Page 44 of Jasper
She studies me for a long second, and her expression softens.
“I do trust you,” she says. “At first, I was thrown for a loop because you’re in an MC, but then I realized I’m in no position to judge you for being an outlaw. I’ve made my own mistakes.”
This is a good chance to set the record straight. “We’re a one percent club because we claim territory, not because we run drugs, guns, or women. The club owns a garage, a mobile mechanic service, and an auto parts store. I won’t pretend we’re Boy Scouts, but we’ll cross a line to protect our own families, the club, and this town.”
I watch her take that in. Her shoulders loosen, and her face softens. “I’m glad to hear your club tries to stay above board.”
We both sip our coffee, as though we didn’t just tie a knot tight enough to carry us through this pregnancy and maybe longer. What we’ve got here might be the start of something bigger. The truth is, I’m already growing attached to the mother of my child.
I respect the way she sees people as individuals who need to be judged on their own merit. And that she’s got good ethics. I like that she’s emotionally mature and doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.
I lean back, letting some of the tension bleed out. I’ve been carrying it since walking into the clubhouse earlier.
She gets up, grabs the coffee pot, refills her cup, then lifts the pot towards mine.
I shake my head. “You’re gonna be wired all night.”
She shrugs, her eyes glinting. “I’ve been wired since I met you. Might as well ride it out.”
That earns a quiet laugh from me. “You handle me better than anyone else ever has.”
“I’m not trying to handle you. I hope you know that.”
“I don’t mean it as manipulation. I mean you’re solid. You’re smart, capable, and kind. You’ve got values, and you speak up when something’s not right. I’m just now realizing how rare that is, and I want it in my life.”
She smothers back a smile. “Do you always flirt with women after emotionally bonding over batshit crazy exes?”
I bark a laugh. She’s witty and beautiful, a lethal combination.
She stares into her cup, a little flushed from all the compliments. I smile, and for a second, it’s just easy between us.
I lower my voice. “Do you ever think about you and me together?”
Her gaze jumps to mine, then narrows. “What do you mean by together?”
“We’re having a baby. We’re talking about real things. We’re building something with trust at the center. That’s not casual.”
She nods slowly. I think she gets part of what I’m saying but isn’t sure where it’s going.
“You do realize,” I add, setting my mug down, “you can’t get more pregnant.”
She chokes a little on her sip. “What exactly are you suggesting?”
“I’m just saying,” I murmur giving her a casual shrug, “we’re past the point of accidental pregnancy. So, if we decided to take this somewhere physical, that obstacle’s already off the table.”
“Jasper, are you seriously hitting on me right now?” Her tone’s light, but there’s curiosity beneath it. “Isn’t carrying your baby enough? Now you want sex too?”
I lift both hands. “You’ve got me wrong. This isn’t about what I want. I’ve heard pregnant women get strong urges, and since you were kind enough to carry our child, I figure the least I can do is help out if that happens.”
She rolls her eyes. “When you put it that way, you’re practically doing a public service, right?”
“I’m saying,” I grin, “if the time came, I’d make sure it was not only good but the best you’ve ever had.”
Her cheeks go pink, but she doesn’t look away. “And if I had a craving… and wanted you to take care of it? What would that look like?”
I pause, letting the silence settle for a few seconds. “It would be wherever and whenever you wanted. And before I ever got inside you, I’d make sure you came once, maybe twice. Then I’d stay with you, moving slow and deep, until you were breathless and calling my name.”
“And if I don’t want you to help me with any cravings? What would that look like?”
