatever…” He hit a button on his phone and Hannah quieted to listen to soft piano notes starting a romantic melody. He avoided eye contact as his voice started on the first verse. She said nothing as the song crescendod into the chorus. 

 

She was careful not to give anything away, watching him fidget ever so slightly the longer the song played.  She smiled as the the closing notes faded out. 

 

“That’s...absolutely gorgeous…” She looked at him with soft eyes that were greener than they had been.

 

JC blushed “Uh...Thanks…”

 

“I mean it, JC…’Heart Shaped Box’...Nirvana?” she questioned.

 

His eyes lit up a little and his posture changed. “Yeah…”

 

“Nice...I had no idea…”

 

JC smiled “..Cuz they aren’t pop?”

 

Hannah made a thoughtful face “Aren’t they, though…?”

 

JC grinned “Touche. That could be a whole argument/”

 

Hannah laughed. “Who’s it about?”

 

“My song?”

 

“No...Nirvana...YES...Your song…” Hannah answered sarcastically.

 

“Uhh...Someone...Something...that didn’t work out…”

 

Hannah nodded. “Fair enough.” She took a sip of her wine “You loved her.”

 

JC sighed, visibly affected. “I did...It’s a long story.”

 

Hannah offered a half smile “Well it made a great song…”

 

JC chuckled, brows raised “I guess so…” He brought his glass to his lips, considering his next question “And you?”

 

“What about me?” Hannah returned.

 

“Love. Have you ever been in love?”

 

Hannah looked down “Once or twice…”

 

“Not for you?”

 

She smirked “Well...I can’t write songs about it, so…”

 

JC nodded. He couldn’t help but smile. He understood her tone. She had been hurt. Probably pretty badly. He had been, too. There was an inherent understanding. It was new for him. She was guarded, but also a completely open book. It was magnetic.

 

On the other side of the couch, Hannah watched him in their pause in conversation. The lyrics in what she just heard were genuine. She had heard the honesty and emotion in his voice. She was briefly jealous of his ability to get things off his chest in musical form. Then she remembered her writing. Her own outlet, which truth be told, she was struggling to find time for lately. He was quiet and reserved, but also so full of life. The more she was around him, the more she found herself craving his energy. 

 

“So uh...You really like the song?”

 

She smiled “I really do...Can’t wait to hear it out in the world.” She took a sip of wine and then cocked her head to the side. “Hey what’s it called?”

 

“You Ruined Me,” he stated simply.

 

She drew in a sharp breath, chuckling softly. “Well damn, that’s definitely relatable…”

 

JC grinned “Broken hearts club?” He held up his glass in a toast.

 

Hannah giggled “Cheers.” She scooted closer to clink his glass and take a quick sip of hers. 

 

Taking a sip of his own wine and holding it in, he moved to hover above her mouth. Smiling to herself, she took his lips in hers, careful not to spill a drop of the slightly sweet liquid. He smiled against her as they set their glasses onto the coffee table and his hands went to her waist. Her hands instinctively traveled up his arms, placing one behind his head to pull him closer. 

 

He slid his hand up under her cami, moving to the cup of her bra to slide his fingers just inside it. Sliding his mouth to her ear he whispered “This is coming off, too…”

Hannah shifted to get comfortable as she came to. She felt the light of the morning as the last of sleep drifted away from her mind.  As she went to adjust her position, she felt warm skin on her own. Her hand felt up to JC’s arm draped casually around her waist, her lower back making contact with the top of his leg. She felt her pulse quicken. With wide eyes, she twisted herself carefully down and around to face him, realizing they were both still completely naked. 

 

JC slowly woke up as he felt his arm move up and down, a smile forming under ice blue eyes as his vision adjusted to see her. 

 

“Sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to wake you up…”

 

He looked down, running a hand down her hip to the top of her thigh “Mmm...Kinda glad you did…”

 

Hannah blushed, biting the bottom of her lip. She reached a cautious hand up his leg, resting it on the side of his hip. He stretched his leg out to twist hers into him, pressing his hips closer to her. Hannah let out a breath as she felt all of him against her. Her eyes shifted, and he could feel the twitch of her fingers as he moved.

 

JC softly grinned at her. “Hannah...Am I making you nervous?” It was a playful question, but a genuine one. Curiosity filled his face as he noticed her expression.

 

Hannah steadied herself, swallowing to calm her nerves, as she found her way to his chest, resting her head against it. She heard his inhale and felt him tense up slightly. 

 

Peering up at him, she answered “Am I making YOU nervous?”

 

JC nodded and bit the side of his lip as he considered his reply, “Very…”

 

Hannah’s eyes scanned his. She hadn’t been this intimate with a partner in a long time. Quietly skin to skin. Literally locked up in each other. Her heart and mind were racing, but she had no desire to run away, or to make him leave.

 

JC wondered if she could hear his heart beating faster, harder. He was almost dizzy with her that close. Like a panic attack he didn’t want to end. Why wasn’t he moving? 

 

He ran a hand in and down her hair, absentmindedly letting his fingers make twirls in her waves.

 

“Do you…need me to go…?” he whispered just above her head. 

 

Hannah shook her head against his chest, smiling into him before lifting her head to look at him again. “No...I don’t…”

 

He smiled, running his hand gently up and down her body once more, as he felt himself drift back to sleep.

JACE

“BABE…Can you come here?” 

JC stood opening and closing kitchen cupboards. Where the hell could they be?

“Yes?” Hannah appeared next to him. 

“Have you seen my glasses?” 

Hannah stared at him like he had 3 heads. “In the kitchen?”

JC sighed “YES in the kitchen. I’ve been leaving  them here so I know where they are when I come down to make coffee.”

Hannah tilted her head to one side “You’re aware that makes no sense, right?”

JC stared back at her “It works.”

“Riiiight… Anyway...They’re in your nightstand.”

JC huffed. “WHY would you move them?”

Hannah gave him a look “Because they were on the bathroom counter…”

“No they weren’t” he argued.

“Uh...Yes they were. Last night.”

“WHY would I leave them there?” he looked at her like she was crazy.

“Ummm...I have no idea, but that’s where I found them.”

He rolled his eyes “Why are you always moving my shit?”

Hannah raised her eyebrows at him “Um...It’s called putting stuff away…”

“In MY house?”

Hannah felt her blood pressure rise. “YEP. YOUR house...That you have no problem with me CLEANING...or cooking in…”

“I thank you for that stuff.”

She had crossed her arms. JC sighed as he saw the expression on her face change. She was there a lot. He didn’t exactly mind, but they had never actually discussed living together. It was just sort of happening. She seemed happy to still have her own place, though, didn’t she?

“You do? When was the last time…”

“Hannah…”

“No! Seriously. You expect it now…”

“I don’t expect it..We have...an understanding.”

“AN UNDERSTANDING?”  Her eyes were wider.

“Come on, Annie, stop...I don’t wanna fight. I can barely see you right now…”

Hannah spun on her heel before he could stop her, stalking off to the bedroom. When she returned, she threw his glasses at him “Here. I’ll never touch them again.”

JC sighed to pick up the frames that had bounced off his chest to the floor. Putting them on, he let out a controlled breath. 

“Can you see me now?” She quipped

“Crystal clear.” His jaw was tight.

“Thank you. For everything. I’m lucky to have you.” He recited in monotone.

“So romantic,” she squinted her eyes at him.

He raised his arms to let them drop exasperated “...What I’m known for…”

She shoved him back with a push “Don’t be an asshole, Jace…”

He steadied himself as he caught his weight on his back foot, catching her wrists. “Why not...You like it…”

“Nope,” she challenged him, not moving. He dipped his head, biting her ear lightly. “Yep. I’m an asshole. Punish me.”

Hannah felt a shiver down her spine as her body betrayed her resolve. She wrestled her wrists free, wrapping her arms around him to dig her nails into his back. He inhaled a sharp breath. 

“That hurts…” he smirked.

“I’m just getting started…” she teased. 

He let his hands grip her butt, crashing his mouth down onto hers, hungry for her kiss. Hannah pulled away after meeting his hinger, lips swollen and eyes wild. She ran a hand between his legs and squeezed.

“Waiting for my apology…” she whispered.

He grinned, biting his lip at her touch “I’m. Not. Sorry” he said between kissing up her neck. 

She tugged at his waistband, pulling him toward her “Then I’ll make you sorry…”

Without a word, he bent his knees to lift her over his shoulder. “Brave words, mama...brave words…”

Hannah bit her cheek as he carried her to the bedroom and threw her onto the bed. Ripping his shirt off over his head, he pounced to straddle her with his arms. “Do your worst…” he grinned.

Hannah grinned back, stretching up to kiss him before grabbing his arms to twist him under her. 

Crawling on top of him, she slid down his shorts as she settled in and started to move. 

As he reached out to hold her hips, she stopped him, shaking her head slowly. “Uh uh...No touching…”

More Middle

Hannah stared blankly at the tv, laptop in place. A rare weekend with nothing to do, she was determined to get some writing done. She had her idea. She just had to execute it.

She stared at her screen as she reviewed the new paragraph she had written for about the tenth time. Why was this so hard?

Behind her, she heard the clatter of heels as Jade made her way to the door.

“Hannah what time is it?” Jade called out as she move her bag higher up on her shoulder.

Hannah glanced at the cable box in front of her “Uh...1:23…”

“CRAP. I gotta RUN.” Jade sounded flustered.

Hannah laughed at her roommate. “Is this an audition or a callback, again?”

Jade smiled “SECOND callback...I have a good feeling about this one...primetime drama…” Her eyes were glowing.

“You got this, girl...Just  be your charming self...but GO…” Hannah teased.

“Okay okay…” She glanced quickly at Hannah, hair a mess, pajamas still on.

“You have any plans today...You gonna see a certain dreamy-eyed former pop star?”

Hannah rolled her eyes “I have work to do, Jade. I set aside all day to write...and I have NO IDEA who you are talking about…”

“Uh huh…” she smiled, “Really...No plans? I feel like that’s your weekend thing now…”

Hannah huffed “My weekend ‘thing?” Jade...I told you..It’s not a ‘thing.’ We are two consenting adults. That’s it.”

Jade smirked “Whatever...All I’m saying is if I had access to a guy that looked like that...I wouldn’t be in pajamas on a Saturday afternoon…” she teased.

Hannah stared at her. “You’re gonna be late, Jade…”

Jade giggled at her flustered friend “I’ll be home in a few hours...Warn me if I need to call first.” She winked before shutting the door behind her. 

Hannah sighed as she turned back to her computer. She closed her eyes, letting her mind focus on the task at hand. Free-write! That’s it! She would free-write and make sense of what her brain gave her afterwards. With new inspiration, she let her fingers tap away at the keys until she had written two pages of material. Taking a deep breath and looking down, she frowned at what she had written, groaning to herself as she read the last paragraph.

Blue as the ocean. The power of those eyes was not lost on her as she stared at him waiting for her answer. His arms were at her waist, anchoring her to her spot. Words escaped her.

“Gawd damn it, Hannah…” she shook her head at herself. This wasn’t supposed to be a romance novel. Sighing to herself, she picked up the phone. May as well get rid of this distraction. He answered in 4 rings.

“Uh...Hey…” he smiled into his phone.

She blushed hearing his voice, realizing she had dialed purely on a whim. “Um...Hi. What are you up to?”

“Working, actually...Uh..Working on a song.”

“Oh..OH! Sorry, uh...I was actually gonna see if you wanted to come by. Didn’t know you’d be busy…”

She could almost hear the grin in his voice “It’s fine...I was just messing around, anyway...What are you up to?”

She took a breath “I’m writing, actually...Not getting very far, though…”

“...What are you writing about…?”

“Well...Nothing...and everything. Part of my problem, actually...Thought a distraction might be nice…”

“A distraction, huh? What did you have in mind?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know…” she settled in.

“Well...I can think of a FEW things that would be ...QUITE distracting…”

“So can I...Care to share?” she smiled into the phone.

“Well, for starters, my last memory of you is pretty distracting…” he grinned as he sat back in his chair in his studio.

Hannah smirked “Oh yeah? What memory is that?”

His voice got low “Your body on mine…”

Hannah felt herself melt into her couch “Seems familiar...Go on…”

She heard a low chuckle on the other end “The way your skin felt in my hands…”

Hannah smiled “The way you felt inside me…”

JC smiled on the other end, thoroughly amused “You want me inside you right now, mama?”

Hannah let out a breath “Mmmm...maybe…”

JC bit the side of his lip, an idea crossing his mind. There was a brief pause before Hannah heard the quick sound of a piano, followed by a sweet melody. She listened as his voice sang through the phone, smooth as silk …

“I know that look in your eyes….I don’t wanna say goodnight….. Holld on, holllld on...is what I’m doing...so strong...so strong...is what I’m feeling…” He finished the melody on the piano before he spoke again.

“Maybe?” he teased

“You don’t play fair, Chasez…” she teased back.

“Like what you hear, Annie…?” he charmed.

“When did I say you could call me that?” she played coy. 

“You want me to stop….calling you that?” he asked carefully.

“I don’t want you to stop...anything…” she answered. 

“Wanna show me?” his voice was gravel now.

“...Maybe?”

JC grinned into his phone “Come over tonight…”

Hannah stared up at the wall as her heartbeat slowed, allowing one hand to rest on her stomach. She closed her eyes as his hand slid over her own. 

“Distracting enough?” he teased.

She felt herself sigh and giggle at the same time “It’ll do…,” she teased back.

“Hmmm...Maybe I’ll try harder next time.” He wrapped an arm around her to pull her closer and nip at her ear. She shifted to face him, studying his face.

“Hmm…” she smirked.

“What?,” a lazy smile found his face.

Hannah shrugged “You’re just...not what I expected.”

His brow raised “And what did you expect?”

“I don’t know. Women lined up. Definitely not this much conversation.”

He grinned “Line’s closed. Position’s been filled. And I like talking to you.”

Hannah laughed and shook her head “You’re free to do whatever you want, sir…”

He smirked “...and I am...often.” 

“Jace I..meant what I said, I don’t-”

“...Date. I know. I got it, Hannah...I get it…”  He looked into her eyes. 

“No...promises.”

“No promises.” he repeated, kissing her quickly. 

“Okay,” she let out a breath. “I should go…”

JC smiled. “You should, but are you going to?”

Hannah blushed “Am I?”

He grinned, moving to rain kisses on her neck. 

She giggled softly “Ok, OKAY...I give...I’ll stay.”

He smiled, running lazy fingers around her belly button. “Good...Because I wanna hear what you wrote today…”

Hannah smiled “Get me coffee in the morning...and we’ll talk…”

He gave her a half smile. “Deal...Goodnight, Annie…”

Hannah let the instant smile form from her lips “Goodnight, Jace…”

He rolled over, falling asleep quickly, leaving Hannah alone with her thoughts. She should have left. Leaving was easier. Leaving left things less complicated. 

Instead, she was wide awake. His face was burned into her brain. The thought of his voice sent electricity through her as she remembered how he touched her. She would never be able to forget him. It was too late. She wanted to know more about him, but also knew that would just complicate things more. 

 

She felt safe with him, and that raised her guard. He made her smile against her will, and that worried her. They had a rhythm now, and that terrified her.

Hannah sat quietly at the kitchen table, watching him as he finished the coffee. She was very aware of her appearance suddenly. She had woken up before him, careful to remove as much of her smeared makeup as she could. He had never really seen her with no makeup on. Not that it mattered. She had on yesterday’s clothes. Well, yesterday’s sweater, anyway. He had offered her sweatpants. They were too big on her, but they were comfortable. 

He smiled as he carried over two cups of coffee. His hair was a mess and the thick black frames of his glasses hid any signs of sleep on his face. 

“Um...Milk or…?” he asked, setting her cup down. 

She nodded “Whatever you have...and sugar?”

He turned back to the fridge, pulling out a carton of soy milk “Does this work?”

She giggled. “Yeah...That works...Kind of a hippy, Jace?”

He smirked and shrugged “Healthy or whatever…” he teased.

“Thank you,” she smiled, taking the carton from him. His eyes lingered on her. “What…” she asked carefully. 

“Nothing,” he smiled, taking in her face with nothing on it. She looked amazing, relaxed.

Hannah was taking in morning JC, as well. He ran a hand through his hair and sat down across from her, sipping from his own cup. 

“So...What are you writing about, Hannah?”

She smiled. “Straight to the point, huh?”

“You said coffee, so…” he raised his cup to her. 

She nodded. “Fair. Um…” she sighed “I don’t know yet...I mean I know what I WANT to write about. I’m just...stuck…”

“What do you want to write about?” he asked her, genuinely interested.

She chuckled “It’s weird…”

“Try me…”

“Well...Being single. A single woman in a world that...expects certain things of you. Needing a man, looking for a husband, being scared to be alone...What if...there are women who aren’t…” She took a sip of her coffee. 

