Chapter 69
Gideon agreed.
But Natalie was hesitant about entering Jasper’s room. “Don’t worry about it, Mr. and Mrs. Locke. I’m comfortable writing here, and the ambiance sparks my inspiration.”
Celeste insisted. “That won’t do. You’ll strain your eyes this way. You have such beautiful sparkling eyes, and you should take care of them.
“Don’t worry, Jasper usually calls ahead if he’s coming home, so he won’t show up unannounced.”
Gideon chimed in, “There’s no need to feel pressured, Nate. Even if he’s back, it’s time he starts living on his own. He’s 25, and their unit provides housing. He just hasn’t bothered to apply for it.”
Still, Natalie felt uneasy about entering Jasper’s room without his permission. “We should at least let him know out of respect.”
Celeste smiled. “You’re a considerate child. Fine, I’ll call him tomorrow. But he’s not home tonight, so go ahead and use his room.
“I’ll help set it up. You can rest there when you’re tired.”
Celeste took Natalie’s arm and led her upstairs. It was too late to keep refusing, and it was highly unlikely that Jasper would return at this hour, so Natalie agreed. She decided to write for a bit before returning to her room.
Celeste spread the fresh sheets over the bed and placed a clean light blanket on top quickly. Then, she smiled at Natalie and said, “All set. You can study now, and I’ll leave you to it.”
Before she left, she turned on the desk lamp for Natalie and closed the door behind her.
Standing alone in the room, Natalie looked around. The walls were lined with countless awards, the bookshelf was filled with neatly arranged books, and the display shelves held model airplanes.
Though Jasper wasn’t around, everything in the room exuded his presence. It was a subtle reminder to her that this was his territory, and it was not to be invaded.
She withdrew her gaze and pulled out the chair to sit at the desk. The desk was spotless and empty with only a soft amber desk lamp illuminating the space.
She placed her pen and notebook on the desk before sitting up straight. Then, she began organizing her thoughts for an editorial piece.
Nighttime was the best hour for her inspiration. She was soon lost in her writing as her pen glided smoothly across the paper.
The room was illuminated by a small desk lamp that cast Natalie’s focused silhouette on the dim walls. Only the quiet scratching of her paper filled the silence.
At the dormitory of the flight base, Jasper had been lying in bed since eight o’clock. It was now nine, but he was still wide awake.
He wanted to sleep, but once he drifted off, he’d start dreaming again.
Ever since his last encounter with Natalie, Jasper had decided to respect her wishes and keep his distance, but she’d haunt his dreams every night.
In his dreams, she wore his shirt with one collar slipping off her shoulders to reveal her fair skin. Her lips were rosy, and she looked like a bewitching yet innocent bunny devil.
She’d smile at him with a soft curl at her lips while her bare legs swayed underneath the hem of the shirt. Even her toes looked alluring to him.
Even with Jasper’s strong self–control, he could feel his jaw tighten and his Adam’s apple bobbing. The dream then progressed naturally.
But he’d wake up shortly after, seething. He’d have to get up and wash his sheets.
The scenes continued for days, and Jasper decided to change his environment tonight. He decided to go home and took the chance to check out how the ill -intentioned Natalie was doing.
Five minutes later, Jasper was dressed in full military uniform and got into the driver’s seat of a Jeep.
