Chapter 14

FOURTEEN

AUSTIN

With Frankie still at my place, Billy took the week off to go do whatever the guy did. When I'd asked what his plans were, he'd simply shrugged and said he wanted to get away.

Frankie was surprisingly helpful and great with Penny. Despite my brother never seeming to pause, since he was always on the move, it didn't mean he wasn't hardworking or without skills. While I wasn't aware of him putting his degree to good use, he still worked his way around the world. It was true I gave him a hard time about his life choices every now and then, but it didn't mean I wasn't proud of him.

For him to make his own mark in the world and live life his way was impressive in its own right. But none of that eased my worry, especially when communication fizzled out.

And I still didn't know the reason this time.

He'd never held back for this long before, and I wasn't sure what to make of it.

"I can always head out if you want me to?" Frankie said as he put away Penny's lead after the walk we'd just taken together.

"Why on earth wouldn't I want you here?" This was part of the difference I'd noted about my brother. He was usually cocksure, witty, and never appeared to give a damn about what anyone else thought about him.

I caught his shrug as he headed to the refrigerator.

"Jasper and Ian will be here in about thirty minutes. Ian's a nice guy, friendly and genuine. You'll get along well."

I heard him huff out a breath. "Okay." He glanced around the kitchen. "You need any help here? If not, I'm going to grab a quick shower."

"I'm all good, thanks." I'd managed to escape from work not long after the last period so I could prepare. Jasper had immediately headed home, where Ian was waiting for him. He'd got in about midday and had picked up the key from Sarah at the café.

This week had been fairly uneventful. Other than the dinner with Jasper and his mom and admittedly the slight panic and inquisition that I recognized was ridiculous about Jasper's future, there'd been no dramas or dilemmas.

I had reported my suspicions about Rupert to the police after talking to my friend on the board, and I agreed that while I didn't want him chased down for further investigation, I wanted it on record.

But since the standoff when he'd appeared unannounced, I'd thankfully heard nothing from him.

It meant I could focus and give my all to creating a version of normal with Jasper. And what I saw so far, I liked. A lot.

I grabbed the veggies and took them to the patio, where I lit the grill. I then collected the potato salad, stopping midwalk when Penny barked. My smile was immediate when I heard the familiar rumble of Jasper's vehicle. After placing the bowl down, I made my way to the door, reaching it a couple of seconds after the knock came.

"Hey," I greeted, smiling briefly at Ian before focusing on Jasper as he stepped forward and planted a kiss on my waiting mouth. My body exhaled at the touch. There was something addictive about contact with Jasper, and I was more than happy to encourage the habit .

"Hey back." He pulled away, his eyes roaming over my face, his expression full of ease. "Good day?"

"Yes, all good, thanks." I moved back so he could walk by, then I reached out and shook Ian's hand in greeting. "Safe journey?" I asked Ian.

"It was, thanks. Hardly anything on the road really." He glanced around. "Jasper told me how great your house is, but this is a really nice place you have."

Genuine appreciation filled his voice, and I smiled. "Thanks. I have Tanner actually taking on a few projects in a few weeks or so."

"Oh, that's great. Have you seen his and Carter's place yet?"

I shook my head.

"It's incredible. He did all of the work."

Hiring Tanner appeared to have been the right thing to do. He'd emailed me with the quote early Tuesday, and by midday, I'd accepted it. Even without Jasper's influence and his praise for the man, I'd heard enough about Tanner's work to believe he was excellent.

"I'm eager to get the place up to scratch and looking beautiful again."

"It already is beautiful," Jasper said, placing a couple of bottles of wine on the kitchen counter.

While I agreed with him and appreciated that he loved my home as much as I did, broken boards and rotten timber weren't something I could continue to ignore.

"We eating outside?" Jasper asked after glancing around the room. I nodded. Immediately, he scooped up the wine and headed in that direction, his familiarity in my space easy and natural. I was more than okay with that. "What does Frankie like to drink?"

