Page 89 of Beautiful Chaos

“Where has all this sassy mischief come from, and where is my shy timid Harper at?” She giggled, and bit down on my bottom lip.

“She’s still here Jasper, she’s just lucky enough to have a man that understands her and allows her to be herself.” She responded with a tilt of her head, drawing me closer by my loosened necktie.

She feels lucky to have me.

I smiled sincerely, “Or perhaps it’s the liquid courage talking?” as I gestured toward her glass of champagne.

She looked to where I nodded and turned back to me.

“Too bad I’ve only had one glass.” she cradled my face in her hands, her gaze intense, as if searching for something. I loved watching those gems of hers as they switched back and forth while she studied me. Neither of us said anything, we didn’t have to the silence said it all.

“Jasper, you really are perfect. You’re a good man,” she kissed my nose. “I love you so much,” she kissed my chin. “I’m grateful every day that you walked into my life,” she kissed my forehead. I couldn’t take it anymore. I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her tight kissing her hard. Suddenly I was regretful for making plans tonight with Aster and Max.

Harper pulled away, leaving me grieving the loss of her touch, when she jumped from the counter. I watched as she turned the stove down, and set a timer on the oven. She reached behind and untied the apron, placing it on the counter as she walked closer. I watched her intently. She glanced at her wristwatch and walked past me toward the kitchen door, that opened into the living room. I stood and followed her in silence.

Finally, after what felt like minutes, she spun around at the start of the hallway, with me trailing close behind like an eager pup. She stopped so quickly that I almost bumped into her. Laying her hand on my chest, she gazed up at me with such sweetness. That innocent expression in her eyes was my absolute downfall.

“Jasper, we have an hour before our guests arrive,” she smirked, twisting the fabric on my t-shirt between her finger and thumb.

“Do you think you can make that work?” She whispered, lifting her shirt over her head and tossing it on the floor behind me.

Her sudden boldness left me completely speechless. So, I nodded and reached for her. I needed to feel her silky porcelain skin at my fingertips. She turned, pushing her topless body against me. As I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her in even tighter, I kissed the crook of her neck in agreement.

“I’m gonna need your words, Jasper.” she taunted.

A deep growl escaped my chest in turn of a response.

“Fuck.”

Chapter 63

HARPER

Ileft Jasper naked and breathless under our black satin sheets. He nearly refused to let me leave the bed until I threatened to burn the chicken pot pie, I desperately needed to take out of the oven. If I were to judge I’d say he was just as shocked at my intrepid behavior as I was, but it was obvious he thoroughly enjoyed it, twice.

At the moment, I felt sexy and confident, so I acted on it before I lost my nerve. Something, or should I say someone, happened to me over the last couple of months, that brought out a side of me I never knew I had.

This side of me feels more fearless, and self-assured, more assertive. The weird part about it is, that it doesn’t feel odd or unusual, it feels natural.

I had a strange feeling that I was finding myself, finding who I am. The me that was hidden, and shut off because of fear. I hope this me, sticks around.

I kind of like her.

I took a quick look in the oven, and I was pleased to see that my hours of hard work were paying off. The crust had a perfect golden color, and the top shined with buttery deliciousness. My mouth started to water when I realized I had forgotten to eat lunch.

My stomach growled loudly.

“Harper, why is your stomach growling like that? Did you eat lunch today?” Jasper snapped from behind me, causing me to jump, and burn my hand on the top of the oven.

“Ouch, damn it, shit! that hurt!” I squealed. I threw my other hand over my mouth realizing all the profanity I just used. I glanced up to find Jasper, his expression one of surprise. He quickly regained his composure, grabbed my burned hand, and led me to a cupboard over the bar. Reaching inside, he got a white box marked with a red cross.

“Be still, Baby. this might sting a bit.” He held my hand firmly and poured a green gell onto my burn. The immediate cooling sensation made me tense, but there was relief shortly after. Jasper grabbed a clean towel from the drawer, wrapped it around my hand, and led me to the stool opposite the bar. He wrapped his arm around my waist and lifted me to sit.

“You, okay?” he asked, with concern. His gaze did not leave mine until I answered, so I nodded. He leaned in, and pressed my head to his chest, as he kissed my forehead.

“What else do you need to do?” He grabbed the apron from the counter and put it on tying it in the back.

I laughed at him wearing such a vulgar command across his chest.

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