JC’s eyes were dancing. “Like you?”

Hannah blushed and bit her lip “I mean...Kinda?”

JC shook his head. “You should own that, Hannah...It’s...refreshing.”

“Refreshing?” she laughed before returning to her coffee.

“Yes. You know who you are. You have goals that are just for you. You’re comfortable in your own skin.”

“God. I sound like a Meg Ryan movie…”

JC laughed, his eyes crinkling above his cup. “Meg Ryan’s kinda hott…”

She laughed back “You don’t think it’s...cliche?”

JC shrugged “Not if you don’t write it that way…”

Hannah studied him for a second. “How do you know if a song is...good or not?” she asked him.

His face warmed, every feature smiling “I don’t. I guess I just kind of ...Go with whatever comes out. They don’t all become real songs.”

Hannah smiled “Yeah...Yeah, that makes sense. The one you sang the other day...I liked it.”

“Yeah?” he grinned.

She nodded “Yeah. “

His eyes narrowed playfully. “You gonna say that about everything I let you hear? Flattery will get you nowhere, mama…”

Hannah smirked “Nope. Don’t really like ‘Everything You Want.’”

He almost choked on his coffee “You’ve...heard the album?”

She giggled  “Edited our review. One of my first assignments, actually…”

He sat back in his chair, highly amused “Is that right?” 

Hannah nodded.

“Why would you have to listen to the album to edit a column, Hannah?”

She shrugged, staring at him playfully. “Curiosity. I am a thorough journalist. I do my research.”

He smiled “Hmm...It would appear so…” His face twisted into a thought, pausing before he continued “I think it’s only fair I read some of your stuff, Hannah…”

She gulped her coffee down. “Oh, do you?”

He bit his lip “I do...I’ve shown you mine, so…show me yours…”

She blushed “I think I’ve shown you plenty, Mr. Chasez.”

“I wanna see more, Miss Martin…” he teased.

She shook her head. He was disarming. Sitting in his sweatpants, having morning coffee and chatting. She could get used to this. She didn’t want to, but she could. No rules. Maybe she should just enjoy herself. Not think about it so much. He was putting no pressure on her, and she had no plans to expect anything from him, either. Comfortable. She was comfortable. For the first time in awhile.

“That can be arranged, I guess.” she replied.

JC smiled. She was coy. Sure of herself. He soaked in the bits of her she allowed him to see. Every time he saw her another piece of the puzzle revealed itself. He was enjoying every minute of it. It was easy. She was fun. 

“Busy week ahead?”

She shifted to sit up a little more. “As always. Never a dull moment. Plus, it looks like I gotta edit some stuff for a blue-eyed reader,” she winked.

He smiled “Friday night…”

“What about it?” Hannah replied casually.

“Let me take you out…” he looked at her. 

Hannah froze. A date? Was he asking her out on an actual date? This definitely broke the rules. 

JC softened, taking her hand “Not like that, Hannah. Couple drinks. Maybe some dancing? Late night junk food?”

“Kinda sounds ‘like that,’ ” JC…” she pointed out.

He shrugged “Doesn’t have to be. I just wanna hang out with you, Hannah. Actually hang out.”

“Can you...do that?” she asked cautiously.

JC laughed, catching her meaning “I mean I’m not Justin…” 

Hannah couldn’t help but laugh. She sighed, her heartbeat pounding in her head. She was going to take the chance. “Okay…” 

JC smiled “Dive bar. How’s that? No pressure.”

Hannah relaxed a little “Sounds perfect.”

“I’ll call you with the details this week…”

Hannah took a deep breath. What was she doing?

***

Hannah had arrived at the bar early. She was nervous. Really nervous. She hated it. Nervous Hannah made mistakes. Nervous Hannah was girlier than she ever wanted anyone to see.

She had insisted they meet there.  

She reasoned that a pre-game drink might be a good idea to calm herself down. She had opted for a well fitted pair of bootcut jeans and her favorite V-neck top. It was a simple cut with a subtle colorful pattern. She was going for “laid back, but put together.” Hoop earrings, as usual. They were her comfort piece. Her hair was pulled back, eliminating the temptation to play with it. 

She sipped her whiskey ginger slowly from a stool at the bar, turning around from time to time to see if JC had arrived. 

She noticed the slightly older man next to her, casting her looks every few minutes, but did her best to ignore him, a polite smile as she waited. She was no stranger to dealing with men at bars, especially in Los Angeles

Her phone buzzed from her bag, and she smiled as she read his text.

 

“There in 5. So sorry! Traffic was a little crazy…”

The man next to her got a little closer, and she set her drink back down to make an obvious gesture of looking toward the bar entrance. As if on cue, She saw JC walk through the door.

Damn, he looked good. How did jeans and a button down work THAT well on a man? His hair was lightly styled, and his face looked just shaved enough to make an impression. 

Hannah smiled and got up to greet him. She felt a slight wave of dizziness as she made a quick mental note to order some water, chalking it up to her nerves.

“Hey…” She felt her knees buckle a bit and looked up to his concerned face.

“Uhhh...hey….You good?”

“Yeah I...Whoa...That was weird…” She shook her head quickly. 

“How long have you been here?” he smirked, wondering how many drinks she had in her.

“Not that…” she paused as her eyes started to glaze over.

“Hannah…” his eyes got wide. 

“Jace...I don’t feel good…” She let herself grip his arms as she struggled to stand.

“WHOA...Whoa…” he tightened his grip as his hands went to her waist to hold her up.

She looked up to stare at him in confusion just before he felt her go limp in his arms.

“Hannah...HANNAH...Shit...SHIT…” 

**

Hannah blinked her eyes open, a fog coming into focus as she tried to get her bearings. 

Gripping the side of a bed, she tried to identify her location. White walls, hushed voices, beeping machines. Her eyes wandered, and landed on a familiar face. Her head was pounding as recognition came to her slowly. His head was propped against the wall, eyes closed,  where he sat in an unforgiving chair. 

“...Jace?” she spoke, surprised by how tired her voice sounded. “JACE?”

He stirred, arms gripping the chair as he startled awake. His eyes peeled open, becoming wide when he saw her. “HANNAH..” He got up, meeting her at the side of the bed.

“Where am I...What happened…” Her breathing was quickened.

JC let out a breath “You’re in the emergency room… Looks like…” he winced “It looks like someone slipped you a roofie…”

Hannah’s eyes went wide “What?! WHEN? ...How…” Her confusion was evident as JC continued.

“At the bar last night...I should have gotten there sooner...Hannah I’m SO sorry…”

Hannah shook her head, making a face when it made her head feel worse, “No..No it’s not...Oww...Not your fault.”

“Just take it easy, ok? I’m gonna go find a doctor so we can get you out of here…”

“Jace…” she spoke softly.

“Yeah?”

“...What the hell are you wearing…?” Hannah was staring at the pale pink baseball hat on his head, an unfamiliar logo on the front. 

JC smiled slowly. “Uhhh...One of the nurses thought I might want some privacy…Had it in her locker, I guess…”

Hannah’s mouth twisted into a smile “THAT’S supposed to make you blend in?”

JC chuckled “It was a nice gesture…”

After a couple more tests and a final check, Hannah and JC sat as her discharge papers were being prepared. 

“You stayed the whole time?” She looked to JC.

He smiled “Of course. Wanted to make sure you were ok…”

Hannah smiled back “It’s a hospital, JC...They would have taken care of me…”

JC smirked “Not my style to bail on people, Annie…”

She blushed “Thank you…”

“You’re welcome.”

Hannah studied him, his eyes bluer than usual. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she stared at him.

“...Like what…” he bluffed, his mouth stuck in a lazy smile

She squinted at him, a warning, “JC Chasez, you look like you like me…”

“...What if I do…?”

She sighed and shook her head as much as she could, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth “That’s not what we agreed on…”

He grinned “Then why are you giving me the same look…?”

“You...didn’t have to stay...That’s all…”

“Hannah...I…”

“JC...don’t…”

He sighed “I was scared last night, ok? You collapsed on me. I didn’t know what was gonna happen...I was...worried.”

“You worry about me now?” she smirked.

“Hannah...Relax a little, please…”

Hannah sighed “...I like you too, Jace…”

His brow raised “Oh yeah? So there’s two of us breaking the rules?”

She started to laugh, the pain in her head stopping her. “Too tired for jokes, Jace…” 

He smiled, leaning in to kiss her softly. “Then let’s get you home, ok?”

She smiled weakly, ready for a nap “Okay…”

***

JC stirred awake at the sound of a light knock on the door. “Come in,” his voice started to wake up.

Jade opened the door slowly. “Hey,” she smiled as she whispered “How is she?”

JC smiled as he looked over at Hannah next to him, under the covers. “I think she’s gonna be out awhile. Doctor said rest, plenty of water, and a good meal when she wakes up.”

Jade sighed “Yeah. Makes sense. I’m glad you were there.”

“Me too…”

Jade watched him as he looked over at her. “You’re good for her, ya know?”

JC’s head snapped up “What…?”

Jade smiled “She’s happier around you. Relaxed.”

JC’s eyes softened “Yeah, uh...I think I am, too…”

Jade shook her head and kind of giggled “She’s...stubborn. Always has been. She likes you more than she’ll say.”

JC looked down, a smile finding his lips “We uh...We have that in common.”

As they talked, Hannah twisted in her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open briefly, just long enough to notice JC. “Hey,” he whispered. 

“Hmm…” Hannah mumbled, smiling as she scooted closer to him, and drifted back off. 

“I’m gonna order us all some food...You want some coffee?” Jade spoke quietly as she smiled.

JC returned her smile “Yeah, ok...Jade...Thanks…”

 

Jade winked at him as she closed the door.

A New Beginning

Hannah’s eyes went wide as she walked into his house. Faint music she could *just* make out was playing from his built-in speakers, and the normally plain bare dining table was set for two. 

There was a small floral arrangement in the center.

“Jace…” She gave him a warning look, feeling ambushed.

He grinned at her, taking her hand to lead her to the table.

“Hannah...Chill...I got takeout…” he chuckled.  “We never got to hang out the other night. Make yourself comfortable.”

JC made his way to the kitchen island, bringing two greasy bags back with him. He started to unpack them and Hannah couldn’t help but smile. 

“Burgers and fries?” she giggled.

“...And beer...Wanna grab a couple out of the fridge?” he smiled.

Hannah nodded, standing up to walk to the kitchen. Opening the fridge, she smiled back at him “I was afraid you were trying to wine and dine me…”

He laughed a little “Kind of unnecessary at this point, right?”

She blushed “Right.” Carrying the beer over to the table, she handed him one. “I’m not dressed for a date, anyway,” she observed, looking down at her tunic, leggings, and boots.

“Not a date, Annie…” he teased.

“Then what is this?” she teased, gesturing to the table setting. 

JC shrugged. “Hanging out with my-”  He stopped himself and Hannah sighed, nodding.

“Um...yeah,” she looked down, pushing hair behind her ear nervously. 

He took a good gulp of his beer, making his way around the table to wrap an arm around her lower back. “This is weird for me, too...But I meant what I said. I like you, Hannah.”

She smiled up at him and stretched a little to kiss him quickly “I like you, too. Can we eat? Those fries are taunting me.”

He grinned, squeezing the side of her waist. “Good thing I got two orders of them.”

They sat on the couch after dinner, casually sipping more beer and making small talk. They had covered each other’s day and Hannah had discussed her writing with him, which was coming along after a long stretch of writer’s block. Truthfully, she credited him for inspiring her, but she wasn’t ready to let him know that yet.

JC had played her a few songs he was working on, which she had given her honest opinions of. His voice was undeniable and she had to stop herself from gushing more than once. 

He sat quietly during a pause in conversation. They were taking each other in, taking things slowly. Something about tonight felt different. 

JC smiled as Hannah shifted next to him. A slight smile on her face, she reached down to unzip her boots. Pulling them off carefully, she pulled her feet onto the couch and scooted closer to him. 

“What are you..” he smiled as she reached for his free arm, nudging it up and around her.

“Shhh…” She smirked as she nestled into his side, feet tucked up under the rest of her body. Her head fell gently back into his chest without a word. 

It was JC’s turn to go a little flush, his hand naturally finding the loose pieces of her hair, brushing it back softly. 

“If we’re gonna do this...You need to know. I cuddle…” she smiled up at him.

JC bit the side of his lip, surprised at this side of her. “If we’re gonna do what…” he answered her tone.

Hannah felt herself go hot, hoping she didn’t look like a tomato. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a boyfriend, JC…”

JC nodded, grinning from ear to ear. “I’m out of practice, myself…”

Hannah took a deep breath, letting it out slowly “Then we’ll just have to do our best…”

“Get over here,” JC smiled, pulling her up with the arm that was around her. As she turned to face him, he moved in to meet her mouth, kissing her softly. 

***

Hannah took a deep breath as she took a sip of water, standing with Jade in the kitchen as she waited.

“You sure you’re ready for this, Han?” she smiled at her best friend.

“Jade, I’ve been to these kinds of things with you before…” Hannah’s words betrayed the look on her face.

Jade shook her head. “Not something like this...and NOT as JC Chasez’s girlfriend.”

Hannah gulped another sip of water. “Jade, it’s fine...It’s not like its the Grammys…”

Jade smirked. “Nope...that’s in a couple weeks...Got a dress?”

“I need you to shut up…” Hannah shot back.

Jade laughed. “You look ...hott!”

Hannah rolled her eyes and giggled a little “I look like you…”

“I mean it’s my dress, so…” she teased.

Jade had helped Hannah get ready for the night, pointing out there would probably be a red carpet she would have to walk with JC. They had agreed not to make a “big thing” of their relationship, but neither one of them wanted to hide, either. Hannah had borrowed one of Jade’s dresses, a look that pushed the edge of Hanna’s comfort zone. The navy blue strapless dress had a modified sweetheart neckline with a slight plunge. A small cascade of feather detail came down from the one side of the bottom and peaked out from the hemline, that hit just above her knees. She wore her own strappy black heels, and had convinced Jade her soft leather jacket gave the look a bit of edge. Her eyes were smokier than usual, and Jade had helped to give a tousled and volumized wave to her hair.

Hannah sighed “I feel like I’m playing dress up.”

Jade smiled. “You are...JC is gonna lose his mind.”

“Tell me why you aren’t coming again?” Hannah whined.

Jade shrugged. “Invites came from Verizon and People. Don’t worry about me...I’ll be turning invites away left and right soon,” she winked.

Hannah laughed at her friend. She was usually just as confident as her, but a Hollywood party without her was new territory, and a red carpet boyfriend was totally foreign. 

Hannah’s phone rang and she blushed as she answered it. It was time.

“Hey you,” she heard him smile into the phone. 

“Hey…’ she smiled back.

“Outside in the car...You ready?”

“Am I? “ she teased “I’ll be right out.” 

She hugged Jade goodbye.

“DETAILS. I want all the details later. Go be fabulous,” Jade squeezed her for encouragement. 

Hannah took a deep breath, grabbing her clutch, and made her way to the car. Opening the door, she took JC in as he did the same to her.He wore a fitted navy blue sweater with subtle horizontal stripes, that somehow enhanced his eyes,  and a matching blazer. He had a black skinny scarf around his neck, perfectly relaxed jeans, and white sneakers to finish the look. He looked effortlessly stylish, and incredibly handsome. Hannah smiled at him as she climbed into the towncar next to him.

“Jesus, Annie…” JC breathed. 

Hannah bit her lip. “What…”

“You look….Holy shit…” he reached a hand out to run it down her hair, looking at her. 

“Is it too much?” she asked.

JC shook his head firmly. “AbsoLUTELY not. Damn, I’m a lucky guy…”

Hannah smiled as he leaned in to kiss her, lacing his fingers through hers. “You don’t look so bad, yourself, Jace. In fact...You’re pretty hott…”

JC grinned and squeezed her hand in his. 

They arrived at the entrance and Hannah’s eyes went a little wide at the noise and flashes of light. JC smiled softly at her. “I kinda hate this part…”

Hannah nodded silently. 

He leaned in to speak right into her ear “Just smile and nod. I got you.”

Hannah took his hand as he led the way out of the car. They walked to an arrivals area and promo wall. Hannah shrugged her shoulders back a little, trying to recall anything she remembered from her childhood dance recital days. JC slipped a casual arm around her to rest on her hip as he nodded to the cameras going off from every direction. Hannah pulled her best closed lip smile out, controlled breathing as she let JC be the man of the moment. She was thankful there were no reporters as they made a quick walk inside the venue.

“So...Do we sign autographs now, or…?” Hannah joked.

JC grinned at her “Smartass...Let’s get drinks…”

They made their way around the party, making conversation with people Hannah never thought she’d meet. JC was introducing her simply as “Hannah,” making their connection clear with his hand rarely leaving her lower back. 

