"I already have one," he bit out harshly. "I don't need another."
Then he disappeared inside his bedroom and I was standing there with my jaw hanging open like, what the fuck?
Another what?
~~~
Chapter 16
Jasper
It has been two weeks. An entire goddamned fortnight and Cole still has not forgiven me for my act of omission.
Oh we talk, he isn't the type to award me the silent treatment but it is as though we are flat mates instead of lovers.
I took a burning sip of my scotch as I sat in our home office, trying to book a cheap flight to London online. I needed to leave for my parents' wedding anniversary celebration in three days. Cole usually went with me but I was pretty sure he would not this time.
My family loved him. They thought he was my best friend instead of my boyfriend because I never really made that part clear. But after seeing us together for six years without any significant others, I think they have figured it out by now.
Cole does not have any family of his own. He grew up an orphan in foster homes and then my family kind of started to think of him as their own because of his winning personality. There was something so endearing about him. He could charm anybody's pants off. Or skirt for that matter.
Scowling, I gulped down more scotch and then jumped, making the liquid splash over my hand when said skirt-owner appeared in the office doorway all breathless and excited, looking at me with her damned big, blue eyes.
"What do you want?" I asked rudely, snatching some tissues from the box nearby and blotting out the spill.
Her plush pink lips parted and she held up a glossy copy of this month's Vogue Italia issue with a glimmer in her eyes. "I saw your photos," she told me. "Oh my God, Jasper, why didn't you tell us?"
I made some non-committal sound to get her to fuck off but she would not budge as she presented me with the sweetest smile I had ever seen on a woman. God, it just about took my breath away. Why was she smiling at me like I was God or something?
"Come on, Jasper," she said in an excited tone. "I mean, Vogue Italia? That's a pretty big deal. I'm...I'm so happy for you."
God, why? I hated her. She needed to stop bugging me. Pouring some more scotch in my glass, I went back to my task and ignored her but it was hard because just then, Cole walked past the office and Skye turned to him with the same excitement as though it was her name on the article as the photographer instead of mine.
"Cole, did you see this?" she gushed, showing him the pages where my photos were displayed. "Jasper got hired to do a shoot by Vogue Italia. I mean, how amazing is that?"
I stopped breathing for a minute as my boyfriend's gaze skimmed over the photos before he turned to glance at me coolly.
"Wow," he said and I never heard a more lukewarm response in my life. "That's great. Congratulations."
Then he walked off to do whatever he was going to do after dropping a kiss on Skye's head as she stared after him. My fingers clutched the glass knowing what was coming. She turned to me with pity in her eyes, probably saw the devastation on my face and I just could not stand it.
"Leave, Skye," I stated firmly, shaking my head to clear my mind of all self- pitiful thoughts.
The most significant move of my career as a photographer. To be given a chance to be featured in a national magazine and that was his response. Wow.
She was still standing there. Man, why was she so annoying?
Looking up, I pierced her with my most dangerous glare. "Do you mind?" I snapped. "I'm really busy. Close the door behind you."
My intimidating personality did not faze her. She never took her gorgeous, soulful eyes off me as she smiled and mouthed her own 'congratulations' before walking away.
I could have sworn the expression on her face was one of pride. It made me want to wrap my hands around her pretty little neck, shake her and scream, I don't want your support. Or your friendship. Or your sweet, warm smiles. I don't want any part of you.
She doesn't care about me. She just wanted to gloat.
~~~
Skye
Cole held me so securely in his arms that night. But then, he did that every night. Warm and sensual. Loving and doting. Making me feel like I was the most beautiful girl in this world inside and out. Well, maybe I was to him. And the notion was incredible. But he had somebody else who thought of him as the most beautiful man on this planet and I could not deprive either of them of each other's love.
"I want to ask you something," I whispered into his chest as we lay tangled in the sheets after yet another hectic love-making session. It was like he had gone crazy after having his first woman in two years all to himself and now, he was like a sex machine.
Not that I was complaining but he spent every single night with me and it was not fair. Jasper never said anything. He acted like it did not bother him but I saw the pain in his eyes. Things had to get better between them. I could not stand being the reason for their rift.
"What is it?" Cole murmured in the darkness, lazily running his fingers up and down my spine.
I sighed and dropped a kiss on his torso. "I know it isn't really my business but...I can't help but notice the tension between you and Jasper. What's going on?" I ventured, feeling him go still beneath me.
For a minute, I thought he would not answer. It was an unspoken understanding that Jasper's name was forbidden in our bedroom, especially when we were in these kinds of positions.
"Yeah...we're having some issues," he finally replied in a low voice. "But we'll work it out. Eventually. Don't worry."
