Chapter 11 #2
This dress was an architectural wonder. I’d never worn something so exquisite, not even on my wedding day. The emerald silk fabric hugged me in all the right places, emphasizing my best attributes. As if that weren’t enough, it was actually fairly comfortable. And, best of all, it had pockets.
I could’ve kissed Sloan’s stylist, Jay Crowe, for selecting this for me. He’d nailed it. I’d never felt more beautiful or powerful.
I’d gotten a blowout earlier in the day at the hotel salon, and my hair cascaded down my back in loose waves. And while I’d tried to tell myself I was merely following Jay’s styling suggestion, I knew how much Jasper loved it when I wore my hair down.
I stepped into my heels and smiled, surprising myself. Then, shoulders back, head held high, I sauntered toward my phone to let Zara see the full effect.
“Holy shit.” Zara gaped at me. “Turn.” I did so, letting her see the dress from all angles. “Babes, you look hot.”
“Isn’t this dress amazing?” I asked, showing off the pockets.
“It is, but I love your confidence even more.” She smiled. “Jasper won’t know what hit him.” When I glared at her, she quickly added, “Not that you’re trying to impress him or anything.”
“I’m not,” I said, though even I could admit that was a lie.
Jasper had been nothing but professional lately. Yes, he’d asked Kai if he wanted to dog-sit. But I’d definitely seen less of him the past few weeks. It almost felt as if he’d been avoiding me.
We’d both been busy, and he didn’t owe me anything. But it felt as if he’d put up a wall between us, firmly delineating our positions as employer and employee. This was what I’d asked for after all—professionalism. I should’ve been happy or, at the very least, relieved. And yet, it felt so hollow.
“Besides,” I added. “I’m representing my boss.”
“You can represent your boss while ogling her brother.”
I rolled my eyes, remembering the purpose of the evening. “Jasper’s going to have more than enough people ogling him. Did I tell you it’s a bachelorx auction?”
“What?” Her eyes widened. “No. If you had, I would so be there right now.”
I laughed. “I’ve been a little busy. Must have slipped my mind.”
Okay. A lot busy.
Evie had been born several weeks early, but fortunately, she hadn’t ended up in the NICU. Even so, her unexpected arrival meant that Sloan’s maternity leave had come sooner than expected. I’d thought I’d have more time to prepare myself for being an SVP, but I’d thrown myself into the role.
In addition to juggling all that, I was helping my parents from afar, managing the move for my dad and the endless associated paperwork.
Trying to house hunt, though that had definitely been put on the back burner lately.
Even so, I’d texted regularly with Alexis, and she’d invited me out with some of her girlfriends.
I also needed to find a new pediatrician for Kai, though I hadn’t had much time or success so far.
I needed to ask Alexis and Emerson who they took their kids to.
“Mm-hmm. Sure. So…” Zara leaned in. “Who else is on the auction block?”
I listed off a few names, her eyes growing wider with every celebrity or pro athlete I mentioned. Finally, I asked, “Wanna trade places?”
I might love this dress and the way I felt in it, but I would definitely consider trading places.
It was my first major event as the temporary SVP, and most of the board members would be in attendance.
But that wasn’t even why I was dreading the evening ahead.
I was going to have to stand in the audience and watch while gorgeous, wealthy women bid on Jasper.
But at least I would look fabulous while doing it, thanks to Jay.
“Yes! But also—” She narrowed her eyes at me. “No! Halle, you have worked your butt off for this promotion. You deserve it. And you look fucking amazing.”
Before I could respond, Sloan’s name popped up on my screen.
“Shit. I have to go. Sloan’s calling.”
“Go. Go! And have fun tonight. Find a hottie to let loose with. Preferably one who’s not your boss or anyone related to your job.”
I laughed, though there was a bitter edge to it. Zara was right. I needed to stop being so hung up on Jasper. But how could I not be when he made me feel seen and safe and…
“I’m serious, Halle,” Zara said.
“Yeah. Yeah. Talk soon.” I ended the call before answering Sloan’s. “Hey, Sloan.”
“Hey! I just wanted to thank you again for attending the gala for me.”
“Of course. Is everything okay?” I was surprised she’d called. I knew she trusted me to handle it, and I figured she’d be busy with Evie.
She looked tired, defeated. Her shoulders rounded. “Yeah. I’m just… I’ve never missed one of the Huxley Family Foundation events.”
“You have a good reason for not attending,” I said. “You just had a baby. I know everyone will miss you, but they will understand.”
“It’s not everyone else I’m worried about.” She frowned. “So much for the Three Musketeers,” she said more softly.
“The Three Musketeers?” I asked.
