Page 9 of Jasper

I’m not much for romantics, but if I was, I would say this moment was one for the books.

When we finally come up for air, I have no concept of time. No idea how long we spent exploring each other with our mouths and tongues. All I know is that I’m panting like I wasbeing chased by a damn grizzly bear and wishing I’d asked Joel if I could borrow the hot tub he’s never used before I dropped him off this morning. I’m yearning to recreate one of my favorite Cape Cod memories stat.

“You bring me all the way out here just for a kiss?” Vanessa teases, that familiar fire of long ago dancing in her eyes. Promising that if she’s going to fully come back to her senses that it hasn’t happened yet. I still have a few moments to steal.

“I brought you out here to show you the view.”

She finally stares off toward the water. The bay surrounded by a wall of mountains, offering up one passageway. A ship passes through in the distance, heading toward the marina. “Itisbeautiful. Even more so than I imagined,” she admits.

“Alaska has a way of stealing hearts.”

“JustAlaska?”

I snag another quick but hard kiss, thankful the moment isn’t shattered yet. I know Vanessa well enough to expect her to clam up when she realizes what just happened. But until then, I’m pretending the odds aren’t stacked against us. “There’s a sunken treasure out there,” I say, pointing to the opening between walls of mountains.

“Like a pirate treasure?”

“Something like that.”

“How did a pirate treasure sink off the coast of Alaska? I wouldn’t expect this to be a prime location for pirates. Wouldn’t they freeze or hit icebergs?”

I slip an arm around her waist and tug her hips closer to mine. I sense the slightest hesitation, but ultimately, she leans in. “It’s a love story, really.”

“Does it have a happy ending?”

“Not exactly. The Esmerelda is cursed because of love. Or so the legend goes.”

Vanessa stares up at me, shaking her head. “You’re really going to spoil a romantic moment with a tragic story?” Before I can successfully speak another word, Vanessa presses her fingers to my lips. “You’re better off just kissing me again before I return to my senses and go back to being mad at you.”

I’m not a fool. I cup her cheek and steal another sultry kiss. One I sure as hell hope will lead to more.

7

VANESSA

My lips are properly swollenfrom making out on the North Haven coast. I can’t stop running my fingers over them, fascinated by the way they still buzz.

Is it a mistake to get involved with Jasper Steele a second time?

Probably.

Do I want to stop before things get too out of hand?

Not really.

Should I.

Absolutely.

I lean my head against the passenger window as we drive through downtown, heading away from the hotel and the small crew from the airport Jasper was scheduled to pick up this evening. I was so caught up in a lustful haze that I missed my opportunity to cut the night short and barricade myself in my hotel room.

I steal a side glance at him, and my entire body quivers with want. With raw, hungry desire. I forgot how thoroughly that man could kiss. After our time sucking face like horny teenagers on the beach that definitely got a little handsy, though not quitehandsy enough if you ask my aching nipples, Jasper spent the afternoon showing me around the most charming town I’ve ever visited.

It's like something out of a Hallmark movie, just the way he described it four years ago.

I’m sure it’s the nostalgia going to my head, but I keep hearing whispers in the back of my mind that promise I would love settling down here. Making a home.With Jasper.

There’s a solid possibility after a good night’s sleep, a strong cup of coffee, and busy festival day tomorrow that I’ll regret kissing him. Giving in. Because no matter how wet that man makes my panties, I can’t fall for him. Not all the way past the point of no return.

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