Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Weeks had passed in the blink of an eye.
I was settling into my new life in LA. I’d gone to lunch with Alexis and her friends a few times, and I loved getting to know her better, as well as Juliana and Lauren.
I had yet to meet Harper, but that was only because she lived in a small town up north with her son and husband, a retired pro soccer player.
I was also busy. I was juggling calls with my parents and the nursing staff at my dad’s facility, taking care of Kai, serving as the temporary SVP. And then there was my secret relationship with Jasper. But I seemed to thrive in the chaos, even if I often felt I was on the verge of losing control.
And as much as I wanted to believe I had it together, the fact that I hadn’t talked to Zara, apart from texts here and there, was like a check engine light. Reminding me to nourish my own needs. We texted almost daily, but it wasn’t the same as a phone conversation.
“Hey,” I said, accepting Zara’s request to video chat.
It was early, and I was sitting at the counter drinking coffee while reading through some emails. Kai was still asleep, and I was about to get ready for the day.
“Oh my god. Halle.” Zara leaned in, squinting at the screen. “Is it really you?”
“Ha-ha.” I rolled my eyes, but I was smiling. “Yes, it’s me.”
“I was beginning to think I’d have to fly to LA if I ever wanted to talk to you again.”
“I mean…you’re more than welcome to visit anytime. I think you’d love it here. And I know you’d hit it off with Alexis, Lauren, and Juliana.”
“I’m glad you’ve made some friends there. And thanks, babes. Be careful, I might take you up on that offer.”
“I’d love that. Kai would too.” Zara was like a sister to me and an aunt to Kai. It felt strange to be so far away from her.
“I miss my sweet boy. How is he? How’s everything going?”
“Good,” I said. “Craig is still planning to move to LA.”
“Think he will actually follow through?”
“I think so.” Sometimes I still couldn’t believe it myself, but he really seemed to have turned over a new leaf this time.
“Ever since his visit, he’s been consistent in his efforts to connect with Kai.
They’ll build the same Lego kit together over video chats.
Sometimes they play video games together.
” It was nice to see Craig making more of an effort.
And Kai definitely seemed happier from his dad’s attention.
“How do you feel about it?” she asked.
“Assuming it happens, conflicted. I’ll be happy for Kai, of course. I want Kai to have a good relationship with his dad. But I’m worried about how much time Craig might expect to spend with him.”
“That’s understandable. Craig’s lucky you’re as nice as you are.”
I barked out a laugh. “This isn’t about what I want. It’s about what’s best for Kai.”
“I know. I just hope he remembers that.”
I nodded then asked her about work and some of our friends. We chatted for a while before she said, “And your parents?”
I toyed with my necklace, sliding the dragonfly charm along the chain. “My dad is holding steady. Mom seems to be finding her new rhythm now that she no longer has to worry so much about Dad.”
Then, I listened as she told me about a client’s wedding she’d recently attended. It sounded amazing and over the top, and it reminded me of one of the stories Juliana had told us recently about a wedding her firm was planning for a client.
I peered up from the phone, momentarily distracted by the sight of Rosie padding toward me. She drank some water from her bowl then came to my side and whined up at me.
“Is that…” Zara furrowed her brow. “Your stomach?”
“No.” I laughed, bending over to grab Rosie from the floor. “It’s Rosie.” I set her on my lap, cuddling her.
“Interesting.” Zara watched me. “What’s Jasper’s dog doing at your place?”
“Jasper asked Kai to dog-sit for him while he’s in Colorado touring the newly renovated Huxley Grand at Beaver Creek.”
“Mm.” She gave me a pointed look. “What’s going on there?”
“Potential expansion of the ski amenities,” I said, intentionally misinterpreting her question. “It would be a huge project.”
“You’re sleeping with him, aren’t you?”
“Actually…” I rolled my lips between my teeth. “It’s a bit more than that.”
She blinked a few times. “You’re in a relationship with him?”
“I am.” I smiled. And it felt so good to finally admit it to someone. “But it’s still new. And we’re being discreet.”
“How long has this been going on?” she asked.
“About a month. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. We’ve both just been so busy, and it didn’t really feel like the kind of news you drop over text.”
“You don’t have to apologize. I’m happy for you.” She smiled. “So I take it Sloan doesn’t know?”
I shook my head, smoothing my hand over Rosie’s fur. “You’re actually the only person who knows.”
“But you’re going to tell people eventually, aren’t you?” She sounded cautiously hopeful.
