Jasper muttered a few colorful epithets and dragged his other hand back through his hair. “Yeah, I know how it is. Are you hurt anywhere else?” He unfurled his fingers and grasped my hand.
“Just a few bruises on my body, nothing major. We've wrestled harder than that before.” Which was true, although I hadn't come away bruised and breathless because of it.
“This is different. That guy meant to do you harm. I want to know exactly what happened.” Jasper let go of my hand, caught the hem of the tee shirt, and peeled it upward.
Obediently, I lifted my arms so he could take it off. I hadn't looked to see what other kind of damage I might have sustained since the incident, only described what I felt. The plain black bra beneath the shirt felt a little askew, as it had since the scuffle. I reached up to straighten the thing out while Jasper bent to get a look at my stomach.
“You've got a bruise here, a few inches below the sternum, and a few lighter scrapes, too.” He used his index finger to trace the edge of the minor wounds.
Squirming because it tickled, I brushed his wrist away. “It's not bad. I've been hurt a lot worse. And that tickles.”
“I know, but I want to make sure you don't have any other serious damage. I know how you are. You make light of things.” He lowered to one knee and turned me by the hips.
I craned a look back at his flexing shoulders and the way his hair fell rakishly across his forehead. He caught my gaze a moment, eyes serious, then searched my back for injury. How had I gone all those years and not noticed how handsome he was? It wasn't the first time I'd asked myself that question, but it still surprised me.
“There's not a lot on my back—”
“The hell there isn't. There's a bruise right smack over your spine. A big one. Did the bastard hit you?”
“No, he put a knee there, though. He's lucky I couldn't reach his face.”
“He's lucky I don't know who he is.”
While Jasper's fingers swirled over my skin, I said, “I don't want you to go searching, either. Let the police do it.”
“You know me better than that. I won't let this go until we find him.”
“Jasper--”
“Don't try to talk me out of it, Finley. This is unacceptable.”
“It is unacceptable, I agree. But I don't want you to go ramming around, looking for someone who so clearly means to do other people harm to get what he wants. Let the cops deal with him. You'll just get into a fight and maybe even get arrested, and I don't want that.” I shivered when Jasper dusted a light kiss over the bruise on my back and rose to his feet.
Crowding close, his chest warm against my skin, he put his mouth near my ear and whispered, “I'll be careful. I can't stand to see you like this.”
Shuddering at the echo of his words, I tilted my head back against his collarbone. He was taller than me by many inches, and I admitted to myself that it felt good to sink into his stronger body, to let him envelope me in his arms, his scent, his attention.
“You've always hated it when someone tries to pick on me. But I fought back, and he's probably got a few scrapes and bruises thanks to Adrian and me. If he does work at the hotel, and has to work tomorrow, they'll be watching. They'll catch him.”
“If he doesn't? If he was lurking around the parking lot because he knew you or anyone else would be easy targets? Then that means he'll still be on the loose. Maybe he'll come back and try again one night.”
“You're distracting me,” I said, though it wasn't a complaint.
“And you're distracting me,” he countered.
“I might need ice for my ribs,” I admitted.
Jasper hissed, kissed my jaw, then retreated. “I'll get it. Change for bed or whatever, and I'll bring it to you.”
I missed his presence the second it was gone. “Thanks.”
“Don't mention it.”
“And don't you dare go running out the door!” I added before Jasper could escape. It was exactly the kind of thing he would do.
His laughter floated back through the house.
I divested myself of the bra and jeans and changed into pajama pants and a looser, clean shirt of Jasper's. Old habits and all that.
When he returned, he tossed a frozen bag of corn into my hands, then eased onto the mattress.
Since I'd already slept here last night, I didn't think it was a big deal to sleep here again tonight. Who was I kidding? I'd come willingly back to Jasper's bed and slept better than I had any night in the guest bedroom.
More than that, I'd missed sleeping next to him.
