Page 14 of Discretion

I held up my hands. “Of course. We’ll be nothing but professional in all our interactions.”God. Stop saying professional!

I’d known Halle for years, and it had never been so fucking awkward. I hated it.

While I didn’t want to erase last summer together, I would if it meant that I could still have her in my life in a meaningful way.

She gathered up her things and tucked her laptop beneath her arm. “Great. I’m glad we got that cleared up.” Her tone was dry and impersonal.

“Me too,” I said, wondering if I sounded as miserable as I felt. “How’s Kai?”

I’d never met her son, but I’d heard so many stories and seen so many pictures that I felt as if I knew him.

Halle smiled, her shoulders relaxing. She seemed lighter for the first time all afternoon. “Good.”

“Jasper,” Sloan called down the hall. “You coming?”

Shit.I turned to face her, feeling as if I’d been caught doing something I shouldn’t.

You were just talking. You weren’t doing anything wrong, I reminded myself. But if that was the case, then why did I feel so guilty?

“Right. Yes. Coming,” I said to my sister before turning back to Halle. But she had already turned and was walking in the opposite direction.

With a heavy sigh, I strode down the hall toward Sloan,clenching and unclenching my fists. It was almost as if Halle couldn’t get away from me fast enough.

I jabbed the button for the elevator, feeling unhinged. “Is Jackson joining us?”

Sloan shook her head, her attention on her phone. “He has a meeting.”

The elevator chimed, and I held the door open for her. Once we were inside, Sloan sagged against the wall, placing her hands on her stomach. It looked like she was carrying a basketball around in there.

“You okay?” I asked, trying not to let my panic show.

I’d read up on pregnancy so I could be a supportive brother, and it had been…enlightening. But I wasn’t a doctor, and so much of what was happening with Sloan felt out of my control.

After her health scare in France, I felt as if I was always on high alert. I didn’t know how Jackson did it. How he coped with the anxiety.

“Just tired. The third trimester of pregnancy is no joke.”

I could only imagine. “Maybe you should get a prenatal massage from the spa,” I suggested.

“Ooh. That sounds heavenly. Maybe I will.” She leaned her head back against the wall with a heavy sigh. “I’m just so relieved that Halle agreed to relocate.”

“I bet.” I kept my eyes on the mirrored glass doors in front of me, trying to maintain a neutral expression.

I was still getting used to the fact that Sloan was here. Not for a visit or a longer stay, but permanently. We hadn’t lived in the same city since before she’d gone off to college. Growing up, we’d always been close, and it was nice to have her home. Especially now that she was going to be having a baby.

“I couldn’t do this without Halle. She’s taken care ofeverything,” Sloan said. “She keeps my life running smoothly.”

Sloan’s comments were a reminder of why Halle and I needed to maintain a good working relationship—nothing more. My sister relied on her. Trusted her.

“Have you talked to her yet about the SVP role?”

Sloan had suggested that we temporarily promote Halle while she was out on maternity leave. I’d agreed because I knew it was the right thing for the company and for Halle, even if it would be torture for me. The board had already given its approval.

“Not yet, but soon. How’s it going with your new assistant?” Sloan asked.

“Not great,” I grumbled. “I’m finding it incredibly difficult to replace Darla.”

“I can imagine. Halle’s been with me for five years, and I rely on her so much. Darla was with the company for thirty.”