Page 19 of Forever After Fall

“Jasper does not have feelings for me. I was just the night’s entertainment. If he said otherwise, it’s because he’s just a little sore that he didn’t get what he wanted.”

Anson frowns like I’m underestimating him. But I’ve known Jasper for as long as Anson has.

“Oh please. You know how he is. Always a different woman in his bed. No strings. No feelings. It’s just about having someone warm and willing.”

“Him being casual about sex doesn’t mean he doesn’t have feelings.”

“I didn’t say he didn’t have feelings. I just said he doesn’t have them for me.”

“You should talk to him.”

“I would have today if he’d shown up. But he didn’t, did he?”

Anson still has a grumpy look on his face, but his brow relaxes ever so slightly. I can still see the worry there, and suddenly I realize what’s happening.

“There’s nothing wrong with him having women he has arrangements with. As long as he’s honest and up front with them. Keeping everyone clear about expectations and respecting boundaries.”

“Did he not respect your boundaries?” Anson looks up at me suddenly. I can see his fingers flex at his side. I wish for one second I could stop fumbling this so badly.

“No. I mean, yes. He respected them. I’m just saying.”

“Saying what?”

“It felt like you were projecting what I was saying about him onto your situation.”

“My situation?” Anson echoes again.

“You and Jasper. It’s kind of the same deal, right? Casual arrangements?”

He looks like a deer in headlights. I suppose us talking about his relationship status is brand-new territory. I would never broach it if the situation wasn’t practically demanding it.

“You’re not dating any of them, are you? Because then I’m going to feel bad about Saturday night too.”

“Dating any of who?”

“Anson, I know you’re seeing women some nights when you ask me to stay here late with Ford.” I can feel him getting ready to protest, so I continue on. “You come home disheveled. Smelling like perfume. It’s not hard to put the pieces together.”

“It’s not like that.”

“I know. You’re a little more charitable than Jasper. Honestly, I admire it. I was just surprised”

“What are you talking about?” The space between his brows is doing its own impression of the Grand Canyon now.

“I know you’re helping women work through their fears of getting out there again. So to speak.”

He stands up straighter, his hands gripping the quartz countertop behind him. His eyes dart to the floor, and I can tell this is not where he expected this conversation to go.

“How? Did one of them contact you? Did they say something?” His demeanor changes from embarrassment to the verge of ire.

“No. Why would they do that?”

He scrubs a hand over his face and takes a breath.

“When I tried to date. At first. A couple of years after… A couple of the women, when they found out you were Ford’s nanny—his aunt. That you stayed here…” He shrugs.

“What about it?” I’m confused now.

“They told me it was you or them.”