Lying back, I set the corn over the shirt atop my stomach, sucking a breath in as the cold seeped through the material to my skin. I moved the bag around after a few minutes, finding another sore spot to cover.
Jasper stretched out beside me, his long body taking up the entire middle of the bed. “I can get your back if you need me to.”
“Maybe in a little while. It feels good right here for now.” I cut a look his way. “You're not going to be gone when I wake up, are you?”
“No.”
“Jasper...”
“I'll be here.”
“Promise.” Because promises were golden.
He hesitated, then said, “I promise.”
Chapter Thirteen
Just like I thought, I felt like a train ran me over when I woke up the next morning. The bag of frozen corn had un-thawed and melted on the sheets, making a large chilly circle I rolled over into. Groaning, I lurched away from the uncomfortable sensation and sat up. Right away, I glanced across the bed.
Jasper was gone.
I wasn't sure what surprised me more, the sight of his empty spot or the knowledge that he'd broken a sacred promise. We just didn't ever mess with promises. It hit me harder than the broken trust. In essence it was the same thing. He'd broken a promise and my trust—again—at the same time.
The bedroom door swung open and Jasper walked in carrying a tray with plates of pancakes and fresh strawberries. His cheek bulged obscenely while he chewed a berry.
I sank against the headboard with relief. “I thought you took off.”
“I promised I wouldn't. But I did make you breakfast. The pancakes are a little lumpy.” He set the tray down, then folded a leg onto the mattress and snagged another strawberry to pop in his mouth.
“You look like you've already had a shower and everything,” I said, noting his clean shaven face, freshly washed hair and clean clothes. He'd chosen a newer pair of nicer jeans and a gray henley that accentuated the breadth of his shoulders.
“Yeah, I wanted to get up early in case we need to take you to the hospital or anything.”
I picked up my plate, which already had syrup dripping off the pancakes, and cut off a bite. Downplaying my aches and pains, I said, “I don't need the hospital. I'm okay.”
“Did you roll into the wet spot?” he asked with a gruff chuckle.
I snorted and swallowed before saying, “Yes. Thanks for that. You could have covered it up or something.”
“That takes the fun out of knowing you'll wallow in it.” He picked up his own plate and bit into a crispy piece of bacon.
“Sadist.”
“And I like reminding you every chance I get.”
Amused, I had another three bites of the slightly lumpy pancakes. They still tasted like pancakes, and they were improved over the food Jasper used to make. Once upon a time, his pancakes had been as loose as the syrup, barely able to hold themselves together. The gooey middle had been the deal breaker for me.
After a few minutes of companionable silence, I said, “Last night, I considered not telling you what happened. Or...giving you an altered version of the truth.”
Jasper arched a brow, the one with the scar that sliced it in two. “You mean you considered lying to me.”
“I did.”
“Why?”
“Why do you think?”
“Because you didn't want me to go to Olympus or decide that I should pick you up
and drop you off from now on.”
I smiled around a bite of strawberry. Jasper knew me well. After chewing, I said, “Yes, exactly that. And then I realized that if I did lie, then I'd be relegating you to my one percent.”
It took Jasper a second to realize what I meant. He chewed, a shank of hair hanging familiarly over his brow. “So you put yourself in my shoes. What did you think after that?”
“That it would be hypocritical of me to do the same, and then tell you I couldn't be with you because I didn't trust you.”
“Which is pretty much the truth.”
I nodded while cutting off a piece of pancake. Instead of eating it, I pushed the triangle around my plate. “Yeah.”
“But you did tell me the truth. At least I think you did.”
I knew what Jasper was really asking. Had I left anything else out? Anything important? “You know what I know. I decided to ask you instead not to go to Olympus, not to try and find the person. Like you did with Adrian when I specifically asked you to stay away.”
Jasper set down his plate and curled his arms around an up-drawn knee. “Well. In the interest of honesty, I guess I should tell you that I plan to go to work early tonight and talk to a few people.”
I wasn't happy to hear it. “Can't you let the authorities deal with it? Please?”