"Frankie likes whatever's going." My brother stepped into the room, looking refreshed. Humor lifted his words, and there was a twinkle of self-assured certainty in his eyes that had me smiling.

Jasper laughed. "I should have anticipated that, I suppose," he sassed, throwing him a grin before continuing outside.

I turned to Ian, whose wide eyes were fixed on my brother, and I cringed a little internally. My brother was handsome as well as physically fit. Hours and hours snowboarding would do that to a guy. Plus he had that whole sun-kissed glow thing going on from his recent season. It wasn't unusual for men or women alike to crush on him.

"Ian, this is my brother, Frankie."

They greeted each other with a handshake and a smile before Frankie led Ian outside, passing by Jasper, who returned to my side.

He walked directly into my arms and, without a word, slanted his mouth over mine. Our tongues tangled and caressed as our lips moved. He was heat and temptation and felt so perfect in my arms. The kiss slowed, and, all too soon, Jasper angled away. Eyes at half-mast, he gazed up at me, his mouth tugging upward.

"I've wanted to do that all day," I said, unable to resist kissing him once more. I didn't deepen the connection, aware I'd struggle not to drag him into the laundry room and drop to my knees before him.

"Every time I saw you today, I wanted to do that," he admitted. "I think I'm going to have to stop leaving my classroom, just in case."

A chuckle rippled through me. "Self-control is a fickle thing, right?"

He nodded. "I need to get the glasses. I saw the grill is on."

"I picked up steak for us."

"Sounds good."

Reluctantly, we parted, and we collected the glasses and steak before heading back outside, where Ian and my brother were chatting.

"Wow, that sounds amazing," Ian said, awe in his voice. "I've still never left the States."

"Do you plan to one day?" Frankie asked.

Ian bobbed his head. "Definitely one day. There's a lot of world to explore. Just figured it would be nice to do it with someone, you know, rather than by myself?"

"I get that, but there's a lot to be said about the freedom of going it alone and only being responsible for yourself."

There was something about my brother's tone that had me angling to look at him. A shadow passed over his expression. Had I blinked, I would have missed it. My attention turned to Jasper, whose brow was dipped as he focused hard on Frankie. Maybe he'd seen or heard something too.

"How do you like your steak, Ian?" I asked.

"Medium, please."

"Coming right up," I answered.

Conversation continued, this time without the lull of unease around Frankie. Relaxed and seemingly having pulled himself together, he told us stories about his adventures and then shared a few embarrassing moments about our childhood that left Jasper crying with laughter.

"Our mom walking in on you jacking off to porn, though, was admittedly one of the highlights."

I flushed in embarrassment.

Jasper laughed, asking, "How old were you?"

"Twenty-five," Frankie answered for me, almost falling to the ground, he was laughing so hard.

"Oh my God," Jasper said, wide-eyed and then biting his lip. I was sure it was so he wouldn't lose himself to laughter.

"In my defense," I said, "it was the holidays, and the house was meant to be empty. I didn't know Mom was going to slip back to pick up more bottles of wine for the party at a neighbor's." A grin followed, remembering Mom's amused horror. "Two days later, when it was Christmas Day, she'd put in a card for me for a subscription to higher-quality porn." Warmth filled my insides. Mom had been so incredible.

"She was the best, right?" Frankie said, his eyes on me. Emotion shone in them, and I nodded.

"She really was."

Jasper squeezed my hand that he held on top of his thigh. I appreciated his comfort as well as his understanding.

A quick glance at the time told me it was close to ten. "Are you sure I can't talk you in to saying the night?" I asked Jasper. He'd already said he and Ian needed to leave around this time so they could get back for a decent sleep.

"I promised Mom I'd be back. She's making a big breakfast in the morning for us. But I'll see you at eleven, right?"

I nodded sulkily, not hiding my disappointment .

Frankie's laugh drew my attention to him. "Brother, a night apart isn't going to make your balls explode."