“You sure you’ve never done this before?” JC gave her a look.

Hannah shrugged “Only at things I’ve gone to with Jade.”

JC smiled at her proudly “You’re a natural…”

Hannah laughed “I’m just talking to people, Jace.”

“You’d be surprised,” his brow raised.

Hannah had shrugged off her jacket, feeling a little warm with all the people in one room, and JC paused to look down at her appreciatively. 

“Hannah, what does Jade drink?”

She made a face at him “Um...wine, beer...vodka...Why?”

A slow smile found JC’s eyes. “Because I am DEFINITELY sending her a thank you for letting you borrow this dress.” He bit his bottom lip.

Hannah wrapped her arms around him and laughed. “It’s actually kind of uncomfortable.”

JC grinned, a playful glint in his eye. “Well...It comes off, right?”

Hannah grinned back, looking up at him. “I guess you’ll have to find out later.”

JC nodded. “Oh yes.”

They were able to find a table in the back area, sharing a plate of the tiny appetizers on offer. 

“I swear...No one in Hollywood eats…” Hannah shook her head. 

JC laughed. “We’ll get something after.” He kissed just behind her ear. 

The music wasn’t letting up further into the night, and neither were the drinks. Hannah made her way back over to JC, carrying two cups. Handing him one, she fell slightly into him and smiled. 

“This is fun!” she purred.

JC grinned at her, letting a small laugh come from his lips. “I thought you hated these things…” he reminded her.

Hannah shook her head slowly “Nope. I like tonight.” She looked up at him. “You’re cute…”

JC bit his lip and placed a gentle hand on her arm to steady her, taking a sip of the drink with the other “You’re cute, too…”

Leaning her head forward, she aimed for his neck and landed on his collarbone, kissing him softly. 

“Hannah…” he whispered, running a tipsy hand down the back of her hair. 

With a flirty smirk, she shifted her weight to place her drink clumsily behind her on a small ledge. She returned her hands to his chest, sliding down slowly. 

“Heyyy…” he smiled, pressing his back against the wall behind him. His arms instinctively moved up, elbows out as he tried not to spill his drink. 

Hannah moved lower, hands now resting on top of his thighs, which had moved slightly forward as he followed her motion. She gripped tighter, looking left and right quickly before gazing back at him. Her hands moved inward, and he reached his free hand down to hers.

“Annie...what are you doing…” His speech was slightly slurred, eyed hooded but twinkling. 

“Are you complaining?”

He licked his lips. “Here?”

Hannah giggled “You’re my boyfriend now...It’s ok…”

JC gripped her wrist, pulling her arm gently until she stood. 

“Can’t have people thinking bad things about my girlfriend, can I…” He pulled her into him, kissing her deeply. He moved his lips to her ear, and she felt his breath as he whispered. “I’m taking you home, Annie…”

****

Hannah giggled as JC lifted her onto the kitchen island counter. She still had her dress on, but had thrown her jacket on the couch and kicked off her shoes the second they got to his house after the party. He placed his hands on either side of her, moving down her neck to her collarbone. She cradled the back of his neck. 

“Mmmmm...You wanna get some food?” he mumbled against her skin.

“Hmmmm...Not really…” she teased as she moved to nuzzle into his hair.

“Me neither,” he managed, sliding his hands up her thighs under her dress. “Still uncomfortable?” he teased.

Hannah bit her lip and nodded. “Yeah...Think it needs to come off…”

JC grinned as he reached around to pull down the zipper. Hannah rested her hands behind her and lifted up as he gently slid it down her body. Tossing it aside, his eyes twinkled as he looked at her.

“Hannah Martin...Where’s your bra?”

She giggled “Where was I fitting one in that?”

“Oh my GOD, woman…” he growled, moving closer as he pulled her into his body. 

Safely in his embrace, she reached up to tug at his sweater. He raised his arms to let her pull it off, and she moved to his chest, kissing and biting gently. He closed his eyes as his breathing got heavy. 

Moving to the lower half of their bodies, a sequence of kisses and careful moves left them both naked. Hannah moved her hands to his butt, pulling him hard toward her. “Mine.”

JC shook his head, two firm hands on hers. His eyes went dark as he pulled her hands to rest on his chest. They slid out of reach slowly as he kissed her bare chest, teasing circles with his tongue. Hannah felt her breath start to shake as he continued, biting gently down. 

“Mmmmmm” she moaned as he kissed down to her belly button, pausing. Looking up into her eyes, his own were glowing as he moved his hands to her inner thighs to push them gently apart. “Mine” he whispered before dipping his head to close his mouth around her, plunging his tongue deep.

Hannah gripped the edge of the counter for support, her now clammy hands slipping a bit. “Uhhhhhh…” she groaned, a rattling growl coming from her throat. 

JC continued in perfect rhythm until she couldn’t take it anymore, her chest rising against the swell inside her. She threw her arms back to catch herself as she let go. One last kiss against her, JC pulled back, catching her still shaking body.

She panted in his arms as her breath turned slow, and glazed over eyes looked up at him. “Fuck, babe…”

JC met her with a lazy smile. “I’m not done, mama…” He looked down as Hannah’s eyes danced. She took a deep breath, her sigh turning into a grin as he pulled her slightly off the counter, arching her toward him. With a quick pull, he was inside as she gasped. 

“Should I be gentle?” he teased.

Hannah had one arm behind herself and one around his neck as she blushed, shaking her head “Hell no…”

 

JC didn’t hesitate, rocking them both as her hips met his, over and over.

JACE AND ANNIE (2011)

JC paced back and forth. He was at his wit’s end. He had been extremely busy lately. On top of filming and promo for “America’s Best Dance Crew,” he was throwing himself full force into producing and writing; with two songs he had worked on making it to AJ McLean’s solo album. He and Hannah were seeing less and less of each other, which had grown frustrating for both of them.

Hannah knew that his music was everything to him, and she was busy herself, about halfway through her first book. With an agent and a pending publishing deal now in her corner, she had no excuse not to get it done.

They were both extremely proud of each other, with very little time to tell the other one that. 

Hannah huffed as he had cancelled yet another date night, the studio needing more attention as the third wheel in their relationship. It gave her more time to write, but less time with the man she had opened herself up to. 

“WHAT DO YOU WANT THEN, HANNAH...HUH?” JC cracked. 

She growled in frustration. “YOU, IDIOT…”

“You have me!” he shot back.

“DO I? DO I REALLY?”

“Do you see me sleeping with anyone else?!”

“Are you…” Hannah stared at him.

“Geezus, Annie…” He rubbed his forehead “NO! When would I even have the time?”

“Would it KILL YOU to make some time for us…”

JC sighed “You made it pretty clear you like casual, Hannah…Since when do you care about romance?!”

“Things change…” she countered. Her eyes were tired, sad. He hated seeing her like this, especially because of him.

JC closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, and fell onto a chair, staring directly at her “I was never looking for this...for you...It just happened...”

Hannah swallowed, looking down “Neither was I, but we’ve made it this far, haven’t we?”

“I’m a shitty boyfriend, Annie…” 

Hannah felt the sting in her eyes, willing it away “I’m a shitty girlfriend…”

JC let out a breath “No you’re not…”

She looked up to answer him “You’re not, either.”

“So what are we doing wrong here?”

Hannah settled down next to him, shrugging “I don’t know, Jace...I really don’t…”

“I know I love you…”

“...I love you too,” she let herself smile softly.

“I know I want you…”

“Jace…” she gave him a withering look. “Why is that all we’re good at?”

Hannah resigned herself to a night alone, as she settled in with a glass of wine and flipped on the tv. She was annoyed at him, but she never missed an episode. She found herself smiling as she chewed on popcorn, always entertained by the crews’ performances and JC’s weirdo take on judging.

She danced along on the couch as arguably the cutest crew, Iconic Boyz, an all-kid crew, took the stage busting moves to “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry. They finished their performance, and it was time for the judges to weigh in. Hannah sat up a little straighter, admittedly excited to see what JC would say. She thought it was a cute routine. 

D-Trix was up first, and Hannah’s eyes widened at his take “Honestly...It wasn’t that good. I’m - I’m sorry. You guys are adorable...but you guys...It takes more than that to be America’s best dance crew…”

Hannah cocked her head to one side as he challenged them to prove themselves despite their age. “Well that was a little harsh,” she whispered to herself. The D she knew was pretty happy-go-lucky. 

Lil’ Mama gave her thoughts, and it was time for JC’s commentary. “Yeah I..Um...Actually D-Trix...With all due respect, I disagree with you a lot, actually.” He stared right at him. “I have to say, look, developmentally, some of the things you’re identifying with, boys...The wall...It was a little bit ABC. That’s the truth of the matter, BUT when you say the whole routine you didn’t like the whole routine...C’mon Man, Don’t be a crackhead, like, SERIOUSLY…”

The two of them went back and forth, D-Trix arguing age and JC arguing performance level.

“It’s a PERFORMANCE! It’s about playing the crowd..It’s not always about hitting something clean...It’s not always just about doing something that somebody else doesn’t do. Sometimes it’s about giving the crowd what they want.” His eyes were a bit wild as he held his hands out to emphasize his point.

Hannah nearly choked on her wine, reaching for her phone. 

“What the HELL was that, Jace?” she hissed when she heard him answer.

“Um...What?”

“You’re fighting with D, now?”

She heard him snicker on the other line “Defending him, now? He’s a big boy, Annie...You should know that…”

“I didn’t say he was RIGHT...But there is NO reason to go at him like that...”

“I’m not in the mood for this, Hannah…”

“It’s not that serious, Jace...WHAT was with the peacocking…”

“So one minute you want me to try harder...and the next you’re critiquing how I do my job?”

“I dunno who that guy was, but it wasn’t my boyfriend…”

“You sure? You need me happy all the time, mama? Just like everyone else in my life?”

Hannah sighed “I didn’t say that just...What the HELL…?”

JC chuckled on the other end. “I can say whatever I want, Hannah. That’s why they hired me.”

Hannah rolled her eyes, feeling her blood start to go hott “Grow up, JC. I’ve made it pretty clear who I wanna be with. Cut the attitude.” She hung up quickly, switching the channel to distract herself. 

(2009)

Hannah made her way to his dressing room, lunch in hand. She greeted the familiar faces she saw along the way, show crew and dancers among them.

“Hannah Banana!” a charming smile shouted at her before crashing into her with a playful hug.

She caught him just in time, and shook her head and giggled. “Hey D...I thought you were all rehearsing…”

“We are, but a man’s gotta eat!”

Hannah smiled, holding up her takeout bags “Right there with ya…”

“When are you bringing me lunch, huh?” he teased.

She grinned at him, standing just outside JC’s door. “Find a way to distract this one and we’ll talk,” she winked at him, nodding her head toward the door. 

“I’m holding you to that...I have my ways,” he grinned at her. 

She laughed just before moving to head to her destination. 

“Dominic, Dominic, Dominic...What am I gonna do with you?”

“Anything you want, beautiful,” he stuck his tongue out at her, “Enjoy lunch…”

Hannah headed in to JC, a slight blush still on her face. JC looked up from the couch, a smile meeting his eyes. 

“Hey mama…” 

“Hello yourself,” Hannah smiled. 

JC noticed the look on her face. “That D I heard?”

Hannah laughed as she pulled food out of the bags. “Yeah...He’s...something…”

JC smirked as he took a sandwich from her, taking a bite immediately “I think you have a crush on him.”

Hannah’s eyes widened. “Joshua Scott why would you say that?”

JC chuckled, mouth still slightly full as he spoke “Because you still have eyes...Hannah Rae...”

Hannah moved closer to him, catching his lips in a cute kiss. “I have a crush on YOU.”

He cheesed back at her, a playful look forming on his face “Does D know that? He gonna be jealous?”

Hannah laughed, pinching his arm “Eat your lunch, you brat…”

“Owww...So MEAN..I’m gonna warn him…” JC kept teasing.

Hannah sighed  as she took her first bite of lunch. “Thank you for lunch, babe...Good to see you, babe... ,” she muttered under her breath, mocking him. 

JC set his sandwich briefly down, wrapping his arms all the way around her and nuzzling his face into her neck “I’ll find a way to thank you later, Babe…”

Hannah smirked. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

He squeezed her harder “Says the cuter one.”

Hannah shook her head as they both went back to their food, just enjoying the moment alone.

Hannah found a seat off to the side, just out of view of the cameras and the audience. It was her spot whenever she came to visit him on set. She loved to watch the chaos of the show being filmed, and see him in his element. The dancers on the show were crazy talented, and she had a lot of fun watching them.

She smiled as Bluprint Crew finished a HIGH ENERGY performance.Everyy member of the crew was amazing, but it was the female members that had stolen the show thos time with their fierce moves. She clapped and cheered right along with the studio audience as Mario Lopez threw it to judge’s commentary. 

JC looked GOOD, and there was a certain twinkle in his eye when the camera panned to him. 

“Honestly, You caught my eye tonight. That was sexy, honey…”

Hannah stared at him as he continued, Shane Sparks and Lil’ Mama teasing him as Alex blushed and played coy onstage. “...Hey...She looked good…”

Hannah felt herself go a little numb, silently scolding herself. This was his job. He was an entertainer. It was great tv. Still, she couldn’t help but look to the woman he had just complimented, her reddish hair perfectly styled as she stood there in a pink corset. She was gorgeous, and could SERIOUSLY move. JC had been friendly to all the contestants, male and female. He was a friendly guy. Hannah couldn’t help herself from mentally scanning the last few weeks, though, analyzing any extra attention he may have given her over the last few weeks.

She forced a smile, knowing SOMEONE from the filming crew had to be looking at her for a reaction right now. 

She waited a few minutes and got up to head backstage, needing a minute. As she headed for a dressing room, a voice got her attention.

“Don’t worry...You catch attention every day, Hannah…”

She turned her head in the direction of the sound, to find Dominic smiling at her. Blushing, she waved him off “Stop. You’re gonna get me in trouble,” she smiled. 

He shook his head before walking to his cue backstage. Hannah flipped through a magazine absentmindedly for the rest of the taping, hearing voices outside that drew her interest. 

“Seriously, sweetie...That was HOTT! You ladies are giving everyone else a run for their money…”  

She stepped just outside the dressing room to see JC talking to Natalie. She now had on a hoodie over her onstage costume, but was no less attractive. 

“Oh my God STOP...We’re just having so much fun!” she answered him.

“It shows,” JC smiled, a cheeky smile in her direction. “Got the look, too…”

Natalie blushed, casting her eyes subtly down, then up again.

Was she flirting?!

“Well thank you! Plenty where that came from.”

“Can’t wait,” JC answered. 

“Ok um well...I’m gonna go change…”

“See ya, Natalie…” He turned around, spotting Hannah watching him.

Smirk on his face, he walked over to her, instinctively moving for her lips. She stepped back, jerking her head back with her. 

“Be a little more obvious, would you?”

JC looked at her confused, realization slowly kicking in as he gestured behind him. “WHAT, NATALIE?!”

“She caught your attention, didn’t she?”

JC smiled “Annie…”

“No, I mean I don’t blame you...She’s cute…”

JC sighed. “Hannah...I’m with you. You’re with me. We’ve established that. She was fun to watch...onstage.”

Hannah bit her lip. “And offstage…”

JC gave her a look “So you’re gonna pretend D doesn’t follow you around like a puppy?”

“Oh come on! He’s harmless!”

“Is he?” he stared at her. 

Hannah sighed, in a mood. “I mean he’s not ugly…” she shrugged, challenging JC.

He chuckled “Don’t start this game, Hannah…”

“Game? What game? We ‘both have eyes,’ right,” she quoted him. “You seem to be putting yours to good use lately.”

“...And you aren’t? ‘Find a way to distract this one?’ “ He gave her a pointed look.

“I was kidding, Jace…”

“Were you, though?”

Hannah crossed her arms in front of her. “Fine. You wanna be like that? Hall pass.”

“Excuse me?” JC questioned her.

“You heard me. Hall Pass. We were casual for months, JC...We can do it again. I’m not worried.”

JC smirked “Careful what you wish for, mama…”

She narrowed her eyes at him “I know exactly...what I wish for. I mean it...Go ahead. One time. Each of us...We can talk about anything else later.”

JC studied her, waiting for her to say she was joking “You’re serious…”

Hannah nodded. “I am. Have fun.” She spun on her heel as he caught her arm, pulling her in to kiss her. After a few moments, Hannah pulled away.

“Mmm...Save some of that for Sexy over there…” she teased, walking away from him.

JC stood motionless as she walked away. Damn. She really was unlike any woman he had ever met. Shaking his head, he turned in the opposite direction. Challenge accepted. 

For her part, Hannah made quick work of finding Dominic. If he got to have his cake and eat it, too, so did she.

**********************

JC sat briefly in the drive as he rubbed the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath. 

