Hopeless Devotion ~ A Jasper Hale Story

Chapter Thirteen- Seattle

Tuesday, June 5th

I woke to the familiar weight of Jasper beneath me, his chest rising and falling in that slow, steady rhythm that had become my favorite kind of alarm clock. My hair was tangled across his shoulder, and I gave a sleepy little groan, burying my face deeper into him.

"Morning, darlin'," Jasper murmured, his voice still thick with sleep. "Would you like something to eat?"

I mumbled a barely coherent, "Sure," and nodded, letting out a small yawn that made my cheeks tingle. He chuckled softly at me, the vibration ruffling through my shoulder, and I felt that warm, steady calm wash over me.

When he got up to fetch breakfast, I rolled off him with a sleepy flop, nearly falling back onto the bed. "Careful," he called over his shoulder, amusement dancing in his tone. "You're fragile before coffee."

I blinked at him through half-lidded eyes, giving a lazy salute. "Not fragile. Just... energy-efficient."

Breakfast arrived a few minutes later—perfectly cooked eggs and toast, with fruit that smelled like sunshine. I couldn't help but grin at the small, thoughtful touches he always added: a little extra orange for me, a tiny dollop of jam shaped into a smiley face on the plate.

I dug in, trying to talk and chew at the same time—a losing battle. "You really spoil me," I said, giggling when he pretended to act offended.

"Do I?" he asked, leaning casually against the doorway, arms crossed. "Or do you just encourage it?"

"You're hopeless," I said, popping a strawberry into my mouth.

"Maybe," he said with mock seriousness, "but someone's gotta be."

I laughed so hard I almost dropped my fork. "Someone always has to be you."

He grinned, that easy, crooked smile of his, and I felt that familiar flutter in my chest. "Duly noted. I'll take full responsibility, then."

By the time I finished, Jasper had the plate in hand and was heading for the door. "All done?" he asked, looking back at me with those faintly amused eyes.

"All done," I said, stretching my arms above my head and yawning. "Thanks... Chef Jasper."

"Anytime, darlin'," he said with a wink before disappearing down the hall.

Left alone in the warm, quiet room, I propped myself up on my elbows and dug through his dresser, hunting for something comfortable to wear. The soft rustle of fabric and the scent of him lingering in the room made me smile. Every shirt I pulled out smelled faintly like him, calm and familiar.

I settled on a loose grey T-shirt and soft leggings, smiling to myself as I tugged them on. This was one of those mornings that made me feel like nothing else in the world mattered, and I couldn't help but think how much I loved these little, stolen moments with Jasper.

I padded down the stairs, yawning and brushing at the last bits of sleep from my hair. The kitchen smelled faintly of coffee and something sizzling—Emmett, Jack, and Jasper were clustered near the counter, apparently deep in a debate over some game I didn't even recognize.

"Morning, sunshine," Jasper murmured as I reached the doorway, his tone low and teasing. I gave him a sleepy grin and wandered over to the table.

Just then, the front door opened, and Bella and Edward stepped in, their calm, purposeful air cutting through the lingering warmth of our morning chaos.

Emmett's eyes lit up. "Hey, Edward. Ditching, Bella?"

"We both are," Edward replied smoothly, voice measured.