I flipped him off, aware he regularly brought out this lighter side of me. I always became so far removed from the professional principal I was when I stepped fully into big-brother mode.

"You ready, Ian?" Jasper said, standing and pulling me up with him.

"Yep." Ian stood. "It was so great to meet you, Frankie." A sweet smile lifted his mouth, and his muscles bunched when he shook my brother's hand. He really was a muscled wall of gentleness. "And thanks for the great food and night, Austin." I happily pulled him in for a hug. As Jasper's best friend, it added to my ease around him.

"You're welcome. And I'll see you tomorrow." I tugged on Jasper's hand as he finished saying goodbye to Frankie. "I'll walk you out."

After saying goodbye and watching them leave, I headed back to see Frankie already tidying up from the evening. We were quiet as we worked side by side until Frankie said, "I'm really happy you've found Jasper. What you have seems real."

My heart constricted, and a nervous flutter took flight in my stomach. "He's incredible. And I know we've haven't been together long but…." I swallowed, feeling more like a teenager than a grown man.

"You're falling in love with him," my brother said. His tone was serious, almost full of reverence.

"Yeah, I really am."

"It's not too soon, you know."

"For what?"

"To tell him how you feel."

My heart tripped over itself. Putting myself out there again made me uneasy.

When I didn't say anything, he turned to face me. "What's wrong? I know you overanalyze things to death, but I've never known you to mull over a good thing."

I sighed. "I know, and honestly, I'm pissed off with myself. Rupert—"

"Isn't half the man that Jasper is." He shook his head. "Is it the age difference?"

His question took me by surprise. "No," I answered immediately. "Don't get me wrong, I'm very aware of the difference, but we're on the same level, you know? And I think we want the same things."

"Think?" Understanding registered in my brother's gaze. "Kids."

I nodded. My whole family knew I wanted a family, wanted children. "He's twenty-four," I said .

"The same age Dad was when you were born," he pointed out, his brow quirked high.

There was nothing to say to challenge that. "I know."

"Just be honest with him."

I huffed out a breath. "What if it scares him off?" The question was an admission to myself and to him. I realized it was fear of Jasper leaving and not being ready for more that held me back. A few weeks was no time at all, and while it wasn't like I was suggesting filling in adoption papers next week, I did want to do just that at some point in the future.

"Austin." A sigh followed. "Do you honestly think he'll run?"

"No," I admitted.

"So don't waste time. Step up and be honest. Don't let someone so amazing go. Regret will only seep into your pores and poison you." Sorrow etched on his face, and I no longer thought he was talking about me. Clearing his throat, he looked away and closed the dishwasher door. "I'm heading to bed. Night."

Without another word, he exited the room. And I was left with the desire to pick up the phone right now and talk to Jasper, as well as increased worry for my brother and what could possibly be heartache.

It had been a while since I'd last attended a wedding, and even longer since one where I only knew a couple of people. But despite not knowing the grooms, it was easy to get swept up in the emotion and the love.

A small group of about thirty of us sat on mismatched chairs in the garden I hadn't realized existed in one of the bars in Kirkby. The whole time from the moment we'd walked here from Jasper's house, my hand had clasped his. And sitting together, his palm against mine as it rested on my thigh while a little girl swung around on the spot wearing a princess dress as she said, "And I mawy you too, Daddy," I gushed along with everyone else.

My heart constricted as Scott, a tall guy just a few years younger than me, scooted down to her level and scooped her up in his arms.

Once standing, he reached out to Davis, whose smile was wide, his eyes watery when he said, "You're both my world, my loves. You have my heart. Scott, I didn't know my heart was big enough for more than Libby, but then you came along and showed me how wrong I was. You've taught me to trust in us, in love, and I want nothing more than to spend the rest of our lives with you by my side, loving you."

