“I did, but Carmella can stay with her,” Jasper said.
“Or I can stay by myself,” I added. They both turned and looked at me as though I had two heads or something. “Seriously, I am not an invalid. I’ll be fine.”
Jasper turned to Reesa and said, “Just this once. No more after that. And you will not come by unannounced. I like my privacy and you of all people should know that.”
Wow. That’s cold.I would think his girlfriend would be more welcome here.
“I know. You and Alysa have work to do. I promise that after tomorrow, I’ll leave you two alone,” Reesa said.
“Good, now eat so Alysa can go back to her room and rest some more,” Jasper said.
Was that a hint that he wanted to be alone with Reesa? Should I make an excuse and exit now? Probably not, because that would insult Reesa and I didn’t want to do that. It was bad enough that she was having to cut her visit short because of me. I ate quickly, which felt kind of rude in itself.
When I was finished, I said, “Thank you, Reesa, for a wonderful dinner. But if you two would excuse me, I think I would like to go and lie down for a little while.”
Jasper got up and said, “Let me walk you to your room.”
I looked at Reesa and she didn’t even budge. Really? I guess I’m really not a threat at all. Not that I wanted her to be jealous, but I hoped she’d show a bit of concern. Just for my ego.
Jasper offered me his arm, not that I needed it. I tucked my hand into in his elbow and he led the way. It really wasn’t far, but out of earshot for Reesa. He opened the door and I thought that would be the end. Instead, he followed me inside. It made me uncomfortable.
“Don’t you need to get back to Reesa?” I asked, reminding him his girlfriend was still here.
“She’ll wait,” he replied.
Asshole.
I wasn’t here to care about Jasper or Reesa, but she was…nice and I so badly wanted to tell him what a jerk he was being. It was obvious to me that Reesa cared about Jasper. It’s not like she cooked that meal just for me. And the way they spoke, it sounded as though they have known each other for years. Reesa wasn’t just a casual date. “Reesa is very sweet.”
“She’s a gem,” he replied, his eyes still on me.
He shouldn’t look at me like this. That tender look should be given to Reesa, yet there he was, only inches away from me and I both hated and loved it at the same time. I needed to put distance between us, both mentally and physically. Before I forget he’s off limits.
“Is there something you wanted?” I asked. Like a knee to the crotch if you try anything.
“Are you sure you’re okay? You were very quiet at dinner,” he said.
Yeah. Not the third wheel type.“Yes, I’m fine. I am just…tired.” That was close to the truth at least.
He raised his hand and place it on my forehead. “No fever.”
“No. Just tired, that’s all.” He stood there and I asked, “Was there something else?”
He nodded. “I’m waiting until you are back in bed. Then I will go.”
“I’m still dressed,” I reminded him.
“I’ll wait,” he said again.
The hell you will.“Jasper, although I appreciate you allowing me to stay with you, there is no way I am taking my clothes off with you here.”
“I’ve seen you naked before,” he said.
My mouth dropped open shocked that he would bring that up. I wanted to forget all about that. “That…that was different. I was…sick.”
“And you are recovering. Not much different,” he said, as though he meant it.
I wasn’t sure what made me angrier. The fact that he was so nonchalant about my taking my clothes off or the fact he was asking with Reesa in the next room.