Page 82 of Now or Never

Chelsea rolled her eyes and sighed, refusing to reveal to him that she had no idea.

He ran his hand through his hair. “I think you know I want us to get back together. But I need to know if you’re already dating someone else.”

“We aren’t ever going to get back together, Jasper.”

Jasper blew out a breath, and she felt a rush of memories take over her mind. It was something he always did when he got news he didn’t like. His chin stayed down, but his big brown eyes tipped up to her. “You’re never going to forgive me, are you?”

Chelsea shook her head. “No.”

“Not even for Ben?”

Chelsea’s heart squeezed. She always felt guilty that Ben didn’t have a dad in his life. But it wasn’t her fault. She’d been one hundred percent all in with Jasper, till death did them part.

Then he’d walked away.

“Don’t do that, Jasper. I’m not to blame for this.”

And you’re still that same selfish person.

Jasper shook his head. “Of course you’re not. But I was young and stupid. I just wish I could go back in time.” He glanced over her head through the glass in the door, presumably at Ben on the floor. “If you’re not seeing anyone, maybe we can spend some time together. We used to have fun,” he said with a smile. “Remember that time we went—”

Chelsea cut him off before he could remind her. “Was there something about work?”

Jasper closed his eyes for a second, blew out another breath. “Our second AD quit this week. I was hoping to hire you.”

Chelsea’s jaw dropped. “Really?”

“Yeah. You already know everyone and understand how we operate. We have a big day this week, if the weather cooperates, and I’ll need all hands on deck.”

Chelsea wiped the shock off her face. She was just offered an actual paid job on a film set. Too bad she would have to be Jasper’s second assistant. But at least the filming was only a couple more weeks, and the experience would be a great addition to her resume.

“That’s great,” she said, trying to stay calm. “I can do it.”

“Cool,” Jasper said. “And maybe you can think more about us?”

She stared at him, unsure how to react, when he stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, causing her to stiffen in shock. Her brain refused to process that she was in Jasper’s arms. Then the memories that she’d been suppressing for five years came back.

How they used to go to each other’s dorms to watch movies, just as friends. How his floppy hair would mix in his eyelashes as he turned to talk about the camera angles the director chose. How all their friends suspected they were more than friends before they even had their first kiss. How she’dwishedthey were more than friends. The nerves she’d felt when she finally kissed him for the first time. How relieved she’d been when he put his arms around her and kissed her back.

Her eyes drifted closed in his embrace, and she melted a little, arms coming up around his back. It was then that she realized how fucked up it was that the man she wanted nothing to do with was pursuing her, when the man she wanted everything to do with was pushing her away.

It felt good to be wanted. But this wasn’t Adam.

This was Jasper.

Jasper.

She dropped her hands by her sides, cleared her throat, and stepped back. The last thing she wanted was to hug Jasper. She wanted nothing to do with him.

Plus, he was technically her boss now.

Ugh.

“You better get going,” she said.

“Uh, yeah,” he said, staring into her eyes for a moment before breaking contact. “I’ll see you on Monday. I’ll email you the contract.”

Chelsea nodded, turned, and walked back inside without another word. When she closed the door behind her, Jae was staring at her, arms crossed, toe tapping.

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