Page 115 of Discretion

“How about tomorrow?” I asked, unwilling to let it go. Not without some resolution. “I have dinner with Sloan, but I could come over before that.”

Halle shook her head. “I’m meeting Alexis to look at a few houses.”

Wait. What?

“Is that what you and Alexis have been doing when you get together?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Sometimes. Other times, we’re just hanging out.”

I supposed deep down I should’ve realized that. Halle’s contract stipulated that the company would only expense her housing for so long. With time running out, she didn’t want to stay at the Huxley Grand forever; she wanted a home for Kai. But I guessed I’d somewhat foolishly assumed I’d factor into her decision.

Wherever she moved, it was going to affect both of us. It was going to reduce our already limited time together because we would no longer be able to sneak away to her suite midday. And depending on where the house was, commute time and traffic would be an issue.

There was only one solution in my mind. Something that would help with her money concerns, our desire to betogether, and the need to keep our relationship secret—for now.

“Move in with me,” I blurted.

Yes, there were practical reasons for suggesting it, but they weren’t my primary motivation.

“What?” Halle dropped her hand and took a step back.

“Move in with me,” I said again, smiling at the idea of it.

She wouldn’t let me help her pay for her dad’s care, even though I knew she was stressed about it. But maybe she’d let me help with this. It probably seemed impulsive—asking her to move in together. But I’d been thinking about it for a while.

I was so excited about the prospect that I kept talking. “I’ve been wanting to buy a house. Something in a good school district for Kai. Something close to the office. I’d keep the penthouse anyway for convenience, but we could all move somewhere new—you, Kai, Rosie, and me. A fresh start.”

“It’s too much, too fast. We haven’t told your family or Kai. And then I’d be having him not only move again, but also asking him to accept our relationship.” She shook her head.

I sighed, my shoulders drooping. I knew Halle had to do what was best for her son, but it felt as if she was using him as an excuse. Halle said she was all in, but when it came down to it, I didn’t like that I had to question if she was.

“Halle—” I dragged a hand through my hair, my agitation growing. “Fuck. Are we ever going to be a normal couple?”

“Anormalcouple?” She frowned.

“Are we ever going to do the normal things that couples do? Are you ever going to tell your friends or family about us? Am I ever going to be allowed to tell mine?” I was trying to remain calm, but it was a struggle.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “I invited you to come to dinner with my mom.”

“Does she even know we’re together?” The words came out harsher than I’d intended.

“My mom is already dealing with so much. I don’t want her to worry about my job or my ability to pay for my dad’s care, especially when the price is about to go up.”

“I get that, but it’s not just about your mom. Will we ever go out on a date in public? Will Kai ever think we’re more than friends? Will we ever live together? Spend holidays together? Take a vacation together? Do you even want those things?” My chest was heaving by the end of it, and it felt as if someone were digging around in there with a knife.

“Of course I want those things. Of course I want a life with you, but this is about so much more than us. This decision doesn’t just impact me. If I lose my job, it impacts my parents, my son, my future. I can’t give up everything I built for a man.”

Her words were a punch to the gut. A reality check I hadn’t expected.

She opened her mouth as if to walk back her admission, but it was too late. So that was how she really felt. Unfortunately, I couldn’t unhear that painful jab, as much as I might want to.

Her eyes glittered with unshed tears. “Jasper…”

“Silly me,” I scoffed, feeling like a fool. “I thought we were building a life together.”

Jackson opened the door,Evie in his arms. “Jasper.Good to see you.” We hugged, and then he stepped aside. “Come in.”

It was Saturday. The day after my date with the winner from the bachelorx auction. The day after my fight with Halle. And I was a mess. But the sight of my youngest niece made everything seem a little better.