Page 56 of Claimed

As soon asI was out of the bathroom, Jasper was ready to go. Before getting in the car, we turned back to wave at Harold and Marie, who were standing in the window, doing the same. The engine was already running and the car was already heated when we got in.

“Well,” I said, amused by how content he looked, “that was fun.”

He smiled tightly, thenhis expression turned serious. “Holly?”

I sat upright, realizing that he was purposely changing the mood. “Yes?”

“All hell’s about to break loose. Our family’s secrets are going to cause a ruckus. I know you said that you don’t like writing, but I would like you to write our story.”

My brain could hardly connect with what he’d just asked. “Our story? Yours and mine?”

He flexed his eyebrows. “I’m sure that’ll be included—you are the woman I love. But I’m referring to my father, mother—everything.”

I closed my mouth, swallowed, and eyed him suspiciously. “Is this you attempting to control the narrative?”

“I want you to write about the Christmases as you wrote about the Howsleys. I want you to do your best. Dig into every fucking corner and pullout the cobwebs.”

Why is my heart pounding so hard?I couldn’t speak. All I could do was nod. Then I scrambled for my purse.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Emailing my publisher.” I grinned from ear to ear. “I’m telling him I have another winning story.”

Jasper looked slightly worried for a moment, but that expression soon gave way to a smile of approval. Then hepulled the car away from the curb, and we were on our way.