Chapter 60

JASPER

T he only sound breaking the night's stillness was the echo of my footsteps in the lobby. I ended up working later than planned, buried in the piles of files waiting for my review.

Harper texted a bit ago, telling me she was ordering out for dinner. She cooks most nights, and I couldn't help but smile thinking she must have gotten caught up in her writing, and lost track of time.

My grin grew wider as I remembered how easily she agreed to the office makeover, all it took was a subtle mention of her moving in. She believed I was oblivious to her clear attempts to delay the inevitable, but she was sorely mistaken.

"Good night, sir," one of the night guards called out as I headed towards the exit. I gave him and the other two guards a brief nod in acknowledgment, noticing they were engrossed in their computer monitors, feigning busyness.

From the wall of windows, I could see Hector waiting for me on the curb. Even though it was a no-parking zone, the parking enforcement officers knew better than to mess with him there.

"Evening, sir," Hector nodded, opening the back door. I slid into the SUV with a smile.

"Yes, and a good one it is." I retorted. Hector's face twisted at my response, he quickly recovered and smirked before closing the door.

"Straight home tonight, sir." He asked, from the driver seat, adjusting the mirror and looking back at me before pulling onto the road.

"Yes, home. The only place I wanna be right now," I said resting my head on the seat and letting out a deep sigh. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the key with the green ribbon tied to it. The ribbon was the same color as Harper's eyes, the shade of green that had recently become my favorite color. I turned the key in my palm imagining what Harper would say to my proposal for her moving in officially. I knew she would likely say no, I had no doubt, and I looked forward to convincing her otherwise.

I'd enjoy the pink flushing over her face, and the quick scrambling she would likely do to avoid answering. She'd done a decent job of avoiding it this far, but this time I was determined.

Hector intentionally cleared his throat pulling me from my distracting thoughts.

"That looks nice on you, sir," he said, with a sincere smile. He must have sensed my confusion when I was slow to respond. He let out a small chuckle.

"What's that?" I asked. He looked through the rearview mirror, making eye contact. "Love. sir."

I laughed and shook my head. "Is it that obvious?".

Hector lifted his hand, his index finger and thumb almost touching —the universal gesture for ‘a little bit.' I threw my head back, laughing even harder.

"Just drive."

* * *

As we pulled into the car park, my leg shook anxiously. I was beaming with excitement to get to Harper. Hector opened the door as usual, but this time, a smile was spread across his face.

"You won't be needed anymore tonight, Hector. The lady and I will be staying in." He nodded in acknowledgment, "Yes, sir."

* * *

The elevator dinged at the top floor, I was met with the sight of Harper lying on the sofa, wrapped in her couch blanket, a book in her hand, lost to the pages of whatever romance she was reading today. She only looked up when she heard my keys clatter against the entryway.

"Hey, Beautiful," I called out as I removed my cuff links. I neared her cozy spot, rolling up the long sleeves of my button-down shirt. She set her book aside, and her gaze followed me.

I kneeled beside her, placing a kiss on her forehead. She closed her eyes and let out a breathy sigh. Just as she had done many times before. I loved the way she responded to me.

"Hey, handsome, How was work?" She asked innocently.

"It was long. Did you eat already?" I asked, sure I already knew the answer. We had settled into a comfortable routine, that I hoped would never stop.

"Of course not. I wanted to wait for you," she said sweetly, tilting her head.

She's so fucking adorable.

"You know, you don't have to do that every night, Doll?"

Selfishly, I preferred she did, but I'd never ask that of her.

"I know. I like the feeling of having dinner together at the table. It's something I never had growing up. Even with Aster, we usually eat in front of the TV with a bottle of cheap wine." Her smile widened at the final part. I sometimes forget how fucked up her parents were. She missed out on a lot of everyday stuff, like family dinners, which I never really thought twice about.

I can't wait to give her all the things she never had.

She pointed towards the dining room,

"Ready to eat? You must be starved."

"Not yet, Doll. I have something I want to discuss with you first," her

eyes flashed with worry, but quickly recovered as she gave me a faint nod. She sat up tall, "Of course. What is it?"

She was concerned trying her best to hide it. I reached for her hand lacing my fingers with hers.

"Harper, I want you to move in with me." I blurted out nervously, pulling the key from my pocket and handing it to her. To my surprise she took it. She remained silent, gazing at the key, absentmindedly twirling the ribbon around her fingers. It seemed like an eternity had passed, yet it had only been a few moments. Without looking up at me she started to nod her head. Still kneeling beside her, I gently lifted her chin to encourage eye contact. She slowly lifted her gaze and looked into my eyes.

Initially, her expression was unreadable, but eventually, a subtle smile crept to her lips.

"Yes," she whispered.

"I'm sorry, What?" I questioned, playfully cupping my hand behind my ear.

"I said yes. Jasper. I'll move in with you," she shouted.

I jumped up, and pulled her along, into an embrace that lifted her feet from the floor as I twirled her around, Just like the cheesy romantic comedies she adores. I've finally understood their meaning, Harper was changing me.

She threw her head back and let out one of her intoxicating giggles before planting the most passionate kiss on my lips.

"Careful, Doll, keep kissing me like that and our dinner will spoil." She laughed and snorted. Not one of those tiny barely noticeable snorts, this was one of those loud Miss Piggy snorts. The kind you don't come back from. It was the cutest sound to ever come out of her.

She threw her hands to her mouth with embarrassment as she laughed till her face turned red, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Harper discovered a hidden gem of a Chinese takeout place just down the street. It's a quaint, little-known spot, but the food is incredible. Since I introduced Harper to it, she's been a regular, enjoying their food at least three times a week.

"I know I agreed to move in, but I'd like to make my acceptance conditional."

uh oh, what does she want?

"Anything, Doll."

I meant that. I would give her the world if she asked for it. She is the most selfless woman I have ever met. She deserves fucking everything she could ever desire, and the things she didn't know she desired too.

She nibbled on her lower lip, hesitating to speak. As each minute ticked by, my anxiety grew.

"I want to have weekly family dinners with Aster and Max" she announced with a hesitant smile that showed her teeth. She looked at me pleadingly, as if I would ever tell her no.

"That's it?" I looked at her in disbelief. "That's all it will take to get you to myself?" I couldn't help but snicker at her request; she made it seem like a huge deal.

"Of course, baby. however," I said already smirking at my next words.

"I have a condition of my own," I glared at her with devious eyes.

Her face straightened.

"Okay." She waited for me to continue.

"Anytime I decide I want to spoil you with material things whether it be flowers or jewelry, you have to let me and you have to try not to feel guilty," I stated knowingly, raising one eyebrow.

She smiled sweetly contemplating my condition, then nodded her head.

"Only if whatever the cost of said item, that amount is donated to a cause of my choosing as well." She retorted crossing her arms over her chest.

Damn it, she is too good for me.

"You drive a hard bargain, Miss. Williams but I'll accept those terms."

"Deal!" She extended her hand for a handshake. I smirked; fully aware I would be taking advantage of our arrangement.