Page 63 of Decked, Wrecked and Pucked
“They do,” Addie says with a small smile. “They all look like gentlemen.”
I’ve been the opposite of a gentleman to Addison, and she’s loved every second of it.
“Oh, speaking of…” Brenda continues, “Mikey’s been asking after you.”
“And?”
“Well, he wants to talk to you. Like it or not, you’re still married.”
“Not.”
“What?” Brenda blinks in surprise.
“You said, ‘like it or not,’ and the answer is not. The sooner I can get that fixed, the better.”
“Divorce?” Brenda’s face shifts from shock to realization as she looks at me. “I’m sorry, this probably isn’t a conversation we should be having in front of others. Sorry, Jasper.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I say with a shrug, shooting Addie a teasing look. “From what I hear, Mikey’s been quite the naughty boy.”
Brenda looks between the two of us, clearly trying to piece together more than she’s being told.
“Mom, not everyone has to stay in a bad marriage just because they took vows.”
Brenda frowns. “But divorce? You’re not even thirty… and what about—” Addie’s eyes widen slightly. It’s quick, barely a flicker, but I catch it. That look right there? It’s hiding something. “You’re not getting any younger, is all I’m saying, and nobody wants to be alone.”
I want to pull Addie into my arms. I want to tell her mother that she’ll never be alone again.
“Do you have a girlfriend, Jasper?”
“I’ve got a girl,” I say, keeping my gaze steady on the blonde goddess standing in front of me. “No label yet.”
“Yet?” Addie repeats, her eyebrows lifting slightly.
“Yeah, yet… But I’m really hoping that changes.” I hold her gaze, letting every ounce of what I feel pour into it. I want her to see everything I’m not saying out loud. No games. No pressure. Just my truth laid bare between us because whatever this is, whatever it’s becoming, it matters, and I want her to know I’m all in.
“That’s sweet,” Brenda says with a fond smile. “See? Jasper understands. Love is meant to be forever.”
“I agree,” Addie says softly. “Love is forever… but only if it’s the right kind.”
I watch her carefully, something tightening in my chest. “And what does the right kind of love look like to you, Addison?”
Her eyes shift away from mine, and her teeth catch her bottom lip like she’s holding back everything she wants to say. But before any of it slips out, she clears her throat. “Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”
I’ll give her two minutes, then I’m going after her.
“I’m sorry about that, Jasper. She’s been through a lot.”
“I know. But don’t try to push her back toward someone who doesn’t value her. She’s beautiful, and there are men out there who would kill for the chance to love your daughter. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get myself a drink.”
I make my way through the crowd, eyes scanning until I spot the bathrooms. The second I see the sign, I don’t hesitate. I slip inside, and I’m immediately hit with the scent—it’s so much nicer in here than the men’s room. It smells like perfume and something floral, maybe jasmine or lavender.
Addie’s standing at the counter, both hands gripping the edge,staring hard at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes lift and catch mine just as I reach behind me and turn the lock.
Three strides and I’m right behind her, close enough to breathe her in and bury my face in the curve of her neck. My lips find her bare shoulder, lingering there while my fingers trace the delicate strap of her dress and ease it down her arm.
“Jasper…”
“Tell me,” I murmur, sliding my hands over the silk of her dress until my thumbs brush her nipples, feeling them tighten under my touch. “Tell me I’m not the only one who’s fallen in love.”
