Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
“Wicked!” Kai ran to the floor-to-ceiling windows after I’d introduced him and Jasper.
We’d barely crossed over the threshold into Jasper’s penthouse, and my child was acting as if he’d never been somewhere new. Granted, the view really was spectacular, especially with the sun low in the sky. But still…I’d hoped he’d be able to exercise some restraint.
“Kai,” I chided. He lowered his hands, and I cringed at the smudge marks. His fingerprints were everywhere.
Before I could apologize to Jasper, Kai spied the oversized sofa and took a running jump and hurled himself onto it.
I braced myself for Jasper’s reaction, but he seemed completely unbothered, as if he had children running around his penthouse all the time.
If it had been Craig, he would’ve been red-faced and yelling.
“I’m so…sorry,” I said to Jasper through gritted teeth as I tugged on Kai’s pants. Finally, I got my son’s attention, and he knew he was in trouble.
“Hey.” I crouched down to his level. “I know you’re excited, but we need to be respectful of Jasper’s home.”
Kai dropped his chin, eyes on the floor. “Sorry, Mum.”
“Thank you. But I think you owe someone else an apology. Hm?” I nudged him.
Kai turned to Jasper, twisting his hands in front of him. “Sorry, Mr. Jasper.”
“Hey.” Jasper crouched down, smiling a bright, wide smile. Big enough to show off his dimple. Ugh. Why? Was the man not hot enough, he just had to have a dimple too?
What was I thinking? Coming to his apartment when I’d admitted that I didn’t trust myself to be alone with Jasper. I tried to tell myself this was a work obligation. I’d been to Sloan’s house hundreds of times. And besides, I wasn’t alone; Kai was here with me.
When Kai’s attention remained on the floor, Jasper placed his hand on Kai’s shoulder. “You’re not in trouble. At least, not with me.”
Finally, Kai lifted his head. He gnawed on his lip, evaluated Jasper, then nodded.
Jasper seemed completely unfazed by Kai’s energy. If anything, Jasper seemed to welcome it.
Maybe he’s just being polite?
But the easy smile on Jasper’s face told me it wasn’t an act. He was genuinely relaxed, and it all seemed so natural.
“Come on,” Jasper said, steering Kai by the shoulder. “Let me give you a tour.”
Jasper glanced at me over his shoulder, and I mouthed, “Thank you.”
Jasper winked at me and then turned his attention back to my son. I tried not to read too much into that wink. Into the things he’d said yesterday. Instead, I turned my attention to my surroundings.
His home wasn’t at all what I’d expected. It was a lot more…cozy.
The furniture looked expensive, but inviting.
There was even a slight indent in one of the couch cushions, like he actually used it.
He had a few pieces of art, and they were colorful and quirky.
The artists were unknown to me, something that would’ve immediately disqualified them from Craig’s consideration.
It had been one of my ex’s favorite party tricks—having me call out flaws or forgeries in the artwork on display. It didn’t matter whether we were at a museum or a private home. He’d always put me on the spot, even though I’d told him many times that it made me uncomfortable.
Jasper continued the tour, and I wondered why he’d chosen those pieces. Maybe he’d purchased them as investments, like Craig and so many of his friends. Maybe an interior designer had made the selections. But if I knew Jasper like I thought I did, I seriously doubted that.
He was too detail-oriented. Too focused on guest experience to leave something as personal as his home up to someone else. And while it had an undercurrent of quiet elegance and luxury, the space felt both intentional and welcoming. It suited him.
“Here’s my favorite room,” Jasper said, interrupting my musings. “The game room.”
“Oh sweet!” Kai’s eyes pinged between the giant beanbags, the even bigger TV, and all the game consoles. “You like video games?”
“Love them.” Jasper leaned in, getting more at Kai’s level. “My brothers and I like to play together sometimes. What about you?”
“Oh yeah. But Mum won’t let me play too much.”
“That’s because your mom’s a smart woman. But if she’s okay with it, maybe the next time the two of you come over, we can play.”
Kai turned to me, a hopeful expression on his face. When I looked at Jasper, he was wearing a similar one. Oh lord. These two.
They’d just met, and they were already conspiring against me.
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but Jasper had quickly hit it off with Kai. Jasper and I were no longer together, but it made me wonder if… No. I shook my head to clear it. It didn’t matter. I should just be grateful things were going so well and not read anything into it.
“Mum?” Kai tugged on my wrist.
Oh right. He’d asked me a question about video games.
“Maybe.”
It was a completely noncommittal response, and yet they both hissed out a “Yes,” complete with matching fist pump. It was both unnerving and adorable.
