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Jasper drove as carefully as she’d expected him to and within a few minutes he was pulling up outside a large two-storey house. ‘She’s perfect. Just perfect.’
‘I’m glad you think so.’ Jennifer undid her seat belt and pointed to his house. ‘This is where you live?’
‘It is.’
‘You’re lucky to be so close to the hospital. I’ve been looking for a place for quite some time but with no luck.’
‘Can’t find anywhere close?’ He’d switched off the engine but kept his hands on the wheel, not quite ready to part with the sensation of such a classic car.
‘No, which is why I’m still at Sara’s. If you know of any decent-sized apartments in the area, would you mind letting me know?’
‘The house two doors down is for sale,’ Jasper remarked, pointing.
Jennifer wrinkled her nose and shook her head. ‘I’m not interested in a house.’
‘It’s only two bedroomed, more like a cottage really, and, besides, an apartment complex would mean you’d have to park Miss Chief in a shared garage or, worse, on the street. The house down the road has a nice large garage just perfect for this regal beauty.’ He paused for a moment, unsure whether he was doing the right thing or not. ‘I know the owner. Want me to get him to contact you?’
‘Well…’ It was all a bit sudden but he did have a point. ‘I was looking for an apartment with a private garage.’
‘You won’t find one around here. Not close to the hospital. Check out the house,’ he pushed again. ‘Just go for a look around. See if you like it.’ He shrugged. ‘I’ll even come with you if you want.’
‘You’d do that?’ She was surprised by the sweet gesture and it made her realise that Jasper Edwards was indeed someone she might be able to trust. Might.
‘It’s the least I can do after you’ve let me drive Miss Chief.’
‘Hmm. Maybe I should remember that. Whenever I need Jasper to do something, I’ll just let him drive my car.’
‘I’m an easy sell,’ he replied with a chuckle, and reluctantly climbed out of the car. Jennifer followed suit and walked around to the driver’s side. ‘Thanks, Jennifer. She really was an amazing drive.’
‘My pleasure.’ And she realised it was. It had been good to share her love of the car with someone who really appreciated it. They stood there for a few moments, looking at each other, before Jasper seemed to realise he should move. He collected his coat and briefcase.
‘I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.’
‘I guess you will,’ she replied.
‘The second day is always better than the first,’ he said as he walked over his front lawn.
‘I’ll look forward to it, then.’
Jasper nodded slowly, heading into the shadows. ‘So will I.’
CHAPTER THREE
FOR the next two weeks, Jennifer started to find her feet in her new job. As good as his word, Jasper was professional yet polite when he showed her around the research laboratory and introduced her to various members of staff. She felt comfortable going to him with questions or concerns she had, just trying to get a feel for what had transpired before her arrival.
When she’d arrived home at Sara’s house that first night, she hadn’t said a word to Sara about meeting Jasper. Sara had hedged a little, asking her how the day had gone—had she met any new and exciting people? Jennifer had played it cool, deciding to keep Sara in the dark for a bit longer. Instead, she’d eaten her dinner, played a board game with Sara’s boys for half an hour and then headed to her room to settle down to the contents of her briefcase.
The evenings were usually hectic, with Jennifer not leaving the hospital until very late, only to be back bright and early the following morning.
‘You’re working too hard,’ Jasper told her one Thursday evening.
‘I’m the boss. I need to work hard. How can I ask more of my staff if I don’t give one hundred and ten per cent?’
Jasper eased himself into the chair opposite her desk and shook his head, tut-tutting. ‘You’re still working too hard and you’re not going to inspire anyone if you end up sick. Or haven’t you noticed the bug which seems to be sweeping its way through the hospital?’
‘Of course I’ve noticed. Why do you think I’m working so hard?’ Her words had come out defensively and harshly, and the instant they were out she closed her eyes and sighed. ‘I’m sorry, Jasper.’ She hung her head for a moment, rubbing her fingers in tiny circles around her temples before looking at him once more. He was such a nice man and had been nothing but supportive during her time there so far. He didn’t deserve to incur her frustrations and insecurities. ‘I’m just eager to get all this work done and up to date so I can settle down into a more normal rhythm.’