I nibbled on my lip as I did exactly the opposite of what he asked me. I worried like hell. I mean, some other man was suffering while I was here enjoying sleeping with his boyfriend every night. The thought didn't sit well with me.
"Cole," I began again in a meek voice because Cole was super sensitive regarding Jasper and I was not sure which moment would be the one where he lost it and told me not to stick my nose in things that did not concern me. "Is...Is it me? Are you avoiding talking to him because of me?"
"No, hey, shhh." He cupped my face and gave me his trademark serious, caring look which I loved. "Don't think like that. It's got nothing to do with you."
"I just can't help but feel guilty, you know."
He smiled at me affectionately and bent his head to plant a sweet kiss on my lips.
"Don't," was his calm response as he settled back against the pillows. "I have an early start tomorrow, Skye," he murmured and closed his eyes. "Good night."
Which meant subject closed.
~~~
Chapter 17
Skye
The next morning, I was all geared up to fix things between Cole and Jasper because the tension was killing me. I was pretty sure Cole had never treated his partner like this before I came along. It had gone on long enough. I had to interfere before things got worse even if it meant being viewed as nosy and annoying by the obnoxious Jasper Wells and possibly risking Cole's disappointment in me. But it didn't matter. Cole was at work and talking to him had not resulted in anything useful so I had to walk into the lion's den now. God help me.
The sound of Jasper's car pulling up made my heartbeats go wild with nervous excitement. I knew he did not have work today because he had been packing to go on some London trip and had only popped out for groceries since we were running out. I had learned that Cole, despite his health freak diet, mostly missed meals or ate late due to his workaholic tendencies. That was the reason Jasper always made sure there was food in the house all the time because Cole always forgot to stock up on groceries.
Watching in trepidation as Jasper entered the house and nudged the door close with his boot, I counted to ten under my breath. An encounter with Jasper was like being sent into the spin cycle in the washing machine. Not that I knew what that felt like but I just had a feeling it was somewhat similar.
He walked over to the counter and finally noticed me standing there.
"Oh, it's you again," was his dry response and I swear to God, it took me all of my strength to keep from giggling because sometimes, he could be funny without trying or intending to be. But this situation required seriousness.
"Yes, it's me. I'm still here. Unfortunately," I said, matching his tone. "I need to talk to you."
He cast me a nonchalant glance as he began unpacking the groceries. "The horror."
Okay, seriously. He had to stop this because it was making me want to laugh so bad. I took a deep breath through my teeth, shook my head and opened my mouth to put my foot in it.
"Tell me what happened between you and Cole," I implored. "I might be able to help you guys."
He snorted and bent down to put something in the fridge, making the denim of his jeans stretch across his taut backside. I stopped talking for a second to gawk at him, even after he straightened and placed some items inside the cabinets. Then I quickly pulled myself together.
"Please, Jasper. Before you tell me this is none of my business, just talk to me. I really want to help fix things."
He slammed a can of soup on the counter suddenly, making me jump. "You've done enough already, little girl," he growled at me, trying on his intimidation tactics yet again. I did not care. He didn't scare me anymore.
"I haven't done anything to you!" I protested angrily.
He stalked towards me then and stood really, really close, looming over me in all his tall glory. So tall. So big. Jesus.
"You're the reason my boyfriend doesn't want to fuck me anymore," he stated in a deadly calm voice.
I scoffed. "Oh my God. We're seriously going there, Jasper? I mean, really? I'm not so naive that I'm just going to believe this is all about sex and how I'm somehow cock-blocking you-"
I stopped talking because he had stopped glaring at me and was watching my lips now as I said words like 'sex' and 'cock'.
I took a step back from him and he watched me as though he wanted to tie me up and eat me alive or something. But that was crazy. He hated me.
"You wanted to fix things," he pointed out in his hard voice. "I've told you my problem."
My eyes widened at his meaning. "Wha- What? I meant fix things with you and...and C-Cole," I stammered.
He shrugged his broad shoulders in response. "I'm not sure what Cole's problem is but that's what I want and he's not giving it to me so..." He trailed off and looked me up and down expectantly.
No.
I shook my head absently and backed away some more. "You're...you're messing with me, right? This is a joke to you. I'm here trying to help you-"
"Then help me, Skye," he interrupted, starting to follow me. "I'm only human. I have needs. If Cole can't take care of them, maybe you could. Maybe then I'll be in a better mood and feel more motivated to win back his affections while my problem is being solved by his perfect little girlfriend."
"I hate you!" I burst out and quickly went inside my room and banged the door shut, making sure to lock it. Psycho.
