Chapter 5
630words
So Kimberly could only swallow her frustration. But she was still upset, shooting me a fierce glare through the rearview mirror.
I knew right away that she had added that to my tab.
For the remaining 30 miles, Kimberly stayed unusually quiet. She didn't say a word until we arrived at the hot spring resort.
There, she immediately clung to Jasper, pestering him to share a suite. "Jazzy, I've never slept alone at night. I'm really scared.
"It's a suite anyway, with separate bedrooms. Kathy won't mind, right?"
She tugged on his arm, swaying it back and forth.
Jasper looked at me helplessly as if asking for my permission. But I just smiled lightly. "Then I'll swap rooms with her. I like the one with the garden."
Jasper seemed a bit guilty, lowering his voice to comfort me. "Katherine, it's Kimmy's birthday this time. Let's just humor her.
"I'll take you on vacation, just the two of us, next time as compensation. How about that?"
I nodded graciously. "Sure."
Without waiting for my response, he hurried to carry my luggage to the room himself. When he left, he looked noticeably more at ease, as if he'd done his part.
There was a party that evening. So, I went back to my room, took a shower, and changed into a new dress.
I took my time doing my makeup—something with a pure yet seductive vibe.
I arrived a little late. So everyone was already there.
In the bustling room, I spotted Jonathan sitting alone by the window. He'd changed into a white shirt, still wearing his glasses, looking as cool and restrained as ever.
When he saw me enter, he gave me a faint glance—nothing more.
But just as I looked away, I caught a subtle movement out of the corner of my eye.
He casually lifted his hand and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt, his slender fingers briefly brushing over his Adam's apple.
I lowered my gaze, gently biting my lip, my mind wandering—What would happen if I bit him right there? Would he lose control?
"Wow, Kathy, why are you dressed so pretty tonight?" Kimberly ran over, grabbing my arm and shaking it playfully.
Then she pouted, clearly displeased. "But seriously, who dresses like this? You're stealing my spotlight as the birthday girl!"
Then, she turned to Jasper, whining, "Jazzy, look at this! Kathy's bullying me again!"
I glanced at her.
Of course, she'd dressed up meticulously tonight. To be fair, she did look like a little princess.
But as the saying went—sometimes, cute didn't stand a chance against sexy.
I'd usually choose a casual, minimalist style. But tonight, on a whim, I went all in with the pure yet sultry look—a deep burgundy spaghetti-strap mini dress paired with matching strappy high heels. The color complemented my skin perfectly. And the crisscross straps wrapped around my calves made my legs look even longer and slimmer.
When Jasper looked at me, his eyes clearly lit up with surprise and admiration.
The others joined in, teasing him.
"Wow, Katherine really turned up the heat tonight! Jasper, you're a lucky guy."
"Look at him—his eyes are practically glued to her!"
Jasper looked smug as he walked over to me. But then he cleared his throat, putting on a serious face.
"Katherine, it's Kimmy's birthday today. If you want to dress like this, save it for when we're on a date. You're just upsetting her for no reason."
I stared at Jasper, and at that moment, I could feel the faint affection and attachment I once had for him was slipping away rapidly.
But strangely, it didn't hurt. I didn't feel any sadness or reluctance.
"Katherine, did you hear me?"