What was he doing? All he wanted was to see her. His feelings were stronger than they ever had been for anyone before, and honestly that scared him. They had a deal. Everything was out in the open, and he had no reason to feel guilty. So why did he?

A quick huff of breath to calm himself down,  and he shut down the car, stepping out and starting toward the house. His keys turned the lock and he pushed the door open, hitting the lights. He took a few steps in and stopped as he looked toward the couch.

“...Jace?”  She greeted him quietly, eyes slightly wide. Bright amber. She had been crying. A loose white t-shirt was tucked into the same pants she had had on earlier in the day. 

“Annie…” He stared at her, surprised.

She looked down, fidgeting with her necklace. “I...I didn’t go…”

JC’s face melted into a smile. “I just dropped Natalie off…”

Hannah nodded. “Did you have fun?” she asked quietly.

He crashed down onto the sofa next to her, looking into her eyes. “No...I didn’t…”

“You...didn’t…”

JC shook his head. “No. I...didn’t want to…”

Hannah’s eyes went watery “Neither did I…”

“Hannah I’m sorry. I can be a flirt. Force of...habit?”

She shook her head. “I’M sorry. You scare me…”

JC ran a hand down her arm. “You scare me, too…”

“I thought I needed to-”

“I know. Me too…” he finished her thought. “Come here…” he moved his hand over hers. 

She moved toward him, arms wrapping around his neck as she spoke softly. “Turns out you’re all I need…”

He answered her with his eyes, a grin in them as he rested his hands on her lower back and his lips on hers. Parting them , his tongue found hers easily, the comfort he had been craving all night.

Her arms pulled him closer as he wrapped his more tightly around her. Her kiss moved to his jaw, down to his neck. He rolled his head to one side, giving her better access. His hands slid down just inside the back waistband of her pants, sliding to rest on the skin at the top of her hips. 

A breathy chuckle escaped him as he gripped her sides, lifting her up and onto his lap. He let her move her lips down his collarbone, pushing his shirt aside to bite gently on his shoulder before he shifted to stand, firmly gripping her thighs to hold her against him. She pulled herself up just enough to wrap her legs around his back. 

“Bedtime, mama?” he whispered as she pulled away to look at him, her eyes now a sexy shade of chocolate. 

“Nowhere else I’d rather be…” she breathed.

Moving into the bedroom, JC fell back onto the bed, letting her gently collapse on top of him. Her breathing had picked up and she pulled her shirt off, revealing a lacy silver push-up bra. 

Reaching up to slide a finger under the strap, JC’s eyes were playful. “This is new…”

Hannah turned bright red, biting her lip as she nodded. 

A thought crossed his mind as an evil grin slowly crept across his face. “I was almost the second man to see it…”

Hannah cocked her head to the side in confused amusement. “Does that...turn you on?”

JC laughed lightly as he realized where his mind had gone. “Yeah...It kind of does.”

She shook her head and let her head fall forward slightly as she laughed, the sound of it only intriguing him even more. “You are so weird…”

He smiled, running his hands up her sides to cradle and massage her chest. “You love it…”

She giggled as he moved to the straps, pulling them down before reaching around to unclasp the hook and pull the bra gently off of her. 

“I’ll just take this for safe-keeping,” he teased as he tossed it behind him. 

Hannah giggled. “How about you take all of me, instead…”

JC grinned wide, pulling her all the way on top of him before flipping her around so he was on top of her “...Don’t have to tell me twice…”

 

Hannah smiled to herself as she laid cuddled up to JC in his bed.They were enjoying a lazy Sunday morning. Their favorite kind. JC had a book in hand and Hannah was perusing morning papers, while they both enjoyed hot coffee and breakfast in bed- which was really just pop-tarts.

Hannah moved her feet closer to him, unable to get them as warm as she wanted them to be.

“DUDE...What are you doing?” he laughed. 

“I’m cold,” Hannah laughed back. 

JC shook his head, smile stuck on his face. “Go get socks…”

Hannah smirked, not complaining. He had a robust sock collection, and loved how warm they always felt on her smaller feet. She got out of bed and made her way to the drawer, selecting a fuzzy pair of crew socks that looked like they had never been worn. As she lifted them, something in the back corner of the drawer caught her eye.

A small black velvet box. Running her hand over it quickly, she looked back at him, only to find him too engrossed in his book to be paying attention. With careful fingers, she flipped the box open, revealing a pear-shaped diamond ring with a pave band. Hannah’s breath caught in her throat. 

“You find a pair?” he asked, eyes not leaving the book. 

“What? Uh, yeah…” Hannah covered, flipping the box shut and pulling the socks out quickly. She pulled them on her feet and made her way back to the bed, blushing at her discovery. 

Crawling back next to him, she perched on his leg, stretching up to kiss his cheek, down his jawline to his neck.

Pausing his reading, he grinned as he looked to her. “What’s that for?”

“Nothing just...you…” she beamed. 

He gave her a suspicious look before kissing her quickly. “Um. Okaayyy…” 

Hannah smiled up at him again before grabbing her coffee to take a sip.

“I’m gonna take a shower,” he smirked at her ‘Wanna join me?”

Hannah’s mind went to the box in the drawer. “Um...sure...Gimme a minute, though. Just wanna finish this article.” she bluffed.

He smiled softly at her, kissing the top of her head before pulling the comforter off to get up. “K…”

Bathroom door closed, Hannah snuck out of bed to hurry to the drawer. Carefully opening it, she opened the box again, noticing a folded up piece of paper sticking out from the bottom. Pulling it out carefully, she unfolded it and her eyes went wide. 

“Transaction Date: February 11th, 2010”

Hannah stared at the date in confusion. Over a year ago. He had bought the ring over a year ago. Was it not what she thought it was? Was it not for her? She had no suspicion he was cheating on her, but why would he have kept it in a drawer for an entire year? Mind reeling, she carefully tucked the receipt back into the bottom of the box and closed it, returning it to where she had found it. Maybe on her birthday? Maybe he’d ask on her birthday?

She swallowed the lump in her throat, trying not to think the worst. Taking a deep breath, she closed the drawer, making her way to the bathroom.

*****

Hannah grinned to herself, stirring awake at the sound of a soft voice singing. 

“Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you..Happy birthday dear Annie…”

She opened her eyes and rolled over to JC perched on the edge of the bed.

“Morning, birthday girl…” he chirped.

She sized him up, a chuckle finding her half asleep senses “Why do you look like you are about to rob a bank?” He was decked out in sweatpants, a hoodie, dark sunglasses, and a baseball hat pulled low. 

JC grinned and reached for a paper cup “Soy, extra shot, 3 pumps of pumpkin”

Hannah’s eyes went wide. “You got this yourself?”

He nodded, biting his bottom lip.

“Awww...You risked your life for pumpkin spice? For me??” she teased. 

“Shut up…” he laughed, shaking his head. He leaned over to kiss her. 

“Thank you.” 

“The day is yours, Hannah...except...for dinner…”

“Dinner?”

“Mmmhmm.” He handed her a bag, and she immediately recognized the branding. 

“What did you do?” she stared at him.

“Nothing...much..” he smiled.

Shaking her head, she dug into the bag, pulling out a buttery soft mid-length dress with flutter sleeves.

“Jace…” she looked at him. 

“You like it? Is it the right size?”

She giggled “You, sir, are a BRAVE man...but...Yes and yes. I love it…”

“Good,” he smiled “Thought we could try a real date tonight...get a little fancy?”

“Is this cuz I’m old now?”

Jc chuckled “Yep. Gotta get out while we still can...Ya know before the walker…” he teased.

“Dick…” she laughed, throwing a pillow at him. 

He laughed, catching the pillow before crawling next to her. “I mean it, though, wear the dress, don’t wear the dress, but I want tonight to be special.” He stared at her with crystal eyes and Hannah’s heart began to race. 

Oh my God. This was it! Was this it? Was she right? He had never bought her clothes before. He HAD to have something big planned.

**

Hannah took another sip of her wine as their waiter arrived with a silver tray and a smile.  Dinner had been AMAZING. Jc had arranged a private dining at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Los Angeles. Not usually his speed, but he seemed to be going big tonight, including a $130 bottle of a delicious, seasonal Barbera red wine. 

Hannah grinned, stuffed from the caviar, oysters, and truffled pasta carbonara she had just enjoyed. 

“What did you do? “ she smirked at him. 

He shrugged, his eyes playful “Spoiling you a little, Hannah…”

The waiter laid down the tray to reveal a perfectly presented chocolate souffle with creme fraiche and vanilla gelato. On the plate, in perfect script, was written “Happy Birthday, Annie <3” 

As she grabbed a spoon, another waiter came along with a chilled bucket containing a bottle of Dom Perignon. Hannah’s eyes went wide. 

“Are you wining and dining me, Jace…” she teased.

He bit his lip “Obviously…” He reached out to grab her hand, rubbing it with his thumb “Happy Birthday, Mama…”

Hannah’s heart was thumping in her chest. Was it in the dessert? That would be SO cheesy, but she had to admit this moment felt like she was in a movie. She dug a spoon into the souffle, trying to be subtle about pushing around for anything hidden in it. 

“...Something wrong?” JC was looking at her concerned. 

“What? Oh uh...No..” Hannah answered, taking a quick bite, rolling the chocolate around in her mouth just in case. The flavor immediately distracted her. 

“OHMYGODJACE…” she mumbled, eyes rolling back a bit. 

JC laughed, his eyes crinkling “Damn, that good? Do I have to be jealous of cake?”

Hannah covered her mouth, laughing. She held out a bite and he slowly took it, pulling away slowly with his lips.

“MMMMYEAHOK” he mumbled back. “If you need to be alone with that I totally understand,” he joked. 

Hannah grinned at him, studying his face. He was looking at her with the excitement of a child. She all but expected a puffed out chest. He was thoroughly enjoying pampering her and watching her enjoy every bite and every sip. He heart softened as she sighed.

“This is all incredible, Jace. Thank you.” 

His lips twitched into a smile. “Well...I’ve uh...I’ve never been with anyone like you, Hannah. I’ve never been this happy. God...that’s cheesy…” he shook his head.

Hannah giggled “Me too, Jace. You caught me. I can’t help it.”

JC nodded, pouring them both a glass of champagne. Holding up his glass, he toasted.

“No more broken hearts club?”

Hannah smirked “Something like that.”

They clinked glasses and Hannah held her breath...for a moment that never came. 

Arriving back at his house, JC kissed her deeply as they entered the bedroom. Hands to her waist, she stopped his roaming. 

“Mmm….Can we...You overfed me. Call it a night?” she smiled up at him.

JC pulled away slightly, a little confused. ‘Uh..Yeah...Yeah ok.”

She kissed him quickly before staring at him “Tonight was perfect. I’ll be here in the morning…” she smirked at him.

He grinned as he kissed her back quickly “Ok. Sweet dreams, birthday girl.”

Making themselves more comfortable, they peeled off their evening wear, cuddling up under the covers. Waiting for JC to fall asleep, Hannah let silent tears fall as she drifted off.

*****

JC rejoined Hannah on the dance floor, wrapping his arms over her shoulders as he handed her another cocktail. Lips to her neck, he waited for her to grab her drink before letting his hand fall to her hip. Hannah giggled as she turned to face him. 

“You’re cut off…” she teased.

He silenced her with a kiss before replying, a grin across his face “Ok...Wanna get out of here, then?”

Hannah giggled “Down, boy...Gotta make it to midnight…”

JC fake pouted. “FINE…”

Hannah laughed at him, moving to the music. Another Eric party wasn’t her ideal way to ring in the New Year, but he hadn’t left her side, and she was looking forward to catching up with Jade, who had been crazy busy since her show had been picked up for yet another season. Her dream had come true, and she was a star. Morning talk shows,magazines, and Emmy awards: Jade was part of it all now. It was well deserved and Hannah was thrilled for her, but she missed her best friend. They texted and made time for phone calls, but this would be the first time she had actually seen her in three months. JC casually grooved along with her before a voice caught their attention. 

“HANNAHHH!!” a female voice called, both of them snapping their heads in its direction. 

“OH MY GOD!” Hannah kind of squealed, causing JC to laugh as he trailed behind her.

Hannah made her way over to Jade, crushing her in a hug. “Ahhhh I misssss youuu…” Jade purred. 

She pulled Hannah over to an empty table and turned to JC as Hannah sat. 

“Hey you! Damn...Clean cut and everything huh? Nice work, girl…” she glanced at Hannah as she hugged JC.

JC chuckled as her hugged her back “Nice to see you too, Jade. Ya know...Not on a tv, I mean…”

Jade giggled as JC joined Hannah at the table. 

Hannah smiled. “SO, Long lost best friend...Catch me up! Obviously the show is..AMAZING, but what else? How’s Aaron? That going well?”

“OKAY. Sooooo…” Jade shimmied a little as she teased her next statement. “I actually wanted to tell you in person…” She held out her left hand, a round-cut diamond immediately catching the overhead lighting. Her face was stuck in a wide grin. 

Hannah felt her chest tighten, forcing herself to speak “OH MY GOD,” she shouted, grabbing her friend’s hand. “JADE..Wow...wow...Congratulations! When did this happen?” she forced the smile onto her face. 

Jade beamed “Christmas Eve. With his family. Can you believe it?!”

“I...This is amazing!” Hannah managed. “I’m so happy for you, girl!”

“Nice little rock, too…’ JC observed. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you…” Jade gestured. 

Hannah looked to JC, swallowing as she took a sip of her drink.

“SO...Obviously...Hannah...I want you to be my maid of honor...Please?”

Hannah smiled softly “Um...Yes! Of course. I’d be honored.”

“We haven’t set a date yet, though. Hell, you two will probably get there before we do,” she teased. 

Hannah’s eyes went wide, staring at her friend in warning. She had mentioned the ring to Jade on their last phone call, but Thanksgiving and Christmas had gone by without incident. Jade caught her meaning and caught herself in a breath. 

“I mean...You know how long I take to plan things sometimes…” She rolled her eyes in a cover-up.

Hannah laughed, forced, but apparently enough to convince JC “Sometime before we’re 40, please?” she joked. 

“Oh shut up!” Jade laughed. 

They caught up for a few more minutes, the rest of the conversation being far less awkward, but truthfully, Hannah felt the room closing in on her. She was genuinely happy for her friend, and Aaron was a great guy, but they had only been dating for 8 months. 8 months. Yet he had had time to make up his mind, buy a ring, and actually proposed. 

Jade excused herself to make the rounds, and Hannah took a breath. 

“I um...I need to use the restroom,” she smiled weakly at JC, getting up in a hurry to head toward the hall. She gulped in the new air as she closed her eyes

Opening them and sensing someone else near her, she turned to find JC standing there. 

“Annie?” he questioned, a look of concern on his face. “Are you ok?”

“You followed me?”

JC nodded. “I think I know by now when you’re upset. What’s wrong/” he asked as he stepped closer to her. 

Hannah sighed. “Nothing, Jace...It’s nothing.”

“It’s definitely something, Hannah...You don’t like Aaron?”

“No I...Aaron is great. They’ll be ...really happy. Jade deserves to be happy.”

“...Then what is it?”

Hannah felt her eyes start to sting. “They’ve been dating for less than a year…”

JC studied her “I mean, yeah...I guess that’s kind of quick.”

Hannah nodded “Yeah…” she looked down as realization hit JC.

“Shit...Annie…” he started.

“I found the ring, JC…” she looked back up at him, the words leaving her mouth before she could stop them. 

His eyes went wide “What?”

“In your sock drawer...Not the best hiding place.”

JC sighed “Hannah…”

“Um...Is it for...Did you buy it because...Is there someone else?” She felt herself going dizzy as she forced herself to ask.

“Annie...What kind of question is that? Of course I bought it for you.”

Hannah took deep breaths, her eyes getting watery. “...In 2010…”

JC looked down, his voice just above a whisper. ‘Yeah…”

“That’s...over a year ago...almost 2…”

“Yeah…” he breathed. 

“Did you...change your mind?”

“No,” his jaw was tight, eyes full of emotion “No, I just...Hannah we have a good thing going…”

“Three years...three years, Jace...You’re still not sure?”

His voice was shaky “I’m sure...I just...Hannah this isn’t an easy thing…”

Hannah nodded, a tear already having fallen. Wiping it away, she steadied herself “You’re not ready…”

JC sighed “No…Are you?”

Hannah swallowed back more tears, ready to give in. “I...didn’t think so...but when I saw that box…” she shook her head “Jace you made me think about it...a lot.”

JC opened his mouth to speak, feeling a bit numb as he could only wrap her in his arms. Hannah buried her head in his chest, letting herself cry for a moment. 

“Annie I’m not going anywhere. Nothing has to change.” he spoke, kissing the top of her head.

