“What do you mean?”
“Like…when I’m busy, I still need to make the time to check in.”
“And when I’m feeling like it’s been a while, I can text you and say, ‘What’s up?’”
“Yeah, exactly like that.”
“So that’s the situationship?” Jasper asked
“Can we call it dating?” Never before had I wanted to, or even attempted, to rearrange my life for someone. I wanted the damn title with Jasper.
“If you want.”
“I want.”
The afternoon blurred into the evening as the sun dropped lower in the sky. I’d left long enough to do my evening chores and then give Jasper’s ladies their evening bed-down, but otherwise, I’d spent the afternoon with Jasper. I worked at the table for a few hours before moving to the couch when my ass couldn’t take the hard chair any longer.
“Daddy, you tired of cartoons yet?” Jasper asked from the other end of the sofa. “Do you keep something on in the background when you’re working?”
“I don’t mind your cartoons. It’s fine.”
“That’s not what I asked…what is it…likeGunsmokeor something?”
“Ha-ha, I’m not that obvious, am I?”
“Does that mean I’m right?”
“Nope, I mostly listen to George Strait.”
“Hmmm,” Jasper said through narrowed eyes, “mostly, huh? What is it when it’s not George?”
“It’s nothing…just a dumb show. My mom likes it and started watching when I visit them.”
“C’mon, tell me, Daddy. Please. Pretty please.”
“You won’t judge me?”
“Cross my heart.”
“I likeBritish Bake-Off.”
“Why didn’t you say so! I love that show, Daddy.” Jasper dove for the remote and switched it over to my show. He settled back into his seat, and it was too far away. After a few days of his absence—all my fault—I wanted a physical connection with him.
“Sugar, you wanna snuggle with me?”
As soon as he was close, that fresh, citrusy scent bloomed stronger, curling into my nose until I could taste it. I swallowed, like I could somehow take him in deeper, that tangy brightness filling more than just my nose.
People always describe themselves as melting, but I’d never seen it until now. Jasper dissolved into a puddle of goo right before my eyes. His eyes widened, then softened, and he did a quiet little shuffle-dance that made his feet tap in place. Then he crossed the three feet between us in about two seconds, his knee bumping mine before he tucked himself against my side like he’d been there all along. I made a mental note of how much he liked the little things and promised myself I wouldn’t make the same mistakes I’d made so far.
“Daddy, have you seen this one?”
“Only a few dozen times, I think.”
And then we chatted through a few episodes we both knew by heart. We debated the merits of their cooking technique. Only Jasper knew what he was talking about, but I had thoughts on the decorating. I might not know how the contestants did it, but I knew what I liked. We cheered when we agreed with the judges, and booed when they got it wrong. It was a damn nice afternoon. Easy, simple, and I had a sexy man tucked into my side who forgave my foolishness.
“Sugar, can I ask you a question?”
“What’s up, honeycakes?”