Jasper sniffed beside me, and I raised our joined hands and kissed his. He flicked his gaze at me, eyes glistening with happiness. There was no chance I could resist pressing my lips to his, so I didn't. I relaxed into him before pulling away and returning my attention to Scott, with his daughter in his arms.

"Davis, I was living blind, in the dark until you pulled me into the light and showed me just how wonderful life could be." There was a small quaver in his voice as he continued, looking at Libby. "Not only did you give me your love, you made me a dad. You held my hand and taught me how to be brave and how to find peace. Davis, you and Libby are my world, my everything. I promise to spend the rest of our lives cherishing you both and reminding you why kisses in the darkness are always worth the risk."

The officiant announced that they were married, and immediately the men kissed as the small gathering of guests exploded into cheers and applause. We all stood. Loosening my grip on Jasper's hand, I instead pulled him to my side, stealing another kiss.

"That was so beautiful." Jasper grinned at me, and I smiled back, wiping the few tears from his eyes.

"It really was."

While I'd known the basics of who the men getting married were—their jobs, their connection to Jasper, their daughter—that was about all I knew. And as soon as we'd arrived, Jasper had discreetly pointed out the people and their names to me. Thankfully, I was a quick study when it came to names, one of the essential skills needed for teaching.

The people around us began to leave the seating area, milling around, and reaching for drinks from a couple of servers who'd appeared.

This bar belonged to Ted, who I'd heard mentioned a time or two, and his husband, Jason. They'd closed up for the day and night for the wedding, which seemed like a great idea. It was casual and friendly. There were a few decorations and flowers dotted around the area, but everything was minimal and in good taste. And with no sit-down meal, it made good sense.

Looking at Davis and Scott being congratulated, I smiled at the love emanating from the two of them. This was what I hoped for someday for myself. A man to call my own. A man who held my heart so completely and who loved me just as fiercely back that the sharing of vows would cement our affection and our future.

My eyes roved over the small family as Davis said something to his daughter before kissing her and placing her feet to the floor. A moment later, she was off like a shot, racing toward a couple of boys a little older than her.

"Let me introduce you to Scott and give our congrats." Jasper tugged lightly on my hand. I smiled broadly at him, ignoring the flutter of nerves I always got when meeting someone new. The good thing was though, with the celebration going on, I was on no one's radar.

"Congratulations." Jasper hugged Davis hard, then did the same to Scott. "Your ceremony was so beautiful."

Scott placed a kiss to his husband's temple, holding him close. "Thanks, Jasper. We're so happy you're here."

"As if I'd be anywhere else." He glanced back at me. "Austin, meet Davis's husband," he said with a wide smile, "Scott."

Scott laughed at that and reached out and shook my hand.

"I imagine that sounds pretty good." My lips curved up as I spoke. "Pleased to meet you. And congratulations to you both."

"It really does," Scott agreed. "Davis had hoped you were able to come."

Warmth enveloped me at the welcome I'd received from Jasper's group of friends. "I was really happy to come. Thank you."

Ian stepped forward and hugged the two men, Sarah next in line as Jasper and I backed away.

"You happy to continue to make the rounds and meet everyone or do you need a breather?" Jasper said as he moved in front of me, standing close .

My heart flipped over at the sweet concern in his voice. That he wanted me to be okay, cared enough to check on my comfort meant a lot. Unable and unwilling to resist, I leaned in his space and pressed a tender kiss on his warm lips.

He relaxed against me, falling into the touch.

This man had the power to unravel me, and I had no desire to stop him.

Reluctantly though, I eased back. "I'd love to meet the people in your life who you care about."

Dilated pupils connected with mine, and a flash of emotion appeared in his gaze. The gentlest of smiles curved his lips before he said, "I'd really like that too."

We made our rounds, chatting to those I knew and being introduced to a few unfamiliar faces. I was just going to recommend we head over to fill a plate when I heard Jasper's name. I looked over my shoulder and saw a woman maybe a little older than my mom would have been.

She waved Jasper over, a big smile on her face and a glass of champagne in her hand.

