Next Song I Sing (NEXT TIME AROUND) by Donna McDonald Read Free Book Online Page A

would be—okay.”
    Emma and Taylor exchanged an interested look when Chloe stood with her gaze still locked on the man who had called her beautiful.
    Jasper stood without removing his gaze from Chloe’s. His heart was beating hard and his hands were damp. For pity’s sake, get hold of yourself , he thought, shoving one hand into his pants pocket to hide his nervousness about her request.
    Chloe continued to smile even as she walked ahead of him as they left the lounge. Jasper didn’t even fight the urge to watch her hips swaying as he followed her.
    Taylor and Emma laughed softly at Jasper’s perusal but said nothing.
    Max watched them leave and then looked over at Taylor, who only shrugged at his questioning gaze. When he looked back, his brother and Chloe Zanders had disappeared.
    Max grinned as he lifted his coke.
    ***
     
    In the hallway, Chloe waited until Jasper was alongside her. “Is there someplace private we can talk?” she asked softly.
    Despite his misgivings at walking by in full view of the front desk, and the gossip he probably wasn’t ready for that it would undoubtedly create among the staff, Jasper walked Chloe to his office and unlocked the door.
    When they were inside, he closed the door behind them and turned to Chloe, who was now standing in the middle of the space, which seemed much smaller with her filling it.
    “Nice office,” Chloe said conversationally, looking around at the polished surfaces that gleamed in the soft lighting.
    “Thank you,” Jasper replied politely, putting hands in his pockets again, mostly to hide his nervousness.
    “So—here’s my question, Mr. Wade. Did you really mean what you said?” Chloe asked bluntly.
    Jasper nodded. “Certainly, I’d be happy to have some people come by to hear you sing,” he assured her, coming a little closer, noticing his heartbeat speeding up as he did so.
    Chloe waved her hand and laughed, shaking her head. “Not that part, Jasper. I told you I wasn’t a professional. Did you mean it when you said I was beautiful?”
    Jasper’s forehead furrowed, but he nodded as he spoke. “Yes. Of course, I did. You are quite beautiful. Why? Was I out of line to say it? Are you offended by the compliment?”
    Chloe laughed for real then, feeling the same kind of euphoria that the singing had brought her.
    “Oh my God, Jasper Wade. You said it again,” she exclaimed, covering her face with her hands as she blushed. “I have to believe you when you use that snooty tone, which I find attractive rather than snooty, in case it matters to you. This is absolutely turning out to be one of the best days of my life. I hope all the alcohol doesn’t keep me from remembering it.”
    Jasper stared at Chloe and blinked. “It was just a simple compliment. I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.”
    “No, of course you don’t. In fact, you probably think I’m quite insane, but I just divorced a man who cheated on me with three other women, all of whom were the size of my friends. With one sincere compliment, you have given me back my best ideas about myself. Thank you, Jasper Wade. Thank you for thinking I’m beautiful,” Chloe said, grateful in that moment that all the mai tais were making her tongue much looser than it was used to being. She wanted to be grateful, and she wanted to tell him thanks.
    And dear God, she wanted to be the beautiful woman Jasper said she was, just for this one evening at least. Chloe stepped into Jasper and raised her hands to his face, pulling his head down to hers. In her heels, it wasn’t very far for Jasper to bend.
    Her mouth touched his gently. His didn’t move under hers, but Chloe felt him draw in a surprised breath. It was nice to think she affected him. His reaction made her think one day a man as sexy or even sexier than Aaron might truly want her. In fact, Jasper made her think anything was possible.
    “Thank you,” Chloe whispered again against Jasper’s mouth just before she stepped back.