No More Layovers for a Love That Won't Land novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2

After a quiet weekend, Monday morning rolled around, and Freya arrived at work on schedule.

She handled her usual tasks, including notifying Jasper about his upcoming meeting, Approaching his office, the glanced through the partially open door and stopped cold.

Mia was sitting in Jasper’s lap, feeding him the other half of her cookie. The famously germaphobic CEO actually ate it with a smile, then gently kissed her fingertips.

“You were talking about craving these yesterday, so I stood in line for three hours this morning Worth it?” His voice had a tenderness Freya had never heard before.

“Mmm, they’re perfect–sweet but not sickeningly so. You used to trek across town for these all the time. Now you’re literally running a corporation. Can’t you just send someone to get them? Mia wiggled her foot as he massaged her

ankle.

The look on Jasper’s face was pure devotion. “Anything that matters to you, I handle myself. Always.”

Mia’s face lit up as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He pulled her closer, completely lost in

the moment.

Watching them, Freya felt like she’d been punched in the chest, a bitter ache spreading through her. Her fingernails dug deep into her palms, leaving bloody crescents behind.

As the meeting time approached, Freya composed herself and knocked lightly.

“Mr. Whitemore, your meeting’s about to start.”

Hearing her, Jasper tensed slightly and started to rise, but Mia tugged him back down.

“Don’t go yet. Five more minutes?” She gave him puppy–dog eyes.

Her playful plea melted his resolve instantly.

“Push the meeting back two hours,” he called out.

This meeting involved a collaboration between major New York corporations that was crucial to the company’s future. Freya knew its importance and couldn’t help adding:

“The CEOs from Verdean, Aurex, and Vireon are already in the conference room…”

“God, Jasper, your assistant is such a buzzkill! Can’t she take a hint?” Mia rolled her eyes dramatically.

Jasper’s expression hardened instantly. “I said postpone it two hours. Nothing comes before Mia, got it?”

Freya felt like she couldn’t breathe. In the end, she simply closed the door and walked away.

Everyone in their circle knew Jasper was a workaholic machine. No matter what was happening personally–even

4.3%

Chapter 2

right after surgery–he’d drag himself in to finish his work

Yet here he was, risking relationships with major partners because of a little whining. This was completely new

Did he really love Mia that much?

She took their verbal abuse silently, head down.