Page 37 of Beautiful Chaos

“Great – thank you, Mr. Jenkins.”

He let out a sigh. I could imagine him running his hand down his face like I’ve seen him do so many times with Aster.

“Harper honey, when will you drop the formalities and call me Daniel, I’d even be happy to hear dad from you sweetheart.” I giggled. He’s right, he and Sylvia have been more like parents to me since I was a little girl than my own before they disappeared completely.

“I’m sorry, Daniel.”

“Better.” I could hear the smile he must have been wearing.

“Call if you need anything, sweetheart. Love you.”

“Thank you,” I said before the intercom made a clicking noise and the line went dead.

I glanced at Jasper, and he was busy typing away on his phone, he seemed to be unfazed by the interruption.

I would’ve packed my bag much quicker if I hadn’t been daydreaming.

Everything last night happened so quickly that it was still hazy, but I did remember waking to the feeling of being watched and my bedroom door was open, when I looked at the clock, I remembered it being midnight. I may be overthinking, but the thought that someone was there watching me was weighing on me.

Being under Jasper’s protection didn’t seem so overbearing.

Chapter 25

HARPER

For two days, I was stuck at the desk, phone pressed to my ear, trying for a solid lead on the story that Mr. Kelvin insisted could only be handled outside the office.

Those people had perfected their ability to maintain discretion, that, or they’ve been paid off to keep their mouths shut. Honestly, if I don’t snag some juicy info about Saturday’s engagement party for one of Atlanta’s top bachelors, I doubt Mr. Kelvin will give me another shot. This could be my big break.

All I had been able to get out of anyone was he came to Miami because his uncle is a renowned citizen of Miami and has ties to …well basically everything.

I slammed my phone down and crossed another name off the list of employees that Mr. Kelvin sent me this morning.

“No comment,” has been the theme today.

“Gahhh,” I let out a sigh of frustration. Suddenly, the air shifted and there was a small knock at the already-opened door.

“Hey Doll, how’s work?” Jasper in all his stealthiness walked in, stopping in the doorway. You know, for a guy of his size, he sure moved more quietly than I ever thought possible.

“It’s so frustrating, I have been going at it with these contacts for two days straight and I’ve got nothing. Nothing useful at least.” He cleared his throat and came closer, stopping to sit on the sofa across from the desk I have inhabited for the duration of my stay. I think it was a spare office, but the drawers on the desk were empty and the computer was brand new. I used my laptop, but the desktop still had plastic on the screen. It felt as though it had been quickly assembled specifically for my use.

That’s crazy though.

“Who is the story on?” He questioned, laying back on the sofa with his arms stretched out on either side. His legs stretched out in front of him as he relaxed into his spot, looking like royalty on a throne.

I looked over at him, my eyes stuck on the view. I don’t know what washed over me at that moment. I’d never just ogled over a man like that before. I am usually too busy stressing out and trying to get away. Desire has never been something I felt.

I took a deep breath.“Okay, so there is this wealthy bachelor from the town I used to live in. Apparently, the plaza has booked his engagement party for this Saturday. I’m trying to get something, anything that can be used as an exclusive story for the day of. But I can’t get anyone to talk.” I rolled my eyes and turned in my chair to face my computer screen again. Suddenly, Jasper’s face broke into a wide grin, and his eyes sparkled with recognition.

“You wouldn’t be talking about the Reynolds-Roosevelt engagement party?”

“Yes! And they are super secretive and there’s going to be so much security there it’s going to be impossible to get a statement the night of, so my boss wants to run a story on the couple the day of… and I have nothing.” I rolled my eyes again and put my head back on the headrest of the luxurious computer chair. I swear this thing has Wi-Fi with all the buttons and gadgets.

“Well, why don’t you just go to that event.”

“Man, that would be awesome but there’s no way to get in. It’s ‘Invitation only.’”

Jasper got up and walked out of the room without saying anything. I furrow my brows at his reaction but then turn to look at the next name on my list.

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