Page 39 of Jasper

“Nah. I’m grumpy,” I grumble. “But for some damn reason I’ve got a weak spot for you. And I know you like that damn cat.”

Her eyes widen a little, and her lips part like she’s surprised. “You have a soft spot forme?”

Is she serious? Who wouldn’t?

“Yeah. Doesn’t mean I’m going to let you get away with shit, though,” I say, pulling a T-shirt from my drawer, holding it out to her. “Here. Sleep in this. I’m going to run to the main house and grab your blankie.”

“Oh—Um, you don’t have to.” Her voice falters as her cheeks flush.

“Last night, you couldn’t sleep without it,” I remind her gently. “That makes it important. I’ll be back in five. Go potty, change, and brush your teeth. There are new toothbrushes in the top drawer.”

She finally gives a hesitant nod, and I back out of the room, leaving her to do her bedtime routine.

When I get inside the main house, I take the stairs two at a time, trying to avoid anyone. The last thing I need is questions from my brothers or the other Little girls. Those two are a real pain in the ass when they want to know something. I grab Ariana’s blanket from the guest bedroom and head back, gripping it tighter than necessary the whole way.

When I get home, the house is quiet, and the bedroom door is still cracked. I step inside and stop short.

She’s in my bed.

Onmyside.

I cross the room, slower this time, and slowly reach out to hand her the blanket. Her eyes light up the second her fingers touch it, like it’s something so precious to her, and it makes me wonder if it actually is. She pulls it to her chest, her pacifier still clipped to the edge, and I watch, wondering if she’ll suck on it in front of me. Her fingers run over the plastic, but she doesn’t bring it to her lips.

All in good time.

Seeing her here, in my space, trusting me to take care of her, makes me feel something I’m not sure I’ve ever truly felt.

Hopeful.

“I’ll be right back,” I mutter, dragging myself toward the bathroom.

Inside, I strip out of my jeans and throw on a pair of gray sweats. I run my hands through my hair, then grip the edge of the sink, staring at my reflection.

Get it together, Jasper.

Feeling anything for Ariana is a mistake. Getting my hopes up would be a huge mistake that will only end up with heartbreak. She’s a friend who needs me to help her, not fall in love with her.

I walk back into the bedroom, rolling my shoulders like that’ll loosen the tension in my bones. She’s tucked under the blankets, watching me with wide eyes that roam—slowly, curiously—over every inch of me.

I pretend not to notice.

Even though I feel every pass of her gaze like a brand.

I climb into bed, shifting the covers and reaching out to her hip. I press my hand there gently, guiding her. “Scoot. You sleep on that side. Farthest from the door.”

She giggles as she moves, the sound a soothing melody that I want to hear more of. “Protective much?”

I growl, quiet and low. “You have no idea.”

She settles in beside me, still giggling as she sinks into the pillow. “I think I’m starting to get the picture.”

Little brat. She really needs her bottom reddened. Maybe she wouldn’t be so sassy with me. Even if it is fun to go back and forth with her sometimes.

I lie back, arms folded behind my head, my body tense in ways I can’t even begin to unravel. She’s right next to me. So close I can smell her strawberry scent. She’s wearingmyshirt. Inmybed.

And all I can do is stare at the ceiling and pray for strength.

Because this?

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