“I might hear something important, or learn something vital, that the employees wouldn't think to tell security. It doesn't hurt to ask questions.”
“But you won't just ask questions if you accidentally stumble on the person who did it. I know you. You'll talk with your fists and wind up in trouble.” I set the fork down.
“I won't. I just want to ask a few questions.”
“Jasper...”
“I won't do anything to anyone.”
“Promise,” I challenged him, lifting my chin in the air.
Silence.
I lifted both brows.
Nothing. Jasper just stared at me.
“Just how early are you going in?” I asked, gesturing to his clothing. He wasn't due to leave for hours and hours. I could just imagine Jasper interrogating half the staff of Olympus in an effort to try and get information.
“I'm not going to work until later.”
“Then why are you dressed like that?”
“Because Asia will be here in an hour so we can ask her whether or not Kaia is really mine.”
*
I paced circles around the living room while we waited for Asia. After a quick shower, I'd changed into a pair of black jeans and black tank top, a nicer one made of filmy material instead of worn out cotton. I didn't give up my boots though, and the thick tread made tracks over the carpet on my way past the window. It was still fifteen minutes before Asia was due to arrive, but because I believed her to be the punctual sort rather than the type to run perpetually late, I kept a close eye on the driveway.
Jasper had taken up a position on the couch, one boot propped over his opposite knee, gaze fixated on a distant wall. His nerves showed through in the jittery shake of his foot and the way his fingers picked at the cushion on the couch.
A lot was riding on the outcome of this meeting. Everything as we knew it might change. Jasper would have to try and convince Asia to allow him into their lives at least enough to get to know his daughter, support her, and learn how to be a father. A new little person would become a part of our lives, the same lives Jasper and I were still trying to figure out for ourselves.
Five minutes to the hour, Asia's Monte Carlo pulled into the driveway.
“She's here,” I said.
“I know.” Jasper got to his feet and exhaled a sharp breath. He made eye contact for a long minute, then strolled to the door.
Asia, looking sleek and sharp in an ivory shirt and dark green pencil skirt, greeted us both with a quick smile when Jasper invited her inside. I noticed Asia had no trouble walking in five inch heels.
“Thanks for coming over,” Jasper said, closing the door.
“Sure.” Asia lingered in the tiled square of the foyer before coming into the living area when I gestured to the couches.
“Have a seat,” I said. “How's Kaia?”
“She's doing a lot better. Fever stayed down over night and there's been no sign of any more seizures for now.” Asia settled elegantly into the cushions and crossed one long leg over the other.
Rather than slouch into a chair, I sat like a civilized person for once and rested my hands on my lap. I was used to draping a leg over the arm of the chair or sitting sideways with both legs tucked into an awkward fold.
“I'm really glad to hear that,” I said, and meant it.
“I know I've thanked you both countless times, but really. I appreciate all your help. The money, fixing the car, all of it,” Asia said.
“Hey, don't worry about it,” Jasper said. He sat in the cushy chair next to mine, facing Asia, and rubbed his chin with his fingers. “Actually, we invited you over because we wanted to ask you something.”
“But first,” I said, interrupting Jasper. “Remind me to give you my friend Ramsey's number. He's agreed to interview you for a position as soon as you're available. I told him what was going on with your daughter and he said to take your time.”
Asia looked puzzled. “I thought Adrian was going to interview me?”
“He was, but Ramsey is going to take over,” I said. “They're cousins and both hold high positions at Olympus.” Too bad I couldn't mention the new hotel.
Asia brightened. “That's excellent news. Thank you.”
“He's a nice guy. If he can fit you in somewhere, he will,” I added.
“Perfect. I'll contact him later today.” Asia said. Then she made a small gesture my direction. “What happened?”
It took me a second to realize what Asia meant. The scratches on my cheek didn't hurt as much as my mid-section, so I'd forgotten there was visible proof of the attack. Once again, I downplayed the event, afraid that Asia might not want a job at Olympus if that was the only place Ramsey had to put her for now. “Oh, I got into a scuffle. It's nothing, really.”