She sighed against him, pushing back in his arms “Except it already has…”

“I’ll get there, Hannah...I will…”

She shook her head. “I can’t…”

“Annie...don’t…” his breathing was thick as his eyes shifted, searching her face for relief. 

“I’m sorry…” she whispered, letting her eyes spill over. 

JC’s face twisted, instinctively moving to wipe the tears from her eyes as he fought his own. Holding her tightly to him, he closed his eyes, saying nothing. Catching their attention at the same time, they opened their eyes as they heard muffled voices; noisemakers. 

“...5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!” 

The cheers from the ballroom pierced the moment, both of them feeling like they had been punched in the chest. 

“We made it to midnight,” JC whispered, his eyes sad. 

 

Hannah nodded, her eyes amber and wet. Reaching her hand up to his face, she sighed softly, a confirmation, as she stretched up to his lips. He caught her hand in his, leaning down. Their lips met each other softly, slowly before they both pulled back, foreheads against each other. Holding each other silently, they enjoyed one last moment

The first month of 2012 had gone nothing like either Hannah or JC had planned. In fact, it had barely “gone” for either of them at all.

JC had tried to keep busy with his music, but nothing real had come of it. Hannah had been distracting herself at work. Having logged so much overtime that her boss had forced her to take a couple days off, her mind had wandered to new opportunity, and she found herself reaching out to contacts from her past life. 

They had avoided each other; avoided reality, but they couldn’t anymore. JC couldn’t stand the reminders of her, and she needed her stuff back.

“...Well...that’s the last of it,” She sighed, closing the back door of the small van she had rented.

JC stared at it. 3 years. 3 years worth of stuff. Her stuff. From HIS house. Why hadn’t he ever asked her to actually move in? She had a key. It felt like she had lived there, especially now that she was leaving. He swallowed the lump in his throat and felt it sit on his chest.

“Uh...I can drive you back...if you want.”

Hannah smiled softly. “Thank you, but I’m fine. I just wanna get things sorted.”

JC nodded “Yeah...Yeah that makes sense...Get the stuff back in your own space…Guess more room now with Jade not there anymore.”

Hannah leaned against the van, looking down “Yeah...Um…” She looked up at him “Jace I’m ...I’m moving…”

The lump in his chest moved back to his throat. “...What…?”

“I uh...There was an opening ...in San Diego...as a writer...I figured now might be a good time to-”

“Right... Right. Annie, that’s...Congratulations,” he resigned himself. 

“Thank you…” she replied.

Walking toward him, she held out her copy of the house keys.

Taking them, his hand lingered on hers. “I uh...Hannah ...I’m sorry.”

She nodded, a sad smile finding the corners of her mouth “Yeah...Me too, JC…me too,” she sighed.

He leaned in, gently, placing his lips on hers. Pushing against him, her resolve gave out briefly, as she leaned into a kiss. Their tongues briefly found each other before they both pulled back, an unspoken agreement. 

“Take care of yourself, Jace…” she managed as she pulled her hand back and took a step toward the van.

“You, too, Annie…” 

Climbing into the van, she started the engine as he met her at its side, tapping the top of it for good luck before she left. 

“Bye, Jace…”

“Goodbye Hannah…”

Hannah started down the road, her resolve slipping as she looked back just once in the rearview to see him standing there, hands in pockets, watching her drive away. He was squinting in the sun, expression unclear.

Making it 20 minutes down the 405 highway, she felt her chest tighten, making note of an off-ramp to a rest area. Turning off, she made it into the parking area  before quickly turning off the engine and slumping forward on her steering wheel. 

Window up so no one could hear her, she let go. She couldn’t remember the last time she had cried like this. It was built up frustration, total defeat. She was tired of things ending like this. Only this time, she had convinced herself it was different. Should she have waited? Would things have ever changed? 

***

Justin carefully made his way into a house that wasn’t his. Slamming the door shut, he managed to get JC to the couch, tossing him onto it. Their quiet night out had turned anything but. Jc had more pent up steam to let out than either of them had realized.

“WHOA.” JC exclaimed, landing hard on a cushion. 

“Dude. You good? C...What the fuck?”

“Leave me alone…” he waved sloppy arms at Justin. 

Justin sighed. “Mannn...I’m getting you water...STAY there…”

JC fell onto his side, half awake. Minutes later, Justin returned with a bottle of water, pulling JC back upright. 

“Hey...HEY...You need to drink this…” he slapped his face lightly to get his attention. 

JC shook his head “No...Bed...Fuck…”

Justin sighed, sitting next to him “Listen...I get it...But you’re gonna feel like shit tomorrow, dude.”

“I feel like shit NOW...It’s SHIT…”

“C...I know you miss her...but you can’t do this…”

JC waved him off again “Ahhh! Shhhh ...I fucked up, J...I FUCKED UP…”

Dude...We can talk about it tomorrow. WATER” he handed him the bottle of water. 

Setting the water on the table, JC stared at him “Call Hannah…”

“What?”

“Hannah she...Hannah will come...for water..and food. I’m hungry.”

Justin winced. “C...Hannah’s not...Um...She’s busy.”

JC nodded “Go get her.”

Sighing, Justin looked at him. “I’m ordering pizza, ok?”

JC fell back onto a cushion, eyes closing “Ok….”

******

Hannah made her way through the office, excited but a little overwhelmed at all the new people she had met in her first week at her new job. Her new place was still a mess, boxes unpacked and furniture waiting to be delivered. She had jumped headfirst into a new life, and so far it was going well. 

Wanting to get to know her assistant editor a little more, she was trying to remember where she said she sat. Having been an editor herself, she knew they would be working very closely together, and she wanted it to be a good working relationship. 

Smiling as she found where she was going, she walked over. 

“Kaycie?” she greeted her. 

“Oh hi! Hannah...How are you settling in?” the slightly younger woman smiled back at her.

“It’s been good! Everyone’s been really nice.”

Kaycie smiled “Good! Yeah, we are kind of like a family here...So what’s up?”

“Well, I wanted to check on the benefit layout. I know I just got here but that deadline is coming up soon. “ She smirked a little “Also, I thought maybe we could grab lunch? Break the ice a little?”

Kaycie nodded “Wrapping up the benefit layout today. I can have it to you by….3? “ she thought before answering “And lunch sounds great! Have you been to The Local yet?”

Hannah smiled “Can’t say I have…”

“Their menu is insane...They have everything. 1 o’clock?””

“Perfect!” Hannah answered. It was then she noticed a laminated 8x10 on one of Kaycie’s cabinets. 

“Oh...Uh...Nice picture…” Hannah focused on it.

Kaycie followed her eyes and beamed “Oh my God...Are you an *NSync fan??”

“Uh, Kinda I mean-”

“Which one is your favorite??” Kaycie was grinning. 

Great. 

“Oh uh...I just appreciate the group, ya know?” Hannah managed. “Nostalgia and all that…”

Kaycie nodded “I’m TOTALLY a JC girl...since I was like...13” she giggled. 

“He’s pretty cute…” Hannah tried to be polite, feeling like she couldn’t breathe on the inside.

“UGH. So hott. Anyway...Wanna meet downstairs at 1?”

“What?” Hannah shook herself out of her head.

“For lunch...Wanna meet in the lobby?” Kaycie replied.

“Oh! Yes...Yeah that works. “

“Great! See you then,” Kaycie smiled.

This...was going to be interesting. Of all the places she needed reminders, this was not one of them.

**

Hannah took a sip of her iced tea as Kaycie finished telling her a little more about her career goals. She was driven, REALLY driven, and from what Hannah could tell, one of the most positive people she had ever met. Could be exactly what she needed as she started her new journey.

“So, I figure, why not stay close to home until I save a little money, ya know?” Kaycie finished.

“That makes perfect sense...Probably what I should have done,” Hannah chuckled a little. 

“No! Everyone is different...Plus, LA? That’s like...the dream around here. It intimidates me a little.”

Hannah smiled “It’s not as scary as it seems, not if you don’t want it to be…”

“So I have to ask...Why did you leave?” Kaycie asked carefully. 

Hannah sighed “Well..Life is funny. The opportunity is here. Besides, a change of pace is nice sometimes.”

Kaycie nodded “Well, the guys are nicer here...I can tell you that,” she laughed. “From what I’ve seen, anyway…”

Hannah almost choked on her food. “Eh. I’m not really paying attention to that. Happily single.”

“Yeah?” Kaycie asked “You need to teach me your ways. I’m so sick of dating,” she laughed.

“So..don’t..” Hannah shrugged. 

Kaycie giggled a little “I know, I know...Serial monogamist, though. I’m terrible. Since high school. I need a break.”

Hannah smirked “BELIEVE ME, so do I…”

Both women laughed. Hannah felt herself relax. She was starting to really like how laid back everyone was here.

**

A month later, Hannah had really worked herself into a groove at the office. Her and Kaycie worked really well together, and it was fun getting to know a whole new set of people. Her apartment was mostly unpacked, and she had made time to check out a little of the San Diego nightlife and restaurant scene. She was calling it research, since her main assignment was the “Around Town” section of the newspaper. 

10 am, and she was mid restaurant write-up when Kaycie came bounding up to her desk.

“Oh my God, Hannah…”

“Um. Good morning…” Hannah chuckled “What’s up?”

“Did you see what JC did??”

Hannah’s heart sunk into her stomach at the mention of his name. 

“Um...No?”

“Check your email...I sent you the link. He saved a baby on the beach! UGH..Can you imagine?” she swooned a little. 

“What?” Hannah looked to her email, confused. Clicking the link she found, she stared wide eyed at the article.

“Miami?? What’s he doing in Miami?” Hannah wondered aloud.

“I don’t know,” Kaycie smiled, encouraged “BUT there are a lot of studios out there...YOU DON’T THINK?”

“Oh um...Probably not. Maybe just a vacation or something.” 

Hannah’s mind was racing. It wasn’t like him to just up and have a getaway for no reason. He was such a homebody. 

“Maybe. He WAS with a girl, apparently…” Kaycie pointed out.

“What?” Hannah looked to her. 

“Yeah..See...Says right there...the family was talking to him and the woman he was with.”

“Oh...Yeah well...He has a reputation…” she tried to keep her voice even, her heart sinking deeper and deeper into her body. 

Kaycie laughed “If I looked like that, I would too...OMG Did you see him on Trevor Live last year?”

Hannah smiled softly, pausing before answering. One of the last events she had gone to with him. She had been SO proud of him and he had looked and sounded incredible that night. She got lost in the memory for a brief moment, remembering a happier time.

“Um. No. What’s that?” she bluffed. “Is that the one for LGBTQ youth?”

Kaycie smiled “Yep! They do a benefit every year. He sang ‘True Colors’ He is so amazing. I seriously wish he would perform more.”

Hannah smirked back at her “And you’ve never met him?”

Kaycie blushed “Once… like 3 years ago outside America’s Best Dance Crew when he was judging. We had standby tickets for a taping but didn’t get in.”

Hannah looked down, hiding her amusement. “Oh...Was he nice?”

“SO nice...Ok...I’m on deadline...Talk later?” she snapped back to focus.

Hannah grinned at her “Yeah...Talk to you later, Kaycie...I mean Ms. Chasez…” she teased.

“Oh my God, STOP…” Kaycie laughed. 

Hannah exhaled once she turned her back to walk away. Against her better judgement, she glanced to check for prying eyes, pulled her headphones over her ears, and searched YouTube. 

“JC Chasez (NSYNC) performs ‘True Colors’ at Trevor Live”

Clicking on the video, her lips tugged into a smile as she focused on the screen. As beautiful as she remembered. She felt herself melt a little, eyes soft. He hit an extended run at the end, and her eyes glazed over a bit.

“Damn it, Hannah…” she whispered to herself “Get back to work…”

** 

JC sat looking at the Ocean, his balcony table bathed in the harsh Miami morning sun. Lazily sipping his coffee, he wasn’t thinking about anything. His red shoulders reflected all the time he had spent zoning out. 

Getting nothing done at home, his 4 brothers had convinced him a little vacation might be a good way to cheer himself up and release some stress. So far, all he had managed to accomplish was drinking a little too much, getting sunburnt, and meeting women who could not keep his interest.

Still, time away had felt kind of good. Maybe that was the point. Not doing anything. No responsibility. No reminders of deadlines and self-imposed standards. No reminders of her. Her. 

He looked down to the paper that had been delivered to his room, wishing it was a different one. He sighed, silently scolding himself. 

This wasn’t LA. They weren’t going to have any San Diego papers. He shouldn’t even be READING any San Diego papers. It had become a new morning ritual, though. 

Coffee and the San Diego Union Tribune. A smile finding him whenever he saw her name. He had built an impressive mental list of events and restaurants to check out if he was ever in town. All on her recommendation. She really was a fantastic writer. Writer. No longer editor. He wished he could actually congratulate her. Take her out to celebrate. 

Glancing back through the clear sliding door to his room, he stared at the empty bed. Wrinkled sheets. On one side.

Would she have liked it here? He should know this. Three years. What had he missed in three years? He should have paid more attention. Always caught between casual and the next step. 

With anyone else, the other side of that bed would be wrinkled in this moment, maybe even occupied. 

Not after her, though. He didn’t need it to be. He didn’t want it to be.

Pushing the paper aside, he picked up his phone, mindlessly scrolling Twitter, until he stopped. 

Oops. He was still following her. Sunglasses on, she smiled against a short seawall, waffle cone in one hand, glistening water and a stilted wooden building behind her. In the distance, a ship accented the horizon. 

“I think I like it here…” she had captioned. 

He smiled as he found himself clicking onto her profile. A picture of boxes in an empty apartment. 

“Help…” the caption read.

And under that, there it was. The last picture they had ever taken together. And it wasn’t even their faces. Two hands holding two glasses, toasting.

“Let’s Go, 2012! <3”

JC let out a breath as he took in the image. Closing his eyes to take a breath, he navigated back to his own profile. Turning his phone around carefully, he positioned himself against the balcony wall, snapping a quick shot. 

“Sun time is Fun Time!” He typed the caption.

 

Was she still following him, too?

JUNE 2012

JC pulled into his driveway, feeling good after a great session with Jimmy. Creatively, he was feeling inspired again. He planned to ride the wave as long as he could. 

Making his way to check his mail, he grabbed a couple envelopes and made his way into the house. Grabbing a beer out of the fridge, he fell back onto his couch, and looked down at an envelope. A thank you from an event he had recently attended. Reading the card quickly, he moved to the next envelope. 

He pulled out a cream colored card with gold script and detailing embossed onto the page. 

“You are cordially invited to the wedding of Justin Randall Timberlake…”

JC sighed as he looked at the date. He had known it would be in October, but the date must have slipped his mind. Weddings seemed to be happening all around him. He had heard about Jade’s engagement periodically from both his circle and the press. His brother Tyler was getting married. In fact, the date on the card in front of him looked very familiar to him. Moving back to the fridge to check the invitation he had posted on the door, he bit his lip as he compared it to the new one.

“Damn it.”

Sliding his phone out of his pocket as he moved back to the couch, he hit the contact he was looking for.

“Hey C, what’s up?” Justin picked up

“Hey man...Just got the invite...It’s really happening, huh?”

There was a chuckle on the other end. “Yeah, man. Crazy, right?”

“All grown up, dude...Listen I uh...I didn’t just wanna send the card back or whatever...Not gonna be able to make it…”

“What? Why?!”

“That’s the same day Tyler’s getting married.”

“Oh shit, really? Damn...Well...It’s ok..That’s your brother, man…”

“We’ll have to get together to celebrate. I owe you one.”

“Nah. I get it. You’re good. We’ll definitely get together, though..”

“Cool.”

“C?”

“Yeah?”

“You doing ok, otherwise?”

“Yeah I’m good...Why?”

“Well..No one’s really heard from you since...I mean you went kinda quiet in the group chat…”

“Just been busy, J...I’m fine.”

“You sure, man...I mean that night we went out.”

JC sighed “J...Can you drop it? I’m over it. Just been in the studio a lot. Just got back from there, actually.”

“Yeah? Any good stuff?”

“I think so. Don’t know if anyone else will. Don’t even know what I’m doing with it yet, to be honest.”

Justin was smiling on the other end of the phone “Sounds about right. You’ll figure it out. Glad you’re working on stuff again, man.”

“Yeah thanks. It feels good.”

“Alright..I gotta go. Hit me up soon...and get back in the chat. We miss you.”

JC chuckled “No you don’t...But alright...talk to you soon, J…”

JC shook his head as he looked down at his phone. Another one bites the dust. He hadn’t ever figured the 12 year old kid who felt like a little brother would be getting married before he did. Then again, he hadn’t ever figured he’d ever think about marriage. The older he got the more he was happy with his life as it was. At least he thought he was. 

He hadn’t been sure why he had bought that ring. He remembered the day well. He was thinking about her. She had just left his house, and it occurred to him that his day always got a little more boring every time she headed off for work or couldn’t hang out on a weekend. Call it a whim, he was smitten.

