Always Him (Always #1)

Chapter Eighteen

I was still reeling from the nightmare the next morning, even after the wonderful change of events. I had managed to fall back asleep after the bath, but the sleep was far from peaceful.

Jasper had surprised me when I woke up with breakfast in bed. He was really taking on the role of boyfriend seriously. He was doting on me with anything I might've needed. I found myself enjoying being taken care of. I really wasn't alone anymore. I had him, and I'd always have him.

After breakfast, I went to my closet. There was something I had to find. It didn't take long as it was still something I adored and admired from time to time. Pulling it out, I held it at arm's length.

Chunky blue straps that would rest on my shoulders. A sweetheart neckline was showcasing what I had to offer—silky fabric down to my waist before billowing out to a poufy ball gown.

My prom dress was gorgeous. I'd worn it to my senior prom. I didn't have a date; I stayed in the corner, watching other couples having the sweetest dances. Friends are making the craziest dance moves to the most fantastic songs. I was enjoying it from afar; as much as I wanted to be on that dance floor, I wasn't going alone.

From the corner would have to be enough. And it was until a tap on my shoulder stole my attention from the dancers.

Jasper was standing at my side, hand crossed politely in front of him. He wore a tux with a black tux with a white shirt under and a blue tie tucked in the middle. It matched my dress. The smile he'd given me made me turn with a blush on my cheeks.

His hand cut in front of my vision. "May I have this dance?"

I couldn't refuse. I took his hand, letting him lead me to the dance floor. "I'm terrible at dancing, Jas."

His hand was warm in mine as he began to spin us around. The other at my back directed me in whatever direction he wished for us to go. "You can count on me not to let you fall. I just want you to have a lovely night, Sades."

"Did Blaine pay you to come here?"

Jasper looked offended that I'd asked that. He shook his head sharply. "Of course not. Would my tie be matching your dress if he'd paid me to come here?" No, Sadie, I was waiting, paying attention. You were sad no one asked you; I knew I had to step in, take care of you, be there for you. This is a once in a lifetime dance, and I didn't want you to be alone."

I'd blushed at his words, my hand on his chest above his heart. "Thank you. I owe you."

He'd only laughed in response. "Just don't step on my toes; that's all I ask."

He may have asked nicely, but that didn't stop my two left feet from stomping on his toes. He took it like a champ, though, smiling through it, eyes were on me the entire night. Through the pain in his feet, he was only worried about my being happy. He never asked for a favor in return for that night, and I don't think he'd accept anything; he'd say he did it because he wanted to, not because he had to.

Why it'd taken me so long to realize what his true intentions had really meant was beyond me. I still owed him one; even now, he was taking care of me, not asking for much in return. He deserved to be taken care of too. He saved me many times; in ways, I didn't know I needed to be saved; it was the least I could do.

...

Jasper was gone when I was done reminiscing. He left a note on the kitchen table saying he would be right back, and he hadn't wanted to disturb me, so he left the note instead so I wouldn't worry.

I sat on the couch, yanking my laptop onto my lap. I may not have been in my classes today, but that didn't mean I couldn't catch up on what I'd missed from here. I had emails from my teachers and fellow classmates with the lecture and notes that I'd missed and what I would need for the quiz on Friday. With a groan, I set myself to work. I'd never get my masters, let alone a doctorate, if I ever went for it if I got behind in school.