18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 91

Now that Stella knew what they were thinking, and she couldn’t be oblivious to Jasper’s action. She was not slow. It was something about Jasper that made her confused. Was he interested in her or was she simply overthinking?

But how could she possibly refuse him without solid evidence of his feelings? And what if she was misreading the signs? Living next door to him and having to work together made the situation even more awkward.

Her friends, too, seemed to be at a loss.

“Love can’t be hidden,” said Lukas, trying to lighten the mood. “Maybe we could help you figure it out?”

“No need,” Stella replied, slightly irritated. “I can handle it.”

Back at her room, she flopped onto her bed. She touched her face, acknowledging her own attractiveness but questioning whether it was enough to capture the attention of someone like Jasper. In her mind, they belonged to separate worlds, and the only thing that brought them together was the ongoing crisis.

Before she could sort out her feelings, Stella received a call. “Stella, are you up for some practice today?” It was Jasper.

“Yes,” she decided, eager to get a better read on him.

As they practiced, Stella kept a close eye on Jasper, even feigning a stumble to see his reaction.

True to form, Jasper was quick to help her up, showing no signs of inappropriate behavior or hidden intentions.

She stayed a bit longer, helping Rosie make dinner, but Jasper seemed to be focused on training her dog.

Feeling frustrated, Stella decided that Lukas’ advice was misguided. There was nothing to suggest that Jasper had romantic feelings for her.

Stella served dinner onto plates, relieved. But as she turned around, she found Jasper watching her. Startled, she almost dropped the plate. “Why are you staring at me?” But after she said that, she immediately felt her outburst was a little too much.

“Looks like the snow is getting worse,” Jasper noted, effectively changing the subject.

Stella turned and looked outside. Well, Jasper was right. He’s got really got eyesight!

Refusing Rosie’s dinner invitation, Stella returned home with her dog. Her mind was a whirl of confusion and suspicion.

It took her a long time to fall asleep. Her dreams were filled with scenarios of Jasper confessing his feelings for her and him finding out Arcadia.

After three days of careful observation, Stella was still uncertain. There seemed to be something, but she couldn’t tell for sure.

Worn out by her own indecisiveness, Stella finally decided to ask Jasper. “Do you like me?” she asked, with her heart pounding in her chest.

Jasper didn’t answer immediately. His gaze was steady on her. “A little,” he admitted, sending Stella’s heart into overdrive.

“I’m actually against marriage,” she blurted out. “I’ve always been happy living alone.”

Jasper nodded, understanding her position. “I’m sorry if I’ve disturbed you. I won’t pressure you into anything, so don’t worry.”

Relieved by his response, Stella felt a weight lifting off her chest. “You’re a great guy. You’ll find someone who truly loves you.”

“Same to you,” he replied.

“Can we still be a team?” she asked, eager to maintain their friendship.

“Of course, if you’re okay with it.”

“I am. You’re the best partner I could have.”