Tempted

By

Eve Vaughn
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s
imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual
events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental.

All trademarks, service marks, registered service marks are the property of their respective owners
and are used herein for identification purposes only.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Tempted

Copyright © 2018 Eve Vaughn

Electronic book publication October 2018

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in
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 Dedication

To my readers, thank you so much for supporting me, and keeping me going. I hope you’ll enjoy
reading this book as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. I’d also like to send a special shout out to
Wanda for all she does. You’re the best!
 Chapter One

Two and a half months into the New Year and it already sucked.

Having gone through a full day of interviews with no promising prospects, she felt like curling up
into a ball and giving up. That however, wasn’t an option. She had every reason not to. Besides, the
last thing Jasmine wanted was to go home to the roach-infested hell hole she currently lived in.
Digging into her pocket, she pulled out her Metro card. Her balance was getting low but a trip the
National Mall in front of the Washington monument wouldn’t be too much. She didn’t know what it
was about the place, but Jasmine was at peace when she was there.

The day had been cloudy when she got up that morning, but just as she stepped out of the train
station the sun was coming out. Maybe this day wouldn’t be a total wash after all. The Cherry
Blossoms were just starting to bloom and it was pretty warm for a mid-march day.

Jasmine purchased a hot dog from one of the street vendors and found a park bench. Here, she
could forget about her worries, albeit temporarily. In her special place she could briefly forget about
the unfortunate set of circumstances that had left her broke, unemployed and with a criminal record.
This brief respite saved her from focusing on how desperate her situation had become; how if she
didn’t turn things around soon, she’d never regain custody of her daughter.

Jasmine wished Star was with her now. When Jasmine was a little girl, her mother would bring
her here and they’d sit on a bench eating ice cream and people watch. There was something cathartic
about the experience. A smile touched her lips as she imagined Star sitting next to her.

If only.

A piercing scream broke Jasmine out of her silent musings. She looked up just in time to see a
little girl on a skate board barreling her way, arms flailing wildly. The child had obviously lost
control and looked like she’d topple over any second.

Setting her food aside, Jasmine rushed over to the girl and caught her, just before she met the
pavement face first. “Are you okay?” she asked checking the child over.

Large green eyes looked at her imploringly. She was a pretty child with long black hair pulled
into a somewhat messy ponytail. With a tilt-tipped nose and round pinkish cheeks, she had a cherubic
look. The kid couldn’t be more than seven or eight. “Tyler pushed me,” she sniffed.

Jasmine frowned. “Tyler?”

“My brother. He said he’d teach me how to skateboard but he was being bossy and I told him to
stop. That’s when he pushed me. I think he hates me!” the little girl burst into tears.

Jasmine would have minded her own business and walked away in normal circumstances but this
child wasn’t much older than Star. On impulse she gave the child a hug. “It’s okay honey, everything
will be alright now. And I’m sure Tyler doesn’t hate you. Siblings fight all the time.”

The little girl perked up. “Really?”

“Yes, really.” She tweaked the child’s nose

It seemed to be the right answer because it got the kid to smile. “My name is Chelsea, what’s
yours?”

Jasmine smiled her first genuine smile of the day. “Jasmine. You’re okay now?”

“We’re not supposed to talk to strangers, dummy.”

Jasmine jumped away from the girl, startled by the voice of a newcomer. She turned around to see
who was speaking. A young boy not much older than the girl shot Jasmine a suspicious look. He had
the same dark coloring as Chelsea which told Jasmine this was the infamous Tyler.

“Daddy said you couldn’t call me dummy anymore!” the girl shouted back.

The boy shrugged. “Well, Dad isn’t here. He only said that in front of Nana. He doesn’t care.”

The girl scowled. “Daddy does so care. You are a big meanie, and I hate you!”

Tyler shrugged. “So what? You’re just a big dummy. You can’t even read good.”

“She can’t read well,” Jasmine found herself correcting him automatically.

Tyler looked her up and down with an arrogance of a man three times his age. “Who the hell are
you, lady?”

Jasmine’s mouth fell open. Was this kid for real? “Do your parents know you talk like this?”

Tyler’s eyes narrowed. “What’s it to you?”

Jasmine shrugged. “Nothing really. But you are being rather rude. Chelsea could have been
seriously injured. The right thing to do would be to apologize.”

Tyler poked out his lip mutinously. “You’re not the boss of me.”

Jasmine raised a brow. “No, I’m not, but I would certainly like to have a talk with the person who
is.”

The boy looked unimpressed. “Miss Appleton doesn’t care. She’s sleeping on the bench over
there.” He pointed to a woman lying on a bench who appeared to be half dead.

Jasmine rushed over to see if Miss Appleton was okay. She tapped the woman on the shoulder.
“Are you alright?”

The dozing lady groaned, not bothering to open her eyes. “Lemme alone you little brats,” she
muttered. The strong scent of alcohol was on her breath.

Jasmine recoiled from the pungent smell. “Is this your babysitter?” What kind of irresponsible
parents would hire a drunk to watch their children?

Chelsea gave her a forlorn look. “She’s our Nanny. I think she was drinking from her special
medicine bottle again. She told us not to bother her for a couple of hours.

Tyler crossed his arms over his chest shooting Jasmine an I-told-you-so look. “See? She doesn’t
care.”

Jasmine frowned. “Does your mom and dad know Miss Appleton takes special uh, medicine?”

Tyler shrugged. “We don’t have a mom, and Dad wouldn’t care.”

Jasmine seriously doubted that. She attempted to wake the dozing woman again. “Miss
Appleton?”

“Lemme ‘lone,” the nanny slurred, falling horizontally on the bench.

That was it. The mother in Jasmine wouldn’t allow these two children to be alone with this
obviously drunken woman. She toyed with the idea of offering to take them home, but that probably
wouldn’t be a good idea. The children didn’t know her and the last thing she needed was to be thrown
in jail for kidnapping two kids who obviously came from wealth. They’d lock her up and throw away
the key this time for sure. Besides, her neighborhood wasn’t the safest area of the city.

Jasmine pulled out her phone. “Do you have your Daddy’s work number?”

Tyler looked her up and down. “What do you want that for?”

She sighed. This little boy was really starting to test her patience. “Because he’ll need to come
pick you up or send someone over to do it. Miss Appleton is in no position to supervise you.”

Tyler looked at the now snoring nanny and then back at Jasmine. “I don’t know it.”

Jasmine had the sneaking suspicion he did, but she couldn’t call him a liar on such short
acquaintance. “Look, Tyler, I have no ulterior motive other than to make sure the two of you get home
safely.”

“I know Nana’s number,” Chelsea piped up.

 “Shut up.” Tyler punched his sister in the arm.

“Oww!” Chelsea’s eyes filled with tears.

Jasmine had had enough of the little boy’s nastiness. “Tyler, do not hit your sister again.”

Tyler crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t have to listen to you.”

“Oh, yes you do. Because I’m bigger and meaner, and if you don’t apologize to Chelsea now, I’ll
show you just how mean I can be.” She stared him down.

To his credit Tyler held her gaze for a good while before his face turned beet red and he looked
away. “Sorry,” he muttered not bothering to look at his sister.

As apologies went, it was a pretty lousy, one but Jasmine saw no point in forcing the issue.

Chelsea stuck out her tongue. “Haha, you got in trouble.”

Jasmine lifted a brow. “Chelsea, no one likes to be teased.”

“I’m sorry.” At least the girl sounded more contrite than her brother.

Jasmine nodded her approval. “Now that we’re all sufficiently sorry, how about giving me a
number of a responsible adult who can come get you?”

Tyler remained mutinously silent, but Chelsea supplied Jasmine with her grandmother’s number.

“What’s your Nana’s name by the way?” Jasmine asked.

“Madeline Meade.” Once again it was Chelsea who supplied the information, much to her
brother’s apparent annoyance.

Jasmine punched the number she’d been supplied into her phone. She was getting low on her
prepaid minutes but this emergency warranted using them.

“Meade residence, how may I direct your call?” a cultured male voice greeted.

“Is Mrs. Meade available?”

“I’m afraid she’s indisposed at the moment. May I take a message?”

Jasmine figured indisposed meant she wouldn’t come to the phone. “My name is Jasmine Brooks,
she doesn’t know me, but I need to speak to her if she’s there. It’s about Tyler and Chelsea.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Hold on a moment, Miss. Let me see if I can find
her.”

That’s what she thought. “Thank you. I’d really appreciate it.”
 While Jasmine waited on hold she looked over her shoulder to see if the children were still there.
Thankfully they were.

“Hello? Miss Brooks?” came a panicked voice on the other end of the line. “What about my
grandchildren?”

“Is this Mrs. Meade?”

“Yes. Please tell me what the matter is.”

“First, let me assure you, your grandchildren are okay. I met them in the park by the monument a
few minutes ago, and their nanny is…uh, incapacitated. Someone needs to escort them home.”

“Oh, my goodness. Is that woman drunk, again?” If someone knew the nanny was a lush then why
in the world did they place her in charge of the children?

Jasmine sighed. “I’m afraid so. If you can arrange for someone to pick the children up, I’ll stay
here with them.”

“Give me your exact location and I’ll be there. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your doing
this.”

“It’s not a big deal. I’m sure anyone else would have done the same.” Jasmine gave Mrs. Meade
directions and clicked off before disconnecting the call.

“Your Nana is on the way,” she let the children know.

Chelsea jumped up and down clapping her hands together. “Oh, goody. She’ll take us out for ice
cream.”

Tyler rolled his eyes. “Well, now that Nana is coming you can go away.” The boy could have been
a king the way he dismissed her in that haughty tone.

Jasmine crossed her arms over her chest. “Excuse me? I must have misheard you, because you
weren’t talking to me like that.”

Tyler mutinously poked his bottom lip out and glared at her. “You’re a nobody. I don’t have to
listen to you.”

Jasmine stared Tyler down until he turned a bright shade of red and looked away. Exactly what
she thought; the kid was all talk. With a sigh, she touched his shoulder. “I’m not your enemy. I’m just
concerned that you and your sister are virtually alone. I have a daughter of my own, and if she were in
this position, I’d want someone to look out for her. For my peace of mine, would you put up with my
company long enough for your grandmother to come get you and your sister?”

Tyler looked uncertain, torn between giving in and remaining stubborn.

 “Please, Tyler. You’d be doing me a huge favor by helping me keep your sister safe like a good
big brother is supposed to do. I wish I had a cool big brother like you when I was growing up.”

He seemed to go into deep thought before answering. “Well, I…I guess you can stick around.”

Jasmine nodded solemnly, biting back the giggle. It would be an interesting afternoon.

***

Later when the kids were waiting in their grandmother’s Mercedes, Jasmine and Madeline Meade
had a long talk which took a surprise direction.

“Jasmine, I appreciate your honesty about your past. While I can’t pretend to understand
everything about your circumstances, we all make mistakes, and you’ve paid far more dearly than I
think you should have. You’re in need of a job, and the kids need a nanny. Won’t you reconsider taking
the position?”

Jasmine was tempted to give in, but the past few months, had taught her to be more cautious about
things sounding too good to be true. The offer of a job had taken her by surprise. Not only would she
be the children’s full time Nanny, the job included room and board, a great opportunity to move out of
the hell hole she currently resided in and a chance to save more money. This would mean her being
able to get custody of Star sooner.

Mrs. Meade placed her hand on top of Jasmine’s. “Jasmine, I see the hesitancy on your face, but I
think this is a wonderful opportunity for you. I had a chance to observe you with the children when
you weren’t looking and you handle them well. Chelsea hasn’t stopped talking about you since I’ve
arrived.”

“But you don’t know anything about me, Mrs. Meade. Why are you risking your grandchildren’s
well-being? I’m a stranger to you, and for all you know, I might be lying about my history.”

“Please call me Maddie, dear. I know I may seem like a silly old woman to you, but I think I’m a
pretty good judge of character, and I knew I liked you the moment I laid eyes on you. Your aura is a
bright orange. That’s a good thing. That means you’re full of positive energy, although that tinge of
blue tells me there’s a deep sadness in your life.”

Jasmine lifted a brow. “You’re into astrology.”

“I never leave the house without reading my horoscope. My son thinks I’m a little out of touch, but
the stars haven’t let me down yet. Besides, you know what my horoscope said this morning?”

This woman was absolutely nuts, but who was Jasmine to judge. She smiled politely. “What did it
say?”

“It said that I would meet someone special today, and I believe I have. I hope you don’t mind my
being frank, but can you really afford to turn down this opportunity?”
 Jasmine couldn’t say no to that. “What about your son? Ultimately, wouldn’t he have the final say
on who he puts in charge of his children? I really can’t blame him for being cautious.”

“You leave that to me.”

“The minute he finds out I have a record, there’s no way he’ll hire me.”

Mrs. Meade, gave her a smile. “Trust me, dear. I’ll set everything up for you. There’s no need to
worry. Besides, what harm would it be to come in for an interview?”

What harm would there be indeed. Jasmine didn’t want to get her hopes up, because as she’d
learned already, there were no guarantees in life.
 Chapter Two

“I’ll have to decline your invitation for a late lunch. I’m interviewing a new nanny. I’m not sure
what my mother was thinking by recommending her because, judging from this woman’s resume, she
lacks the necessary qualifications, but Chelsea sings her praises. Even Tyler doesn’t have anything
negative to say about her.” Victor looked at Jasmine Brook’s resume and wondered about the gap of
eighteen months as he spoke on the phone with his friend.

“I think you should humor your mother. Smile politely, pretend to be interested and then find a
suitable candidate from the agency,” Madison Stansfield suggested. “I’d be happy to email you the
name of an agency a good friend of mine uses. She swears by it.”

When his wife Carolyn died, Victor had come to rely on Madison as a valued friend. She offered
her support to him and a shoulder to lean on. She was his go to person whenever he needed a date to
an important event. They weren’t officially dating and if he was being honest, Madison had become a
comfortable habit. But lately he was wondering if he should pull back from their arrangement.

She had many qualities most men admired. The classic blue-eyed blonde with a trim figure, she
possessed beauty, brains and could hold herself well in any social setting. She would have made any
man proud to have her on his arm. Maybe he was beginning to have these doubts because Madison
had started to make hints about taking their relationship to the next level.

Victor wasn’t sure if he wanted to re-marry. It was hard enough raising three children, without
throwing a new wife in the mix. Besides, his law firm kept him too busy for much else.

“I’d appreciate that. Thank you, Madison.”

“Anytime. You know I’d do anything for you, Victor.”

Victor didn’t know how to respond to that so he remained silent.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, before Madison replied. “Mark Burton asked me
to the Double Diamond Fundraising Ball today. I didn’t know whether to accept.”

So this was the game she wanted to play. Victor didn’t like to be tested. “I remember you
expressed an interest in going. You should accept.”

“I see….I thought maybe you would want to take me since it would be a good way for you to
network.”

Victor sighed, deciding not to fall for the bait. “I have more clients than I can handle. I don’t really
need to network.”

“But you talked about throwing your hat into the political ring.”
 “No, you mentioned it. I merely nodded to be polite. Look, it’s nearly three. Ms. Brooks should
here any moment now, so I need to end this call.”

“You don’t care if I go out with Mark?” She sounded put out. “I don’t want to see anyone, but you.
Are you seeing someone else?”

Victor’s patience was wearing thing. “I didn’t realize we were seeing each other and if we were,
I never agreed on exclusivity. Do as you please, Madison, I really need to go.”

Besides the heavy, exasperated breathing on the other end she remained silent.

“Madison, I’m hanging up now.”

“I thought we were friends.”

“We are but now isn’t the time to talk about the virtues of our friendship. I’ll tell you what, how
about I take you out to that steakhouse you mentioned to show my appreciation for all you’ve done.”

“Fine, Victor. I expect a call from you later this week.”

She didn’t give him a chance to respond before the call ended. Maybe he wasn’t being fair to
Madison by taking her out so much. He enjoyed her company, but was it enough to go any further. It
was a question he pondered when a knock on his study door interrupted his thoughts.

He took off his reading glasses and placed them on his desk. “Come in.”

Miss Davis, his housekeeper poked her head in the room. “There’s a Miss Brooks here to see you.
I believe she’s your three o’clock appointment.”

“Thank you. Send her in.”

She nodded with a smile. “Should I bring refreshments?”

“Coffee will do for now.”

“I’ll get that right away.” She closed the door behind her, leaving Victor to compose himself. He
wanted to get this sham of an interview over with so he could spend his time looking for someone
more suitable to watch his children.

A knock on his door, brought him to attention. “The door’s open.”

Victor wasn’t sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t this teenager. No, perhaps not a teenager,
but she couldn’t be more than twenty. She was petite with large eyes and a warm smile. She was
much younger and prettier than he expected.

“Jasmine Brooks?”
 Her plump lips tilted in a tentative smile making deep dimples pop out of her dark brown cheeks.

Cute.

Maybe a little too much for his comfort. He held his hand out to her as she approached. A flowery
scent wafted to his nostrils, reminding him of lilacs.

When she placed her hand in his, Victor couldn’t help noticing how soft and tiny it was compared
to his. A spark shot up his spine and he immediately let her hand go with barely a shake. It probably
seemed rude, but he felt like a dirty old man reacting to her this way. He was thirty-eight for
chrissake, nearly old enough to be her father.

Her nose crinkled and her smile fell when he backed away so suddenly. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr.
Meade.”

“Uh, yes, you as well, Miss Brooks. Please have a seat.” Victor welcomed the sanctuary of his
desk, plopping down into his leather swivel chair with relief.

“Thank you.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners as wariness entered their dark depths. “I appreciate
your granting me this interview.”

There was really no point in prolonging this process when his mind was made up for all intents
and purposes. “And I appreciate your promptness for what it’s worth. My mother hasn’t stopped
singing your praises since you two met. I’d also like to extend my thanks for watching my children
when the former Nanny was—otherwise incapacitated.”

“It wasn’t a problem. They’re delightful children. I enjoyed spending time with them.”

She sounded genuine, but still she lacked the experience he required in someone he’d entrust with
his children.

“Can I be honest with you, Miss Brooks?”

“Please call me, Jasmine. And yes you may. Before you say anything, though, I already get the
feeling that I’m not the candidate you had in mind, and I don’t have any formal training in the nanny
field as I’m sure you’d require. And quite frankly, even I have my doubts. But I really need this job,
and I’m sure you can find someone with a more suitable background, but no one would be more
careful with your children than I will.”

Victor shifted in his chair with discomfort. He wanted to ignore her impassioned words, but there
was something about her that hit a nerve. Clearing his throat, he brought to mind one of his main
concerns. “You’re quite young to be in charge of my children. Tyler is eight and Chelsea seven.
Children that age need intellectual stimulation.”

She lifted one dark brow. “I’m twenty-six.”

He schooled his features to hide his shock. “You look much younger.”
 “I get that quite a bit, but I’d be happy to produce my birth certificate for proof if you need it.”

“I believe you, I’m just surprised. Okay, so maybe you are old enough to take care of the children,
but it doesn’t explain the missing gap in your resume here. I see where you’ve attended school and
worked in an office environment, but what did you do after school. My mother says you took some
time off, but she was vague.”

A small pink tongue shot out moistening her curvaceously full lips. His eyes latched on to that
small movement and his body tightened. Shaking his head, he cleared his throat again.

“The truth is, I had to take some time off for my daughter.”

His mother hadn’t mentioned Jasmine had a child. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had a sick
child.”

“But she’s not—” She broke off, looking a bit uneasy. “She’s in much better health now.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, what are your plans for her? Obviously if I were to give you a job,
how would your child factor in? Who would take care of her?”

Her eyes downcast, she answered softly, “Unfortunately, I’m unable to have her with me at the
moment, but if my circumstances were to change, I’d be able to have her back sooner. My…financial
situation isn’t in the best shape right now.”

He didn’t want to care dammit, but something about Jasmine Brooks touched a part of him that
he’d long since thought was gone. His mother was usually a good judge of character, still he couldn’t
hand the care of his children over to just anyone.

“Look,” she began, “I know you have reservations but how about a trial period? Mrs. Meade said
she’s willing to stop by and check in on us until you’re comfortable having me around the children
without supervision. All I’m asking for is a trial. Please, Mr. Meade.”

It was hard to ignore the desperation in her big brown eyes and he found himself wondering what
the harm in giving her a trial period would be.

Lunacy. He had to be off his rocker, Victor knew he’d never be father of the year with all the long
hours he put in, but the kids seemed to like Miss Brooks and so did his mother. Thinking about Miss
Applewhite, with all her supposed experience, angered him. Maybe experience wasn’t worth the
sheet it was written on.

He would probably regret it, but he’d give her a chance—at least for a little while. If she messed
up, she’d be out the door and fast. “I’m willing to offer you the position on a trial basis.”

She revealed a large white-toothed grin, again revealing her dimples. “Really? I promise I won’t
let you down. I’ll take really great care of the children.”

“I’m counting on that, but I will be watching you closely. Let’s go over the details of what I
expect….”

***

Later that night, Jasmine lay in bed whispering a silent prayer. After weeks of searching, she’d
finally found a job. And the amount of money she’d be making was more than she expected. The bonus
was being able to move out of her apartment and not having to pay rent. This would allow her to save
up money to get Star back sooner. This wasn’t her dream job, but it was something.

Her thoughts turned to her new employer. There was something distant, and a little cold about him,
giving him an intimidating demeanor. From what Mrs. Meade had told her, he was a lawyer. He
didn’t look like one based on his athletic build with his height and broad shoulders. Dark hair
liberally sprinkled with gray and deep cobalt eyes, he could have been a handsome man were it not
for that stern expression on his face.

When they shook hands, it seemed as if he could barely stand touching her. Maybe he wasn’t used
to being around black people. Whatever his problem, it didn’t matter because he was now her
employer and she’d do whatever it took to hold on to that job.

For Star.

Jasmine hoped, however, that he didn’t do any further investigating into her background, after all,
she did have a criminal record.

And who would want a felon in charge of their children.

 Chapter Three

“And they all lived happily ever after,” Jasmine read before closing the book and setting it down
on the nightstand.

Chelsea yawned, stretching her arms above her head. “I love that story. Thank you for reading to
me. Ms. Applewhite never did. She said I was too old. Do you think so Jasmine?”

Jasmine ruffled the little girl’s dark hair. “You’re never too old to be read to.”

“Did your mommy read to you when you were little?”

This was a game they played every night since she’d been here. Jasmine would read, and Chelsea
would ask a dozen questions afterwards in an attempt to stay awake. Jasmine had come up with a
method to keep the questions down to a minimum. She took the first five questions, and then cut the
little girl off to do the monster check, as she’d learned Chelsea was afraid of the dark, but had no
night light to offer comfort.

She made a mental note to bring it up to Mr. Meade when she got a chance to finally see him. The
problem was, the man was never home. He was often gone before the children woke up and didn’t get
home until they were in bed. Jasmine was beginning to wonder if she’d imagined meeting him.

“Sometimes but not often because she was too busy, but that’s okay because I read to myself,”
Jasmine finally answered.

Claudette Brooks had held down three jobs to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
And when she had been home, she slept. This pattern had continued until Jasmine was twelve when
her mother was hit by a bus while crossing the street on her way to one of her jobs.

The saddest part of this entire tragedy was that the accident hadn’t killed her, but instead confined
the once proud woman to a wheelchair. It had been Jasmine’s responsibility to take care of her
mother, who’d developed a number of medical problems due to the accident. Jasmine lost her mother
at seventeen, two weeks after her high school graduation, which Jasmine suspected was what
Claudette had been holding on for. Some would say she didn’t have much of a childhood, but her past
experiences, and the life lessons taught by her mother shaped who she was today.

“When I grow up, I want to be a princess like in the book and live happily ever after, and marry a
handsome prince. Do you think I’m pretty enough to be a princess?” Chelsea declared with a fanciful
smile.

“I think you’re gorgeous, but you know, there’s so much more than you can be other than a
princess. How about a doctor, or lawyer like your Daddy?”

Chelsea’s brows knitted together into a ferocious scowl. “That’s for smart people. I’m not smart.”

“Who said that?”

“Madison. She said I should marry rich cause that’s my only hope.”

“Does Madison go to your school?”

Chelsea shook her head. “No. She’s Daddy’s friend.”

Mr. Meade’s girlfriend had implied Chelsea was stupid? Nothing in Jasmine’s mind could
warrant an adult saying such a cruel thing to a child in any circumstances. “Are you sure you didn’t
misunderstand her?”

Again, Chelsea shook her head, this time with more vigor. “Uh uh. She told me I ask too many
questions and that I annoy her. I don’t mean to be a pest, but how am I supposed to know stuff if I
don’t ask?”

The kid had a point.

Jasmine didn’t like the sound of this Madison person. “Did you tell your Daddy what she said?”

Chelsea pouted. “Daddy wouldn’t believe me. He doesn’t love me.”

Jasmine’s heart wrenched at that statement. “Aww, sweetheart, I’m sure that’s not true. He loves
you very much.” Though he was never around, Jasmine was certain he cared about his children.

“No he doesn’t. He sent Adam away, and one day he’ll send me and Tyler away too.”

Adam, she’d learned was Chelsea and Tyler’s fifteen year old brother who was currently at
military school. According to Tyler, Adam usually came home over holidays, but not on the winter
breaks, choosing to stay with friends.

As curious as she was to hear more, Jasmine needed to check in on Tyler. “Well, we’ll discuss
this later, but I need to do the monster check, and then you have to go to sleep, missy.”

“But I’m not sleepy, Jasmine.” The yawn that followed, made a mockery of Chelsea’s words.

Silently, Jasmine stood up and looked under the bed, then checked the corners of the room, before
going into the closet. The child’s room was probably bigger than her apartment had been, no wonder
she was scared of sleeping in here alone.

“Okay, no monsters here. I think they’ve all run away for the night.”

“Thank you Jasmine,” Chelsea murmured drowsily, holding out her arms for a hug.
 Jasmine squeezed the little girl close before tucking her in. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“Night, Jasmine.”

She left the door slightly open so Chelsea didn’t feel too closed in. Moving on to Tyler’s room,
she peaked in. His prone body was so still, she thought he was sleeping. On the verge of leaving, he
called out to her. He insisted he was too old to be tucked in, but Jasmine liked to check on him for her
own peace of mind.

“Jasmine, I thought you weren’t coming,” Tyler accused. “What took you so long?”

Though Tyler had protested her nightly visits, Jasmine secretly suspected, he didn’t mind them as
much as he claimed. His statement only confirmed it.

“I was reading to Chelsea, and we had a little talk,” she said walking into the room, and taking a
seat on the edge of his bed.

“What about?”

“This and that. Just girl talk.”

“Oh. Well, you didn’t have to come in all the way in. I just thought…”

“That I’d come sooner?”

“I dunno. I’m not a baby, but I figured I let you do it because it makes you feel better.”

“Oh, I see.” She nodded solemnly. In that case, you seem fine to me. I bid you goodnight, sleep
tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.” Just as she was about to stand up, he grabbed her wrist.

“Um, Jasmine…”

“Yes?”

“I…I wanted to ask you something.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Well, I have this thing at school on Friday, well, its parent’s day and I’m giving a presentation for
my class. I was wondering if you could ask Dad if he could come.”

Jasmine frowned. It was a shame she had to be the go between a man and his own children. Not
that she was condemning him for employing a nanny, but it broke her heart at how anxious Tyler
seemed about his father coming to see him at school.

“Well, he usually gets in late and I’m in bed by the time he arrives home, so I’m not sure when I’ll
see him either.”
 The boy’s face fell. “Oh. Okay. I left a message with his assistant at work, and she told me she’d
leave him a message.”

“Do you mean to tell me, your father’s assistant doesn’t put your calls through to him?”

“He’s really busy.”

“Don’t you have his cell phone number?”

“Yes, but he said to call office number when he’s at work unless its an absolute emergency.”

No one should be too busy for their kids. “You know what Tyler? I’ll stay up until he gets home to
give him the message.”

“Really?” the light returned to the child’s eyes.

“Sure, that’s what friends do for each other.”

“You’re much better than Miss Applewhite.”

Jasmine laughed. “I hope so.”

It was disgraceful how Mr. Meade treated his children. He needed to know that Chelsea and Tyler
were hurting from his lack of attention.

Later when both children were sleeping Jasmine, went to her own room to take a shower. She’d
been surprised at how luxurious her accommodations were. It was equipped with its own private
bathroom.

She undressed and went to the bathroom for her shower. To her annoyance, when she twisted the
taps, nothing came out. Fiddling with the knobs for several more minutes, she realized that the damn
things weren’t working. Had they lost water? She tested the sink and saw that it was fine. For now, a
wash up in the basin would have to do, but this was something else, she’d have to mention to Mr.
Meade whenever she saw him.

Once she’d finished, washing, she threw on her pajamas and robe before taking one of the mystery
novels she’d borrowed from the library.

Jasmine decided to meet him downstairs when he finally decided to come home. She marched to
the living room and curled up on the couch and read as she waited.

She’d gone through four chapters of her book before she glanced at the clock and saw that it was
almost ten o’clock. She was usually in bed by now. But she’d wait up as she promised Tyler. She
yawned as the heavy haze of sleep hovered over her. Jasmine closed her eyes…just to rest them.
 ***

Victor frowned when he entered the living room to see the light was one. Ms. Davis, he knew,
usually watched television in her room, and the children were usually in bed by now. When he
walked to the source he saw Jasmine Brooks curled up on the couch, in a large pink robe, and a book
lying on the floor which had obviously fallen out of her now limp hand.

He’d been meaning to ask her how things were going with the children thus far. His mother who’d
stopped in a couple times this week said the kids were crazy about Jasmine.

His first instinct was to wake her, but something stopped him. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from
her. Her chest rose up and down with her gentle breathing. Victor made a living at being able to read
people, and he still hadn’t figured Miss Brooks out, but watching her now, so small and vulnerable,
she looked like the picture of innocence at its finest form.

Not knowing what compelled him, he walked over to the couch and knelt beside her. He lightly
brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. Her skin felt like silk. She shivered with a moan, her full
lips parting.

Victor pulled his hand away briefly and waited to see if she’d wake up. When she didn’t, he ran
his fingertip along her bottom lip. What would those lips taste like? As he contemplated, this her
tongue slid out and brushed the questing digit. His dick jumped to attention and he wondered what
would happen if he leaned over and got a proper taste of her invitingly plump lips.

She released another moan, bringing Victor to his senses. He backed away from her, unable to
imagine what she’d think to find him practically molesting her.

Victor stood up with the intention of walking away, but Jasmine chose that moment to wake up.
“Mr. Meade?” she said, her voice heavy with sleep.

Victor grabbed the briefcase he’d put down and placed it in front of his erection. The terry cloth
robe she wore did little to hide her generous curves.

“Uh, yes. Good evening Ms. Brooks.”

She gave him a polite smile. “You don’t have to be so formal with me. Your children call me
Jasmine, so it would be silly if you didn’t.”

Victor breathed an inward sigh of relief. She was obviously none the wiser. “Okay, Jasmine it is.
You have a good night.”

“Actually, I waited up to speak with you.”

“Is there a problem with the children?”

 “Actually, they’re great. I wanted to share with you some of my observations and concerns.”

“Concerns?”

“Yes, and I hope I’m not stepping out of line, but they could both probably benefit from a little
more quality time with you. I only bring this up because…well, Chelsea made a comment that
worried me.”

His eyes narrowed. Was she criticizing the way he raised his children? “Oh?” he asked stiffly.
“And what did my daughter tell you?” He shot her the same look he would at someone he was cross-
examining in court.

Jasmine squirmed beneath his gaze. “First of all, she mentioned some unfortunate comments made
by your girlfriend. When I asked her if she’d brought this to your attention she said no. In her words,
she said you didn’t love her and wouldn’t care.”

Victor stiffened. “And you told her otherwise, of course.”

“Of course, but I’m not the one she needs to hear it from. I’ve only been here for a week, and I
couldn’t help noticing that you’re never here. Would it be possible for you to be home a couple nights
a week to spend time with your children? They would really love that.”

Victor became more annoyed with each word she spoke. “As you’ve just said yourself, Ms.
Brooks, you’ve only been here for a week, and I pay you to take care of my children, not play amateur
psychologist.”

Her mouth fell open, but instead of backing down, she glared at him. “Did you at least get the
message your son left with your assistant?”

Victor felt his face grow hot with embarrassment. This was news to him. Lisa usually separated
his messages by levels of importance, and he normally didn’t get to the ones in the non-urgent pile
sometimes days later, depending on his schedule. He’d have to have a talk with her about prioritizing
messages from his children, but he certainly didn’t have to explain himself to anyone, especially his
goddamn Nanny! “It’s been taken care of.”

She raised a brow in what looked like disbelief. “So you will be at Tyler’s parent’s day for his
presentation this Friday at two?”

He had a meeting with an important client on Friday, but Victor didn’t see why he couldn’t
rearrange things to make it work. “Yes, of course I will. Now are you through interrogating me?”
Victor said through clenched teeth.

“I’m sorry I came on too strong, it’s just that this would mean the world to Tyler. He had the
strangest idea you wouldn’t.”

“Contrary to what you think, I do care about my children.”

 “I don’t doubt it.”

“Good.” Victor was still more than a little annoyed despite her conciliatory tone.

“Oh, uh, I just wanted to mention that the water in my shower stall didn’t work tonight.”

Victor sighed. “Miss Applewhite had had problems with that shower as well. And I believe the
shower stall in the hallway bathroom is having the same issue. I never got around to calling a
plumber. Please let Ms. Davis know about it in the morning so that she can take care of the details. In
the meantime, you may use my shower when I’m not home. It’s three doors down from Chelsea’s
bedroom on the opposite side the hall.”

“Thank you.” This time when she smiled at him, her entire face lit up. She was already attractive
but now she was stunning.

Victor couldn’t get out of that room fast enough. He wondered if he’d made a mistake in hiring her.
It was clear the two would butt heads over his parenting methods. But worse yet was this unexpected
attraction he felt toward her. The scary part was knowing that he might not have the will to resist the
temptation she offered.
 Chapter Four

“I don’t want dessert anyway!” Tyler raged, his face bright red, and small body shaking as he
shoved the plate away, sending it flying across the kitchen table and onto the floor.

Jasmine, who had been in the middle of taking a bite of her meatloaf, dropped her fork.

Chelsea looked at her brother with an open-mouthed stare, mashed potatoes clinging to her lips.
“Oooh, you’re gonna get it,” she taunted.

“Chelsea, I don’t need you to instigate. Finish your dinner please,” Jasmine lightly scolded.

Tyler looked at her defiantly as though daring her to challenge him. His legs were spread apart in
a gunslinger stance and his arms were crossed over his bony chest.

Without raising her voice, Jasmine met his gaze squarely and said, “Tyler, pick that up and then go
to your room.” She lifted her fork and continued to eat her dinner. She wouldn’t give credence to his
tantrum. Tyler had been testing her since he got home from school, and it didn’t seem like it was going
to let up any time soon.

The rage emanating from the child was palatable, the tension so thick, it could be cut with a knife.
Jasmine’s jaw clenched and unclenched in an effort to stay the course. Tyler didn’t move a muscle.
Clearly he was waiting to see what her next move would be. This was an old-fashioned stand-off to
see who would be the first to budge, and she silently vowed it wouldn’t be her. After all, she was the
adult.

Pasting a smile on her face, Jasmine focused her attention on Chelsea who picked at her food,
eyes downcast.

“Chelsea, don’t you like your dinner? You seemed to have no trouble eating it a few minutes ago.”

“I’m not that hungry, anymore. I guess I don’t get dessert tonight either.” The sadness in her voice
tugged at Jasmine’s heartstrings. She hated that Tyler’s acting out was affecting his sister.

“Well, if you can finish up your broccoli, I don’t see why you can’t have a small scoop of ice
cream.”

This seemed to perk the little girl up. “Okay.” Chelsea began to shovel the vegetable in her mouth.

“Why does she get dessert? She’s not finishing her meal,” Tyler challenged.
 As much as Jasmine didn’t want to acknowledge his petulant accusation, she turned to him, with
lifted brow. “What makes you feel entitled to dessert after your behavior today? Now pick up the
mess you’ve made.”

“I don’t have to listen to you. You’re just the hired help!” Tyler screamed.

“And you’re being an obnoxious brat so I guess that makes us even. I sorry you were disappointed
today but that doesn’t give you the right to be destructive. I may just be the hired help but I’m the boss
of you while you’re in my care. Go to bed and don’t come back downstairs until you’re ready to act
like a civilized human being.”

Tears welled in the depths of his dark blue eyes. “I hate you! I wish you would go away and never
come back,” he hissed before stomping off in a huff, his loud footsteps creating a resonating boom in
his wake.

Jasmine’s already dwindling appetite was completely gone. Taking a deep breath she pushed her
plate away. She probably could have handled that better.

“Jasmine, may I be excused?” Chelsea asked in a voice Jasmine had to strain to hear.

“Don’t you want ice cream?”

“No thank you. I’m not that hungry.”

“Okay, sweetie. Did you finish your homework?”

“Yes. You helped me with it, remember?”

“So I did.” She shook her head at the faux pas. “Sure, you’re excused.” Jasmine nodded her
consent.

Chelsea slipped out of her chair and scurried toward the kitchen door. But instead of leaving she
turned around, ran back to the table and wrapped slender arms around Jasmine’s waist and gave her
shy smile. “I don’t want you to leave. I’m glad you’re here.” Then just as quickly as it happened, the
little girl pulled back and ran off.

At least one of the Meade children liked her. With a sigh she stood up and retrieved some paper
towels to clean up the mess Tyler had created. It didn’t mean he was off the hook, but she didn’t want
to further escalate the already volatile situation.

Jasmine had gone to Tyler’s parent’s day in a show of support. Over the past week they had forged
somewhat of a tentative friendship. He was still a bit wary of her, but for the most part, they got along
well. His presentation had gone off without a hitch, the only thing missing was Mr. Meade.

For as long as Jasmine lived, she’d never forget the disappointment on that Tyler’s face when he
realized his father had broken his promise. Every single parent whose child made a presentation had
the decency to show up and even though Jasmine was there for Tyler, a nanny made a poor substitute
for a father. If he was standing in front her, she’d give him a piece of her mind. But then again, maybe
it wouldn’t be a good idea because she would definitely lose her job if she said the things that were
currently on her mind.

Once she’d cleaned Tyler’s mess, she dumped the trash and washed her hands. Jasmine squared
her shoulders and took a deep breath, readying herself for the battle ahead. Tyler didn’t have to like
her, but he would respect her.

Jasmine looked in on Chelsea first. She was sitting at the miniature desk in the corner of her
princess pink room, coloring. Assuring herself the little girl was okay, Jasmine moved to Tyler’s
room. The door was firmly closed shut.

Slowly, she twisted the knob and pushed the door open a little at a time, just enough to stick her
head through. The sight that greeted her surprised Jasmine. Lying prone on the bed, face down with
his head buried in the pillow, and shoulders shuddering, Tyler cried as if his little heart was breaking.

Jasmine would have never pegged him for a crier and it broke her heart to see him like this. The
kid was only eight after all, and it didn’t help matter that he was virtually being ignored by an
absentee father.

As if sensing another presence, he lifted his head and looked in her direction. The initial look of
surprise was soon replaced by that stubborn petulance Jasmine had grown accustomed to. Poking out
his bottom lip, and narrowing red-rimmed blue eyes, he wiped the snot from his nose with the back of
his sleeve and snarled. “Go away. I don’t want you here.”

Completely ignoring his statement she walked toward the bed and took a seat on the edge. “I’m
sure your father had a good excuse for not showing up,” she said softly.

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” he muttered under his breath.

“You may not want to, but it’s obviously bothering you, and when something is making you hurt to
the point where you’re lashing out against people who care about you, I think it helps to get it off your
chest.”

“I said I don’t wanna talk about it! You can’t make me!” The loudness of his declaration made her
flinch.

Jasmine had to remind herself that this wasn’t personal, as much as Tyler was trying to make it so.
“You’re not going to get rid of me that easily.”

Tyler scrambled to a sitting position and raised his fist at her, poised to strike.

“Tyler this isn’t the way to deal with your anger. Don’t do it.” The words were soft but her tone
was firm.

Tyler swung at her.

 Before his blow could connect, Jasmine caught his wrist and pushed it away. “That’s enough
Tyler. I’m not to blame for what happened today, and neither are you. It’s not your fault your father
didn’t show up.”

Jasmine knew how it felt to be that kid who wondered why her father didn’t care enough to be a
part of her life. It had hurt a hell of a lot when she was younger, to the point where she’d often
believed there was something wrong with her.

Tyler’s bottom lip quivered before he burst into noisy tears. “He’s never there. He hates me!”

Jasmine, engulfed him within her embrace, and at first he remained stiff and unyielding, but then,
he relaxed, grabbing a handful of her shirt and holding her close. Tears stung the back of her eyes at
the child’s obvious heartbreak. For each tear Tyler shed, Jasmine cried two of her own.

Cradling him in her arms, she rocked him back and forth, stroking his dark head. “Sweetheart, it’s
going to be okay. That’s it, cry if you need to,” she whispered soothing words against his ear.

When he sobs became mere, hiccups, the boy pulled away, and shot Jasmine a look of
embarrassment. “Sorry,” he muttered under his breath.

“It’s okay, honey. There’s no shame in crying.”

“Adam wouldn’t cry,” Tyler countered.

“I’m sure even Adam cries. Everyone does, even your father.”

“No way. My dad wouldn’t cry. Besides, he has nothing to cry about because he doesn’t care
about anything except his stupid job. I bet if his office burned down he might, but not over anything
else.”

“I doubt that’s true.”

“It is. He didn’t even cry when Mommy went to heaven.”

Jasmine absently stroked his hair in a gesture of comfort. “Just because you didn’t see him do it,
doesn’t mean he didn’t. And what’s more, I think you’re wrong about your father not caring. If he
didn’t, would he see that you’re clothed, fed and taken care of? Maybe that’s the way he shows love.
When I was a child, my father didn’t stick around to do any of those things, so I’d say your father is
more of a father than mine ever was. Don’t write him off just yet. He may surprise you.”

Tyler sniffed, rubbing his eyes with his fist. “D’ya really think so?”

“I know so.” She didn’t really but she wasn’t going to tell an eight year old that. Victor Meade had
a lot to answer for.

“Thanks, Jasmine.”
 “No problem.”

Tyler’s cheeks turned a bright pink. “Jasmine, I’m sorry for the way I acted at the dinner table, and
for trying to hit you.” His contrition sounded genuine and she would have been heartless if she didn’t
accept his apology.

“I accept your apology however, I may just be the help, but your father put me in charge of you and
Chelsea’s well-being and it’s a job I take very seriously. You may not like it, but while I’m the only
adult around, I need you to listen when I tell you to do something. It doesn’t have to be a constant
battle. I’d like us to be friends, so how about we wipe the slate clean and start fresh?” Jasmine
backed away slightly and held her hand out. “Hello, my name is Jasmine Brooks, but you can call me,
Jasmine. I like strawberry ice cream, old king fu movies and cooking shows. How about you?”

Tyler stifled a giggle behind his hand. “You’re being silly. I already know who you are.”

She grinned. “If we’re starting fresh, you don’t. So, what’s your name stranger?”

Tyler rolled his eyes, but he took her and shook it vigorously. “Tyler Meade. I like playing
Fortnite, Minecraft and pepperoni pizza.”

“I’m pleased to meet you. Now to cement this new friendship of ours, how about we go
downstairs and make ice cream sundaes?”

“But you said I couldn’t have any.”

Jasmine blinked her eyelashes in mock innocence. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. We
just met, remember? Besides, I have a feeling there’s a certain young lady who would probably like
to join us.”

Tyler paused as though thinking this over for a minute, then gave her a big toothy grin. “I would
like that a lot, thank you.”

Later that night when the children were tucked into bed, Jasmine breathed a sigh of relief. She and
Tyler may have gotten off to a rocky start but she was hopeful that they’d finally turned a corner. He’d
still challenge her at times, but she’d let him know who was in charge.

Jasmine was annoyed when her shower didn’t come on again. She thought the plumber had been
contacted. Remembering Mr. Meade’s offer to use his, she grabbed her toiletries and headed to his
bedroom. She gasped upon stepping inside. Her room was nice but Mr. Meade’s bedroom was huge.

Tastefully decorated in beige and off white, there didn’t seem to be an item out of place. A four
poster king sized bed dominated the center of the room. It was covered by a gold and black comforter
that somehow suited the color scheme better than one would expect.

Absently she placed her towel on the bed, and inspected the room further. In the far corner see-
through drapes decorated to large glass French doors that led to a balcony. On the outside there was a
table with two chairs, which probably overlooked the back of his property. Careful not to touch
anything, she toured the room, noting every painting and knick knack in fascination. Once her curiosity
had been satisfied, she walked into the bathroom.

Even his shower was more luxurious than anything she’d ever seen. It had one of those adjustable
showerheads that beat down on her tense muscles like a deep tissue massage. Jasmine didn’t want to
get out of it, but her skin was beginning to pucker and she realized she must have been in the shower
longer than she intended.

When she turned off the water and reached for her towel, she cursed. “Damn.” She’d left her
towel on Mr. Meade’s bed. She didn’t think it was a big deal because no one would see her since the
kids and Ms. Davis were in bed and Mr. Meade didn’t usually get home until later.

Gathering her soap and washcloth, she walked out of the bathroom and came face to face with her
stunned employer.

When she’d envisioned her confrontation with him, she never thought it would be with her
standing before him buck naked.
 Chapter Five

When Victor had come home, the house was quiet. Everyone must have been in bed sleeping. Not
for the first time since Jasmine Brooks popped up in his life, he wondered if he was relying too
heavily on other people to raise his children. Over the past fifteen years, he’d built a reputation as
one of the best trial lawyers in the country, and if he really wanted to, he could reduce his case load
dramatically, and still live comfortably.

Victor didn’t understand where this drive to work came from even after he’d reached the pinnacle
of his career. Adam, Tyler and Chelsea wanted for nothing. Anything they asked for they got so why
did he get this niggling feeling in the back of his mind that it wasn’t enough. That nanny had gotten into
his head more than he cared to admit.

When walked into his bedroom he noticed steam coming out from underneath the bathroom door,
and he belatedly remembered offering Jasmine the use of his shower. He made a mental note to
follow up the plumber situation because it had completely slipped his mind.

Victor had every intention of turning around and leaving the room to grant her some privacy, but
that decision was taken from his hands when the door flew open and standing in front of him was a
very nude, and very wet Jasmine.

Hot damn.

Had it been a matter of life and death, he still wouldn’t have been able to drag his gaze away from
the sight before him. Jasmine may have had a young face, but her body was all woman. For breasts as
full as hers, they were surprisingly high and perky. The round brown globes were capped with
blackberry colored nipples. With the classic hour glass figure, she was absolute perfection.

Her stomach was flat, and the only indication that she’d given birth were the faint stretch marks
that lined the taut skin. Victor was sure he could span that tiny waist of hers within his two hands.
Unable to help himself, he allowed his gaze to roam lower to curvaceous hips and to the thick patch
of tight curls nestled lovingly between her thighs.

Victor’s cock tented his pants, and his mouth went dry.

A loud gasp met his ears, freeing him of the hypnotic trance of her gorgeous body.

His eyes met hers. Jasmine’s mouth hung open, a look of horror and embarrassment flickering in
and out her dark ones. Belatedly her arms flew up to crisscross over her chest.
 “I…I left my towel on your bed,” she muttered, turning her head away. “M-my shower wasn’t
working and…”

Her embarrassment shamed him, and it wasn’t an emotion he particularly cared for. Not liking
how his body reacted to hers, he lashed out. “For God sake, stop acting like a damned little girl. I’ve
seen a naked body before and there’s nothing spectacular about yours.”

Her eyes widened, and jaw dropped, before replying stiffly, “I’m glad to know I have nothing to
worry about then. I’ll be out of your way shortly.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll leave. Take all the time you need.” Victor turned on his heel and shot
out of his bedroom as if the devil himself were on his heels. He didn’t stop until he was behind the
closed door of his downstairs office.

Collapsing in the black leather swivel chair behind his desk, Victor took a deep breath to relieve
some of the pent up tension built up within him. His dick was so hard it hurt. Unzipping his pants to
alleviate some of the pressure, he groaned aloud. He slipped his hand beneath the waistband of his
boxers and rubbed his aching member to soothe the raging beast within.

What had possessed him to say what he did to her? It was true enough that he’d seen plenty of
naked women, but not many had made his body go into lust overload and have him reacting like a
damned school boy with his first crush.

She couldn’t remain under his employ.

Jasmine seemed to be getting along with the children just fine according to his mother, but there
was no way he would come in contact with her without remembering how beautiful she’d looked,
dripping wet. He would always wonder how she tasted and that simply wouldn’t do. Once the trail
period was over which he estimated to be in a couple weeks, he’d give her a nice severance and send
Jasmine on her way.