“That’s the goal,” I said, though the idea made me feel sick to my stomach.
“How do you think Sloan will take it?” Zara asked.
“Honestly,” I sighed, “I’m not sure. I want to think she’ll be supportive, especially based on her own relationship history.”
“She married her best friend’s brother, right?”
“Yeah. But I don’t know how she’ll feel about me dating her brother. Especially since we all work together.”
She winced. “Oof. That’s dicey. I mean…you love that company. And it surprises me that you’d do anything that could jeopardize your position with Huxley. But also your friendship with Sloan.”
“I know. And I know it seems crazy and reckless and whatever, but…” I shrugged. I didn’t even know what to say.
“Wow.” She watched me, cautious. Assessing. “I knew you liked him, but I didn’t realize you wanted anything serious.”
“I didn’t realize I did either.” Or maybe I just hadn’t ever thought it would actually be a possibility.
“But here we are.” Even so, I couldn’t help but smile.
“I just…” I sighed. “I’ve never felt like this.
I didn’t know it could be like this. He’s amazing with Kai, an incredible partner.
And when I’m with Jasper, he makes me feel like I could do anything. Be anything.”
She smiled.
“What?” I asked.
“I’m glad you found someone who knows your worth. You deserve to find happiness and love.”
“Thank you,” I said, warmth filling me as I patted Rosie. “I know it’s complicated, but I’m trying to live in the moment.”
After my conversation with Zara, the rest of the day passed by in a blur of meetings and emails and so many other things.
Despite how busy I was, I kept watching the clock, waiting until Kai was in bed so I could finally talk to Jasper.
We’d texted throughout the day, and I knew he had a dinner meeting, so I’d stayed up to work on some reports.
When my phone finally rang, I leaped to answer it when I saw it was Jasper calling. I hit the button to connect the video call, drinking in the sight of Jasper’s face. He looked tired but happy, handsome as ever in his suit with the tie undone. I’d missed him. We all had. Me, Rosie, and Kai.
“Hi, love.” His voice was deep and rich.
The sound of the word “love” on his lips sent a thrill through me, even though he’d called me that almost from the beginning. But lately, it felt as if it had taken on a different meaning. It wasn’t some offhanded pet name common in London. It felt like he meant it.
“Hey.” I cleared my throat, trying to dislodge the emotion suddenly stuck there.
Life just wasn’t the same without Jasper. He’d been away for the past week, and I was ready for him to come home. Especially with the way he was looking at me now.
His smile was warm, his eyes softening at the sight of me. And then his gaze dropped to my chest, where my navy silk nightgown dipped low. My nipples pebbled in response to his attention.
“How was dinner? Did you just get back?” I asked. It was an hour later in Colorado.
“Yes.” He swiped a hand down his face. “It went well, but it dragged on.” He sighed, and I could tell he didn’t want to talk about work. Neither did I.
I wanted to crawl into bed with him, nestle in his arms, and fall asleep talking about our day.
More and more, I craved those simple moments.
But then I’d remember everything that was at stake, and I’d send him home before morning.
Before Kai would wake. Before someone could find out about us.
But I didn’t want to think about that—not right now.
“I miss you,” I admitted, trying to ground myself in the present. I could neither predict nor control the future. But I could enjoy this moment.
Jasper’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “I miss you too. I wish I were there with you.”
“Oh yeah?” I shifted, and my nightgown slipped even lower. God, he looked hot. “And what would we be doing if you were here?”
“Mm.” He was sitting against the headboard, and he tucked his arm behind him. Relaxed. Confident. Sexy. “What would you want me to do?
“Everything,” I breathed. My eyes darted to my bedroom door, and I was grateful I’d locked it earlier.
“I’d start by kissing you. I’ve missed that mouth of yours.” He grinned. “And then I’d kiss my way down your neck, inhaling your perfume.”
I trailed my fingers down the same path, aching for his touch. His kisses. Just…him.
“I’d pull your nipple into my mouth, sucking through the silk.” My nipples hardened at his words, at the intense way he was looking at me. “And then I’d pull it aside and swirl my tongue around you until you were panting.”
“Yes.” I squirmed in the sheets. I rubbed my thighs together, but it did nothing to ease the ache. Nothing would except the man staring back at me on the screen.
“Show me,” Jasper said.
I didn’t even have to ask what he wanted; I knew exactly what he meant. But as eager as I was to come, I wanted to draw this out—for both of us. So I set my phone against a pillow, making sure I remained in the frame.