Page 155 of Romeo

There was no dramatic declaration in his answer. No hesitation either. He simply adjusted the imaginary house.

Me: What if she wants one?

Jasper: Then one.

Me: What if she isn’t sure?

His answer took a little longer.

Jasper: Then I wait until she is.

I closed my eyes.

That might have been the most Jasper answer he could’ve given me.

Months ago, I’d wondered whether his patience meant he didn’t want me enough.

Now I knew better.

He wanted me.

He just refused to make that my problem until I knew what I wanted too.

Me: You make everything sound simple

Jasper: The important part is.

Me: Which part?

Jasper: Choosing the right woman.

My heartbeat stumbled.

I stared at the answer, every instinct telling me exactly what he meant while the cautious part of me insisted there was still enough room to misunderstand.

Maybe I was finally tired of giving that part so much control.

Me: Have you?

Jasper: Ask me later, Cher.

I smiled despite myself.

Me: Coward

Jasper: Patient.

I rested the phone against my chest.

Patient.

He’d been that from the beginning, even when I didn’t understand why. He’d flirted, teased. Pushed just enough to let me know he was there.

Then stopped whenever I needed him to.

Maybe the answer to my question was already sitting inside all those months.

Maybe Jasper had chosen and was simply waiting for me to catch up.