Problem solved.

Jesus Christ he was hard. Masturbation wasn’t enough. He needed a woman’s willing body
beneath his. He removed his hand from inside his pants and zipped up.

When was the last time he’d had sex? If he were to arrange something with Madison, he knew
she’d be more than willing, but something made him pause. The problem was, if he took their
relationship to that level, she’d expect more from him. No, what he needed was a no-strings-attached
fuck.

Victor pulled his phone out of his pocket and scrolled through his contact list. He saw names of
women he hadn’t seen in years. Was he so wound up in his career that he’d let his social life suffer
this much?

After going through the list of his former lovers, he settled on a woman who he remembered
having a pleasant experience with. Victor clicked on her name and hit the call button. As soon as he
connected, he was met with the blaring siren sound and an operator announcing the phone number was
disconnected. Frustrated he tossed the phone on his desk.

Who was he kidding? He was a fool to think calling some random woman he hadn’t seen in years
would solve his problem. Maybe he should call Madison up. Would it be such a bad thing to get more
deeply involved with her? She was beautiful, poised, knew how to handle herself in a social
situation. He could do much worse.

He pondered this over for several moments when a knock on his study door broke his silent
musings.

“Come in,” he barked a bit harsher than he intended.

Jasmine poked her head into the room, tentatively at first, before stepping into the study. A thick
white terry cloth rob encased her body, but it did little to stave away the memory of what was
underneath.

Great. Just what he needed; confronted on staring at her luscious body a lot longer than he should
have.

“Mr. Meade, may I have a word with you please?”

“Of course, but if you’ve come to demand an apology then you have it. I forgot about letting you
use the shower, and probably should have left the minute you opened the bathroom door.”

She shook her head. “You don’t owe me an apology. I was careless for leaving the towel on your
bed. I didn’t meant to give you a peep show. Anyway, that’s not what I was here to talk to you about.”

Victor shrugged. “Fair enough. If you’re not here to talk about that, then what are you here for?”

She narrowed her eyes and shot him an expectant look. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Victor frowned. “No, but I’m sure you’ll enlighten me.”

“Today is Friday.”

Again, he couldn’t figure what she was trying to get at. “I’m aware of that. What’s your point?”

She exhaled with a huff, and her eyes squinted to narrow slits. “Today was Tyler’s presentation.
You promised to be there.”

Shit! He knew he’d forgotten something. Why hadn’t he put it in his planner like he did most
important meetings? He brought the heel of his palm to his forehead. “I’m sorry. It completely slipped
my mind, but I’m sure he’ll get over it. I’ll take him out for ice cream or buy him something he
wants.”
 Jasmine raised a brow. “And what will you do the next time you conveniently forget one of his
events?”

“Pardon me?” Was she chastising him?

“He doesn’t want you to buy him things as much as he wants your time.”

“I said I forgot. I should have put it in my planner but it slipped my mind.”

“So your children don’t even rate a note in your planner? I’m sorry, Mr. Meade, but I think Tyler
will need more than a trinket to make this up to him.”

Victor already felt like shit for going back on his promise. He didn’t need Jasmine making him
feel even worse. “I think you’re overstepping your bounds. You’re in a precarious position as it is
with this trial period. If you’d like to make it through I suggest you learn your place.”

“I know my place. Do you know yours?” she challenged, not backing down.

That was it. She was out of here. He stood up with the full intention of firing her ass. “Now wait
just a minute—”

“No, you wait!” Jasmine charged toward the desk, stopping a couple feet away from him. Victor
was certain if the desk wasn’t separating them, she’d be right under his nose. “You weren’t here when
Tyler was bawling his eyes out because you didn’t rank him high enough to even notate in your
precious planner.”

All the anger building within him, quickly drained away. “Tyler was crying? He never cries.”

“Why wouldn’t he? He’s only eight years old, much too young to process why his father can’t be
bothered with him. I went to his presentation, and he did a fine job by the way. Incidentally, you were
the only parent not there. If you want to fire me, then fine, but I will say this, if you don’t start paying
attention to your children, you’re going to lose a chance at getting to know two very wonderful
people. You may not be close with your oldest son—”

Anger tore through him. How dare she mention Adam? “You know nothing about the situation.”

“I know enough. Did you think your kids wouldn’t say anything to me? How Adam doesn’t like to
come home because he hates you?” As if realizing she’d gone too far, she took a step backward as
contrition entered her previously stormy gaze. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

Victor collapsed in his seat. What could he say in his defense when every bit of it was true? His
problems with Adam were something that plagued his mind constantly. He didn’t need her to remind
him, but she was right. His son didn’t want anything to do with him. “No, you shouldn’t have said it,
but you weren’t wrong,” he said with a heavy sigh.

“I’m sure he cares. The only thing I know of it is from what I hear from Tyler and Chelsea. I
promise I wasn’t fishing, it was just something brought up in conversation.”
 “It doesn’t matter. I guess you’ve made up your mind about what a lousy father I am, and maybe
you’re right. Have a seat Jasmine.”

Her shoulders slumped as she gnawed her bottom lip. “You’re going to fire me now, aren’t you?”
she asked in a small voice.

A smile curved his lips. “You’re not losing all that fire so easily are you?”

“Should I be worried?”

“You might, but please, sit.”

Jasmine took a seat on the recliner at the corner of his office.

“Relax, I don’t plan on firing you…yet. I just want to make you aware of some things.”

She held up her hand. “No, you don’t have to tell me. It’s none of my business.”

Victor lifted a brow. “But you had no problem getting into it earlier. Look, the truth of the matter
is, Adam and I don’t get along as father and son should. Not many people know this, but before my
wife died, she and I were separated.”

“Oh.”

“Just to provide a little background, my family was very prominent back in the early part of the
century, but over the years, their fortune was squandered by lousy investments and excess spending.
By the time my father died shortly after I turned sixteen, my mother and I had little money to support
ourselves, but in some circles, the Meade name still meant something.” He paused for a moment to
gather his thoughts, raking his fingers though his hair.

Jasmine watched him with an intent expression. Did she realize her robe had opened enough to
reveal her cleavage?

Victor shook his head to rid it of any carnal thoughts. Dragging his eyes away from the tempting
display, he continued his story.

“When we first met, I was just a poor law student trying to pay my way through college. My mom
had dragged me to a dinner party of an old friend and it’s there where I first laid eyes on Carolyn. She
was everything I could have wanted in a woman at that time. The attraction was mutual. As it turned
out, her father was one of the partners in a law firm I was interning for. He didn’t really approve of
me because I couldn’t provide the life style she was accustomed to. I’d like to think he saw my
ambition but at the end of the day he relented because I had an old family name. I think in his mind it
gave him some kind of clout.”

Dredging up old memories hurt like hell. It was probably why he didn’t indulge in them that often.
“Carolyn learned she was pregnant shortly after our engagement, and I was determined to provide for
her and the baby the best way I knew how. We got married in an elaborate ceremony, her wishes, and
then shortly afterward, I graduated law school and took a job at my father-in-law’s firm. Things were
fine in the beginning, but Carolyn soon grew dissatisfied with her life as a homemaker. She became
impatient with me because I was working my ass off to give her the things she wanted. Nothing I did
seemed to satisfy her.”

“Eventually she started running to her father when she wanted something. Do you have any idea
how embarrassing it is, to come home and find a new car in your driveway, and another addition
being added on to your house, because your wife ran to Daddy?”

Jasmine shot him a sympathetic look of understanding. “I don’t know, but I can imagine.”

“It was emasculating. It only got worse when Adam came along. I’d come home and my father-in-
law would be there. If I told my son to do something, he’d override my authority, and Carolyn would
sit there and let him. I realized then the only way I could salvage this marriage was if I left his law
firm and start my own. I forbade my wife to go to her father for matters that dealt with our household,
but it didn’t stop her. It would lead to arguments and fights of proportions you wouldn’t believe. I
never laid a hand on her, but she had no problem striking me. Whenever it got to that point, I’d simply
walk out of the house, not realizing at the time how she was starting to turn my own son against me.”

“How?” Jasmine asked gently.

“He was a very clever little boy and I’m sure he’d hear us arguing. Whenever I’d walk out the
house. I can only guess that’s when she’d tell him how mean I was to her. I’d come home and my son
wouldn’t even look at me. To have the hatred of your own child is deeper than anyone can know. I
spent more time in the office, trying to build up my practice, and less time with my wife and son. One
day I came home, and Carolyn was gone. She’d left Adam with a sitter and expected me to deal with
the mess she’d left behind.”

“Did she go live with her father?”

Victor released a bitter laugh when he thought of that son of a bitch. “No. But he funded her trip
around the world. Adam of course blamed me for her leaving. Her last gift to me was to tell him that
she would have stayed, but ‘Daddy made her go away.’ ”

Jasmine gasped. “She didn’t.”

“My wife was very spoiled and self-centered woman but I’d loved her and had overlooked a lot
of her flaws. After all, I wasn’t perfect either. Anyway, it took over a year to get a somewhat normal
relationship with Adam. We were just starting to get along, when Carolyn came trouncing back into
our lives, without so much as a word of where she’d been. I later learned her lover found someone
richer to sponge off of, and she’d come back home to lick her wounds. I wanted to send her away, but
Adam was so happy to see her I didn’t have the heart. She begged me to give our marriage another
chance, and fool that I was, I agreed.”

“A year later Tyler was born, but then the same patterns began all over again; the fights, Carolyn
running to her father, him getting in the middle. Despite this, I wanted to hang on to our marriage for
the boys. Our one last try at reconciliation resulted in Chelsea. Carolyn stayed around for the first few
months after she was born and then left. She came back a couple months later, but at this point I didn’t
care, as long as it made the kids happy. Over the span of the next three and a half years, she’d come
and go at the drop of a hat, but there came a time when I’d had enough. The last time I was determined
not to take her back, but it didn’t matter anyway, because she died in a car accident with her father.”

“Adam blamed you?”

“Yes. That pretty much shattered what little bit of respect he had for me. I should have got him
counseling, but instead I put him in the care of nannies and sitters along with his brother and sister as I
threw myself into my work. Then he started running away. I was at my wits end. The last time they
brought him home, he screamed that he hated me, and he couldn’t wait to get his trust fund because
he’d never come back.”

“He’s just a boy. He couldn’t have meant it.”

Victor shook his head. “I think one of the reasons Adam and I have always butted heads is because
we’re both so damned stubborn. The comment about his trust fund was one of the legacies of our
destructive marriage. My father-in-law had set up trust funds for them, and made no secret of it. He
actually liked to brag about how he could give my children so much more than I could. I guess that
was one of the things that drove me to be the workaholic I am today.”

“So to deal with your problems, you sent Adam to military school?”

“Don’t give me that look.”

“What look?”

“That disapproving one, where you try to look objective but instead you’re condemning me.”

“I think that’s all in your mind, Mr. Meade.”

“He was running away. I didn’t want the police to come to my door one day and say something
happened to my son. I did what I thought best at the time, and he seems happy enough where he is.
When he comes home from school the times he can be bothered to, it’s yes sir this and that, but at least
he’s not openly hostile. I know I’ve made mistakes with him and I’m terrified of doing the same with
Chelsea and Tyler.”

“But don’t you see? They need you. Things may not be great with Adam right now, but it would
mean so much to Tyler and Chelsea if you spent a couple days out of the week with them. At the very
least, share a meal with them. And as for Adam…it’s never too late to tell someone you care.”

Victor sighed. “If only it were that simple.”

“It is if you let it.” Jasmine stood up. “It’s getting late, and I think I should go to bed.” She turned
to leave, but he was reluctant to let her go for some reason.
 “Jasmine…”

“Yes, Mr. Meade?” Her body was tense. Perhaps she still believed he would fire her on the spot,
but at the moment, it was the last thing on his mind. He needed comfort, someone to hold and to take
away the pain. Victor was very close to getting out of his chair, closing the distance between them and
taking Jasmine in his arms. But that wouldn’t be a good ideas because he wanted more than a hug.

“Nothing. Goodnight, and thanks for caring about my children.”

Her shoulders slumped to a more relaxed pose as a smile curved her full lips. “They’re very easy
to care about. Goodnight Mr. Meade.”

Long after Jasmine had gone, he sat at his desk, thinking this woman was going to turn his world
on its axis.
 Chapter Six
Jasmine’s heart pounded with anticipation as she rang the doorbell on the large oak door. It had
been way too long since she’d seen her daughter but she was only granted two supervised visits a
month and she’d missed the last one because the family Star had been staying with had got the time
she was supposed to visit wrong. Since then her daughter had been moved to a group home. It was
only a matter of time before Jasmine got her back.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a tall thin woman with graying red hair answered the
door. “Yes, may I help you?” Light brown eyes surveyed Jasmine from head to toe.

“I’m Jasmine Brooks. I spoke with Ms. Vance to see—”

“You’re Star’s mother? Of course! Please, come in. I’m Theresa Mayer.” The woman opened the
door wider, allowing Jasmine entrance. “Star will be so pleased you’ve come; it’s just what she
needs. Lately…” she broke off with a frown.

“What? Is everything alright with her?” Jasmine’s heartbeat quickened.

Ms. Mayer paused for a moment before answering. “Well, she hasn’t spoken a word since she’s
been in our care. She doesn’t interact with the other children and she basically keeps to herself. I’m
just worried that the longer she goes without speaking, the harder it will be to draw Star from out of
her shell.”

It was during her first visit with Star after her release from prison, that Jasmine learned Star had
stopped speaking. No one could give her a reason why, but she didn’t need one. She blamed herself
for not choosing another course of action to solve her problems. Now because of what she’d done,
her daughter silently suffered.

“I had hoped after my last visit, she might talk again. Ms. Mayer—”

“Theresa. We don’t stand on formalities here. I’ve only worked at this home for a few weeks, but
in the time I’ve spent with Star, I think there’s something much deeper to why she doesn’t speak. I
think your being away is part of it, but not entirely. We’ve sent her to a child psychologist, but if she
won’t open up, they can’t help.”

Jasmine nodded. “Yes, I understand,” she sighed. “May I see her now?”

The other woman nodded. “Of course. I just thought I should warn you so you won’t be alarmed
when you see her appearance.”

Jasmine’s heart felt as if it had sunk to her feet. “Her appearance? What do you mean?”

“You’ll see. Please, follow me.”

 Jasmine followed Theresa in silence, wondering what the other woman had meant about Star’s
appearance.

She didn’t have to wonder for long. When Jasmine walked into Star’s room, the little girl was
curled up in a ball on the windowsill, fast asleep.

Star looked so thin!

It looked like she’d lost at least five to seven pounds, which was very noticeable for a child of
nearly six.

“I’ll go wake her. The poor dear hasn’t slept much since we told her about your visit.” Theresa
made a move to go to Star, but Jasmine grabbed her arm.

“No. Please. I’ll do it, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course. I’ll be just downstairs. Can I bring you up something to drink?”

“No, thank you.”

Jasmine waited until Theresa was gone and she heard footsteps going down the stairs before
going to her daughter. Gently at first, she tapped the little girl’s shoulders. “Star? Baby? Mommy’s
here.”

The child stirred a little, but didn’t wake up.

Jasmine gathered Star in her arms and carried her to the narrow twin bed in the center of the
room. Her daughter weighed next to nothing. The once cherubically round face was now thin and
hollowed. Taking a seat with Star on her lap, Jasmine rocked her daughter as tears streamed down her
face.

“Star honey, wake up, Mommy is here,” she whispered against her daughter’s ear.

This time, Star woke up. She stared at Jasmine with large soulful eyes that looked bigger than
ever in her thin face. They widened temporarily in what appeared to be near disbelief before a small
smile curved her lips. Before Jasmine could say another word, Star threw her arms around her
mother’s neck in a near choke hold. Though it was difficult to breathe, Jasmine didn’t mind. She
wrapped her arms around her baby’s small body.

“I missed you so much honey,” she gasped the words, but still it felt good to hold Star again.
Jasmine didn’t know how long they remained in each other’s embrace, but it didn’t matter.

“Sweetheart, I have a new job, which pays pretty decent money. Do you know what that means?”

Star shook her head, the little smile still on her lips. Jasmine stroked the side of Star’s face. She
was such a beautiful child with thickly-lashed chocolate brown eyes, even mahogany skin, a heart-
shaped mouth that curled at the corners when she smiled, and a cute button nose. She’d grow up to be
a great beauty one day. There were times when Star was just a baby, that Jasmine would stand over
her daughter’s crib just to watch her sleeping. Even now it amazed her that this gorgeous child
belonged to her.

“It means that you and I can live together again soon. Would you like that?”

Star nodded her head in the affirmative.

“I’d like that too. I’ll get us a house with a back yard for you to play in, and maybe even a dog. I
remember you used to want one so badly, but your fath—well, we’ll see about getting you that dog.”

Jasmine silently cursed herself for that brief slip of the tongue because the smile fell from Star’s
face at the mention of her father. It was obvious that it was as much a sore subject for Star as it was
for Jasmine.

The little girl slid off her lap and walked over to her desk. Star pulled the top open and took out
some papers before presenting them to Jasmine.

“Is this for me?” Jasmine asked.

Star nodded.

Jasmine flipped the pages over to see pictures drawn with crayon. The first picture was of two
people, which she assumed was her and Star. They were holding hands and smiling. The next one was
of just Star, and she was frowning. The following pictures were just of Star as well. There wasn’t
much to them, but in every single one, the background was dark.

It wasn’t hard to figure out what her daughter was trying to tell her. “Sweetheart, you have no idea
how much I want to take you with me, but I can’t. Not right now, but I promise, we’ll be together
again very soon.”

Star walked over to her closet and pulled out a child-sized suitcase.

Jasmine fought back tears. She moved to where her daughter stood and knelt beside her. “I want
you to come with me, more than anything, but you’ll have to stay here when I leave today. Do you
understand?”

Star shook her head, clutching the suitcase to her chest.

“Baby, I know you want to come with me, and I want that too, but I just can’t. I still don’t have a
house of my own, but when I can find somewhere affordable for us to stay, I’ll come for you. I
promise. Now, let’s put this away and maybe we can play a game. We’ll play Candy Land. Why don’t
you go get it so I can set it up?”

Star wouldn’t budge as she gripped her little suitcase tighter, her brown knuckles nearly turning
white.
 Jasmine gently tugged it out of her daughter’s hand. Star reached for the suitcase, but Jasmine held
it out of her reach. The child tried again, and then again, before giving up. She looked to be on the
verge of tears, but instead of crying, she walked over to her bed and sat, eyes forward and little hands
folded in her lap.

Jasmine felt helpless in the face of Star’s suffering. “Baby, you do understand why I can’t take you
with me right now?”

Star nodded, but remained very still otherwise.

Jasmine wasn’t sure how to react after that. She stared at Star for several moments before
releasing a resigned sigh. The only thing she could do was make the most of her visit. It wouldn’t be
easy. There had to be a way to get her daughter back sooner. There just had to be!

***

“Daddy, I don’t feel good,” Chelsea moaned, holding her stomach. Her mouth was smeared with
chocolate ice cream.

“Told ya’ not to eat that second chili dog.” Tyler’s voice was full of smug satisfaction.

“No comments from the peanut gallery,” Victor scolded his son lightly, although secretly he
agreed. He turned to his daughter. “Okay, honey, we’ll go home.”

“But, dad, you said you’d take us to the movies. It’s not fair that we have to go home because
Chelsea was too dumb to stop eating when she was full,” Tyler argued.

“That’s enough, Tyler. We can go to the movies another time. Besides, didn’t we have a full day?
We went to the festival and the zoo and we stuffed our faces with junk food. To be honest, sport, I
don’t think I have the energy to take in a movie as well.” And that was the truth.

After his talk with Jasmine, Victor came to terms with the fact that he needed to spend more time
with his children. After all, they were growing so fast and he didn’t want the distance between them
to widen…not like with Adam.

Victor’s relationship with his oldest son was still a source of pain, but he hoped one day that was
a hurdle he could eventually conquer. It was Jasmine’s suggestion that he take the kids to the
children’s day festival the city was sponsoring. He’d been apprehensive about spending the entire day
with Tyler and Chelsea on his own, scared that he’d do or say the wrong thing around them, but now
he was glad he had.

He really enjoyed spending time with them. Victor never realized how much fun his children
were, or how he’d melt every time Chelsea smiled, or the way he’d laugh until his stomach hurt when
Tyler told a corny joke.

By the time he pulled into their driveway, he was thoroughly exhausted. He saw the light was on
in the living room when they walked into the house. Victor had given Jasmine the day off and told her
he’d put the children to bed, so he didn’t expect her to be here. But there she was sitting on the couch,
absently channel surfing. He got the distinct impression the television was watching her instead of the
other way around.

His years as an attorney had taught him how to read people. Something was wrong. The children,
on the other hand, rushed into the living room to tell her about their day.

“Jasmine, we went to the festival and I got my face painted!” Chelsea exclaimed, showing off the
purple butterfly on the side of her face.

“We saw the monkeys at the zoo, and one of them flung poo. It was gross,” Tyler added to the
conversation.

Jasmine gave the children a weak smile as she listened to them tell her how their day went, all the
while, Victor grew more certain something was bothering her.

“Kids, how about you two go upstairs and take your baths and then get in your pajamas,” he
suggested.

“But, dad, it’s still early and you said we could stay up and watch a movie on Netflix,” Tyler
protested.

Victor had forgotten that. It would be a long night, but he didn’t want to end such a nice day by
disappointing them. “And you will. But if you prepare yourself for bed now, you’ll get to stay up
later. I’ll have the popcorn ready by the time you two get downstairs.”

Once the children left the room, Victor focused his attention on Jasmine. On closer inspection, it
looked as if she’d been crying. For whatever reason, he didn’t like to see her so upset.

“Jasmine, what’s the matter?” He took a seat on the couch next to her.

She pasted a smile on her face, but it looked false to him. “Nothing at all, why do you ask?”

Victor shot her a shrewd look. “You’re not a very good liar. Did something happen today?”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

He shrugged. It wasn’t like he could force her. “Okay, but if you need anything, let me know.”

A faint smile touched her curvaceous lips. “You’re being very kind.”

Victor grinned. “I’m not a total jerk.”

“I know. Thank you for taking Chelsea and Tyler out. They were so excited to spend the day with
you.”

“You shame me, Jasmine. You shouldn’t be thanking me. This was long overdue and I actually
should be the one thanking you. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself this much. I realized
how much of the kids’ lives I’m missing and I don’t want to be an absentee father anymore. Like you
said, being there is important.”

Without warning, Jasmine burst into tears.

Without thought, Victor took Jasmine into his arms. He held her as she released body shaking
sobs. Whatever happen must have been bad because she didn’t strike him as the type to have a lot of
emotional outbursts.

Finally, when her tears subsides, Jasmine lifted her head. “I’m sorry. It’s just…I visited my
daughter today.”

“She’s not well?”

Jasmine looked away from him, but not before he caught an expression that strangely looked like
guilt. He didn’t know much about her situation, but he could only imagine her pain in being separated
from her child.

“No. She’s…getting worse. I just wish…Well, it doesn’t matter.”

Victor realized he was still holding her, but not only that, he didn’t want to let go. Jasmine’s lips
were mere inches from his.

She must have realized the sudden change in the atmosphere as well because her eyes widened.
“Mr. Meade?”

With a groan, he lowered his mouth to hers.

 Chapter Seven
The second he lowered his head, she should have pulled away, turned her head or something. Not
sit there and accept his marauding lips. Instead Jasmine allowed it to happen. In the back of her mind,
she screamed this was wrong yet, when she placed her hands against his chest with the intention of
pushing him away, something happened.

She noticed the erratic beating of his heart matched hers and a heat like she’d never experienced
shot to her very core, making her nipples pebble against the cotton material of her blouse. She
instantly got wet, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a very long time.

After the past few years of despair and heartache, this new sensation swirling within her body
could not be ignored. Maybe one kiss wouldn’t hurt. Could it? Still, she should at least put up some
form of token protest. What kind of woman would he think she was if he could so easily bend her to
his will? “Mr. Meade,” she moaned against his mouth, “This is wrong. We can’t do this.”

His arms tightened around her. “Victor,” he said urgently, grasping a chunk of her hair and giving
it a hard tug.

The movement took her by surprise, and she gasped, at the drastic change in this man who seemed
to be in control of every aspect of his life.

Taking advantage of her slightly parted lips, Victor slipped his tongue between them, exploring
and exploring the inside of her mouth like a warrior bent on conquering her.

To Jasmine’s utter shame, she pushed her tongue forward to meet his, tentatively at first and then
she twined it around his in an erotic dance of passion. Her body burst into flames as he ran his fingers
along her spine, massaging her back, and pulling her closer to him.

The kiss evolved into more when Victor tugged her t-shirt from her waistband and the next thing
she knew he was tunneling his hands beneath her top and moving them toward her breasts.

She went still again, not sure if things should go this far. “Please, let me,” he murmured against
her lips.

Before Jasmine could protest, deft finger cupped the tender mounds, kneading them in his palms.

“You’re not wearing a bra. I’m glad.” Victor lifted her shirt and brought his head eye level with
her nipple. “Beautiful,” he murmured before flicking his tongue against one taut peak, sending a shiver
through her body.
 “Oh, God.” She should end this, but her body wouldn’t cooperate.

Victor latched onto the tight peak, taking it fully into his mouth, giving it a gentle tug before going
to full suckle. “Mmm,” he groaned as though relishing his task.

Unable to help herself, she dug her fingers through his thick salt-and-pepper hair, holding his head
against her breast. Her pussy gushed with cream. “Please,” she whispered, not exactly sure what she
was begging for. Molten heat licked her nerve endings, sending all coherent thought from her mind.

He released the hardened tip with a loud wet pop and raised his eyes to hers. “You have a
beautiful body, Jasmine. I lied to.”

“Huh?” was all she could manage to croak.

“I lied when I said there was nothing special about seeing your nude body. Ever since I saw you
naked I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind and I couldn’t stop thinking about doing this to
you.”

Before she could respond to his shocking revelation, he latched his mouth on to her other nipple
and sucked with fierce hungry tugs. The low growl in the back of his throat told her he’d meant every
word he’d said.

It was strange because she’d never allowed herself to think about her and Mr. Meade—Victor like
this before. She’d been too busy with the children to allow something so wicked to cross her mind.
Now that she was here, in his arms, being made to feel emotions she’d thought she’d never experience
again Jasmine didn’t know why she hadn’t.

He was an attractive man with his above average looks and a body he clearly took good care of.
Perhaps she never dared think of him in this way because of the disparity in their worlds. He was a
successful, wealthy lawyer and she was the hired help. If anyone would have told her the two of them
would have ended in each other’s’ arms Jasmine would have laughed in their face. She didn’t have
much of a chance to dwell on these thoughts when he pushed her down on the sofa and lay on top of
her.

His erection pressed into the juncture of her thighs. He felt hard and thick. Was she ready for this?
To be taken on the couch with the children upstairs.

The children!

They were upstairs and due to come down at any moment!

Jasmine squirmed and tried to push him off. “No! We can’t do this!”

“Yes, we can,” he groaned lowering his head in an attempt to capture her mouth with his again.

“No! The kids are upstairs! They’ll be back down. You said you’d have the popcorn ready for
them.”
 It seemed to take a moment before it registered with Victor. “Shit.” He scrambled off of her and
stood up, adjusting his clothes.

Jasmine struggled to her feet, and pulled her shirt down. When she would have run past him, he
grabbed her arm.

“We have to talk.”

She shook her head. “There’s nothing to talk about. We shouldn’t have done that. It was wrong.”

“Maybe so, but we can’t brush this under the rug and pretend this didn’t happen.”

“You’re right and I know what has to be done.” She wrenched her arm out of his grip and raced
out of the living room. Jasmine knew he wasn’t chasing her, but she didn’t want to chance it. Not
slowing down until she was in the safety of her room, she shut the door behind her and locked it.

Sinking to her knees, she allowed her head the fall into her hands. How could she have been so
stupid to allow things to go so far? There was no way she could stay on after what had happened.
He’d blame her—say she encouraged him somehow. She wasn’t so ignorant to think a man like him
wouldn’t blame her for what went on.

This day couldn’t get any worse. It was bad enough to see Star suffering but now, with the
prospect of being jobless and homeless, Jasmine didn’t know how much more misfortune she could
take. This job had presented the opportunity to earn enough money to reestablish herself and regain
custody of Star. Now, she was back at square one.

Now what? As distasteful as it was to her, she might need to apply for public assistance. It was
something that gnawed at her gut. She was able bodied and willing to work, but who would
knowingly hire an ex-con? She’d felt guilty enough deceiving Victor. Jasmine wasn’t sure she’d be
able to do it again.

She doubted he would kick her out tonight. She’d sleep on it and determine what her next course
of action would be in the morning, that is, if she could sleep.

***

Victor was up early the next morning, not that he’d gotten much sleep. He wanted to make sure he
was up when Jasmine came downstairs. He’d even fixed the children breakfast and now they were
watching cartoons in the den. Glancing at his watch with a frown, he wondered what was keeping her
so long. She was usually up with Chelsea and Taylor.

As if he’d telepathically summoned her, she appeared fully dress. When she saw him, her
wariness was evident. Her eyes were swollen and there were darks circles beneath them. She
obviously didn’t sleep well either.

“Good morning, Jasmine. Can I get you some coffee? I just made a fresh pot.”
 “Thank you,” she mumbled not quite meeting his gaze.

“Do you take it with cream?”

“Just black please with just a little sugar.” She took a seat at the table folding her hands in her lap.

Victor fixed her coffee and set it down in front of her. He’d already learned that was a dangerous
thing. He sat down across from her with a sigh. “Jasmine, we need to talk.”

She lifted her head. “I know. I realize I can’t stay on after what happened, and I’ll gladly give you
my resignation, but can you please give me a week to look for a place to stay?”

Victor furrowed his brows. He’d wanted to have a conversation with Jasmine, but firing her had
been the last thing on in his mind. “Jasmine, I wouldn’t be so callous as to get rid of you when I know
you haven’t got any place to go. You must have a low opinion of me if you think that.”

“Mr. Meade, what I think about you isn’t relevant. I’m just the nanny. I work for you and that’s
where it ends. What happened last night shouldn’t have and I imagine you wouldn’t want me around
as a constant reminder of our lapse in judgement. Besides, you’d given me a month trial period which
is up. I’m not blind to the fact that things haven’t gone smoothly, and our little slip up certainly didn’t
help matters.”

He folded his arms across his chest, not really sure what to say. On the one hand he knew it was
wrong to harbor inappropriate feelings of lust for her. As she pointed out, she was the nanny and much
too young for him. But then again, he couldn’t sleep a wink from thoughts of holding her again and
wanting to spread her pretty brown thighs and plunge his cock deep inside of her.

Victor didn’t remember a time when he wanted a woman with such urgency. He hadn’t lied to her
last night when he admitted to wanting to run his hands along her curves ever since he’d seen her
naked. Her gorgeous body had kept him awake many nights with an erection so painful he’s resorted
to masturbating—something he hadn’t done in a long time. Shit, he was too old to feel this way,
especially about someone who worked in his employ, but he couldn’t let her go either.

“First of all, my name is Victor. I thought we decided on that already.”

She shook her head vehemently. “I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

He lifted a brow. “Who’s in charge here?”

“You are, but you can’t make me do something that makes me uncomfortable, especially since I’m
leaving soon anyway.”

“And it would make you uncomfortable using my first name?”

“Yes.”

“I see. How about we compromise then. You can call me Mr. Meade when other people are
around and Victor, when it’s just you and me.”

She shrugged. “If that’s what you want, but I really don’t see the point considering I won’t be
around.”

“Did I say I was going to fire you? If anyone is to blame it would be me for taking advantage of
you in your emotional state.”

“I shouldn’t have let it happen.”

He raked his fingers through his hair. This isn’t how he’d envisioned this conversation to be. For
one, he couldn’t stop staring at her lips. And for the life of him he couldn’t get the taste of her out of
his mind. “Jasmine, I never said you had to go. In fact I want you to stay. Chelsea and Taylor adore
you. They’ve both blossomed since you came into their lives and I appreciate it. They need you
Jasmine. Don’t punish them for the mistake I made.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“It is. Besides, it may take a while before you can find employment elsewhere. Keep that in
mind.”

She pursed her lips together for a moment and then she bowed her head. “You’re right. I’m not in a
position to turn your offer down however, what happened last night can’t happen again.”

As much as he wanted to protest, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to do that. He had conflicting
feelings on the situation. Part of him wanted to finish what they’d started, but the practical side of him
knew she was right. They couldn’t start an affair, because when it ended as he was sure it would
eventually, things would be too awkward to deal with. He’d have to let her go and he couldn’t do that
to his children. Not when they seemed to love Jasmine so much.

“I agree. We won’t let it happen again.”

“Okay. I’ll try.”

“Good. That’s all I ask.”

She picked up her coffee mug with shaky hands and took a sip before replacing the cup back on
the table. “Where are the kids?”

“In the den watching cartoons.”

“I should go to them. I’m sorry I was late coming down this morning I was…”

Victor waved his hand dismissively. “Say no more.”

Jasmine stood up and gave him a brief smile, or at least it looked like one. He couldn’t be sure
because it was gone as fast as it had appeared. Turning on her heels, she was out of the kitchen before
he could blink.

Now that she’d agreed to stay, he’d have to find a way to keep his hand off of her because God
only knew how hard it was going to be.

Chapter Eight
“You’re perfect,” a baritone voice spoke, breaking Jasmine’s concentration. She tore her eyes
away from the children playing on the jungle gym to focus on the man who say next to her on the park
bench.

One of the first things she noticed about the stranger was a pair of warm topaz colored eyes,
smiling at her. He was an attractive man, with a mop of dark curls that fell around his lean face that
was borderline gaunt. Flashing Jasmine a straight white smile, he held out his hand to her. “Jason
Rivera.”

Reluctantly she offered her hand and shook his briefly before pulling it out of his grasp. She eyed
him warily wondering why this stranger had decided to talk to her.

Jason’s smile widened. “Relax, this isn’t a pick up, I swear.”

“Oh? Do you always make a habit of telling random women they’re perfect?”

He grinned showing off straight white teeth. “Only if it’s true.”

“Hmm…and which one of those kids is yours?” She asked pointing toward the playground.

“I don’t have any children.”

A grown man hanging around a playground with kids was a bit suspect. She scooted further down
the bench, putting some distance between the two of them, her gaze straying to the children as she
wondered how long it would take to make it over to them and then get the hell out of here. “Yeah,
well, I need to run. Nice meeting you, Jason,” Jasmine muttered inching herself further away.

“I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not a lunatic.”

“Says you.”

“Please hear me out for two minutes and if you’re not interested, I will leave you alone.”

He seemed like a nice enough guy, but she had the kid’s well-being to think about. She looked
over to them to see Tyler pushing Chelsea on the swings. “I’d rather you just did that now.”
 “I understand why you may be cautious. I’m just some weirdo off the street to you.” He dug into
his jean pocket and produced a small rectangular business card. “My credentials.”

Jasmine slowly took it and gave it a brief glance. “An artist?”

Jason nodded. “Yes. My painting style is cubist, but occasionally I’m inspired to paint portraits. I
was thinking of a concept I’d like to try, but I needed the perfect model. I think you’re her.”

Jasmine raised a brow. This had to be a pick up. She knew she wasn’t an antidote, but she didn’t
think she was so great as to inspire art. “Umm, I think I’ll pass.”

“You’d be paid for your time of course. Name your price.”

“Yeah, sure. What if I named an outrageous amount?”

“Try me.”

“Five thousand dollars,” she challenged, coming up with the first number that popped into her
head.

“It’s yours.”

“Okay, now I know you’re crazy. This is the point in the conversation where I leave and you take
your loony pills.”

Jason chuckled. “I’m serious.”

Jasmine shook her head as she stood up. “So am I.”

He raked his fingers through dark curly locks, frustration entering his topaz eyes. “I don’t mean to
come off as a weirdo, but I’d really like to paint you. When I see something I want, I go after it. My
mother always said I was a bit spoiled, but I guess that comes from being the only son in a houseful of
women.” Jason gave her another dazzling smile.

Jasmine sighed. He seemed sincere and but she’d been wrong about someone before. Besides, she
had the children to think about.

Against her better judgment, however, Jasmine remained seated. “I’m not really sure that I’m
interested in being painted, for pay or otherwise. And how is it you’re able to pay such an exorbitant
fee just for me to sit for you? Isn’t it hard to make a living as an artist?”

“I do well. Let’s just say what I’d pay you is only a fraction of what one of my works would go
for.”

Jasmine raised a brow. “My, you’re modest.”

“Just truthful.”
 “You must be famous.”

“Only in the art circles. Otherwise, I’m just a regular guy. So what do you say? Would you sit for
me?”

“For…five thousand dollars? That’s a lot of money to just sit for a painting.”

“Trust me; you’ll feel every penny was earned afterwards. The hours are long and your muscles
tighten. Yes, it’s a lot more than what I would usually pay my models but if this works out the way I
want it to, it will pay off for me in a big way.”

Jasmine’s mind raced. There was so much she could do with that money, and she’d be able to find
a place of her own sooner rather than later. Still unsure, Jasmine hesitantly asked, “Would this
painting be put on display in some art gallery?”

“Does the idea bother you?”

“I’m not sure I want to be gawked at by a bunch of strangers.”

“These strangers as you put it will think you’re lovely.”

Heat rose to her cheeks. It had been a long time since anyone had told her she was pretty. “Flattery
will get you nowhere, buddy. Anyway, I can’t do it. I’m a full time nanny. I’d have no time to pose for
you.”

“Don’t you get days off?”

“I’m off one day a week.” Not that it mattered because she didn’t know this man.

He jerked his thumb in Chelsea and Tyler’s direction. “Are those the children in question?”

“Yes.”

“How about at night? You have to be allowed some private time. The kids have to sleep
sometimes.”

She hadn’t thought about that. While Mr. Meade never said anything about her being in the house
with the children twenty-four seven, she wasn’t sure he’d appreciate her going out at all hours of the
night to be painted. “I don’t think so.”

“Have you asked?”

Despite herself, Jasmine chuckled. “You’re persistent aren’t you?”

“Like I said, when I see something I want, I go for it.”

“I’m sure there are more suitable women for what you want than me. I have no experience in this.”
 “Can you be still for more than ten minutes at a time?”

She shrugged. “I guess so.”

His smiled. “Then you’re perfect. My studio is in my condo a couple blocks away from here. I can
pay you half your fee right away and the other half once the painting is complete. What do you say?”

Jasmine moistened her lips, allowing all possible scenarios of what could go wrong through her
mind. This was definitely something she’d have to give thought to. “Look, I’ll need to think about this
some more and plus, my boss might not like me being away from the children. If one of them were to
get sick…”

“They’re big kids. I’m sure they can get on fine without you for a couple hours.”

Jasmine shook her head with a laugh. There was definitely something engaging about this man if
nothing else. “You’re a bad influence aren’t you?”

“But my mother still loves me.”

“I’m sure she’d have to in order to put up with you. I bet you ran rings around the poor woman
when you were a kid.”

He raised a brow. “Who said I ever grew up?”

“You’re incorrigible”

“So they tell me. Hey, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Because I didn’t throw it.”

“Touché. Do you plan on leaving a poor guy in suspense?”

“Jasmine.”

Topaz eyes briefly roamed her face, although Jasmine got the impression he saw far more than he
was letting on. “A pretty name for a pretty lady. Now that we’re old pals…what do you say?”

She held up her hands. “Whoa. Slow down. I said I’d think about it, and even if I do it, I’d need to
run it by my boss. He might not be okay with me leaving the kids at night.”

“I suppose I’ll have to wait if I must, but I can’t see why your boss won’t let you go out for
drinks.”

Jasmine lifted a brow. “Are you by any chance asking me out on a date?”

“Why not? I’m single and you’re not sporting any rings on your finger so what do you say? If it
makes you more comfortable, we can meet at the bar.”
 “You sound pretty sure about my saying yes.”

Jason shrugged. “Wishful thinking?”

It was one thing when he was just an artist approaching a potential model, but now he was a man
coming on to a woman. Jasmine didn’t know how she felt about that. Besides, she was still dealing
with what happened between her and Mr. Meade.

Jasmine shook her head. “Look, Jason I don’t even know if I’ll allow you to paint me, let alone
date you. You seem like a nice guy, but I’m not ready for a relationship of any kind.”

He gave her a long probing stare, but finally nodded. “I won’t push you then. Keep my card. My
number is on the back. Call me when you’re ready to talk business.”

“So you’re for real?”

“I don’t kid about my art, sweetheart. I’m working on something right now if you’d like to take a
look. My easel is a few feet away. Come on, I’ll show you?”

Jasmine glanced over to see the kids still on the swings. This time Tyler was pushing Chelsea as
the little girl squealed with delight. What was the harm in taking one quick peak? She followed Jason
to his canvas and was surprised by what she saw. It was her, sitting on the park bench. She didn’t
know whether to be creeped out or impressed.

“You painted me?”

“I often come to the park for inspiration, and I paint what I see. Normally, I just paint the scenery,
but when I saw you sitting there, I couldn’t help myself, which, is why I’d like to have a proper sitting
with you. There’s something about you, I need to capture on my canvas. As a show of good faith,
when I’m finished this piece, you can have it.”

She gave the painting a shrewd once over. It only showed her profile but the detail he’d put in the
work spoke of his talent. “You’re gifted.”

“Thank you.”

“Jasmine, I’m hungry,” Tyler approached with Chelsea lagging behind.

She shot Jason an apologetic look. “Sorry. I’m going to have to get these two back home.”

He nodded. “I understand.”

“Who are you?” Tyler demanded in his most belligerent tone. He slid his hand in Jasmine’s and
held on tight. He normally wasn’t so touchy feely and only allowed her to hold his hand when they
crossed the street and occasionally he granted her a good night kiss. She looked down at the little boy
who shot Jason a dirty look. From the time he’d been in her care, she knew Tyler was more cautious
around strangers, but the loathing darting from his eyes took Jasmine aback.
 She gave Jason what she hoped was a look of apology and then returned her attention to her
charge. “That’s not a very nice way of asking people things, Tyler. Please apologize to Mr. Rivera.”

“You said I wasn’t supposed to talk to strangers.” Tyler intensified his glare in Jason’s direction.
“And so does my Dad. Let’s go Jasmine.” He tugged her hand.

Normally Jasmine would have pushed the issue but what did she really know about Jason.
Besides, it was time to take the kids home anyway. She gave Jason an apologetic smile. “I’m really
sorry. The hunger must be making him cranky.”

Jason grinned easily. “It’s okay. And who is this pretty little thing?” He gestured to Chelsea.

“This is Chelsea.”

Surprisingly the little girl who was usually talkative didn’t speak to Jason either. Instead, she
moved next to Jasmine and rested her dark head on Jasmine’s hip. “I’m tired.” Maybe the kids sensed
something about Jason that she should be cautious of.

“Okay, sweetie.” Jasmine turned to Jason. “Well, the Prince and Princess has spoken. I need to
go.”

“I hope you’ll give my offer some consideration.”

She nodded. “I will.”

Moments later as she walked the kids home, Jasmine felt compelled to ask them what their deal
had been. “Okay you two. Spill it. Why were you rude to Mr. Rivera?”

Tyler poked his lip out mutinously as he kept his gaze straight ahead of him, giving nothing away.

Jasmine turned her attention to the youngest Meade. “Chelsea?”

“He seemed nice, but Tyler said not to talk to hi—” Chelsea broke off abruptly, probably because
her brother was shooting her dirty looks. “Uh, nothing.”

Jasmine frowned. They were usually well behaved so she didn’t want to make a big deal about
this one incident. Anyway, she needed to decide whether she could trust Jason. She could really use
the money. But would getting involved with Jason for any reason be more trouble than it was worth?
 Chapter Nine
Victor paced the floor, moving in circles. He glanced at his watch for the fifth time in several
minutes. Where the hell was Adam? His plane had landed fifteen minutes ago. Not wanting to panic,
Victor looked at the flight schedules again. Flight 1625 from Raleigh/Durham: landed.

He’d give it another five minutes before he bothered the poor woman behind the information
counter again. Victor couldn’t help wondering if he’d have to spend another summer like the last one.
Adam had barely said two words to him voluntarily, and whenever Victor tried to force the issue, the
two of them would argue back and forth.

Adam was now fifteen going on sixteen and he wished they were closer. Victor had made a lot of
mistakes in his life, his biggest was allowing the rift to grow between him and his oldest son. Having
had the chance to bond with Tyler and Chelsea in the past weeks, he realized how important they
were to him. That was why he didn’t plan on letting another holiday go by without trying to bridge
that gap between him and Adam.

Just as Victor headed toward the wary looking woman behind the booth, he spotted his son out of
the corner of his eye. He had to blink to make sure he was seeing correctly. He hadn’t seen Adam
since last Thanksgiving. This gangly young man walking toward him couldn’t be his son. The gangly,
awkward he remembered boy was taller, broader and had clear skin.

Victor’s heart swelled with fatherly pride, but the joy was short lived upon seeing the irritated
expression on Adam’s face. The younger man’s lips were twisted into a grimace and the dark blue
eyes, so like his were slightly narrowed with what looked like disdain.

He held his hand out in greeting. “Hello, son.”

Adam took the offered hand and then dropped it almost as soon as he shook it. “Sir.” He nodded
formally as if he were being introduced to a stranger.

Victor sighed. “I know you’re supposed to address authority figures as 'sir’ or 'ma’am’ at your
military school, but you’re home now. Dad will do.”

Adam shrugged. “If that’s what you want.”

“It is. Let’s go get your things from the baggage claim and get home. Tyler and Chelsea are anxious
to see you again. They haven’t stopped talking about your arrival for days.”

A ghost of a smile appeared on the teenager’s face before disappearing just as quickly. “That’s
nice,” he answered noncommittally.

Victor had a feeling this summer would be harder than he thought. They gathered Adam’s luggage
and hauled it to the car. Halfway home, Victor could no longer take the silence. “How was the last
semester of school?”

“Fine.”

“I trust you’ll be on the honor roll again?”

“Yes.”

“Are you still playing rugby?”

“Yes.” Adam kept his gaze averted.

Victor wasn’t sure how much more of these one word answers he’d be able to take so he tried
another tactic. “Is there anything interesting you’d like to do this summer? Go anywhere special?”

“Not really.”

“You can’t lie around the house for the next few months. You’ll need to find something to occupy
your time.”

“Then I’ll get a job.”

“That isn’t what I meant, Adam. Besides, you don’t have to get work if you don’t want to. There
will be plenty of time for that when you get older. Now is the time to enjoy yourself and just be a
kid.”

Adam remained mutinously silent.

“I want you to have a good time this summer, son, and I can’t make that happen if you won’t open
up to me.”

“I don’t think you really want to know the answer to that question.”

“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have asked.”

Adam finally looked in his direction. “If you really wanted me to enjoy my summer, you would
have let me stay with Kevin and his family.”

“I let you spend Christmas and Spring Break with them, although Chelsea and Tyler were very
disappointed when you didn’t come home over the holidays. They were both excited about giving you
their presents.”

Adam shrugged with an apparent nonchalance that was fast getting under Victor’s skin. “I came
during Thanksgiving,” the boy murmured.

“Under duress and you stayed in your room most of the visit.”
 “Maybe because I didn’t have a reason to come out.”

“Are you saying your family wasn’t enough of an incentive?”

Adam didn’t answer. Instead, he flipped the radio on to some obnoxious station.

Victor turned it off again. “I’m not finished talking to you. We haven’t seen each other since
November. Tell me what you’ve been up to.”

“Don’t you get the reports from school?”

“I do but I’d rather hear it from you.”

“If there was something I wanted to say it would have been said already. I don’t know why you’re
even acting like you care when we both know what’s going to happen.”

Victor clutched his steering wheel until his knuckles went white as he held on to his temper by a
thread. He didn’t know how much more of his son’s surliness he could take without snapping. “Since
you already know, enlighten me.”

“You’re going to lock yourself up in your office or stay at your firm until all hours of the night. I
know the routine.”

“Actually, your grandmother is waiting at home for you and I thought it would be nice if we all
went out to dinner together. You still like Italian, don’t you?”

Another shrug met his question.

Victor sighed. “I’m trying, Adam, but you have to meet me halfway.”

Slouching down into his seat, he tilted the seat to recline and closed his eyes, making his feelings
clear. The uncomfortable silence surrounding them was like a deep slash to the already festering
wound on his heart. At one time, Victor would have let Adam have his way as far as keeping him at
arm’s length. But the new bond he shared with his two youngest children, he had to at least attempt to
repair the damage to his and Adam’s relationship.