“I see.” Asia didn't pursue the issue, as if she'd picked up on my hesitation to discuss it further. She glanced from me to Jasper. “Anyway, what question did you have? If it's about the money you lent me...”
“No, no,” Jasper said, waving the idea of money off with a hand. “It's not that at all.” He pushed to his feet and paced toward the window, making a loose circuit between the furniture and the wall. Tucking his hands into his pockets, he flapped his elbows in and out, showing a hint of nerves. “I wanted to talk to you about Kaia.”
Asia looked surprised. “What about her?”
I stayed quiet, letting Jasper get the question out in his own good time. He withdrew a hand and ran it through his hair. “Ah...Asia, I just...well.” Jasper stalled out, then paused by the chair he'd been sitting on to face her fully. “I need to know for sure. Is Kaia mine?”
I held my breath and watched Asia's surprise deepen. It didn't take her but a second to answer.
“No, Jasper. She's definitely not yours. I had an affair five months after you left. It was a whole rebound thing, a pity party because I knew you weren't coming back. A three day whirlwind with a stranger—which I just never do—and two months later, I found out I was pregnant. So no, Kaia's not yours.”
I couldn't detect any lies in Asia's reply. She didn't get shifty eyed or fidgety and she answered with firm conviction that I believed. I glanced sideways to see if Jasper believed her, too. His expression seemed conflicted to me, and that was the first time I wondered if he'd almost hoped Kaia would be his.
Because he knows you've never shown any interest, dolt. He probably thinks even if we do stay together, kids are out of the question. I kept my thoughts to myself.
“Right, right. I see,” Jasper finally said. “I hope you don't mind but I had to know for sure. I couldn't figure out how old she was--”
“No, it's fine. I understand. I'd
want to know, too.”
“So what happened, then? You're not wearing a ring...” Jasper let the question trail.
Asia laughed a fluttery laugh and lifted a shoulder. Not a shrug, but a helpless gesture. “No, I'm not. The guy didn't want anything to do with Kaia. He changed his phone number, his address, everything. He didn't live around me anyway, so I decided to let it go and raise her myself.”
“I hope you're making him pay support or something.”
“He sends me a check every six months. A lump sum to spread out until the next one comes. It's probably not as much as the court would make him pay, but I didn't want to get locked into months and months of legal battles with him. I think it all worked out for the best. We're doing okay.” Asia glanced down at her hands.
Asia was barely doing okay, I thought. Scraping by, like Jasper and I had done our first year in Vegas. Hell, we still lived frugally to save money for the shop. I sympathized with Asia, because I couldn't imagine trying to raise a child on top of paying regular bills and trying to put money in savings.
“Well, now that you're here, and we're all acquainted, I wouldn't mind becoming a part of her life. If you'll let me.” Jasper paused, then added with a quick glance my way, “Us. If you'll let us.”
It took every ounce of control I owned not to roll out of the chair in surprise. Jasper could have warned me that was coming. Even though I saw him glance my way in periphery, I didn't look over. And since he was just offering things out of the blue, I said, “Yeah. And if you want, we can babysit sometime.”
The twitch I detected in Jasper's body told me I'd scored a surprise of my own.
“That won't be awkward?” Asia asked, brushing a lock of silky hair away from her temple.
“I don't think so. It was awkward the first or second day, yeah, but I think that's past now. Or am I missing something?” Jasper asked with a curious lilt to his voice.
“If it's awkward for you, then no, we definitely don't have to do that,” I added, detecting something in Asia that sent my inner alarm bells ringing. We'd been so distracted with her appearance and the questions about Kaia, that we hadn't considered what Asia might be feeling. It dawned on me that perhaps she couldn't handle that kind of close relationship because maybe, just maybe, she was still in love with Jasper. Just because she'd showed up with divorce papers and appeared to be moving on with her life didn't mean she was totally over her husband.
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