"Hey, Marcy," Jasper greeted, dotting a kiss on her cheek. "Where's the dashing Mr. Marcy?" he sassed. I knew Jasper really liked Carter's mom and Jack, her husband. The couple was one of the first pointed out to me when we'd arrived .

She rolled her eyes, which didn't diminish the humor dancing in the depths. "He's apparently explaining to Jason why it's never too young to start playing golf. Ted abandoned the poor man when he realized the topic. I think someone needs to save him soon, else he'll never get away."

Both Jasper and I laughed and peered over at Jason—who'd been previously pointed out to me too. He stood with a serious expression, nodding every now and then. He was a big guy, a little older than Jasper. Marcy's eyes were on me when I returned my attention to her.

"Sorry," Jasper said immediately. "Marcy, this is Austin. Austin, Carter's mom, Marcy."

My smile was friendly as I reached out and shook her hand. "Lovely to meet you."

"You too, Austin." Her gaze flicked back to Jasper. "So, you were never lying about you and Ian then? Huh. I called that one completely wrong."

Jasper's mouth dropped open, and I laughed. He seemed to gather himself before saying, "No." He shook his head. "No idea why you were so insistent about that."

She grinned. "Sorry, it's just because you're both so handsome and lovely." Her eyes roamed over to me. "However, you're pretty easy on the eyes yourself, Austin." She nodded as if in approval. "And you're a principal, right? "

I shot a quick glance of reassurance at Jasper and was happy the concern on his face disappeared. I was sure he sometimes forgot I was a grown-ass man who wrangled kids and teachers for a living. I could more than handle myself. "I am," I answered, my amusement evident.

Marcy nodded. "Impressive. It takes some special skills to keep a school moving and successful, even more so not to turn into an asshat, and you, Austin, I'm relieved to see are definitely no asshat."

I laughed, and Jasper groaned. "Thank you," I said. "I try hard not to be an asshat. And I don't think I would have been lucky enough to win Jasper over if I had been." I threw the man in question a wink, and he relaxed into me, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"True. You're such a sweet young man, Jasper, and finding happiness is the best thing in the world."

An easy smile settled on his lips. "Thank you. And I'm definitely lucky." He squeezed my waist a little.

"You seem like a man with experience, Austin. I'm—"

"Mom." Carter cut in, appearing at her side and sending Jasper and me an apologetic look. I simply grinned, shooting Jasper another wink of reassurance. He noticeably relaxed. I was all too aware of our age difference, and we'd never had to really deal with anyone saying anything odd or disparaging—obviously I discounted my ex. But that was a testimony to us not spending time with douches. Age seriously wasn't a factor. We connected, had so much in common that the years we were born didn't play into anything. I wasn't quite sure if that's what Marcy had been getting at, but I was quietly relieved Carter had cut in.

"Yes, Carter?" She rolled her eyes, as if knowing her son was here to intervene.

"Everything okay over here?"

"Of course," she answered. "I was just going to ask Austin here about all the new fandangled courses they offer at school now." She turned her attention to me. "You're obviously experienced, or else you wouldn't be a principal, but one of my neighbors was talking about one of her grandchildren studying winemaking or something. Not yet, but when she gets to college. Is that even a thing?"

Okay, so definitely not a cross-examination of our age difference then, but seriously so odd that I struggled to contain my amusement bubbling to the surface.

"Because if they can do that online and it means lots of testing, I think it would be perfect for me."

The confusion on Carter's face was impossible to not react to, and I chuckled. "You want to study?" Carter asked, nonplussed.

"I've been thinking about it. Your dad's on this annoying golfing fad at the moment. He bores me to death, talking about ball size."

I slammed my mouth shut, not rising to the bait, but when Jasper squeezed me and I felt small movement that I was sure was silent laughter, I struggled to contain myself.

