Chapter 45

HARPER

T he Limo rolled to a stop outside of the Grand Plaza Hotel. The paparazzi gathered in anticipation, keen to capture the moment the distinguished individuals stepped out of each lavish vehicle. Hector parked the car, strode to Jasper's door, and it opened for him. Jasper stepped out and instantly turned, offering his hand to me. I hesitated, drenched in sweat like a sinner in church on Easter Sunday, while Jasper remained calm, cool, and collected.

Arrogant asshole .

What a sexy arrogant asshole he was though. He flashed that sin of a smile showing off his irresistible dimples. Instantly my nerves calmed.

As soon as I was out of the limo and on two feet Jasper's arm was firm against my waist hugging me tightly against his side. His smile was steadfast as we made our way down the red carpet. Lights flashed and people screamed Jasper's name in hopes of a perfect picture. I grinned to myself aware that this time tomorrow, all those journalists would envy me for being the sole possessor of the exclusive story.

"That smile is more stunning than the outfit you're wearing Doll." Jasper leaned in and whispered into my ear.

"Mr. Whitlock this way! One for the Miami Times… at least tell us your date's name." Someone screamed catching Jasper's attention. He stopped short. With a look of concentration in his eyes he turned towards the gentlemen with a huge camera pointed at us, "Just one, so make it a good one." Jasper announced still wearing his signature smile. He pulled me in close as a barrage of camera flashes ignited, making time stand still while we posed, our smiles fixed on the endless photographs. I was at a loss for where to direct my eyes.

I hope I don't look like some lost floozy on Jasper's arm when these hit the stands tomorrow.

"My date's name is Harper Williams. Isn't she gorgeous?" He turned towards me and then stepped back, raising my arm. He continued to spin me around, highlighting my dress.

A million lights flickering, and flashes overwhelmed my senses as I heard my name called from every direction. I could feel my face warming up, and I was pretty sure I had turned redder than a beetroot. Jasper pulled me back into him and gave me a smirk.

Arrogant asshole.

I smiled to myself and shook my head as we made our way to the revolving door of the front entrance. My inexperience with walking in six-inch heels almost caused me to lose my balance, but Jasper's firm grip kept me steady. I could barely contain myself when I looked up at him and he wiggled his eyebrows at me.

I understood I should be angry with him, and this event was meant to be my chance to get the story I needed and distance myself from him afterward, there would be plenty of time to be mad at him for what he did, but I think my wrath can wait a bit longer. I was enjoying being Jasper's arm candy for the night even though, I knew it probably wouldn't go much further than this for us, not with the secretive behavior and the deep dive into my personal life and past. I have to admit, I was impressed with how knowledgeable this guy was and how he obtained so much information, but it was still hard to believe that I barely knew anything about Jasper while he knew everything about me.

Jasper and I barely stepped inside the building before a tall blonde with bright red lipstick approached us. She was beautiful in her silk gown, but it was so tight it left little to the imagination.

"Jasper, you look handsome tonight. It's been a while." she flirted and walked toward the two of us. She gave me a nod as she glanced at Jasper's hand resting on my hip, he continued to hold me close.

"Nadia, hello it's great you could make it out tonight, I wasn't aware of sending you an invite." He said with a hint of irritation in his voice.

"I'm a plus one. Do you know Kevin from the commissioner's office?" she responded her smirk of satisfaction quickly disappearing.

"How charming, you've always had a penchant for reaching into unsuspecting pockets for your own benefit. Harper, darling, would you like a drink?" he asked, without sparing her another glance.

A snort escaped my mouth at his blatant disregard for whoever this woman was to him. She huffed, stamped her foot, spun on her heel, and stormed off in the opposite direction.

"Who was that?" We walked hand in hand toward the bar, whispering.

"She's someone not worth knowing," he stated, his expression flat and unbothered.

Jasper walked up to the bar and stood beside a guy already waiting in what seemed like, an endless line. With a nod from Jasper, the gentleman stepped aside, letting him be served before a crowd of at least twenty other customers waiting their turn. Moments later, he returned to me, a glass of pink champagne in each hand. I reached for the flute when Jasper quickly pulled it away.

"Slowly Doll, we don't want a repeat of the last time you indulged, or do we?" He said with a wicked glare. I clicked my teeth at him as I took the flute and sipped the contents. Maintaining sobriety was crucial for me, not just for the apparent reasons, but particularly because I would have the chance to engage exclusively with the guests of honor.

Jasper took my hand for the following hour and led me from one location to another as we engaged in political discussions with various distinguished city members. Judges, several individuals from his firm, and several CEOs of some of the largest companies in the city were present, and he mentioned them as potential clients. It felt odd to be so relaxed around so many people but despite everything, I felt safe with Jasper, like he would never let anything happen to me.

I couldn't tell you the names of even half the men I spoke to and probably less of the dates that accompanied them but somehow, they all seemed eager to meet me. Spotting Miami's top billionaire bachelor with an unknown companion is bound to spark curiosity.

I saw Max walking towards us. Jasper and I had just finished talking with a sweet elderly man who I believe was a distant relative to Max and Christian.

"Look at you, you actually showered tonight." Max hollered from a distance.

"Aha, I had to, especially after being in the same room with you all day; I didn't want your scent sticking to me," Jasper retorted loudly, following the manly hug and slap with Max. I refer to it as a ‘hug slap' because it's akin to those awkward side hugs men occasionally give, which are then punctuated with a solid slap on the back as if to inject a dose of masculinity into the tender gesture.

"Christian should be here any minute," Max announced, turning and striding toward the bar to grab a drink. Suddenly, my nerves kicked in and my palms began to sweat. Securing this exclusive could be a significant milestone in my career as a serious writer, potentially unlocking endless opportunities.