Page 25 of Thinking It Over

I searched his eyes, my chest full of gratitude. “You’re pretty incredible, you know that?”

A cheeky grin appeared. “It’s always nice to hear. Not sure you should keep stroking my ego this way, though. I don’t think it’s healthy.”

“Duly noted,” I answered before slowly leaning in and dotting a small kiss to his lips.

When we pulled apart, he asked, “So what did the sheriff say about Rupert? You told them about your split, right? And what did the board have to say? It can’t have been bad, I’m assuming, since—” His eyes darted at the minimal space between us as he remained securely in my arms. “—you know.”

“The deputy sheriff called me just before I came to see you, saying they followed up with the contact details of where Rupert was staying, but he’s no longer there,and his friend said he left town yesterday morning.” And honestly, I couldn’t imagine anything cloak and dagger going on, or Rupert dressed up in a costume and mask doing dastardly deeds in the darkness of the night, but the idea of students going so far as to follow me home didn’t sit well. It was probably why I was fighting the idea so much.

“Okay.” Jasper bobbed his head. “And the board?”

“They were pleased I brought it to them straightaway. And as long as we continue to follow the code of conduct, they have no concerns.”

He huffed out a breath, his shoulders loosening. “Okay.”

“Are you, though?”

He scrunched his nose, something I’d noticed him doing a time or two, which was adorable. “I will be. I’m sure it’ll blow over, and we’ll deal if the gossip starts up, or I supposewhenthe gossip begins.” He looked at me in expectation, and I got it. This put a considerable amount of pressure on us. While we could continue to move at the pace we chose, people knowing about the two of us meant added stress under the spotlight.

“It will,” I reassured. “I’m not ready to finish exploring what’s between us.” My words had the desired effect and he softened in my arms. “That okay with you?”

“Definitely. And nothing a few shots and a night of dancing won’t fix.”

I scrunched my brow, having no idea what he was talking about. “You want to go dancing?”

Awareness registered in his gaze. “I’m heading to the city tomorrow to meet up with Ian.”

I shuttered my emotions, working hard at not showing any reaction. We weren’t dating, and even if we were, he wouldn’t have to share with me all his plans. “Oh, okay.” I wanted to roll my eyes at myself, not liking the hit of jealousy coming alive in my gut. Not for Ian, but the fact that I wouldn’t get the chance to see Jasper let loose. There’d be other times, though. I sucked in my internal response and tried my hardest for the smile I gave him to reach my eyes.

After a moment of quiet, Jasper’s lips pressed together. “Are you upset I didn’t tell you?”

“No,” I answered immediately. “It’s not that at all.” A self-deprecating laugh slipped out. “Selfishly, I just thought about missing out on you dancing and having a good night.”

It seemed like I’d said the right thing, as a smile reappeared. “I do like to go wild every now and again.” He waggled his brows, and I snorted.

“I bet.”

“I want you to come tomorrow.”

My eyes widened. “You don’t have to offer just be—”

“Please,” he said with a laughing huff, “I can guarantee you I’ll never do anything I truly don’t want to. I may allow the occasional sweet talk to seduce me every now and again,” he said, and I filed that information away, “but I’ll never be strong-armed into a reaction.”

And I believed every word. It was easy to forget at times that he wasn’t even twenty-five. He seemed wise beyond his years. And then there was that confidence that sat so nicely with his sweetness and ability to laugh at himself. The combination was fascinating and attractive.

“So, will you come?” He paused before saying, “Obviously only if you can get a sitter for Penny.”

My heart flipped and spun, really aiming for the gold medal with the acrobatics. “I’d love to. Thank you.”

The thudding beat vibratedthrough my body. It had been a long time since I’d been to a club, and while I didn’t think it would be a regular thing, I was having a great time.

I danced as best as I could to the beat. While I didn’t have two left feet, I wasn’t Justin Timberlake. But Ineedn’t have worried about the variety of stresses I’d mulled over as Jasper and I drove out of town.

Ian was great and appeared to have given me his nod of approval, so there was that. The crowd I was concerned about standing out in… well, the notion was ridiculous now I was in the throng of people who, like me, were having a good time dancing—some like no one was watching. Which happened to be one of the men I’d secured a motel room with. That was something else I’d been mulling over. Our attraction was palpable, but yesterday had added an additional complication to us getting to know each other. Jasper had handled the news so magnanimously that when we’d checked in and he’d peered my way, asking, “One room?” and I’d nodded quickly, my eagerness to unwind and get to know the man even better was visceral.

And it was my need for him that had me reaching out and taking his hand, drawing him closer.

“Hey,” he said breathily, leaning in close. Aftershave and the sweeter scent of sweat filled my senses as his arms looped around my waist. “You having a good time?”

---