“I just hate to think that Jasper would feel like he’s all alone.” She sniffled, and I was surprised by how emotional she was. It was out of character, but I chalked it up to postpartum hormones and lack of sleep. “He’s always been there for me. And he’s taken on a lot these past few months. I just want him to know that I’m there for him too. But it’s kind of hard to show him that when I’m not physically there, you know?”
“I do. But Knox and Kendall will be here. Nate and his family. Jude and Chrissy.” Since it was a quick trip, Knox and Jude had left Leo and Ezra with Kendall’s mom and her husband back in LA.
Graham had skipped the event, claiming he had too much to do at the château. I didn’t doubt it, but Sloan was convinced his absence had more to do with not wanting to take the spotlight off Jasper. I had a feeling she was right.
“And you.”
My heart stalled out. “What about me?” I hoped the words didn’t sound as forced as they felt.
Did Sloan suspect something?Knowsomething?
“You’re going to be by his side tonight. And on that note…” Her breath gusted out of her. “I’m probably keeping you from getting ready.”
“I still have a few minutes before I need to go. What’s really bothering you?”
“I’m worried about Jasper,” Sloan admitted. “Taking over as CEO has definitely been a big adjustment—for all of us.And he’s doing a great job.” I only wished Jasper could’ve heard her say that.
I sensed Sloan had more to say, so I remained quiet, giving her space to process her feelings.
“I guess I just don’t want anyone to look at my absence from this event and question my support for Jasper as the new CEO.” Then in a quieter voice, she added, “I don’t want Jasper to question my support.”
“I’m sure he doesn’t,” I said. “But if you’re that concerned, maybe send him an encouraging text.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll do that. Thanks, Halle.”
“Anytime.” There was a knock at my door, and it set my heart racing. “I have to go. Give Evie a kiss for me and try to get some rest.”
“Have fun tonight.”
We ended the call, and then I checked myself over one more time in the mirror. I peered through the peephole, using the opportunity to take Jasper in, even if it was through a fish-eye lens. He peered back at me, almost as if he could sense me standing there.
He was downright devastating in his tux, and I knew he’d be popular tonight. Even if he weren’t a billionaire, the man was damn attractive. Charming. Kind.
Okay.I straightened.Enough gawking. I’d met my quota for the evening. I was done. So, I took a deep breath and opened the door.
He stood in the hallway, hands in his pockets, eyes on the floor. Slowly, he lifted his head, his eyes skimming me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. I felt it as if it were a caress, and it left goose bumps skittering over my skin.
“Damn. You look…” He fell silent, as if searching for the right words. He was so rarely at a loss for words that I found it amusing and immensely gratifying. “You look phenomenal.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling self-conscious about my dress. I was showing more skin than I typically did, especially for a work event, but I felt sexy and confident. “So do you. You just have something—” I stepped closer, reaching up to push his hair into place. “There.”
He grabbed my wrist before I could lower my hand, clasping it gently. “Halle.” It was a prayer. A plea.
This was already hard enough—having to spend an evening with him when he looked like…well, this. He was so handsome it hurt to look at him.
Jasper had this quality about him. He was charismatic, yes. But when he entered a room, he didn’t just step into it; he commanded it.
And he was about to have all eyes on him as the CEO of the company. I needed to distance myself at the event before someone caught me looking at him. I didn’t trust myself to be near him without signaling my inappropriate thoughts.
I closed my eyes, allowing myself a moment to revel in his touch. One moment. That was all. I could smell his cologne—rich, smooth, warm.
For a minute, I got caught up in the fantasy of it all. And then I remembered why we were here—the family foundation gala and the bachelorx auction. My stomach soured because I knew I wouldn’t be the only one unable to keep my eyes off him.
I shook my head, silently begging him to let it go. To let me go.
Jasper wasn’t mine, and he never could be.
CHAPTER TWELVE
