Page 89 of The Edge Of Us

And I was here.

With her.

Just her.

Chapter 49

Corine's POV

I woke up to the warmth of sunlight bleeding through the cream curtains, painting golden lines across the navy-blue sheets tangled around my legs. For a moment, I didn't move. I just lay there, still and quiet, letting the calm cradle me like I was afraid any sudden movement would shatter it

But the second I blinked, it all came rushing back-like a violent tide crashing against the shore.

Allen.

The kids.

London.

The argument.

My breakdown in the middle of my office,mascara running down my face, voice trembling as I lashed out and broke. And then... Jasper. His voice. His warmth. The way he held me like I wouldn't unravel in his arms. Like he believed I was still whole.

And then, the night. Our night.

My face heated instantly, a blush blooming over my cheeks and neck as I turned my head on the pillow. Jasper was still asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically beside me. His lips parted slightly, his lashes dark against his skin. He looked so peaceful, so steady. Unlike me.

I bit down on my lip, trying to suppress the smile that threatened to tug at my mouth. Last night hadn't been planned. I hadn't even thought it possible for my heart to want something like that again. But it happened. And it wasn't a mistake. It didn't feel like one.

Carefully, I pulled the sheets off and slipped out of bed, trying not to wake him. My bare feet touched the cold floor as I reached for his shirt-the same one I had slipped off him last night-and threw it on. It swallowed me whole, hanging off one shoulder, but it smelled like him. Clean, warm, like cedar and late nights.

My fingers twitched to do something. I couldn't just lie back in bed, not when my mind was spinning with everything I had to face today. The kids, Allen, reality. The moment outside this hotel suite when the world came crashing back in.

So I walked quietly to the small kitchen area. The place was sleek and modern, like Jasper himself. I opened cabinets, trying to find something to cook. Eggs, toast, maybe coffee if I could figure out the fancy machine.

I found a pan and cracked two eggs into it, biting back a yawn. The sizzle echoed in the quiet room, and I leaned against the counter, trying to push back the anxiety beginning to crawl into my chest.

I didn't hear him come in until I felt his hands around my waist.

"Good morning, gorgeous," Jasper's deep voice whispered against the shell of my ear. His arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me flush against his warm body.

I gasped and instinctively leaned into him. "You scared me," I whispered, my voice still raspy with sleep.

He buried his face in my neck and pressed a gentle kiss there. "Didn't mean to. You're just too tempting standing there cooking in my shirt. I had to get up."

A laugh escaped me, light and soft. "You should still be asleep."

"I'd rather wake up to you," he said, then turned me around slowly. "Last night... Are you okay?"

My eyes met his, and something caught in my throat. "I... yeah. I'm okay."

He brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "You sure?"

I nodded. "It wasn't planned, and I know things are messy right now, but I don't regret it. Not one second."

Jasper cupped my face gently. "Neither do I."

I leaned into his hand, closing my eyes briefly. "But I do have to go back. The kids... Brittany must be wondering where I am. And I am expecting Allen to hand over their clothes today."

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