Victor used the silence to strategize his next move. It wouldn’t be easy but he wouldn’t give up.
When he pulled up to the driveway of his house, he noticed two cars that hadn’t been there when he
left. One belonged to his mother, the other to Madison. While Victor could understand why his mother
would be here, what in the world was Madison’s reason? He hadn’t seen her in a few weeks. In fact,
during their last encounter he’d made it clear he wanted to spend more time with his children which
meant he’d have less time for her.

“Adam!” Chelsea squealed when she spotted her brother. She ran forward and hurtled herself
against the unsuspecting teenager. Adam caught her but not before coming dangerously close to falling
over.
 “Whoa, kiddo, easy.” Adam placed his sister back on her feet.

“Hey, Adam.” Tyler joined the commotion. “Guess what? Dad brought me the new Spiderman
game for my PlayStation. You have to watch me play.”

Before Adam could respond, Victor’s mother stepped forward. “Oh, look at you. You’ve gotten so
tall, almost as tall as your father. And just as handsome!” she gushed before planting kisses all over
his face. Though Adam looked silently embarrassed, he didn’t seem to be adverse to the attention he
received from his siblings and grandmother.

Victor’s jaw clenched and unclenched. He shouldn’t feel jealous of his own children and mother
but he did and only heightened his guilt. Not knowing why, he sought out Jasmine who didn’t seem to
be around at the moment. She’d taken the day off yesterday to visit her daughter but she should have
been around today. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask where she was when a hand fell on his
shoulder.

“Welcome home, Victor,” Madison whispered in his ear.

He turned to face her, silently annoyed that she’d chosen to visit during this private family
moment. When he wasn’t working Victor had been spending time with his children. He’d been too
busy for much else.

“Hello Madison. It’s been a while.”

She arched a dark blond brow. “Is that all you can say? I thought you’d be happier to see me.”

“It’s not that, I guess I didn’t expect you to be here. As you can see, my son has just arrived home
from school.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed and I’m glad I picked today to visit, otherwise I wouldn’t have been here to
welcome Adam home. He and I used to get on so well. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll go greet him
now. By the way, your mother invited me to dinner with you tonight at La Bella’s. She’s such a dear to
realize what a close family friend I am.” She slid her index finger down the center of his chest and
batted her large blue eyes at him before turning to the rest of the small crowd gathered in the living
room.

Victor didn’t know who to be more annoyed with: his mother for issuing the invitation, or
Madison for accepting. Regardless, it was something he’d have to deal with later. A frown tugged the
corner of his lips. Where was Jasmine?

Victor gathered Adam’s things to carry upstairs. On his way to Adam’s room, he stopped in front
of Jasmine’s door and knocked. When there was no reply, he turned the knob and cautiously poked his
head inside. “Jasmine?” He called out her name. Still there was no response. He walked in to see the
room was empty. Even though his mother was here, the children were Jasmine’s responsibility.

Once he dropped off Adam’s items he returned to the living room. Adam sat on the couch with
Chelsea on one side and Tyler on the other, both chatting at the same time. His mother sat in the
recliner speaking when she could get a word in edgewise. Madison sauntered over to him, and slid
her arm through the crook of his. “There you are, darling. Where did you get off to?”

“I put Adam’s suitcases in his room,” he answered absently. “Mother?”

The older woman looked over to him with a smile. “Yes, dear?”

“Where’s Jasmine?”

“Oh, she’s with a friend. This nice young man picked her up for a drive. I hope you don’t mind my
giving her permission to go. It gave me the opportunity to spend time with the children.”

Victor’s nostrils flared. Not only did he mind, he was pissed. Jasmine went on a date when she
should have been working? “What man? Did you meet him?” he demanded.

Madison laughed. “Darling, you sound like the father of a teenage daughter. I assume this Jasmine
person is your new nanny?”

“Soon to be ex-nanny if she continues to run off when she’s supposed to be watching the
children,” he replied gruffly.

Madison nodded. “I sympathize, dear. Good helps is hard to find these days, but you should have
taken my advice, darling, and hired someone with more experience. These young girls are so easily
distracted.”

Even though Victor was furious that Jasmine wasn’t around, hearing Madison’s words brought his
defenses up. “She’s actually very good with Chelsea and Tyler. I only wish she would have cleared it
with me before she decided to go out on a date.”

“If you say so, darling.” She shrugged with a smile on her face.

“Victor, our reservations at La Bella’s is in an hour, so we should probably be heading out

shortly,” his mother joined him and Madison.

“That’s fine.” He would have said more if he didn’t hear the front door open.

Jasmine.

Not wanting to make a scene, he remained silent when Jasmine entered the living room.

“I trust you had a nice time out?” His mother smiled with a wink.

“Wonderful. I feel much better.” Jasmine smiled, her eyes sparkling. Victor couldn’t remember a
time when he’d seen her so animated, and the fact that it was due to some mysterious man she’d snuck
off with didn’t sit well with him. When did she even have time to meet someone anyway?
 Victor wanted to strangle them both. He was about to ask Jasmine to explain herself when Chelsea
bounded over.

“Jasmine! He’s here. You have to meet Adam.” Chelsea tugged her nanny’s hand, forcing her to
follow. “Adam, this is my best friend Jasmine,” she announced for all the room to hear.

Madison leaned forward, placing her lips mere inches from his ear. “Do you think it’s wise for
your nanny to be so familiar with the family?”

His mother must have heard that statement because she turned to Madison with a ferocious frown.
“Nonsense. Jasmine is part of the family.”

“She’s an employee, Madeline. You know what they say: familiarity breeds contempt.” This time
when Madison spoke, she didn’t bother to lower her voice and all eyes turned in their direction.

Madeline’s lips thinned but she remained silent.

While Victor didn’t appreciate Madison’s comment, he was still focused on his earlier anger.
“Jasmine, may I have a word with you in private?”

A frown tugged the corners of her lips down as she shot him a questioning glance. “Sure, Mr.
Meade.”

Turning on his heel, he walked to his study, expecting she would follow.

“Don’t take too long, you two; we need to leave for dinner shortly,” his mother called behind
them.

The moment Jasmine was in his study, he closed the door behind them.

“Is everything alright?”

“Who was he?” Victor demanded through clenched teeth.

“What are you talking about?” If he didn’t already know the truth he might have been thrown off
by the confusion on her face, but he wouldn’t be swayed by the look of confusion crossing her face.

“Don’t play games with me. Mother mentioned some man picking you up for a date.”

“She couldn’t have told you that because I didn’t go on a date. Yes, I went out with a friend, but I
didn’t think it would be such a big deal. Mrs. Meade wanted to spend time with the children, and I—”

“And you thought you could take advantage of my mother’s kindness. I didn’t think I had to, but I
see I’ll need to remind you that your first responsibility lies with the children.”

She opened her mouth then closed it again.

 Victor waited expectantly for her to counter his words, to contradict him—tell him he had the
wrong impression. But she didn’t. When she finally spoke, her words sent a chill to his very core.

“You’re absolutely correct. My first responsibility lies with the children and I won’t forget my
place again.”

“Jasmine—” he began, knowing he’d gone too far.

She raised an arched brow. “I trust I’m free to do as I please on my day off?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Thank you. Should I tell you mother I won’t be joining the family for dinner? I wouldn’t want you
to get the impression of me getting to comfortable in my position.”

Victor sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. He wished he’d allowed his temper a chance to
cool down before speaking with her. If the truth were known, she hadn’t done anything wrong exactly,
and the kids had been in good hands. It wasn’t as if he could tell her that the real reason for his anger
was jealousy.

“It would mean a lot to the kids if you came to dinner.” It was the only thing he could say without
making himself look like a bigger jackass.

“Is there anything else you wished to speak to me about, Mr. Meade?” Her voice was ice cold.

“No. That will be all.”

She left him then, closing the door behind her with a decisive click.

Victor shut his eyes tight and released a deep breath. He was batting 0-for-2 today. First with his
son, and now with Jasmine. He didn’t know if he’d have the strength to get through the rest of the
night, and what was worse, he wasn’t sure how he was going to reconcile with the fact that there was
now some mystery man lurking in the background vying for Jasmine’s affections.
 Chapter Ten
Jasmine stuffed another bite of salmon in her mouth without tasting it. She didn’t know how much
longer she could take of sitting here pretending as though everything was alright while that blonde
demon made one sly comment after another about anyone and everyone. If that wasn’t enough to
wreck Jasmine’s peace of mind, the brooding stares, Victor continued to send in her direction wasn’t
helping either.

She was thankful to be next to Chelsea whose non-stop chatter served as a distraction. Taylor sat
across from her, next to his older brother. It was obvious the little boy had a healthy dose of hero
worship for the handsome teen. Adam was an enigma to her. He seemed receptive to conversation
with his grandmother and siblings, but to his father, he was merely cordial. While she sensed no
outright animosity, Jasmine did notice an apathy Adam showed toward his father.

She might have paid more attention to the situation just to see how things would pan out between
the two, but Mr. Meade had made it clear where she stood in the grand scheme of things. It made her
decision much easier. She would pose for Jason because the money was too good to turn down. Now
more than ever she’d need the safety net of a rainy day fund in case something happened. Since
working in the Meade household she’d managed to build a nice savings for herself.

Jasmine hadn’t realized how comfortable she’d gotten in her situation until today after receiving a
reality check. Despite how much she was coming to love the children almost like her own, the money,
and living in a spacious house, she had to remember she was there to do a job. To Victor Meade she
was just a nanny and nothing more. Oh, he might be sexually attracted to her, but Jasmine wasn’t crazy
enough to think it was anything beyond that.

After meeting Jason, she’d gone online and looked him up. To her surprise, she discovered his art
was world renowned. He’d been modest when he said he was merely known in art circles. He was
somewhat of a celebrity. So she’d given him a call to see if his offer was still open. Jason had been
delighted to hear from her, and offered to take her out for coffee to discuss the terms. Mrs. Meade had
graciously offered to watch the children for a couple hours while she went out.

Jason had taken her to a local shop not too far from the house so she’d be able to get home in time
to go out for dinner with the family. Over coffee they discussed her terms which meant she could only
sit for him on Saturdays after she visited her daughter. He readily agreed to her terms.

Once business was out of the way, their conversation delved into the personal. Jason told her how
he’d gotten into art and his family, and Jasmine told him a little about her situation without going into
too much detail. She found that she liked him a lot. Besides, being successful at what he did Jason
was easy to talk to, had a sense of humor that had Jasmine holding her sides from laughter and was
easy on the eyes. If Jasmine was looking for a relationship, Jason would definitely be in the running.

They’d had such a nice chat, Jasmine lost track of time and needed to rush home. She didn’t
expect Victor to tear into her despite having his mother’s permission to go out for a couple hours. In
the back of her mind, she’d been waiting for the shoe to drop since she started working for him. Now
she’d have to be extra careful during her time in his employment.

“Jasmine.” Chelsea tugged her arm. “Jasmine,” the little girl whined again bringing Jasmine back
to reality.

She focused her attention on her charge. “Yes, sweetie?”

“I don’t like these vegetables, they taste funny. Can I still have dessert?” Chelsea asked with a
frown. She was usually pretty good at eating what was put before her, so she rarely made a fuss over
her meals.

Jasmine inspected Chelsea’s plate and saw that most of her spaghetti had been eaten and she had
at least attempted to eat the side of vegetables her father had ordered for her. “Well, as long as you
tried it, I don’t see why not. Make sure it’s okay—”

“Little girls who don’t finish what’s on their plates don’t get dessert. Shame on you Jemima for
supporting poor eating habits,” Madison piped in aiming her glacial blue glare in Jasmine’s direction.

Jasmine was certain the other woman had deliberately used the wrong name. Though they hadn’t
been formally introduced, she knew Mr. Meade’s lady friend had probably heard Jasmine’s name
enough to know what it wasn’t. And by the way all the chatter at the table simply ceased, everyone
else knew it too.

Correcting this woman was out of the question, so she said, “I would never dream of going against
Mr. Meade’s wishes and it was on the tip of my tongue to tell Chelsea she had to run it by her father
first.”

“And if Jasmine says it’s okay, I don’t have a problem with it. I think she has a good handle of the
situation,” Mr. Meade smiled in Jasmine’s direction, totally throwing her for a loop. “And by the way,
Madison, her name is Jasmine.”

His response threw her for a loop but it didn’t mean anything. She wouldn’t be caught off guard by
a few kind words after he’d shown his true colors.

Madison threw a look of pure venom in Jasmine’s direction but she immediately schooled her
features to a more amicable expression. “You know best, Victor.” She smiled at him running her
finger down his sleeve suggestively, and then she returned her attention back to Jasmine. “I meant no
offense dear, it’s just that you people have such colorful names, I must have misheard it when
someone said it.”

The fists resting in Jasmine’s laps tightened until she thought her tendons would snap. But
answered as graciously as the situation allowed. “My people do have a rich cultural heritage, thank
you for mentioning it.” As much as it pained Jasmine to pretend Madison’s words had been a
compliment, her tactic seemed to hit the mark.

The other woman’s mouth twisted in a half sneer and her eyes narrowed to ice blue slits. Before
redirecting her attention to Victor once again, monopolizing him.

Mrs. Meade shot Jasmine a sympathetic look, and the chatter around the table returned to normal.
After dessert when the coffee was brought out, Chelsea announced she had to go to the bathroom.
Jasmine decided to go with her.

Chelsea was in one of the stalls while Jasmine washed her hands when Madison strode in as if
she owned the place. She walked over to the empty sink next to Jasmine’s and dug into her purse to
pull out a tube of lipstick. “It was nice of Victor to include you in the family dinner.”

Jasmine smiled noncommittally, turning off the faucet and grabbing one of the paper towels from
the dispenser.

Madison would not be ignored however. “You know, I didn’t think Victor should hire someone so
inexperienced, but you seem to handle the children beautifully although I do think you coddle them a
little too much. I also noticed that Chelsea has developed an unhealthy attachment to you.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Jasmine had difficulty keeping her voice calm and even.

“She seems to defer to you way more than she should. For one being in such a precarious position
as yourself, I’d think you’d be a little more careful. After all, if Victor were to take a wife, she might
prefer to take on the responsibility of the children herself, or perhaps go with someone with a bit
more experience. Where did you say you worked before taking this job?”

It was obvious Madison was implying and Jasmine wasn’t going to take the bait, nor was it
anyone’s business beside Mr. Meade’s.

“I didn’t,” Jasmine replied, relieved to see Chelsea coming out of her stall and walking toward
them. “Let’s wash your hands honey and get out of here.”

Jasmine didn’t miss the uneasy glance Chelsea shot in Madison’s direction. “Ok.”

“I really don’t see why she needed someone to come in here with her. She’s a big girl. You’re
going to make the girl thinks she’s incapable of doing things for herself. It’s no wonder she’s so slow
if people are constantly doing everything for her.”

Jasmine could take anything this woman had to say about her, but she wouldn’t tolerate her talking
about the children especially with Chelsea standing right there! “Chelsea, sweetheart, wait for me
outside the bathroom door and don’t go anywhere okay?” She waited for the door to close behind the
little girl before facing the hateful woman. “First of all, it’s not up to you to determine how I handle
the children. If Mr. Meade has a problem with it then I would expect he’d tell me himself, and another
thing what kind of person are you to put down a little girl? Chelsea is bright, sweet young lady and
has a big heart. If you think insulting his children will get the man, you’re not as smart as you pretend
to be.”

A deep shade of red colored Madison’s face from her neck, to the roots of her hair which
desperately needed a touch up. “You bl-black bitch! Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to? One
word from me and Victor will send you packing back to the ghetto. You think you’re so clever just
because you can put two sentences together without sounding like the trash you are.” The blonde’s
face contorted to an ugly demonic like mask, all traces of her beauty gone.

Jasmine shook her head. As satisfying as it would be to punch Madison in the throat, she wasn’t
worth it. Rolling her eyes, Jasmine turned to leave.

“Don’t walk away from me, bitch!” Madison called out to her.

Just as Jasmine was walking out, she ran into Mrs. Meade. “What’s going on? Why is Madison
screaming like a banshee?”

“Ask her,” Jasmine muttered before grabbing Chelsea by the hand. This dinner was every bit the
disaster she thought it would be and then some.

***

“I mean it, Victor, I want her fired. She said some horrible things to me, and I can’t believe you’d
allow such a level of disrespect from a mere servant, or is that how you run your household?”

Victor had had enough. From the moment Jasmine and Chelsea had returned from the restroom at
the restaurant, he immediately knew something was wrong. Though Jasmine had already been close-
mouth during most of the meal, she looked absolutely pissed. Chelsea looked like she was near tears
and Madison was practically breathing fire. His mother didn’t look too happy either.

It seemed the only one willing to contribute to the conversation was himself and Tyler so Victor
decided to call their evening to a close. The minute they got home, Adam made a beeline for his
room, Chelsea uncharacteristically asked to go to bed early and Jasmine went with her. Madison
demanded to speak with him, but not before his mother asked for a private word. What she’d revealed
had pissed him off.

“Madison, if anyone is going to leave this house tonight, it will be you. My mother heard some of
the things you said to Jasmine and it’s unacceptable.

Her mouth fell open and then she sneered in a most unbecoming manner. He should have realized
sooner that Madison was so self-centered and vicious but now he realized she acted one way around
him but a different way around others. “You’re choosing her over me? That nig—”

“Madison, I’d advise you not to finish that sentence. Now get out of my damn house.”

Her face crumpled and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “Victor, you can’t do this to me.
We’ve been friends for a long time. She said some awful things to me when I offered her a little
friendly advice about the children. I think she’s jealous because she wants you for herself.”

Victor laughed in the blonde’s face. If Jasmine were to come to him at this very moment and tell
him she wanted him, he’d carry her to his bed and fuck her senseless, but he knew she wouldn’t have
said anything like that, especially to Madison.

“You’re right, we’ve been friends for a long time which is why I’m not bodily tossing you out.”

The tears that had been swimming in her eyes miraculously dried up as she shot him a glare that
would have made lesser men flinch. “You’re a fool Victor Meade and you’re going to regret having
her in your home. She’s hiding something and when you get burned, I’ll be there to say I told you so.”
She stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind her with dramatic flair. Good riddance.

Victor went in to the family room and joined Tyler who was watching a movie on Netflix. After
mother came into the room to give him a kiss goodbye Victor stared at the television though he wasn’t
really paying attention to the movie. The earlier events kept playing in his mind. By the time the
movie was over, Tyler was fast asleep.

Victor turned everything off, and carried him to bed. Once he helped Tyler into his pajamas,
Victor looked in on Chelsea who was sound asleep. The then went to Adam’s room and knocked
gently. When he received no reply, he opened the door slightly only to see Adam prone on the bed
with headphones on. The teenager stared him dispassionately when he noticed his father’s presence.

“What do you want?” Adam asked warily, lifting his headphones off his ears.

Victor stepped into the room. “Is it a crime for man to want to talk to his son?”

“Don’t you knock around here? This is my room, you know.”

“The mortgage I pay every month says this is my room,” Victor snapped and wished he could take
it back. He didn’t come in here to start an argument.

“Whatever,” Adam murmured, placing his headphones firmly back on his ears.

Victor walked over and plucked them off. “Could you at least give me the courtesy of listening to
me when I talk to you?”

Adam moved to a sitting position. “The same kind you used to give mom? Just because you
decided to be a parent to Tyler and Chelsea doesn’t suddenly make you father of the year.”

Adam’s words hurt far more than any blow ever could. Victor shut his eyes momentarily against
the rage in his son’s face.

“Son, when you’re young, things don’t always appear as they seem. If you’d let me explain—”

“I don’t want to hear you putting down my mother again. She may not have been perfect, but at
least she was around.”

“No she wasn’t! She left us, Adam, more than once.”

“Because you drove her away. Look, I’m really tired and want to go to sleep.”

“This conversation isn’t over, Adam,” Victor promised.

“As far as I’m concerned it is. I wish you would have let me go to my friend’s for the summer. I
would have had a much better time.”

If Adam was looking to hurt him, he’d accomplished his goal. “I’m sure you would have,” Victor
murmured not sure how to combat such blatant animosity. He handed Adam back the headphones and
closed the door gently behind him.

Now more than ever, he needed comfort, someone to hold him, to take away his pain. He knew he
had no right after the way he’d acted toward her, but Black found himself standing outside of
Jasmine’s bedroom door.

He tapped on the door gently. If she didn’t answer, he’d walk away, but if she did…

To his surprise, Jasmine opened the door, her eyes widening in her obvious surprise when she
saw him standing there. “Mr. Meade. Have you come to fire me?”

He shook his head, pushing his way past her to enter the room.

“Wh-what are you doing?”

Victor shut the door behind him with one hand and grabbed her against him in the other. “Doing
something I’ve been dying to do for weeks, but had the sense not to follow through until now. Don’t
stop me Jasmine, I need you so badly.” And with that his lowered his head to capture her lips.
 Chapter Eleven
Jasmine wondered what alternate dimension she’d fallen in to. This couldn’t be the same man
who’d confronted her earlier. There was no way this was his mouth so insistently against hers, his
tongue rimming her lips and demanding entrance.

When he’d burst into her room, and closed the door behind him, she’d been too surprised to react.
Even now, her sluggish mind couldn’t wrap itself around what was happening.

“Open your mouth, Jasmine,” he whispered raggedly.

The sound of his voice spurred her into action. She twisted her head away from his seeking mouth
and pressed her hands against his chest with the intention of pushing him away. “No, Mr. Meade. This
is wrong. We can’t do this.”

He wouldn’t be denied however. His grip tightened around her waist as he gripped her hair in his
fist and gave it a healthy yank to reveal the column of her throat to his hungry grey gaze. Lowering his
head, he raked her tender flesh with his teeth. “My, name is Victor. Say it.”

“No. Please don’t do this to me,” she pleaded. Her words sounded weak and Jasmine tried
desperately to push back the pulsating wave of heat coursing through her veins. She didn’t want to
respond to him—couldn’t. The price was simply too high for her to pay.

“Yes, Jasmine. If I thought for a second you didn’t want this as badly as I did, I’d walk out of here
right now and never bother you again, but I’m not blind. Your body is trembling and I bet your panties
are soaked.”

She closed her eyes against the certainty she saw lurking in the depths of those all-seeing eyes.
Her pussy tingled as heat fused throughout her body. She pressed her thighs tightly together just in
case he attempted to verify his claim. Despite her traitorous body screaming at her to give in to his
passionate persuasion, Jasmine made one last effort to end this madness. “This is crazy, Mr. Meade. I
wouldn’t want you to lower yourself by slumming with the nanny.”

His eyes narrowed to blue slits and for a moment, she thought he’d let her go. “Jasmine, whatever
you say won’t work. I was a jackass for the way I acted before. I’m sorry, but do you think I’m going
to let a few misguided words stand in the way of what’s happening between us? And my name is
Victor.” He smashed his lips against hers in a blatant act of possession.

Jasmine squeezed her eyes tight again, but this time to hold back the tears because she knew she
didn’t have the power to fight him off any longer. This wouldn’t have been so bad if she didn’t want
him just as much as he implied. It hurt to admit it to herself, but Lord she wanted him, wanted his arms
around her, his hands on her body, touching every single inch of her. All these weeks she’d pretended
what had gone on before hadn’t happened—was a mistake best forgotten, but no longer. Their desire
for each other could be denied no more.

“Say my name, Jasmine.”

“No.” He’d already won as far as everything else was concerned. She wouldn’t allow him this
one last victory.

“I’ll make you say it,” he muttered.

She sighed, parting her lips slightly and granting him the access he demanded.

He pushed his tongue forward, aggressively whirling it around the recesses of her mouth,
exploring every bit of her like a man starving. He lowered his hands down the length of her back,
until he cupped her bottom and pulled her against him. Victor pushed his erection between the
juncture of her thighs. His frenzied motions were that of someone who’d been denied far too long and
was now getting what they wanted.

Jasmine felt that way too, though in the back of her mind she knew she should probably put up
more of a fight. As if sensing her unease, Victor lifted her in his arms and carried her the short
distance to the bed. Not giving her much time to react, he laid her on the center and immediately
covered her body with his.

She turned her head away to catch her breath, but Victor grasped her chin to hold it steady for his
marauding mouth. He plucked frantically at her clothing, pulling apart her pajama top, not bothering to
unfasten the buttons properly as desperation drove him to see her bare breasts.

“Beautiful,” he muttered. “So full, ripe and ready for my mouth.” He captured one burgeoning tip
between his teeth, tugging and bringing it too life before suckling it fully into his mouth.

Jasmine threaded her fingers through his hair and arched her back, offering herself to him. All
protests she’d held earlier had fled. She’d deal with the consequences later. For now, her body was
burning up with desire. Her juices wet the inside of her thigh and the heat within her core was nearly
more than she could handle. She couldn’t get enough of his erotic ministrations.

Victor licked and laved the turgid peak until Jasmine moaned helplessly, rolling her head from
side to side on her pillow. A whimper tore from her throat when he released her nipple, but the bereft
feeling was short-lived because he transferred his attention to her other nipple. As he sucked on the
tight nubbin, he rolled the other one between his finger and thumb.

Jasmine writhed and wiggled beneath the weight of his body. Fire coursed along every single
nerve ending in her body. Victor raised his head to stare at her with passion-glazed eyes. “Do you like
this, Jasmine?”

She could only nod.

“Tell me you want me, that you want this as badly as I do.”

She moistened her lips. “I want you.”

“And you’re going to have me.” He pressed eager kisses along her collarbone and then slowly
worked his way down the length of her body. He ran his hands over her belly. “You have such
beautiful skin.” He touched her with such reverence, she felt like the beauty he declared she was.
Victor left a trail of heat wherever his fingertips roamed.

He circled her navel and flicked it with his tongue before pulling down her pajama bottoms along
with her panties, leaving Jasmine naked to his hungry gaze. “God, you’re beautiful, but then again, I
always knew you would be.”

She couldn’t speak had her life depended on it, especially when he pushed her thighs apart and
pressed a long deep kiss against the cleft of her pussy.

Jasmine squirmed, unable to keep still against his sensual assault. What was this man doing to
her? For so long, she didn’t think she was capable of experiencing such deep passion, and this savage
need to be possessed by anyone, yet Victor proved her wrong with each stroke of his tongue, and
touch of his fingers.

Her body jerked when he placed his hands against her tender folds and slowly traced her slit with
the tip of his index finger. “Relax, Jasmine. I won’t do anything to hurt you. I just want to love you.”
Settling himself between her thighs, Victor gently parted her labia and pressed his lips against her
clitoris.

“No,” she whispered, positive this was wrong. Something that felt this good couldn’t be right.

Ignoring her weak protest, Victor dug his fingers into her thighs anchoring her into place. He
flicked the throbbing bud to painfully taut awareness before capturing it between his lips and suckling
it with wild abandon.

Jasmine wiggled and writhed beneath his erotic ministration, feeling as if she’d burst into flame at
any moment. Catching her bottom lip between her teeth to stop herself from screaming, she didn’t
know how much longer she could hold in her excitement.

Victor took his time licking and nibbling her highly sensitize flesh and acquainting himself with
every single nook, cranny and contour of her pussy. Instead of pushing him away as she knew she
should, Jasmine found herself weaving her fingers through his salt and pepper locks, and holding his
head against her wet sex.

He pushed his tongue into her tight channel, and pulled it back and then shoved it in again. An
incredible heat seared through her body like molten flame and Jasmine knew she’d reach her peak
soon. Victor ravaged her pussy as if he couldn’t get enough of her, devouring and savoring it.

“Victor, please, I can’t take it anymore,” she gasped, thrashing wildly.

Her words only severed to egg him on because his tongue darted in and out of her cunt, harder and
faster as he tweaked her clit between his index finger and thumb. Jasmine cried out, “Victor! Oh my
God!” Her orgasm slammed through her entire body with a crash. Shaking uncontrollably, she
clutched his hair yanking at it in her excitement.

Finally, he lifted his head with a satisfied smirk tilting his lips. “Did you like it?”

She found his question unnecessary because she was sure he knew the answer already. Not
trusting herself to speak, she merely nodded.

“Good. Now I’m going to make love to you. Don’t stop me Jasmine, because I think you need this
as badly as I do.” Victor rolled off the bed and removed the remainder of his clothing to reveal his
hard body. Though he wasn’t muscular like a body builder, he was solid all over, without an ounce of
fat on him. His shoulders were broad, and his toned torso was covered with a patch of dark hair.

She allowed her gaze to dip lower over his flat abdomen which tapered to lean hips. He
obviously kept his body in shape judging from his lean frame. A lump formed in her throat at the sight
of his dick. It wasn’t the largest she’d ever seen, but it was a nice length, well-shaped and thick.
Good God it was thick. She moistened her suddenly dry lips with the tip of her tongue.

He was so handsome in all his glory. These past several weeks she’d managed to suppress her
attraction to him, but now she could no longer hide it. She wanted him more than she had a right to.

Victor strode toward the bed, his cock bobbing with every step. “You’re so gorgeous,” he groaned
before lowering his body over hers. He covered her mouth with a hungry kiss, pushing his tongue past
her lips as he wedged his knee between her legs to push her thighs apart.

She stiffened at the feel of his cock pressing against her pussy. There was no going back after this.

“Don’t stop me, Jasmine,” he muttered against her mouth.

Even if she wanted to she couldn’t because Victor didn’t give her the chance to offer protest. With
one forceful surge, he lunged forward, driving his cock deep inside of her.
 It had been so long since she’d been intimate with a man in this way, she cried out. Victor’s dick,
stretching her walls so deliciously, hurt, but it was a good kind of hurt that sent ripples of sinful
delight coursing through her body.

Victor clenched his teeth at his sharp intake of breath. “Jasmine. Oh, God. You feel so good. I
knew it would be like this.” He splayed his hands on either side of her head, his arms holding him
braced as he pushed deeper into her.

Jasmine nibbled her bottom lip, thrashing her head from side to side. She arched her body against
his and raised her hips to meet him thrust for thrust. Deep down, she knew this was wrong on more
levels than she cared to think about, but the sensations flowing through her were too powerful to fight.
Victor smelled so good, tasted so male and felt so right. How could she resist his heady brand of
seduction?

Wrapping her arms around him, she slid her fingertips along the length of his taut back, grazing his
skin with her nails. She circled his waist with her legs, pulling him deeper. “Victor,” she whispered
on a moan.

He halted, his grey eyes locking with hers. “Say that again.”

She moistened her lips. “What?” Confusion clouded her mind.

“My name. Say it again,” he uttered in a low growl.

“Victor?”

“Again.” He pushed deeper into her.

“Victor,” she said more forcefully this time.”

“Again,” he demanded with another powerful thrust.

“Victor!” Jasmine cried out.

“And again.” He followed his command with a succession of hard deep thrusts into her pussy,
sending Jasmine closer to her climax. She was so near the point of coming she could barely think
coherently.

“Victor!”

He continued to drive into her with passionately savage fury. Falling on top of her Victor covered
her mouth with his in a hungry kiss, his cock never leaving her pussy.

Jasmine tore her lips away to gasp for breath, only to have them taken once again. Victor caught
her scream in his mouth as she came. Her orgasm shot through her like an atom bomb.

Victor moved in and out of her, harder and faster still for several more pumps before he grunted
his release and shot his load into her wet heat. Resting his forehead against hers, his breathing ragged,
Victor’s cock remained deep inside of her. He pressed light kisses against her face and lips.

Words couldn’t express what was running through her mind. She’d experienced nothing like this
before yet it shouldn’t have happened. Knowing this didn’t make things better. In fact, it made her feel
all the more guilty for having enjoyed herself so much. Yes, he was the one who’d come to her, but
she should have fought harder, thought of the consequences.

Victor cupped her face between his palms. “That was amazing, Jasmine.”

She lowered her lids so she wouldn’t have to look into his perceptive gaze. A lump formed in her
throat. What was she supposed to say? Thanks for the great fuck now get out of my room? Anything
she could have said would seem trite or maybe too blunt.

He brushed his lips against her cheek. “Look at me.”

Jasmine shook her head. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because this is wrong,” she croaked.

Victor sighed. “I know.”

His confession had her eyes flying open. “Then why? Why did you come to me tonight?”

He rolled off of her and covered his face with his hands. “Because I can’t fight what’s been
happening between us from the moment we saw each other.”

“No.”

Victor sat up with a raised brow? “No? Was I imagining you clawing to keep me close, how wet
your pussy got, or how it clenched my cock like—”

“Stop! This shouldn’t have happened and you know it. Yes, I might be sexually attracted to you,
but it’s just sex. We made a mistake, and it’s not one I’d care to repeat. I’m the children’s nanny and
you’re my boss. This isn’t right or appropriate.”

“Don’t you think I know that?” he said gruffly. “You have no idea how many nights I’ve lain
awake at night willing myself not to walk into your room and throw you on the bed and fuck you into
oblivion? I was already attracted to you, but seeing your naked body made it difficult for me to
function when you’re around.”

Her heart lurched. She knew where this was leading. “Does this mean you’d like me to go?” The
thought of leaving Tyler and Chelsea hurt, but most of all, she’d miss the money which represented the
security she needed for Star and herself. But she realized how awkward things would be between her
and Victor after what had just happened.
 “No. I can’t do that to my kids. They love you. What kind of bastard would I be to fire you for my
mistake? Damn.” He raked his fingers through his hair before sliding off the bed and grabbed his
clothes.

Jasmine nodded for lack of anything better to say, pulling the covers over her nakedness.

Victor pulled his clothing on in a hurry. “I’m sorry, Jasmine.”

Before she could say anything else, he hurried out of the room and closed the door behind him
without a backward glance.
 Chapter Twelve
Victor removed his reading glasses and tossed them on his desk. He’d been sitting in his office for
the past hour attempting to read through some briefs, but he kept going over the same paragraph more
times than he cared to count.

Attempting to work from home was a big mistake. He’d told himself that this was a way to get
some more time with his children but in reality he wanted to be closer to Jasmine. He couldn’t get her
off his mind.

Since that night in her bedroom Jasmine seemed determined to avoid him. He couldn’t blame her
because he’d acted like a hormonal teenager who couldn’t control himself. When their paths did
cross, they remained polite, almost like strangers. As if they hadn’t touched, kissed, held each other
or made love so passionately together. Victor could almost pretend that night was simply a dream, a
beautiful fantasy he’d concocted.

But as time passed, thoughts of Jasmine and her beautiful body, how she’d felt in his arms and
how mind-blowing it was to be inside of her, consumed his thoughts to the point he could barely
function. Something would have to give. Part of what nagged him about the entire debacle was how
he’d handled it afterwards.

He’d botched the entire situation. What Victor had wanted to do was pull Jasmine in his arms,
kiss away all her doubts and tell her how much what they’d shared had meant to him. It hadn’t been
his intention to run off like some wounded animal with his tail between his legs. But when he’d seen
that stricken look on her face, a slight glimmer of shame within the depths of her eyes, he didn’t know
how to handle it.

Victor could only imagine what she must be thinking. Maybe things wouldn’t be so awkward now
if he’d gone to her in a reasonable amount of time to talk things through with her. Now that a couple
weeks had passed, he wasn’t sure how to act when she was around.

Not expressing his feelings was one of the contributing factors to the break down in his marriage.
And it was also one of the reason he and Adam were where they were in their relationship. He didn’t
want Jasmine to think he was ashamed of what happened, but that’s exactly what he’d done through
his actions. They couldn’t continue to avoid each other indefinitely. Eventually the children would
notice the tension if they already hadn’t. They’d have to deal with each other.

No sooner had he walked out of his office did he see Jasmine coming toward him, her steps
hesitant. As she drew near, he noticed how she nibbled on her bottom lip. He’d come to learn that she
did that when she was nervous.

“Hi,” she greeted.

He nodded in acknowledgement. “Jasmine.”

They laughed for speaking simultaneously. It helped to ease the tension.

 Victor pasted a smile on his face hoping it looked natural. “You go first.”

She glanced over her shoulder and shifted from side to side. “Maybe we should go inside your
office. I think we need to talk.”

Nodding, he opened the door to allow her in. “Yes. I was thinking the same thing.”

When she brushed past him, he caught a whiff of her floral scented perfume, or perhaps it was the
soap she used. Whatever it was, he remembered it well, up close and personal. His cock stirred as
the memories flooded back.

Cursing under his breath, Victor willed his body to calm down. Even now her nearness wreaked
havoc on her equilibrium. This ‘talk’ was going to be more difficult to get through than he thought.

Jasmine took a seat in front of his desk and folded her hands in her lap, giving her a prim
appearance. She lowered her lids making it difficult for him to read her emotions. Was she trembling
or was he simply imagining things? “Mr. Meade—”

Raising a brow, he cut her off before she could finish her sentence. “Don’t you think it’s a little
too late for formalities?”

“Please. I don’t want to talk about that. It isn’t what I came in here for.”

In an instant the one thing he dreaded most popped into his head. “You’re not thinking of quitting
are you?”

She released a deep breath, twiddling her thumbs before shaking her head. “No. That isn’t why
I’m here either. I need this job.

Sweet relief coursed through Victor causing him to release the breath he didn’t realize he’d been
holding in. “Oh?” he asked for lack of anything else to say, not trusting himself to utter more words
which could possibly get him into trouble.

“No. I think we already know what we did shouldn’t have happened and won’t again, so there’s
no need to go over it is there?”

Her matter of fact way of describing one of the most powerful experiences of his life bugged the
hell of out him, but if she was willing to play it cool, so was he. “So what did you want to talk
about?”

“It’s uh, well, my daughter.”

Victor frowned. “Yesterday was your day off, so I assume you visited her?”

Jasmine nodded, as she nibbled her bottom lip.

“Is she okay?” He couldn’t help noticing how she wouldn’t make eye contact with him.
 “Yes, she’s fine, or as well as she has been. Actually, there’s something I need to get off my chest
that’s been bothering me for a while.”

Victor wasn’t sure he liked the sound of this but maybe now he’d have a little insight on her life
before he met her. “What is it, Jasmine?”

“I…about my daughter. I think you might be under the mistaken impression that she’s sick.”

“Oh? How can I be mistaken when you’re the one who told me she was?”

“I didn’t actually. You assumed and I didn’t correct you.”

His eyebrows flew together in his consternation. He didn’t like being made a fool of and he
certainly didn’t see the difference in a direct lie or one by omission. “Then please do it now. Your job
may depend on it,” he said softly.

She nodded. “My daughter is currently in foster care with the state. My financial situation wasn’t
conducive to me being able to care for her properly and she’s suffered some trauma.”

“You’re dancing around the issue Jasmine.”

“She hasn’t spoken in over two years. Physically and developmentally, there’s nothing wrong with
her. Despite her lack of speech, she’s quite intelligent. But her caretakers are concerned. They
believe she might be inclined to speak again if I spend more time with her.”

Victor leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “I see. So are you asking for time off?”

“Yes. I’ve been granted more visitation time with Star and I can actually take her from the home
she’s staying in a couple days a week.”

Something still didn’t add up. What trauma had Jasmine’s child faced and why were Jasmine’s
visits to her child being mandated by the state? In his experience the only time that happened was
when a parent was deemed unfit. Yet he could find no fault with the care Jasmine provided to his own
children. It was obvious she loved her daughter by the way she spoke of the child, but there was
something she wasn’t telling him.

Victor wondered if he’d been foolish to not do a more thorough background check on Jasmine
instead of going on his mother’s words. He didn’t want to believe that Madison was right and that
Jasmine was hiding something but why was she being so evasive with her answers? “Jasmine, there’s
obviously something you’re leaving out. You say you were unable to take care of your daughter
financially, but I’m not sure why the state would regulate your visits.”

“Once a child is in foster care, the state is the guardian of the child so they make all the decisions.
This job means everything to me, Mr. Meade. I love the children too, but Star is my number one
priority. That’s why I’m here. I want to make sure I can spend as much time with her as this job
allows.”
 He raised a brow at her challenge. “And if I say your priority lies with my children, what then?”

She lowered her head. “I hope you wouldn’t.”

“But this is what you signed on for, Jasmine. As a matter of fact, I’m wondering if I should be
more than a little concerned about your revelation, because here I thought you had a sick child you
were unable to have with you, but now you’re giving me another story altogether.”

Jasmine took a deep breath and exhaled. “I need to spend more time with her, and if something
can’t be worked out…”

His heart raced. “Are you threatening to leave?”

She lifted her head, finally looking him in the eye. “No, but if it becomes a choice between my
daughter and this job, I pick her.”

“Chelsea and Tyler would be upset if you were to leave.”

“I know, and I wouldn’t be happy to leave them, but I have to do what what’s best for my
daughter. As a father, I hope you can understand my predicament.”

She had him there. He may not be able to lay claim to any father of the year awards, but he could
appreciate her predicament. It wasn’t until Jasmine came into his life did he realize how much his
children meant to him. Part of him that was scared to see her go wanted to simply relent but the
responsible parent part of him made him ask the question that circled his mind. “What kind of trauma
did your daughter suffer from? Was it some kind of accident, or did you—”

“No!” She shook her head vehemently. “I’d never do anything to hurt my baby. Star is my life.”
Her adamancy left no doubt of her sincerity, but curiosity wouldn’t allow Victor to allow the subject
to drop.

“Then what happened to her?”

She fumbled with a button on her shirt, her eyes cutting away once again. “Do we have to talk
about it?”

“If you want to work something out as far as your job is concerned I think an explanation is the
least you owe me.”

For a moment it didn’t seem as if Jasmine would speak, but finally she did. “I can’t. I’m sorry. But
please believe me, I would never harm my child, nor have I ever. She’s everything to me.”

“Then why is it so hard to tell me what happened.”

“Because I’d rather forget it. Look, I wanted to clear things up with you so you would understand
where I’m coming from when I ask for another day off as opposed to my one.”
 Victor wanted to demand she tell him all of what was going on, but somehow he didn’t think she
would. “You’ve put me in a bit of a quandary Jasmine.”

“I know. But I need this time with her.”

“Let’s compromise. You may bring your daughter here one day a week. That way she can be with
you while you’re with Chelsea and Tyler.” Victor couldn’t believe he was making this offer at all. He
was the employer, not the other way around and he was certain Jasmine wasn’t being 100 percent
honest with him. It felt like this woman had cast some kind of spell on him.

A light entered her eyes. “Really? You wouldn’t mind her coming over?”

“As long as it doesn’t interfere with your care of my children, I don’t see why not, but answer me
this.”

“Okay.”

“Is there anything else you’re not telling me that should I should know?”

“No,” she said quickly. Maybe too quickly.

Victor gave her a long hard look, trying to determine whether she was telling him the truth. He
considered himself a good judge of character, and Jasmine had more than proven her competency in
handling the kids, so why did he get this niggling sensation in the back of his mind telling him to press
the issue further?

“Okay. We’ll discuss exact arrangements later.”

She nodded, practically jumping out of her seat as if she couldn’t wait to get away from him.

“Jasmine, wait.”

She stiffened. “Yes.”

“There will come a time when we’ll have to deal with the other issue between us.”

Jasmine stiffened. “No we don’t. Look, I have to go. I promised Chelsea I’d teach her how to play
Uno.” And with that she retreated from his office without a backward glance, not giving Victor the
opportunity to respond.

Any responsible employer would have pressed the issue, but if he did, Victor feared he might
learn something which would force him to get rid of her and he didn’t have the heart to do that to his
children. But more than upsetting his kids, he knew it would be just as hard on him if Jasmine wasn’t
in his life.
 Chapter Thirteen
“Why the long face gorgeous?” Jason stared at Jasmine over the rim of his coffee mug.

Jasmine placed her cup down with a sigh, abandoning all pretense of drinking her tea. “I guess I
have a lot on my mind.” That was an understatement, but she didn’t want to burden him with her
problems. Over the past few weeks, Jason had become someone she considered a friend.

Between her job and her visits to Star, she barely managed to squeeze time in to sit for his
painting, but she discovered she liked Jason very much. He was funny, warm, kind, and Jasmine
couldn’t remember the last time she’d ever felt she could relax the way she did with him. Jason had
come into her life at a time when she desperately needed a friend and she was glad to know him, but
she wondered if he’d be so nice if he knew everything about her.

He raised a dark brow, his green eyes flashing with concern. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She circled the rim of her cup with her index finger to give herself something to do. Not making
eye contact with him, Jasmine shook her head. “No. There’s really nothing to tell.”

“Obviously there is, or you wouldn’t look so glum. You might as well tell me, because I’ll keep
asking until you do?” He grinned.

“You won’t give up will you?”

“Nope,” he said with emphasis on the ‘p’.

“I don’t want to unload all my issues on you.”

“It’s not like I don’t have an ulterior motive for you to open up. As long as you continue to look
sad, I can’t paint you, so I’m hoping if we talk you can get whatever it is off your chest so I’ll get
some work done.”

She smiled with a shake of her head. “Ah, I see. Okay Sigmund Freud. What do you want to
know?”

“Obviously, I’d like to find out what’s bothering you. I don’t know what it is, Jasmine, but ever
since I’ve met you, there’s been this hint of sadness about you, but today it’s much more prevalent, not
to mention the bags under your eyes.”
 “Gee, thanks,” Jasmine muttered.

“I didn’t say it to be unkind, but I’m guessing it’s from a lack of sleep, right?” Jason reached
across the table and took her hand in his. “Please. Whatever it is, you’ll feel better when you share.”

The gentle persuasion of his tone was her undoing. A sob tore from her throat. Then another. And
another.

Jason jumped out of his seat and the next thing she knew, Jasmine was being hustled out the coffee
shop. He escorted her to his car where she continued to cry as he rocked her back and forth in his
arms for several more minutes.

Stroking the back of her head, Jason murmured words of comfort in her ear. “It’s okay. Let it all
out.”

Once the tears subsided to sniffles, and Jasmine regained her ability to speak, she pulled herself
out of his embrace with a sniff. “I’m sorry. I just made a fool of myself didn’t I?”

He shook his head. “Not at all. We all need a good cry sometime.”

Before she could stop herself she blurted out the first words that popped into her mind. “I was in
prison for 18 month for 1st degree assault and child endangerment.”

Jason froze. Jasmine knew how that must have sounded, but there was no way to soften it. In the
eyes of the law she was a criminal.

“Now you hate me don’t you? I’ll understand if you don’t want to use me for your painting
anymore.”

Jason remained silent.

Jasmine closed her eyes against the censure she knew would soon appear on his face. He was her
one ally and to lose him now would hurt. “I’ve said too much. Look, I’ll get out of here. You don’t
have to take me home.” When she placed her hand on the door handle to get out of the car, he grasped
her shoulder.

“Don’t go.”

“I think it would be best.”

“Why?”

“Because you want me to.”

“I never said that, Jasmine. I’m just shocked. I mean, I certainly wasn’t expecting to hear you’ve
been in prison at least not for a violent crime or any other offense for that matter. But now that you’ve
blurted it out, you may as well tell me everything, because you don’t really strike me as the assaulting
type.”

Jasmine sniffed. “I never thought I was either until it happened.”

Jason took her hands in his. “Please.”

Jasmine sighed. “Okay.” She began her tale from the beginning when she’d met Phillip.
Remembering everything as it was brought back the old fear and feelings Jasmine believed she’d
locked away a long time ago. As she shared her story with Jason, the tears ran down her cheeks
unheeded. She left nothing out and told him every single graphic detail of the night which led to her
incarceration. At moments, Jason flinched, but he didn’t interrupt her.

By the time she finished unburdening herself, Jasmine felt physically and emotionally drained. She
sagged deeper into her seat. “That’s pretty much all of it. I’ve been lying to my boss about where I
was before I was employed with him and I lied to him about Star. I live in constant fear he’ll learn the
truth, so much so I get sick to my stomach thinking about it. Even though I’ve managed to put away
quite a bit in my savings since I’ve started working for the Meades, it won’t last very long if he kicks
me out on the street. That’s why I agreed to sit for you, because I desperately need the funds in case
that happens, but if you want the money you’ve already paid me, I’ll return it.”

“Look at me, Jasmine.”

She shook her head, afraid to know what he thought about her.

Jason grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. She gasped at what she saw. Compassion.
Other than from Mrs. Meade it wasn’t an expression she was used to. “You must have a pretty low
opinion of me if you think I’d toss you out of my life because of that. No one would be able to blame
you for what you’ve done. Hell, I would have taken it one step further and made sure that bastard was
dead, that you were convicted for what you did is the real crime.”

“It could have been much worse I guess. I couldn’t afford an attorney, and the one the court
appointed for me either didn’t care or was too overworked, I’m not sure which. And I was facing up
to 20 years in prison. I knew I couldn’t be away from my baby that long so I took a deal to get out in
five years. If it weren’t for overcrowding I’d still be locked up.”

“And Phillip? What happened to him?”

She snorted with a humorless laugh. “Ironically, he’s dead. Shortly after I went to prison, he was
killed in a car crash.”

“Poetic justice. The bastard didn’t deserve to live.”

Jasmine shrugged. “There are probably a lot of people who are better off without him around, but
he was still Star’s father. Without him there would be no her.”

