“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 thecompany—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.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
The Leatherbacks’ stadium was buzzing with activity. The game was about to start, and Knox had packed the owner’s suite with friends and family. All my siblings, minus Graham, were here. Their families. And some family friends like Alexis Black and Emerson’s twin, Astrid.
Halle was deep in conversation with Emerson, and Kai had been hanging out with me. “I’m hungry.”
“Let’s grab some food.” I placed my hand on his shoulder and steered him through the room toward the buffet.
“Can I have this?” He pointed at some sandwiches.
I skimmed the label. “See this.” I pointed out the wheat symbol, indicating there was gluten. “This means it has gluten. So not this one.”
He frowned. “But it lookssogood.”
“I know, bud. But you don’t want to feel sick, do you?”
He shook his head vehemently. “No way. Nuh-uh.”
“Okay.” I ushered him farther down the table. “Let’s see what we can find. It’s important to always read the labels?—”
“But I can’t always read those long words.”
“I know.” I tried not to laugh. “But one day, you will. Untilthen, always ask for help. ’Kay?” After he nodded, I asked, “How about some tortilla chips?” I pointed to the sign. “No wheat symbol. And I think you’d like the queso.”
“It’s not spicy, is it?” He scrunched up his face.Adorable. God, I loved this kid.
“Tell you what.” I put some chips and queso on my plate. “I’ll try it first.” I took a bite and confirmed it wasn’t spicy.
We grabbed a few more items for his plate, then searched for empty seats to enjoy our food while we watched the game. Sloan waved us over, and we joined her and Nate.
The match started, and everyone’s attention was glued to the field. The Leatherbacks were playing well, but the score was close. Come halftime, the Leatherbacks were in the lead, but they’d have to work to maintain it.
Kai yawned, leaned his head against me, and I was grateful Sloan was distracted by the action on the field.
“Can we have another sleepover tonight?” Kai asked, and I swear to god, my heart stopped.
I could feel Sloan’s shock. It reverberated through me like a slap. But Nate was smirking, almost as if he’d known. I tried my best to ignore their reactions. Right now, Kai was my priority. Then, minimizing the fallout, if possible.
“Another sleepover?” I asked, keeping my voice low.
“Yeah. Like the night you slept on the couch when I was sick.”
Oh. That.I let out the breath I’d been holding. Still not ideal, but definitely better than if Kai had seen me sneaking out of his mom’s room as I did nearly every night.
