CHAPTER TWENTY
Before even opening my eyes the next morning, I can feel the smile on my face. The faint scent of Jasper’s soap and cologne hangs in the air and clings to my skin. I roll onto my back and stretch my aching muscles, then turn to reach for Jasper. My eyes pop open when my hand is met by cool sheets instead of warm, solid man.
I sit up and look around. He’s not in the ensuite, and his clothes are gone from the floor. A glance at the bedside clock has me feeling slightly better; it’s nine o’clock, which is late for early risers like Jasper and me. He probably got up ages ago, likely out of habit or maybe because he didn’t want to have to explain anything to Evan and Gwen. Still, I’d hoped to wake up next to him. I was looking forward to a little morning snuggle that possibly turned into something more.
After showering and dressing, I head downstairs, surprised by how quiet the house is. The door to Gwen and Evan’s room was open, so I know they’re up. Jasper’s room looked like it was unoccupied and, when I reach the bottom of the stairs and see his old brown leather suitcase by the door, it makes sense why the room appeared so neat and empty.
For some reason, the sight of his suitcase has nerves flitting through my stomach. I assumed we’d have a chance to talk first thing this morning before getting up and spending time with Gwen and Evan. It’s a good thing we’ll have the long drive from Honeywell to Bellevue alone together.
“Morning,” Gwen says brightly when I enter the kitchen. She turns from where she’s rummaging through one of the cupboards and spies me glancing around the kitchen. “Evan and Jasper went downtown for some mystery errand a while ago. They should be back soon and then we’ll have breakfast at Sweet Escapes.”
She returns her attention to the cupboard, looking longingly at whatever’s inside. My curiosity compels me across the room. The shelves are full of various packages of flavored teas and coffees. At my raised eyebrow, she scrunches her face and laughs.
“Evan ‘suggested’ I wait until breakfast to have coffee,” she says, using sarcastic air quotes. “You know what my tiny bladder is like in the mornings. If I have more than one cup, I have to pee every half hour, and since we’re driving home after breakfast…”
“Ahh, gotcha.” I survey the contents of the cupboard. I deal with drinks as part of my business and evenI’mimpressed by the selection Mrs. Murphy has left for guests.
“I’mreallywondering about that chocolate mint tea, though,” she says slowly. “And the boyshavebeen gone longer than they said they would be.”
“And Evanreallyloves you,” I say, matching her tone as I reach for the box of tea and close the cupboard door. “He’ll understand if it takes you twice as long to get home because of rest stops.”
With a giggle, she kisses my cheek and goes to sit at the kitchen table while I put the kettle on. I join her a few minutes later with two steaming mugs of fragrant tea.
“I wish we could stay here longer.” Gwen lifts her mug and inhales deeply, then sets the cup down again. She and I are alike in that it takes a solid five minutes for hot drinks to cool enough for us to drink them.
“I do too.” My voice comes out dreamy. “I love it here.”
“Would that have anything to do with what happened last night between you and Jasper?”
“What…happened last night?” I ask innocently.
“On the porch? After I very smoothly and subtly left you two alone?”
“Oh, right,that.” From the open, curious expression on her face, I’m guessing she doesn’t know anything. “I took a page from your book and decided subtlety hadn't been working for me, so I told him how I feel about him.”
Gwen lets out an ear-piercing squeal and bounces in her seat. “And?”
“And then I kissed him, just to make extra sure he got the message.”
Gwen gasps. “Oh my god. Then what?”
I take a deep breath and brace myself for her reaction. I kind of wish I had earplugs. “And then…we had sex.”
I was expecting another squeal—something in the range of sound only dogs can hear—but Gwen’s wide eyes and open mouth combo are one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. “You saucy minx!” she cries, slapping my arm. “Good for you! Wait,wasit good for you?”
I cover my face with my hands. “Jasper’s going to be your brother-in-law in a few days!”
“So? Jasper ishot. Not that forty is old by any stretch of the imagination, but when I met him, I remember thinking how well Perry men age. I just want an idea of what I can expect in a few years time.”
I can’t help laughing, despite the fact my cheeks feel like they’re on fire. It’s been a long time since I’ve talked about sex with anyone, mostly because until last night, I hadn’thadsex in…well, way too long. “Let’s just say he gave me the intense attention he gives to everything else in life.”
Gwen lets out a swoony little sigh and takes a sip of her tea. “Mm, this is delicious. Totally worth the seventeen bathroom breaks I’m going to need on the way home.” We laugh. While I take a sip of my drink, she asks, “So what now?”
“Now?” I set my tea down and blow out a breath. “I’m trying hard to stay in the moment and not think too far ahead, you know? Especially before I have a chance to talk to him.”
“You’ve thought about it, though, right? What you want to happen,hopewill happen? I know this goes way beyond physical attraction and sex.”
“I want to be with Jasper, whatever that looks like. I’ve never done long distance before, and I don’t love the idea, but I know Jasper is worth it. Toronto and Bellevue are only two hours apart, after all. I made the drive often enough when I was living in Toronto, and Jasper clearly has no qualms about it with how often he’s come to town for wedding stuff.”