By the time he got it home, though, his nerves had gotten the better of him. Realizing he had no plan, he hadn’t considered if she would even want to get married. It’s not something she had ever talked about. They had never even hinted at forever. Their relationship had just, evolved. They were together. Everyone knew they were together. That had been enough. Hadn’t it? 

He had become so comfortable with her, and her with him. 

Glancing around his living room, he noted how quiet it was. At one point in his life, that quiet had been his sanctuary. A moment to clear his mind. A space to just be himself, with no rules.

Lately, though, there was an emptiness. Most days, he didn’t even see half the place, and when he came home from a working session, it was just him and his thoughts. 

Sighing to himself, he grabbed his beer and headed to the balcony. The view of Los Angeles from his own space was his favorite part of his home, and it never disappointed.

****

Hannah sat in a buttery soft blush chair, feeling very much like she was on the inside of a fancy bakery cake. The room was draped in soft florals, ivories, and blush furniture as far as the eye could see. So very LA, but so very mood.

She was in town to fulfill her duties as maid of honor, a role she was finally starting to settle into. Jade had been a great bride so far. No meltdowns or demanding requests. She was enjoying the ride, and Hannah had to admit she was having fun helping her plan. 

Still, being back in LA had brought up memories and feelings she hadn’t quite planned for. Being in a bridal salon, gorgeous dresses and cases of wedding jewelry, seemed a bit of a sting, even for someone who had never thought much commitment, much less  about marriage- before him. She had worked so hard to sort through her feelings. The joy she felt when she thought about him proposing. The empty disappointment she felt when he didn’t. The fear and embarrassment of realizing how badly she had wanted it. The healing she had been able to create for herself so far, and the new life she was loving every minute of.

She was thriving in San Diego. At the top of her career so far, coworkers who had become friends, and all the beach time she could stand. Having Jade around again felt like home, though, and she had promised herself she would enjoy the weekend and make it all about her special day. 

“Is this too much boob, though?” Jade squinted at herself in the mirror, squeezing the upper part of a fitted mermaid dress. 

Hannah laughed “Well when you do THAT, it is…”  

Next to her, Jade’s mom, Linda, rolled her eyes and laughed along.

“Lucky girl, these all look great on you!” the sales assistant beamed.

Hannah smirked “She’s obnoxiously gorgeous, isn’t she?”

Jade stuck her tongue out at her best friend “Coming from THIS hottie over here…”

“Are you ready for the Marchesa,” the sales assistant’s eyes lit up.

Jade looked to Hannah “I don’t know...It’s so gorgeous, I just…” she looked down. 

“Jade...You’ve been looking at that dress for months…”

Jade nodded “I know it’s just...so much money.”

“Honey...You have to let yourself celebrate more…” Linda beamed at her. 

Hannah smiled softly. Neither of them had grown up rich. Their families had worked for everything they had, and a Marchesa wedding dress was something neither of them had ever considered being able to afford. Aaron had offered to buy the dress. Neither one of them wanted their families to spend a dime on their wedding. Being the woman she was, Jade had insisted on footing at least some of the bill, also. 

“Jade,” Hannah stood up to grab her friend’s hand “You deserve this. You did it. YOU made your dreams come true...and now you get to marry the man of your dreams. SO...Take a deep breath, and try on the damn dress!”

Jade giggled. “OK….” She beamed, nodding at the sales assistant.

Hannah helped as Jade stepped into the silk mermaid sweetheart gown, the sheer silver branch embroidery sliding perfectly over her arms and down to the middle bodice. Closing her eyes, Jade waited for a veil to accent the look before she considered the dress. Back to the mirror, she opened her eyes and stared at her mom and Hannah for reaction. 

“Oh...Honey…” Linda had tears in her eyes, hand over her heart.

Jade’s eyes shifted to Hannah, whose jaw was dropped, a dreamy look on her face. “Jade...Oh my God…”

Jade’s eyes went wide. “HANNAH...I SWEAR IF YOU CRY…”

“I don’t cry…” Hannah’s voice squeaked, hand over her mouth from doing exactly that. 

“Turn around, Jade...Look at yourself,” her mom breathed.

Jade turned to face the mirror, her own face contorting as she saw her reflection. “This...This is it..” she nodded emotionally. “Ohhh...wow…” 

Hannah beamed as Jade floated on air leaving the salon. 

“Should we get some dinner?” she turned first to her mom, then to Hannah. 

Outside in fresh air, the emotional impact of the day hit Hannah harder than she had realized. 

“Ya know what? Have you two had any time alone?” Hannah asked Jade and Linda.

Linda smiled appreciatively, while maintaining her motherly concern “Oh, honey I’m here for a week, don’t you worry about me…”

Jade smiled “Yeah  Han, come on! We gotta celebrate!”

Hannah giggled “Tell you what...Let’s do dinner tomorrow...after the meeting with the planner. I’m beat...Got some work stuff to look over, anyway”

“Hannah! You are on vacation!” Jade protested.

Hannah smiled “Soorrrt of. Had to sweet talk my boss into letting me take Thursday off.” she embellished.

Jade pouted. “Fine! But tomorrow...I’ll tie you down if I have to.” 

“You won’t have to...Looking forward to it. You two go enjoy!”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, sweetie..”Linda embraced Hannah in a hug.

Hannah sighed to herself. She needed time alone with her thoughts. She didn’t want to be cooped up in her hotel on the nice California night, though. Feeling a bit of a growl in her stomach, she decided to grab a bite to eat. But where?

Her mind landed on a familiar haunt. Some of the best food she had ever eaten in her life, though she had never been sure if it was the food itself or the comfort of it. 

It was “their” place. A habit. They could enjoy their time there, uninterrupted. It was one of the few places in town he was “just a guy.” One of the few places they didn’t have to dodge cameras. One of the few places that got him out of the house. 

She bit her lip as she considered it. It was probably a bad idea; self torture. Still, she missed that feeling. A little nostalgia was healthy, wasn’t it? It’s not like they had ended on bad terms. 

 

She sighed as she climbed into her car, already knowing the way. 

Pushing open the heavy wooden door, the smell that wafted into Hannah’s nose immediately comforted her as she closed her eyes briefly. Pausing before she approached the hostess stand, his eyes flashed into her brain. 

 

 

 

“Hannah?!” a familiar voice greeted her. 

 

Hannah grinned, meeting the smile in her direction.

 

“Toni! Hi!”

 

“Wow...Long time..Where ya been?”

 

Hannah blushed “Uh. San Diego. I’m writing out there now.”

 

“Writing? Oh wow you did it, honey!” The petite, older blonde beamed, looking just behind her “You alone tonight?”

 

Hannah’s heart jolted in her chest. “Um, yeah...Just me.” She thought it best to keep her answer short. She didn’t feel like making this weekend more awkward than it needed to be. 

 

Toni studied her, deciding to leave it alone. “Alright. Follow me. Got a new girl on tonight, but I trained her, so you’ll be fine.” she winked at Hannah. 

 

“Fine by me,” Hannah smiled. “As long as you have that cabernet…”

 

“A few cases since you haven’t been here to drink it all…” Toni teased as she set a menu down.

 

“Gina will be right over, love..I’ll get you a glass in the meantime.

 

Hannah laughed. “Thanks, Toni...Good to see you again.”

 

**

 

JC blinked as he stared at the same notes for about the tenth time. The page had gone blurry and he wasn’t even sure he could read his own handwriting anymore. He had the entire melody and hook of this song written in his head, but getting it down on paper to make a decent track was proving to be a much bigger challenge. 

 

Rubbing the bridge of his nose and yawning, he decided to call it a wrap on the day. He couldn’t remember the last thing he had eaten. Maybe some food would help clear his mind. 

 

Scanning his kitchen mentally, he realized his options were nonexistent. 

 

“Shit…” he muttered to himself. He had been so focused over the last week that he had forgotten to consider groceries.

 

Looking down, he also realized he had been wearing the same clothes for two days. Maybe he needed some fresh air for once.

 

Making a face at himself, he made his way to the master bathroom. Peeling off his dirty clothes, he climbed into the shower, the hot water immediately soothing his stiff muscles. Leaning into the cascade, he turned and ran a hand through his hair as he let it run over his head and down his shoulders. He already felt so much more relaxed. Letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in, he took his time to enjoy the shower and washing off the last two days - the last few weeks, really.

 

He had found his groove musically again, but truthfully it had been off and on for months.

 

Wrapping a towel around his waist, he dried off and stepped out of the shower into a now steamy bathroom. He cleared his view in the mirror, staring at the scruffy face in front of him. 

 

Grabbing the side of his chin, he turned to the side. It was almost a beard. He contemplated leaving it like that. No one to impress, right? One last look at himself, he reluctantly pulled out his shaving supplies and cleaned himself up. There was never any telling who would see him once he left his house, and he wasn’t in the mood to deal with bad paparazzi pictures. 

 

He managed to get himself dressed- a simple button down and jeans, and took a breath as he walked down the drive to his jeep. Before he realized it, he found himself pulling into a tiny valet lot, one he had been to many times before. He paused as he walked to the entrance.

 

What was he doing here? His brain had made a quick decision after deciding he needed to eat. 

 

He didn’t even remember considering anywhere else. Still, this might not have been the smartest move. 

 

Swallowing his nerves as he pushed open the door, the familiar bustle and low lighting welcomed him immediately. A lazy and soft smile found the corners of his mouth as Hannah crossed his mind. 

 

“Well look what the cat dragged in!” Toni chirped as she walked back to the hostess stand. 

 

“Hey Toni,” JC grinned by way of greeting. 

 

“Hey handsome!” she squeezed his arm. “Gotta make sure its really you…”

 

JC chuckled “Been busy…”

 

“Uh huh...Hiding in that studio, no doubt…” she smiled.

 

JC bit his lip “Something like that…”

 

Toni smiled. “Table for ...one?” she asked carefully.

 

JC nodded “Flying solo tonight.”

 

Toni’s eyes were dancing. She wasn’t quite sure what was going on, or why he had arrived separately, but it was none of her business. Still, she was definitely intrigued and would definitely be enjoying whatever decided to happen.

 

“Right this way, hun. New girl tonight...She’ll take good care of you, though. Merlot or Cabernet tonight?”

 

JC smiled “You’re the best. I’ll do the merlot. Thanks, Toni…”

 

“You got it, kid…”

 

She walked him carefully to a back table, glancing around the room as they made their way.

 

Out of the corner of her eye, she looked over Hannah, her head buried in the menu.

 

Smiling to herself, she winked at JC as she set his menu down. “Gina will be right over.”

 

**

 

Jc sighed as he lifted his wine glass to his mouth. He had been here one other time alone in the last 6 months, and this time felt no less weird. He was hungry, though, and this place was a little off the grid. He could relax here.

 

Casually glancing around the room, he thought he was losing it. Was that her?

 

It couldn't be. Why would she be here? In LA...in this restaurant?

 

"You need more sleep, dude..." he whispered to himself.

 

Lifting her eyes to Toni, who had just walked over to her, she smiled as they talked, and JC's eyes widened. Definitely her. He knew that smile. 

 

Should he go say hi? 

 

"Can I get you something to start?" Gina’s voice broke his focus.

 

"Uhh...I need a few more minutes..." he began.

 

"No problem. I'll be back." She smiled. 

 

"Actually, uh...Can you...Send a whiskey ginger to...that table over there."

 

The waitress looked in the direction he was pointing and smiled. "Brown hair...purple top?" 

 

Jc nodded "Yeah..."

 

He was met with a sly smile. "Sure thing..."

 

**

 

Gina made her way over to Hannah, fresh drink in hand, and smiled as she set it in front of her and cleared her throat “Um. Here ya go…”

 

“Oh...I didn’t order this…” Hannah politely corrected the waitress. 

 

“Oh, um...Gentleman a few tables over sent it.” She was about two shades redder than Hannah remembered her being when she had arrived. As she gestured toward the table, Hannah understood why. Shy smile on his face, he gave her a half wave.

 

Hannah smirked, turning back to Gina “Is it a whiskey ginger?”

 

The waitress nodded. “Yep. Top shelf,” she winked. 

 

“Thank you…” she smiled. 

 

“If you want to move tables, um, it’s not a problem,” the waitress suggested.

 

“Oh, um...No that’s fine I...I’ll go say hi in a second.”

 

She turned back to where JC was sitting “Are you sure? Cuz…”

 

Hannah blushed, chuckling a little before taking a long sip of the drink. She looked over, and JC was still looking back. “Um. Sure. Yeah...I’ll...just head over…”

 

Gina nodded, clearly delighted. “I’ll let the kitchen know and have a place setting sent over.”

 

Hannah made her way over to him, drink in one hand and bag in the other, sighing as she sat.

 

“Hi…”

 

He smiled at her “Hi…”

 

Hannah held up her drink “Thank you…”

 

JC nodded. “You’re welcome.”

 

She studied him, his expression cautious. “Are you alone or…?”

 

He smirked “Yeah...Took the night off…”

 

“Jace…”

 

“Sorry.” he cleared his throat,  “What are you doing in LA, Annie…?”

 

Hannah smiled, looking down “Uh...Wedding planning with Jade...She said Yes to the Dress…” she spoke in a cheesy tone.

 

JC offered a half smile “Ah. How was that?”

 

Hannah chuckled slightly “It was fine. She’s really very calm about the whole thing, surprisingly…”

 

JC nodded “They doing the whole big...party or whatever?”

 

“Uh...Yeah...Um...Can we actually not talk about-” Hannah answered.

 

“Oh! Uh. Yeah..Of course. Sorry…” JC looked down. 

 

Hannah softened a little as the color drained from his face. “It’s ok...”

 

There was an awkward silence as JC smiled back at her and  bit his lip “Is it ok to say you look good, Hannah?”

 

Hannah laughed a little “Sure…”

 

JC took a breath “Have you ordered yet...Can’t decide what I want.”

 

Hannah smiled “Besides the calamari?”

 

He grinned at her “Yeah...Well...Of course…”

 

Hannah pulled her menu up, studying the specials page as she spoke “You’re gonna get the chicken…”

 

JC smiled. “How do you know?”

 

She smirked “...You always get the chicken.  Every time. You act like you’re not...then you do.”

 

He stared at her, eyes amused and daring “Ya know what? I’m getting steak…” He closed his menu, tossing it gently back down onto the table.

 

A giggle escaped Hannah “I’m calling US weekly. This is a big deal…”

 

They finished dinner, two drinks in, and Gina came around with two smaller menus. “Are we thinking about something sweet?” she charmed.

 

JC swallowed while Hannah took another sip of her drink. Dessert had been their thing. They had always reasoned that if they shared, it wasn’t as bad. Maybe she shouldn’t have tempted fate by coming to a place that belonged to their past. 

 

“Uh. Ya know what. I think we’re good. We’ll just take-” JC started.

 

“Picklebacks…” Hannah blurted out.

 

“WHAT?” both JC and the waitress stared at her at the same time. 

 

“Two pickleback shots...Please…”

 

JC cocked his head as he looked at her, confusion clouding his face. 

 

“Um. Sure.” Gina smiled politely, clearing the dessert menus before she walked away.

 

“Whiskey…” he shook his head. 

 

Hannah smiled and shrugged. “Why not…”

 

“PICKLEBACKS, though?”

 

“Gotta meet Jade again tomorrow. Need the pickle juice…” she winked.

 

JC chuckled. “You haven’t changed, have you?”

 

She laughed “In 6 months?! Would take a lot longer than that...”

 

Their shots arrived a few minutes later, Hannah holding hers up “Ready?”

 

JC smirked “No…”

 

“Shhh” Hannah teased “Bottoms up.” 

 

JC chuckled as he shook his head and downed the whiskey, then the chaser of pickle juice. “Oh GOD that never gets better…” he winced, coughing a bit. 

 

Hannah laughed “You’ll be fine.”

 

JC smiled, watching her cheeks go slightly pink like they always did when she drank  “Why’d you come here tonight, Hannah? Of all the places in LA?”

 

Hannah sighed “...It’s...comfortable…”

 

A smile spread across JC’s face “Comfortable?”

 

Hannah’s blush spread “Um...Yeah, I mean. I was hungry...I know where it is…”

 

JC nodded “...You have good memories here…”

 

Hannah smiled “Yeah...I do…”

 

JC bit his lip. “Do we need another pickleback?”

 

Hannah giggled quietly “I think so…”

 

**

 

After three pickle shots a piece, Hannah and JC made their way out of the restaurant, the world blurrier as they went to say goodbye. 

 

Hannah stared at him, glazed over eyes pulling him into focus as he studied her through slightly clouded vision. 