I wasn’t sure how I felt about my son playing video games with my ex-lover slash boss. I should be putting distance between Jasper and me, not entangling our lives even more.
Then why are you here?
“Come on,” Jasper said. “We have more to see.”
Throughout the tour, Jasper indicated some of the spaces where he wanted to add art.
He showed us his outdoor terrace with a gorgeous pool, before finally leading us through a set of large glass doors to his bedroom.
The room was dominated by a huge bed that screamed debauchery even though it was perfectly made.
I wondered how early his housekeeper must have arrived to make sure everything was just so.
Black-and-white pictures lined one wall, images of Jasper and his family at various ages.
While Jasper was busy showing Kai all the settings on his adjustable bed, I stepped closer to admire the photographs.
A group of kids piled on top of each other.
I could easily pick out Sloan—the only girl.
Graham was tall and brooding, with dark, curly hair.
And Jasper lay on the top of the pile, mischief in his eyes.
I shook my head and laughed to myself before moving on to the next one.
Jasper and Sloan dancing at her wedding. They looked so happy and carefree. Another of Jasper and his grandmother. I recognized her from the company website and pictures I’d seen around Sloan’s flat.
Kai let out a giggle, and I turned to find him pressing the buttons on Jasper’s bed remote, his legs and head going up and down. I rolled my eyes with a smile. “He’s going to break your bed.”
Jasper merely shrugged.
“You’re such a pushover.”
He chuckled. “Actually, it was my idea. Why do you think I’m the favorite uncle?”
“Because you’re a big kid.”
“Only one of those things is true.” He kept his eyes on Kai as he said it, but the corner of his mouth lifted into this delectable little smirk. What a tease.
And now I was thinking about Jasper breaking me with just how big he was. My core quivered with longing, and I tried to ignore it. I wasn’t supposed to be thinking about that at all, let alone in Jasper’s bedroom.
“So this is your place,” I said, trying to return us to safer territory.
“This is my place.” He rocked on his heels.
“Don’t you ever want more separation between home and work?”
“Sometimes, yeah. And I’ve considered getting a place out near Knox and Nate. But the idea of having that much space all to myself seems somehow lonely.”
“Maybe you need a pet,” Kai offered. His little ears were always listening, even when you didn’t think he was paying attention.
“Maybe,” Jasper said. “I’ve actually been thinking about getting a dog.”
“Yes!” Kai shouted, popping up to his knees on the bed. “You should definitely get a dog.”
Jasper laughed. “Yeah? Why don’t you tell me what kind of dog I should get while your mom decides how much of my money to spend?”
Kai scrunched up his face. “Why is she spending your money?”
Jasper leaned in as if he was imparting some big secret. “Because she’s got a good eye for art, and I want her to buy me some.”
“I’ll give you some of mine,” Kai said. “It won’t even cost you anything.”
I stifled a laugh. “You’re good if I go measure?”
He nodded then turned his attention back to my son. “Come on,” Jasper said to Kai. “Let’s fix the bed, and then you can tell me.”
Surprisingly, Kai popped off the bed and handed Jasper the remote without argument or complaint. I stood there, shocked. Seriously? Kai was rarely ever that compliant with me. He was a good kid, but he was five. He had his own, often strong, opinions on things.
But for Jasper, Kai had done exactly as asked. The first time. First. Time.
It had to be a fluke. Beginner’s luck on Jasper’s part. Kai was trying to impress him; that much was sure. It wouldn’t last. At least, that’s what I was telling myself.
“Okay, so I’m going to show you a magic trick,” Jasper said.
“Ooh, really?” Kai leaned in as if Jasper were imparting some great secret.
“Yes, but only if you’ll be my assistant.”
I was definitely intrigued, even if I was trying not to show it. It made me wonder why Jasper had never had children. He was clearly good with them. Enjoyed spending time with them.
“Yes. Yes!” Kai bounced on his toes.
“Okay. So, you stand over there at that corner.” Kai darted over to where Jasper had indicated. “And I’ll stand here. And once I say the magic words, you’ll pull it snug. Ready?”
Kai gripped the edge of the comforter, and I bit back a laugh. He was so enthralled, he didn’t even realize he was doing chores. Clever, Jasper. Very clever.
“With a tug and a pull.” He and Kai tugged the comforter, smoothing out some of the wrinkles. “And a little hocus-pocus too.” Jasper hovered his hands over the mattress as if he were casting a spell. “We’ll make this bed good as new.”
And with a final flourish, they stepped back.