“But if he was still alive, Star would be in his custody and who knows what would have
happened to her then.”
 “You’re right, but the damage is done. I was away from Star for nearly two years and now she’s
an emotional wreck, hell, I’m an emotional wreck and I’m still trying to get my life back together.”

Jason pulled her in his arms again and held on tight. “It’ll be okay. I hope you know I’m here for
you whenever you need me.”

Jasmine returned his hug. “Thank you, I appreciate that.” She pulled back. “I guess this means you
don’t think I’m some raving psychopath?”

“Not at all. We all have our struggles, and I can’t exactly say my past has been squeaky clean
either. I used to get into a lot of trouble when I was a teenager until I found an outlet for all of my
energy through my art.”

“I’m glad you did. You have the kind of talent that is truly inspiring.”

He winked at her. “Thank you kindly, ma’am. So all better?”

She nodded. Telling Jason about her past was like a big weight off her chest. Now she could be
more open with him.

“Does anyone else know about your conviction?”

“Mrs. Meade, but I didn’t exactly tell her everything. She knows I’ve spent time in prison, but I
kind of glossed over some details.”

“Maybe you should tell her. She helped you get your job, after all and I doubt she’d rat you out if
she basically knows most of it anyway.”

“You’re right. She might not like that I omitted some details.”

“She might be a little disappointed you weren’t completely up front with her, but by the sound of
her, she’s a nice lady.”

“She is.”

“Then I’m sure she’ll understand. Besides, you already have a great rapport with the children.
Maybe your employer might even—”

Jasmine shook her head vehemently. “No! He can never find out. Victor Meade isn’t exactly one
of the most understanding people I’ve ever met, and if he learns about my past, no questions asked,
I’ll be out the door. I need this job too much to tell him.”

“You’re playing a very dangerous game Jasmine. Anyone could pull this information on you.
Wouldn’t it be better coming from you than if he found out later?”

“I can’t tell him.” She sighed feeling completely drained after her emotional outburst. “Look, I
need to get back home. I told the kids I’d take them to the zoo tomorrow.”
 Jason gave her a long searching look before nodding. “Okay. But just remember, I’m here for you
if you need me.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

***

By the time Jasmine got home, she was exhausted. Even though it was her day off, she checked on
the kids out of habit. In the time she’d been employed as Chelsea and Tyler’s Nanny, she’d grown to
love them. It would hurt when she left then, but she knew there would eventually come a time when
she’d have to. Maybe she shouldn’t have gotten so emotionally attached to them, but they were so
easy to love.

Satisfied they were okay, she went through her nightly hygiene routine, but by the time she slid
between her sheets, she couldn’t fall asleep. Her body was exhausted, but her mind was too full of
activity. Thoughts of her day spent with Star swirled through her mind. She still wasn’t talking and it
worried Jasmine. Damn Phillip. Even after his death, he still managed to wreak havoc on their lives.

After tossing and turning for at least an hour, she glanced at the clock on her nightstand and
noticed it was just past midnight. Unable to lie there with so many haunting thoughts, Jasmine kicked
off her covers, slipped out of bed and tossed on her robe to go downstairs and watch a movie.

When she made it downstairs to the living room, she was surprised to see Adam, laying on the
couch, watching a concert on television. Jasmine wondered if she should intrude on his solitude.

Since his arrival home, she and Adam didn’t speak much, mainly because she was always busy
with the children and he basically stayed in his room. He must have sensed her staring at him, because
he turned his head. Jasmine smiled. “Mind if I join you?”

He sat up, uncurling his long legs from the sofa. Adam shrugged. “It’s a free country,” he muttered.
“I was just going to bed anyway.”

Jasmine took a seat on the other end of the couch. “There’s no need to run away on my account.”

His uncertainty was evident as he eyed her as though trying to figure her out. Jasmine pretended
not to notice. “This is a great song, don’t you think?” she had no idea who the band playing on
television was, but Adam seemed to be into them.

“You like this group?” His voice dripped with disbelief.

“Of course, who doesn’t? I love this song.”

He folded his arms across his chest, obviously not falling for her ploy. “Yeah? What other songs
do you like by them?”

“Uh, well…the one about the boy and the girl.”

 “Which one is that? They have a lot of songs like that.”

Jasmine knew the jig was up. That trick may have worked with Chelsea or Tyler, but Adam was
far too perceptive. “Okay, you got me. But you can’t blame a girl for trying to be friendly can you?”

“Well you don’t have to pretend to be nice to me. I know what you’re up to.”

“Oh yeah? What do you think I’m up to?”

“You’re trying to get me to talk so you can run back to Dad with a full report.” He crossed his
arms over his chest defensively.

“Umm, actually I came downstairs because I couldn’t sleep. I hate to burst your bubble dear, but I
don’t have the energy or the interest to play go between for you and your father.”

Adam continued to eye her with mistrust. “Well, I don’t feel like talking if that’s what you came
down here for.”

“I don’t recall asking you too. Granted, I did try to relate but merely to be polite, but nothing
beyond that.” She slumped back against the couch and focused her attention on the television, but not
really seeing anything. Her thoughts drifted to the day’s events.

“Sorry.”

At first Jasmine thought she was hearing things but she turned away from the television to see
Adam staring at her. The resemblance to his father was uncanny. “Excuse me?”

“I said I was sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

Jasmine offered him a smile. “Don’t worry about it. I shouldn’t have pretended to know who that
band was. But honestly, it won’t hurt my feelings if you don’t want to talk to me. My skin is pretty
thick.”

His brow shot up as though he was trying to figure her out. “You’re not like any other of Chelsea
and Tyler’s nannies.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, the other ones kinds of sucked or at least my brother and sister think so. I only met a couple
of them and I’d have to agree. You’re different.”

“Is different okay?”

He shrugged. “I guess so. The kids can’t stop talking about you and Grandma says nice things
about you.”

“I like it here too.” And she sincerely meant it. She liked working with the children. Just how long
she’d be here was another issue.

“Can I ask you something?” He sounded hesitant.

“Depends on what it is.”

He fidgeted in his seat and scratched the back of his head. “Uh, what do you think of my father?”

The question startled her, especially from someone she’d hardly exchanged two words with since
he’d come home. “As employers go, I have no complaints.”

“Yeah, well, Grandma seems to think he listens to you.”

“Oh?” she said cautiously, wondering if Mrs. Meade suspected something had happened between
Jasmine and her son.

“Well, she mentioned how you got him to spend more time with Chelsea and Tyler. I was
wondering, well…never mind. Forget I said anything.”

“Okay.” She turned back to the television not wanting to press the issue.

“Actually, I was thinking…”

It took some willpower to keep the smile off her face. “Yes?” she asked, keeping her gaze on the
television.

“Do you think you could talk to my, Dad? About me, I mean?”

This got her attention. Jasmine faced him again. “What about?”

“He won’t let me do anything. I could have stayed with my friend in New York. It would have
been pretty nice, but instead I’m stuck here because he says I have to. He’s always looking for ways
to ruin my life.”

“I see. So what exactly would you like me to ask him?”

“I have friends in the area and I’d like to hang out with them.”

Jasmine didn’t think she should get involved with Victor and Adam’s issues, but she couldn’t
ignore that lost look on the teen’s face. But he was definitely leaving something out. She saw firsthand
the many times Victor had tried to reach out to his son only to have his efforts rebuffed. There had to
be a reason why he wouldn’t allow his son to spend time with his friends. If she challenged Adam on
it however, he’d probably close up again. “I always thought he was pretty reasonable but maybe I
was wrong. He really must be trying to ruin your life if he’s flat out refused to let you hang out with
your friends. Boys your age should have interests and peers of their own.”

He squirmed in his seat again, turning a bright shade of red. “Actually, I haven’t gotten around to
asking him.”

She’d suspected as much. “Ah. So even though you haven’t asked him, you know if you do he’ll
turn you down?”

“Yes. All he does is sit around and think of ways to make me miserable.”

Jasmine reached over and patted him on the knee. “No wonder you’re scared to ask him for
anything if that’s the case. I didn’t realize you were being treated so badly. Maybe I’m not the one you
should be telling this to.”

“What do you mean? If you’re saying I should go to him…”

She shook her head. “Not to him, but to Social Services. I didn’t realize this kind of abuse was
going on but if I did, I would have called them in a heartbeat. I’ll take your word for it. You should
probably report this abuse.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you patronizing me?”

Jasmine kept her expression neutral. “You think I’m patronizing you because I believe you when
you say your father is making your life miserable?”

“So you really believe me?” the mistrust that had been in his voice earlier returned.

“Of course. You have no reason to lie to me, right?”

He nodded. “I didn’t mean it literally. He doesn’t hit me or anything like that.”

“Oh, okay. Then, he’s verbally abusive?”

“No.”

“Do you feel he doesn’t provide for you adequately?”

“It isn’t that either. Look, I know what you’re trying to do, so you can save your psychology for my
brother and sister. They’re still young enough to fall for it. Forget I brought this up, you wouldn’t
understand it.”

“You’re right, I wouldn’t understand unless you tell me, but since you’re the one to bring this up,
I’ll share my observations about you and your father.”

Adam folded his arms across his chest and rolled his eyes. “Whatever,” he muttered, turning back
into the churlish teenager she’d encountered a few minutes ago.

“I’d be lying if I said your father hasn’t mentioned some issues the two of you have had in the
past.” She held up her hand when he looked as if he wanted to protest. “No. Let me finish. He didn’t
say anything bad about you, but he did admit to making a lot of mistakes and how he’d like to rectify
them. From what I’ve seen, he’s been trying to make an effort, but it takes two to make something
happen. I don’t know how you feel and I won’t insult you by pretending to know, but being angry with
your father won’t change the past.” Jasmine raised her arms over her head with a yawn. Now was
probably a good time to end this conversation. “I think I’ll go to bed now and leave you to your
concert. If you still want me to speak with your father I will, but I won’t say anything until you tell me
to. Goodnight.”

Adam nodded with a slightly perplexed expression scrunching up his face. “Yeah, sure.”

Adam and Victor had a long way to go, but she hoped she’d given Adam something to think about.
Jasmine wished she had the answers to her problems.

She had a sinking premonition in the pit of her stomach that her problems were only beginning.

Chapter Fourteen
Victor couldn’t concentrate and it was all Jasmine’s fault. The woman was disrupting his house
and turning his world upside down. He couldn’t eat, sleep or complete his job properly without
thoughts of her running through his mind. The easiest solution would be to fire her but he could find no
fault with her work.

Chelsea and Tyler It was if they counted the hours until she came back. His mother thought the sun
rose and set on Jasmine. Madeline often came over for dinner, but instead of her usual visits to his
office whenever he was home, she could be found in the kitchen chatting over coffee with Jasmine as
if the two of them were bosom buddies from ages ago. And lately it seemed like the bond between
them had grown tighter.

His mother had become almost protective of the younger woman. Victor couldn’t figure out what it
was between them, but it was almost as if his mother knew a hell of a lot more about Jasmine than he
did. Even Adam seemed to like Jasmine.

Victor figured it probably had a lot to do with Jasmine speaking on Adam’s behalf. It had been
one of the few conversations he’d held with her that didn’t revolve around Chelsea or Tyler. His mind
drifted back to that day.

“Jasmine, is everything all right with the children?”

“They’re fine, but I was hoping to have a word with you.”

A brief twinge of panic soared through his chest. Did she by chance want to tell him she was
leaving? “Of course. But would you mind giving me a few minutes? I’d like to freshen up and have
a cool drink. Can we meet in my office in twenty minutes?”

“That would be fine.”

He took his time changing as he tried to get the erratic beat of his heart under control. Every
time he was around Jasmine, it was a struggle to not take her in his arms again. Once he was
certain he could handle a face to face with Jasmine, he casually made his way toward his office.
He halted mid-stride when he saw her standing outside his door. A slight smile tilted her full lips.
An emotion Victor couldn’t quite put his finger on swam through him, but he refused to dwell on it
long enough to figure out what it was.

Brushing past her, he opened the door and allowed her inside first. “After you.”

“Thank you.”

Victor felt better when he was seated behind his desk. It was easy to hide the erection that
sprung when he got a scent of her perfume. He was on his turf now. “Please have sit.”

“Actually, I’d rather stand if you don’t mind. What I have to say won’t take long.”

He raised his shoulder to a casual shrug. “Suit yourself. To what do I owe the pleasure of this
visit?”

“I wanted to have a word with you about Adam?”

Victor raised a brow. “My son Adam?”

“Do you know another Adam?”

“I know to whom you refer, but I’m surprised you wanted me to talk to me about him. Has he
been giving you any trouble?”

She shook her head. “Not at all. I find him a delightful young man.”
 “Adam?” he asked incredulously.

“Yes. Why do you seem so surprised?”

“I didn’t realize you two had gotten close.”

“Let’s just say, we’ve come to an understanding.”

He snorted his disbelief. “Amazing.” Victor had been trying to break through that barrier his
son had erected between them for the past several years and along came Jasmine who apparently
had the ability to charm even his disgruntled teenage son.

“Excuse me?”

“Nothing. What was it you wanted to say?”

“I had an interesting talk with Adam. He seems to think he’s a prisoner in this house because
you don’t let him go anywhere.”

Victor pounded his fist on the desk. “How am I supposed to know how he feels if he won’t talk
to me?”

She flinched, but remained in her spot. “I understand your frustration but I also see a confused
teenage boy who needs his father whether he knows it or not. I’m not telling you how to raise your
son, but he needs your guidance.”

Victor folded his arms across his chest. “As you seem to have all the answers, why don’t you
tell me how I can get through to Adam who walks out of a room when I walk in? He won’t even
make eye contact with me.”

“I’m sorry.”

Resting his head in his palms, he released a long sigh. “Jasmine, what do you suggest I do?”

She took the seat he’d offered her earlier. “Have you ever told him you loved him?”

He raised his head then. “He already knows I do. Everything I do is for my children.”

“You may think he does, but I respectfully disagree. He’s scared to ask you for permission to
spend time with his friends even though he wants to very badly. That doesn’t sound like someone
who knows you love him.”

“How can he not know?”

“Have you told him?”

Victor frowned trying to remember prior conversations he’d had with the teen. “I’m sure I
have. I must have. I mean, I do love him and it kills me when he looks at me like he wants me
dead.”

“Then I think it’s time the two of you had another talk.”

“How? Every time I try, he shuts me out.”

“Maybe you should be honest with him about the past. At least then he’d have a better
understanding about what happened between you and his mother.”

Victor shook his head. “I can’t disillusion him about his mother. He loved her. If I blacken her
image, he may end up hating me more than he already does.”

“Maybe you’re underestimating him. Sometimes children are far more perceptive than we give
them credit for. If your wife had episodes while you were around, who’s to say he hadn’t witnessed
them.”

“I’ve thought of that, but I still can’t do it. His memories of his mother are all he has left of her
and I’d be a complete ass to take them away from him.”

“You don’t have to tarnish her image to make yourself look better. You’re a lawyer aren’t you?
You have a way with words. I’m sure you can figure out a way to let him know about the past
without making her look bad.” She walked over to his desk and reached across it to take his hand.
“I know it doesn’t seem like it, but he’s hurting too. I’m not saying one talk is going to heal all the
hurts of the past, but at least it would serve as a starting point. And don’t tell me he won’t listen.
You’re the father, make him listen and eventually he might start hearing you.”

Her words made sense but her touch was affecting him more than he cared to admit and he
couldn’t keep his gaze from straying to the way her tight t-shirt clung to the full swell of her
breasts. His dick grew hard as he remembered cupping those plump mounds in his hands and
sucking her nipples to hardness.

Abruptly, he pulled his hand away from hers. “Thank you. I appreciate the talk, and I’ll take
what you’ve said into consideration. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to look over some papers
before dinner.” He didn’t really have anything pressing to attend to, but he needed her to leave,
otherwise he knew he’d end up pulling her across his desk and fucking her into submission. The
woman was absolutely driving him insane and he needed to get his hormones in check and fast.

Jasmine stepped away from the desk with widened eyes. “Thanks for listening.” She sounded
breathless.

“Not a problem.”

“Okay. I’ll see you at dinner.”

When she closed the door behind him, Victor felt he could breathe again. His cock strained
against his pants, fighting to bust free. That was it. He had to do something, about this situation. It
briefly crossed his mind to start dating again but that would just be a waste of time. All he would
do is compare any woman he met to Jasmine.

Victor had waited a couple days to stew afterwards before confronting Adam. The conversation
had started on shaky ground, but eventually for the first time in years he had a heart to heart with his
son about his feelings. The teenager even seemed receptive to some of what was said. Adam had
perked up considerably when Victor told him he could spend some time with his friends. Overall, the
talk had gone better than he’d hoped. Things weren’t perfect but at least they had a starting point for
rebuilding their relationship.

That had been a couple days ago and he had a bigger problem to deal with: his budding feelings
for Jasmine. Now he stood outside of the game room debating on whether he should enter it just
because she was in there. This was his damn house and he wasn’t going to let these inconvenient
feelings dictate his movements. Clenching his fists at his side, he took a deep breath and entered the
room. He was surprised to see all three of his children sitting on the floor playing a board game.

Sitting between Jasmine’s legs was a little girl, who could be none other than Star. This wasn’t
the first time she’d brought her child to the house but this was the first time he’d been home to meet
Jasmine’s daughter. The likeness was uncanny, but he could have sworn that Jasmine had told him her
daughter was six. The kid didn’t look a day over four or five, but maybe she was tiny for her age.

He stood in the doorway watching how everyone interacted with each other. All the children
seemed happy. Even Adam had a smile on his face. Jasmine was magic. He owed her so much.

“You cheated!” Tyler suddenly shouted at his sister. “You peeked at the card before you plucked
it. You can’t do that. I say she loses a turn.”

“Nuh uh. I did not look,” Chelsea yelled back with equal fervor. “Jasmine, tell him I didn’t cheat.”

Jasmine shook her head. “Let’s use our inside voices. And Chelsea, you weren’t very slick about
looking at the cards.”

Adam chuckled. “Yeah, Chelsea, not very smooth.”

The little girl folded her arms across her chest with a pout. “Well it’s not fair! Every time I get
near my home base, someone sends me back to the beginning. I don’t want to play this game
anymore.”

Victor would have intercepted to tell his daughter she was being a brat, but Jasmine handled the
situation nicely.

Raising an eyebrow she shot Chelsea a stern glance. “Chelsea, what have I told you about being a
good sport?”

“But it’s no fair!” she whined.

“Did anyone complain when you won at Chutes and Ladder?”

 “No but¯”

“No one likes a sore loser. If you can’t play fair, I suggest you get a game you can play by yourself
and you can choose your own rules.”

“Yeah, you big fat cheater!” Tyler taunted.

“Tyler, I don’t need your commentary.”

Chelsea continued to pout before releasing a small sigh. “I’ll play fair,” he said meekly.

Jasmine smiled. “Good girl.”

And as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred they went back to their game. It amazed him
how she was firm and loving at the same time.

Victor must have made a movement because every single pair of eyes flew in his direction.
Smiling, he walked further into the room. “That looks pretty fun.”

Chelsea jumped to her feet. “We have extra pieces. Do you want to play with us, Daddy? Please
say you will.”

Looking into his daughter’s big eyes, he knew there was no refusing her. He ruffled her hair. “Sure
honey, as long as no one minds this old man joining in.”

Chelsea giggled. “You’re not that old, Daddy. Grandma is much older.”

“Uh, don’t let her hear you say that,” he groaned.

“You can sit next to me, Dad.” Tyler scooted closer to Adam to make room for him on the floor.

“Adam? Jasmine?”

Adam shrugged nonchalantly. And Jasmine nodded silently. Her daughter’s face was now buried
against her mother’s chest. Maybe she was shy of strangers.

Chelsea took his hand and led him to the others. “Daddy, that’s Jasmine’s daughter Star,” she said
unnecessarily pointing in the little girl’s direction. “She’s my best friend. But don’t be sad if she
doesn’t say anything to you. She doesn’t talk to anyone.” She whispered the last part behind her
cupped hand but she may as well have said it aloud because everyone in the room could hear.

“Chelsea,” he said in his best warning tone.

His daughter looked nonplused. “But it’s true, Daddy.”

“It’s okay. Star will talk when she’s ready,” Jasmine said, defusing what could have been an
embarrassing situation.
 “I wish you wouldn’t talk,” Tyler said.

“That’s enough son,” Victor warned.

“Well she does have a big mouth,” Tyler muttered under his breath.

“Do not!” Chelsea yelled.

“Inside voices.” Jasmine picked up some game pieces and handed them to Victor. “Here. You’re
at a disadvantage so we’ll start you with three pieces instead of four like everyone else.”

Victor took them and crouched down on the floor with everyone else. “How do you play this game
anyway?”

Chelsea and Tyler were more than happy to show him and before long he was into it. For the first
time in a long time, Victor felt a wholeness within him he couldn’t explain. He couldn’t figure out
why sitting here like this with Jasmine and the children just felt so right.
 Chapter Fifteen
“Your Star is such a pretty little girl, Jasmine. Chelsea won’t stop talking about her new best
friend. I don’t know how you can stand being away from her.” Madeline took a sip of her coffee and
grimaced. “The coffee used to be much better here.”

Jasmine lowered her head at the reminder. Words couldn’t express how it felt to say goodbye to
her daughter whenever they parted. “I don’t know either,” she finally answered, swirling her spoon in
her tea.

Madeline winced. “Oh, Jasmine, that was thoughtless of me. I do have a way of running off at the
mouth without thinking first. I didn’t mean to—”

Jasmine held her hand up. “It’s all right. I know you didn’t mean anything by it. And thank you. I’m
sure every one thinks their child is beautiful but I believe Star really is. When I look at her, I can’t
believe she’s mine.”

Madeline placed her coffee cup down with care. “Why is that dear? She looks exactly like you.”

Losing all interest in her tea, Jasmine pushed it away from her with a sigh. “She has my eyes and
facial structure, but otherwise she looks a lot like her father. He was a good looking man but his
personality left a lot to be desired. Thankfully, Star has such a sweet temperament. She’s such a gift to
me. ” There was a time when it was difficult to even think about Phillip, so it surprised her at how
she could now reference him without shuddering. The wounds, however, were still deep and the pain
just as raw. Jasmine believed this anguish, this bleeding ache, was a thing of the past but now she
realized she’d only been suppressing these feelings. It hurt just as much now as it had before.

“Do you mind talking about him?”

Jasmine caught her bottom lip between her teeth and shook her head.

“I understand, dear. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“It’s okay. I was the one who brought him up. It’s natural that you’d be curious. I guess after all
this time I thought I’d be over what happened to me.

“That’s not something one gets over so easily. Maybe I’m prying but have you considered
counseling?”

Jasmine shook her head. “There were counselors in prison but it was on a group basis. I wasn’t
ready to open up in the amount of time I was there. Besides, during my stint I was still in a bit of a
haze. I couldn’t believe how I’d ended up in a place like that. I’d worked so hard to make something
decent of my life. I didn’t hang out late at night or run with the wrong crowds. I studied hard enough to
earn a full academic scholarship. When Star came along I was even more determined to succeed and
give her the kind of life I never had. I graduated college summa cum lade. I was working on my
master’s degree for chrissake. I wasn’t supposed to be in prison. I had my entire life ahead of me.”

She shuddered as she thought about her experience in prison. It had been a constant struggle to get
through the day without losing a bit of her soul. She’d kept to herself mostly in order to stay out of
trouble, but there were always those who wanted to start something for the hell of it.

Some inmates accused her of thinking she was better than everyone else for not being social.
Along the way she’d gotten into a few near scraps and had even been jumped but eventually she’d
made it out with her sanity. Had it not been for Star she wouldn’t have had a reason to.

So no, she never had time to reflect on her life prior to prison and the mental repercussions it had
caused her. Jasmine had been too busy trying to survive.

Madeline patted Jasmine on the hand in a comforting gesture. “I think you’re very brave, dear. To
look at you, one wouldn’t think you could make it in a place like that.”

Jasmine laughed humorlessly. “Believe me, I had to fly under the radar a lot. And thankfully my
time behind bars was relatively short considering the conviction.”

“I wish there was something else I could do for you, Jasmine. As much as I think you’re the best
thing that’s ever happened to my grandchildren, you were meant to be more than a nanny.”

A genuine smile touched Jasmine’s lips. She was truly blessed to have met someone as nice as
Madeline Meade. There was still hope for humanity as long as there were people like her around.
“Thank you. I appreciate everything you’ve already done for me. I’d love to work in the field I went
to school for, but not a lot of people are looking to hire someone with a criminal record. It’s bad
enough that I’m keeping the truth from your son.”

Madeline waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about Victor. You let
me take care of him.”

“Fancy seeing you here.”

Jasmine’s blood chilled at the sound of that familiar high-pitched voice.

Madeline straightened up in her seat, her posture unwelcoming, but ever the lady she smiled and
nodded her head in greeting. “Madison.”

How much had Madison heard, Jasmine wondered? The blonde’s face gave nothing away. Her
attention remained focused on the older woman and she totally ignored Jasmine. “I was just having
lunch with an old friend and I thought I’d come by and say hello. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine dear. What a surprise to see you here.”

“It’s a small world. But I’m sure we would have seen each other again eventually, I mean Victor
and I are such dear friends. When we had our little tiff, I really wasn’t myself and I think he realizes
it now.”

Jasmine wanted to gag at how thick Madison was laying it on. She had a bad vibe about this
woman and there was only one instance in her life when her instincts had let her down.

Madeline raised a brow. “Does he? He hasn’t mentioned you since that dinner.”

A faint tinge of red colored Madison’s cheeks, but she quickly regained her composure. “I’m sure
there’s a lot of things Victor probably doesn’t tell you. Or maybe it slipped your mind. My
grandmother often forgets things too, bless her little heart. Actually seeing you here has reminded me
to give Victor a call soon.”

Madeline’s expression gave nothing away. “You do that dear. I’m sure your lunch date is waiting
for you to return. We’re just finishing up our coffee before we leave.”

Madison focused her attention on Jasmine for the first time since she approached their table.
“Why, Jemima, I didn’t even notice you there. You’re so quiet.”

As much as she wanted to slap the taste out of Madison’s mouth, the bitch wasn’t worth the risk of
going to jail and definitely not worth losing the chance to get Star back.

“It’s Jasmine, but you already knew that. Maybe you should be worried about your memory.”

Madison waved her hand as If it was no big deal. “I knew it started with a J. I’m just horrible
with names. It must be such a treat for you to have lunch in a place like this isn’t it?”

Jasmine ignored her seeing no point in engaging with this troll.

But Madison went on as if Jasmine had replied. “You should be grateful for how well your life is
right now because in a blink of an eye, it can be taken away.” She grinned before returning her
attention to Madeline. “I really must get back to my friend, but it’s been great seeing you again.”

“Have a nice lunch, Madison,” Madeline said so deadpan as to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind
she didn’t share the sentiment.

Madison smiled, showing off a row of tiny white teeth. “You too. Toddleloo.” She wiggled her
fingers goodbye. Either the blonde had really thick skin or she didn’t know when she was being
insulted.

Jasmine’s stomach was in knots as she wondered how much of their conversation Madison had
heard. She couldn’t get out of this place fast enough.

“I’ll take care of the bill and we can go.” The same thing must have crossed Madeline’s mind as
well because her expression was grim. The pleasant smile she’d maintained throughout lunch was
gone and her dark blue eyes so like her son’s were shadowed with what seemed like worry.

Nothing further was said until they were halfway back to the Meade residence when Madeline
broke the brooding silence hanging between them. “I wouldn’t worry too much about her, dear. I don’t
think she heard anything. And if she did, what could she do? Victor wouldn’t believe her.”

Jasmine wrapped her arms around her waist. Maybe she was being more paranoid than the
situation called for. “If they’re such good friends as she claims them to be, he just might.”

“The woman is delusional. Victor is no longer friends with that small-minded bigot. Don’t borrow
trouble, Jasmine.”

“I wish I had your optimism, but there was something in the way she looked at me…I could have
imagined it but it was as if she knew something. If your son finds out, he’ll throw me out, no questions
asked. This couldn’t have come at a worse time.” Jasmine slumped in her seat and rested her head in
her palms.

A few days ago she’d met with the case worker she was required to check in with once a month.
Pleased with Jasmine’s progress, she promised to file paperwork recommending full custody for Star.
Without a permanent residence that would present a huge snag.

“Victor isn’t so heartless, Jasmine. If you’d just explain the circumstances to him, I’m sure he’d
understand. Despite his faults, he’s fair. And you wouldn’t have to worry about having nowhere to go.
You’ll always have a home with me.”

. As much as the older woman’s offer melted her heart, she knew she’d have to decline. If Victor
fired her, staying with his mother would slowly turn into an ordeal, especially when….no. She
wouldn’t dwell on the uncomfortable feelings she’d been dealing with of late where Victor was
concerned.

Her life was complicated enough as it was without thinking of the night she’d lost all self-control
and gave in to her deepest carnal urgings. There were times when Jasmine would wake up in a cold
sweat, her body tense from the erotic images flashing through her mind. It didn’t help matters that he
was spending more time with his children while she was around which made him more attractive to
her.

He was a distraction she was finding difficult to ignore from the scent of his cologne, the way
he’d look at her with those unfathomable blue eyes of his, and how they’d sometimes accidentally
touch. Jasmine realized she’d been fooling herself when she thought she could put that episode they’d
shared firmly behind her.

Somehow Victor Meade had managed to get under her skin in a way she’d allowed no man to do
since Phillip. After her destructive relationship with her ex, Jasmine believed herself to be immune to
those kinds of feelings. But apparently she wasn’t.

“I appreciate the offer,” Jasmine finally answered noncommittally.

“Think nothing of it.” Madeline maneuvered her Mercedes into the driveway and brought it to a
halt. “Here we are dear. I’m so glad you could come out to lunch with me.”

Jasmine smiled. “So am I. The kids were ecstatic that Victor had taken them to the zoo today.” She
had been invited to go to the zoo with Victor and the kids but Madeline had popped in earlier and
asked Jasmine out to lunch. “Would you like to come in and I’ll fix you a good cup of coffee? We have
the house to ourselves. Your son isn’t supposed to be back with Chelsea and Tyler until later this
afternoon and you already know Adam won’t be back for a couple days from his waterskiing trip with
his friends.”

Madeline turned her vehicle off and took the key out of the ignition. “That sounds lovely.

***

Victor was exhausted by the time he brought the children home well after dark. Chelsea and Tyler
had fallen asleep in the back of the car and he had a tough time waking them.

The light flickered on in the front hallway as he walked in. Jasmine greeted them at the door,
wearing an oversized t-shirt that did nothing to disguise the outline of her braless breasts, and a pair
of short shorts that clung so tightly to her ass, he fought not to get an erection. “You didn’t have to get
out of bed on our account.”

She shrugged. “It’s okay. I was reading anyway. Let me help you get the kids settled in bed.”
Reaching out, she took Chelsea by the hand and led her upstairs.

Victor urged Tyler forward and followed the ladies upstairs, wishing Jasmine didn’t have such a
tight round ass. It was bad enough his day was off kilter because Jasmine hadn’t gone with them, but
now he could think of nothing more than grabbing that tempting ass in his palms.

He stayed with Tyler until he was in his pajamas and had brushed his teeth. Lingering for as long
as he dared, Victor hoped Jasmine was finished with Chelsea and their paths wouldn’t cross for the
rest of the night. She’d already ruined his day by not coming with them. He wasn’t going to let her
destroy his sleep as well.

Victor rarely took days off, but Chelsea and Tyler had been begging for him to take them to the zoo
to see the giant pandas. He’d cleared his calendar for them and was looking forward to spending the
day with them. He assumed Jasmine would come along, but his mother had thrown a monkey wrench
in his plan asking Jasmine out for lunch when she’d learned of his plans to take the kids for the day.

“Give the poor girl a break. It’s not like you can’t have one day without her. Anyway, I don’t get
a chance to talk to Jasmine without any distractions,” his mother had said.
 “The kids will be disappointed if she can’t come and it’s not like it’s her day off,” he’d
countered.

“Oh please, Victor. Since when did you become so heavy-handed? Besides, will the kids be the
only one who’s disappointed?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You figure it out,” she replied in a sing-songy voice.

If she wasn’t his mother he probably would have hung up the phone. But instead he took a deep
breath and mentally counted to ten. “Fine, she can have lunch with you if she wants,” he bit out
through clenched teeth.

Much to his annoyance, Jasmine seemed eager to have lunch with his mother saying this would be
a good chance for him to bond with his children without her around.

Knowing Chelsea and Tyler wouldn’t take Jasmine’s not going well, he’d left it until the last
minute to tell them. Chelsea sulked all the way to the zoo and Tyler fell into a solemn silence. Not
even a visit to the Panda house had cheered them up. It was only after he’d plied them with three ice
creams a piece and a promise of a pizza dinner followed by laser tag, did they snap out of their funks

What made the day most difficult to deal was their non-stop chatter about Jasmine. To add insult
to injury as they were headed home, he asked if they’d had a good day. Chelsea said they would have
had a better time if Jasmine were there and for once Tyler didn’t shush his sister which spoke
volumes. Victor might have been a little annoyed if he didn’t secretly agree with him. Even when she
wasn’t around, Jasmine somehow managed to infiltrate every corner of his life. He was fighting a
losing battle where she was concerned, but as time passed he wondered why he was fighting so hard.
Eventually he’d have to address these feelings he had for the delectable Miss Brooks.

Much to his chagrin, Jasmine came out of Chelsea’s bedroom just when he was coming out of
Tyler’s so he couldn’t walk past her without being rude. “Did you have a good day away from the
kids?” He silently congratulated himself for the casualness he was able to inject in his voice.

“Yes, although I did miss them. Lunch was good and, we came back here for coffee. I caught up
with some reading and watched some television. My day wasn’t that exciting. I wasn’t really sure
when you guys would return so I hung around.”

He crossed his arms across his chest and took a step back without being too obvious about it
because the closer he was to her, the more he wanted to pull her into his arms. “Do you have any
plans for your day off tomorrow?”

“Oh, I can watch the kids, I mean you had them all day so…”

“Don’t worry about it, you’re entitled to your day off, besides, I’m sure there’s a young lady
who’s looking forward to a visit.”
 “Thank you. Although I was planning to bring her here just in case you wanted me to work.”

“It’s your day to do with it as you like. If you want to bring Star around she’s more than welcome
here. She’s a delightful young lady.”

“Thank you. Uh, there’s actually…I wanted to tell you…” she broke off and caught her bottom lip
between her teeth as if trying to find the right words to say next. Her gaze cut away from his.

“What Jasmine?”

“Just…thanks for being so kind. I really like my job and I love the children and I appreciate you
giving me this opportunity.”

Why did he get the feeling there was something else she was trying to tell him? Whatever it was, it
seemed to be bothering her, but he wouldn’t press the issue. For now. “No, I should be thanking you.”

“Me? Why?”

“My relationship with my children is ten times better than it was before you arrived. Adam is
even talking to me, well somewhat, but more than he has before in years and I have you to thank for it.
You’ve really done wonders for this family.” And me, he wanted to say.

“I’m not a saint, Victor. Don’t…don’t put me on a pedestal because I’m not perfect in fact I’ve…”
Again she broke off. He wasn’t sure if he imagined it but he thought he saw tears in her eyes.

Moving closer he grasped her by the shoulders, wanting to offer the comfort she silently seemed
to be crying out for. “What is it Jasmine? Tell me.”

She raised her head, her big brown eyes glistening with moisture. They stared at each other
wordlessly before she shook her head. “Nothing. I guess I’m more tired than I thought I was.”

There was something more going on here and he couldn’t quite put his finger on it but realized if
he insisted she tell him, then she’d retreat further within the cloak of secrecy she’d shrouded herself
in. When she was ready to tell him, she would. Or at least he hoped so.

An awkward silence fell between them. Unable to help himself, Victor stared pointedly at her
breasts. He’d never met a woman who seemed so unaware of her sex appeal. His mouth watered as
he imagined sucking on those sweet titties again, pinching her nipples until she cried out his name and
sliding into her hot pussy. His cock stiffened and this time he didn’t fight the feeling. He wanted her.
Maybe this was a mistake but he knew if he didn’t taste her again, he’d go crazy.

Her eyes widened as comprehension dawned. She attempted to pull away. “Victor, no.”

“Yes, Jasmine. Yes,” he groaned before crushing her lips beneath his.
Chapter Sixteen
 Jasmine turned away in an attempt to avoid Victor’s questing lips but he caught her chin in his
grasp, holding her head immobile as his mouth ground down on hers in an act of hungry possession.
Stubbornly, she kept her lips pressed firmly together as her body fought against the niggling sensation
of pleasure welling inside her core. This couldn’t be happening. Again.

She was supposed to be over this. Over him and the passion he could arouse in her as no one had
ever done before. The urge to throw her arms around his neck and melt against him was fast becoming
a temptation Jasmine found difficult to fight against but she had to. To give in to this madness would
be a folly she could little afford. “Stop this, right now, Mr. Meade!” she hissed, managing to turn her
face away from the onslaught of his passionate kiss.

“Don’t give me that Mr. Meade crap, Jasmine. You know what my name is. It’s Victor. And by the
end of the night you’re going to be screaming it.”

“The kids¯”

“Are sleeping and we both know they sleep like the dead. Stop making excuses when we both
want this.” He silenced the retort on the tip of her tongue by pressing his lips against hers. Moving his
arms around her waist and gripping her tightly, Victor lifted Jasmine off her feet and carried her down
the hall to his bedroom, his mouth leaving hers.

When they crossed the threshold, he kicked the door behind him and totted her the remaining
distance to his bed. Jasmine knew she should fight harder, argue more passionately, but her mind was
in a haze and her body wasn’t cooperating. All reason slowly flickered away and the only thing she
could focus on was how he made her feel right then and there.

It didn’t register that he’d laid her on the center of the bed and was in such a hurry to undress her,
he tore her clothing. It was only when he slid on top of her, his naked flesh against hers, did Jasmine
realize the enormity of the situation. She was about to have sex with her employer and there was no
turning back.

Jasmine twisted her head to the side to avoid his kiss, but it didn’t deter Victor. He pressed hot,
urgent kisses against her neck and collar bone. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to do this to
you. I can’t eat, sleep or think clearly without thoughts of you invading my mind. I’ve burned for you
—ached for you.”

Her resistance seemed to egg him on, making his caresses more aggressive. Victor pressed her
further into the mattress seeming to have no intention of letting her go. After a while she couldn’t
figure out why she was fighting so damn hard when she wanted this as much as Victor did. What kind
of fool was she to have ignored all he signs? Ever since their last encounter, there’d been something
unspoken between them but she’d chose to ignore it. She’d been so sure that one time had been a
fluke. Now she realized the only one she’d fooled was herself.

With a groan of surrender, she wrapped her arms around him, her nails grazing the length of his
back. Her pussy tingled as juices wet the insides of her thighs. The more she pressed her legs together
to temper that burning flame within, she grew hotter still.
 Victor moved down her body, his lips leaving butterfly kisses over her breasts, torso, and belly.
He stopped at the juncture of her thighs and lightly caressed the tight nest of curls guarding her
womanhood. “You’re so damned beautiful. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted this—wanted
you.” He raised his head, his gaze locking with her and he silently communicated exactly what he was
going to do to her. When he suggestively ran his tongue over his lips, a shiver worked its way up her
spine.

She was powerless to stop him. Hell, she wasn’t sure she wanted to. Jasmine offered no
resistance when he gently parted her thighs and pressed a deep wet kiss against her labia.

“Oh, God!”

He chuckled. “No, Jasmine. It’s Victor. Remember?” Separating her slick wet folds, his heated
gaze explored every inch of her pussy.

She should have been embarrassed by the way he stared so intently. No one had ever looked at her
that way before but instinctively, she knew Victor liked what he saw. Jasmine wiggled with
anticipation, squirming and writhing desperately needing to feel his mouth against her damp heat. The
wait was thankfully cut short when he flicked her clit with the tip of his tongue before sucking it fully
into his mouth.

Bliss.

Jasmine thought she would spontaneously combust right then and there. She grabbed the sides of
his head and mashed her pussy against his mouth. “Victor. Yes. Oh Yes.”

He released her clit long enough to whisper, “That’s it baby, say my name. Say it louder.”

“Victor! Victor! Victor!”

When he eased his middle finger into her channel she became dizzy with desire. Lord, what was
this man doing to her? As he fingered her, Victor latched on to her clit again, alternating between
suckling and nibbling the tight sensitive bud, driving her body into passion overload.

Jasmine burrowed her fingers deeper into his hair holding him tighter. His mouth was magic and
her climax was coming and when it did come, it would be explosive.

Removing his finger from her dripping cunt, he replaced it with his tongue, pushing it in and out of
her wet hole until Jasmine thought she’d lose her mind. When her orgasm came, it was fast and hard,
sending waves of wanton delight through her entire body. She shook uncontrollably, tossing her head
from side to side. “Victor, Victor, Victor,” she moaned. Even as her juices flowed, he continued on his
quest of sexual domination and Jasmine was utterly lost.

Why had she been fighting this so hard when her body told her this was meant to be? Her and
Victor, together like this.

Just when she thought she couldn’t take anymore, Victor finally raised his head. He licked her
folds and the insides of her thighs lapping up every last drop of her essence as if he couldn’t get
enough.

Jasmine’s mind and body were mush by the time he finished and slid his body on top of hers. Not
giving her a chance to catch her breath, Victor, crushed her mouth beneath his, driving his tongue past
her lips in a forceful exploration. The taste of her on his tongue was enough to send her senses
reeling.

Jasmine pushed her tongue forward to meet his in a battle of sensual supremacy. As their mouths
merged as one, Victor entered her, sliding so deep inside her pussy, she didn’t know where he ended
and she began. Their sweat-slicked bodies mated, moving as one. As he thrust forward, she lifted her
hips to meet him, savoring the sensation of deep penetration. No one had ever made her body sing
quite like this. Not even Phillip. In the beginning it had been good with him, but never like this. This
mind-shattering, passion-inducing madness coursing through every single inch of her body.

Finally, she turned her head to catch her breath, clinging to him in a need to reach their ultimate
goal. Victor shoved his cock deeper and harder into her with each thrust, branding her. He dipped his
head until his lips grazed the shell of her ear. “This pussy belongs to me, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. Only you,” she cried out.

“Tell me.”

“I did.”

He stopped in mid-thrust, his steely gaze locking with hers. “I want you to say the whole thing.
Tell me this pussy belongs to me.”

“It does. It belongs only to you, Victor,” she whispered breathlessly, too weak to deny him
anything.

“That’s right dammit. Your pussy belongs to me.” He continued to plow into her with the sudden
fervor of a man possessed. It was as if something within him snapped. Catching her by the wrists, he
pinned them above her head and slammed his dick into her pussy to the point of near pain. She didn’t
know what had come over him all of a sudden but with her body raging with an overwhelming amount
of hormones, she couldn’t think coherently. Instead she met him thrust for thrust, moving in sync with
him.

He nipped at her neck and sucked on her skin. She wasn’t a light-skinned woman but the way he
attacked her sensitive flesh with his teeth and lips, Victor would leave a mark. His ardent caresses
and deep movements within her was enough to send her body spiraling to an incendiary combustion.
Fireworks exploded around her and her body spasmed as a climax so powerful ripped through her
being, she could barely breath.

Victor continued on his onslaught of passionate possession, pushing in and out of her several more
times stiffening and then letting out a howl of release. His shoulders shook and he shot his seed deep
into the recesses of her pussy before heavily collapsing on top of her, his breathing ragged.

Releasing her wrists, he cupped her face and rained kisses all over her heated skin. “You belong
to me,” he growled.

She stiffened. Those words resonated in her head like a ghost from her past. Where had all of this
possessiveness come from? She licked her suddenly dry lips. “No. I belong to myself.”

Victor grasped her chin. “The hell you do. You belong to me, not that artist you spend your time
with.”

Jasmine widened her eyes. How did he know about Jason? Was he having her followed? Did he
know about the painting? Regardless of how he knew, she didn’t know if she liked this line of
questioning. She placed her hands against his chest with every intention of pushing him off and getting
the hell out her room. She’d been a fool to let him seduce her. “Get off of me.”

His eyes darkened and he remained immobile. “Did you think I wouldn’t find out about him? All
day the kids were telling me about your new friend. They seem to think you’ll marry this man and
leave them—leave me.”

Jasmine’s mouth fell open. What the hell? Chelsea had asked her about Jason the other day, but it
didn’t register why. What were the kids up to that they’d mention him to their father? And where the
hell did Victor get off questioning her about her friends? “I see. So this is what this is all about? You
thought if you could seduce me, I’d be so taken by you, I’d be willing to stay here as long as you like?
Maybe as long as it takes for the children to no longer need a nanny?”

His brows flew together. “No goddammit. That’s not it at all.” He rolled off of her to lie on his
back. Victor raked his fingers through his hair, frustration etched on every line of his face. “If you
wanted to leave, there’s no way on Earth I could get you to stay. In the time you’ve been here, I know
that much about you at least. What happened between us right now didn’t happen because I’m trying to
emotionally blackmail you. It happened because it was inevitable. It’s probably been there between
us from the very beginning but we’ve been too busy trying to fight it.”

As much as she wanted to argue, Jasmine couldn’t. He had a point. Deep down, she’d always
been attracted to Victor Meade. In the beginning it had been easy to ignore because she’d been so
wrapped up in her own problems. How did these feelings suddenly sneak up on her? How did she fall
for Victor without realizing it? No matter, this wasn’t right. Her situation was still too precarious and
there was no way she could trust him with the truth, just yet. She’d put her hope and faith in one man
before and didn’t escape unscathed. Even after what Phillip had done, Jasmine instinctively knew
Victor had the power to hurt her far more. Besides, she had Star to consider.

“Look, Victor. I admit there’s a sexual attractive between us, but¯”

He sat up, his gaze growing stormy. “It’s more than sex and you know it. Jasmine, since you’ve
come into our lives you’ve done wonders for our family. Chelsea and Tyler love you. My mother
adores you and threatens to disown me if I ever got rid of you and you’ve even got Adam and me
speaking. I have you to thank for that.”

She shook her head. “You’re giving me way too much credit. You’ve always had the power to
bring your family together yourself. I just gave you a nudge in the right direction.”

“But it was a nudge I needed and without it, things wouldn’t be the way they are now.”

“Maybe you’re confusing gratitude with something else.”

“Jasmine, what I feel for you is far more than gratitude.”

Jasmine sat up and began to scoot to the edge of the bed. “I really don’t need to hear this.”

Victor grasped her wrist. “Yes you do. Jasmine, I can’t put into words what I feel for you, but I
know I’m happier when you’re around. When you didn’t come to the zoo with us today, I was just as
disappointed as the children, probably more so. When you’re near it just feels right. I find myself
thinking about you more than I have a right to. When the kids mentioned that artist friend of yours I
was jealous as hell. In my mind I’d already began thinking of you as mine. How could this man try to
take you away from me?”

“I don’t belong¯”

He placed his finger over her lips. “Don’t say it.”

She turned her head away. “And what exactly do you expect from me? Do you want us to continue
this at night and pretend to be employer and employee at night?”

“Of course not.”

“Then what? Don’t you think it would be awkward if your friends and colleagues knew you were
screwing your nanny?”

Victor narrowed his eyes. “Don’t cheapen what we have. And any friends of mine won’t care who
I chose to be with.”

Was he expecting them to fall into a full-fledged relationship? It couldn’t possibly work. “Victor
¯”

He shook his head. “No. Whatever it is you’re going to say, don’t. I won’t push you. I’ll let you set
the pace, okay? We don’t even have to have sex again until you’re ready, but I want you to know I’ll
be waiting. Before you make any decisions about us, at least give me this one night.”

“But the children…”

“My alarm will go off before they wake up.”

She couldn’t dispute the sincerity lingering within the depths of his eyes. This was lunacy. She
shouldn’t even entertain his plea but what was one night? Knowing she’d live to regret it, Jasmine
sighed as she capitulated. “Okay. This one night. But don’t read more into it than there is.”

Victor pulled her into his arms. “I promise.” Once she was in the crock of his arms he stroked the
length of her back, and kissed the top of her head. “Jasmine?”

“Are you…I mean are you protected? I guess we probably should have thought about that before
but….”

She closed her eyes tight in an attempt to shut out painful memories. Jasmine didn’t have to ask for
clarification to know what he was asking. There was no chance of her getting pregnant. Phillip had
taken care of that. “Yes.” Before he could respond, she snuggled closer to him, wanting to rid herself
of memories from the past. “Victor, let’s not talk anymore. Just hold me okay?”

“Sure.”

Jasmine had promised herself she wouldn’t give in to the misery and it was a promise she
intended to keep. Why was she so weak where this man was concerned?
 Chapter Seventeen

Chelsea leaned her head against Victor’s arm, a smile of contentment curving her lips. “Daddy,
you know what?”

