Page 103 of Love, Magic and Misfortune
Violet leaned toward the stove and lifted the glass lid from the large copper pot. Steam swirled, filling her nostrils with creamy, herby potato goodness. “I feel good about it. I already have a lot of new examples I can take. I just need to figure out how to present them. I’m sure there’s a much more efficient and professional way rather than carrying a bunch of canvases downtown. I have to do some research.”
“I’ll look into it, too, and let you know what I find. René is trying to figure out how he can plug Simone’s bakery at his next speaking engagement.” Jasper shook his head. “She doesn’t even need it. But he keeps telling me she’s his ‘guardian angel’ and he wants to help her however he can.”
Violet chuckled, replacing the lid and reaching for the teapot. “I adore René and his flair for the dramatic. He is just head over heels.”
She paused when Jasper stepped even closer into her side, making her look up at his sweet smile and bright eyes.
“I know exactly how he feels…” He bent, brushing their mouths together slowly, but instead of kissing her further, he dipped his head into the curve of her neck and pressed his lips against her skin. Violet hunched her shoulder and placed a hand against his chest, gently pushing him.
“Ah,enough, Jas.”
He pulled up, pouting. “But you like it when I do that. You get all squirmy and you giggle.”
“I—I know, but…” Violet inhaled a breath, her face flushed. “Listen. I’m going to make tea, you’re going to get the bowls and soup ready and then we’re going to sit and have lunch, okay?”
“Okay… Did I do something wrong?” He frowned, a familiar shade of doubt coloring his eyes. The signs of his inner turmoil bubbling to the surface.
“No. You’re a sexy, long-legged and sneaky fox of a man, and I just need you to stop nipping at me for ten minutes.”
Jasper stared, blinking with his lips pursed. “I…”
“You heard me.” Violet smiled.
Hesitating, he walked to the cabinet to get bowls. He turned, looking over his shoulder. “I’m not—”
“Youare. That’s your problem, sexy fox-man. You have zero awareness of your own power and attractiveness. In your head, I’m ‘letting’ you kiss me as some kind of favor. Because I’m nice or something. But it’s not like thatat all, Jasper. This isn’t one-sided, and you’re not thinking about the deeper impact you might be having on me. Not really.”
He stood still at the island counter, watching her. Hopefully listening. When he didn’t say anything, Violet added, “Just… try to let that sink in, alright? I’ll meet you in the study.”
They were quiet as they worked on their respective tasks, but once Jasper had the bowls and utensils loaded onto a tray, he walked away from the counter. When he passed through the door, she heard him grumble loudly.
“I’m arat. Not a fox.”
Violet rolled her eyes.
* * *
Much later,when the two sat comfortably in the study on the sofa (a healthy distance apart and their bellies full of warm soup and tea), Violet looked over at Jasper.
“What would happen if you and René wanted to end your arrangement? How would that work?”
Jasper folded his arms. “We’ve talked about it—since he wants to pursue acting in the future. We decided that he could keep the author name and celebrity, and I’ll just start my writing career over when I’m ready.”
“What?” Violet sat up straighter, her legs tucked underneath her body. “Are you serious? But what about all the hard work you’ve put into your pen name? All those incredible books—the awards and recognition.”
Jasper shrugged. “None of that matters. Behind the scenes, I’ll still keep all my royalties from the books so I can sustain myself. I started writing as a way to stay sane when I was alone for all those years—day in and day out in this big, silent house. It was an escape for me, and I enjoy researching and learning about places and things. Of course, I needed the money, too. I wanted to help take some of the financial burden off of my dad. None of that other stuff matters.”
Nodding, Violet sighed. “That makes sense, but… René is fine with pretending to be a brilliant writer? He’s going to keep up the lie?”
“Not exactly. When I’ve got a new series ready, he’ll reveal me as his ghost writer. His popularity might take a small hit for that, but we’ve both calculated that the revelation will blow over after some time—especially since René is genuinely talented in his own ways. He has a unique…somethingabout him. I think he’ll be fine.”
“I agree with that. He definitely does. Are you working on a new series now? Can I read it?”
“I’m not.” Jasper chuckled. “Nothing serious, anyway. I have a project outlined and some ideas… Someone important once told me that I should try adding more romance elements, but I’m not ready. I have a lot on my mind and there’s still so much I don’t know.”
She smiled. “Anything you want to talk about?”
He huffed out a breath. “Yeah. Can… Can we talk about sex?”
