Chapter 11 The Dinner
BELLA
I couldn’t shake the rumors I’d heard about David’s mom how she was controlling, always demanding things go her way. But what about his grandfather? I needed to ask Jasper. David would never answer me, and even if he did, his responses would be clipped.
My thoughts drifted to Jasper, and just as I descended the stairs, there he was, waiting at the bottom. He greeted me with a tight hug, wrapping his arms around me as if we’d known each other for years.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, his voice soft but eager.
My heart skipped a beat. Waiting for me? We had only just met yesterday. I glanced over at David, whose expression was a mix of disbelief and something unreadable as he stood frozen beside his driver.
“Are you going to greet me, or just stand there?” David asked, his tone dry but expectant.
“Hi, Dad,” Jasper replied casually, already pulling me toward his room before David could respond.
Inside, Jasper’s room was pristine, a blend of boyish charm and refined taste. He ran a hand through his hair, pacing slightly. “I don’t know what to wear to dinner tonight. Grandma always wants me to look my best.”
“You want me to pick for you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah.” His reply was quick and earnest, making me smile.
We had grown close without me realizing it. Jasper, for all his youth, seemed more responsible than his father. I could feel my fondness for him growing with every passing moment.
“Jasper,” I asked as I laid out a few options, “what are your grandma and great-grandfather like?”
He paused, looking at me with a mischievous grin. “Grandma? She’s crazy… like you.” He laughed. “Great-grandfather? He’s gentle but strict, kind of like my dad.”
Crazy like me? I was about to protest, but before I could, Jasper pointed to the top of his wardrobe. “Can you grab that for me?”
I glanced up, reaching for a stool to help me get it. How on earth did he manage to put it up here? Suddenly, the stool wobbled beneath me, and my heart leapt into my throat. But before I could fall, a strong hand caught me, pulling me close.
I landed in David’s arms, our faces inches apart. His eyes held mine, and for a brief moment, I remembered the kiss we shared in his office the way his lips moved against mine. My breath hitched as I felt that same pull, an urge to close the gap between us again. But then Jasper’s voice broke the moment.
“I’m still here,” he said, clearing his throat dramatically.
I stepped away from David, heat rushing to my cheeks. David handed Jasper the notebook he needed and turned to me, his eyes flicking down briefly before returning to my face. “Next time, ask one of the maids to get it for you,” he said, his gaze lingering.
I could feel his eyes on me, sending tingles across my skin. “I thought it was something easy I could manage myself,” I replied, my voice barely steady.
David called for one of the housemaids to help Jasper, and I left the room with him, walking a few steps behind, trying to keep my distance. He stopped suddenly and turned to face me.
“Why didn’t you just ask me about my mom and grandpa? Why ask my son?”
His question caught me off guard. I hadn’t realized he’d been listening. “I didn’t think you’d answer me,” I said, trying to sound casual. “And… I prefer talking to Jasper.”
A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You prefer Jasper?”
I could hear the jealousy lacing his words, sending a shiver down my spine. “What I mean is, Jasper’s… friendlier than you,” I murmured, stepping back as David closed the distance between us again.
His eyes lingered, dipping for a moment before returning to mine. “You have two hours before dinner. I don’t like waiting,” he said, his voice low as he turned and walked away.
I let out a shaky breath, relieved and frustrated all at once.
DAVID
I sat downstairs with Jasper, waiting for Bella. I’d told her I hated being late, yet here we were. But the moment I heard her footsteps, I looked up. There she was, descending the staircase in a black gown that hugged her every curve. She looked stunning breathtaking, even. I tore my gaze away, trying to focus on anything else, but it was useless.
“Wow, you look beautiful!” Jasper beamed as he ran over to her, practically bouncing with excitement.
My son, usually so quiet and reserved, had turned into a chatterbox overnight. What had Bella done to him? It was as if she had awakened a side of him I didn’t even know existed.
“Let’s go,” I said, my voice gruff, as Bella smiled up at me expectantly. I knew she was waiting for a compliment, but I wasn’t going to give her that satisfaction. Not yet.