Chapter 25 #2
He closed the door behind me, but he didn’t try to hug or kiss me. And his lack of affection made me nervous. Maybe he was holding back until he knew where we stood? Or maybe he really was ready to end things. I didn’t want to believe that was the case, but he was certainly closed off.
“Can I get you something to drink?” he asked.
“Maybe just some water,” I said, my anxiety growing with every passing second. “Thanks.”
He went over to the kitchen and poured us each a glass of water. It all felt so formal, almost businesslike. He wasn’t acting at all like himself, and I hated that I’d done this to us. That I’d made him question his role in my life and how important he was to me.
“I’m sorry,” I blurted, hating that it wasn’t more eloquent.
He straightened but said nothing.
“I’m sorry for what I said. It’s not how I feel.” I went over to him. “I need you to believe that. I need you to know that I love you, and I hate that I made you question how I feel about us.”
“I’m not going to lie, Halle. I’ve had to question it for a while.”
“I know.” His honesty was like a punch to the gut, and I hated that I’d made him feel that way. “I do. And I’m sorry for that too.”
Even though it was painful, I kept my gaze focused on his. Because I wanted him to know that I was sincere.
“I’m not used to being able to rely on anyone but myself.
Craig was never there for me in the way that I needed him, especially not when it came to Kai.
For a long time—until you—my job has been the one thing I could count on.
I’ve worked hard, and my career accomplishments are something I’m incredibly proud of. ”
“As you should be,” he said.
“Thank you.” I smiled, always appreciating his support. “But instead of letting my achievements give me confidence, I was more afraid of losing it all. Which is ridiculous. Because I am damn good at my job.”
His smile was fond and full of love. “Yes, you are.” And I knew he wasn’t just saying that. He might be biased, but Jasper respected competence and excellence.
“I understand why you’re scared,” he said. “I get that you have your parents relying on you. Kai relying on you.”
“I know you do. And that’s a big part of why I love you.
” I’d needed to say it. Needed him to hear it.
To feel it. “And while my love life should have no bearing on my job, I’m not na?ve enough to believe that our relationship won’t have an impact.
But I’m willing to fight for both—for my job and for us.
Because I earned my position, and I refuse to sacrifice it or the man I love. ”
“Fuck yes. There she is.” He cupped my cheeks, his eyes swimming with pride. “That’s my Halle.” He swallowed roughly.
I smiled, full of love, appreciation, and relief. Jasper was my partner, my equal, in every sense of the word. I loved him, and I hated that he’d ever doubted that. But I promised myself that I would never let him question it again.
“I am yours,” I said. “And I want everyone to know it.”
“Damn right.” He grinned. And then he kissed me—a homecoming, a promise. I wanted to get lost in him, to forget the past two days, to charge forward toward our future. A future filled with love and trust and hope.
But he pulled back, ending the kiss all too soon. “As happy as that makes me, I have to tell you something.”
“Okay.” I furrowed my brow.
He took a deep breath and smoothed a hand down his shirt. Oh god. I tried to brace myself for whatever he was going to say. Because I got the impression it wasn’t good.
“Sloan wants to offer you the position of SVP permanently.”
“What?” My knees wobbled.
“Congratulations, Halle.” Jasper smiled, but it was tinged with sadness. We both knew this made our situation even more complicated. “You deserve the promotion, and it has my full support.”
“Thank you,” I said, my gears turning. I wanted to celebrate, but I was too focused on trying to formulate a new game plan.
If anything, the promotion was further proof of the value I added to the company.
So instead of being scared it would be taken away, I tried to focus on using it to prove our case to the board.
“I know I’ve been advocating to tell the board, but that was before the promotion came into play. Even if our relationship ultimately would have no impact on the board’s decision, I don’t like the perception of it. I don’t want to give anyone a reason to question why you were promoted.”
I knew Jasper was only trying to protect me, but all this time, all along, he’d put me first. It was time for me to put our relationship first.
“Neither do I. But my record speaks for itself. I earned this promotion.” And I wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of my job or my relationship with Jasper.
All along, he’d been willing to take the hit—to his reputation, to the company—despite how much was at stake for him as well.
This wasn’t just about me and my role in the company; our relationship affected Jasper too.
“We need to tell them,” I said. “Before the vote.” Because I’d hate for the board—or his family—to feel like we lied to them. Misled them. To lose faith in him as CEO. Or for this secret to impact his relationship with his family.
“You’re sure about this?” he asked, searching my eyes.
“Certain,” I said. There was no doubt in my mind. I draped my arms around his neck and kissed him. I loved this man, and I couldn’t wait for everyone to know it.