He wrapped on arm around his daughter’s shoulder and dropped a kiss on her dark head. “What,
Pumpkin?”

“Today felt right,” she sighed, snuggling closer to him.

Victor didn’t need any elaboration to know exactly what she was talking about. Damn if she
wasn’t correct. Not only did today feel ‘right’; it was perfect. Two months had passed since that night
in his bedroom. Everything in his life seemed to be falling into place. He genuinely enjoyed his
children, missing them when they weren’t around.

Even he and Adam had formed a friendship. Though the relationship was still shaky, he no longer
walked on eggshells around his older son. The children were back in school, and a month ago, Adam
had expressed an interest in attending one of the local private schools Victor had wanted to enroll him
in the year before. Victor was pretty sure it had a lot to do with a few of Adam’s buddies’ plans to
attend said learning institution. But if it meant having his son near, Victor didn’t question the reasons
why. He had been happy to inform the military academy Adam wouldn’t be returning.

Tyler and Chelsea were thriving at school. Chelsea has gained a confidence he hadn’t noticed
before. She walked with her head up and no longer seemed uncertain of herself. Tyler had calmed
down considerably. No longer was he prone to outbursts of temper. He still had his moments but they
were few and far between.

They all had Jasmine to thank for it. Had she not come into their lives he didn’t know where the
Meade family would be headed.

Jasmine brought Star around more often and Victor found himself warming to the child especially
as she looked so much like Jasmine. Star was Chelsea’s ‘bestest friend’ and Victor was glad their
daughters had bonded. Star still didn’t speak but she too seemed much happier.

There had been a time when Victor had worked in his office until all hours of the night but now he
couldn’t wait to leave. He’d usually get home in time to find the children at the kitchen table with
Jasmine in between them while she helped with their homework. He’d always known Jasmine had a
sharp mind but she seemed especially proficient at science and math. The kids no longer asked for his
help to solve those dreaded word problems. Not only did Jasmine seem able to explain things to them
better, she made it fun for them.
 He couldn’t help but think that Jasmine was meant to be so much more.

Though it had been difficult to keep his hands off her since that night, Victor had kept his promise
to take things slow, until last night. The kids had gone to bed early after an exhausting night of family
fun.

He and Jasmine had been on the couch watching television while sharing a bowl of popcorn.
When they’d reached into the bowl simultaneously, their hands touched. A spark of pure electricity
had shimmed through his body as their eyes locked and he knew he couldn’t go another second
without kissing her: except one kiss hadn’t been enough. Victor had been so starved for the taste of
her, he tossed the bowl aside. Popcorn flew everywhere as pulled her into his arms.

One thing had led to another and before he realized what had happened, they were on the floor
making wild passionate love, uncaring that the kids could come upon them. All that mattered was their
need for each other. Their love making had been frantic and desperate. It was the release his body had
craved for weeks. And judging from the way she’d clung to him, it was what hers had needed as well.

“Oh my God,” she’d panted, “I can’t believe we just did that.”

Victor couldn’t keep stop the grin spreading his lips. “I can. I’ve been picturing us together
like this for weeks. I’m not sure how I managed to keep my hands off you for so long.”

“Well you’re going to have to figure out how because this can’t happen again. The kids could
have walked in on us and then what would they have said?”

Victor thought maybe it wouldn’t have been such a bad thing for one of the kids to catch them.
It would be awkward as hell but at least it would finally push their relationship out in the open. He
was tired of pretending he didn’t have feelings for her for the sake of her sensibilities. Why the hell
was she so damn skittish?

Victor wasn’t a conceited man but he knew he wasn’t a bad looking man. He’d go as far as to
say he was attractive to the opposite sex. His law firm was one of the top firms in the D.C.
Metropolitan area and his bank account was very healthy. He had never been short of female
companionship. Women vied for his attention.

Was Jasmine ashamed to be with a white man? She didn’t strike him as the type who’d be
bothered by such an issue. Though he’d never dated outside his race, Jasmine being black was
trivial in the grand scheme of things. Or was she bothered by their age difference. Jasmine was so
mature that he forgot he was 12 years older than her. Victor wasn’t so naïve to not realize there
would be some problems because of small-mindedness. But the important matter was how he felt
about how his children and mother felt about her. He was ready to lay himself on the line for her,
so why wasn’t she willing to reciprocate?

Raising a brow he said, “You’re right. It won’t happen again. At least not like this. Next time it
will be in my bed at a time when my mother has the kids and we can spend all night long making
love.”
 “Victor, stop.” She rolled away from him and grabbed her clothing. “You said we’d take things
slow.”

“How slow do we need to go? You hold me at arm’s length and I sometimes get the impression
you don’t want me around.”

She wiggled her panties up over her hips and pulled her t-shirt over her head. If he wasn’t
mistaken he could see the suspicious sheen of tear glistening in her eyes. “It isn’t that, Victor. I…I
like you. A lot. Probably more than I should but…” Jasmine turned her head away.

“Then what Jasmine?”

“It isn’t that simple.”

“Does it have anything to do with my being white?”

“Of course not, although you have to admit, in this political climate things won’t be a
cakewalk. Not everyone is open-minded.”

“Maybe not but I think we can weather this storm together. I’m a big boy, Jasmine. I can take
my bruises. But if it isn’t race then what is it? Is it Star’s father?”

She stiffened and whipped her head around to meet his gaze, her eyes narrowed. “What do you
know about him?”

Victor didn’t understand why she’d suddenly become so defensive. It had dawned on him before
he still didn’t know a lot about Jasmine’s past. “Nothing except you got defensive the one other
time I asked…kind of like now. Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“No!” she answered quickly: maybe a little too quickly for his taste.

He raised a brow. “No? Jasmine, we can’t move forward if you don’t open up.”

“I can’t open up.” Her voice trembled.

She turned her head but he grasped her chin forcing her to look at him. “Why the hell not?”

“Because it’s hurts okay? Even after all this time it hurts.”

Victor jerked back, dropping his hand from her chin as if he’d been slapped. So that was it. She
still wasn’t over her ex. “And when was the last time you saw him?”

Jasmine shrugged. “About three years ago, I guess. Look, I don’t want to talk about it.”

“You’re going to have to eventually.”

She closed her eyes as if waging some inner battle. With a sigh, she finally opened her eyes.
“You’re right. I’ll tell you eventually but not right now okay? But I promise I will.”

He searched her face debating on whether he should push the issue any further but decided this
was probably the most he’d get out of her. Besides, there was something else more pressing on his
mind. “What about us, Jasmine? Is there an us?” He placed his finger against her lip. “Before you
say anything, the children love you. Hell, they’re already hinting that we should be together. My
mother thinks the sun rises and sets on you. And I want you very much. There’s no reason why we
shouldn’t give this thing a shot.”

A spark seemed to die out in her eyes but maybe he simply imagined it. “Can I just have a little
more time?”

He racked his fingers through his hair. “How much more time do you need?”

“Not much more. I promise.”

When she looked at him those big brown eyes, a lost little girl expression on her face, he found
himself caving. “Okay, but my patience is wearing thin.”

“I understand,” she said with downcast eyes. Then she smiled at him. “How about I make it up
to you?”

“Well, the kids are asleep. We might as well take advantage of it? Seeing as how we’ll be at
Adam’s soccer tournament in the morning and then out to the movies and dinner, we have a pretty
exhausting day ahead of us.”

Victor grinned. “Are you suggesting what I think you are?”

She crinkled her nose, a mischievous gleam entering her dark eyes. “Maybe.”

“Why Miss Brooks, are you coming on to me?”

“Do you like it?”

“I love it.” And with that, he leapt to his feet and collected their clothing in a hurry before
grabbing her wrist and hurrying her upstairs to his room before she changed her mind. Victor was
never one to miss out on a prime opportunity when one was presented to him.

“Daddy, are you listening to me?” Chelsea’s voice brought them back to the present. He must have
been daydreaming.

“I’m sorry sweetheart, what were you saying?”

She rolled her eyes in her childhood exasperation. “I was saying, Jasmine sure is taking a long
time in there.”

Victor glanced at his watch with a frown. They’d been waiting outside for fifteen minutes.
Jasmine generally reserved Sundays for her alone time with Star but today had been different. They’d
picked Star up to join them on their family outing much to Chelsea’s delight. Jasmine had seemed a bit
wary about it first, seeming to think Star might mind sharing her mother on a day that should have been
exclusively hers. But instead the little girl seemed to enjoy the company.

From watching Adam’s soccer game, going to the movies, and having a picnic lunch at the
National Mall followed by a day of site seeing in D.C., Victor couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed
himself more. The day ended with ice cream sundaes. On the way home they drove by the group home
to drop off Star. “She’s probably making sure Star is settled in.”

“I wish Star could live with us always and forever, just like Jasmine. When are you and Jasmine
getting married?”

“What?” Victor stole a look behind him. Adam had his headphones on, his eyes closed. It was
hard to determine whether he was truly asleep. But there was no doubt Tyler was sleep with a trail of
drool running down the side of his open mouth.

Chelsea sighed. “I said¯”

“I know what you said but where is this coming from?”

A grin tilted her lips. “Because I saw you kiss this morning.”

Victor groaned inwardly. That one stolen kiss this morning when he’d found Jasmine alone in the
kitchen had meant the world to him. He thought he’d heard the kitchen door creak but he’d put it down
to his imagination when no had entered. Part of him was glad Chelsea had caught them but her
assumption of that kiss leading to marriage unnerved Victor more than he cared to admit. He wanted
to be with Jasmine, but he hadn’t thought that far ahead. How could he when Jasmine shut him down
when he even talked about being in an official relationship?

“Jasmine and I are friends. Sometimes friends kiss.” As explanations went, it was pretty lame but
what was he supposed to say to a seven year old? Jasmine was willing to have sex with him as long
as they kept it a secret? There were some conversations better left unspoken.

“I don’t kiss my friends like that.”

He raised a brow. “And you better not until you’re thirty-five, young lady. Sometimes adults kiss
when they’re friends.”

“But you and Jasmine do more than kiss, Daddy. Tyler says he heard you two making funnies
noises in your room and¯”

“That’s enough, Chelsea. This subject is closed!” He made a mental note to talk to his son later.
So much for being discreet. Chelsea’s mouth fell open, her expression crestfallen. Victor sighed, not
wanting their perfect day to end up like this. “Sweetheart, if you’re afraid about Jasmine leaving us, I
can assure you, she’s not going anywhere any time soon.”
 She pouted slightly. “But if you married her, then she would never leave.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her marriage didn’t guarantee forever; he’d made enough of a
mess with his first one to realize that. But Victor didn’t have the heart to tell his child, who still
believed all was right and good in the world, what was really going on. “We’ll see. I don’t know
what the future holds but I will make this promise, as long as Jasmine wants to stay with us she’s
welcome. I won’t send her away.”

Her green gaze searched his face for several silent moments before a smile cracked her face. “I
guess that’s okay. For now.” She leaned back in her seat.

Victor was saved from continuing this awkward conversation when he saw Jasmine coming out of
the house looking quite distracted. When she slid into the car, Chelsea moved closer to her.

“Jasmine what took you so long?” the child demanded.

“Chelsea…” Victor said in a warning tone.

Jasmine smiled faintly. “Just saying goodnight to Star, sweetheart.”

“Oh,” Chelsea paused before saying, “I was just telling Daddy that—”

“That she had a good, day,” Victor interjected not wanting to embarrass Jasmine with the
conversation he’d had with his seven year old. Besides, like Chelsea had said, the day was perfect
and he wanted it to remain that way.

***

For the first time, Jasmine began to believe that maybe she could have her happily ever after with
the Meade family. There was no denying that she’d developed deep feelings for Victor and she was
already in love with Tyler and Chelsea. She’d even grown to care for Adam.

“What the hell is she doing here?” Victor muttered when he pulled up to the driveway and
Madison was standing by her vehicle.

“Umm, I’ll take care of the kids, while you talk to your guest,” Jasmine said with an impending
sense of doom. She wasn’t fooled for one minute as to the reason for Madison’s visit as she caught the
gleam of determination in the blonde’s eyes. She must have overheard the conversation Jasmine and
Madeline had had at the restaurant. But why did she wait until now? Weeks later.

Madison didn’t give them a chance to walk toward her before she stormed toward him. “Victor,
I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you for days.”

The boys who were still in the state of semi-sleep finally showed signs of movement in the
backseat and Chelsea had gotten out of the car to cling to Jasmine.

Victor’s nostrils flared. “Seeing as how I didn’t return your calls, I thought you’d get the hint.”
 Madison briefly turned an icy glare in Jasmine’s direction, her hatred evident, before returning her
attention to Victor. “Victor please don’t be this way. I was only concerned for your safety as well as
your children’s.”

So this was the game she was going to play. Jasmine’s heart pounded against her chest as if it
would explode. This was the moment she’d been dreading for months.

Victor narrowed his eyes. “What the hell are you talking about, Madison?” he demanded with
impatience.

Madison stepped forward and placed her hand on Victor’s arm. “Even if you no longer consider
me one, I am your friend. And it’s only natural to worry about your well-being when you’ve hired a
felon to take care of your kids.”

Victor snatched his arm away. “What the hell are you talking about, Madison?”

Jasmine couldn’t move if her life had depended on it. She wanted the Earth to open up and
swallow her.

“Jasmine, let’s go inside. I don’t like her,” Chelsea whispered in a voice that wasn’t quite a
whisper.

A feline smile curved Madison’s lips. “I’m talking about the nanny of course. But I’m sure you
already know about her stint in prison for nearly murdering a man. Good help is hard to find these
days, but did you have to resort to hiring a criminal, Victor?”

When Victor turned that penetrating gaze on Jasmine, she knew it was all over. “She’s making this
up isn’t she, Jasmine?”

Madison’s grin widened to a smile of pure triumph. “Am I making it up, Jemi—I mean Jasmine?”

She couldn’t meet Victor’s gaze. “No,” She croaked, her throat tight as she forced the word out.
“She’s not making it up. Everything she says is true.”
 Chapter Eighteen

“Adam, take your brother and sister inside and see that they get ready for bed,” Victor ordered not
tearing his gaze away from Jasmine. Why did she just stand there? Why wasn’t she defending herself?

Jasmine looked down at Chelsea who clung to her arm. “Go inside with your brother, okay?”

“No! I want to stay with you,” she wailed.

“What did I tell you about whining, Chelsea? You’re too old for that. Now do this for me and I’ll
join you shortly.”

Chelsea poked out her bottom lip and shot Victor a narrowed eyed stare. “Remember your
promise, Daddy.”

Victor grinded his teeth together not bothering to respond. He waited until Adam hustled his
younger brother and sister into the house before speaking again. Anger coursed through his entire
being, his heart rate elevating as he thought of the times he’d held Jasmine in his arms and how he’d
thought perhaps there could be something more between them. Yet she’d been lying to him the entire
time. She’d deliberately deceived him and probably his mother, ingratiating herself in his family’s
lives. She’d played on his sympathies by using her child. But out of fairness, he would allow her to
explain. “Jasmine. In my office. Now.” Turning on his heel he strode up the driveway and into the
house not waiting to see if she followed.

The last time he’d been this pissed was when he realized how Carolyn was using Adam as a
weapon against him. He would be damned if he let some lying con woman tear his family apart.

Victor took the seat behind his desk to keep a barrier between them, otherwise he wouldn’t have
trusted himself not to strangle her. Jasmine came in the office with Madison on her heel. He’d
forgotten about Madison but maybe it was a good thing someone else was there to prevent him from
totally going berserk. Jasmine stood while Madison took a seat on the couch.

“Well? What’s your explanation?”

A long pause fell over the room before Jasmine answered. “I didn’t mean for things to get so far
out of control. I was trying to stop him…” her voice trailed off to a barely audible whisper.

“Stop who?”

“Phillip.”
 “Phillip?” Victor demanded.

“Star’s father. We argued, things got out of hand and I kind of blacked out afterwards. I-I had to
stop him.” Fat tear drops fell from her eyes.

“Stop him from what.”

“Hurting her. I wanted¯”

“Victor are you seriously going to listen to anymore of her lies? It’s the same lame defense she
used when she tried to beat the rap. I’ve got everything here.” Madison stood up and produced a thick
manila folder he didn’t realize she’d been carrying.

Slightly annoyed at the interruption he eyed the folder warily. “What’s in it?”

Madison smirked. “Everything you need to know. What your little nanny isn’t telling you is the
real reason why she tried to kill her boyfriend. She conned him out of a significant chunk of money
and when he confronted her about it, she became angry.”

Jasmine shook her head vehemently. “That’s not true! You know nothing about it.”

Madison flared her nostrils and looked down at Jasmine with ill-disguised contempt. “Don’t
bother saying it was self-defense when you stabbed him three times. As for trying to stop him from
hurting your daughter, it’s something you made up to save your ass.” She thumped the file she’d
placed on his desk. “It’s all here Victor. She’s not only violent but she’s a thief. Why don’t you ask her
the real reason she doesn’t have custody of her daughter?”

Victor took the folder but didn’t open it. He couldn’t look at either woman. “Why Jasmine?”

When she didn’t answer her fists were clinched at her sides, her body was trembling and silent
tears coursed down her face.

“Why Jasmine?” he asked again surprising even himself with the way he’d spoke with such dead
calm.

“Victor…you know me. You’ve seen me with the kids. I would never¯”

Her pontificating was pissing him off. “Why goddammit! Just answer the fucking question!”

Jasmine flinched. “It’s not true.”

He stood up then as rage built up within him. Victor walked around the desk and grabbed Jasmine
by the arm and gave her a hard shake. “Why?”

“Child endangerment. But it’s not true. If you’d just hear me out for a minute, I’ll tell you
everything. Please.”
 “You told me you had a sick child to play on my sympathies when I hired you. I always thought it
strange how nothing really seemed to be wrong with your daughter other than her not talking. But I
never probed because I didn’t think it was that big a deal. How did you con my mother into getting an
interview?”

“I didn’t con her. I told her the truth.”

He narrowed his eyes. “So you’re telling me my mother knew?”

“Yes.”

His mother had a soft heart he knew, but she wouldn’t have knowingly sent a criminal to take care
of her grandchildren. That she could stand here and lie to his face sealed her fate. “You have a half
hour to pack your belonging and get the fuck out of my house. If you’re still here past the allotted time
I’ll personally throw you out myself and then I’ll call the police. Stay away from my kids, my mother
and me or I’ll make your life so miserable you’ll wish you were dead. Do I make myself clear?”

“You don’t mean that.” She grasped his arm. “What about us?”

“Oh my, God, don’t tell me you’ve slept with this trash?” Madison’s voice dripped with disgust.

Victor ignored her, shaking Jasmine’s grip off his arm.

Jasmine however wasn’t ready to give up. “Please, just listen to me. I can explain everything. If
you meant all those things you said to me the other night you’d hear me out.”

With more force than he’d intended he shoved Jasmine away sending her stumbling backwards.
She lost her balance and landed on her butt. Her mouth fell open as she looked at him with wide,
stunned eyes.

Madison shook her head. “This is what happens when you go slumming, Victor. I know you men
sometimes want to sample something exotic, but did you have to stoop this low? It’s just not worth
messing with these ghetto girls. It’s too much trouble. Let her go back to the slum where she belongs.
God knows our tax dollars will be going straight to her pocket anyway when she starts receiving her
welfare checks. If I were you’d I’d call the police anyway. She’s bound to have stolen something.”

Jasmine didn’t move, sitting in the middle of the floor, her tears streaming down her face
unheeded.

His anger still driving him Victor strode over to her, grabbed her by the forearms and yanked
Jasmine to her feet. “You’ve wasted two minutes. Now get the hell out of my sight and don’t even
think about going to the kids rooms or I’ll ring your fucking neck.”

Jasmine pulled away from him seeming to come out of her trance-like stupor. Raising her chin
defiantly she narrowed her eyes. “I never told you about my past because I didn’t know if I could trust
you but I guess I was right all along.” She headed for the door and paused. Then, turned back around,
her gaze focused on Madison. “I forgot to give you something.”
 Madison sneered and crinkled her nose as if she smelled something bad. “What could you
possibly have for me?”

“This.” And without warning, Jasmine slammed her fist square in Madison’s face. “Now you have
something to call the police for,” Jasmine declared as she stormed out of the office.

“My nose! I think that black bitch broke my nose! Call the police. I want that ape in jail!

Victor turned to Madison. All her nasty comments finally registered and he remembered exactly
why he’d kicked her out of his life. Though he was still trying to process the tangled web Jasmine had
woven he realized if Madison pressed charges, he’d probably have to serve as a witness which
would mean seeing more of Jasmine. To be honest, Madison had that punch coming for her extremely
offensive comments.

“I’ll take care of any medical bills you incur because of this. There’s no need to get the police
involved. I just want her out of here.”

“Don’t you care she broke my fucking nose?” The blonde grabbed some tissues off his desk.

“Not particularly, Madison. Don’t pretend you came here for some altruistic reason. You wanted
cause trouble and you’ve achieved your objective.”

Holding now bloodied tissues over her swollen nose, she screeched, “How can you be so cruel?”

Victor wasn’t in the mood to be charitable. “Go get yourself cleaned up, Madison.”

“This is the thanks I get for exposing that faker for what she is?”

He didn’t have the patience to deal with a hysterical Madison. Did she think because she’d been
the bearer of this news that he’d be so grateful as to welcome a relationship with her, let alone a
friendship? Even though he was sick to his stomach at the discovery of Jasmine’s lies he was still
disgusted by Madison’s racist comments. “Madison, go clean yourself up.”

She let out a frustrated wail and stormed out of his office. Victor sat heavily on his couch trying to
make sense of what he’d been told? Jasmine a criminal? And a violent one at that? It explained the
gap in her resume. Prison. She was a con artist. Was it her plan to seduce him and drive him out of his
mind to the point where he’d give her anything she wanted? He had to admit, she was clever. She’d
fooled him into thinking he was doing the chasing. Fucking liar.

He didn’t know how long he sat there before a loud commotion coming from outside his office
broke his angry musings.

“Jasmine!” he heard a child’s cries. Chelsea!

The bitch must have disobeyed his order and went to the kids. Rage shook every part of his body.
He would fucking kill her if she tried to use his children to play on his emotions. Victor charged out
of his office and saw Jasmine coming down the stairs with a duffle bag and Chelsea and Tyler on her
heels.

“Jasmine, don’t go!” Chelsea screamed in near hysterics.

Victor charged toward Jasmine. “I told you not to talk to them!” he roared.

She glared at him with lifted chin. “I didn’t. They came to my room as I was packing.”

Chelsea threw herself against Jasmine’s back wrapping her thin little arms around Jasmine’s
waist. “Don’t go Jasmine! You were supposed to be our Mommy!” she wailed.

Madison chose that moment to reappear from the downstairs powder room. The bleeding had
stopped but her nose was red and swollen. “Oh, God, don’t tell me she’s brainwashed your children
too. This woman is dangerous.”

“Shut up, Madison,” he snapped before refocusing his attention on his daughter clinging to
Jasmine.

“Chelsea, let her go!”

“No! I don’t want her to go.”

“If you don’t let go, you will be in so much trouble.” Victor contemplated ripping the two of them
apart but thought better of it. This situation was fast getting out of control.

“I don’t care! I don’t want Jasmine to go! You promised, Daddy! You said she could stay with us
always. You promised!” Chelsea yelled through her body shaking sobs.

Victor glared at Jasmine. “Do something.”

For a minute Victor thought she would just stand there and let chaos reign but to her credit, she
gently removed Chelsea’s arms and turned to face the child. “I’m sorry, sweetheart but I have to go.”

Chelsea threw her arms around Jasmine’s neck. “No! Jasmine don’t go. I love you, Jasmine. Let
me go with you. Take me with you, Jasmine!”

“Really, Victor this is getting embarrassing,” Madison drawled.

He flared his nostrils on the verge of completely losing it. He didn’t need further comment from
the peanut gallery. “If you say one more word Madison, I swear to God…” He stormed over to where
Jasmine and his daughter were and forcibly attempted to yank them apart. He didn’t count on Tyler
joining the anarchy.

He threw his arms around Jasmine’s waist and held on. “Leave her alone, Dad! We want her to
stay!”

That was it. “I’m your father and you will listen to me!”
 “No!” Chelsea screamed tearfully.

“No!” Tyler shouted stubbornly.

Finally it was Jasmine who was able to break the seeming death grips the children had on her and
stood up. “Be good and listen to your father.” She grabbed her duffle bag and headed for the door.

When the children would have chased after her, Victor grabbed them by the arms and held them
back. Jasmine hurried down the hall but paused and turned to give Chelsea and Tyler one last glance.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered before leaving. The room went silent, no one spoke or moved. It was
as if time had frozen for a moment.

The sound of the front door slamming seemed to galvanize the occupants in the house to action.

Tyler pulled away from his Dad. “Why did you let her go? Make her come back!”

Chelsea shoved him away. His daughter actually shoved him and turned her attention on Madison.
“This is all your fault! You’re an ugly evil witch!” The little girl charged at the unsuspecting blonde
and gave her a hard push nearly knocking her over.

Madison raised her hand and backhanded Chelsea across the face. “You evil little brat!”

Chelsea clutching her face cried even harder. “I want Jasmine!”

“Madison!” Victor roared seeing red. He charged toward her and grabbed her arm before
dragging her to the door.

“Victor take your hands off of me. I won’t be manhandled like this!” the blonde screeched.

“You’re lucky you’re not a man or you’d get more than a busted nose.

Ignoring her, Victor dragged her outside. “Don’t ever come around here again. I don’t know what
made you think I could ever be interested in a vicious, bitter psychopath like you.”

“How dare you! I came here out of the goodness of my heart and this is the payment I receive?”

Victor’s response was to slam the door in her face. He turned to face his children. Tyler had that
look in his eyes, the one when someone found out his hero had feet of clay. Chelsea cried.

Victor walked over to offer her comfort but she moved away from him. “I hate you! I hate you! I
hate you!” she screamed before running up the stairs.

“You broke your promise, Dad.” Tyler looked at him with such disappointment it cut Victor to the
core. How could he explain to his children he’d gotten rid of Jasmine to protect them?

He noticed Adam for the first time standing at the top of the stairs, his expression unreadable.
“Still breaking promises?” Adam shook his head. “Nothing’s changed has it, Dad?” The teenager
rolling his eyes in apparent disgust turned away and headed to his room. Tyler followed.

Victor was left standing alone wondering what the hell had happened. He’d done the right thing.
How could he knowingly leave a criminal in charge of his children? They would be mad at him for a
little while but he was certain they’d eventually get over it.

The bottom line was, Jasmine was a liar, a thief and violent. She was a con artist and he was glad
to be rid of her before he fell deeper in love. Convincing his kids of that would be a difficult task…
convincing himself was an entirely different issue.
 Chapter Nineteen

“Jasmine?”

Jasmine looked up from wiping down the counter. It was close to closing and all she wanted to do
was go home and take a long hot shower. Her feet and back were sore from working yet another
double shift and her head ached. She looked up to see who’d called her name.

Standing on the other side of the counter was Jason. She hadn’t seen him in nearly two months.
“Jason! What are you doing here?”

His eyes widened briefly as he took in her appearance but the expression was quickly masked. “I
was going to ask you the same question? I thought I’d seen you in here yesterday as I was walking by
but the diner was already closed. I came a little earlier this time to verify. Where the hell have you
been and what happened to you?”

“I’m sorry. I thought my text explained it all.”

“I got the text but it didn’t make sense. Why would you return the money? And why the hell did
you drop out of my life? I thought we were friends, Jasmine. Don’t I deserve better than that?”

Guilt assailed her as she saw the deep hurt etched within each line of his face. When she’d
severed ties with him she thought it would be for the best. After Victor had kicked her out, the last
thing she wanted to do was be a burden on her friend.

She sighed. “Jason, you’re right. I owed you a better explanation.”

“But why did you return the money? You earned it.”

“No I didn’t and you know it. We didn’t complete the painting which is what you paid me.
Besides, we both know that fee was exorbitant. I might look it, but I’m not completely ignorant about
art and I know models don’t get five grand to sit for a painting.”

“Okay, so I don’t usually pay my models that much, but I wanted you to pose for me. You named
your price and I thought you were worth it. Anyway, why does it matter? I can afford it and you
needed the money.”

“I forgot. Your trust fund right?” She drawled. Jason had once let it slip that he didn’t rely on his
paintings as his only source of income. Apparently his grandparents had been a pretty big deal in
Spain and had left him very well off.

“Don’t.”

“Look, Jason I have work to do and¯”

“Hey Jasmine, why don’t you take off now. You’ve been here since opening. I’ll finish closing on
up on my own.”

She threw a grateful grin toward Earl, the head cook and owner. There were no more customers
or tips to be had so she might as well. “Thanks.” Jasmine held her finger up to Jason signaling for him
to wait for her.

Picking up her rag, she headed toward the kitchen and dropped it in the bucket of dishtowels that
needed to be laundered. Jasmine was on her way out when Earl called out to her. “Come here for a
minute, will ya?”

“Sure.” Jasmine walked over to him with a ready smile on her face. Waiting on tables in a dive of
a restaurant with no air conditioning wasn’t ideal, but she’d be forever appreciative of him giving her
a chance when no one else would. “What’s up, Earl?”

At first glance, Earl was large and intimidating. A former Marine, he was a man of few words, but
when he did speak he didn’t beat around the bush. Sometimes he came off as harsh, but he was
basically a big Teddy Bear. He eyed her up and down with those unfathomable dark eyes, his massive
arms crossed over his equally massive chest. “I think you should take some time off.”

Panic squeezed her heart. Was this his way of telling her she was being fired? She needed this
job! She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “I don’t need any time off. I like working here.
Do you have any complaints about my work? Whatever it is you need me to do, I’ll fix it.” Her hands
began to twitch. Dammit, why couldn’t she stop this nervous habit she’d recently developed?

“Calm down, child. There’s nothing wrong with your work. Truth be told, you’re the hardest
worker I have on staff but you can’t go on like this. I mean look at you, baby girl. If you lose any more
weight you’ll waste away to nothing. You barely touched those eggs and bacon I cooked up for you
this morning.”

“I wasn’t hungry. Look, Earl, I know you mean well, but if I’m doing as good a job as you say then
I’m not sure why we’re having this conversation.” When he raised a brow and his lips tightened, she
wondered if she’d overstepped her bounds by questioning him. “I’m sorry, but I don’t need any time
off.”

“Girl, you don’t look well. You’ve probably lost at least fifteen pounds you can’t really afford
since you’ve worked here. There’s bags under your eyes and you’ve got the shakes. You’re jumpier
than a prostitute in church, girl. Don’t try to kill yourself trying to prove anything to me. We all make
mistakes, Jasmine. I’ve done some pretty knuckleheaded things when I was younger but I’ve moved
on. And you have to as well.”
 It was easier said than done. “I appreciate your concern and I’ll try to remember that. I guess I’ll
be going. See you in the morning.” She spun around and was halfway out of the kitchen when he
called her back.

“Jasmine?”

She turned around, her hands starting to shake again. “Yes?” she answered, worried he’d insist on
her taking time off.

“Take it easy, girl, you hear?”

Jasmine nodded. “Night, Earl.”

Jason was still waiting for her at the counter when she headed back out the dining area. “Would
you like to grab a bite to eat? There’s a twenty-four hour coffee house a couple blocks down the
street. They have good sandwiches.”

Jasmine glanced at her watch. “Actually if I get to the Metro station in the next ten minutes, I might
make the 10:45. Otherwise I’ll have to wait another hour.”

“Jasmine don’t be ridiculous, I’ll drive you home.”

“No!” Realizing how harsh that must have sounded she softened her words. “I mean, you don’t
have to do that.” It was bad enough that he was seeing her like this, but the final part of her
humiliation would be for him to see where she lived. It was probably worse than the place she’d
lived in before she worked for the Meade family.

Jason frowned. “What the hell is going on, Jasmine?”

She grabbed her jacket and slipped into it. Earl was right. She had lost a lot of weight. She was
practically swimming in her coat. She wasn’t dieting. Jasmine simply had no appetite and whenever
she did manage to eat she got nauseous. It had to be nerves because they were doing a number on her.
“Nothing.”

“So it’s like that? Is this friendship over?” The hurt in his topaz eyes cut her to the quick. Jason
didn’t deserve to be treated so off-handedly but how could she burden him with her issues when there
were far too many to deal with right now?

“Jason, I value your friendship but¯”

“If you value my friendship then show me. Let me take you to the coffee house.”

She glanced at her watch. So much for making it to the train station for the next train. She had to be
back at the diner at six in the morning and she was exhausted but she did owe Jason an explanation.
“Okay, maybe one cup of coffee.”

He grinned. “That’s all I ask.”

 ***

“What happened to you Jasmine?” Jason asked softly.

She picked at the sandwich Jason had insisted on buying her. She’d taken one bite and her stomach
rebelled. Her appetite was nonexistent these days. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

“Yes, you do. Have you looked in a mirror lately? You’re wasting away to nothing. He found out
didn’t he?”

There was no point in denying the obvious. “Yes.”

“I guess he kicked you out. Did he at least offer some type of severance?”

She snorted. “I wish. But it doesn’t matter. I’ve found another job and a place to stay and that’s the
end of that.” Jasmine she’d stayed at the cheapest hotel she could find while she looked for a job. It
had taken her three weeks to find something while staying at the hotel slowly ate at her savings. After
finding a place to work she found her current apartment and had now been there for a month. There
were times when she’d wanted to give up. But thoughts of her daughter helped her make it through.

“No it isn’t. I overheard a bit of the conversation you had with the cook. Why are you working so
many double shifts? It’s gotta be tough working on your feet all day.”

She pushed her plate aside, all pretense of eating gone. “Obviously I need the money. I’m not
doing it for fun.”

“And when do you get a chance to see, Star.”

Her heart tightened at the mention of her daughter. “I see her when I can which isn’t as often as I’d
like because I’m barely making minimum wage. As you saw, the restaurant I work at isn’t frequented
with big tippers but I make just enough for the rat infested apartment I managed to obtain. When the
state came by to inspect my new living arrangements, I was told by the social worker that I was in an
unfit living space, not to mention my changing jobs didn’t look good. She made it seemed like I had a
choice in the matter. They won’t grant me custody until I made more suitable arrangements. So until
then, I don’t know when I’ll get my daughter back.

“Oh, Jasmine. I’m so sorry.”

She sighed. “There’s no need for you to apologize. It’s not your fault. In the meantime, all the
progress Star had made when I was working for the Meade Family has been wiped out. She has
withdrawn into herself again and they’re thinking about putting her in a home for children with
behavioral problems. I’m at my wits end.”

“Don’t you have any say in this as her mother?”

“Not much. My only hope is to establish a more stable environment for Star to get her back. And
that also requires a lawyer to advocate on my behalf. That’s why I’m working so many hours. I need
the money.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Jason shot her a sympathetic look. “If there’s anything I can do….”

She shook her head. “No. I have to do this for myself. I’m a fighter and I’ll do whatever it takes to
win this battle.”

He squeezed her hand. “But you don’t have to fight alone.”

Jasmine smiled. She’d trusted before, two men in fact, and they’d both let her down. She quickly
suppressed those thoughts. She refused to think about either of them, Victor in particular. Despite
everything Phillip had done, it was Victor who’d hurt her the most. “Thank you, but this is my fight.”
The smell of coffee was really starting to get to her. “Do you mind if we leave? I’m not really feeling
well.”

“Jasmine, why don’t you eat some of your sandwich? It might make you feel better.”

“No. Can we go? Please?”

He gave her one last questioning look before sighing. “If that’s what you want.”

“It is.”

Once inside Jason’s car, the only words exchanged were directions to her apartment complex.
Actually it was more like the projects. Hell, who was she kidding? It was the projects. The cheapest
place she could find was a hole in the wall place in the Anacostia area.

To his credit Jason didn’t say anything as he pulled up to the curb. “Let me walk you inside.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Maybe not, but I’d feel better if I did. Would you stop arguing so much?”

“Fine.” She slid out of the car feeling weak, woozy and tired. Leaning against the car to regain her
balance, she took a few deep breaths. Jason was at her side in a flash, propping her up. “Let’s get you
inside.”

He was practically carried her by the time they made it to the front of the building where
thankfully the usual crowd wasn’t gathered. For the most part they left her alone, but there were a few
of them who made sexual innuendoes when she’d walked past. There was no telling how they would
have reacted seeing Jason with her.

Jason guided her to the elevators but Jasmine shook her head. “No. The elevators are broken.”

“Both of them?”

“Yep. They’re being serviced.”

 He sighed. “Okay, what floor are you on?”

“The fourteenth.”

“Do you mean to tell me, you’ve been working these double shifts only to come home and climb
fourteen flights of stairs?”

“They’ve only been out of service for a week, besides walking upstairs is good exercise, helps
me maintain my girlish figure,” she joked.

“That’s not funny. Okay, get on my back.”

“What?” she asked incredulously.

“I’ll give you a piggy back ride. As tired as you are, you’re not going to make it up those stairs
tonight.”

As tempting as his offer was, she had her pride. “I am perfectly capable of walking.” And to
prove it, she walked toward the stairs.

Jason however, was just as determined. Grabbing her from behind, he twirled around, bent at the
waist and threw her over his shoulder.

“Put me down, Jason. This isn’t funny.”

“It wasn’t meant to be.” He carried her up the stairs taking two at a time as if she wasn’t heavier
than a pillow case of feathers. It took him no time to reach the fourteenth floor. The man had to be in
great shape because he was barely out of breath. Even on a good day she could hardly make it up the
stairs without hacking out lung. “Which door is yours?”

“1402.”

He took her to the door before placing Jasmine back on her feet.

She glared. “I wish you wouldn’t have done that.”

“If wishes and buts were candy and nuts we’d all have a Merry Christmas.”

“That made absolutely no sense.” Unable to help herself, Jasmine smiled, producing the keys from
her purse.

Her efficiency was tiny and probably even smaller to an outsider’s eyes.

“You live here?” he asked incredulously.

Jasmine raised her chin. Yes there were cracks in the wall, her furniture was old and it was
overrun by roaches but it was hers. Still, she hoped to move out in the next couple months to a bigger
place because of the extra shifts she’d been working. She still had some money in her savings which
would be a big help.

“This won’t do. You’re coming home with me.”

Jasmine shook her head. Deep down she knew this would happen. “Absolutely not. It was nice
seeing you again, Jason but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“This is ridiculous! You can’t live like this.”

“Not all of us were blessed with trust funds, Jason.”

He winced. “That’s hitting below the belt, Jasmine.”

“I’m sorry, but this is where I chose to be right now and there’s nothing you can say to change my
mind. Good night.”

He firmed his lips to a tight line. “You’re being stubborn.”

“And you’re overstepping your bounds. Goodnight.”

He clinched his fists at his sides. “Fine. Have it your way…for now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Jason¯”

He placed his finger over her lips, halting her protest. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Then to her utter
surprise he gently cupped her face in his palms and brushed her lips against hers. “You’re not going to
get rid of me so easily again, Jasmine.”

Before she could utter a response he was out the door. She had a feeling her life was about to get
a little more complicated.
 Chapter Twenty
Victor sighed as he pulled up in his driveway and saw his mother’s car. She was usually gone by
the time he arrived home, and the couple times he did manage to run into her, she left within minutes
with no good byes, no how are you doing son, and no warm greeting. Every time he attempted
conversation with her she ignored him.

Today, he’d come home early so he could talk to her. Besides, enough was enough. He was tired
of being treated like a pariah by his children and his mother. He could barely stand to look at himself
in the mirror let alone deal with the animosity from his family.

He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. He’d never known his mother to hold a grudge,
but she was doing a pretty damn good job of it. Victor shuddered as he recalled the angry words
they’d exchanged when she learned he’d kicked Jasmine out.

Victor had stayed home from work that day because Chelsea had stayed up most of the night crying
and didn’t fall asleep until nearly dawn. It was only when Tyler had climbed into bed with his sister
and held her hand did she calm down. Tyler wouldn’t even talk to him and Adam had returned to
being a moody, snarky teenager who didn’t seem to want him around. At first he felt justified in his
anger, after all, he was protecting his children. But one he’d cooled down, he had time to think

Victor had spent the rest of the night replying the scene in his head. That stricken look in Jasmine’s
eyes would probably haunt him forever. She’d wanted him to listen to her, but what was there to listen
to? She didn’t deny Madison’s accusations and hadn’t he given her plenty of chances to tell him about
her past?

He’d tried to get some sleep but it eluded him. How could he have been so wrong about someone?
There one thing he couldn’t figure out was why Jasmine would say his mother knew. Just to confirm
she’d been lying, he’d called his mother early the next morning.

“Victor, why are you calling this early in the morning? Do you know what time it is? I haven’t
even had my first cup of coffee yet.” The heavy sound of sleep still anchored her voice.

“Jasmine is gone. I fired her.”

“What?” His mother sounded alert then.

“I found out about her prison record and now she’s gone. Probably to con someone else.”

“I’ll be right over.”

“That’s not necessary, but there is something I needed to ask.”

“I’ll be over in an hour.” Without waiting for a response, she hung up.

True to her word, his mother arrived in exactly an hour. For the first time Victor could
remember, Madeline Meade appeared unkempt. She looked as if she’d dressed in a hurry and her
hair which was usually perfectly coifed flew around her face. “Victor Alexander Meade, you’d
better tell me you were joking when you told me what you did over the phone or so help me God¯”

“I wasn’t joking. I fired her ass. She’s a criminal Mother and what’s worse she lied and said
you knew about it.”

His mother had turned a deep shade a red, her lids lowered before he could read her
expression.

“You didn’t know did you, Mother?” Victor didn’t like the implication of her silence.

Madeline raised her chin definitely and glared at him. “Of course I knew.”

“What?” he yelled feeling as if his head would explode. “You knowingly put my children in
danger by recommending a felon to me? Are you insane? You’ve had some hair-brained schemes in
your life but this takes the cake. How could you?”

“I did it because I knew you’d act like a butthead and that’s exactly what you’re doing now.
Did you at least give the poor dear a chance to explain?”

“Poor dear? Are you kidding me? She tried to kill a man! She’s been in prison and God knows
what other bad habits she might have picked up in there? I can’t believe you would do this. I
thought you loved your grandchildren and I’ve always trusted your judgment about their welfare
up until now.”

When she gasped, he realized he’d hurt her but he was furious. His mother, the one person who
was supposed to be in his corner had been in cahoots with a con artist. He wasn’t going to back
down in this.
 “I love those kids and you know it.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “Do I?”

“Yes, you do. And you may be angry with me for withholding this information, but I’m still your
mother. You’re not too old for me to smack you to next month so you’d better watch your tone with
me, young man. It’s true, I knew about Jasmine. She was honest with me from the beginning. I was
the one who told her to not tell you during the interview because I knew she was right for the job
and I also knew you wouldn’t look past her history.”

Victor flared his nostrils. He wasn’t going to let her put him in the wrong. “Damn right I
wouldn’t. She’s a criminal.”

“You’re starting to sound like a broken record, Victor.”

“Mother¯”

She held up her hand. “Don’t you mother me, Victor Alexander. If your father was alive he
would be sick over the way you’re acting right now. He was a fair man who had compassion for his
fellow man. One of the charities I’ve worked with in the past employed ex-offenders and I got the
opportunity to talk to some of them.”

“Mother—”

She shook her head. “No. Let me finish. I learned a lot from the people I talked to. Not
everyone is dealt a fair hand in life and sometimes those situations lead to desperation. I agree
that there are some horrible people in prison who deserve to be there but then there are people
who are taken advantage of by an unjust system. Sometimes they make mistakes but it doesn’t mean
we should simply write them off. That’s what’s wrong with the world today. Jasmine needed a job
and I saw how good she was with the children. She explained her past to me to my satisfaction. So
I wanted to help her. I shouldn’t have taken that decision out of your hands, but I did and for that,
I’m sorry. After Jasmine had been her for a while, I thought you would see for yourself what kind
of person she is and you’d judge for yourself and see beyond some unfortunate circumstances.”

“Those circumstances being that she repeatedly stabbed a man!” he roared feeling himself lose
the upper hand.

“And even after she’s been under your roof for months, and seeing how much Chelsea and Tyler
love her, and how highly I think of her you couldn’t listen to her side of the story? She probably
should have told you much sooner but¯”

“No. She shouldn’t have deceived me at all.”

“And where would that have gotten her? She wouldn’t have had the job now would she?”

“Of course not. I love my children.”

 “One wouldn’t think by the way you’ve ignored them most of their lives. Jasmine turned that
around and this is how you repay her? How could you? I raised you better than that. I’m so
disappointed in you.”

He’d had enough. “Well, I guess I’ll have to live with that disappointment. And going forward
I’d appreciate it if you didn’t interfere with the decisions I make concerning my children. Your
comments about how they’re raised are neither required nor wanted.”

“I see.” That stubborn chin came up once again. “Well, seeing as there’s nothing more to be
said on the subject, I guess I’ll go home. Do I take this to mean I’m not allowed to see my
grandchildren?”

Victor sighed. He was super pissed at her duplicity but he didn’t want to end things this way
with his mother. They’d always been close and he would eventually forgive her for this but right
now he just felt like being angry. He knew she’d meant no harm and probably believed Jasmine to
be a good person. That was his mother, compassionate to a fault. She just needed to know she’d
gone too far this time. “Mother, of course you can see them anytime you’d like. What kind of
monster do you think I am?”

“The kind who toss out a single mother trying to pick up the pieces of her life after an
unfortunate ordeal.” She turned on her heel and headed toward the door.

Victor felt as if he’d been punched in the stomach but he wouldn’t let her have the last word.
“Yes, some mother. Did she tell you about her child endangerment charge?”

Madeline stiffened and turned. “What are you talking about, Victor?”

A smirk tilted the side of his mouth. “I guess you didn’t know everything did you. That’s how
she lost her daughter. Don’t you see? Jasmine played you for a fool?”

His mother glared at him so hard if looks could kill he would have dropped dead on the spot.
“No, she didn’t tell me, but unlike you, I’ll reserve judgment until I have the actual facts. Say what
you will about her, Victor, but Jasmine Brooks is a decent woman who’s had some bad luck. And
now I’m questioning how I could have raised such a heartless son. Good luck dealing with the
fallout because you’re on your own.”

She slammed the door behind her.

Ever since that day, things had been strained between the two of them. Between his children
treating him as if were the worst father in the world, and his mother barely speaking to him he’d
reached his snapping point. Even his housekeeper, Ms. Davis had grown icy toward him. To top
things off, not a day went by when he didn’t think of Jasmine. She stayed in his thoughts until he could
barely concentrate.

Each night he’d reach out for her only to find she wasn’t there. He’d waken with body covered in
a cold sweat and his dick would be rock hard. He’d think about her smile, the way she laughed and
how her eyes lit up when she was happy. The more he remembered how loving she’d been with his
own children, Victor couldn’t imagine her hurting Star when she’d demonstrated on several occasions
how much she loved her daughter.

It had taken an entire month after she’d left before he finally picked up that manila folder Madison
had given him. He read through the file several times and it was all there in black and white, yet
something was missing. He’s made enough court appearances to know something wasn’t right about
her trial, yet he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. It bothered him so much he’d put in a call to a
buddy of his at the DA’s office in the district the case had been tried. He was still waiting to hear
back, however.

Soon the guilt began to eat at him and Victor finally conceded, if he could turn back the hands of
time he would have listened to her. Perhaps the end result would have been the same but at least their
parting wouldn’t have been so contentious. He wondered where she was and if she’d found another
job. He also thought about Star and hoped at the very least the little girl was happy and safe. But most
of all, Victor wondered if there was a new man in her life, the artist perhaps. That idea sent a strong
currency of jealousy within him.

He shook his head to clear the carnal thoughts that threatened to take over. Victor walked into the
house and heard voices. He stopped short of the living room so that no one could see him.

“Grandma, I wish I could live with you. I hate it here and I hate Daddy.” It was Chelsea’s voice.

Yes, she was a child and he knew perfectly well kids often said things they didn’t mean or
understood, but dammit it hurt, deeper than any physical wound he could have suffered.

“Me too. Dad sucks,” Tyler joined in.

It was like another blow to his soul.

“You two apologize right now. I don’t ever want to hear you talk about your father that way again.
Yes, it’s unfortunate that he sent Jasmine away but he did what he thought was best and he loves you
two and Adam very much,” Madeline interjected. Victor was surprised to hear his mother come to his
defense while the two of them were barely speaking.

“But Grandma, he promised,” Chelsea whined, an unfortunate habit she’d developed of late.

“I know, sweetheart, but sometimes even adults make mistakes and we act without thinking things
through. Now say you’re sorry.”

“I’m sorry, Grandma,” Chelsea sighed with what sounded like resignation.

