“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.
I took my time, dragging one of my straps down my shoulder, tantalizing him with glimpses of my skin until I had removed the second strap. And then I let go, allowing the silk to slide over my skin until my breasts were revealed.
“Fuck, Halle.” He was practically salivating, and I was just as needy, filled with a yearning so strong it nearly overpowered me. “You’re so gorgeous.”