~~~
Chapter 18
Jasper
I could not keep the smirk off my face as I finished unpacking the groceries and tidying up the kitchen. Skye still had not come out of her room. It felt good to know I had effectively scared her into staying away from me and my business. Fix things, my ass.
Who needed her? Cole and I were fine. It was all going to be okay and we did not need an arbitrator when we had been resolving our differences all by ourselves for years now.
I had to get ready for my flight and it sucked to have to leave before seeing him and saying a proper goodbye. Even if it was only for a few days.
Back in my room, I dialled his number and waited for him to pick up as I undressed and wrapped a towel around my hips. Usually, I would not bother with it but Little Miss. Perfect could walk out any second and I didn't want her to go around thinking I enjoyed flashing her or something.
"Wells." Cole sounded winded and unhappy. "What can I do for you?"
I rolled my eyes. The fucker. He got all formal and detached on my ass every time we had an argument but the thing that made me love him even more was that he never ignored me. He never could.
"I'm leaving in a couple of hours," I told him, heading towards the bathroom. "You sure you don't want to join me?"
"I can't. I have to work and I don't want Skye to feel alone when I leave the country."
Upon entering the bathroom, I tossed the towel on a rack. "She's not a little girl, Cole. She can handle herself."
He laughed humourlessly. "Oh, I know. Believe me, I know she ain't little." He paused. "I guess you would know too since you must have been thinking something along those lines when you took those pictures."
A growl rumbled in my chest. "I told you that meant nothing. Cole, stop being an ass. I love you, damn it. Say goodbye to me properly. I could drop by at work before going to the airport."
Come on, give me a little something. I have been starving for love for two weeks now.
"I'm sorry but I'm really busy. Have a safe flight though," was his flippant reply.
My fingers tightened around the phone. "Don't do this. I fucking miss you. You think I deserve to be treated like this?" I demanded, my voice growing hoarse.
He remained silent and it made me angry. Fucking hell.
"I let you have her," I continued in a tight voice. "I let you have whatever you wanted. Fucking handed you to her when it damn near killed me. And you can't even forgive me for something so insignificant?"
"I don't view you keeping my girlfriend's half naked pictures in your personal porn stash as insignificant."
"You're blowing this way out of proportion, man. I wouldn't touch your girlfriend if she was the last person on this earth, okay!" I yelled into the phone. "I don't give two fucks about her! You can't keep treating me like I'm the bad guy. You have been sleeping with her for a fortnight and I haven't said a word. I want you back."
He responded by hanging up on me. I stared at the phone in disbelief, feeling angry and out of breath. Shit. How could he do this to me? How could he believe I would stoop that low? I have loved him more than myself for years and this is what I get for it?
I didn't even recognise my lover anymore. He was not my Cole. He was hers now. The realisation made me want to howl out my pain but all that escaped me was a shattered breath.
Feeling even more pissed off, I tossed the phone on the vanity and turned on the shower, pounding my fist once against the tiled wall and hissing as pain shot through my hand. Why? Why would he do this to me? Had he forgotten how much he meant to me? That I was nothing without him? Just an angry, uptight version of myself.
How could he change so much in such a short amount of time and leave behind years of commitment? I gave him my soul, goddammit. And he turned around and kicked me in the teeth at the taste of the first pussy that enticed his heart.
I closed my eyes and tried not to let myself break. I was not that weak. I couldn't be.
~~~
Skye
My chest heaved with a long, in-drawn breath and I straightened, staring at the closed bathroom door with tears filling my eyes.
What a mess. What a huge fucking mess. And I was responsible. I hadn't meant to eavesdrop on their private phone conversation. When I heard Jasper saying he was leaving soon, I thought I would offer to drive him to the airport since I was free and despite his acting like a jerk earlier, I knew he was only kidding and I still felt bad about him and Cole.
But bad did not even begin to describe what I was feeling now. The pain and devastation I had heard in Jasper's voice, it negated all the arrogant, tough-guy vibes he usually gave out. That was only a front. This was the real Jasper. Unapologetically aching for someone's love.
And now I knew I was the reason. Jasper had been trying to reassure Cole that he was not interested in me. Which meant Cole suspected his boyfriend of wanting to get in my pants. That was so inaccurate. If anything, it was the other way around. I was the guilty one. Not Jasper. I deserved
to be punished.
Chewing on my bottom lip, I waited for Jasper to come out of the shower. I waited for so long, my legs grew tired from standing. I just wanted to see him. Tell him I was sorry. And I really was. He was hurting because of me.
After I do my part when it comes to Jasper, I would talk to Cole and tell him the truth about how I felt attracted to his boyfriend. Then Cole would be the one hurting while I bore his punishment.
Oh, man. I was starting to hate this idea already but it was the right thing to do.
Three's A Crowd Page 9
