63 — "You like me."

I lift my eyes from the math book, acutely aware that Jasper is looking at me. He is lying on my bed, hugging my pillow, his face close, as if he wants to smell my scent. And when he notices that he has caught my eye, he gives me a mischievous smile.

He really looks like a needy puppy.

"What?" I ask, lowering the book onto my lap, watching his smile widen even more.

"I'm just happy, Reddy." He moistens his lips, "You like me."

I open my lips to answer him, with surprise, and then my shoulders wilt, as does my expression. Oh, yes, I really did say I like him. And I do, but it's just that... Why did I need to say it when my body felt so hot and reason so far away?

"Why are you making that face all of a sudden?" Jasper straightens up in bed, sitting up as if alarmed and anxious. "Don't make that face."

"Jasper." I sigh, my eyes softening.

"Don't you like me?" He asks, putting my single-handed pillow back in place, crossing his legs over the edge of the bed and propping his feet up on the