Chapter 13

JASPER

A fter meeting with the Petrov brothers, I went to The Daily Gazette headquarters. I knew Harper worked there during the week. The editor had called me for an interview. He was covering one of the major cases my firm closed last month. I pushed for an in-person interview hoping to bump into her once more.

Pathetic, I know.

When I showed up, the place was in worse shape than I expected, I walked down a curvy hall and right into an office area. I immediately spotted Harper in a separate room closed in by glass panels. She was standing facing the opposite direction. When I saw her my breath caught and I was suddenly nervous.

And this is said by a guy who's always been bold with the ladies.

Being with a woman has only ever been a casual thing for me. I've always been honest about that, with whomever I spent my time. I certainly never had to work very hard at getting someone's attention. But Harper, she's… different. I don't know what it is, maybe it's just the idea of a challenge, rejection, and the chase afterward?

W ho am I kidding?

It has nothing to do with that and everything to do with this green-eyed goddess sitting in front of me biting her lip as she pretends to take notes for her very ignorant boss. He has no idea what he is doing in this position, and it shows.

Such a beautiful soul that I desperately want to know more about. I want to know how deep her scars live.

Shit, something is wrong with me.

The interview was brief, and I hope the article will provide some positive exposure for my firm.

I texted my driver to let him know I'd be out shortly. Mr. Kelvin excused himself for a phone call, leaving Harper and me alone. I took advantage of the moment. Trying not to overwhelm her by getting too close, I stayed seated as she got up to collect her things.

I watched her closely as her hand trembled and her breath came quickly.

"This is the second time you have run into me," I said with a smirk,

"Are you stalking me?" I finished attempting a joke.

"Well, seeing as you have only run into me, it would be appropriate for me to ask you that question." She sassed with an eyebrow raised. She crossed her arms over her chest and poked one hip out.

Oh shit, she's waiting for an answer.

" Um… well ," I mumbled looking for a good comeback .

"I guess you could ask, but that doesn't mean I'll have to answer." I retorted with sarcasm. A soft giggle escaped her, but then she began to fidget, as if eager to escape my presence. Sensing the moment, I took my shot.

"Well, they say the second times a charm."

She laughed with the most beautiful sound.

"Oh, do they?" she asked, looking at me from under her lashes as she closed her notepad and picked it up, holding it against her chest.

"Yes, the third times we should make it intentional," I stated suggestively.

She licked her bottom lip like she was contemplating my offer, but then she started to fumble the things in her arms, and she stuttered to answer. I could tell I made her uncomfortable.

Damn it.

"N. n…no, I told you before I don't date. I'm sorry. I…I…I really can't." She looked down at her feet and turned to walk away. Before she made it to the door I hollered after her.

"Harper, do you still have my card?" she turned to face me and nodded sheepishly.

"Good, you will use it if anything changes, won't you?" Her face flushed to a perfect shade of pink.

"Yes," she whispered.

She turned back around and walked through the door, just as my cell alerted me of a message from Hector.