That’s why when Jasper got the call early this morning, our bodies wrapped together, cocooned in my bed, my stomach dropped. He said it could be two or three days. I didn’t think it’d only be twenty-four hours.
“Yeah, I’m an hour out. Okay. Yep, I’ll be there,” Jasper says into the phone. His own shoulders are slumped. I crawl toward him, my legs spread on the outside of his thighs, my arms wrapping around his middle. I knew coming into a relationship with Jasper that this would be our way of life. Right now, it’s him who’s having a hard time. So, I’ll put on my brave face, see him off, pretend everything is okay, and then this evening, when he’s back on the rig, I’ll break down. Because, come tomorrow, I’ll be around his mom and my brave face will once again be back in place.
Jasper hangs up the phone. His hand finds mine, bringing it up to his lips. He kisses the inside of my wrist, much like he did that night that kick-started our relationship.
“I guess you know what this means.” I don’t respond at first. Instead, I squeeze him tighter. Every moment we’ve spent together so far is playing on a loop in my memory, cataloguing everything I can until he’s with me again.
“Yeah,” my voice croaks out. I clear my throat. There’s no way I’ll let him see how this is eating me up inside.
“Are you going to be okay, wildflower?” He does this crazy maneuver, bringing me to where I’m now straddling him. Jasper brings me in closer. Every part of us that can touch is.
“Without a doubt, one hundred freaking percent,” I say with a clear voice this time. I wasn’t prepared a minute ago, but I am now.
“Yeah, you will be. We’ll get through this. The boss man just said he wasn’t sure how long I’ll be gone. But I want you prepared, okay? It probably won’t be a week or two, more like a few weeks.”
“I’ll be good. Vintage Threads has its annual sale. Your mom will keep me busy. Plus, I think the girls are coming down in a couple of weeks. You’ll be thankful you’re not around for that. Nothing like four girls carousing around town, drinking beer, and eating.” I’m more thankful now than ever that Berkley suggested this right before I left this last time. Rowen had to look at her schedule and make sure it wouldn’t leave Braxton in a lurch, as if that could ever happen. She has that man wrapped around her pinky finger and has since the very beginning. Peyton can work basically anywhere, though she’s a workaholic, so getting her to leave her phone and laptop for any period of time is not an easy task. Then there’s Berkley. She recently graduated with a degree in teaching. Finding a job is not going well in Lodgeview, though, and all the bigger cities aren’t hiring. So, she’s been in limbo and hating it entirely. Berkley may be our cousin, but we think of her as one of our sisters. She’s always been with us and always will be. Not to mention, the bond we share is ridiculous. I may text Peyton and Ro a few times a week, but Berkley and I text daily, no matter what. Even if it’s a silly meme or her grumbling about the alpha men in our lives who make comments if she so much as dresses nicely to go to Target. They’re absolutely ridiculous, and I’m so glad I only have one alpha male in my life these days. Well, at least within an hour’s distance.
“Hell, you may not even miss me,” he jokes. There’s no way I wouldn’t. My hands fist in the locks at the nape of his neck as I sit up on my knees, wanting to feel him inside me one more time.
“Jasper, there’s no way that’s possible.” His hands grab my hips, and he slams me down on his hard length.
“Fuck, I know,” he groans. My forehead meets his. Our eyes don’t leave one another’s as we work together, both of us wanting to feel each other. This memory right here will have to last me for now.
When we come together, I’m boneless and I can feel a slight twinge of pain between my legs, but it’ll be worth it. I see the sly smile on Jasper’s face and make a comment. “I bet you’re one proud man, huh?”
“Hell, yes.” He spreads my legs, coming down between them.
“I don’t think I can go again,” I admit.
“As much as I want inside you again, I know you can’t take it. I also need to grab a shower, stop at Mom’s, and then head out.” His eyes dim, and I know he must hate this as much as I do.