From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 96

“I was just on a dare with some friends, honestly. Nothing special. Ethan, you don’t have to be so nosy about it.”

“Oh, shoot, my buddies are waiting for me—I gotta run. Catch you guys next time!”

Jasper Lane gave a quick wave, already halfway out the door, clearly hoping to make a swift escape.

Adelina Lane couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. She grabbed him by the sleeve, shaking her head. “Relax, Ethan’s not gonna eat you alive.”

Jasper glanced back at Ethan Carter, meeting his stony stare. His heart skipped a beat.

He forced a grin. “Seriously, Adelina, don’t be weird. Ethan’s not a cannibal. I just don’t want to be late and miss dinner. You haven’t met my friends—they descend on food like starving wolves. If I’m late, I’ll be lucky to get a spoonful of soup.”

Ethan just gave a quiet, “Mm,” with a raised eyebrow.

The tone was sharp enough to hook Jasper right in the chest.

He sighed, then blurted out, “Alright, fine. I confess. I’m the one who told on you and Olivia. Please stop looking at me like that.”

Ethan’s stare had been weird ever since they got in the elevator. He barely spoke, and when he did, it was like he could see straight through Jasper. Jasper hadn’t even felt guilty at first, but under that gaze, he was growing more and more anxious.

Olivia Bennett’s eyes went wide with curiosity. “Told on us?”

Jasper nodded sheepishly. “Last time I was here for dinner, I saw you and Ethan together. You were holding a bouquet, and Ethan had his arm around you as you left. I’d never seen anything like it—I got excited and told Adelina about it.”

Olivia remembered. Ethan had only given her flowers twice—once yesterday, and the other time had to be when they’d celebrated her studio reopening here. She hadn’t realized Jasper had witnessed it.

Jasper looked embarrassed. “I didn’t even know I was the first to find out. I was just so caught up in the moment. If I’d known you guys weren’t ready to tell people, I wouldn’t have blurted it out. Sorry, Olivia.”

It was a silly little thing, really. Judging by his face, you’d think it was something much more serious. Still such a kid.

Olivia smiled at him. “Don’t worry about it. It’s really not a big deal.”

“You sure?” Jasper’s eyes went round.

Olivia nodded and nudged Ethan.

Ethan gave Jasper a look, then nodded. He’d only been weirded out by Jasper’s behavior and wanted to see what was up. Once Adelina knew, he never questioned how she’d found out—it wasn’t really a secret.

Adelina clapped Jasper on the shoulder, grinning. “See? I told you Ethan wasn’t going to do anything to you. You’re such a chicken.”

Jasper made a face and muttered, “Doesn’t matter if you’re brave—Ethan’s scary anyway.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “You used to beat up kids?”

Adelina grinned. “Oh, yeah. Don’t let Jasper fool you—he was a little devil when he was younger. If Ethan didn’t put him in his place every now and then, he’d be climbing on the roof or tearing up the yard. After a few lessons, though, he straightened right up. Now, whenever Ethan’s around, Jasper is as tame as a cat.”

Olivia could picture it—honestly, she’d been a little intimidated by Ethan too when they first met. He looked so serious all the time.

Jasper being scared of him made perfect sense.

Of course, Jasper had no idea he was still being talked about. If he did, he’d probably jump in and protest. Admitting he was scared as a kid? Sure. But now? No way.

Now, it was respect. Admiration. Maybe even a little awe.

———

Their dining rooms ended up being on opposite ends of the same hallway.

Jasper reached his room, glanced back, and saw Olivia and the others just heading into theirs.

He turned toward his door, hand on the knob—when a familiar female voice called out behind him.