“That’s what we used to call ourselves—Jasper, Graham, and me. We’re close with Knox and Nate, of course. But the three of us were a unit. Especially after our grandparents died and we took over running the company.”
I couldn’t imagine what they’d gone through. First, losing their parents at such a young age. And then—many years later—losing both of their beloved grandparents in quick succession. I was still trying to cope with the fact that my dad had Alzheimer’s.
I was grieving the man I knew and the memories we’d shared.
Memories that he no longer retained—at least, not reliably.
Sometimes when we’d video chat, he seemed to be able to recall so much, and yet others…
nothing at all. It was a painful experience to know that he was there—at least in body.
But there were many times that he didn’t feel like “my dad.”
I was so much older than Jasper and Sloan and the rest of their family had been when they’d had their lives completely upended by loss, and yet, it was still heartbreaking. I still felt woefully unprepared to cope with it. I couldn’t even imagine trying to do so as a child.
“I just hate to think that Jasper would feel like he’s all alone.
” She sniffled, and I was surprised by how emotional she was.
It was out of character, but I chalked it up to postpartum hormones and lack of sleep.
“He’s always been there for me. And he’s taken on a lot these past few months.
I just want him to know that I’m there for him too.
But it’s kind of hard to show him that when I’m not physically there, you know? ”
“I do. But Knox and Kendall will be here. Nate and his family. Jude and Chrissy.” Since it was a quick trip, Knox and Jude had left Leo and Ezra with Kendall’s mom and her husband back in LA.
Graham had skipped the event, claiming he had too much to do at the chateau. I didn’t doubt it, but Sloan was convinced his absence had more to do with not wanting to take the spotlight off Jasper. I had a feeling she was right.
“And you.”
My heart stalled out. “What about me?” I hoped the words didn’t sound as forced as they felt.
Did Sloan suspect something? Know something?
“You’re going to be by his side tonight. And on that note…” Her breath gusted out of her. “I’m probably keeping you from getting ready.”
“I still have a few minutes before I need to go. What’s really bothering you?”
“I’m worried about Jasper,” Sloan admitted. “Taking over as CEO has definitely been a big adjustment—for all of us. And he’s doing a great job.” I only wished Jasper could’ve heard her say that.
I sensed Sloan had more to say, so I remained quiet, giving her space to process her feelings.
“I guess I just don’t want anyone to look at my absence from this event and question my support for Jasper as the new CEO.” Then in a quieter voice, she added, “I don’t want Jasper to question my support.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t,” I said. “But if you’re that concerned, maybe send him an encouraging text.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll do that. Thanks, Halle.”
“Anytime.” There was a knock at my door, and it set my heart racing. “I have to go. Give Evie a kiss for me and try to get some rest.”
“Have fun tonight.”
We ended the call, and then I checked myself over one more time in the mirror. I peered through the peephole, using the opportunity to take Jasper in, even if it was through a fish-eye lens. He peered back at me, almost as if he could sense me standing there.
He was downright devastating in his tux, and I knew he’d be popular tonight. Even if he weren’t a billionaire, the man was damn attractive. Charming. Kind.
Okay. I straightened. Enough gawking. I’d met my quota for the evening. I was done. So, I took a deep breath and opened the door.
He stood in the hallway, hands in his pockets, eyes on the floor. Slowly, he lifted his head, his eyes skimming me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. I felt it as if it were a caress, and it left goose bumps skittering over my skin.
“Damn. You look…” He fell silent, as if searching for the right words. He was so rarely at a loss for words that I found it amusing and immensely gratifying. “You look phenomenal.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling self-conscious about my dress. I was showing more skin than I typically did, especially for a work event, but I felt sexy and confident. “So do you. You just have something—” I stepped closer, reaching up to push his hair into place. “There.”
He grabbed my wrist before I could lower my hand, clasping it gently. “Halle.” It was a prayer. A plea.
This was already hard enough—having to spend an evening with him when he looked like…well, this. He was so handsome it hurt to look at him.
Jasper had this quality about him. He was charismatic, yes. But when he entered a room, he didn’t just step into it; he commanded it.
And he was about to have all eyes on him as the CEO of the company. I needed to distance myself at the event before someone caught me looking at him. I didn’t trust myself to be near him without signaling my inappropriate thoughts.
I closed my eyes, allowing myself a moment to revel in his touch. One moment. That was all. I could smell his cologne—rich, smooth, warm.
For a minute, I got caught up in the fantasy of it all. And then I remembered why we were here—the family foundation gala and the bachelorx auction. My stomach soured because I knew I wouldn’t be the only one unable to keep my eyes off him.
I shook my head, silently begging him to let it go. To let me go.
Jasper wasn’t mine, and he never could be.