 

He stepped forward, one hand smoothing down her hair. “I miss you, Hannah…”

 

Hannah’s mouth instinctively twisted into a hazy smile as she nodded. “I miss you, too…”

 

His lips closed over hers with a breathy sigh, pulling back slightly as his eyes smiled. “Annie...You taste like a deli…”

 

She giggled against him. “Shut up…”

 

“Okay…” he muttered, moving back to her mouth. His hands found her hair, pulling her face closer to his. She mirrored his movement, sliding her hands over his face to the back of his head.

 

She took in his breath, accented by whiskey, hot on her skin. 

 

“Are you-” he started to ask.

 

“Coming over?” she finished.

 

An empty chuckle, he grinned “I was gonna say ok to get home, but…”

 

“Yeah…” she bit her lip as her hands moved down around his waist.

 

“Annie, you can’t drive…” he shook his head softly at her.

 

She smirked. “Neither can you…”

 

“Share a car?”

 

“The valet…” Hannah glanced back at the lot. 

 

JC smiled, letting go of her to walk to the valet stand. Hannah watched as he had a quick conversation with the attendant, one they both knew, and pulled out his wallet. She giggled.

 

This was a new one for him. He had never been one to flash his money around. 

 

He HAD always been one to make sure she was safe, though…

 

Walking back over, he smiled as he wrapped his arms around her. “Taken care of. We can get them tomorrow.”

 

**

 

Hannah and JC tumbled out of their cab, arms around each other as they made their way into JC’s front gate. 

 

‘“Annie...I think you’re drunk... “ he teased as he turned to grab both her hands, pulling her toward the frosted glass entrance. 

 

 

 

Hannah giggled, her eyes flirty as she followed him “I think YOU’RE drunk…”

 

JC grinned as he moved to lace his hand in hers, walking alongside her.

 

“Whose idea were picklebacks?”

 

Hannah smiled “I’m not even sorry…”

 

“Mmmm...No need to be…” JC pulled her into him as they reached the door. 

 

Hannah giggled as he leaned down to kiss her, her tongue searching for and finding his easily.

 

His hands found her ass while hers moved up his sides, pushing his shirt up slightly. As his lips moved down to her collarbone, her hands moved around to his back. Pushing her shirt aside a little, he kissed the skin just above her breast, moving his hands to cup them.

 

“Mmmm Jace…” she purred.

 

“I can stop,” he paused, his voice a growled whisper.

 

Hannah shook her head “No...don’t…”

 

He grinned, hands sliding under her shirt to unhook her bra. Hannah giggled, pushing him away briefly to pull off her shirt and slide her bra to the ground, 

 

“Better?” she arched her brow at him.

 

JC bit his lip, nodding as his mouth moved to her chest. “Mmm...Yeah, mama..” he mumbled against her sin.

 

Hannah giggled, pushing him away gently. She shook her head slowly as she stared at him. “One of us has too many clothes on…”

 

He chuckled, eyes smoldering as he ripped his shirt over his head

 

. 

 

“Now we’re even,” he charmed.

 

 

 

Hannah smiled, bringing her hand to his head to bring it back down to her breast. Her hands moved to the fly of his jeans as he lost himself against her. 

 

 

 

She felt a rush of air as he reacted, moving away from her enough to speak “Should we go inside?”

 

 

 

Hannah shrugged, smirking as she felt a bolt of excitement, “Why…”

 

 

 

He grinned lazily at her, guiding her gently to press himself into her against the frosted glass. Hannah giggled as a branch from a nearby plant grazed her shoulder, pushing it out of her way.

 

 

 

They stepped out of their clothes easily, feeling the late night breeze on their skin. Staring at her hair softly blowing, JC brushed it out of her face as he found her lips again. Lifting her suddenly, Hannah let out an excited gasp, wrapping her legs around him. She felt a slight give on the door as he pushed her against it, pressing herself against him. With her hands around his back, he found his way into her, wasting no time. His motion was not gentle, and her response not subtle.

 

 

 

“FUCK...JACE...UGH…” she called out appreciatively.

 

 

 

“ANN-IE...AHH” he answered her tone.

 

 

 

Their silhouettes casting a shadow against the door, they moved together. Skin on skin, their rhythm was passionate, hungry.

 

 

 

JC felt her fingers dig deeper into his skin, her body clenching slowly as she began to lose control. His own senses started to spin as he reached his own finish. JC began to slow a bit as he gave in, feeling himself release at the same time she did. 

 

 

 

His breathing was heavy and thick as he gripped her for support, her back sliding down as she found her breath again. She opened her eyes to smile at him, bright but melting him with her gaze. “I should go…” she bit her lip.

 

 

 

JC smiled back at her, a quick lick of his bottom lip before his voice came out as a low whisper. 

 

“It’s late, Hannah...Not letting you risk it…”

 

 

 

Warm in his arms, Hannah nodded. “Okay…”

 

 

 

A soft grin on his face, JC hoisted her up more securely as she wrapped her arms around his neck, head on his shoulder. He made his way into the house, clothes left behind as he carried her into the master bedroom. Sitting down with her still in his arms, he noticed her silence.

 

 

 

“Annie? ...Annie?” 

 

 

 

Glancing to his shoulder, he heard her soft breath, fast asleep. Smiling to himself, he carefully pulled her off, tucking her under the comforter before crawling in bed next to her.

 

 

 

“Goodnight, Hannah…” he breathed before drifting off himself.

 

 

 

***

 

Hannah smiled as a familiar smell of coffee woke her up. Her eyes opened to focus on her surroundings, suddenly hyper aware her clothes were missing. 

 

 

 

“Hey…” she heard from behind her on the bed “Nightstand…Almond milk and honey”

 

 

 

She turned to face him first, a half smile on her face “Jace…”

 

 

 

He shook his head. “Coffee first.”

 

 

 

He knew they needed to talk. He also knew this was something Hannah was not capable of without caffeine. 

 

 

 

She pulled the comforter up around herself, grabbing the mug. Looking down at herself, she bit her lip “Um...Where are are my clothes?”

 

 

 

JC smirked “In the washer…”

 

 

 

Hannah stared at him “What?”

 

 

 

He smiled “Uh...Well they spent the night outside, so…” He got up quietly, picking up a small pile from the top of his dresser and walking back over. “Here…” he handed them to her. 

 

 

 

She grabbed a pair of joggers from him and a t-shirt- one she immediately recognized. An LA Dodgers logo was screenprinted  across the front. Hannah couldn’t help but smile. 

 

 

 

“You left that here, so…”

 

 

 

Hannah nodded. “Thank you.” She ran her hand across the clothes and eyed JC. “Um...Can you…”

 

 

 

“Hannah…” he chuckled “Really?”

 

 

 

She sighed. “Right.” Smirking, she swung her legs out of bed, back to hin, as she pulled on the joggers and quickly pulled the t-shirt over her head. Laying back against the headboard, he looked at her. “So good morning…”

 

 

 

“Good morning,” she sighed. 

 

 

 

Scooting closer to her, he reached for her hair, Hannah stopping his hand “JC…”

 

“Hannah...There’s a leaf in your hair…” he grinned, moving his fingers to remove it as she relented. 

 

Hannah’s giggle became a laugh. “Stupid plant…”

 

 

 

JC matched her laughter, both of them eventually stopping to look at each other. 

 

 

 

Without a word, their lips found each other; gently, tenderly.  Pulling away, Hannah’s brow furrowed as she whispered. “Jace…”

 

 

 

JC sighed “I know…”

 

 

 

“Last night was...wow…”

 

 

 

“...But it doesn’t mean anything…” JC’s eyes were deep, resigned. 

 

 

 

Hannah nodded. “San Diego’s going really well. I can’t just-”

 

 

 

“Annie…” he grabbed her hands “I’m happy for you. Really. I’m proud of you.”

 

 

 

She smiled, her eyes light as she moved to lay on his chest, letting out a breath “Why is this so hard?”

 

 

 

“It doesn’t have to be…” he whispered, playing with her hair. “I don’t want it to be. When do you have to meet Jade?”

 

 

 

Hannah stared at the ceiling “at 2…”

 

 

 

JC smiled, looking at her “...Then we have some time to just enjoy this.”

 

 

 

Looking back up at him, her eyes matched his as she embraced the moment  “Okay…”

Hannah made her way into the lounge, the neon lit entrance immediately making her feel exposed. Having texted Jade that she arrived, her best friend grabbed her arm. It had been 3 months since they had seen each other. 

“HANNNAHHHH!!!” She exclaimed.

Hannah giggled “Um...Miss Bride are we drunk already?”

Jade shot Hannah a forced smile as she spoke through gritted teeth “Noooo...This party is extra. SAVE ME”

Hannah laughed “That’s YOUR manager…”

“WHATEVER...I need you.”

“Where’s Aaron?”

Jade rolled her eyes. “They have kidnapped him for whatever depraved activities were set up for the guys…”

In honor of two of his clients getting married, Eric had gone all out for a combined bachelor/bachelorette party. Ever an opportunity for more press, he had pulled out all the stops, and the whole lounge and bar area looked like something out of an elevated Hustler magazine.

“Here,” Jade handed Hannah a rhinestone necklace in a quite phallic shape.

“Classy…” Hannah made a face.

“Please just put it on…”

“No Boas?” 

Jade laughed. “I got to have SOME input…”

“Are there strippers?” Hannah wiggled her eyebrows. 

“The cast of ‘Thunder from Down Under’ is performing at midnight…” Jade winced.

Hannah involuntarily snorted “Oh dear God,” she grabbed Jade’s hand “Let’s go get you a shot…”

‘My hero!” Jade sang…

Hannah made her way around the room with Jade, pausing as she fielded warm wishes and playing photographer for a few cell phone photos.

“Who are all these people?” Hannah gave Jade a confused look. 

Jade sighed “Vendors, sponsors, network people...some of my cousins...My brother is with Aaron…”

“How IS Jordan?” Hannah smiled.

Jade gave her a look “Still no. You cannot go out with my brother.”

Hannah rolled her eyes “I was never going to. I wouldn’t do that to you. I just have eyes, that’s all.”

Jade scrunched up her face at Hannah “He’s fine…”

Hannah giggled. “Let’s go dance,” she pulled Jade onto the dance floor.

Letting loose for the first time all night, Jade laughed as the playlist moved through their teenage years and they tried to replicate moves from their youth.

Jade sighed and grinned at Hannah “What would I do without you…” She shook her head, much more relaxed. 

“Well I can fill the void a LITTLE…” a voice teased, wrapping his arms around her from behind. 

Jade beamed as she tilted her head up at Aaron. “You’ve been released!” She gave him a quick peck on the lips. 

“Hey Hannah, you made it!” Aaron smiled at her. 

Hannah smiled back “I did! I may have gotten your fiancee tipsy…” she teased. 

Aaron laughed “Good! She works too hard.” He kissed the side of her face. 

“What torture did they subject you to?” Jade smirked as she looked to him. 

Aaron gave her a look “It was HORRIBLE,” he said sarcastically “I was force-fed bourbon and got a media friendly lap dance…”

“What’s a media friendly lap dance?” Hannah asked.

“Awkward…” Aaron laughed. He looked at Jade “You better get ready for yours.”

Her eyes went wide “WHAT?”

He chuckled “You think they WON’T pull you onstage later?”

Jade covered her face with a hand. “I’m gonna need more shots…”

Hannah laughed at both of them, her face suddenly falling as she noticed something behind them.

“Hannnahhh….You ok?” Jade asked, noticing the look on her friend’s face. 

“Um yeah, fine...I just...I didn’t know who all would be here…” she looked down “Of course he is…”

Aaron closed his eyes briefly, sighing. “Shit…”

Jade looked between both of them, then behind her, eyes landing on JC as he talked to a group of guys. Her face twisted into concern.

“He um...Apparently Eric insisted…” Aaron explained. “He tried to decline…”

“Hannah..I’m sorry, girl...But...It’s been almost A YEAR...It’s still weird?” Jade questioned her.

Hannah sighed, avoiding Jade’s glance “Orrrrrr it’s been 3 months…”

“HANNAH RAE! WHAT?”

Hannah shushed her “Hey! A little louder, please? There was...a run in...It was...Whiskey was involved.”

“WHEN?”

Hannah bit her lip “Ummm…”

Jade thought for a second. When was the last time Hannah had been in LA?

“OH MY GOD. Please don’t tell me...Wedding planning weekend?!”

Hannah sighed. 

“I swear to GOD, Hannah…” Jade shook her head. Aaron looked up, pursing his lips together to avoid any reaction at all.

“WHATEVER. Look, just... I just don’t want things to be weird, ok? I’ll be fine, just…Gotta stay distracted”

“How about I go get us more drinks…” Aaron offered. 

Jade kissed him again “Probably a good idea…” She let her hand linger on his chest for a second.

“Hannah...He won’t be at the wedding...There’s that…” Jade offered.

“Yeah...Yeah I know.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry. Ignore me. This is YOUR night!” she squeezed her arm.

“Is it, though?” Jade made a face, laughing. “We’re wearing designer penis necklaces…”

Hannah lost her nerves for a moment, laughing with everything she had. “Ohhh my God, Jade...Your life is so weird…”

Aaron found his way back with drinks, as the three of them made the best of the evening. 

Hannah found herself much more relaxed, even offering to grab waters as they started to wind down a little. 

Making her way to the bar, she was stopped by a soft voice. 

“Hey Hannah…”

His face was kind, and his eyes were only slightly glazed, piercing in the lighting. She turned to look at him, a controlled breath before she spoke.

“Hey…” 

“How’ve you been…?” He bit his lip. Her hair was pulled halfway back, her natural curls in perfect form. Her dress hugged every curve without being suggestive, and a signature pair of gold hoops hung from her ears. She was every bit as gorgeous as he remembered.

“Good! I’ve been good...You, Ja-JC?”

She didn’t know why she stopped herself. There had been no fight. No formal agreement to stop talking after the last time they saw each other. All of each other. Distance and time had been the only thing that kept her from reaching out to him. 

For his part, he could take a hint. He respected her boundaries and didn’t interfere with the new life she had created for herself. He was putting himself out there again, albeit sparingly, but this had been the first event he had been to since their encounter. 

He smirked “Yeah uh...same old...You know.”

“ Right...Well, um...I should ...Lady of the hour needs water” She gestured toward Jade, who was staring intently at their exchange. Hannah silently scolded her with her eyes. 

They were interrupted by a woman in a much smaller dress than Hannah had on.

“Jayyyyyy-ceeeeeee….” She cooed “There you are!” She draped herself into his side and stared at Hannah with a goofy, dreamy look before turning her gaze to JC.

“Uh hey...Just...Getting more drinks…” He blushed slightly as his eyes avoided Hannah. 

“Well come on….” she grabbed his hand, burning a hole into his eyes with hers. 

He looked briefly to Hannah “I uh...It was good to see you, Hannah…” he managed as his new friend pulled him off. 

“You too, JC... “ she smirked. His back to her, she let out a breath, downing the rest of the drink she had brought with her. 

“Fuck…” she whispered to herself.

**

Deciding Jade and Aaron could use some alone time, Hannah excused herself, opting to use the restroom, then walk around a little. The one person who could make the night awkward had already been dealt with, and he seemed to be having a great time being single.

Hannah scanned the crowd, looking for anyone she might know. Her eyes landed on a familiar face. It had been years, but he looked mostly the same. He smiled at her, walking the short distance to her.

“Hannah?” his eyes squinted a bit.

“Yeah ...Uh...Andy, right?”

“That’s me. Wow. Been awhile. How have you been?”

Hannah shifted a little on her feet. “Uh...Good. You?”  

“Same old, same old…. Can I buy you a drink?”

Hannah opened her mouth to speak, catching a female giggle that distracted her. She shifted her eyes slightly in her direction, in time to see her leaving with JC, hand firmly on his arm.

Turning back to Andy, she smiled “Sure.”

**

“...SO...I guess I’m the disappointment in the family...Doctor, Lawyer, and then me...Music”  Andy continued as they talked. 

Hannah shook her head as she took a sip of her drink “You seem to do ok for yourself.”

He shrugged “Eh. I love what I do. Makes it easy...You know minus the boring paperwork and all.” He charmed.

She nodded “Yeah well...No one likes the paperwork.”

“What about you? Have you always wanted to write?”

Hannah lit up. “Yeah, since I was a little girl...My mom kept all the little ‘books’ I used to write...Mostly just scribbles.” she laughed.

“Hey those will be worth money one day when you’re the next Danielle Steele…”

Hannah giggled “Uh...Not that kind of writer…” she shook her head.

“Ah. My bad. Not much of a reader, myself. Hard to find the time, ya know?”

Hannah nodded “Uh huh…” She studied him. Comfortably handsome. His flirting was standard, but not offensive. There was something familiar about the way he carried himself, like so many men who had talked to her before. 

“You ever get tired of these parties?” he made a face at her “I mean..I don’t know how many of these you’ve been to, but...just standing around, being seen.

