Page 4 of Jasper

“I’m not broody.”

He laughed. “Oh, yes, you are, sweetheart. You’re sitting there all slouched and growly with a glare hot enough to scorch Georgia.”

Then he winked.

She wanted to laugh despite herself. He seemed like someone who spent a lot of time laughing, and that wasn’t her. She pretty much stayed to herself and pretended other people didn’t exist unless she was working.

“I’m Robert Jasper Colone, by the way.”

“You don’t go by Robert?”

“Usually, but my friends call me Jasper.”

“That’s weird.”

He shrugged. “Your turn.”

“My turn to what?”

He grunted. “When someone tells you their name, it’s customary to return the favor.”

Oh. “I’m Sloane Collins.”

“Nice to meet you, Sloane Collins.” He stuck out his hand, and she shook it automatically. His hand engulfed hers. She’d never considered her hands anything but short and fat, but in his, they appeared petite. It was the oddest thing to notice when everything around her was falling apart.

Jasper watched this odd expression overtake her face. This girl was an enigma. This woman…she was stingier with information than fucking Conner Kincaid, his boss’s twin brother. Trying to get information out of her was like pulling teeth, but he found he enjoyed it.

“Where you heading? Home for Thanksgiving?”

“No. I’m spending some time up north.”

That was all she gave him. Not where she planned on going or why. Just short and simple. This girl would make a perfect witness in a trial. She didn’t give away anything.

“I’m going to North Dakota. No family to go home to, so I’m going to relax and enjoy the time alone.”

She frowned and he quirked a brow.

“What, you don’t like North Dakota?”

“No, it’s just…”

“It’s just what?”

“That’s where I’m going.” Her face screwed up when she realized what she said. A very odd reaction.

“Really? Then we’re probably on the same flight. What city are you flying into?”

She glanced around before answering. Another red flag. What was her deal?

“Bismarck.”

“Same.” He shifted, extending his legs out as far as they’d go. Once he hit the plane, he’d be cramped, so he intended to enjoy what little stretching he could. “Maybe we’ll be aisle neighbors.”

And that earned him an oh-my-God-I-hope-not look. His ego took a hit. He wouldn’t lie. A woman had never responded to him like this before. Sure, he wasn’t the man who could geteverygirl, but none of them looked at him like he was their worst nightmare or something.

“You’re terrible for my ego.”

She snorted. Actually snorted. He bit back the urge to laugh.

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