His Deadly Past_A New York State Trooper Series Novella by Jen Talty

Author:Jen Talty [Talty, Jen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jupiter Press
Published: 2019-04-26T04:00:00+00:00

6

Ashley knew her father well, odd considering half her childhood he’d been deployed, but right now, he was on edge. Something happened while she’d been in the little girl’s room. She didn’t know what, but she suspected it had something to do with Derek.

“You two are being awfully quiet,” she said, glancing between the two of them.

“Enjoying the evening,” her father said as he stared off into the night.

Only she noticed his gaze was fixated on Derek, who had separated himself from the crowd while he talked on his cell.

“What happened while I was gone?”

“Nothing,” her father said.

She knew she wouldn’t get anything out of him, but she’d bet she’d get Jasper to talk. “What’s this nothing my father is talking about?”

Jasper leaned forward, looking across her at her father, who gave Jasper the evil eye.

“That’s a damned if I do, damned if I don’t kind of question. No matter which way I answer, one of you is going to be mad.”

Placing her hand on his thigh, she gave him a little squeeze. “As my mother would say, it’s best to stay on the good side of the person you’re wanting to kiss good night.”

Her father laughed.

Jasper coughed, then chugged his beer. “That just makes it worse, but if you must know, Derek stopped by.”

“What did he want?” she asked. Three times, Valerie had cornered her, begging her to be a bridesmaid at the wedding. Three times Ashley declined and informed her cousin that no way would she even attend.

Finally, Ashley had enough and tossed Derek’s affair in her face. For a second, Ashley thought Valerie might ask who the woman had been, and then Ashley would have seriously considered letting the cat out of the bag. Of course, the cat, as in Valerie’s sister, showed up at the tail end of the conversation, looking a little white around the edges.

This was not a good way to start a marriage. Secrets and lies only destroyed people.

“He babbled on about something that didn’t make much sense.” Jasper laced his strong fingers through hers, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand.

“Can you be specific?” she asked.

“He doesn’t like Jasper, so he’s just trying to cause trouble. Nothing any of us should concern ourselves with,” her father said.

“I hate to say this because I’m enjoying the handsome men I’m sitting with, but I’m going to be glad when this weekend is over, and I don’t have to look at Derek, Valerie, or her sister.”

“On that note, I’m going to hit the hay,” her father said, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve got an early flight.”

“I’ll walk you to the elevator,” Ashley said, before turning her attention to Jasper. It was odd how much she felt like she’d known him his entire life. Normally, she’d be uncomfortable having her father meet her boyfriend—was Jasper her boyfriend? “I’ll be right back, so don’t move.” Boldly, she cupped the side of his face, gazing into his rich eyes and giving him a quick kiss.

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