“And you young man?” Madeline coaxed.

“Sorry,” Tyler muttered.

“That’s better. Well, it looks like I’ll have to be going but I’ll be back tomorrow.”
 Victor chose that moment to make his presence known, stepping into the living room. “Mother,
may I have a word with you please?” He offered a smile to his children but they both turned away
from him.

His mother eyed him just as dispassionately. “Victor, I need to go, besides, I’m not really sure
what we possibly have to talk about. Since you’re here, there’s no need for me to let Miss Davis
know that I’m leaving.” She stood up and smoothed the wrinkles from her clothes.

Grabbing her purse, she would have walked past him but Victor blocked her path. “Please?”

“I don’t have time, Victor. I have things to do. I came to spend some time with my grandchildren
and now that their father is here, my presence is no longer necessary.” She maneuvered around him
and kept walking.

Victor didn’t know how much more of this icy treatment he could take. “Mom. Please. I just need
five minutes of your time.”

Madeline kept walking forcing Victor to follow her. This was going to be harder than he thought.
She was halfway to her car when he caught up to her.

“Would please give me a chance?”

His mother turned on him with a raised brow. “You’re asking for a chance? A chance you didn’t
give Jasmine?”

He took a deep breath. “I deserved that. Look, I just wanted to apologize. I was out of line when I
said the things I did. I was angry and hurt.”

She shrugged. “You’re not the only one who’s been hurt before, Victor.”

He gulped realizing his mother wouldn’t let him off easily. “I know. I’ve uh, had some time to
think and I overreacted. I made a bonehead mistake and let the things Madison said, get to me when I
should have heard Jasmine out.”

“I still can’t believe you listened to that blonde she-demon. For a lawyer you don’t have much
common sense, Victor.”

He winced. Madeline pulled no punches. “Maybe not. I just wish you would talk to me again. It’s
bad enough knowing my kids think I suck but I need you on my side, Mom.”

She gave him a long silent stare, her lips tightened and eyes narrowed. Finally relaxing her stance,
she sighed. “I’ve always been on your side, Victor even when you’re acting like a jackass. I was hurt
that you would imply that I didn’t care for your kids based on my actions but in my heart of hearts I
truly believe Jasmine is a good person and didn’t deserve to be tossed out without having a chance to
explain. That child has been through way too much already.”

“Tell me then. What has she been through?”

 Madeline shook her head. “It’s not my story to tell. If your paths should cross again, maybe she’ll
tell you.”

“I haven’t seen her in nearly two months. I may never see her again.”

His mother shrugged. “Well, I guess that will be your problem to deal with.”

“Then I’ll find her.”

“Oh? So you can demand an explanation from her?”

“No. So I can ask and listen like I should have. Have you seen her?”

“Victor! Don’t you think I would have told you if I knew?”

“I’m sorry, for asking.”

“It’s okay. But I need to know something.”

“What?”

“What happened between you and Jasmine? Was it my imagination or was there a spark between
the two of you?”

There was no point in denying it. “I…I fell in love with her.” It was the first time he’d admitted it,
even to himself and it was like a huge weight off his shoulders. He was in love with Jasmine which
made her secrets hurt even more. She didn’t trust him enough to tell the truth about her past. Was he
destined to love the wrong women?

Madeline smiled triumphantly. “I knew it. I can see why you went off the deep end now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Jasmine is nothing like, Carolyn you know,” his mother said gently.

“I know. They’re polar opposites, but…”

“You’re hurt all the same. I understand. You’re my son. I changed your dirty diapers and I know
you better than you know yourself. You love so deeply that when things don’t work out you retreat into
yourself and shut others out. You did it before with Carolyn and those kids suffered for it. Now you’re
doing it again. Your children need you.”

“They despise me.”

“No they don’t. They’re hurt and confused. But it doesn’t help matters when you spend all your
time at the office now. Even though Miss Davis has graciously pitched in to watch the children until
you find another Nanny she’s not the solution and neither am I. You’re the one who’ll have to bridge
that gap between you and them again. You did it once before. I know you can do it again.”

It went unsaid that Jasmine had played a huge factor. The more he thought about how things had
been when she was here he felt like an even bigger asshole for what he’d done. “I hope you’re right.”

“I know I am. Come her and give me a hug.”

Victor gratefully went into the circle of her arms. It was torture having a feud with his mother and
finally it was over. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, son, but if you don’t find Jasmine and apologize to her, I’ll disown you
permanently.”

There was no doubt in his mind that she meant it.

 Chapter Twenty-One
Jasmine’s hands began to shake as she wrote down each patron’s order. She didn’t understand
what was happening to her. That fuzzy feeling that came and went these last few days wasn’t going
away and her head throbbed like a son of a bitch. It took every bit of her concentration to pay
attention to her customers. Her vision blurred momentarily before going back to normal. She’d ask
Earl for a break when the crowd died down.

“Okay, I have a grilled chicken parm sandwich with fries instead of the potato chips and meatloaf,
extra mash with no gravy, and one open faced turkey sandwich with mixed vegetables. Anything
else?”

“No, that’s all for now, but I’d like another drink. This soda is flat.” The woman held up her glass
without bothering to look in Jasmine’s direction. Jasmine groaned inwardly. For the most part her
customers were generally nice but she knew there’d be issues the minute this group had sat at her
table. It was two men and one woman. They all looked college aged. The men were the
condescending kind that kept referring to her as honey while making sexual innuendoes. The woman
acted as if talking to Jasmine was beneath her.

“I’m sorry about that. What can I get you instead?”

“Iced tea, unsweetened. And lots of ice. And I hope that flat soda won’t be on the bill.”

Jasmine took the glass from her hand. “Of course not.” Bitch.

Once she put the order in, she got her customer the iced-tea. But when she returned, the other two
wanted drinks. After that refill the woman wanted another one and it went back and forth. She finally
figured they were doing it on purpose for whatever reason. Her solution to this was to bring out two
pitchers, but when she returned with their food, one of the pitchers had been knocked to the floor.

“Oops,” one of the guys smirked.

Taking a deep breath she served their meal and returned to clean up the mess they’d made. Of
course they had a problem with the food and wanted her to take it back.

“Are those kids giving you a problem?” Earl asked when she returned the food.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” Jasmine sighed.

 “How about you take a break and I’ll have someone else deal with them.”

Jasmine shook her head. “I wouldn’t wish any of them on my worst enemy. I can handle it.”

“Are you feeling okay today? You don’t look too hot.”

“I’m fine.”

Earl frowned. “Jasmine, it’s okay to take some time off you know. You’ll always have a job here.”

She shook her head adamantly. “No. I took the morning off and that’s all the time I need.” Besides,
she needed to make up for the tips she’d missed out on with the breakfast crowd. If she told Earl how
she really felt he’d send her home for sure.

Her nightmare table continued on their quest to make her life miserable and Jasmine pretty much
figured they were trying to get a free meal. She’d waited tables while she was in college and knew
the game, but she wouldn’t let them win. She breathed a sigh of relief when she gave them the bill.
But it didn’t come without drama.

“I’m not paying this!” one of the men yelled. “You’re out of your mind. The meal was horrible and
the service was even worse.”

Jasmine rubbed her temple, fighting off another wave of nausea and dizziness. “Yet you ate
everything on your plate,” she pointed out. “When I brought your meal out the second time I asked if
everything was okay and you said yes.”

“Now you’re arguing with us? We’re the customers. How dare you!”

“Is there a problem.” From out of nowhere, Earl appeared, his arms crossed over his chest. He
wore that, don’t-mess-with-me-look on his face.

The three occupants at the table stammered for a moment at the sight of the big black ex-marine.
The female however raised her chin definitely. “Yes, the food and the service sucked and we’re not
going to pay this bill.”

“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong young woman. You can either pay this bill, or one, I’ll call the
cops or two, I’ll break my foot off in your narrow asses. Which one will it be?”

Her face turned bright red. “Y-you c-cant’ ta-talk to us like that!”

Earl raised a brow. “Wanna try me?”

“Let’s just pay and get out of here. We’re never coming to this dump again,” one of the men
muttered throwing a few bills on the table.

“You wouldn’t be welcome here anyway,” Earl growled. “And if I see you in here again, I’ll
make good on my promise.”
 All three of them couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

“Thank you, Earl. I knew something was funny about them when they came in.”

“Yeah, we get those every now and then. You handled yourself well. I forgot to ask but how did it
go this morning?”

Jasmine had taken off this morning to see Star. When she’d gotten to the group home Star was
clingier than usual. She’d regressed. During Jasmine’s time with the Meades it seemed as if her
daughter was getting better. She was happier and had gained weight. But this morning all she wanted
to do was hold on to Jasmine as if she wouldn’t be back.

Jasmine’s heart broke with every second she was able to spend with her child, hoping the time
would soon come when she could have her back forever.

Drama ensued when Jasmine had to leave after a few hours to get to work. Star had a major freak
out refusing to let her go when she tried to leave. It had taken two workers to get her off. Even she
promised her daughter she’d returned, Star would not be consoled. Jasmine felt like she was dying on
the inside.

“Worse actually.” Another wave of dizziness hit her. “You know, I think I might need to take a
break, after all.”

“Sure. Take as much time as you need.”

“Thanks.” She took a couple steps and the room began to spin, and she saw two of everything. She
stilled, hoping the feeling would go away.

“Jasmine,” Earl’s voice came to her in a fog.

She took another step and everything went black. The last thing she remembered were big arms
catching her as she fell into oblivion.

***

“I don’t understand. It’s not possible.” Jasmine shook her head trying to make sense of the news
she’d just been handed. Just when she thought things couldn’t get any worse, they did. Who did she
piss off in her last life? She woke up in hospital bed after suffering from dehydration and exhaustion.
It was bad enough she had to worry about how to pay this bill with no insurance, but this…

The doctor gave her a puzzled look. “Miss Brookes, I’m pretty sure you understand the logistics
as well as I do¯”

“Doctor, I know how it happens and I’d appreciate if you lay off the sarcasm. What I’m saying is,
I can’t be pregnant. There’s no way. Your test is wrong.”

Doctor Lyons sighed and took the seat next to her bedside. “Miss Brooks, I apologize if I came off
as sarcastic, but you’ll have to face facts. Your pregnancy test came back positive. And with a 99.9
percent accuracy rate, it’s not likely the test is wrong. May I ask why you feel it’s not possible?”

Jasmine closed her eyes tight. “Because, that’s what I was told…I was ra—attacked. Um, there
was a lot of bleeding and…” She’d never told a single soul about this, not even Madeline or Jason
and getting the words out was painful, “extensive scarring apparently. The doctors said I’d never
conceive again.”

“I’m sorry. I guess that explains things. You have to understand, I get so many young mothers in
here who make the same assertion while knowing full well how it happened.”

Jasmine shrugged. “It’s okay.”

“Sometimes the body heals itself. If this pregnancy is unwanted, there are other alternatives.”

She knew exactly what he meant by ‘other alternatives’. There was no way she could terminate
her child’s life. When she was pregnant with Star, Jasmine had gone to a Planned Parenthood clinic
with the decision to abort her baby. But when she’d seen Star’s heartbeat on the monitor, she couldn’t
do it.

Jasmine shook her head. “No.” She firmly believed that every woman had the right to choose but
it wasn’t an option for her.

“There’s also adoption. There’s a demand for healthy newborns from couples who can’t conceive
if you’d like to go that route.”

“Doctor, I don’t know what I’m going to do when the baby comes but I will have this baby.”

“No you won’t. Not if you stay on the path you’re on. You’re dangerously underweight and
malnourished. You’re stress level is off the charts. My recommendation would be complete bed rest
for the next few months and for you to get a proper evaluation from an OBYGN. We’ll go from there.”

Could the news get any worse? Her savings would only take her but so far. It would barely last a
month with no other source of income. And what about Star? “I have to work in order to pay my
bills.”

“I don’t think you understand how extremely close you came to miscarrying. If you don’t want to
lose your baby, you’ll go on bed rest, otherwise, I can’t in all conscience release you from the
hospital. Why don’t you think about it and we’ll discuss this later.”

Jasmine had no answer.

Left alone to stew in her hospital bed, Jasmine touched her belly. Pregnant. With Victor Meade’s
child. How could she have been so stupid to get involved with a man who was so unyielding? Judging
from how they’d parted, she wasn’t sure he’d take the news well. She understood his anger, she’d
withheld information from him but his reaction had been extreme. The violence he’d displayed told
her she had been right to be cautious with him.
 She wanted to believe that his explosion was a one-time thing but then again, Phillip had claimed
he never meant to hurt her either when he’d repeatedly used her as his personal punching bag. No. She
definitely couldn’t tell Victor.

She’d tried not to think about him these past several weeks but every now and then, he’d creep
into her thoughts, especially when she let her guard down. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners
when he smiled, his lop-sided grin and the way his tongue touched the corner of his mouth when he
was deep in thought. It was the little things that haunted her the most.

She was probably forgotten and the kids had a new nanny. Jasmine missed Chelsea and Tyler so
much. She wondered if they thought about her as much as she did about them. Her heart ached at the
thought of never hearing Chelsea’s incessant chatter again or receiving her random hugs. She’d give
anything to hear one of Tyler’s bad knock knock jokes and the way he explained Fortnite and
Minecraft to her as if he was a Harvard Professor. She even missed Adam. The two of them had
formed an easy friendship and she wondered how he was doing. Then there was Madeline who’d
been her champion from the beginning. Jasmine had wanted to call her but thought better of it. She
thought a clean break from the Meade clan would be best so why did it still hurt so damn much?

The doctors wanted her to rest, but she wasn’t the least bit tired as worry made her mind race.
The doctor had threatened to sedate her if she didn’t get some sleep.

The door creaked, signaling someone had entered her room. It was probably one of the nurses
checking up on her.

“Jasmine?” Jason’s voice registered.

Her eyes popped open. She tried to sit up, but the effort required more strength than she had.
“Jason?” He’d been such a good friend to her since he’d re-entered her life. After that first initial
kiss, she’d been worried he wanted more than she could give him, but he didn’t press. He picked her
up from work every day and served as a sounding board when she needed one. She was glad to have
a friend in her corner.

He sat down by her bed and took her hand. “Oh, my God, I was so worried. When I went to the
diner to pick you up, Earl said you’d been rushed to the hospital. I kept saying to myself she’s finally
done it. She’s finally worked herself into an early grave.”

Jasmine rolled her eyes. “Gee, thanks.”

“Jasmine, I’m worried about. It’s not healthy to go on the way you have been.”

She sighed closing her eyes again. “The good doctor seems to agree with you. He thinks I should
be on bed rest for the next few months, at least until there’s no more danger to the baby.”

“And I completely agree. You should…what?” He reared back. “Did I hear you correctly? Did
you just say baby?”
 Jasmine nodded. “Yes. Apparently I’m pregnant.”

His mouth tightened briefly to a thin line. “Meade’s baby?”

“Yes.”

“I see. What are you going to do about it?”

“I honestly don’t know. I can’t afford to take time off but I’m not going to abort it if that’s what you
mean.”

“No, I mean, will you tell him?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know. It would be the right thing to do but I’m not sure how he’d
react. I think it would kill me if he rejected his child.”

“Sounds like you want to keep it,” he said softly.

Jasmine hadn’t thought that far ahead but could she really give her child away when it came right
down to it? Probably not, but she had to think of what was best for the baby. “I guess I’d like to, but I
don’t know how I can. I don’t even have custody of Star and when or if I get her back I’m not sure
how I’ll be able to support two children. I guess I’ll figure it out.”

His grip tightened on her hand. “That does it. We’re getting married.”
 Chapter Twenty-Two
“Enough is enough, you three. We’re a family and from here on out we’re going to start acting like
one.” Victor eyed each of his children in turn hoping to get through to them. He was tired of the cold
shoulder and he refused to let them to keep shutting him out.

Three pairs of eyes, narrowed simultaneously.

“We can sit here all night until someone speaks.” If they intended to dig their heels in so would he.

After another few minutes of silence passed, he wondered if he’d made a mistake in calling this
impromptu meeting in order for them to work out their problems. All he wanted was for things to be
like they were when everyone was happy.

Adam pushed away from the dining room table. “This is bullshit. You can’t pretend this is one big
happy family just because you say it’s supposed to be.”

“Watch your mouth and sit down,” Victor ordered between his teeth in an attempt to reign in his
temper.

Adam crossed his arms over his chest. “And what are you going to do if I don’t? It’s too late for
your half-assed attempts at parenting now. It won’t change the fact that you ran Jasmine off just like
you did mom.”

The little bit of patience he had snapped. “Close your mouth, and sit your ass down now! Whether
you like it or not I am you father and you will give me some damn respect,” he yelled at the top of his
lungs.

Adam remained standing, staring at him defiantly. Victor wasn’t willing to back down and neither,
it seemed, did Adam.

“You can run away instead of talking about it, but I’ll still be here and we will have this
conversation eventually. We might as well get it over with now so why don’t you take a seat?”

Adam shrugged. “And if I don’t want to?”

Victor had never laid a hand on his children in violence but for the first time since any of them
were born he felt damn close to breaking his own rule. “Don’t challenge me on it, son. I’m bigger and
stronger than you.”

Adam glared at him before plopping in his seat. “When all else fails, bully me to get your way.
Way to go, Dad.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

Adam remained tight lipped.

There was something in the way his son had called him Dad that caught Victor’s attention.
“Adam?”

The teenager remained petulantly silent and Victor knew he wasn’t going to get anything else out
of him. This was going horribly. Falling down into one of the seats at the kitchen table, Victor
dropped his head into his hands. Anger was getting him nowhere and fast.

Finally with a sigh, he raised his head and looked at each of his children in turn. “I’ve made a lot
of mistakes in my life and I admit it. I wasn’t the perfect husband to your mother. I was a workaholic
and I was at the office more than I was home. For that I take the blame. I thought I was doing the right
thing by my family, working hard to secure our future, to make sure you three didn’t have to struggle
for the things you wanted in life. What I didn’t realize was what you needed most was me.”

More than anything he wanted them to know how much he meant to them. “I’m sorry I haven’t
always been there for you these, especially lately. I fell into my old pattern because that’s what I
knew and was comfortable with. But I’m not going to hide from our issues anymore and there’s one in
particular that I think needs clarifying.”

Victor realized he needed to tread lightly with his next subject or else it would go horrible wrong.
“The purpose of me telling you this is not to paint your mother as a villain. Sometimes relationships
don’t work out, but I never kept any of you away from her. It was her decision to leave. And it wasn’t
your fault. I’m sure she loved all three of you in her own way but now we all have to move on. I don’t
want to be an absentee father anymore. Whether you believe it or not, you three mean the world to me
and I wish I would have told you more often. But I love you, Adam. I love you Chelsea. I love you
Tyler. It would mean the world to me, if you gave me another chance.” Silence greeted his desperate
please and he’d never felt more like crying then he did right then.

Lowering his head, he willed himself not to do exactly that. The worse feeling in the world was
knowing he’d let his children down and now he had to deal with the backlash.

“I love you too, Daddy,” Chelsea whispered.

Victor’s head shot up, his vision blurred with unshed tears. “What?” He hoped he hadn’t imagined
it.

“I love you, Daddy. But it hurts, right here.” She placed her hand over her chest. “I want Jasmine
back. I miss her.” Tears ran down her face unheeded as she slid out of her chair and moved toward
him.

Victor welcomed his daughter into the folds of his arms and held on tight. “I miss her too, baby. I
miss her so much.” There was something wet on his face. He was crying. Dammit.

His cried silently as he continued to hold on to Chelsea for dear life. When he felt a hand stroke
his back he lifted his head to see Tyler by his side. He looked imploringly at his oldest son. “Adam?”

The petulance that had stamped Adam’s face was replaced with confusion. But there still seemed
to be a wariness within the teen’s gaze.

“I know my promise may not mean much to you right now, but I swear on all that’s within me that
I’ll do my best to bring Jasmine back.”

Their faces lit up like a Christmas tree in the middle of the White House lawn. “Do you really
mean it, Daddy?” Chelsea’s voice was so full of hope he realized failure was not an option.

“When?” Tyler demanded.

“As soon as possible. I have to find her first, but I’m working on it,” Victor assured them both.

Chelsea wiped away the wet tracks of her tears. “Can Jasmine be our, Mommy?”

“That would be up to her, sweetie. I said some really mean things to her and maybe if she forgives
we’ll see what happens from there.” That was the best answer he could give while still remaining
truthful.

Chelsea jumped up and down. “Oh, Daddy we’ll be a real family again. Me and Star will be
sisters!”

Victor couldn’t help smiling at her enthusiasm and turned to Tyler. “What do you think son?”

“I’d like that a lot. Jasmine is awesome. Besides, you suck at helping me with my science and
math homework.”

Victor winced a bit. Tyler was honest to a fault. “I’ll try to do better. How about you two go get
your coats and I’ll take you out for ice cream?”

“Yes!” They screamed in unison before rushing out the kitchen.

Once they were gone, Victor slumped in his chair eyeing Adam with uncertainty. “You don’t have
to go if you don’t want to, but I’d like you to come.”

Adam stared at the kitchen table, his expression unreadable. When he didn’t say anything Victor
thought it was best to leave him alone to stew.

“Well, if you change your mine we should still be here for another ten minutes.” He made a move
to stand up but halted when Adam spoke.

“Did you really mean it?” Adam spoke so softly Victor had to strain to hear him.
 “Mean what?”

“Did you mean it when you told them you’d try to get Jasmine back or were you telling them that
just to get on their good side?”

“I meant it. I’m not the ogre you think I am.”

Adam drew a figure eight in the table with the tip of his finger. “She told me you weren’t my real
father.”

Victor stilled. “Who?”

Adam raised his head to look at him for the first time. “Mom. She told me you weren’t my real
father and that’s why you worked so much because you didn’t want me around.

Victor knew Carolyn had issues but he never thought she had stooped that low. At least now he
understood where the problem between him and Adam began. “You only have to look in the mirror to
know that isn’t true, son. Remember when your grandmother showed you guys old baby pictures of me
and you thought my picture was yours? You’re a younger a version of me.”

Adam shrugged. “I know that now, but I always thought…well even though you are my dad that
you didn’t care about me.”

“That’s false. I was so overwhelmed with the problems in my marriage that I threw myself into my
career. I know it’s unacceptable but I didn’t know how to fix the issues in my personal life. But work
made sense. I regret not fighting harder to fix our problems sooner.”

Adam exhaled. “She used to say a lot of negative things about you. Sometimes I’d overhear the
two of you arguing and when I would try to comfort her afterwards she’d curse at me and tell me she
wished I was never born. I guess it became easier to blame you than accept my own mother never
wanted me. But not once did you ever bad mouth her. Why?”

Victor’s heart broke a little with every word Adam spoke. How could anyone say such things to
their own child? “I’m sorry, son. I didn’t know.”

“I’ve been so angry because I didn’t know how to say how I felt. The truth is, I rejected you
before you could do it to me, like Mom did.” Adam lowered his head.

Victor was at Adam’s side in an instant and knelt down next to his chair. Things had been so
awkward between them for years, he wasn’t sure whether to offer him a hug or not. “I’m sorry you
felt that way. I know I’ll never be father of the year, but I’d like us to start over.”

Adam smiled a little. “I’d like that. I’m sorry I haven’t been easy to deal with.”

“We’ve both made mistakes.” Victor paused before asking his next question. “Son, what do you
think about Jasmine coming back?”
 The teenager shrugged. “I think she’s nice. And when she was around it felt like we were a
family.”

“I know exactly what you mean.”

Chelsea and Tyler chose that moment to come bursting back in the kitchen. “Dad, come on!”
Chelsea demanded.

Victor chuckled. “Okay, the natives are getting restless. Would you like us to bring you something
back, Adam?”

Adam shook his head. “No. I’d like to come with you.”

Victor’s heart soared. His family was finally coming together again. Now there was only one
more piece of the puzzle he needed for it to be complete.

***

Later that night, Victor looked through the package that had been left on his doorstep while he and
the kids were out for ice cream. With each document he went through his blood pressure rose.

He picked up his phone punched in the number to Danny, one of junior associates in his law firm
who answered on the third ring. “Hello?”

“I just looked through the package you left for me. Is this all there is?”

“It’s all I could get for now, Mr. Meade, but I’m working on obtaining more information from the
court appointed attorney who worked on Jasmine’s case.”

“See Bill Bradshaw on this. He owes me a few favors.”

“Will do, boss. Uh, you know I could get in a lot of trouble for getting those medical records.”

“It never happened, Danny. Do you understand?”

“Okay. Mr. Meade?”

“Yes, Danny?”

“I hope you don’t mind but I took the liberty of looking through the paperwork and I’m assuming
you’re collecting it because maybe you’re trying to reopen the case.”

“Perhaps.”

“Well, I was just wondering if I could assist. I’d like to be the lead.”

Danny was young and ambitious who wasn’t afraid of putting in a hard day’s work which was one
of the reasons Victor had sent him on this fact finding venture for him. He’d gotten more information
than Victor had requested. “I’ll have to study this a bit more but I will keep you in mind if I decide to
turn it over. I may take it myself.”

“I thought you were done with criminal law.”

It was true for the most part. He no longer had the stomach for it. Most of the people who could
afford his prices were usually guilty as hell and he was tired of championing entitled pricks.

This case however would be a whole different story altogether. “I may make an exception for
this.”

“Would you consider taking me on as co-counsel? I’ll do all the leg work.”

“Okay, Danny. If that’s what I decide to do, you’ll be the first person I consider. Before you go,
tell me what you thought about your findings.”

Danny paused for a moment before speaking. “Well, it seems like Miss Brooks got railroaded.
There’s seems to be plenty of evidence that could have gotten her an acquittal, but it seems like….”

“Her lawyer gave up on her.”

“Yes. I found it odd her medical records and the police reports were never introduced into
evidence. I’d go as far as to say her representation was grossly negligent. Just from that information
alone we have a good chance of getting that conviction overturned.”

Victor nodded. Those were the magic words. “Danny, how would you like to take on this case?”

“Really? Yes! Thank you, Mr. Meade. I won’t disappoint you.”

“You’d better not. This could make or break your career.”

“Thank you.”

“Okay. Get some rest. We’ll discuss this some more tomorrow.”

“Thanks again,” Danny said effusively before hanging up.

Victor ended the call and picked up the file again. He compared it to the one Madison had given
him. It was no wonder hers had seemed so incomplete, there had been a lot of stuff missing. After
looking through this new paperwork he knew what he had to do. He’d reopen this case and clear her
name.

While he was hopeful that he could take care of her legal issues, it would all be for naught if he
couldn’t find her.
 Chapter Twenty-Three
A tear seeped out of her eyes as she watched her baby on the ultrasound monitor. “Oh my God,”
she whispered in awe at the tiny miracle growing inside of her.

Jason squeezed her hand. “Yes, there he is.”

She looked over at him with a grin, thankful he’d come along with her to her sonogram. It was an
altogether different pregnancy. When she carried Star, she’d basically done everything on her own.
Phillip had not been interested in going to any of her doctor appointments and for the most part he
acted like she hadn’t been pregnant at all. To have someone else here with her took away some of the
anxiety. For that she was grateful to him. She couldn’t have asked for a better friend. “He? It could be
a girl.”

“I have a knack for these things.”

“Would you like to know the sex of the baby, Ms. Brooks?” Dr. Olsen asked.

“Isn’t it too soon?”

 The doctor gave her a friendly smile. “Not at all. You’re just eighteen weeks. If you’d rather be
surprised I won’t tell you.”

“I’d love to know the gender,” she said quickly before she could change her mind.

“What are you hoping for?” the Dr. asked.

“A healthy baby. But another girl would be nice.”

“Well, it looks like everything is looking good so far.” He ran the transducer probe over the slight
bump of her stomach. “Hmm.”

Jasmine didn’t like the sound of that hmm. “Is everything alright doctor?”

He scratched his chin. “Everything is just fine. That is as long as you don’t mind that you’re
having a boy.”

Jasmine blinked. “A boy?”

Dr. Olsen pointed to a spot on the monitor. “There’s the penis right there. The little fellow
certainly isn’t shy. What do you think?”

“That’s great. A son.” She smiled at Jason. “I’m having a boy.”

“That’s fantastic. I think we should go out and celebrate after this. That is if it’s okay with the
doctor…” Jason looked at Dr. Olsen expectantly.

“Well, I don’t see the harm in going out for lunch, but I still have some concerns. You haven’t
gained as much weight as I’d like you to. But I can see the bed rest has been beneficial to the baby.
Just don’t overdo it and stay off your feet as much as possible. I recommend partial bed rest for at
least another month or so.”

“Partial?” Jasmine didn’t quite understand.

“If you need exercise take brief walks. Limit long distance travel and, continue to avoid stressful
situations because you’re prone to dizziness and fainting spells. If everything looks good after your
next visit, I may consider taking you off bed rest.”

“I promise to follow your orders.”

“I should hope you will, young lady. We want you to have a safe and happy delivery.”

“That’s what I want too.” A son. She was having a son!

***

“I can’t eat another bite, Jason. I’m serious.”

 “You’ve barely touched your pasta, Jasmine. Remember what the doctor said. We need to get
some weight on you.”

She sighed, pushing the bowl of spaghetti away. “It’s too much. I’ll take the rest home with us and
I’ll eat the leftovers tonight.”

He raised a brow. “You know you won’t. You’ll leave it in the refrigerator until I break down and
eat it myself. At least have some dessert.”

Jasmine laughed. “What’s the point, we both know I’ll be praying to the porcelain Gods by the
time we get home anyway. I haven’t been able to keep anything down except toast and water.”

Jason grinned. “I like how easily you say that.”

“Say what?”

“When we get home. It is your home you know? And you can make it official by saying yes.”

Jasmine closed her eyes with a groan. “Jason you promised you wouldn’t pressure me. I feel
guilty enough mooching off of you the way I have been without any means of paying you back.”

“You’re not mooching, besides, I get to paint you at my leisure and you are going to be the star of
my next collection. That’s payment enough. In the meantime, while you’re trying to make up your mind
about us, I got you this.”

Before she could reply, Jason pulled out a small black velvet box and opened it to reveal a huge
teardrop shaped diamond solitaire ring. A gasp escaped her lips. “Jason, you shouldn’t have.”

He took her hand and slipped it on her left ring finger. “Perfect fit.”

Jasmine tugged her hand out of his to remove the ring, but he recaptured her hand.

“Just wear it while you decide.”

“Jason, it wouldn’t be right. I already told you, I…”

“I know what you told me Jasmine, but haven’t you figured it out yet?”

She’d known for a while but had pretended not to notice for the sake of maintaining their
friendship. “I have, Jason. I just hoped that we could put this conversation off until later.”

The disappointment was clear on his face. “I see.”

The guilt was overwhelming but she couldn’t force herself to feel something she didn’t. She loved
him but she wasn’t in love with him. “You’ve been such a good friend to me. I don’t ruin that.”

“Jasmine, I’ve been in love with you from the moment I laid eyes on you. When I saw you in the
park my heart skipped a beat. I said to myself, that’s the woman I want to spend the rest of my life
with. The problem then was you weren’t ready to hear it. You’d been hurt before. I saw it and backed
off, giving you a chance to heal. But something happened in the interim. You fell for Meade didn’t
you?”

She nodded silently not trusting herself to speak.

“I know you don’t love me now but I believe you can learn to.”

She shook her head. “Jason, listen, when I get my daughter back and have this baby, they will have
to be the priorities in my life.”

“I’ll love your children like my own. I want to take care of all three of you. Besides, I’ve been the
one taking you to your doctor’s appointments and holding your hair when you puke in the toilet. I’m
the one who’s been here for you throughout your pregnancy.”

Jasmine couldn’t argue with that. Jason would be great with children. He had such a kind heart.
But still, she refused to condemn him to a loveless marriage. “Jason that sounds nice, but eventually
you’d come to resent me because I can’t return your feelings the way you want me to.”

Jason stroked the back of her hand. “We have a strong friendship. We can build on that. You’d be
well taken care of. Besides, with a husband and a stable home you’d get Star back faster.”

There was that to consider but Jasmine still had reservations. “Jason, what are you getting out of
this?”

“I get to make you happy.”

“Jason…what if I never fall in love with you?”

“Then we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

“If I said you, am I allowed to change my mind?”

“Of course.”

Jasmine was torn. On the one hand she felt like she was taking advantage of a friend by accepting
his proposal but she was so indebted to him how could she not. Besides, she’d given love a chance
and both times she’d been burned. Maybe a marriage of convenience wouldn’t be so bad. “Okay,
Jason, but let’s take this slow, okay?”

He gave her a big grin. “Absolutely. You won’t regret this.”

Jasmine certainly hoped not.

Once the bill was paid, Jason took her hand in his and led her out of the restaurant. But as they
were leaving a wave nausea hit her.”
 “I need to go to the lady’s before we go. I don’t think the pasta agreed with me.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for you in the lobby.” He kissed her forehead.

Jasmine barely made it to a bathroom stall before she unloaded the entire contents of her belly and
she was thankful she didn’t have dessert. She had not been this sick during her first pregnancy. This
child was already a handful.

“Are you okay, dear?” Someone asked from outside the bathroom stall.

Jasmine wiped her mouth with some toilet paper and flushed before getting to her feet. “Just a
little afternoon sickness,” she laughed weakly.

“I know how you feel. When I was pregnant with my son, I was sick all the time.”

As Jasmine walked out of the stall, she was prepared to thank whoever it was on the other side
for their concern, but when she saw the Good Samaritan, she froze in horror.

“Jasmine!” Madeline Meade screeched as if she saw a ghost.

“Madeline!” Jasmine was equally shocked. Out of all the restaurants they could have chosen in the
area they both ended up here. Jasmine thought she’d never see anyone with the name Meade again.

The older woman’s eyes strayed to Jasmine’s mid-section. “You’re pregnant!”

“I…I…” Jasmine looked around for a means to escape.

Madeline frowned. “It’s Victor’s baby isn’t it? My grandchild?”

Jasmine shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”

Madeline’s eyebrows flew together. “What do you mean it doesn’t matter? Of course it does.
You’re carrying my grandchild.”

“I’m getting married, that’s why.” And without waiting for a reply she rushed out of the bathroom.
The doctor told her to avoid stress and that’s exactly what she was doing. But it was all for nothing
because she ran in to the man who had haunted her dreams these past months.

Victor’s eyes widened. “Jasmine?”

She frantically searched for Jason. Her head started to spin and dots danced before her eyes as
her world went black.

Dammit.
 Chapter Twenty-Four

Victor caught Jasmine, before she could fall to the ground. Hooking his arm beneath her knees he
picked her up. “Someone, call an ambulance,” he shouted as he cradled her against him.

A man wearing an intense expression appeared at his side. “I’ll take care of her. Jasmine is my
responsibility.”

With a frown Victor looked him up and down, not liking the proprietary look this man had given to
Jasmine. “Your responsibility?”

“She’s my fiancée.”

Victor froze. “What?”

“I said—”

“Victor, oh my God. What’s happened to Jasmine? She shot out of the bathroom like lightening.”
His mother looked horrified, her face drained of color.

“Sir, an ambulance is on the way,” a woman Victor assumed was the manager joined them.

By now, a small crowd began to gather around them offering assistance. Victor held on to
Jasmine, damned if he’d let her go. His focus was now on the stranger who claimed to be Jasmine’s
fiancé. He’d hired a private detective agency to find Jasmine and he’d turned nothing up, yet in a twist
of fate they’d come face to face in this restaurant.

A frown marred his rival’s face. “Meade?”

Victor frowned. “How do you know my name?”

Topaz eyes narrowed. “You’re Jasmine’s former employee. She told me how you kicked her out
without giving her a chance to explain. As you can see she doesn’t need the stress you’d bring to her
life so I suggest you let me handle her, and we’ll be on our way.”

Anger coursed through Victor’s chest. Who the hell did this guy think he was? Before he could
respond, Jasmine groaned, stirring within his arms. Everyone surrounding them stilled, including
Victor.

She slowly opened her eyes, one lid at a time. Jasmine’s gaze locked with his and Victor’s heart
skipped a beat. She was every bit as beautiful as he remembered, yet there were shadows beneath her
lovely brown eyes and lurking within their depths was an emotion that tore at his heart. Fear. He’d put
that there and it cut deep.

“Jasmine, what happened?” he asked. Victor had not envisioned their reunion quite like this.

Instead of answering, she turned her head away from him, squirming in his arms and pushing
against his chest as she sought out her companion. “Jason. Please get me out of here,” she whispered.

So this was Jason. Jealously raged within him but he tempered down the urge to lash out.

“I said I can take care of her.” Jason held out his arms as if he expected Victor to hand Jasmine
over to him.

“She needs medical attention,” Victor said firmly, reluctant to release his hold on her. She was
light as a feather in his arms. What the hell had she been doing with herself these past few months
besides getting engaged to another man?

“What she needs is for me to take her home so she can rest.”

“Please, put me down.” Jasmine’s voice sounded weak, even her struggles were sort of pitiful.
She was skin and bones.

Jason narrowed his eyes. “You heard her. Let her go.”

Reluctantly Victor placed her down. When Jasmine wavered from side to side, Jason was at her
side in an instant. “Put your arms around me, sweetheart,” the other man instructed gently, making
Victor want to tear his limbs from their sockets.

Doing as she was told, she allowed Jason to pick her up. She buried her face against his chest.
“Get me out of here,” she whispered.

“Of course.”

Madeline who’d been standing by spoke up. “Jasmine? Are you going to walk away without a
word?”

For a second Victor thought she’d ignore his mother, but finally, Jasmine lifted her head.
“Madeline, I’m sorry, but it’s better this way.”

Madeline’s mouth fell open as if she’d been slapped. “Just like that?”

“I’m sorry.”

There was no time for a retort because the paramedics chose that moment to show up.

“No, I don’t want to go to the hospital. I’m fine. I just need to go home and rest,” Jasmine argued
with one of the EMTs. The exchange went back and forth before one of the medics convinced Jasmine
to go with them.

Madeline grasped his arm. “Victor you’re not going to let her leave like that are you? Go to her!
She’s carrying my grandchild!”

He fixed his gaze on his mother. “What?” Victor could feel the color draining from his face. Her
grandchild? “Jasmine is pregnant?” He didn’t notice her stomach because he’d been trying to get over
how thin she’d become.

“I’m ninety-nine percent sure she is. She was throwing up in the bathroom, and despite all the
weight she’s lost, her belly is very round.

“No, I didn’t realize. Are you certain?”

His mother glared at him tight-lipped. “I know what a pregnant woman looks like.”

“But…” He racked his fingers through his hair. Jasmine had told him she couldn’t get pregnant so
he wasn’t sure how to process this news. On the one hand, the thought of her carrying his child made
him happy. But on the other hand he needed to make sure the baby was his. She was after all, engaged
to another man. “Is it my baby? That man claims to be engaged to her.”

“She might be engaged but I’m positive the baby is yours. When I asked her if she was carrying
my grandchild, she didn’t deny it. Jasmine isn’t the type of woman to bed hop. Go after her. As a
matter of fact, I’ll go with you.” She pushed him toward the door, nudging him into action. They made
it outside just in time to see Jasmine getting into the ambulance.

Determined to follow, Victor ushered his mother to his vehicle.

They were at the hospital within twenty minutes and had to wait an hour before Victor could speak
with the doctor attending Jasmine.

When Victor spotted Jasmine’s doctor, he managed to corner him. “Doctor, how is Jasmine?” he
asked anxiously.

The doctor gave him the once over before answering. “I’m not at liberty to discuss my patient’s
condition because of HIPPA laws. What’s your relationship to the patient?”

“I’m the child’s father. Please, may I see her?”

The doctor raised both brows. “I thought—”

Madeline grasped the doctor’s wrist. “Doctor, please. Jasmine is family to us. May we please see
her?”

“Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt for a few minutes, but we still have a few more tests we’d like
to run so don’t be too long.”
 “Thank you.” The words were hardly out of Victor’s mouth before he headed to Jasmine’s room
with his mother at his side. When he walked in, he halted when he saw Jasmine lying on the bed
looking tired distressed. That man sat at her bedside, holding her hand.

Squaring his shoulders he walked further into the room.

A groan escaped Jasmine’s lips, when she saw him. “Please go away. I can’t take whatever it is
you’ve come for today.”

Jason stood up in an aggressive stance. “You heard her, you’re not welcome here.”

Ignoring the other man, Victor directed his attention toward Jasmine. “Please, I need to speak with
you. I promise I’m not here to cause trouble.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

Victor raised a brow. “We have the baby to discuss.”

Jasmine’s eyes widened as she moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “I can’t deal with
this right now.”

“As you can see, Jasmine doesn’t want to talk to you,” Jason spoke up.

Madeline stepped forward with flared nostrils. “We have just as much right to be here as you,
young man. That’s my grandchild she’s carrying. Isn’t it Jasmine?” Madeline glanced at Jasmine with
that last sentence.

Jasmine averted her gaze. Her silence said it all.

“It is mine, isn’t it?” Victor asked with wonder. She was carrying his child. The doctor had said
she was past her first trimester and his mother’s assertion that he was the father made it hard to argue
he wasn’t. But her silence had confirmed it. Did she think he’d walk away now?

“This is ridiculous,” his mother strode to Jasmine’s bedside. “Jasmine, if nothing else, you and I
were friends. You could have come to me. I know Victor acted like a fool and I’m not excusing him,
but I don’t deserve to be treated this way.”

“I’m sorry, Madeline, but it was for the best.” She sighed.

“So now what? Do you expect me to ignore my child’s existence?” Victor asked gently.

“She has me, Meade. Jasmine and I are going to be married. She doesn’t need you or the
aggravation you’ve already caused,” Jason moved toward him with clenched fists.

Victor shrugged out of his jacket and handed it over to his mother. He’d been itching to plant his
fist in Jason’s face since he’d seen the other man’s arm around Jasmine. “I wouldn’t try anything if I
were you buddy and even if you did marry her, it wouldn’t change the fact that the child she’s carrying
is mine. What kind of man are you to take advantage of a woman in her condition?”

Jason barred his teeth. “I wasn’t the one who kicked her out with no place to go, so what kind of
man does that make you?”

Rolling up his sleeves, Victor flexed his fingers. “You know nothing about it.”

“Stop it, both of you!” Jasmine yelled from the bed.

Madeline wedged herself in between the two of them. “Would you two stop acting like macho
jerks and think about Jasmine? She obviously isn’t well.”

Jasmine raised her hand. “Uh, I’m sitting right here. There’s no need to speak as if I’m not here.”
She closed her eyes and leaned against her pillow. Her skin had taken on a gray undertone and Victor
realized that his behavior was unacceptable.

He sighed. “I’m sorry. I got a little ahead of myself. If you want to hold off on this conversation
until you’re feeling better then we will but it has to happen Jasmine.”

Jasmine nodded. “I know. Which is why I’d rather you go ahead and say what you have to say and
be done with it.”

Victor stared at Jason pointedly. “Can’t we do this in private?”

Jason narrowed his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere buddy, deal with it.”

“Jason stays. He has as much right to be here as you do. We’re getting married.”

Sighing with resignation, Victor pulled up a chair at her bedside and took a seat. His gaze drifted
to her left hand and for the first time he noticed the diamond she sported. It made his need to speak
with her more urgent.

It should have been his ring on her finger and he only had himself to blame. “Jasmine, I don’t
know where to begin, but…I’m so sorry. I was insanely stupid for the way I treated you. I should have
heard you out. In the back of my head, I knew there had to be some reason why…why you did what
you did.”

She laughed weakly. “I did what I did because I’m a felon and a con artist remember?”

Her words tore at his heart. If he could take those awful words back he would. “There’s
absolutely no excuse I can offer to you for the awful things I said, but I was hoping…”

She raised a brow. “You were hoping what, Victor?”

“The kids miss you,” he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

Her lips tightened to a thin line. “So you want to hire me back? You wouldn’t be worried about
your children being in the care of a criminal?”

“Jasmine, don’t,” he croaked.

“But it’s true isn’t it? Look you’ve said you’re sorry and if it makes you feel better, I accept your
apology. Now would you please leave?”

“What about the baby?” he prodded.

“The baby will be well taken care of. Now leave!” Her voice rose with each word. “Did you
think you could just waltz in here after all these months and think everything would be okay because
you’re sorry? You told me to stay away and then you threatened me. So you have no right to change
things around because you feel guilty and ugh!” Jasmine clutched her stomach as distress lined her
face.

“Jasmine, what’s wrong.” Jason sprang from his seat.

“Oh, God it hurts.” She doubled over. “I think…oh, my God, I think I’m losing the baby.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

“I really miss Jasmine, Daddy. Do you think she’s forgotten us? Will she be back soon?” Chelsea
asked as Victor tucked her in.

Victor ruffled her hair hoping his own upset didn’t show. “No. I don’t think she’s forgotten about
you. Now get some sleep and we can talk some more in the morning.” He bent over and dropped a
kiss on her forehead.

“But, Daddy. You didn’t answer my question. Will she be back soon?” Chelsea pressed.

“I hope so, baby. I haven’t given up yet.”

This answer seemed to satisfy his daughter as she snuggled deeper into her blanket. “Me neither,”
she whispered back with a yawn.

Victor stroked her cheek and stood up, his heart heavy. How was he going to tell his children
Jasmine might not want to come back?

He’d never been so scared in his life as a medical team raced into the room to assist a distressed
Jasmine. He and his mother had been shooed into the waiting room where they stayed an agonizing
hour before learning that they’d gotten Jasmine’s cramping under control. Stress had been the cause of
her premature contractions.

The doctors thought it was best that he leave because it would upset the patient. But he didn’t
leave before he’d gotten into a confrontation with the artist.

“It’s okay, son, we’ll just visit on another day,” his mother assured him as they stood outside
Jasmine’s hospital room.

Just then Jason stepped outside. “That wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“And who are you again?” Madeline glared at Jason. When she wanted to be, quiet
intimidating.

Jason however seemed unfazed. “With all do respect, Mrs. Meade. You’ve already heard
Jasmine. She doesn’t want anything to do with either of you and I’ll make sure to enforce that
request.

“And you think it’s a good idea to keep a child away from his father?” Victor demanded.

“What I think is that I’ll take good care of Jasmine and the baby. I’m all she needs. You already
saw what happened when you’re around. Do you want to be the reason she loses this baby?”

That had taken the wind out of Victor’s sails. He’d already caused Jasmine enough pain. If she
lost the baby he’d never forgive himself. “Fine, I’ll leave for now but just tell her that I’ll be here
when she’s ready to talk. I’ve been working on her case and I think there’s enough evidence to have
her sentence overturned.”

The other man didn’t say anything at first as if he was trying to mull it over.

“Please tell her,” Victor implored. “She can contact me anytime. I can send you the documents
I have for her to look over.”
 “It’s not up to me, Meade. If she wants to talk to you then that’s up to her.”

Victor hadn’t heard from Jasmine since. And yet as the days passed he silently prayed that she’d
contact him if for nothing else than to discuss her case with him.

He hated himself for realizing too late how much Jasmine meant to him. Even if one day she found
in it in her heart to forgive her, he didn’t think he could forgive himself. Perhaps it was a justifiable
punishment that he’d have to spend the rest of his days without her love, warmth and touch. But until
she had the baby, he wouldn’t pressure her. But after the delivery, all bets were off.

With a heavy sigh, he closed Chelsea’s bedroom door and headed down the hall to check on Tyler.
His son was fast asleep. Victor visited Adam’s room next. He knocked and waited to be invited in
before opening the door. Adam was lounging on his bed scrolling through his phone. “Hey, just
checking in.”

“I’m good, Dad.”

“Okay. Don’t stay up to much later. You have that big game tomorrow. You’ll need your rest.”

Adam put his phone down and gave him a half smile. “I know. You don’t have to check in on me
every night.”

“I know, but I like to. Good night.”

“Night, Dad. Don’t you stay up too late either. Old men need their sleep. ” Adam winked.

“Ha ha, smarty pants. Just remember who hands out the allowances around here.” Closing the
door behind him, Victor headed downstairs to his study. The second he sat down in his chair, his
phone rang. It was a little past nine. It wasn’t that late but he didn’t receive many calls around this
time. He glanced at the caller id but didn’t recognize the number. His first instinct was to ignore the
call but a nagging sensation in the back of his head told him to pick up. “Hello?”

There was silence on the other end of the line.

“Hello?” he repeated.

Again he was greeted with nothingness.

Convinced it was a prank call, he was about to hang up when he heard the faint whisper of his
name from a familiar voice. “Victor.”

His heart seized within his chest. It couldn’t be? Had he dreamed this call into existence? Still
unable to believe it was really her, he cautiously asked, “Jasmine?”

“Yes.”

He paused for a moment at a loss for words. She was really calling him. He’d dreamed of his
moment and all the things he’d say to her, but now that she was actually on the phone that carefully
rehearsed speech he’d planned on delivering wouldn’t come out.

