Page 18 of Until Forever

“Honestly, Toya, I didn’t realize your Jasper was also the kid my brother used to hang out with.” She shrugs.

I shake my head. “You could have told me yesterday.”

“Okay, you’re right. I could have told you, but first of all, I didn’t recognize him right away. And secondly, if I’d told you he was coming, you wouldn’t have.”

“You’re damn right I wouldn’t have,” I huff out. “So this was on purpose. What are you up to, Harmony?”

“I plead the fifth,” she quips and takes a sip from her beverage.

I imagine the wheels turning in her head. She means well, and I know that. She’s been the best friend anyone can ask for. I wish I knew it was coming. Maybe I’d be better equipped and have my emotions in order.

“Talk to him. Webothknow it’s long overdue, Latoya,” Harmony pleads.

I inhale deeply, staring at her for several seconds while trying to gather my thoughts. Harmony’s not wrong, we are due for a conversation, one that’s eight years in the making. Sitting back, I release my breath and brave a glance in his direction.

They’re making their way over, with Jasper being the last to reach our section. Harlen wraps his arms around Harmony’s neck from his place behind the couch and plants a kiss on her cheek. She grins, and I can’t help but do the same. July’s husband, Wes, steals her away to the dance floor, and shortly after, June, Ashlyn, and December join them.

Jas is now standing only inches from me, so close I can smell his cologne. I bring my bottle to my mouth and drink. Anything to keep from acknowledging he’s next to me. About an hour ago I switched from beer to water, but right now, I’m wishing I hadn’t. He leans over, his breath hot against my ear, and all of a sudden, I regret wearing my hair up.

“You look beautiful tonight,” Jasper whispers.

My body flutters, and a chill runs the length of my spine before my skin heats up. “Thanks.” I gulp then peer up at him.

His mouth is only inches from mine now, and I can’t stop myself from mentally tracing the outline of his lips.

“You’re welcome.”

He sits on the arm of the chair, his thigh brushing along my arm, and I squirm. I scoot over to put a little space between us, but Harmony’s in the way. She looks at me and nods with raised brows, silently telling me to get it over with.

When I don’t speak, she pulls her shoulders back and asks, “Toya, did you know that Jasper is going to be leaving town soon?”

My brows knit together, and I find myself staring up at him, searching his face for any sign that she’s wrong. I open my mouth, but the words die on my tongue.

Jasper seems to inch closer to me, never taking his eyes off mine. “Yeah.” He swallows. “I um…I only came to see what’s going on with my dad.”

I nod.

“But,” Harmony interrupts, “you’d stick around if you had a reason, though?”

She nudges me, and I glare at her from over my shoulder.

“If I had a reason.” His tone is low, but I sense the uncertainty in his words.

I examine him again, and for the second time tonight, I notice how much he’s changed. He’s always been confident, but now he seems happier. His skin is clearer and his blue eyes brighter, if that’s even possible.

“Harlen, can you imagine how surprised I was yesterday to learn thatLatoya’sJasper is Bax’s childhood friend?”

Harlen gasps, and from the corner of my eye, I notice him stand and glance between me and Jas. My fingers go numb from the wave of anxiety washing over me.

“No shit?” Harlen grips the back of the sofa.

I’m on my feet before Harmony can say another word. I wave awkwardly then drop my hands at my sides. “Go outside with me?” I grumble to Jasper.

A soft smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, and he takes my hand, standing and leading me toward the exit. Harmony and Harlen are saying something, but I can’t make out what it is. And honestly, I couldn’t if I wanted to. My mind is fogged, an array of thoughts floating around in my head.

I stare down at our hands, finding it hard to ignore the familiar tingle that travels through me. Without realizing it, I tighten my hold on him. He notices, though, I know because he looks at our touch and then at me. But he doesn’t stop moving, not until we’re outside. Unlike when I arrived, the lot is empty except for the two of us, cars, and motorcycles.

It’s cooler now, and the moon and stars are bright. Something I only recognize because he’s out here with me. It gives me something else to think about. Jasper releases me and turns in my direction.

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