Chapter 15
Reesa
There were far too many distractions in my office, so I closed my laptop to focus on what my brother was saying. “Jasper, you can’t leave Alissa right now. Her due date is in two weeks,” I said. I was grateful that he called, but I couldn’t understand his plan.
“I’m worried about you being there alone,” he said.
“I’m not alone. I have my staff, my security team, the Hendersons, and…Finn,” I replied.
“Finn? Is that supposed to make me feel better? You hardly know the man. I’m not sure I like him being around so much,” Jasper growled.
I laughed to myself, because Jasper obviously had no clue that his wife was encouraging me to go for it with Finn. I had already decided not to mention that to him. He was under enough stress as it was, with the baby coming soon.
It wasn’t like him to be so concerned about me. If something was wrong, we’d tell each other. Right? I hoped his mood was just new-dad nerves. Great. Now I’m nervous, too.
“Would it make you feel any better if I planned a trip to come and visit you all?” I asked. It wasn’t a convenient time, but family was important to me. I’d make it work.
“I would like to see you out of Tabiq.”
Now we’re getting somewhere.“Jasper, why don’t we plan that I will come when the baby is born. This way I get to see all three of you.”
“I’m not sure waiting is wise. What if something happens to you before then?” he asked.
Like I grab a hot pan and burn my fingers? Then my good doctor will take care of me.
“It’s funny that you are worried about me, and I’m worried about you. But the truth is, life is much quieter than it’s ever been for either of us. This is when we should focus on happier times. I know I’ve been doing that the last few days and it’s really helped to put me in a good mental space. Maybe you should try it, too,” I suggested.
“I think you’re becoming too complacent. Tabiq has changed, but not completely. Don’t let your guard down now. It’s not the time. It might be just what they are waiting for,” he said.
A chill ran through me. They? It was as though he had caught word of something I hadn’t. “Did my security team call you again?” I asked.
“No. And that is something that concerns me. Normally they keep me up to date on everything that is going on. Now? Silence.”
“Good. They are not supposed to be reporting to you about what I do. I might have a personal life that is none of your business,” I stated.
“Are you talking about Dr. O’Connor?”
“Maybe.” I knew his concern was coming from a good place, but it was still annoying. “I’m a grown woman. I do not need your permission to date.”
“So you are dating him?”
I guess I am.
“We are seeing each other.”
“And you don’t see a problem with this? I mean, things are hard enough for you being the first female leader in the country. Don’t you think your enemies are going to use this to gain more support?” he asked.
It was a fear I’d thought about from the moment I met Finn. Yet I couldn’t seem to stay away from him. The only thing that might prevent me from thinking of him all the time is if he left for Ireland and never returned.
Who am I fooling? I’d be thinking of how much I miss him.
“Jasper, I have much more concerning things on my plate right now.”
“You mean Logan leaving?” he asked.
“Yes. You know they are going to believe it’s because of something I’ve done. Finn is the perfect choice as a replacement. I know it will take time for them to accept him, but they are going to have to.”
“He’s accepted the position?”