“Is that even a question? Of course! Leave it to me.” She grins. “I’ll get on it. Thanks for the opportunity!”
We say good night, and I turn to see Jasper swaying to the music with a smug smile on his face.Well, that’s sexy.He extends his hand to me while dipping his head. “Let’s see if we can get through one full song together.”
“Let’s.” I take hold of his hand. Rather than letting fear dictate my next move, I follow his lead, careful not to break away. He twirls me and brings me back to him, holding me closer to him than before. I close my eyes and lean my head against his chest as the music whispers into my very soul. For the first time, we dance in true, uninterruptedpeace.
No longer am I questioning the depth of his feelings for me, nor my own feelings for him.
No longer am I wearing a mask to conceal my emotions.
No longer am I a prisoner of my grief. Instead, I’m its master.
Today’s the day. I will go there today.
In a swift movement, I let go of his hand and shed my lace mask, flinging it across the room. Breathlessly, I fall into weightless laughter and gaze into his eyes, embracing the storms held within them. He gazes at me in awe, joining me in my delight. His hands roam to the curves of my waist, pulling me closer to him and swaying us to the rhythm of the music. Observers may think I’ve gone mad, but I am simply unconcerned.
I am free.
At this moment, I make a vow, a promise to myself to keep until my dying breath: I will not lose myself again. Never again.
Jasper and I sneak out of our own event early. I wish I could say I was sorry, but for once, I’m not feeling sorry. I’m ready to spend time with my boyfriend. Honestly, the term “boyfriend”doesn’t do the feelings I have for him justice. Since our very first encounter, I’ve felt drawn to him.
We settle on returning to my apartment—I would rather not leave Truman alone if I don’t have to. As we drive back, Jasper rests his hand on my upper thigh. A moment later, I notice him gazing into his rearview mirror, making strange facial expressions.No way.
“You know, it’s not nice to leave people out.” I pout. “What are you guys talking about?”
Startled, Jasper peers at me in the corner of his eye, then sighs. “Sorry, Greene. I forget I don’t really have to hide this from you anymore—” Jasper pauses as if he was interrupted, then rolls his eyes. “If you recall, it isyourfault I had to hide this from her in the first place. You and I both know keeping this from her didn’t sit right with me, but you practically begged me to.”
Well, isn’t this fascinating? I’m picking up bits and pieces based on my limited context, but if I were to guess, Kaireallylikes bothering Jasper, and that alone makes me giggle. Failing to suppress a chuckle, Jasper cuts a glance my way.
“What? What is it?” Before I can respond, he scowls while looking in the rearview mirror. “Shut it, Kai.”
“What? What did Kai say?” My heart leaps; it feels nice knowing Kai is here. After tonight, I don’t know how much longer I’ll get to hear from him through Jasper’s… gift. I’m not sure what to call it.
“He said you were laughing at me.”
“Oh. Well, he’s right,” I tease. “I just find your relationship dynamics mildly entertaining, that’s all.”
“Thanks, Greene,” he huffs.
“Anytime,” I joke, stroking his arm. “So, is Kai a third wheel on all our dates? And is he always sitting in the back seat? Oh, anddid he happen to figure out why you get the pleasure of seeing him when no one else does?”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. First, Kai doesn’t like being referred to as a third wheel.” I bite back a huge grin. “But yes, he is constantly third wheeling with us. He’s done it several times at this point, proving to be a pain in my ass—” He glares at his mirror.
“Again, he insists we do not classify his company as ‘third wheeling.’” He glowers, turning down my street. I glance over my shoulder to the backseat, disappointed to see nothing, but nod nonetheless.
“You’ve got it, Kai.” I chuckle.
“Anyway, yes, Kai tends to tag along, but he isn’t always around. Sometimes, he isn’t present during our time together at all. Actually, he has a sixth sense connecting him to you, so if you’re in danger, whether it be emotional or physical, he’s alerted. Meaning that he can step away whenever he’d like because he can teleport back to you instantly if something is wrong. Yes, he sits in the back seat during our drives when he rides with us, but again, he isn’t always here.” Jasper’s brows pull together in confusion. “As far as your final question goes, he says he has determined why I can see him when no one else can, but it’s best we go over it back at your place for some reason.”
“So, I guess he is heading upstairs to hang out with us for a bit then?” I grin mischievously as Jasper pulls into my apartment’s parking lot.
“Guess so.”
“I don’t mind the company—I’ll take whatever we can get while we still have him,” I smile softly, fidgeting with my dress. Jasper gently grabs hold of my hand, leading me to glimpse at him.
“Believe it or not, me too,” he begrudgingly admits.
My heartbeat increases rapidly with every step upstairs to my apartment. I want nothing more than to be held in his arms all night long.
