Page 28

JASPER

O n our way down to the parking garage I couldn’t help but admire Harper’s reflection in the elevator doors.

She looks fucking gorgeous .

I’m taking her to a very low-key restaurant. My goal for dinner is for Harper to enjoy herself, and enjoy my company, with as little apprehension as possible. Given her past, and everything I’ve witnessed from her so far, it won’t be simple.

She’s worth the try.

Zuma is a high-end restaurant known for serving some of the city’s finest cod. I didn’t want to take her anyplace she would feel crowded, or triggered. I have my go-to places I like to frequent but none of those would be as quiet as she needs it to be.

It took so much for her to agree to this date. I didn’t want to fuck it all up just because I tried to impress her, and took her to some over-the-top, overcrowded restaurant where the wait staff barely gave you space to breathe because they were falling all over themselves to please you, with high hopes of getting a good tip.

Harper doesn’t get impressed by bling or upscale spots, and that’s why I’m so intrigued by her. She isn’t like most women her age, who foam at the mouth from being asked to dinner, nearly undressing at the sight of my Rolex or expensive suits. It’s going to take more than that to get her attention.

I was careful to pick a place where the lighting was perfect. I’m friends with the owner, so it wasn’t hard to get a private booth reserved for us, one that is secluded and quiet.

I need everything to be fucking perfect tonight.

Walking out to meet Hector in the parking garage, Harper looked at me in surprise.

Shit, what’s that look about?

As we walked closer to the SUV, I placed my hand on the small of Harper’s back and led her to the front passenger seat. I nodded at Hector, he immediately got the hint and closed the back door, before he retrieved the keys from his front pocket.

Once Harper was safely seated, and I closed her door, Hector held the keys up in front of him, with a smirk.

“Have fun tonight boss, take care of her.” He said before shaking his head and walked off from the car toward the elevator doors. I snickered, strolling over to the driver’s side door. Hector has a knack for reading people, he has really warmed up to Harper in no time.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Harper watching me. A wave of excitement surged through me, leaving me blushing like a schoolboy, caught in a bashful moment.

When I got into the driver’s seat Harper was fidgeting with the hemline on her dress, I could tell she was nervous, and for the first time in for fucking ever…

I was too.