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I started to walk to the door, but Violet was already most of the way there.

“Don’t worry. I’ll get it.” She walked to the door and pulled it open.

“Hello, Violet.” It was Jasper’s voice. “Is Bryn awake?”

Violet must have answered in the affirmative because he bounced into the kitchen, a bright smile on his face.

“Hey, Jasper,” I said, smiling back. “Long time no see.”

“Yeah, no kidding. It’s a huge relief to see you on your feet again.”

I finished washing the mugs, and Jasper and I sat at the table to chat. It was the first time we’d had a conversation with just the two of us, but things weren’t awkward or stilted between us. Jasper could talk and talk like Tavi, but his ramblings were more chilled. He had a smooth voice, and it was nice to listen to.

As he spoke to me, I tried to admire his lean, muscular frame, his soft, bronze hair, and his big, blue eyes. I knew I ought to be more attracted to him, but whenever I thought about getting closer to him or kissing him, my mind wandere