"So, I figured I'd do something to keep my brain busy, and I really like wine." Her eyes brightened. "I love champagne more, though. I wonder if there are courses that allow for student exchanges. I'd be happy to spend a semester in France." She turned her attention back to me. "So, is that possible?"

Wide-eyed, I stared back at her. I wasn't quite sure I'd survive this first meeting with Marcy in one piece, and I was certain the befuddled look in my eyes gave me away. When I spoke, Jasper jerked as if surprised, "Actually, I have a friend who's a college professor. I know there are a lot of strange and wonderful courses offered across the country. I'm sure a quick Google search would do the trick."

Marcy smiled widely at that. "You see, Carter, positivity. You can tell Austin's an educator. There was no scoffing from him when I spoke of wanting to expand my mind and broaden my horizons," she reprimanded.

Carter sighed. "I think you're more interested in testing wine and seeing how quickly you can get wasted," he said. "You know, you can just book a wine tour in France, right? It would be cheaper than a college course."

Appearing to mull that over, Marcy nodded, indicating her son might be onto something. "They have golf courses in France, right, where I could ship your dad off to?"

"I'm sure they have famous courses in France," Jasper added helpfully, causing Carter to flash him a look. Jasper simply shrugged and threw him a grin.

"That's settled then," she stated.

Carter shook his head, gentle acceptance on his face. "Sure it is, Mom. Why don't you go and save Jason and tell Dad about your big plans?"

"I think I might just do that." She stood, glass still in hand. Before she left, she eyed me once more. "You seem like a lovely man, Austin. Be sure to be good to young Jasper here. I think I once overheard he likes to top, so take good care of yourself beforehand." She nodded at her advice, gave an airy wave, and wandered off.

"Holy crap. I'm so sorry, Austin. My mom, she's—"

"A hell of a woman," I finished and laughed, completely tickled by the bizarre meeting. "I don't think I've ever met anyone quite like her."

Carter's shoulders eased, but his face remained red. "She is that, and she's certainly unique, but seriously, I'm sorry. She has zero filter. "

"But gives good advice, though, right?" I said with another laugh, surprising a snort out of Jasper.

Rubbing a hand over his face, Carter nodded. "Most of the time yes, unfortunately. I really need a drink." He peered around the room. I watched as Tanner raised a brow at him and waved a bottle in his direction from across the outdoor space. "That's my savior right there. I'll catch you both later." He hauled ass, zeroed in on his partner and the wine, leaving Jasper and me both drained and laughing over the meeting.

It was late. Tealights flickered around the garden, and low-lit lanterns eased back the darkness. But despite the light, the stars were still visible in the clear night.

We gathered around one of the outside heaters. The early spring air was cool and fresh.

"I think Mom's ready to go, is that okay?" Jasper said while the conversation around us continued.

I looked over at Sarah. Her laughter filtered through the small gathering, the sound light and easy, but her eyes were less bright, and at the end of her laugh, she attempted to cover up the yawn behind her hand.

"Absolutely," I answered. "What about Ian?" Darting a look around me, I couldn't spot him. "Have you seen him recently?"

A wicked smirk shot my way, and I wondered what he knew that I didn't. "I received a text about thirty minutes ago," Jasper said. "One of Davis's out of town friends is staying at one of the local motels. It seems Ian has somewhere else to sleep tonight, so won't be coming back to Mom's with us."

My brows dipped. "How did I not see any of that unfold?" I shook my head in wonder. One of the necessities of my job was being aware of my surroundings and having eyes in the back of my head. It seemed those skills weren't functioning.

"Well," Jasper said, quirking one of his brows high, "after whatever number glass of wine and the shots Ted gave you, you've either been attached to my ear whispering dirty things to me, which I'm telling you right now, I'm totally up for. But not tonight at Mom's," he hastened to add, making me laugh and sway a little. That gave me pause. A lot of booze had passed my lips, and just maybe I was a little more unsteady than I realized.

"And if not that, you thought it would be awesome to request some godawful music and challenge everyone to dance-offs."

