Page 30 of Djinn in Love

His heart rate sped up, as did his steps, as he moved down the hall. When he reached the door to the bedroom, he stopped. She was lying on her side on the far side of the huge bed, her back turned to the door, which was why he hadn’t seen her from the hall. She didn’t turn to look at him, so he crept around the bed.

Veronica was asleep, her hands tucked beneath her cheek like a child. Her face was relaxed in sleep, peaceful and beautiful. He hated to wake her, but he wanted to be sure she would have plenty of time to get ready.

Unsure of how to wake her, he moved to the bed, settling on the side. His hip fit in the curve of her body, brushing against her knees. She sighed, but didn’t open her eyes. Not wanting to startle her, he reached out and trailed his fingers across her cheekbone, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face.

“Veronica,” he murmured. “It’s time to wake up.”

A small smile curved her lips, and she shifted, rolling more onto her back. Her eyes opened, their warm brown depths sleepy and soft. “Hey,” she sighed. “You’re back.”

Her lips curved into a smile as her hand came up to cup the back of his hand where it rested on her cheek.

Unable to resist the pull of her lips, Jasper leaned over and pressed his mouth to hers. The hand on the back of his moved to his face, her fingers brushing his jaw. A low sound vibrated in her throat as she kissed him back. Those fingers moved to the back of his head, weaving into his hair. Her lips moved against his, opening so the tip of her tongue could touch his upper lip.

Though he wanted to take the invitation to deepen the kiss, Jasper lifted his head. Her cheeks were flushed now as she looked up at him, the sleepy expression still on her face, but her eyes sparkled with pleasure. Seeing her like that, Jasper realized that he wanted to kiss her, gentle and sweet, every day for the rest of his life.

“I’m sorry to wake you,” he said. His voice was rough, so he cleared his throat. “But the party is in a little less than two hours. I wasn’t sure how much time you’d need.”

She started to sit up, so he scooted back, giving her space. “Yeah, I should probably get going.” Veronica hesitated. “Do you need to shower or anything before I take over the bathroom?”

He shook his head. “It takes me about twenty minutes to get ready, even for something like this.”

With a shy smile, she got to her feet and leaned over to kiss his cheek. It was only the second time she’d done it, but he wanted it to become a habit. He was breaking through her reserve, getting past the walls she erected between herself and other people.

Now, he had to show her that she wouldn’t regret it.

CHAPTER NINE

Veronica smootheda hand down the lavender dress she wore. The halter dress had ruching down one side of the bodice, starting just below her breasts and ending at mid-thigh. The gathered seam meant that the hem was higher in that spot, baring most of her right leg. The curving hem was several inches longer around the rest of the garment. The stretchy purple material was shot through with silver thread, giving it a metallic sheen. The color made her pale skin glow and brought out the deep purple highlights, courtesy of her fae heritage, in her long hair. Nude peep toe pumps sat at the end of the bed, waiting for her to put them on. She’d left her hair down, curling the ends, and kept her make-up soft and shimmery.

She’d been hesitant about the outfit all week, only bringing it because Dominique insisted she should. Jasper had been in the shower when she went into the closet to slip on the dress and finish curling her hair.

But when he came out of the bathroom, they’d both stopped and stared at each other. Veronica had swallowed hard at the sight of him. The simple black shirt and slacks shouldn’t have taken her breath away. Every time she saw him when he came into Mystical Matchmakers, he wore a suit and looked hot as sin.

Tonight, he wore something more casual and somehow that was even more attractive. The cut of the shirt emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and the narrowness of his waist. His hair wasn’t perfectly styled as usual, but rather messy and falling over his forehead.

“You look beautiful,” Jasper said, staring at her from his place by the bathroom door. His bare feet were silent as he walked toward her.

“Thank you. You look very handsome.” Her reply was soft, mostly because all she could hear at the moment was the pounding of her heart.

He stopped in front of her, staring down at her face. Neither of them had put on their shoes yet, so he towered over her. “I like your hair down. The color is beautiful.”

Veronica felt her cheeks heat and knew she was blushing. “I don’t often wear it like this.”

“I like it,” he replied, his gaze moving over the curtain of hair falling around her shoulders. He reached out and lightly grasped one of the curls.

“Thank you.” She shifted awkwardly, unsure of what to do or say next.

He released her hair but didn’t move. Veronica blinked, unsure of why he was still standing there, staring down at her.

Finally, he smiled and said, “I need to get my shoes out of the closet.”

Veronica startled, realizing she was standing right in front of it. “Sorry.”

She moved out of the way, blushing fiercely. Veronica slipped on her shoes and transferred her phone, ID, debit card, and a lipstick over into a small nude clutch that matched her shoes. By the time she was done, Jasper had emerged from the closet and put on his socks and shoes.

“Are you ready?”

At Jasper’s question, she looked up to find him watching her. “I am.”

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