Hannah smiled, nodding “Yeah..It’s all a game, isn’t it?”

Andy chuckled “Feels like it. One ya gotta play, though…”

Hannah looked up at him, his gold watch clinking gently against his glass as he took a sip “Do you?”

Andy shrugged “It’s Hollywood, Hannah...It’s what you do.”

She smirked “I don’t…”

Grinning back at her, he focused on her eyes “You don’t, do you?”

She shook her head. “Nope. Not much into games. More a straight shooter.”

Andy smiled, intrigued “Yeah, that makes sense. Here for Jade, right? Supportive friend? This isn’t fun for you.”

Hannah sighed “I make my own fun.”

“Is that so?” he replied.

She smirked ‘Yep. That’s me…”

Andy took a breath “Do you think...Having a drink at my place might be fun?”

Hannah took a sip of her drink, nearly finished, as she looked back at him. “Only one way to find out, I guess…”

Smiling, he took her hand, leading her toward the exit. 

“Hannah! You’re leaving?” Jade caught up to her as they walked past.

“Oh um..Yeah...Jade this was great! I’ll...be in later ok?”

Jade looked from Hannah to Andy, a polite smile in her eyes. “Uh..Yeah. Sure.” She shook her head slightly, hugging Hannah and smiling at her “Thank you for coming. Love you”

“Love you too, Jade...I’ll see you later.”

Jade looked her best friend in the eye, an unspoken “be careful.”  It had been so long since she had given her that look.  She nodded, letting her leave.

She watched as they made her way out of the party, sighing under her breath “Oh, Hannah…”

 

JULY, 2017

Hannah let herself sigh as soon as the phone picked up on the other side.

“Hey! What’s up?” Jade answered cheerfully.

“Jade...What am I doing?” 

Jade knew Hannah all too well. 

“Well...I’m not a mindreader, but I’m guessing...Freaking out?”

Hannah nodded unseen “A little bit, yeah....San Diego is amazing. I’m happy here. Why am I leaving?”

Jade smiled softly before she spoke “...Because you need to stop running away from what you want...You deserve this, Hannah.”

“It’s just ...happening so fast. It feels like this has taken years, and now...It’s everything at once.”

“When it rains, it pours…” Jade chirped.

“Well..It’s snowing…” Hannah replied dramatically.

“Han, breathe...This is a GOOD thing and it’s gonna be amazing because its taken long enough. It’s where you belong. You NEED to do this, and I KNOW you want to...”

“What if it doesn’t work out?”

“It WILL. It’s gonna be different this time…”

Hannah sighed “I hope you’re right.”

“You packed?”

“Almost...Movers need to finish helping with the furniture.”

Jade heard a small crash on the other end, followed by a muffled voice.

“Shit,” Hannah sighed “I gotta go...You still coming in two weeks?”

“Of course! You know I wouldn’t miss it…”

Hannah smiled. “Thanks, Jade. I’ll see you soon.”

****

JC sat on his couch, mindlessly scrolling tv channels until his own face was staring back at him.

“Former *NSyncer JC Chasez is ‘Tearin’ Up Our Hearts’ again in the new Nettflix comedy ’Opening Night’ by playing...himself? The former frontman joins a star studded cast, led by Topher Grace, to bring us a not so subtle take on the world of theater. Spotted at the film’s LA premiere, he was seen cozying up to a new mystery woman…”

JC sighed as he changed the channel. Yeah...A mystery woman he hadn’t called, texted, or spoken to in 2 weeks. She had never been serious. Eric had thought it would be a good idea to appear “settled at his age.”

Too bad she was never going to be someone he settled with. They had had fun, at least.

JC looked down to his phone on the coffee table as a notification flashed across it. JUSTIN. Not the group chat. Weird. 

“Have you seen this?? This is HANNAH, Hannah, right?”

JC enlarged the photo that had just loaded. It looked like a flyer for an event, but as he looked at it, his heart briefly stopped. There she was. Staring up at him in a professional, black and white shot. A little older, but definitely her. Hannah. He squinted, trying to read the details.

JOIN US FOR AN INTIMATE SIGNING EVENT WITH HANNAH MARTIN, AUTHOR OF NY TIMES BESTSELLER “UNATTACHED.”

JC’s mouth fell open. NY Times Best Seller?!

“Holy shit, Hannah…” he smiled. She had done it. 

Moving back to the text field, he replied.

“Wow! Yeah...That’s her. This is awesome!”

“You should go…”

“To the signing?”

“Yeah, man….Why not?”

“J…”

“You were together 3 years, dude...It’s probably about you. :p “

“Ha...Ha. I doubt it, J...She’s not like that.”

“You should still go…”

JC stared at his phone, enlarging the photo again. He found a smile again, thinking of her as a published author-a bestselling author. 

Beverly Center. Sunday Afternoon. 

He scrolled to his calendar. Completely free. Before he could talk himself out of it, he dialed.

“Eric? Yeah hi...Listen...Can you get me a car...This Sunday...Around 3:30...Uh,” he chuckled “Funny you should ask…”

**

JC walked to the side entrance, patting the VIP sticker on his chest to make sure it was visible and in place. Eric had pulled some strings just to be safe, but he was still a little nervous. He pulled his light blue Dodgers cap low around his eyes, ducking his head as he made his way into the small greenroom backstage. He had been there all of 5 minutes when a familiar voice called to him, eyes wide. 

“JC??” she squealed in a low whisper. 

JC smiled, shaking his head “Hi Jade…”

“How did you,” she shook her head smirking “Eric!...Does she know you’re here?”” she asked him, knowing she didn’t have to say who.

“Uhhh...No. Actually, Justin saw the event flyer...Let me know.”

“Wow. Random! Geez...She’s gonna be ...surprised,” Jade laughed.

JC bit his lip. “Yeah uh...Was this a bad idea?”

Jade smiled reassuringly at him. “No. It’s not like she hates you. And it was what...5 years ago or something?” Jade stared at him “It was really cool of you to come…”

‘I hope she thinks so…” he chuckled. 

Jade’s eyes lit up suddenly “Actually...I have an idea.” An almost evil grin spread across her face. She walked over to a stack of books, grabbing one and walking back to hand it to him.

“Oh uh...Thanks...I read it...This week.”

Jade giggled “Cool...Not the point...Go out there.”

JC’s eyes got wide. “What??”

“It’s almost over. Not that many people out there by now...Go get in line…”

“Jade...That’s ridiculous.”

She shrugged. “Or it’s cute. Come on don’t you wanna see the look on her face?”

JC smirked. “Yeah, kinda…”

Jade clapped her hands together. “Yay...Go!”

JC shook his head at her. Still a bit of a troublemaker, that one. “Fine. I’m going,” he caved, holding the book on one hand.

JC slipped out to the signing area. Head down, he walked quickly to the line. Sure enough, he was at the end of it. The woman in front of him smiled politely at him in greeting, doing a quick double take as she processed his face. JC smiled back, pulling his hat lower and giving her a subtle warning with his eyes. She grinned at him quietly, a short giggle as she nodded in acknowledgement before turning around. His nerves got stronger and stronger as he waited, nearly chewing a hole into his bottom lip as the line slowly moved forward. 

Looking up briefly, he found himself next in line, pausing behind a small stantion. He mentally laughed at himself, much more used to being on the other side in these situations. 

As he approached her, he kept his head low. He watched as she politely turned to a handler, mumbling something he couldn’t quite make out. He had seen the look she had on her face many times before. She was tired. Effortless and focused, but mentally a bit worn out. He knew the feeling. 

She kept her head down as he placed his book on the table in front of her. 

“Who should I make this out to?” she asked as standard.

He smiled, lifting his head a little. “Make it out to Jace…”

Her head snapped up at the sound of his voice, that name. A slow smile and an immediate blush lit up her face.

“Um...Hi…”

“Hey Annie…” He smiled back at her “Congratulations…”

“Thank you...Uh...Am I actually signing this?” she teased, lifting the book a little.

He grinned at her. “Of course. This is a big deal.”

She smirked, looking down to scribble her signature. Looking back up to hand him the book, she noticed the VIP sticker on his chest. 

“Are you sticking around?”

“Do you want me to?”

 

She smiled. “...Yeah...I do.”

Hannah entered the green room to a chorus of applause. Jade moved quickly to wrap her into a hug.  Hannah laughed, doing a cute little bow. 

“You guys this is just one signing.”

“Uh, NO, Miss Bestseller..It’s the FIRST signing and the start of you being the superstar we always knew you were.”

Hannah waved her off, turning red. “STOP. It took me long enough to write this one,” she laughed. 

JC stood in the corner, smiling as glasses of champagne were handed out. She was light on her feet, excited though she was being modest. Everyone in the room was treating her like the star she was, and her grace and humility was perfect. 

Hannah took a sip of her champagne and caught him in the corner of her eye. Walking over, she held up her glass to him “Cheers? Broken hearts club?”

JC grinned, clinking her glass. “Too soon, Hannah...Too soon,” he laughed.

“Thank you for coming.”

JC nodded. “This is amazing, Hannah...Really... I’m proud of you.”

She blushed “Thanks, Jace…”

“Hey um...Do you wanna have dinner later? It’s been so long I just-”

Hannah smiled, cutting him off. “That sounds fun.”

***

Jc studied her as he sipped his drink. Her hair was shorter, but it worked perfectly on her.

The same hazel eyes, but somehow they were deeper, more soulful. There was a wisdom there, undoubtedly from wherever life had taken her. It was gorgeous.

A casual smile as she matched his sip. Her energy was calm, confident. She had never been shy, but this was a new vibe on her. She was settled. Steady and sure.

“So...Did you read the book, or are you just stalking me?” she offered.

JC smirked, almost an admission. “What if it’s both?”

“In that case...I’d be a little impressed,” Hannah answered, taking another quick sip.

He smiled “I read the book, Annie...It’s amazing. The signing, well… Justin saw a flyer and sent me a picture...I’ll thank him later.”

Hannah laughed a little. “Always up to something, that guy...I’m glad you came. It’s good to see you…”

JC sighed “It’s good to see YOU…” 

He looked tired, but no less attractive. She stole a quick few moments to glance at the gray in his hair, the scruff on his face. Age had been very kind to him. ”How are you keeping yourself busy, Jace? Ya know...besides the movie...”

He grinned, blushing.

“You saw it?”

She smiled. “Curiosity got to me...It was...interesting.” She giggled.

“Too on the nose?” he teased.

Hannah laughed “Not at all, but it was a good time. I’d actually pay to see that show...”

JC laughed and shrugged. “It was fun to do…”

“It was good to hear your voice again...I was always upset that second album didn’t work out...Sorry,” she stopped herself.

A sad smile found his lips. “Yeah, me too. Things got...a little rough after that.” He sighed. “Probably why I wasn’t always the guy I wanted to be...With you...With everyone, really.”

Hannah nodded, a soft look in his direction. “Yeah...I get it.”

“The label just...didn’t get it..Or maybe I didn’t...I dunno. Things got tense. I should have opened up to you more about it. Instead I just...avoided it at home and took out my frustrations on Andy. We both did, on each other.”

“Andy?” Hannah questioned, sipping her wine.

“Yeah...Actually...You met him once..Andrew Collins...He was on the team then.”

Hannah almost choked. “Oh...Um...right. I uh...Yeah, I wish you had opened up more…”

She felt her cheeks go hott and her nerves race. Andy. Andy was part of the album?!

“Are you ok?” JC asked, noticing the look on her face.

“Yeah, uh...Wrong pipe,” she covered.

He smiled. “I’m sorry. Annie. I am. I’m lucky you’re even here right now.”

She sighed. “Let’s just...Enjoy this, yeah?”

JC smiled. “Yeah...Sounds good.”

A bottle of wine in, they both sat with full bellies. Hannah laughed as he finished remembering a botched date night they had had.

“I swear! That bird came from NOWHERE…” he laughed back.

“OMG Stop...I can’t…” she covered her face as she erupted into a fit of giggles.

He watched as her eyes half closed, the twinkle from her laugh barely visible. It was the same laugh he remembered.

“Hey uh...Do you wanna get out of here ..grab a drink somewhere ?” he asked.

Hannah smiled wistfully. “Jace I…” she sighed “Honestly...I would love to, but I have to get home…”

Jc nodded “Got it...Sorry I… didn’t mean to overstep…”

She shook her head “Oh! No...No that’s not it I...My daughter’s with a sitter…”

His brow shot up “Daughter…?! Oh...Oh! I..I didn’t know...I’m sorry, I…”

Hannah looked down, feeling the awkwardness settle in. 

“Liv… Um, Olivia… She’s 4…”

“Wow...Wow, Annie…” he smiled, before his eyes shifted as a thought danced in his head.

When was the last time he had seen her? The last night they had…

The room got a little warmer as he took a sip of his water. 

“Um...Her dad...Are you…”

Hannah took a breath, finding a small smile “Didn’t work out...ANYWAY...It’s getting late, so…”

“Yeah...Yeah..Listen um...Can we do this again? Maybe...not on a school night next time?” he charmed.

Hannah smirked. “Maybe...We can talk about it…”

“Okay…” he looked at her softly. 

There was a pause as they studied each other, neither one quite sure what to say. The bill came and they both reached for it, JC looking up at her. 

“Annie...I got it…” he pulled the check toward him.

“JC...Come on, no! I’m good for it…” she reached for her bag.

He shook his head “I invited you...It’s my treat.”

She offered him a half smile. “Thank you…”

Making their way out of the restaurant, they turned to say their goodbyes. 

“So...Caaaan I...get your number…?” JC stumbled, realizing how juvenile he must sound.

Hannah let out a half giggle. “You have it. It hasn’t changed…”

JC looked down, shoving his hands in his pockets awkwardly “Wow. Real smooth, dude” he laughed.

Hannah laughed and shrugged. “Not as bad as you think.”

She took one more look at him, her eyes now having a greenish hue.  JC smiled, taking a chance. Taking her hand in his, he moved closer to her, touching his lips to hers softly, tentatively. Hannah smiled against him, moving her lips over his slowly.

Pulling away slowly after a few minutes, his forehead rested on hers for a moment. 

“I uh...I have to go,” Hannah spoke softly, a glow still on her face. 

JC closed his eyes briefly, a lazy smile in reply “Yeah...I’ll call you tomorrow?”

Hannah nodded “Ok. I’ll talk to you later, Jace…”

“Goodnight, Annie…”

He let go of her hand as they parted ways, neither one of them able to see the other’s expression. Hannah’s full of happiness, nostalgia, hope…while JC was left in wonder.

Daughter. Hannah had a daughter. 4. The timing worked. Was there something she wasn’t telling him?

****

Hannah opened the door to her condo, smiling as she heard a small stampede before she saw it coming her way.

“Mommy!” an excited voice greeted her, running to throw her arms around her legs.

“Heyyyy baby…” Hannah smiled, lifting her up. 

“I’m so sorry,” Hannah’s sitter came trailing after Olivia. “She woke up when she heard the car. 

“It’s fine…” Hannah waved her off. “Thank you for staying later,” she set Olivia down and reached into her bag for cash to pay her.

“It’s not a problem...We had a good time, Right Princess Olivia?” she did a royal curtsy.

Olivia giggled and nodded. “Mommy did you have fun with books?”

Hannah grinned “I sure did...But I missed you!”

Olivia beamed before giving in to a yawn.

“Ok Princess Olivia...I think its time to go back to bed.”

The little girl shook her head “Nooo….not sleepy.”

“I think you are…” Hannah gave her a look.

“Mommy I thuuu-sty”

Hannah smirked. “No you’re not…”

“Uh huh…” 

“Ok...Tell you what,” she leaned forward with her hands on her legs “Go get in bed, and I’ll bring you some juice, ok?”

“Okay!” Olivia exclaimed as she disappeared up the stairs. 

“Thanks again…’ Hannah handed the cash to the sitter.

“Anytime...She’s my favorite. Honestly! “

Hannah smiled, proud of Olivia. “Good...Because I might need to call you again soon…”

The sitter gave Hannah a look, noting the glow on her face “I take it dinner went well?”

Hannah nodded “It did.”

“Just let me know,” a knowing smile was directed at Hannah before she left.

Kicking off her shoes, Hannah climbed the stairs up to Olivia’s room, finding her exactly as she knew she would, fast asleep on her bed. Carefully pulling the blankets over her, she kissed the top of her head and sighed. “Sweet Dreams, Livie…”

She took a minute to watch her sleep. So peaceful. This was her calm at the end of every day. She was the reason for every goal she set for herself, and the reason she could find joy in the smallest things. 

She thought about dinner. About JC. She hadn’t been sure she would ever see him again, and today had taken her by surprise. Her life was so different now, and he only knew a fraction of it. 

 

Would he really want to get to know who she was now; what her life was? So much had changed in 4 years, but right now, in this moment, she felt like a younger version of herself.