Chapter 65

HARPER

‘ H er heart was so dark, any light that ever could break through, was devoured by the black hole inside of her soul.'

I pressed the backspace key and hoed it, shaking my head.

Jesus Harper, it's supposed to be a love story.

It's crazy to believe I once felt like that. I was that black hole, incapable of love. A lost soul in a world of hurt, until I met Jasper.

It's been a whirlwind of emotions, and huge steps taken to better my mental health, but I couldn't have even started down this road to healing if Jasper hadn't stormed into my life and forced me to feel the things I longed for, but never dared to reach for myself.

I sat at my desk smiling to myself spinning a pencil between my teeth, swaying back and forth in my fancy chair. I should be writing, but I can't get myself in the mental space. Jasper and I are leaving Friday to visit his childhood home I'm excited, but I'm also anxious. I don't know how it will affect him since he hasn't visited since he was eighteen.

It's our first trip away and we are going on his private jet. I didn't even know he owned a private jet. He owns many things I didn't know about. cars, boats, real estate, and an animal shelter. Yes, he has a heart for animals. I'm allergic to nearly everything with fur but it still warmed my heart to know he had a hand in keeping poor defenseless animals off the streets of Miami.

He laughed at me the morning I realized all the vehicles in the car park had belonged to him. I didn't know the car park was for Jasper's private use. He was doubled over with laughter because I nearly choked on my tongue when Hector opened a box where all the keys were stored, looked into my eyes, and asked, "Which vehicle would you like me to take you in?"

I was so confused by his question seeing as I had only ever ridden with Hector in the all-black Land Rover. He took his hand and turned in a circle pointing at all the options. Being a somewhat car girl, I noticed the emerald, green Aston Martin Valhalla sitting in the corner begging to be driven. Hector was surprised at my choice but nodded his approval.

Jasper Kissed me goodbye sending me on my way under Hector's protection. After threatening Hector's life if there was any damage done to his girl or his Baby. I chuckled at what he said about the car, but honestly, if I dropped that kind of cash on a ride, I'd probably feel the same. It made my stomach turn when I thought about how much money was sitting in the car park just in vehicles alone.

I had a day full of errands to run. One I was most excited about was the meeting with the literary agent. We were meeting at a cute little diner not far from the Penthouse.

The day went by quickly for me I can't say the same thing for Hector. He never once voiced it or showed any sign of frustration but who really wants to be a Chauffeur for their boss's girlfriend?

The meeting with the literary agent Tina, was great. I think we're very compatible. I was so glad to find common ground when envisioning my writing career. Journalism was my goal because it was an open option, but writing novels for the world to enjoy even after I've long gone from this earth was a dream I never thought possible.

Pulling into the car park I cleared my throat nervously. I'm not sure why I felt nervous, maybe a force of habit dealing with men in the past.

"Um, I'd like to thank you for your help today, Hector. I'm sure you could have spent your time with more interesting tasks." I started to ramble.

"Ms. Williams." He started.

"Harper, please." I interrupted.

"Harper, it's been my pleasure to spend the day with you." He stopped the car and shifted it to park. Turning in his seat he faced me. "Anyone who can put a smile on my boss's face like you do is worth it." He smiled and let himself out of the car. He walked over to let me out, I waited for him to open the door, which was something I had to train myself to get used to. The look of pure disdain he gave me the first few times I attempted to open the door on my own was harsh enough to make me think twice about even touching that door handle.

He walked me to the elevator and pressed the call button.

"Mr. Whitlock is up there waiting for you," he announced as the doors began to close. The grin on his face made me think maybe there was something more to his announcement, Knowing Jasper there probably was.

The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. The lights in the Penthouse were dimmed. Rose petals were covering the entranceway. Candles laid on every open space flickering, giving the room a romantic ambiance. Music played softly in the background, a classical number I had never heard before. It was gorgeous.

I followed the rose trail that led to the balcony that overlooked the entire city. The sun was setting It was almost completely down, but still, the sky was covered in the most vibrant oranges and deep pinks.

I stood there watching as the sun dissipated from the sky. Suddenly my senses were overwhelmed by the familiar yet invigorating woodsy scent from the open doorway. I saw Jasper leaning against the door frame with his ankles crossed, two champagne glasses in one hand and a beautifully decorated bottle in the other.

I instinctively licked my lips at the sight of this tall, handsome man, dressed in slacks and a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up exposing his muscular forearms and tattoos. My heart skipped when I locked eyes with his deep ocean-blue irises. He offered one of his devious smirks that I've grown to love.

"Hey Doll, How was your day?" He asked in a husky voice laced with lust.

"What's all of this for?"

He answered smoothly, "You, silly," pushing off from the door frame and walking toward me with a small chuckle.

"I just thought maybe you'd like to come home to a setting almost as beautiful as you are."

I felt tears start to form in my eyes. This was the type of romance you see in movies or read in books, not in real life with a man as perfect as Jasper is.

He set the glasses and the bottle on the table and reached for my hand. When I took it without hesitation he wrapped one arm around my waist and turned me until my back was firmly pressed against his chest. He began to sway to the music that had suddenly gotten louder.

We danced until the sky turned dark, and the vibrant colors painted across the horizon faded. He turned me to face him, lacing his fingers in mine, he leaned down and kissed my forehead.

"You never answered my question Doll." I giggled lost in my lustful thoughts I wasn't sure what question he meant. He rolled his eyes and laughed.

"Distracted by the view were you?" he said sarcastically looking down at himself.

Arrogant asshole. But not wrong.

"How was your day?" He asked again, "Did your meeting go well?"

"It was wonderful, and yes my meeting went well. I think we were a good match." I stated matter of factly.

Smiling sweetly I tilted my head. "How was yours? Did you miss me?"

He let out a low grunt, "Always baby." I stared into his eyes searching for what I already knew to be true. His words.