Page 16 of Discretion

I deleted it as well, finally settling on something basic, even though I knew it would infuriate her. MaybebecauseI knew it would drive her crazy.

Meh.I considered it payback for creating a profile on a dating app without asking.

Me: Fine.

Zara: Oh, come on, Halle! You know how much I hate that word.

I smirkedand rolled onto my side, tucking apillow beneath me.

Me: It was…interesting.

Zara: God, I wish I could call right now. I’m really struggling to read your tone through the screen.

Me: Honestly, it was fine. We agreed to keep things professional.

Zara: And you honestly think you’ll be able to do that?

Me: I don’t have another choice.

Zara: Even so…

Me: Nope. That’s the way it has to be.

Me: Today, Sloan and I are meeting with an art dealer to select some pieces for the newly renovated VIP suites.

Zara: Nice attempt to change the subject. I’ll allow it for now, but we’re not done talking about Jasper.

Zara: Also, that’s amazing, Halle. I bet you’re excited.

Excited was an understatement.I was ecstatic.

I loved working at the Huxley Grand, but art was my passion. I had a degree in art and art history, and I’d curated for a gallery before having Kai.

Me: For sure. I have a huge budget, and Dimitri’s collection is a dream come true.

Zara: Is he single?

I rolled my eyes,though I was laughing as I did.

Me: Why? Are you thinking of opening an LA office?

Zara: Sure. You can be my first client.

Me: Ha. Ha.

Zara: I’ve gotta get back to work. Chat later?

Me: Sounds good.

I pushedout of bed and stretched before hopping in the shower. I spent longer than I should’ve in my closet, selecting what to wear. Finally, annoyed with myself and the mess I’d made, I tossed a hanger to the floor with a huff.

Professional.That was what I’d told Jasper, and that was exactly how I planned to keep things between us. So then, why was I agonizing over what to wear?

Enough.I yanked on the first thing I saw. It didn’t matter what I wore; nothing would change the fact that he was completely off-limits.

Too bad he was just as handsome and charming as I remembered. It had been physically painful to sit across the table from him in yesterday’s board meeting. To know what it felt like to be in his arms, to have his full attention focused on me.

And now…to know it could never happen again. To try to smother the insane attraction I felt toward him and act like we were colleagues and nothing more.