The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 418

After leaving the Cross residence, Nicole stopped at the mall and loaded up on baby supplies.

"You really took a liking to him, didn't you?" Jasper asked, watching her pile a mountain of gifts into the car. He reached over and playfully ruffled her hair.

Nicole nodded, a lingering smile on her lips. "He's just so cute. And he's going to be handsome, too."

"You think so?"

"I'd bet on it," she insisted. "He's going to be gorgeous when he grows up."

"Nicole," Jasper said, his voice dropping an octave. "Are you trying to make me jealous?"

Nicole blinked, looking genuinely confused. "What?"

Jasper didn't answer. He leaned in, cupped her head, and kissed her deeply.

Her heart felt like it was about to hammer out of her chest. She let out a soft gasp, her hands fluttering against his back. Her eyes darted around, terrified someone might walk past the car and catch them, but the thrill of the moment was undeniable.

When Jasper finally pulled back, the only sound in the quiet car was their heavy breathing. He ran a thumb over his own reddened lips.

"Still trying to make me jealous?" he murmured.

"You are impossible," Nicole shot back, her face flushed. "Are you trying to kill me with all that attitude?"

She gave him a few playful swats with her fists, then pursed her lips and stared him down. "If someone saw us in here doing... whatever that was... they'd definitely complain."

Jasper's eyes danced with mischief. "Oh? Doing what exactly?"

"You know perfectly well."

"I really don't."

A flash of playfulness crossed Nicole's face. "If you're this slow, I'm worried it might affect the genes of the next generation. I might have to reconsider my options."

"Nicole, I'm sorry! I take it back!"

Jasper threw up his hands in mock surrender. There was something undeniably charming about seeing such a handsome man act so pathetic to get back in her good graces. Nicole crossed her arms and looked out the window, unable to hide the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. He really was adorable when he tried.

He gave the hem of her coat a gentle tug, his eyes full of exaggerated sincerity. "I've learned my lesson. I won't do it again."

"Fine," Nicole said. "The apology is accepted."

Jasper smirked, reaching over to pinch her rosy cheek. "So, you're already thinking about having kids, then?"

Nicole's eyes went wide. "I—"

"Do you like children?" he interrupted softly.

"I do."

"Then after we're married, I'll give you one."

Nicole leaned into the idea. "I want them to be smart and beautiful."

Jasper nodded in total agreement. "Don't worry. Even if they somehow inherit only our worst traits, they won't be ugly—and they certainly won't be dim."

"Ideally," Nicole added, "they should be cool, talented, athletic, good at martial arts, and totally unfazed by stress. No overthinking allowed. That goes for a boy or a girl."

Jasper chuckled. "That's quite a wish list."

Nicole looked him straight in the eye, her gaze lingering in a way that felt like a physical pull. "Can you make it happen?"

Her voice was soft as a feather, sending a ripple of heat through him. Jasper felt his heart skip a beat under that intense, soulful stare.

How on earth had the conversation taken this turn?

He’d won the round, but as he drove, he realized he might have played himself. He had teased her so much that now he was the one struggling to keep his composure.

"Absolutely," Nicole said, giving her a thumbs-up.

Amelia laughed. "Fair point. If he ever steps out of line, I'll knock some sense into him and keep swinging until his head's on straight."

"What are you guys talking about?" Jaron asked, sliding into a seat next to them to join the conversation.

"Mrs. Cross had her baby," Jasper explained. "Amelia's a big sister now."

"Really? When did it happen?" Jaron asked. "Is she doing okay?"

Amelia nodded. "Both Mom and the baby are doing great."

"That's wonderful. I'll have a gift delivered by tomorrow," Jaron said.

"That's really not necessary," Amelia replied.

"I insist."

"Well, thank you," Amelia said with a polite smile.

The formality of her thanks made Jaron feel a sudden sense of distance. He started to say something, but Amelia had already turned back to Nicole.

"So, Nicole, how are the engagement party preparations coming along?"

"My dad says everything is on track," Nicole said, her eyes drifting toward Jasper. He caught her gaze, looking back at her with pure affection.

"Would it be all right if I attended the engagement party?"

Tiffany's sudden appearance shattered the warm atmosphere. Jaron looked up, surprised. "What are you doing here?"