Chapter 49
Corine's POV
I woke up to the warmth of sunlight bleeding through the cream curtains, painting golden lines across the navy-blue sheets tangled around my legs. For a moment, I didn't move. I just lay there, still and quiet, letting the calm cradle me like I was afraid any sudden movement would shatter it
But the second I blinked, it all came rushing back-like a violent tide crashing against the shore.
Allen.
The kids.
London.
The argument.
My breakdown in the middle of my office,mascara running down my face, voice trembling as I lashed out and broke. And then... Jasper. His voice. His warmth. The way he held me like I wouldn't unravel in his arms. Like he believed I was still whole.
And then, the night. Our night.
My face heated instantly, a blush blooming over my cheeks and neck as I turned my head on the pillow. Jasper was still asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically beside me. His lips parted slightly, his lashes dark against his skin. He looked so peaceful, so steady. Unlike me.
I bit down on my lip, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to tug at my mouth. Last night hadn't been planned. I hadn't even thought it possible for my heart to want something like that again. But it happened. And it wasn't a mistake. It didn't feel like one.
Carefully, I pulled the sheets off and slipped out of bed, trying not to wake him. My bare feet touched the cold floor as I reached for his shirt-the same one I had slipped off him last night-and threw it on. It swallowed me whole, hanging off one shoulder, but it smelled like him. Clean, warm, like cedar and late nights.
My fingers twitched to do something. I couldn't just lie back in bed, not when my mind was spinning with everything I had to face today. The kids, Allen, reality. The moment outside this hotel suite when the world came crashing back in.
So I walked quietly to the small kitchen area. The place was sleek and modern, like Jasper himself. I opened cabinets, trying to find something to cook. Eggs, toast, maybe coffee if I could figure out the fancy machine.
I found a pan and cracked two eggs into it, biting back a yawn. The sizzle echoed in the quiet room, and I leaned against the counter, trying to push back the anxiety beginning to crawl into my chest.
I didn't hear him come in until I felt his hands around my waist.
"Good morning, gorgeous," Jasper's deep voice whispered against the shell of my ear. His arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me flush against his warm body.
I gasped and instinctively leaned into him. "You scared me," I whispered, my voice still raspy with sleep.
He buried his face in my neck and pressed a gentle kiss there. "Didn't mean to. You're just too tempting standing there cooking in my shirt. I had to get up."
A laugh escaped me, light and soft. "You should still be asleep."
"I'd rather wake up to you," he said, then turned me around slowly. "Last night... Are you okay?"
My eyes met his, and something caught in my throat. "I... yeah. I'm okay."
He brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You sure?"
I nodded. "It wasn't planned, and I know things are messy right now, but I don't regret it. Not one second."
Jasper cupped my face gently. "Neither do I."
I leaned into his hand, closing my eyes briefly. "But I do have to go back. The kids... Brittany must be wondering where I am. And I am expecting Allen to hand over their clothes today."
His brows knit together slightly, but he didn't let go. "Corinne... before you leave, there's something I need to say."
I blinked up at him. "Okay..."
He took a breath. "You're mine now. Not in a controlling way," he said quickly, smiling sheepishly. "I just mean, I want this. Whatever we are. I want you."
The words hit me in the chest-soft and slow and aching.
"You do?" I asked, my voice a whisper.
"I do. I know it's fast. I know things are complicated, and you're still healing. But I want to be there for you. For your kids. I want to try. So, Corinne, will you be my girlfriend?"
My heart stuttered in my chest. No man had asked me that in what felt like years. I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat and nodded.
"Yes," I said, voice trembling. "Yes, I will."
His face lit up, and he kissed me again-soft at first, then deeper, more intense. His hands cradled my face like I was precious. Like I was something he wanted to protect.
When we finally pulled apart, breathless, I rested my forehead against his.
"I still have to go," I said, my voice husky. "The kids will be up by now, and I need to meet Allen."
He nodded, trailing a thumb over my lower lip. "Alright. But after my meeting with Aceson, I'm taking you and the kids to lunch. All of you. I want them to know I'm here. That I'm staying."
I smiled, eyes glassy. "Okay. Lunch sounds... nice."
"Don't get too excited," he teased. "I'm picking the restaurant. It'll probably be some hole-in-the-wall you'll pretend to like just to impress me."
I laughed, swatting his chest. "Please. I've been through worse than your restaurant choices."
He kissed me again, lingering this time. "Go. Be the amazing mom you are. I'll text you later with the time and place."
I nodded, heart full. "Okay. And... thank you. For last night. For everything."
"You don't have to thank me for treating you the way you deserve."
I looked at him, something warm twisting inside me. He hadn't said the words. Neither had I. But they hovered in the air-soft, unspoken promises.
I kissed him once more, slow and deliberate. A goodbye, but not an end.
Then I slipped away, his shirt still hugging my frame, the scent of him and last night clinging to my skin.