Chapter 25

HARPER

F or two days, I was stuck at the desk, phone pressed to my ear, trying for a solid lead on the story that Mr. Kelvin insisted could only be handled outside the office.

Those people had perfected their ability to maintain discretion, that, or they've been paid off to keep their mouths shut. Honestly, if I don't snag some juicy info about Saturday's engagement party for one of Atlanta's top bachelors, I doubt Mr. Kelvin will give me another shot. This could be my big break.

All I had been able to get out of anyone was he came to Miami because his uncle is a renowned citizen of Miami and has ties to …well basically everything.

I slammed my phone down and crossed another name off the list of employees that Mr. Kelvin sent me this morning.

"No comment," has been the theme today.

"Gahhh," I let out a sigh of frustration. Suddenly, the air shifted and there was a small knock at the already-opened door.

"Hey Doll, how's work?" Jasper in all his stealthiness walked in, stopping in the doorway. You know, for a guy of his size, he sure moved more quietly than I ever thought possible.

"It's so frustrating, I have been going at it with these contacts for two days straight and I've got nothing. Nothing useful at least." He cleared his throat and came closer, stopping to sit on the sofa across from the desk I have inhabited for the duration of my stay. I think it was a spare office, but the drawers on the desk were empty and the computer was brand new. I used my laptop, but the desktop still had plastic on the screen. It felt as though it had been quickly assembled specifically for my use.

That's crazy though.

"Who is the story on?" He questioned, laying back on the sofa with his arms stretched out on either side. His legs stretched out in front of him as he relaxed into his spot, looking like royalty on a throne.

I looked over at him, my eyes stuck on the view. I don't know what washed over me at that moment. I'd never just ogled over a man like that before. I am usually too busy stressing out and trying to get away. Desire has never been something I felt.

I took a deep breath."Okay, so there is this wealthy bachelor from the town I used to live in. Apparently, the plaza has booked his engagement party for this Saturday. I'm trying to get something, anything that can be used as an exclusive story for the day of. But I can't get anyone to talk." I rolled my eyes and turned in my chair to face my computer screen again. Suddenly, Jasper's face broke into a wide grin, and his eyes sparkled with recognition.

"You wouldn't be talking about the Reynolds-Roosevelt engagement party?"

"Yes! And they are super secretive and there's going to be so much security there it's going to be impossible to get a statement the night of, so my boss wants to run a story on the couple the day of… and I have nothing." I rolled my eyes again and put my head back on the headrest of the luxurious computer chair. I swear this thing has Wi-Fi with all the buttons and gadgets.

"Well, why don't you just go to that event."

"Man, that would be awesome but there's no way to get in. It's ‘Invitation only.'"

Jasper got up and walked out of the room without saying anything. I furrow my brows at his reaction but then turn to look at the next name on my list.

I guess he was finished talking.

A few minutes later Jasper walked back into the room and slid a card in front of me and the printed email I was hovering over. Reading over the card quickly, it stated:

You are Cordially invited…

"OMG is that an invitation to Saturday's event?" I said excitedly, jumping from my seat and knocking over the chair. Feeling embarrassed, I hurried to adjust the chair, but my sleeve slid up my wrist as I did. Jasper's hand snatched my hand back before my fingers contacted the metal.

"What happened here?" he snarled. I looked down to the area of my wrist his eyes were fixated on.

My scars.

I quickly yanked my hand back from his hold. He looked at me with wide eyes searching for answers.

"That's um nothing," I said as I self-consciously pulled the sleeves down repeatedly until my wrist was completely covered again.

"Who hurt you, Harper?" he asked, his voice softened as he tried to contain his anger with a fire burning in his eyes.

Possessive.

I felt myself shrink back from him as I nervously looked away. I don't know how to understand this concern from him… or anyone.

He quickly caught on to my shift in body language and took a step back, adjusting his expression to look more friendly.

It's something he has been doing all along… which made me wonder why he was so careful not to invade my personal space or touch me.

If even indirectly.