Saving Jasper: Unbroken | ✓ [COMPLETE]

Chapter 4

In a drunken-like state, I stumbled up from my chair and stifled a yawn. I’d had a few drinks, but I knew Jasper would be driving tonight.

“Are you ready to go home, Char?” Jasper laughed lightly, putting his arm around my waist. He held me upright as I nodded. I smiled tiredly and snuggled into his side. He placed a kiss on the side of my head in response to my affection.

“If you wanna stay,” I mumbled.

After handing his check back to the waitress, he thanked her. “No, I think we should get you home.” Straightening up, I eased my weight off of his side. I was tired, but not drunk.

Together, we walked outside. “Why would I ruin a night such as this? We’ll save the drinks for another night, but this is one I want to remember.” His eyes sparkled happily as he took my hand. The night sky was clear, a black canvas dotted with glittering diamonds.

“I want to remember it as well, although I’m sure I will without a problem. After all, I have been planning it for quite awhile.” He grinned, then, looking pleased with himself.

I grinned back, “How long, exactly?” With his index finger, he lightly tapped the tip of my nose and snuck the car keys out of my hand. I figured he thought I wasn’t sober enough to drive, even though I was. I didn’t argue, just settled for smiling at the man I loved with the intention of letting him know what a great night I had had.

“That is something only I can know, otherwise I know you’ll backtrack and pinpoint when and how I planned everything.” He smirked, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. I faked a yawn as we climbed into the car.

“Who has the energy to do that nowadays?” I teased lightly, leaning over the center console to give him a kiss. He responded eagerly, and ended it far too soon.

“It’s getting late.” He smirked again, looking way too desirable and mischievous. Taking a deep breath, I turned back in my seat and pulled my seatbelt on as Jasper backed the car out of its parking space.

“Nice excuse,” I grumbled, folding my hands in my lap. It was late but I was certain I could stay up a few more hours. I snickered internally at my own, humorous thoughts.

“Oh, please,” he argued back, attempting to hide his smirk now. “You know I love you.”

“I love you more!” I shouted, my voice overriding his. His mouth dropped open as he feigned shock. A small giggle escaped my mouth.

“So not true!”

We bantered back and forth this way for the duration of the ride, and by the time my house came into view, I was crying because of the endless laughter.

“I still love you more,” Jasper stage-whispered as we walked up the sandy, nature-made walkway. Off in the distance, the calming sounds of waves crashing lulled me to sleep as I was walking, and I yawned before giving Jasper a playful push. A retort came to mind, and I opened my mouth to speak it aloud, but then I feared it might hurt him. “What was that?” Jasper pressed, having noticed my delayed response.

“Er...nothing?”

His expression softened, “Come on.”

I looked away shyly and shoved the door open, closing it behind him as we entered the house. “I just thought...how can you love me more when you didn’t...”

“Know what love was?” he finished for me, taking both of my hands in his. “Char, love is a feeling, a natural language that everyone speaks in their own special ways. Even if I couldn’t grasp the concept at the time...I could feel it. I’m human, too.” He placed my hand on his chest, right over his heart. His chest was warm, and I could feel the steady pull of his heart.