I snorted at that. "I rocked it, though." I wiggled my brows .

"If you say so." Jasper pursed his lips, and I squinted a little at him.

"You saying I haven't still got it?" How had I not noticed he had the cutest ears? I just wanted to nibble them.

"Baby, you need to take me home if you're doing things like that to me. Christ."

I pulled back, my brain taking a moment to realize his siren ears had drawn me in. "But they're the sexiest ears I've ever seen." I closed one eye and focused.

"Can ears be sexy?" Jasper said, laughing.

"Everything about you is sexy," I said, perhaps a little too loudly, considering Jasper hushed me while laughing loudly. "What? Was I not whispering?"

He shook his head. "Not quite, no, but that's okay. You can call me sexy all you wish."

I nodded my approval of this brilliant plan. I leaned into him again, saying, "I think I had a bit to drink."

As Jasper bit his bottom lip, he nodded, lips twisting a little. "Just a bit," he said, lifting his thumb and pointer finger. "I managed to get two glasses of water in you, though."

My brows lifted high. "You did?" I so did not remember drinking water.

"I did." He stood, and I rocked a little on my stool. "You wait here and let me get Mom."

"Okay. We need to say goodbye to the new married people."

Jasper snorted. "We already did. They left over an hour ago." He placed a kiss on my forehead, and I closed my eyes, relishing the contact. "Give me a second."

I nodded, but I was sure only a second had passed by before Jasper was hauling my ass off the stool and leading me outside.

Cool air hit me once we were out on the street. Away from the heaters and the windbreaks of the walls, it was surprisingly bitter. I shivered, becoming more aware of my surroundings.

"You okay?" Jasper's voice was quiet.

"All good," I mumbled, a little sleepily. Feeling a little soberer, I felt the cold a bit more fiercely, and while it seemed to help with clearing my head, it did nothing to keep at bay the exhaustion beating at me. "You okay?"

"I am."

"I'm happy I got to spend the day with you." I leaned into him a little as we walked side by side.

"Me too," he answered quietly.

"And I remember each of those dirty things I whis—"

"Shh," Jasper said over a laugh, nudging me for good measure.

I rubbed my side where he'd dug his elbow in. "What? "

"I think Jasper's reminding you that I'm here, Austin."

Good God. Sarah, Jasper's mom.

All the booze seemed to dissipate in that moment, and I was fully alert and mortified. "I'm so sorry, Mrs—uhm, Sarah." I had nothing else, fearing if I continued to speak, I'd make it worse.

The sound of Sarah's gentle laughter, syncing with Jasper's chuckle, eased my tension. Relieved I was under cover of darkness, I was all too aware we'd be reaching their house soon, a place with electricity and bright lights. There my humiliation would be even more obvious.

"It's all fine, Austin. Truly."

I nodded a little robotically.

"And I love it when you forget yourself," Jasper whispered close to my ear.

The patter of my heart picked up in response to his words.

"Okay," I finally said, along with "and remind me never to accept shots from Ted again."

We all laughed as Jasper squeezed my hand, reassuring me all was fine. And it was. I was, I realized. I couldn't remember the last time I'd had too much to drink, certainly not to the extent of swaying and putting my foot in it. The last time was years ago when I was with one of my sisters. And like then, I only allowed myself to really let go because I trusted that the person I was with had my back. That I trusted them.

The knowledge spread warmth through my body, and as we stood at the front door, Sarah unlocking it, I whispered close to Jasper's ear, "Thank you."

Despite his smile, he looked confused as our eyes met. "For what?"

I could have shrugged, could have played it off; instead, I said, "For being someone I can trust enough to let down my guard."

His eyes softened, visible in the hall light I'd realized was now seeping out of the open doorway. Sarah had already entered and moved away.

"You can always trust me." His words were low and gentle, but that didn't belie how earnestly he spoke them.

And as his gaze roamed my own, there was little doubt left in my mind that my trust in this man was barely a step away from love.