“Victor?”

“Yes, I’m here. Uh, Jasmine. How have you been?”

“I can’t complain although sitting in bed most of the day is driving me crazy.”

Victor asked the question he was dying to know. “And how…how is the baby?”

“He’s healthy and getting bigger. I’ve been following doctor’s order.”

“I’m glad to hear it. If you ever need anything…” Dammit. Why was it so hard to tell her what he
really wanted to say? That he loved her. That he wanted her to come back so that he could spend the
rest of his days proving it. He wanted to give her the love and respect she deserved and needed.

“Thank you. Um, I was actually wondering if we could meet up for lunch tomorrow. Maybe
around noon?”

Victor wanted to leap out of his chair and shout his elation at the top of his lungs but he didn’t
dare. “Noon will be great. Should I pick you up or—”

“No! I’ll meet you somewhere. How about at that Italian restaurant Arlington the kids liked so
much. That’s the midway point at least.”

“Sounds great. I’ll be there.”

“Good, I’ll see you then.” Without waiting for him to reply, she hung up.

Victor replaced the receiver with a mixture of fear and hope. No matter what happened tomorrow,
he had a feeling this meeting would change his life forever.

***

Jasmine slipped the taxi driver a few bills before sliding out of the car. “Keep the change.”

She glanced at her watch and groaned. Half hour late. In all likelihood Victor was probably gone.
She would have been here sooner had Jason left when he was supposed to. He had a lunch
appointment with his agent and planned on visiting a gallery where his work was displayed
afterwards. He’d told Jasmine he’d be back by four which would give her plenty of time to meet with
Victor and get back home.

After a few days of battling her conscience, Jasmine realized she would be no better than Victor if
she didn’t at least hear him out. Besides, despair and sincerity rang so clearly in his voice the last
time they spoke, it was difficult to forget. She’d heard the conversation he and Jason had had outside
of her hospital room. Weeks had passed and yet Jason had failed to bring it up. She didn’t understand
why he’d kept such pertinent information from her. She had yet to confront Jason about his duplicity,
but depending on how this meeting went, she’d know how to deal with the situation better.

When she made it to the inside of the restaurant, she immediately spotted Victor at the bar. His
back was turned to her, but she would recognize those broad shoulders anywhere. Clutching her belly
nervously she wondered if she should turn back around and leave without him knowing she’d come.
Before she made up her mind, he turned around. His face lit up like a thousand watt light bulb and she
knew there was no way she could get out of this now without making an ass of herself.

He came toward her and she couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her lips. He’d lost so much
weight! She’d noticed there was something different about him the last time she’d seen him but didn’t
have time to dwell on the changes. But staring at him full on, she realized the couple months hadn’t
been kind to him. There was more gray in his hair. The vibrant light in vibrant eyes had dimmed
significantly and there were new lines around the corners of his mouth. He looked older. But
strangely, he was still quite attractive. He was like a fine wine.

“Victor.” She nodded in his direction when he was only a foot away from her.

He moved forward as if he wanted to hug her but she stiffened in defense. She didn’t know how
she’d react when he touched her.

“You came.” His gaze roamed her from head to toe seeming not to miss a single detail. Victor
paused in his perusal to stare at her slightly pronounced stomach.

Shifting uncomfortable, she looked away from that penetrating glance. “I’m sorry I kept you
waiting. I got a later start than I anticipated.”

“It’s okay, you’re here now. That’s all that matters. Our table is ready and the hostess will seat us
right away.”

The hostess led them to their table and recited the specials. When they were alone again, Victor
offered her an uneasy smile. He seemed nervous about something. “You look well, Jasmine.”

“Thank you.”

“And…and the baby?”

“He’s doing well too.”

“He?”

“Yes. It’s a boy.”

“Three boys,” he whispered almost to himself.

She squirmed in her chair. Victor was clearly interested in the well-being of the child. Was she
being fair to keep him away? “Yes, you’ll have three sons,” she finally answered. She didn’t know
what Victor would have said next because the waiter chose that moment to appear to take their drink
orders.

The two of them fell into a pattern of small talk. Jasmine asked about the children unable to hold
in her curiosity much longer. Victor told her about how they were doing in school and what they were
up to. Her heart twisted a bit realizing how much she missed them so. In that time she’d lived with the
Meades, Chelsea and Tyler had in a sense become her children.

They talked about the kids until their food arrived and Jasmine knew her time was running out.
She couldn’t continue to exchange niceties with him without stating the real reason she’d come.
Jasmine didn’t want to be disloyal to Jason after all he’d done for her, but there were several things
she needed to get off her chest. She pushed barely touched dish away from her.

Victor frowned. “Is something wrong with the food?”

She shook her head. “It’s good, but I guess my appetite isn’t what it should be.”

“But is that good for the baby? You have to eat for two don’t you?”

“I’m fine, Victor. I promise I’ve been eating. I’ve even gained a little weight lately.”

He smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. And my offer still stands. If there’s anything else you need for
yourself or the baby, I’ll make sure you get it.”

“Thank you, Victor.”

He sighed. “Look Jasmine, I don’t think I can go another second without telling you how sorry I
am. God, it should have been the first thing I said to you when you arrived, but I guess I was just
trying to find the right words to say. The truth is, I was more upset that I had to hear the truth from
someone else rather than from you. I was hurt that you’d shut me out but my reason don’t matter. I’d
thought of how I would apologize to you and explain what was going through my mind at the time but
when it’s all said and done, I have absolutely no excuse for sending you away the way I did. None.
And furthermore, I took the word of someone who I knew was probably up to no good. I won’t ask
you to forgive me because I don’t deserve it, but I want you to know that I am truly sorry. I’m just
really grateful to have this chance to clear the air between us.”

He’d treated her abominably, but she’d made some mistakes of her own in this debacle. If she had
been honest with him in the first place maybe things would have been different. This was an inner
struggle she’d been facing for the past several months.

It was easy to blame Victor for all of her troubles, but the truth was, she held as much
responsibility as him. When it came down to it, she’d lied to get the job and even as she got to know
him, she shut him out. Her stubborn pride and inability to ask for help had hurt her more than it helped
and she could no longer lay all her woes at his feet. There was far too much at stake here.

“Thank you, Victor. I appreciate the apology.”

 “I probably don’t have the right to ask…I mean I know you intend to marry Jason, but if you could
somehow…if there’s a way I can be a part of my son’s life. I don’t want to sign over my rights. I
thought about it and I can’t. I never want another child of mine to think I gave up on them.”

Jasmine’s mouth fell open. Is that why he believed she’d come here? To ask him to sign away his
rights? The thought actually never occurred to her, even though she had wanted him to stay away but
that was only while she worked through some things. She shook her head. “Victor, I wasn’t going to
ask you that.”

“No?” He let out a deep breath as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

“No. I wanted to ask you something. Legal advice actually.”

“Oh.” His shoulders slumped for the briefest of seconds and she wondered if she’d imagined it.
“Anything.”

“Is it true? About you working on my case to get my conviction overturned?”

He nodded slowly. “Yes. Why?”

“I didn’t think it was possible. Once it’s over it’s over right? I’ve already served my sentence.”

“If there’s clear evidence pointing to your innocence that wasn’t introduced the first time around
then you can request a new trial or even have the conviction overturned by a grand jury. I’ll keep
working on this case, but everything would run a lot smoother if I had your cooperation. When you’re
ready, I’m going to need you to tell me exactly what happened.”

She raised her head to meet his gaze. It was time to tell him the truth. It was something she could
no longer keep from him. If her name was cleared there was no way she wouldn’t get Star back.
“Thank you, Victor. I appreciate this so much.”

“Anything for you, Jasmine. I owe you more than you’ll ever know. My family owes you so much.
So like I said, whenever you’re ready—”

“I’m ready now. That’s why I’m here.”

He pushed his plate away from him and folded his hands on the table. “I’m all ears.”

It took her several seconds to gather her thoughts together and to think where to begin. Finally, she
decided to tell her story from the beginning. “When I was younger it just me and my mom. She worked
so hard to provide for me and we always had so little, but she instilled in me the importance of a
proper education and hard work. You see, she had aspiration to be a teacher, but she got pregnant with
me and her parents kicked her out of the house. She could have given me up for adoption, but she
didn’t. There were times when she had to choose between paying the rent and buying groceries. But
those were the times she managed to feed me even though she went without. She never let me see her
cry though, but I know she did. And I wanted her to be proud of me, so I did everything I was
supposed to. I got straight A’s. I stayed away from boys and I did and said the right things. It wasn’t
cool to be smart and I got teased quite a bit, but I did it for her and for me. I wanted to win for the
both of us, you know? She was so proud of me when I graduated valedictorian of my class and earned
a full ride to college. My mom died a couple weeks later. She was all the family I had but I was still
determined to honor her memory.” Jasmine wiped away a quick tear in memory of her mother: her
inspiration and hero.

Victor reached across the table and captured her hand in his. “I’m sorry for your loss, Jasmine.
I’m sure she was a wonderful woman if she managed to raise a daughter like you.”

She didn’t pull her hand away, almost grateful for its presence. “Thank you.”

“I already knew you were smart, but that’s quite an accomplishment.”

A faint smile touched her lips. “I’m a bit of a nerd. I enjoy learning. Anyway, my passion was
science and to some extent it still is, but of course life kind of got in the way. So basically I started
school majoring in chemistry with a minor biology. It was a lot of work, but I graduated college
summa cum laude. Afterward I got a TA position which would help pay for grad school. About a year
into my master’s program, a friend of mine invited me to a party. That’s where I met Phillip. He was a
senior in college and he was so handsome and charming. Most of the girls there were throwing
themselves at him or giving him the eye. But I was shy around guys. I’d never had a boyfriend before
and didn’t know how to talk to guys so when he approached me, I was flattered to say the least. I
don’t know how to describe it, but he swept me off my feet and I fell hard. We spent all my spare time
together.” She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts.

“And then what?” Victor prodded gently.

“I never understood why my friends never liked him until much later in our relationship, but
basically when Phillips graduated and went on to work in his family’s insurance company. He wanted
me to live with him, but I had made a promise to my mom and to myself to get my degree. He didn’t
like it but he backed off. We fell into a pattern after a while. I spent most of my time with him when I
had no classes or wasn’t studying. I didn’t even realize how he was starting to isolate me from my
friends until I no longer had any. Midway into my second year of grad school he convinced me to
move in with him. I figured it could work. I was nearly finished with school and I believed Phillip
and I had a future together. But that’s when it began.”

“What began?”

“The verbal abuse. I was too blinded by love to see, but there came a point when I could do no
right. Phillip criticized my clothes, my hair, my looks, everything. To top it off, I got pregnant. I was
on the pill, but somehow it happened. Phillip seemed happy about it actually. He convinced me to
drop out of the grad program until after my pregnancy. And even though I only had a few credits and a
thesis to go, I did because I wanted to please him. One night we got into an argument and he punched
me in the stomach so hard I went into labor a month and a half early.”

“That bastard.”
 “Tell me about. But by then I believed the lies he’d told me about how worthless, stupid and
disgusting I was. I could barely stand to look in the mirror but I managed to give birth to this beautiful
angel. He came to the hospital and looked at her and told me he’d wanted a boy. I was absolutely
devastated.”

“But you went back to him?”

Jasmine laughed humorlessly. “I know it sounds crazy, but I thought maybe everything was my
fault. If I was a better girlfriend or if I didn’t get on his nerves he wouldn’t act the way he did.”

“That’s utter bullshit Jasmine.”

“I know that now. At the time I didn’t. He was my first love. I didn’t know love wasn’t supposed
to be this way. Anyway, things got worse between us. If I didn’t move quickly enough for him, I’d get
slapped, punched or kicked. At first when he started hitting me, he’d apologize and say he’d never do
it again, but he did. I felt so helpless.”

“Did you call the police?”

“I did. In the beginning anyway, but when your abuser’s uncle is the captain of the precinct you
live in, it’s difficult to get those charges to stick.”

“That explains so much now,” Victor said more to himself that to her.

“What do you mean?”

“There was something about it in your file. The police reports seemed incomplete for some
reason. Sorry for interrupting, go on.”

“By then I’d fallen out of love with him and I think he knew it. So he found other ways to make me
miserable. I couldn’t even stand his touch. But every night he’d rape me over and over again. And I
couldn’t cry out because I didn’t want to wake Star. I was just thankful he didn’t hurt her. It was a
nightmare, he wouldn’t let me work so I was financially dependent on him. I was prisoner in my own
home. I couldn’t even go to the bathroom without his permission.”

“What about his parents? Did they know this was going on?”

Jasmine snorted. “They didn’t care. They never liked me because they’d handpicked the perfect
girl for Phillip and I wasn’t her. They completely ignored Star and my existence. Besides, Phillip was
their golden child. He could do no wrong. In those nightmarish months, he broke my wrist, pushed me
down some stairs, cracked a couple of my ribs and blacked my eyes. The final straw came when…”
Jasmine didn’t realize she was crying until she felt the tears at the corners of her lips.

Victor was at her side in an instant, kneeling next to her chair. “Jasmine, I’m so sorry. You don’t
have to go on.”

She nodded. “Yes I do. One night he was in a very foul mood and he started yelling at Star and
when I defended her, he went berserk. He beat me right in front of her. She was crying and begging
him to stop. And then he…dragged me to the room and he was particularly brutal. He shoved a brush
handle inside of me and it was the most painful thing I’d ever experienced. I thought I was going to
die. He wouldn’t let me go to the hospital. The next time he left the house I took Star with me, went to
the bank and took out every red cent from our accounts. So in a way, Madison was right. I did take
money from him, but it didn’t happen like she said. I needed it to leave him and I figured he owed it to
me.”

“I got a restraining order and we stayed in a shelter for about a month and I re-enrolled in the
Master’s program and secured a job as a TA to reduce the cost. I was doing pretty well. I
unfortunately forgot to renew the restraining order and Phillip re-entered our lives, but this was a
contrite Phillip who claimed he’d gone to counseling and said he changed. I no longer had any
feelings for him, but I decided to let him back in our lives for Star’s sake. Not relationship wise. But
every now and then I’d let him come visit her. That was also a huge mistake on my part. He came
over one night and I had to run to grocery store. Star was sleeping so I thought it was okay if I left for
a few minutes. When I got back from the store, Phillip was gone and Star was locked in the closet
crying her eyes out. I was so pissed. I called him and left a message on his voicemail. I said I was
going…I said. ‘I’m going to fucking kill you.’ Those were my words and I didn’t mean them literally.”

“And it was used against you later wasn’t it?”

“Yes,” Jasmine whispered. “Phillip showed up maybe an hour afterward and he was drunk and
yelling obscenities at me and telling me I had a lot of nerve to leave a message like that on his
voicemail. He punched me in the face, but I was going to fight back this time. I picked up the first
thing I could grab, a book and hit him on the head. When I tried to get to the phone to call the police,
Star came out of her bedroom and she was crying. Phillip yelled at her and she started crying even
harder and he snatched her up and shook her. He smacked her face and was going to do it again. I
snapped. I ran to the kitchen. I grabbed a knife and I stabbed him three times. The neighbors must have
heard the commotion and called the cops. When they came, I was arrested. Phillip lied and said that
we argued because he found that I’d left Star alone and then I got angry and stabbed him. It was a big
lie but everyone believed him. That’s basically what happened. I really appreciate your trying to get
my case overturned but I don’t see how you can get me off.”

Chapter Twenty-Six
With each word she relayed of her horrifying tale, Victor’s heart broke a little bit at a time.
Everything in the file he’d collected on Jasmine had not prepared him to hear this tale. That mother
fucker! It was lucky for Phillip he was already dead because if he weren’t, Victor would have killed
him himself. What kind of man, no monster would beat on a woman or a child?

Even with all the problems he himself had faced with his wife, not once did he think to lay a hand
on her. He paused. The scene when he’d learned of Jasmine’s conviction played in his mind. Even if
he hadn’t meant to shove her away from him as hard as he had, he shouldn’t have let his anger rule
him.

Just knowing what he’d done to her, how he treated her made him fell no better than that animal
Phillip. His poor Jasmine. How she must have suffered. A part of him wanted to take her in his arms
and erase her pain, but he didn’t have the right to. She was so brave in her attempts to put her life
back in order, fighting the good fight, yet he’d kicked her while she was down. If it took the rest of his
life, Victor fully intended to make it up to her. Getting her conviction overturned was only the first
step.

Victor took her hand in his. “Jasmine, that bastard deserved to die. He was going to hurt your
child. It was self-defense.”

She shrugged. “Phillip denied hurting Star, and I’d stabbed him more than once.”

Victor raked his fingers through his hair trying to make sense of this madness. “But why didn’t
your attorney introduce any of the abuse into evidence? That would have helped your case
immensely.”

“I don’t know if it would have made a difference. Like I said before, Phillip’s Uncle was a big
deal with the local police force. And I was told by my lawyer that the DA had officers lined up to
testify that I made nonemergency calls to 911 on a regular basis. In a way it was true. I would call the
police when I was scared for my life, particularly those times when Phillip would wrap his fingers
around my neck and refuse to let go until either I passed out or was so lightheaded I could barely
think. After a while he figured out ways to hurt me without leaving bruises, so when I called the
police, he’d claim we’d just had a simple verbal dispute and nine times out of ten, they’d believe
him. I was so terrified; I’d recanted by the time they showed up anyway. One of the cops even
threatened to arrest me for wasting his time. There was only once I remember when an officer
followed up. I found out a little later she was let go. Phillip bragged about it one night when I
threatened to call the cops. Maybe his uncle had something to do with it, I don’t know. But after that, I
stopped calling. It was pointless.”

Victor frowned unable to believe what he was hearing. None of this made sense. Any lawyer
worth his salt would have used her medical records at the very least as a viable defense. “What I
don’t understand is why your lawyer didn’t bother provide you with a proper defense.”

Jasmine sighed. “I can’t begin to understand the inner workings of how the law works. I believed
if I did the right things, studied and worked hard, I’d be okay. The police were supposed the serve
and protect, but they let me down and I ended up having to take matters in my own hands. I doubt it
matters anyway. Like I said, I wanted Phillip dead, and I couldn’t afford one of those big shots
lawyers. I had to take who was assigned to me. My situation looked bleak and my lawyer convinced
me if we fight this rap in court, I could face more time in prison.”

“That’s outrageous!” Victor was getting angrier by the minute. Not that he was knocking public
defenders, because a lot of them were overworked and overpaid. However, there were those who
bided their time while they waited to get into large firms where they could make the big bucks. In the
meantime they did the bare minimum of what was required of them, often to the detriment of their
clients. He’d seen some incompetence and lazy work over the years, but this was gross negligence. If
Jasmine’s lawyer was aware of the facts at the time, he had a duty to present the evidence as an
officer of the court. From what he’d seen of this botched case, this joker should be disbarred or at the
very least face disciplinary actions for this indifference to a client’s right to a face trial.

“I had to do what I thought was best at the time.”

He squeezed her hand in reassurance. “I’m not talking about you, Jasmine. I fully understand the
position you were in. I’m referring to that piece of shit lawyer you had. If he’s still practicing in this
state, I can find out. For some reason his name sounds very familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it for
a moment.”

Her tongue peaked out to run along her lips. “Do you really think you could overturn my
conviction, Victor?”

Victor’s body tightened with awareness when he spied that movement. Hot damn. She still had the
power to make him feel like a boy in the middle of his first childhood crush. He quickly banished his
lustful thoughts and focused on the conversation at hand. “Yes. Not only do I think you have a strong
case, I think if you play your cards right, you may be entitled to a huge settlement. I’d just need to get
some information on this lawyer of yours.”

Jasmine was silent for a moment, seeming deep in thought before she finally spoke again. “I’m not
looking for a settlement, but if my name is cleared, my record would go away and it would be so
much easier to get Star back.”

Victor closed his eyes briefly as guilt washed over him. She would have her daughter back by
now if he hadn’t kicked her out so callously, yet another black mark against him. “I’m so sorry for
that. I promise, I’ll do everything in my power to work on your case to get Star back. As soon as we
leave, I’ll put a call in to the office and get someone working your case right away.”

“Thank you, Victor.”

“This is the least I can do for you. You’ve done so much good for my family and most of this mess
is my own damn fault. I should have listened to you. I have no right to ask for your forgiveness nor do
I believe I deserve it, but—”

“Victor don’t. We’ve both made mistakes. If you can pull this miracle off then that would more
than make up for it.” He noticed how she didn’t immediately pull her hand from his and he liked the
feel of her skin against his, missed it so much.
 Jasmine must have noticed it to because she slid her hand away from his, she lowered her lids,
disguising her thoughts.

Victor stood up then and returned to his seat. “I would of course need your cooperation in this
matter.”

She raised her head to meet his gaze. “Of course. What would you need me to do?”

“It would require us meeting from time to time to go over this case. If you don’t feel comfortable
with me, then you can deal with Danny O’Shea. He’s a junior associate helping me with this case and
he’s done a lot of leg work. I have enough faith in his abilities that he’ll do just as good a job as I
would.”

“Would…would that entail me telling the entire story over again?”

“We have a file on you, so he already knows quite a bit of your history. Just not some of the blanks
you’ve managed to fill in for me today. I’ll need to tell him though in order for him to do his job
properly. But it won’t go beyond that. It’s our jobs to maintain the confidentiality of our clients.”

“I don’t mind him working alongside you, but I don’t think I can drudge up the past again. It still
hurts.”

“So…you wouldn’t object to us meeting from time to time?” he asked cautiously, not wanting to
read more into this than there actually was. Of course Jasmine had to look out for her best interests.
She needed to get her daughter back which he knew was a priority to her.

“No, if that’s what it takes, but does this mean there’ll be another trial? I didn’t get to that point
before I accepted the plea bargain.”

“There’s a possibility, but with all this evidence, and after we follow up with this police
department that railroaded you, it may not come to that. There never should have been a trial in the
first place. It’s the DA’s discretion to determine whether charges are filed and if he wasn’t presented
with all the evidence, you may not have been prosecuted. But in the event of it going to trial again, are
you up for it or would you rather wait until the baby arrives. I don’t want to put any undue stress on
you.”

She shook her head vehemently. “No. The sooner this thing clears up, the faster I get my child
back. Umm, how often would we need to meet?”

“We can communicate by phone mostly but I’d say at least once a week. We can meet for lunch
and go over the case. Usually a process like this can take months, sometimes years, but I’m going to
call in a lot of favors and hopefully we can get this fast tracked. My goal is to have this taken care of
before you deliver our son—I mean, the baby.”

Her eyes widened briefly and her mouth moved as if she wanted to say something, but no words
came out.
 “Forget that last part. Um, we’ll focus on your case.”

“But the baby is a reality isn’t it? I haven’t really thought about how to deal with this as far as
visitation or anything but let’s talk about that when we get closer to my due date.”

Hope swelled in his chest but he didn’t want to get too overzealous and scare her off. “Agreed.
About your case though, it’s at the judge’s discretion whether he or she will overturn the verdict or
send it to trial. I think it depends a lot on the DA’s recommendation.”

Jasmine groaned. “That guy was so scary. There’s no way he’d recommend that my charges be
overturned.”

“Lucky for you, a new DA has took office last year.”

“How is that lucky for me? Isn’t one like the next?” There was a wealth of bitterness in her voice
and he couldn’t exactly blame her. The law was in place to protect people, not screw them over as it
had done in Jasmine’s case.

“Not necessarily. This DA has a more liberal platform than the last, not to mention, he and I went
to law school together. I was a first year when he was in his last. I’m not saying we were the best of
friends, but we were friendly and I know how he works. So this can only help.”

Jasmine snorted. “Is that how it works? You go out to lunch and play a few rounds of golf and it’s
over with? It’s no wonder the rich and famous never go to jail.”

She had a point. In criminal law, those with the resources could afford attorneys who had
connections while the others like Jasmine had to make due with who they were assigned. It was one
of the reasons he’d switched his concentration to corporate law. “I understand your frustration. And if
it were as simple as playing a few rounds of golf with him, which I don’t play by the way, this would
have been over and done with. There are still procedures that need to be adhered to which is why
we’ll continue to collect as much evidence as possible. The more information we have the better the
outcome would be for you.”

Jasmine sighed. “I don’t mean to sound so angry, but…it’s almost hard to believe my nightmare
may be over soon.”

“If I have anything to say about it, it will be.” Victor smiled.

He glanced at his watch and groaned. Today was a half day at Chelsea and Tyler’s school and
he’d promised he’d pick them up because his mother had a meeting with one of her charity
committees. “Jasmine, I hate to cut this meeting short, but I have to pick my kids up from school. The
teachers are having some kind of in house training which means the students will be off for the day. I
can drive you home if you’d like unless…no, that’s okay.” He was foolish for even thinking along
those lines.

“Unless what?”
 “Unless you’d like to come with me to pick them up. They’d love to see you.”

“No! I mean, I don’t think it would be a good idea. At least not yet anyway. Besides, I probably
should be getting back home. Doctor’s orders you know.”

“Okay.”

“But I’ll take that ride though.”

At least he had that.

Once the bill was paid he led Jasmine outside, his heart heavy. She’d just made it abundantly
clear she had no intention of being in the children’s lives again. Maybe there was no hope. The only
words spoken for the duration of the ride to her house was Jasmine giving him directions. He dared
not ask her about her fiancé because he didn’t want to know. That she was with someone else was
painful enough to deal with.

When he pulled up in front of the house as instructed, Victor waited for her to get out, dreading
their parting. “I’ll call you this week to let you know what else we’ve turned up.”

“Thank you.” She moved to get out of the car and then paused. “Um, Victor, could you tell the kids
I said hello and I hope to see them soon.”

“Of course.”

“Good. I look forward to your call.”

Victor wanted there to be more to what she’d said, but tried not to get his hopes up. If she wanted
to see the children he would encourage it. He understood Jasmine was only tolerating him for the sake
of her case, but maybe it could become more. Much more.

***

Jasmine had never been more confused before in her life. Her meeting with Victor should have
cleared up any residual feelings she may have had for him, but instead her head was in an even bigger
jumble than before. And then there was Jason. What was she going to do about him? First there was
the huge cover up he’d perpetrated where Victor was concerned and then there was a question of
whether she should go through with marrying him.

Where was he anyway? She expected him to be here by the time she got home. In fact, Jasmine
was ready for a big confrontation, but he wasn’t home. She stifled a yawn feeling tired. This was the
most activity she’d had in days and a nap was probably in order.

On her way to her bedroom, she halted by the stairs leading up to the loft Jason used as his studio.
Normally she would have gone past it, but something in the back of her mind told her to go upstairs.
Jasmine attempted to walk past but curiosity got the better of her and she headed up to Jason’s studio.
She felt bad because she normally didn’t enter his private domain without his permission, but one
peek wouldn’t hurt would it?

Once inside, she saw all of his paintings and works in progress, many of which were of her. He’d
gone a bit overboard with all those paintings of her in Jasmine’s opinion. One particular painting
caught her attention. It was her, a very pregnant her, much more advanced in pregnancy than Jasmine
was. She didn’t remember posing for that picture.

Walking closer to inspect it, she frowned. When did he paint that picture? She noticed a picture
sitting in the easel box resting against the painting. Jasmine picked it up studied the subject. It was
exactly like the painting. A very pregnant woman who looked like her. But, it wasn’t her. There were
a few subtle differences, but this woman was her doppelganger.

“Where have you been?”

Jasmine nearly jumped out of her skin, in the process dropping the picture. She whirled around to
see Jason step into the studio. “Jason, you scared me.”

He was in front of her in an instant, engulfing her into his embrace. “You had me so worried.
When I came home to find you gone, I didn’t know what to think…I thought maybe you went out for a
walk or something and I circled the neighborhood and I was coming back to call the police.”

“That wasn’t necessary, Jason. I’m a grown woman. I thought I was free to come and go as I
please. Unless I’m being held prisoner here.”

He backed away from her as if he’d been burned; a genuine look of hurt crossed his handsome
face. “Why would you say something like that? Do you believe I’m holding you hostage here?”

She shrugged feeling slightly irritated. “I don’t know Jason, but it would be nice to know why you
took it upon yourself to hide the fact Victor has working on overturning my case. That’s who I was
just with by the way.”

He stilled, all color slowly draining from his face. His topaz gaze darkened slightly. “Does that
mean you’re going back to him?”

Jasmine sighed. “I think we’re well past that point. But why did you do it Jason? Honestly is
important to me, and I don’t think you have been. No, I know you haven’t been.”

“I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn’t want you to be stressed. He’s caused you so much
pain I believed if you talked to him, we’d have another scene like there was in the hospital. If you
haven’t noticed, I care about you and this baby. I love you Jasmine and I don’t want anything to
happen to you. Your happiness is important to me.”

“As you can see, I’m fine, but answer me this: did you actually put in a call to an attorney for me
to get Star back?”

His slight hesitation gave him away before he could answer. “I can explain.”
 “Why Jason? Why did you lie to me? Why did you get my hopes up like that? You know how
badly I want my daughter back.”

“I know and I intended to do something about it after the baby was here. I thought a custody case
may be too much for you to handle in your condition. I overstepped my bounds and for that I’m sorry. I
only did it all to protect you. I love you Jasmine and I would never do anything to intentionally hurt
you. Please believe me.”

Oddly enough she did. However it didn’t excuse the lies or his taking important decisions out of
her hand. “I’m so annoyed with you right now Jason, I…” she glanced down and remembered the
picture she’d stumbled across. Bending over she picked it up and held it out to him. “Who is this
woman?”

Jason released a big groan. “You weren’t supposed to see that.”

“Why not? Who is this woman? And I’d prefer the truth because you’re not looking too good right
now.”

“If I tell you, please don’t jump to conclusions. I just want you to know, I love you, Jasmine.”

“Who is she?” Jasmine snapped shaking the picture in his face.

Jason squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again. Anguish was etched in every line of his face.
“It’s Lisa.”

“Who the hell is Lisa?”

“My wife.”
 Chapter Twenty-Seven
Jasmine shook her head. She couldn’t have heard him correctly. “What?”

“Lisa is—was my wife. She died five years ago.”

“And the baby?”

“My daughter died forty-two hours, thirty-three minutes and fifteen seconds after Lisa. I know
because I refused to leave the nursery where they kept her incubator. I had her christened Julia Rose
before she took her last breath. It was the name her mother wanted her to have. I buried them in same
coffin, with Lisa holding the baby.” His voice wobbled with each word his spoke.

“Five years ago?” Jasmine was still trying to make sense of what she’d just heard. Jason had been
married. Why had he never told her, especially since she and his deceased wife shared an uncanny
resemblance?

“Yeah.” He took a seat on the stool closest to him with a heavy sigh.

Jasmine looked at the picture which had fallen to the ground. “Why is this the first time I’m
hearing about this? I told you everything about me, things I’ve only told a few other people. You
supposedly want to marry me, but you haven’t told me you were married before to a woman who
could be my twin.” Something else occurred to her and it worried her more than a little. “Is that why
you want to marry me? Because I look like your dead wife?”

Jason lowered his head, his expression pain-filled.

Jasmine wanted to feel sorry for him, but her anger wouldn’t let her. She’d been lied to and now
he offered no defense. Had she given her trust to him so easily only to find herself in more trouble?
When he talked to her, did he pretend she was Lisa? It was eerie to think that was the case. “Jason?”

He lifted his head revealing red-rimmed eyes. “No. I mean, yes you do look a lot like her. When I
initially saw you, I noticed the similarities, but that isn’t the reason I want to marry you.” Standing up,
he walked over to his supply chest and opened it. He pulled out a little box and stood back up. “These
are more pictures of her if you’d like to take a look.” Jason walked over to Jasmine and held out the
box to her.

She debated on whether to take it. Jasmine looked at his offering pointedly.

“Please.” His plea sounded as if it had come from his soul and she would have been heartless had
she ignored it.
 Cautiously she took it from his hands and slowly opened it. Extracting a handful of the photos, she
waded through. All the pictures were of Lisa and some of them had Jason in them. They’d looked so
happy together. The more of them Jasmine went through however, she noticed Lisa and her didn’t
resemble as closely as she’d originally thought. There was definitely some differences with each
picture. It had been that one she’d originally come across where they looked the most alike. But this
explained nothing. Jasmine glanced up at Jason who was staring at her with an expectant gleam in his
eyes. “So we don’t look like twins. What does that prove?”

“That’s kind of what I wanted you to see. You two don’t look as much alike as you think. I chose
this picture long before I met you. I’d planned on creating a painting to surprise Lisa when the baby
arrived. Obviously I never finished the painting and I never thought I could until recently.”

“You’re not making sense, Jason. And you still have a lot of explaining to do about why you kept
that information about Victor from me, not to mention why you didn’t follow up with getting a lawyer
like you said you would.”

Jason moved closer and when he looked as if he’d reach out for her, Jasmine took a step back.
“Please don’t touch me.”

He closed his eyes as if her words had hurt him, but she was past the point of caring about his
feelings.

“Okay. I’ll tell you everything you want to know. Can we go to the kitchen? I’ll make you some
tea.”

Jasmine shook her head. “I’m not interested in tea, just the truth.”

“Well, you might not need something, but I do.”

She sighed. “Fine. Just know this, I’ve made it on my own before. And I’ll make it again.”

“At the detriment of your child?” he challenged. Jason turned and walked out of the studio leaving
her no choice but to follow him.

When she finally made her way to the kitchen, Jason was brewing himself a cup of coffee.
Jasmine took a seat at the table and waited for him to be done. Once he’d poured himself a cup and
took the seat opposite her, he took a sip from his mug before beginning.

“I know you’ll probably think I’m being long winded but bear with me. It all ties in together.”

“Okay.”

“Before I begin though, I don’t want you to think I’m using you as some substitute. I met Lisa
shortly after I graduated art school. At the time I was looking for places to display my art and I
received one rejection after another. I had the talent, but not the name. No one was willing to take a
chance on the newcomer. So months after I started my quest, I was about to give up hope. Something
told me to try one more gallery. Lisa was the receptionist there. She was a college student working
part time to supplement her scholarship. I don’t know if I’d call it love at first sight but there was
definitely a spark from the beginning. She convinced her boss to give me a chance and that basically
began my career.” He paused as sadness crept over his face.

“Go on,” Jasmine prodded gently.

Jason sighed. “We started dating and I fell in love. I basically just existed before Lisa came into
my life. She taught me not to take myself so seriously, how to laugh at myself and for the first time in
my life I found out who I was.”

“She sounds pretty special.”

He nodded. “She was. In a short time, she came to mean so much to me. She believed in me and
loved me. After a year of dating I asked her to marry me but Lisa wanted to wait until she’d finished
school. She had another year to go, but then she got pregnant and I wanted to do the right thing by her
and get married. We had a small ceremony, with just a few of Lisa’s family and close friends. So we
did. After a while my painting started to sell and I was making a name for myself. Everything was
going great and then it all went to shit.”

“What happened?” Jasmine asked gently.

“Lisa was nearly at the end of her second trimester when she lost the baby.”

Jasmine’s hands flew to her mouth. “I’m so sorry. That must have been devastating.” This time she
did grab his hand.

“Yes. At the time it was. But I figured we were young and there would be other opportunities to
have children. Lisa took it a lot harder. She barely passed her classes that semester. I encouraged her
to take some time off, but she didn’t want to. I supported that decision. We were pregnant again within
a month of her graduating. She was ecstatic as was I. I wanted this baby more for her sake, although I
was looking forward to fatherhood as well. And then she lost the baby. This time she was five months
along. And then the next one. It crushed her every time she miscarried and I couldn’t stand it anymore.
I tried to tell her it was okay if we didn’t have children, but she didn’t want to hear it. She wanted to
try for another. I didn’t think it was a good idea, but I loved her so much and I wanted to make her
happy. So we tried. When she told me she was pregnant again, I was happy, but cautious. I knew if
she lost this one, it might actually affect her mental stability. I told her this had to be it because I
couldn’t stand to see her unhappy. In retrospect, I probably should have kept my thoughts to myself
because it’s probably what killed her.” Jason rested his head in his palm with a heavy sigh. His eyes
glistened with unshed tears.

Jasmine’s heart ached for him. “Oh, Jason…that can’t be true.”

“Yes it is. If I hadn’t told her that, she might not have hid her condition from me.”

“Condition?”
 “On one of her routine checkups the blood work revealed there was some abnormal cell activity. I
probably wouldn’t have found out about it if she hadn’t passed out one day. When I rushed her to the
hospital, I found out she had an aggressive form of cervical cancer. She refused treatment because it
meant losing the baby. I was so devastated and angry with her. I couldn’t even look at her for days
because I wanted to shake her and convince her that children didn’t matter as long as I had her. She
wouldn’t hear it. I believe if I would have stressed to her how much she meant to me, she wouldn’t
have played Russian roulette with her life. Instead, I had to watch her get sicker by the day. But she
was happy. Lisa really wanted this baby and as time passed it was clear she’d carry this one to term.
That picture you found was the last one I’d taken of her before she was hospitalized. The cancer had
spread to her organs and I knew she would die. I wanted to create a painting of her before she passed,
so I’d work on it every night I came home. I didn’t get to finish it as you can see. She was about eight
months along when she took a turn for the worse. The doctors told me they would have to induce
labor. I just…I just thank God, she got to hold Julia before she died.”

“But then you lost, Julia too.”

“Yes. She had a weak heart. The doctors were surprised she’d lasted as long as she did. But I
think she held on long enough for her Mom to see her. She may have lived if she’d gone full term but
no one could be certain.” A tear slid down his face which he quickly wiped away.

Jasmine’s heart ached for him. She could feel his pain and it hurt her too. “Oh, God, Jason. I’m so
sorry.”

“It’s okay. It took me a while to get over her death and I didn’t think I could ever love someone
like I loved her. I was depressed for months and one day, I realized she wouldn’t want me to live that
way, so I moved on with my life. I dated around but no one touched my heart like she did. Then I met
you Jasmine. I couldn’t ignore the likeness, but that wasn’t the reason I approached you.”

“No?”

He shook her head. “You looked so sad. Call it the artist in me, but I wanted to capture it on
canvas. Your friendship helped to heal me and little by little I fell in love with you. I was going
through some of my old paintings in the attic recently and found that unfinished painting of Lisa. For
the first time in years it didn’t hurt when I looked at it. But I thought it was a shame I never finished it.
I took it down to my studio. I’d hidden all my pictures and packed away all of her things right after
she died. I don’t want you to think I was trying to deceive you.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me about her?”

Jason shrugged. “Because I wanted to be a friend to you, and I didn’t want you to feel sorry for
me. And there came a point when I knew I should tell you, but there never seemed to be a good time. I
realized the likeness between the two of you might freak you out and I didn’t want you to think I used
you to replace her. No one can replace her. Just like no one could replace you. You’re your own
woman and I see you, not Lisa when I look at you. Please believe me.”

Oddly enough she did. But that only cleared up one thing. “You’re probably right. It might have
made me wonder, but why did you withhold what you knew about Victor?”

“Because I blamed myself for Lisa and you’re already having a difficult pregnancy. I didn’t want
anything to happen to you. I don’t know if I could forgive myself if something happened to you or the
baby. I overstepped my bounds by taking that decision out of your hands and I sincerely apologize. I
believed I was doing the right thing, but now I see the right thing would have been to be honest with
you from the beginning. If you’d like, I’ll spend my last dime to help you get Star back.”

Her heart ached for him. “Victor is going to help me with that.”

He lowered his lids. “I see. Are…are you going back to him?”

She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. Jasmine wasn’t even sure how she felt for
Victor. There were just too many variables involved. It was probably best to stay focused on getting
her child back and having a safe pregnancy. That she would be working with Victor would be enough.
But it could never go beyond that. She’d been through too much to be hurt again. “No. We’ll be
working on my case is all.”

Jason lifted his head again and looked her straight in the eyes. “And what about us?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t know, Jason.” One thing Jasmine did know was the upcoming months
were going to be complicated.
 Chapter Twenty-Eight

“This is getting ridiculous Victor! Why won’t you let me see her? You can’t keep me away from
my grandchild.” His mother poked him in the chest with each word.

Ever since his mother found out he and Jasmine were meeting once a week to go over her case,
his mother had been on his back about seeing her. “Mom, I’ve told you, it’s not my decision. It’s
Jasmine. When she’s ready to see you, she will.”

“And the children? They still believe Jasmine is coming home and you haven’t even told them
about the baby yet. Don’t you think they have the right to know they’re about to have a new sibling?”

“They do, and I intend to tell them.”

Madeline threw her hands up in the air. “When? Jasmine is nearly seven months along. Are you
going to wait until the baby is here? You’re not being fair to them or me.”

Victor rubbed his temples to ward off the headache he felt coming on. “You’re putting me between
a rock and a hard place right now. I fully intend to tell the children about the baby, but it’s hard to
bring the subject up when I don’t even know where Jasmine and I stand.”

His mother frowned. “What do you mean you don’t know where you stand? You’re the child’s
father. You have rights.”

“I’m aware of that. We haven’t discussed it formally, but I have made my feelings known to her.”

“And what did she have to say about it?”

Victor sighed, threading his fingers through his hair in frustration. He’d been careful not to
mention the subject too much because it obviously made her uncomfortable, but whenever he did he
was met with vague answers. “Not a lot, but she told me we’ll work something out when the time
drew closer.”

Maddie threw her hands up in the air. “The time is almost here. It wouldn’t hurt to be a little more
aggressive. Look, I know you blame yourself for driving her off, but it’s time you forgave yourself and
fight for her.”

“Mom, it’s not that simple.”

 She crossed her arms and raised one perfectly plucked brow. “Why isn’t it? You love her don’t
you?”

With every fiber in his being. There were no words adequate enough to describe his feelings for
her. In his all of his years, he’d only believed himself to be in love, but it didn’t come close anything
he felt for Jasmine. The agony of seeing her but not being able to take her in his arms was literally
torture. “Yes,” he finally answered.

His mother took him in her arms and hugged him tight. “Victor, you’ve always been my pride and
joy. I love you very much, so don’t take this the wrong way.”

“Take what the wrong w—”

Her palm connected with the back of his head.

“Oww! Mom! What the hell?”

She smacked him again.

Victor caught her wrist before she could hit him a third time. “Stop! Are you insane?”

“No, I’m not. I’m trying to knock some sense into you.” She pulled her hand out of his grip and
managed to connect another slap to his head.

“Cut it out, Mom. That’s enough.” His mother had finally lost it. He backed away from her to
avoid another swat.

She placed her hands on her hips and pursed her lips, Victor Alexander Meade, while I’m glad
you’re trying to help Jasmine get things back on track, I’m highly annoyed with how things are going.”

“I’m doing the best I can. I’m not even sure if she still has feelings for me.”

Maddie rolled her eyes. “Has it occurred to you she hasn’t told you how she feels because of all
the mess she’s been through? That’s why it’s up to you to reassure her of your love.”

“You have part of it right. I’m crazy about her, but she’d have nothing do with me if I weren’t
helping her with this case. And after today’s breakthrough we won’t be working together that much
longer.” Victor was thrilled he’d gotten a hearing with a judge so soon. He’s pulled some strings and
had called in a considerable amount of favors but things were falling into place. And it pained him to
know his time with her would soon be coming to an end.

“Call it women’s intuition, but I do believe she still loves you.”

This conversation was going absolutely nowhere and he was meeting with Jasmine in a half hour.
“Mom, this back and forth is pointless. I have to go.”

“You’re going to see Jasmine aren’t you?”

 “That’s the plan. Remember Chelsea and Tyler have half day at school today so you’ll need to
pick them up in about an hour.”

“This conversation is far from over, Victor. I won’t be kept away from my grandchild and you’re
eventually going to have to tell the children about the baby.”

He sighed gathering his briefcase and jacket. “Mom, you’ve made your concerns quite clear. I
need to go.”

“Where are you two meeting?”

“I’m meeting at her place.” He bent over and gave his mother a peck on the check.

“Oh yes, that house on Peach Tree Terrace?”

“Yes.” He was heading toward the door but something struck him as odd. Turning on his heels, he
eyes his mother suspiciously. “How did you know?”

She shrugged. “You left your appointment book open. Shouldn’t you be going?”

“Uh, yeah. There was probably more he should have said, but thought better of it. There would be
plenty of time to talk her out of whatever she was planning. And knowing his mother, she was
definitely up to something.” As he walked to his car, he rubbed the back of his head. He hadn’t been
smacked like that since he was a kid. Victor wished he was as confident about Jasmine’s feelings for
him as his mother was.

***

“How was your visit with Star?” Victor asked as Jasmine offered him a glass of lemonade. He
wasn’t really thirsty, but he needed to hold something so he wasn’t tempted to take Jasmine in his
arms and kiss her silly. Pregnancy certainly agreed with her. She’d gained a few pounds which looked
great on her. Her breasts were fuller and her belly was huge with his son. Her gorgeous brown skin
glowed with renewed vigor and she was so lovely, he ached for her. She was the most beautiful
woman in the world to him.

It would be hard getting through his meeting being so close but not being able to touch. Jasmine
normally took a seat in the recliner while he sat on the couch, but this time she sat next to him. “Sorry,
to crowd you, but the couch is so much better for my back now that I’m getting bigger. I feel like a
whale.” She laughed.

“But you look beautiful,” he couldn’t help saying. “Well, I guess we can start going over the
particulars of the case now,” Victor rushed on to cover up the sudden awkwardness.

“Yes. You said you were meeting with the DA last week. How did it go?”

“Very well. Actually it went along much better than I’d hoped. He basically said the same thing I
did. This case should never have been presented to the previous DA in the first place with all the
evidence intact. Not only that, Danny has been able to dig up a little dirt on your attorney in that case.
He’s no longer working for the state. He’s with a private practice, a firm called Lutz, Cohen and
Smith. Guess who one of their biggest clients is.”

She shrugged. “Should I know the answer to this question?”

“Sanderson Insurance.”

Her mouth fell open. “What? That company belonged to…”

“Miles Sanderson.”

“It’s a coincidence right?”

“From what I understand, your attorney had been angling for a position with the firm months
before your case came across his desk. We’ll need to do some further investigating, but it looks like
Hammond, had a vested interest in your going to jail. From some of the cases he’s had, he’s not above
using any means necessary to get the result he wants.”

Jasmine gasped. “Was I set up? Do you mean he had no intention of defending me?” It was hard to
reconcile how far down the rabbit hole this went. Her ex’s parents had hated for not being who they
believed their son should be with. They even refused to acknowledge Star as their grandchild. But she
never thought they’d go this far.

“I can’t make that accusation with one hundred percent certainty but it certainly looks like it. But
besides, that, I have a meeting set up later this week with one of the appellate judges. Things are
moving faster than I thought they would.”

“I…I can’t believe it. When you first offered to help me, I was skeptical. Not because I believed
you wouldn’t do what you said, but because I’m so used to disappointment. I don’t know how I can
thank you.” She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. A move that made his body tense and
dick stir. He inched away from her on the couch and took a sip of his drink. God she was lovely.

Victor shifted his hips slightly to adjust his cock. If she saw his erection she’d probably kick him
out. “Don’t thank me yet. It’s not over until the judge’s rule in your favor. So, how was your visit with
Star? You said Jason was taking you to see her the last time we met.”

A shadow crossed her face. “Yes. I’ve been allowed more visitation and I’m allowed to have a
couple nights a weeks. My case worker is concerned that I’m living with a man who I’m not married
to and that I’m unemployed. Every time I seem to make progress she moves the goal post. I don’t
understand why she’s being so difficult.”

“How’s she doing?”

Jasmine nibbled on her bottom lip. “Better because we get to spend more time together but she’s
still not talking. They’re taking her to therapists.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
 Victor placed his glass on the coffee table and took her hands in his. “I’m so sorry, Jasmine. But is
she at least responding to your presence?”

She nodded. “Yes. That’s a plus. Hopefully things will change soon.”

“And I guess it can’t hurt that you’re getting married to Jason. Where is he by the way?” He
couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his voice. Usually when Victor came by, Jason was never far away.

Her gaze cut away from his. “He had to drop some paintings off at one of the galleries he’s
showing at. He’ll probably be home shortly—oh!” Jasmine jerked forward and grabbed her stomach.

Alarm shot through him. Victor thought she was far enough along where she was no longer in great
danger. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. The baby is really active today. He was kicking up a storm earlier. I thought he’d
settled down but it seems like he wants to play today.” She rubbed her swollen belly. “Hey you.
Behave in there.” She giggled and looked at Victor. “Looks like the baby will be a soccer player. Do
you want to feel?”

Victor stiffened. When his wife had been pregnant all three times, she didn’t want him near her, let
alone touching her stomach. “I…is it okay?”

“Yes. It’s fine.” She took his hand and placed it against her abdomen.

The moment his hand made contact with her abdomen, he felt a thump against his palm. “Was that
the baby?” he asked in awe.

