Page 46 of Desire
Chapter Sixteen
Even I was shocked to see him. He’d made no mention of crashing our meeting, and now I was thinking like Kylie, believing that perhaps he’d been screwing with my mind when he was so nonchalant about us chasing the sexual-misconduct story.
He pointed a handto the armchair matching the one Rachel sat in. “May I?”
Goodness, he looked fucking gorgeous. And the scent of Jasper Christmas suddenly filling the office made my pulse race. I had to remind myself that I was upset because he’d shown up unannounced. I was also worried that he would say something contrary to what I’d revealed before his arrival, then Rachel and Kylie would know that he’dpurposely played me.
Rachel swallowed nervously. “Yes, you may,” she barely said then cleared the frog out of her throat.
Our gazes remained stuck on each other as Jasper sat. Then he winked.
I watched him coldly, pursing my lips.
“I’m not sure how much Holly has told you about where I stand with your investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations of my company.”
“We’re going through with it no matter what you say,” Kylie hissed.
Rachel’s hand shot up. “Kylie,” she barked. “Give it a fucking break already. Let’s hear Mr. Christmas.”
He smiled at Rachel appreciatively then nodded. “Thank you, Miss Givens.”
She nodded back with respect. There was a reason Rachel had risen to the top of our field, and at the moment, she was demonstratinghow that had happened. She was showing a lot of control. For her, the story was never personal but always principal.
“I’m fine with you pursuing your investigation,” he said. “I won’t bring it to a halt.”
“Why not?” Kylie snapped.
He looked at her, and I could see how nervous it made her. “Because I have noticed a problem with the Christmas bonuses.”
“How does thisproblem relate to sexual misconduct?” Rachel asked.
Jasper pressed his lips together as though he hated the thoughts that came to mind. Finally, he sighed. “I’m not going to do your work for you.” He pointed a hand at me. “Miss Henderson already knows this is my method. But if you can dig up the dirt, I won’t get in your way.”
“But what about your company? Your reputation?” Rachelasked.
“I assure you my reputation will be intact.”
His confidence got me all hot and bothered. My God, I was completely attracted to Jasper Christmas. Before, I’d had a small amount of room to deny that fact, but now there was none.
“And if Holly’s assigned the story?” Rachel asked, regarding him shrewdly.
His eyes smoldered when he looked at me, and I felt myselfblush.
“Then she would have to call my secretary and arrange an interview, and I would grant her one.”
Kylie grunted as she rolled her eyes. “What makes you so different?” she blurted.
I frowned at her, wondering where in the hell that question had come from.
“Different from whom, Miss Roberson?” Jasper asked.
Kylie sat back and watched him with wide, glossyeyes. “Forget it.”
Jasper nodded then stood. “Well, if you ever want to pick up where we left off, Miss Roberson, I’ll be available.”
“Will you?” she said with spite.
“Yes,” he said without hesitation. I knew him well enough to know he truly meant it. Then he turned his attention to me. “I think I have room for you this afternoon. You have my number.”
