Page 42 of Discretion

“That’s right,” I said. “So that means no hands on the windows. No jumping on the couch. Got it?”

“Got it.” He gave me two thumbs up and the biggest smile. But then he winced, his hands flying to his stomach as he curved inward on himself.

“What’s wrong, baby?” I crouched to his level.

“My tummy hurts.” He groaned, clutching at his abdomen.

His stomach did look bloated, but I couldn’t understand why. We’d eaten the same thing we’d had a million times. And he had no reason—at least none that I could tell—to be anxious.

“Do you want to go back home?” I didn’t want Kai to be uncomfortable. And while I was excited about the art, we could always reschedule.

Kai shook his head, fervent in his refusal. “No. Please. I want to see Jasper.”

I wondered how much of Kai’s enthusiasm for spending time with Jasper had to do with missing his dad. Or if he really liked Jasper that much. They’d definitely connected, even in the short time we’d been in LA.

“You’re sure?”

He nodded. “Please, Mum.”

I straightened. “Okay.” After a moment’s hesitation, I rang Jasper’s doorbell.

It didn’t take long for him to answer. He swung open the door. “Welcome! Welcome. Come on in.”

He looked casual and effortless in a pair of white chino shorts and a short-sleeved Henley in this sumptuous oatmeal color. The material clung to his chest, beckoning me to touch him.

He was hot in a suit, but this look might be my favorite. Casual. At ease. Feet bare and posture relaxed.

“Hi.” His eyes finally met mine after a leisurely perusal that heated my skin. “Can I get you anything to drink? Water? Wine?”

Wine sounded good, even if I knew it was a bad idea.

“I’m good. Thanks.”

“What about you, Kai?” Jasper gave him a high five. “Want anything to drink or eat?”

“No thanks. Can we do those magic tricks now?” Kai practically bounced on his toes.

I studied him, searching for any signs of stomach troubles. Did he already feel that much better, or had he forgotten? It was a relief that it wasn’t bothering him—regardless of the reason. But he complained about his stomach often enough that I was worried, even if no one else took my concerns seriously.

Jasper chuckled. “In a little bit. I actually need your help with something while we wait for my new art to arrive.” Jasper placed his hand on Kai’s shoulder. He was so warm and affectionate, so unlike Craig.

God. Stop comparing them.

“What is it?” Kai asked.

“Actually, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Jasper turned to me, and I wondered what he was up to. “She’s through here.”

She?Why did the idea of another woman in Jasper’s home irk me so much?

Sloan hadn’t mentioned that her brother was dating anyone. But that didn’t mean Jasper wasn’t involved with someone. Last summer, we’d snuck around for weeks without anyone knowing. Was he doing that now but with someone else?

My stomach clenched—both at the idea that he was seeing someone else and the thought that maybe what we’d had wasn’t that special to him.

It was supposed to be a fling. Casual. Carefree. Easy.

The opposite of my current feelings. This was why it had been a mistake to get involved with anyone, let alone…him.

But he made it difficult to resist. Jasper was charismatic, detail-oriented, and fun. God, I’d had so much fun with him. Last summer, our fling, was the first time in years I’d felt like myself. I’d felt as if I could breathe again.