Jasmine grinned. “Yes. That was him saying hello.”

His son kicked again and again. A plethora of emotions flowed through Victor all at once:
wonder, amazement and love. He loved this child already and he loved its mother. And he couldn’t go
another second without telling her how he felt. Damn the consequence. “Jasmine. I may be
overstepping my bounds here, but I love you. I love you so much I ache and I know you’re engaged to
be married to someone else, but…. hell.” Unable to help himself he leaned over and pressed his
mouth against her slightly parted lips.

He expected her to pull away, instead she remained still and after a few moments, she sighed into
his mouth and pressed against him. Victor wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. The fire
between them burned stronger than ever and he wondered how in the world he survived this long
without touching her, tasting her. Thrusting his tongue past her teeth he explored the sweet recesses of
her mouth.

Jasmine threaded her fingers through his hair, as she opened her mouth beneath the onslaught of his
hungry kiss. His cock strained against his pants and more than anything, he wanted to lay her on the
couch and make sweet love to her. Nothing felt more right. He could have gone on kissing her—if the
doorbell didn’t ring.
 Jasmine pulled away from him with the look of someone who’d been caught with their hand in the
cookie jar. “We…we shouldn’t have done that.”

The doorbell rang again.

His breathing ragged, Victor could barely speak. “Why not. You wanted it as much as I did.”

“It’s the pregnancy hormones. I have to answer the door.” To her obvious chagrin, Jasmine had a
difficult time getting off the couch. Victor stood up and helped her up.

“This isn’t over,” he murmured.

The doorbell rang one more time.

“Yes it is.” Jasmine waddled to the front door and Victor cursed himself for being a fool. Did he
just blow his chance with her?

“Jasmine!” A familiar voice screeched when Jasmine opened the door. Victor’s head shot up. It
couldn’t be. He walked into the hallway only to have his suspicions confirmed.

Chelsea had her arms wrapped around Jasmine’s waist holding on for dear life. Tyler stood
behind her as if he was waiting for his turn. Jasmine looked as stunned as he felt. And his mother
stood in the entrance with a smug smile tilting her lips.

He was going to have to call his own lawyer, because in a minute, Victor was pretty sure he’d
commit matricide.
 Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jasmine glanced wordlessly at Victor. Was this a set up? She’d made it pretty clear that she
wasn’t ready to see his mother or children. Yet, here there were. Victor however, seemed as
surprised as she was.

“Jasmine, we missed you so much!” Chelsea squeezed her with no apparent intention of letting go.

“Honey, don’t hug her too tight unless you want to hurt your little brother.” Maddie gently pulled
her granddaughter away from Jasmine.

Jasmine’s jaw dropped. This was getting out of hand.

“Brother?” Tyler and Chelsea spoke at the same time.

 Madeline moved forward and threw her arms around Jasmine’s shoulders. “Yes. Jasmine is going
to have a baby.” She smiled at her son. “You should have told them Victor.”

“Mother, that’s enough,” Victor practically roared, moving to Jasmine’s side. “I swear I had
nothing to do with this.”

“What do you mean I’m going to have a brother, grandma?” Tyler persisted.

Madeline guided Jasmine toward the living room, ignoring her grandson’s question. “There’s no
point in getting upset, Victor. They would have found out sooner or later. Now let’s get you off your
feet, honey.”

Still stunned, Jasmine allowed the older woman to lead her to the couch help her sit.

“Mother…” Victor said in a warning tone.

Madeline took the seat next to her while Chelsea and Tyler fought over the space on Jasmine’s
other side. Giving his sister a healthy shove, Tyler won the battle and took his place.

“Oww that hurt!” Chelsea whined, which finally spurred Jasmine to speak.

“Kids, that’s enough. There will be none of that while you’re here. Tyler apologize to your sister.
And Chelsea, what did I tell you about whining? Now, I need a proper hug from the both of you.”
Despite the surprise of their visit, she was actually glad to see them again.

Jasmine opened her arms to the children and held them as tightly as her belly allowed. Tears
welled in her eyes. God, she missed them. She may not have given birth to them but they were her
children too. Whatever problems she had with their father, Jasmine realized at the very least she
should have maintained some kind of contact with them.

Chelsea pulled away first with teary eyes. “Jasmine, why did you stay away? Don’t you like us
anymore?”

Tyler drew back as well, apprehension on his face. “Yeah. You never called or visited,” the little
boy stated in an accusing tone.

Her heart ached for them. They were innocent casualties in all this mess. “I promise it had nothing
to do with you two. I miss both of you very much. I just needed some time to get myself together.
And….” She took a deep breath. “The doctor wanted me to take special care since I’m carrying this
baby.” The cat was already out of the bag, so there was really no point in pretending otherwise.

“Does that mean you and Dad are getting married?” Tyler demanded.

“Tyler, I think that’s enough with the questions.” Victor barked.

Madeline waved her hands dismissively. “Victor, stop being so uptight. The kids just got here.
Don’t you think they’re entitled to ask a few questions since you haven’t exactly been forthcoming?”
 Victor turned beet red and it became clear to Jasmine in that moment he had nothing to do with it.
The tension flowing from Victor was so tangible she felt she needed to do something about it.

“It’s no problem, Victor. Kids, I have some chocolate chip cookies in the kitchen by the stove in
the green jar. Why don’t you two get yourself a few and a glass of milk. There are some clean glasses
in the dishwasher. Help yourself. Your father, grandmother and I need to have a chat. When you’re
done rejoin us and you can ask as many questions as you like.”

“But I want to know about the baby,” Chelsea persisted.

“Chelsea, listen to Jasmine and let the adults talk for a minute,” Madeline scolded lightly.

The little girl pouted. “Daddy?”

Victor’s no nonsense narrowed stare had both children heading toward the kitchen. When it was
only the three adults left, he turned on his mother. “I can’t believe you did this.”

Madeline crossed her arms. “If I didn’t take matters in my own hands, we’d still be waiting
around long after the baby was born. And the children have the right to know about the baby.”

Victor flared his nostrils. “You weren’t thinking about the children. You were thinking about
yourself.”

“That isn’t fair Victor, and you know it!”

“Was it fair to barge in here like this when you know you weren’t invited? And to use the kids to
boot. You’ve crossed the line this time, Mom.”

Jasmine’s head was spinning. “Please. Both of you, stop it. There’s no use in arguing about it. The
damage is done. Madeline I’m not sure if this was the appropriate way for the children to find out
about the baby, but….I’m glad you’re here.” She offered her friend a smile, taking her hand.

The older woman’s bravado crumbled, and her eyes shimmered and lips quivered. “I’m sorry, I
did this. It was just….Victor was right. It was about me wanting to be in the baby’s life, your life.
When you left and didn’t come to me for help, I understood. But when you continued to stay away
even after you’d learned about the baby, I was so hurt.”

Jasmine’s guilt increased. “I’m sorry, but I was going through so much, I didn’t think it was fair to
burden you with my problems.”

“Do I take this to mean you’re willing to allow all of us to be a part of the baby’s life?” Madeline
asked.

Jasmine nodded. “Of course. I’ve been doing some thinking and I believe we can work something
out as far as visitation.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful, Jasmine. The children will love that and so would I!” Madeline exclaimed.
 Did she imagine it or was there a flicker of sadness that crossed Victor’s face? Being a part of his
child’s life was what he wanted so what was his problem?

“Victor, don’t be angry with your mother. I think her heart was in the right place.”

Victor racked his fingers through his hair with a sigh. “You’re right. I’m sorry for giving you a
hard time, Mom. I just didn’t want you to feel as if we’d forced ourselves back into your life. But it
doesn’t change the fact that I love you.”

Jasmine squirmed in her seat, not comfortable with the direction this conversation was heading. It
was one thing to concede that the baby needed its father, siblings and grandmother around, but dealing
with her unresolved feelings for Victor was another issue. She’d never been so confused in her life.
“Victor, let’s not do this now.”

He raised a brow. “What? You don’t want to hear how I’m madly in love I am with you?”

Madeline threw her hands up in the air. “Hallelujah, boy! It’s about damn time.”

Heat rushed to her face. “Now isn’t the time for this discussion, Victor.”

“Because my mother is sitting here? She knows I love you, would walk to the ends of the Earth for
you. Don’t you know I lay awake at night cursing myself for being a great big fool? Besides my
children, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and furthermore, I think you love me too.”

“I’m wearing Jason’s ring,” Jasmine retorted stubbornly. Why couldn’t he understand the two of
them couldn’t be together?

“But you don’t love him. If you did, you wouldn’t have been able to kiss me the way you did.”

Jasmine gasped. “You kissed me!”

“But I didn’t imagine your tongue pressing against mine.”

“Okay, that’s enough, Victor. If you keep this up, up you’re going to have to leave.”

Victor opened his mouth as if he’d continue the argument, but a shrill ring cut him off before he
could speak. “Shit,” he grumbled, digging into his pocket. He pulled out his phone and looked at the
number. “Excuse me while I take this call. It’s an emergency.”

She’d never been so glad to be interrupted in her life. “Sure.”

“Thanks.” He headed toward the hallway but paused before turning to face her. “This
conversation isn’t over.”

“Yes, it is.”

Victor tightened his lips and walked off.

 “My, my, my, what were you and my son up to before me and the kids arrived?”

“Madeline, don’t you start too.”

“Start what, dear? I’m simply asking a question.”

Jasmine rolled her eyes. “Nothing happened. Nothing significant, that is.”

“Victor seems to think otherwise.”

“It doesn’t matter what Victor thinks.”

“Jasmine, we both know that’s a lie. Obviously you feel something for my son.”

Jasmine clenched and unclenched her fists as her frustration grew. This wasn’t how she’d
envisioned this day to be. “Look, if you’re going to continue this line of conversation I’m going to
have to ask you to leave.”

Madeline crossed her arms across her chest and raised a brow, reminding Jasmine of Victor.
“Don’t that tone with me, young lady. I stood in your corner when you had no one else. I love you like
a daughter, Jasmine, so I say this out of love. I told Victor the same thing. You need to get your act
together.”

“Madeline—”

The older woman held up her hand. “No, let me finish. I know you’ve been hurt and how difficult
it’s been for you to put your trust in other people. I also know my son did a very stupid thing when he
kicked you out without waiting to hear your side of the story. But you know what Jasmine? It’s time
for you to stop playing the martyr. You’re not completely blameless in this entire debacle. I was
wrong for encouraging the deception, but maybe if you would have opened up to Victor sooner it
wouldn’t have come to the point where Madison’s words would have mattered. Victor poured out his
heart to you just now, the least you owe him is an explanation of why you two shouldn’t be together
when: a, you’re carrying his child, and b, you love his children, and c, you love Victor too. No,
you’re in love with Victor.”

“For the last time, I’m wearing Jason’s ring. Now can we drop the subject please? I love you too
Madeline, and I’m sorry for not contacting you or the kids like I should have, but I’m not interested in
discussing whether or not I love Victor.”

Maddie gave her a long questioning look. “All you had to say was that you didn’t love Victor too.
But we’ll have it your way. I’ll drop the subject. For now.”

Jasmine squeezed her eyes closed. There were so many emotions coursing through her right now
and she was didn’t know how to deal with them. She was saved however from speaking when Victor
returned to the living room. “I’m sorry, but I’m going to need to go. Something came up.” He grabbed
his jacket and briefcase.
 Jasmine tried to stand. “Wait. What’s the matter? What’s going on?”

He continued to the hallway, not stopping. “I don’t know but I intend to find out.” Victor was out
the door before she could say another word.

Madeline gently grasped Jasmine’s elbow. “Let him go dear. I’m sure he has everything under
control.”

“But he looked concerned and if it has anything to do with my case. I have the right to know.”

“And I’m sure he’ll fill you in as soon as he knows what’s going on.”

Chelsea rejoined them moments later with her mouth full of cookies and squeezed her little body
in between Jasmine and her grandmother.

Jasmine wrapped her arms around the child, grateful for the distraction, otherwise she’d drive
herself crazy. Tyler came out a moment later and plopped on the empty spot next to Jasmine. She slid
her arm around her his shoulders and hugged them both close. No matter what happened between her
and Victor, she vowed she’d never lose touch with the rest of the Meade clan again.
 Chapter Thirty

In the matter of a week pandemonium had broken out and it all stemmed from a car accident.
Gregory Hammond who had been Jasmine’s former attorney, had been in the car with a district judge
who happened to be presiding over one of his current cases. Drugs had been found in the vehicle.
When the local media had gotten wind of it there was speculation as to why the two were seen
together outside of the courtroom in the first place. One determined journalist had started to dig and
had found the connection between Hammond and several judges whose campaigns he was connected
to. It opened up an entire can of worms.

The judge wanting to avoid jail time confessed to taking bribes from attorney’s and kickbacks
from privately funded prisons. It brought into question some of the many cases he’d presided over
throughout the years. One of those cases had been Jasmine Brooks. Apparently, even back then,
Hammond and this judge were working together. It was discovered that the Sandersons had
contributed heavily to his re-election campaign.

Coupled with the corruption and the new evidence that had never gotten introduced, Victor was
certain not only would Jasmine’s case be overturned but she would get her daughter back.

Victor worked tirelessly for the remainder of the day, making phone calls and working closely
with Danny to make sure everything was handled correctly.

With a renewed determination, he focused on getting this all resolved for Jasmine’s sake. And for
his because as soon as her conviction was overturned and she got her daughter back, Victor intended
to fight for his woman.

***

Jasmine’s hands shook and her heart beat a tattoo within her chest. She pinched herself just to
make sure this wasn’t a dream. A gasp tore from her lips. If this wasn’t real then this dream felt pretty
damn life-like.

Jason took his eyes off the road for a moment to offer a smile of encouragement. “I know you must
be nervous but remember, I’m here for you no matter what, babe.”

Jasmine nodded for lack of anything to say. Despite the uncertainty of her future with Jason, she
still appreciated his presence. It was good to have someone to give her the moral support she needed.
 Jasmine nibbled her bottom lip. She wished she had Jason’s confidence. Would Star adjust to her
new home and to Jason? And to complicate matters, how would the Meade clan figure into
everything? Since she’d reconnected with Madeline and the kids, they visited her almost every other
day. Even Adam had come for a few visits. Dealing with them was one thing but Victor was another
issue. He was her unborn child’s father and he’d made it clear he intended to be a part of its life.
Jasmine couldn’t deny him that right.

He called her daily just to check on her to see if she needed anything. Victor had insisted on
helping her and Jason outfit the baby’s room and paying for everything. He even started a college fund
for the baby which, she’d yet to decide a name for. The baby’s room was already full of toys and
stuffed animals he had bought. With all the attention came uncertainty. Now that her case had been
overturned and she’d regained custody of Star, Victor now consumed most of her thought.

Her relationship with Jason however, complicated matters. He was a dear friend to her but she
still couldn’t bring herself to feel anything toward him romantically. It had become clear that she
couldn’t marry him but she had yet to dredge up the courage to tell him.

“We’re here.” Jason smiled at her.

Jasmine had been so caught up in her thoughts she didn’t notice the vehicle had stopped.

Jason brought her hand up to his mouth and pressed a light kiss on her knuckles. “It’s okay,
sweetheart. Everything will work out.”

She laughed nervously. “I wish I had your confidence.” With trembling fingers she undid her
seatbelt and opened the passenger door. Still unable to believe this was happening she whispered a
silent thank you to the heavens. Who would have thought something as random as a car accident
would lead her to this?

Learning the full extent of the Sanderson’s duplicity didn’t make her angry as it probably should
have. They’d partly been responsible for robbing her of her freedom and her separation from Star. But
still, all she could muster up for them was pity. They were pathetic human beings who were so caught
up in themselves they’d created a monster in their son. And instead of realizing what Phillip had
become, they’d covered for him, blaming her for his shortcomings instead of taking responsibility.

Most her distain was reserved for the sham of a lawyer who’d handled her case. He would most
likely be disbarred and face criminal charges of his own, while several policeman were under
investigation for the cover up involved in all those calls she’d made when Phillip had been using her
as a punching bag. But it seemed the corruption didn’t stop at her. There were more people robbed of
justice and because of this scandal they might finally get the trials they deserved in the first place.

Jason walked to the passenger side of the car to help her out. A black sedan pulled alongside of
Jason’s car. It was Victor.

Jason threw his arm around her shoulders and held her against him a little more tightly than she
would have liked as they walked toward the group home. Under most circumstances, Jasmine would
have said something about this little power play of his but she was too nervous to protest.

She and Jason waited for Victor to catch up with them at the door. Did Jasmine imagine it or did
Victor’s lips tighten slightly at the sight of Jason holding her so closely.

When Victor halted in front of them, he leaned forward and gave Jasmine a kiss on the check.
“How are you feeling today?”

A shiver went up her spine at the casual contact. “Very nervous. I’m scared I’ll wake up and find
myself in the middle of a dream.”

“Come on honey.” Jason gave her shoulders a little squeeze.

Taking a deep breath, Jasmine rang the doorbell. This was it.

After what seemed like an eternity but had probably only been a few seconds, Rose Carole, one of
the caregivers at the group home answered the door. “Aww, you’re here. We’ve been waiting for you.
Ms. Montez from Social Services arrived a short while ago. Come in.” She opened the door wider
and stood back enough to let everyone in. “Star is all packed up and ready to go. Poor thing, hasn’t
gotten much sleep in the past couple days because she knew you were coming for her.”

Hearing this news lightened Jasmine’s heart a little. When they stepped into the house, Lola
Montez, the new social worker handling Star’s paperwork greeted them, but Jasmine only had eyes
for her daughter who stood by the stairways. Jasmine’s breath caught in her throat. Star looked thinner
making her already large eyes seem too big for her little face. Her eyes were ringed with dark circles
and she tugged on one of her braids in a nervous gesture.

Jasmine would have gone down to her knees if she thought she could get back up on her own
steam, but instead she walked over to her daughter and held out her arms. “Star?”

The child hesitated, gripping the railing of the stairway as if she was scared of Jasmine.

She moved closer. “Baby?”

“Honey, I’m here to take you home—for good. When we leave you’ll never have to back.”
Jasmine didn’t want to break down in front of her daughter but her anxiety and the pregnancy
hormones finally caught up with her. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

Hesitantly the child moved into Jasmine’s embrace and held on tight. A dam broke forth and sobs
shook Jasmine’s body as she held on to her daughter determined never to be separated from her again.

***

“When can I see Star again Daddy? Can we visit her tomorrow?” Chelsea asked at the dinner
table.

It had been an emotional day for him. Seeing Jasmine reunited with Star tugged at his heartstrings.
As mother and daughter held on to each other there hadn’t been a dry eye in the house. Even Jason
seemed a little misty-eyed.

Once everything had been settled between Jasmine and the caseworker, she was free to take Star
home with her but Victor couldn’t help feeling an emptiness inside. He wished to God they were
going home with him. He’d grown quite fond of that little girl when she’d come to visit his house on
several occasions and his kids most definitely loved her. They would have made the perfect blended
family. Instead they were going home with Jason.

Victor sighed. With the baby being due next month Victor realized he’d have to step things up if he
wanted Jasmine back. He wasn’t willing to roll over in defeat until she said I do to Jason.

“Daddy are you listening to me?” Chelsea demanded.

Victor looked up from his barely touched steak. “I’m sorry pumpkin, what did you say?”

“Can you take us to see Star tomorrow? I want to show her the new doll we brought. Grandma and
me picked out a brown one especially for her.”

Victor pushed his plate away giving up any pretense of eating. “I’ll be in court all day tomorrow
but you may want to give Jasmine and Star a few days to themselves. I’ll take you to see them this
weekend.”

Chelsea pouted. “But I haven’t seen Star in such a loooong time, Daddy. I miss her.”

“We all do honey. But so does Jasmine. She deserves to have a little alone time with her
daughter.”

“Yeah, kiddo, give the poor girl some time before you drive her nuts with your nonstop chatter,”
Adam teased.

Chelsea folded her arms over her chest. “I will not drive her crazy! Star is my best friend. She
likes to hear me talk.”

“Or maybe she’s just too polite to tell you to shut up.” The teenager laughed.

“Yeah! You big blabber mouth,” Tyler joined in.

“Daddy! Make them stop!” Chelsea glared at her brothers.

“That’s enough, all three of you. Chelsea, I’ll take you to see Jasmine and Star this weekend and
that’s final.” He pushed away from the table. “I’m going to my study to make a couple phone calls.”

Victor was halfway to his office when the doorbell rang. He frowned. They weren’t expecting any
visitors and his mother had a key and normally let herself in. He hoped it wasn’t a solicitor at this
time at night.
 Looking out the peephole before opening the door, Victor’s frown deepened. What the hell was he
doing here? Then it occurred to him something might be wrong with Jasmine. Why else would Jason
be on his doorstep? Opening the door with no little apprehension, Victor inclined his head in
acknowledgement. “Is everything alright with Jasmine? Is it the baby? Star?”

Jason shook his head. “Jasmine is home with Star and both of them and the baby are fine. They
were looking through a book of baby names when I left them. Star won’t leave her mother’s side and I
can’t say I blame the kid. So, uh, are you going to let me in or am I not welcome in your home?”

“Oh, my apologies. Please come in.” Victor stood back and allowed the other man entrance into
his home. “Can I take your coat?” Victor closed the door behind him.

“No what I have to say to you won’t take long.”

Victor raised a brow. “Oh?” If this joker was over here to tell him to stay away from Jasmine, he
was in for a fight.

“Look, I don’t think you’re a bad guy, a little bit of an asshole maybe but deep down you’re
decent.”

“Gee thanks,” Victor didn’t bother hiding the sarcasm in his voice. “I’m sure there’s a point to this
backhanded compliments so how about getting to it?”

“I love Jasmine. Very much. And I’m willing to raise her children as my own.”

“Look if you think—”

Jason held up his hand. “No. Let me finish. Like I was saying, I love her. But she doesn’t love me,
at least not the way I’d like her too. I’m not even sure if she’ll marry me.”

“But she’s wearing your ring,” Victor pointed out.

“Yes. To protect herself from you.”

“From me?”

“Yes. In fact months ago she told me she didn’t think she could go through with marrying me but I
insisted she keep the ring. I believe if she does marry me, it won’t be because she’s in love with me
but out of obligation.”

“I’m not sure why you’re telling me this.”

Jason rolled his eyes. “What I’m saying is she’s in love with you dumbass! You really hurt her
when you threw her out without listening to her. But despite that she loves you but she’s scared to
admit it. Look, even though she doesn’t return my feelings, I’d marry her in a heartbeat. My
conscience, however, won’t let me do it unless I find out one thing.”
 Victor’s heart did somersaults. Jasmine loved him? “And what’s that?”

“Do you love her? I mean are you in love with her?”

“Yes, of course I am,” he answered without hesitation.

Jason sighed with resignation. “That’s what I thought. Today, I saw a look pass between the two of
you and I knew I was doomed.”

Victor was stunned by this confession. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll fight for her, you prick! If you really love her you will. Look, if you try to win her
back, I won’t stand in your way but if I don’t see you putting forth any effort all bets are off. I have to
go now.”

Victor touched the other man’s shoulder. “Thank you.”

Jason flinched away from his touch. “Don’t feel sorry for me. I didn’t do this for you. I did it for
her. I love Jasmine and I want her to be happy. If that happiness means that she’d be happier with you,
then so be it.” Jason turned on his heel and headed out the door before Victor could respond, leaving
him speechless.
 Chapter Thirty-One
Jason flopped down on the couch next to Jasmine. “So what do you want to do tonight to
celebrate?”

Jasmine couldn’t keep the grin off her face. Her cheeks were starting to ache from smiling so
much.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead. I think you should pinch me to see if this is a dream.”

Jason rubbed Jasmine’s knee. “No. It’s all real. And you deserve this. I must say, Meade really
came through for you.”

“Yes. He did.” Now that she had Star back and the stress of her legal issues were out of the way,
she still had the uncertainty of her love life to deal with. Jason was so good to her, yet the more she
tried to feel for him the more uneasy she became. What was wrong with her? Any woman would be
proud to have Jason on their arm. He was handsome, considerate, wealthy and was just an all-around
good guy. Jason was even good with Star who was slowly warming up to him.

Then there was Victor. Her heart beat faster whenever he was around. He was no longer the self-
obsessed workaholic she’d first met. In his place was a man who obviously loved his children, was
responsible, compassionate and nurturing. Her pulse raced and body throbbed at the very scent of his
cologne. Even that crooked grin of his made her heart do somersaults.

Jasmine couldn’t trust herself to love that way again because she feared her feelings for Victor
were even stronger than the ones she’d felt for Phillip. She had the potential to love Victor with her
heart, mind, body and soul if she allowed it. Letting go and opening her heart to the kind of hurt she’d
already experienced, terrified the hell out of her. This time around if something were to go wrong, she
would be devastated. Her world would be ripped in two and for that reason alone she didn’t think she
was strong enough to do it. Besides, she had a daughter and a baby on the way to think about. Their
well-being came first and foremost. For them she had to be strong.

“Yes. He really came through,” she repeated. “I can’t thank him enough for everything he’d done.”

“Well, have you decided where you’d like to go out for dinner? No arguing, we’re going to do it
big. You’ve been craving ribs lately haven’t you? We can try that new steak house. I hear they have a
nice menu. And I’m sure they’ll sell something Star will like.”
 “Star would be quite happy with McDonalds. She’s easy to please. If you’d like to go out, I guess
I should get ready. I move a lot slower than you do and Star should be waking up from her nap soon.”

Jason slid off the couch in one fluid motion and stood up. He held out his hands to her. “Let me
help you up.”

She took his arm grateful for the help because it would have taken her several minutes to get up on
her own without assistance. She had gotten huge. It seemed like one minute she barely showed and the
next her belly was the size of Washington D.C. This kid was going to be large. Star had weighted just
under five pounds when she was born so Jasmine wasn’t looking forward to the labor part of birth.

Jasmine wobbled up the stairs to her daughter’s room. Star was curled up in a ball her little fist
resting against her face. Jasmine sat down on the bed next to the little girl. She’d be seven in a few
weeks and she couldn’t believe her angelic little baby girl was growing up so fast. Before she knew it
Star would be all grown up. It saddened Jasmine that she’d missed so much of her daughter’s life. But
losing Star had taught Jasmine how precious her child was to her. Not that she didn’t already know
but the separation had put things into perspective.

It still worried Jasmine that Star still wasn’t talking but the child psychologist had assured
Jasmine that Star would talk again in her own time. It was normal for young children who’d gone
through a lot of trauma to shut themselves off from the world in some little way. Star’s refusal to talk
was her own defense mechanism, her one way to control something when her world was constantly
changing. Jasmine hoped that Star would soon feel settled enough to finally speak as she once had.

In the meantime Jasmine decided she’d be homeschooling her daughter so Star would be where a
seven year old should in her education. Unfortunately because Star wasn’t talking people were quick
to label her as a special needs child. Star was extremely bright but what she needed most was some
love and understanding.

Jasmine stroked Star’s cheek. “Baby girl, wake up.” She gave Star’s shoulder a shake.

The little girl roused slowly opening one eye at a time. When she focused on her mother, a wide
smile curved her lips.

Jasmine smiled back, her heart brimming with love. “Hey honey. Uncle Jason is going to take us
out to eat tonight. Are you hungry?”

Star nodded.

“Good. Why don’t you go wash up while mommy gets ready?”

Star leaned over and threw her arms around Jasmine’s neck, something she did often. Jasmine
suspected it was because Star was scared Jasmine might go away. “I’m not going anywhere, baby. I’ll
just be right down the hall if you need me, okay? Now be a good girl and go wash up.” Star gave her
a long hard look before nodding.
 Jasmine couldn’t wait for the day when she’d hear her sweet little girl’s voice again.

***

“Star wipe your mouth, baby.” Jasmine handed her daughter a napkin.

Star obediently did as she was told before tearing into her child sized steak. For such a small kid
she could eat. Jasmine was happy to see her daughter’s appetite had improved.

They finished their leisurely dinner with pleasant conversation. When they’d finished their meals,
Jason paid the check while Jasmine and Star went to the restroom.

Jason escorted them outside and said he’d had to park further away from the restaurant because it
had been so crowded. As they waited, Jasmine wondered what was taking Jason so long. She glanced
at her watch. Did it take this long for him to get the car? She was about to go back into the restaurant
because it was kind of chilling when big hands grabbed her shoulder.

“You’re coming with us.”

Before she could let out a scream, a hand was clasped firmly over her mouth.
 Chapter Thirty-Two
Jasmine thought she’d piss herself when someone clamped their hand over her mouth. What the
hell? She was temporarily paralyzed with fright but then she remembered Star and anger took over.
Pregnant or not, she wasn’t going anywhere without a fight. With all her might, she reared her elbow
backward and connected with her assailant’s ribs.

She was satisfied to hear a loud, “Umph!”

Her attacker loosened his grip on her, giving Jasmine the opportunity to slip out of his grasp. She
was on the verge of hitting him with her purse when she saw who it was?

“Danny? What in the world is wrong with you, scaring me half to death like this?”

Danny was doubled over holding on to his ribs. “I’m sorry but…” He sounded as if he was
desperately gasping for air. “I did it more for dramatic affect.”

“Are you crazy? Did you want me to go into labor right here on the sidewalk with my child
watching?”

“Hey, have a little care. It’s not like I’ve ever kidnapped anyone before.”

Now Jasmine was really confused. What the hell was going on? And where was Jason? Star
clutched Jasmine’s hand in a vice. She wasn’t too pleased that he’d frightened her daughter. “You
need to explain what’s going on. And where is Jason?”

“Jasmine, I’m sorry for scaring you but I thought if I asked, you wouldn’t come with me,” Danny
explained.
 “Where’s Jason?” she asked for the third time.

“He’s probably on his way home.” Danny looked slightly uncomfortable.

Jasmine’s mouth fell open. “Are you freakin’ kidding me? And where am I expected to go with
you? And why?”

“If you’d come with me, all will be explained.” Danny took her elbow in a gentle grip but Jasmine
yanked out of the hold.

“No. You’ll explain now!”

Danny racked his fingers through his hair. “Jasmine, please have a care. I’m doing a favor for the
boss and you know and I thought it wouldn’t hurt to be remembered when it’s time to name a new
partner.”

Jasmine narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. “Do you mean to tell me Victor put
you up to this?”

Danny shook her head. “Not at all. I’m doing this as a favor to Victor. Would you please come
with me? It’s getting a little chilly and Star is starting to shiver. You need to be off your feet at the
very least.” If Victor put his poor associate up to this then he was going to get a piece of her mind.

“Where is Victor now?”

“He’s waiting for you. It’s really rather urgent that you see him,” Danny insisted.

Her heart stopped. Maybe there was a legitimate reason for this. Why else would Danny and
Jason be involved? But if it was about her case, why couldn’t he have come to her instead of being
dramatic. “Does this have anything to do with my case? I thought the judge overturned the ruling. That
hasn’t changed has it?”

“No, but I promise everything will be answered when we get to our destination,” Danny
practically pleaded.

If this man people hadn’t done so much for her, Jasmine would have refused. Besides, she
understood this was his way of impressing their boss. Victor had a lot of explaining to do. With great
reluctance, she followed the attorney to a dark sedan. Sliding into the backseat with Star, Jasmine was
seething on the inside. What the hell was Victor up to? And what had he said to Jason to get him
involved in this hair-brained scheme.

After sitting silently in the backseat seething, and giving one word response inquiries to Danny’s
attempts at conversation, Jasmine noticed they’d been driving for a while. Where the hell were they
taking her? Star had long since fallen asleep, resting her head in Jasmine’s lap.

As Jasmine absently stroked her daughter’s hair she asked the question plaguing her mind. “Where
are we going? I’ve never been this far South.” They’d long since left the DC Metro area and were
heading for parts of Virginia unknown.

Danny spared her a quick glance over his shoulder, briefly taking his gaze off the road. “You’ll
find out soon enough. We should be there in another fifteen minutes. Relax.”

Jasmine wanted to brain him. If her daughter wasn’t in her lap, she just might have. “Relax? You
have commandeered me and my daughter and have taken me to God knows where and you tell me to
relax? Buddy, I’m pregnant and my hormones are out of whack and I’m not afraid to beat the hell out
of you,” she threatened meaning every word.

Danny turned briefly offering a conciliatory smile. “If you’d please just bear with me we’ll be
there shortly. I promise. If we’re not there in fifteen minutes, I’ll tell you everything.”

Jasmine narrowed her eyes. She wasn’t inclined to be so generous but what was fifteen more
minutes? “Not a second more.”

Jasmine sat back in her seat and eyed the clock on the dashboard. After a few minutes she shifted
her weight feeling an uncomfortable pressure in her belly. The baby was kicking like crazy and she
was a little tired. Taking a deep breath she leaned back and closed her eyes.

She must have drifted off because the next thing she knew, the vehicle had stopped and they were
stopped in front of building that resembled a log cabin. “What is this?” she asked shaking the
remaining remnants of sleep away.

“Come inside with us.” Danny held the car door open for her.

Jasmine hesitated for a moment and finally gave in. Why the hell not? She was here. After waking
Star, Jasmine wobbled out of the car. That incredible pressure in her stomach was a bit more intense,
but it wasn’t painful. She gave her belly a little pat. These next two weeks in the home stretch would
definitely be interesting.

Once inside, Jasmine frowned. It looked like an office building upon first appearance. Then she
was lead further down the hall and taken to a room that looked like a little chapel. Standing inside
was Victor in a tuxedo. It was on the tip of her tongue to read him the riot act as she’d intended but
then she noticed he was surrounded by the rest of the Meade clan and they were all dressed to the
nines. A man in a black robe holding a bible stood with them, a judge she presumed.

“Jasmine! Star!” Chelsea ran to them and gave them each a hug in turn.

Jasmine absently hugged the child back but her gaze was on Victor. “What is this?”

Victor walked forward and took her hand, leading her down the aisle. “Don’t be mad at Danny.
He was doing me a favor, plus an extra witness for our wedding won’t hurt.”

“Oh,” she answered for lack of anything better to say. After a few seconds however his words
sunk in. “What? Our wedding? Are you insane? We can’t get married! I’m already….”
 Victor raised a brow with a smile. “Engaged? I don’t think so. Actually I talked to Jason earlier
today and he made it quite clear the engagement is off. You my dear, have been jilted.”

Her mouth fell open. “What are you talking about? I just had dinner with Jason. I….he would have
told me,” she felt lamely. She thought he seemed a little different tonight, sad even but she’d been too
caught up in her own good news she hadn’t really dug too deep. Did Jason finally realize that he
wanted more than a wife who could probably never love him back? Her heart hurt for him. But she
didn’t have time to dwell on it because for some reason Victor thought she would marry him.

“Victor, you are insane if you think I’d even consider marrying you after you pulled off this crazy
scheme, scaring me and Star half to death? I could ring your neck.”

Victor took her hands in his. “No. I expect you to marry me because you love me too.” When she
would have protested, he placed his finger over her lips. “You’re right Jasmine. I’m insane. Insane
with love for you. I’ve probably loved you from the moment I first saw you and I didn’t recognize it
because I didn’t really know what love was until you taught me. Kicking you out of my life was the
dumbest thing I’ve ever done and I’ll live in regret of that moment for the rest of my life but I hope
you can see your way to forgiving me and giving us a chance. I may be a successful man by most
people’s standards but none of my worldly possessions mean a thing without you in my life. Because I
know the material things don’t matter to you, I offer you my heart, body and soul. I promise to make
you happy for the rest of our lives. And I’ll be a good father to Star. A wise man once told me, if I
love you I’d fight for you. And I won’t stop fighting for you and us, Jasmine because I do love you.”

Jasmine was at a loss for words. She’d come inside with every intention of telling him off but
after this? Well….hell.

“Before you say yes or no, the rest of the gang would like to say something to you first.” Victor
backed off and Madeline came forward and gave Jasmine a big hug. “Nothing would make me
happier than if you were agree to marry Victor. You are like the daughter I’ve never had and it would
be my honor for you to call me Mom and for Star to call me Grandma. I already love you like a
daughter, Jasmine. Please put my son out of his misery and make it official.” Madeline kissed Jasmine
on the cheek and gave her another hug before stepping away.

Adam moved forward. “Jasmine. You gave Tyler, Chelsea and me our Dad back and I can’t thank
you enough for that. Plus, you don’t judge me and you treat me like an adult instead of a little kid. I
appreciate that and knowing how happy you’ve made Dad makes me happy. I’d be very pleased if
you’d marry dad and join our family. And plus, my new little brother is going to need Tyler and me to
show him the ropes. And Chelsea is foaming at the mouth to have Star as her sister.” He gave her a
shy grin offering her a glimpse of the future to the handsome man he’d become.

Tear pricked the back of Jasmine’s eyes and she sniffed. If this wasn’t an ambush she didn’t know
what was. But dammit it was working.

It was Tyler’s turn next. “Jasmine, you’re the coolest nanny we’ve ever had. But I don’t want a
nanny anymore. I want a mom. You.” He turned bright red as he shuffled his feet looking a little
uncomfortable to express his emotions.
 This time the tears did fall. “Oh Tyler.” She pulled him into her arms and gave him a kiss on top of
the head.

“My turn.” Chelsea tapped her foot impatiently waiting for Tyler and Jasmine to break apart
before wrapping her own arms around Jasmine’s midsection. “I love you Jasmine. And I don’t ever
want you to go away again. It made me really sad when you left and I prayed every night you’d come
back to us. Please be my mommy so we can be a family. And you, Star and the baby can live with us
forever and ever.”

There was no denying that she loved the Meades but did she dare open her heart at the risk of
getting hurt again? Her gaze cut across the room and fell on Victor. He looked so anxious and worried
and she realized how much she did love him. Victor was nothing like Phillip. Oh, she knew the road
ahead wouldn’t be easy but being here with him and the family felt right.

She looked down at Star who seemed so peaceful. “What do you think sweetheart? Should I marry
him?”

Star nodded.

Jasmine looked at Victor a sense of joy swelling her heart. It was as if a big weight had been
lifted off her shoulder. She loved this man and he loved her. And he was indeed well worth the risk.

“So what do you say, Jasmine?” Victor with a smile on his face.

“Say yes!” the Meade children chimed in simultaneously.

“I….” Jasmine frowned. “There’s only one problem.”

“What?” Victor asked.

“My water just broke.”

 Chapter Thirty-Three
Victor cradled his sleeping son against his chest, inhaling that wonderful baby scent. He was big
for a newborn at nine pounds and twelve ounces. It was no wonder Jasmine was passed out in her
hospitable bed from exhaustion. Glancing in his wife’s direction, Victor made sure she was still
sleeping soundly. His wife! Jasmine Brooks was now Mrs. Victor Meade.

Was it only yesterday when he’d set his plan in motion to bind her to him for the rest of their
lives? Everything had been running smoothly and when Jasmine said yes to his proposal, he’d
experienced bliss. Being calmly informed her water had broken Victor had gone from cool calm and
collected, to a panicked mess.

Jasmine had assured him that during her first pregnancy, she didn’t deliver Star until hours after
her water broke. So they went ahead and had a brief but poignant ceremony where they recited vows
that came straight from the heart. After filling out the proper paperwork, everyone huddled up in their
cars and raced to the hospital.

The delivery wasn’t an easy one, at least not for him. Victor was more upset to see Jasmine in so
much pain. She took everything in stride, however. The only indication that the labor was a strain on
her at all was how tightly she squeezed his hand whenever she either had a contraction or when she
was pushing. Several hours later and long after everyone else had gone home, Jasmine delivered their
beautiful son. Victor was allowed to cut the umbilical cord. When his son was placed in his arms,
however, he burst into tears.

He was so perfect, with all ten fingers and toes. And he had a healthy set of lungs. And now as
Victor sat here holding the newborn while Jasmine rested, he felt a contentment that was foreign to
him. He couldn’t remember ever being this happy or when everything in his life had run so smoothly.
He and his children were closer than ever. Work was no longer his refuge and most importantly
Jasmine was his wife. And they had a beautiful child together.

Victor wasn’t a perfect man and he knew he’d make mistakes along the way, but with Jasmine by
his side everything would be alright. No problem was too great and no task was impossible.

His son squirmed in his arms and released a loud yawn as he revealed pink gums. Victor rocked
his son gently hoping he wouldn’t cry, otherwise he’d have to wake Jasmine up.

As if sensing his mother’s need for sleep, the baby rammed his fist in his mouth and stared up at
his father with cloudy eyes.

“Hey, son.” Victor ran a finger along the baby’s soft skin. “How are you little guy? Your mommy
is sleeping now so we have to be really quiet,” he whispered. He leaned over and placed a kiss on
the top of his son’s forehead. The baby was already a handsome little devil with a head-full of dark
curly hair, smooth round cheeks and perfect little features. Maybe Victor was biased because this was
his kid, but the Meade baby was probably the best looking kid in the nursery.

“You weren’t supposed to come into this world for another couple weeks. I’d planned on taking
your mother away for a few days so we could have some time alone before you arrived. But I’m glad
you’re here. I don’t blame you for wanting to come out early. You have such an amazing Mommy. For
a while, it was a little touch and go with me and your mother. I didn’t think I’d be allowed to be a full
time father to you but I’ll make a promise to you right here and now. You, your mother and your
brothers and sisters will always be my top priorities. You might get mad at me and I may get mad at
you but I’ll always love you.” He gave the baby another kiss.

The baby removed his fist from his mouth long enough to coo his approval. Victor continued to
rock his son for several moments before the baby began making sucking noises with his mouth. As
though realizing no meal was forthcoming, his little face crumpled, turning a bright shade of red. He
let out a wail so loud, it would have waked the dead.

Jasmine stirred in her bed, a slow smile coming to her face. “Sounds like someone is hungry.
Here, give him to me.” She held her arms out.

“I was hoping he’d let you sleep a little longer but I guess his hunger won’t be denied.” Victor
chuckled as he carefully placed their son in the crook of Jasmine’s arm as she undid the front of her
hospital gown. She guided her nipple to the baby’s mouth. It took a few seconds for him to latch on
but when he did, he began to suck fervently.

Victor smiled indulgently as he stroked the back of his son’s head as he fed. There wasn’t a more
beautiful sight than his wife feeding their child. His other three had been bottle fed so he didn’t
realize something so natural could stir such primal feelings within him. His heart was so full of love
he could barely stand it. He didn’t think he deserved it. But for some reason, the woman he loved saw
fit to give him another chance and he had no plans on blowing it again. “Greedy little bugger isn’t
he?”

Jasmine smiled. “He’s not a little bugger. He’s mommy’s perfect little angel.”

Victor raised a brow. “Should I be jealous of my own son?”

Jasmine giggled. “Of course not silly. You know I love you.”

“Say that again.”

“I love you.”

With a groan he leaned over and gave her a kiss. The baby whimpered in protest at being wedged
so tightly between his parents. Victor stroked his son’s head. “Sorry little guy. I can’t seem to help
myself when I’m around your mother.” Victor returned his attention to his wife. “I will never tire of
hearing you say that. I love you so much Jasmine, and when I think of how I treated you I—”
 She shook her head. “Don’t finish that statement. Whatever happened is in the past now. We both
made some mistakes and I’m not innocent in this entire debacle. All we can do is move on, live and
learn from this experience and be happy.”

Victor caressed the side of Jasmine’s face with the back of her hand. God, she was beautiful. “You
make me very happy.”

“And you make me happy. I don’t know why I fought this so hard. But I can’t help but think things
won’t be so smooth and easy going forward.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Not everyone will take kindly to you being married to someone like me. I’m not just talking about
race either. When they realize I was once your nanny, they’ll think I married you for your money.”

“Jasmine, I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks about us. Yes we will probably come
across some bigots along the way but the important thing is we love each other. My kids—our kids
are crazy about you and my mother loves you like a daughter. And we have a beautiful baby boy
together, who by the way, we should probably think of a name for soon. We can’t keep referring to
him as the baby.” They’d ruled out Victor Jr. because they didn’t think it would be fair to Adam and
Tyler.

“You’re right. With everything going on I haven’t really focused on naming him. Star and I came
up with a few possibilities but nothing really stands out. Speaking of the kids, didn’t you say your
mother would be bringing them by later this morning?”

“Yes, they’re very eager to see him.”

“And how’s Star? She seemed a little anxious to leave with your mother last night.”

“Mom said she was just fine. She and Chelsea are having a ball. They should be here soon.
Visiting hours start in about fifteen minutes so we should probably get the little fella burped and
changed. It looks like he’s finished,” Victor noted the baby looked as if he was falling asleep.

“Good idea.” She gently pulled the baby away from her breast and adjusted her gown. Jasmine
placed the baby over her shoulder and rubbed his back. After a few minutes, the infant let out a loud
man-sized belch.

Victor chuckled. “That’s my boy.”

“Do you mind changing him?”

Victor carefully took his son away from Jasmine. “Not at all. I’ll need the practice.”

Jasmine flopped back against her pillow. I must look a mess. I should probably freshen up before
the family arrives.”
 “Why don’t you do that? Baby and I will be just fine.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss. Victor
was going to enjoy being married to Jasmine.

***

Jasmine hurried through her shower eager to get back to her husband and son. It was still strange
to refer to Victor as her husband. She looked at her wedding ring and the huge diamond engagement
ring he’d gifted her with when they exchanged vows. It was even bigger than the diamond Jason had
given her. It was seemed a bit too huge for her small hand. But knowing Victor it was probably a
matter of pride for him to give her such an enormous rock. It was nothing compared to the huge
diamond and emerald necklace he’d presented to her this morning. She’d have to tell him to stop
lavishing her with expensive gifts though she doubted he’d listen.

She sighed with contentment as she finished getting dressed. Who would have thought her life
would be so irrevocably changed from a chance meeting with two little hellions in the park. The last
year and a half was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs which ended in the most wonderful
experience. Jasmine didn’t want to change a thing about it. She’d learned so much about herself and
realized how strong she actually was. One of the most valuable lessons she’d learned was how to
trust and that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness. From this day forward, she’d never have to
walk alone again.

Some people moved through the world without any human contact, compassion or love but when
they stopped for a moment and let themselves feel, it was amazing what happened when people
collided.

She had five wonderful children, the mother in law of any new bride’s dreams and a husband she
loved to distraction. She couldn’t wait for the rest of her life!

A smile tilted her lips as she walked back into the room and halted when she saw an unexpected
visitor. She quickly glanced at Victor who seemed relaxed under the circumstances. The baby and his
little bed were gone.

“Victor where’s the baby?”

“The nurse took him to run a couple of standard tests. They’ll bring him back shortly. I was just
waiting for you until you finished your shower. I’ll go downstairs for some coffee so you two can talk
in private.” He walked over to her and gave her a light kiss on the lips. Her heart did somersaults at
the contact of their lips. She loved him so much.

When he left the room, she was alone with her guest. “Jason. I…I didn’t expect to see you here.”
A wave of guilt rolled through her. After the events of last night, she hadn’t given him much thought,
and this was the man she’d contemplated marrying. Seeing him now and finally being honest with
herself about Victor, Jasmine knew she’d made the right decision.

“I was hoping you weren’t upset with me for my part in this kidnapping but I see everything
worked out for the best.” There was an edge of bitterness in his voice that wrenched her heart. The
last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. Jason had been a shoulder for her to lean on when she’d
most needed it and it tore her apart to see him this way.

“No. And I thank you so much for what you’ve done. I have something for you.” Jasmine walked
over to the stand beside her bed and picked up the ring he’d given her. She handed it over.

Jason shook his head. “No. You keep it. There’s nothing I can do with it now.”

“You could pawn it.”

“I don’t need the money. Take the diamond out and have it made into another piece of jewelry.
Consider it my wedding gift to you.”

Tears welled in her eyes. Jasmine felt incredibly guilty to feel so much joy in the wake of Jason’s
pain. “I’m so sorry. I do love you but not in the way you want me to.”

He nodded. “I know. I probably knew all along but I was hoping. When I saw the two of you
together though, I knew I was fighting a losing battle. Don’t cry Jasmine, I’ll be alright. I just want you
to be happy.”

His well wishes sent her over the edge. Jasmine burst into tears. Jason pulled her into arms and
let her cry it out. He was such a good friend to her and she didn’t want to lose him as a friend. She
didn’t know if Victor would be okay with it though and if she had to choose, she’d choose her family.

Jason stroked the back of her head. “It’s okay. We’ll always be friends.”

She sniffed as she looked up at him. “Really? Do you mean it? You won’t disappear off the face of
the Earth?”

“A real friend wouldn’t do that. I know you chose the best man for you, Jasmine but I’ll always
love you.”

“Jason, you’re a great guy and I know you’ll find a woman who’ll be crazy for you. I’m just sorry
I’m not that girl.”

“I know.” He hugged her close before dropping a light kiss on her lips. “I’ll always be here for
you if you need me.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.” They held each other close as the tears coursed freely down her face.

When she pulled away from Jason, she noticed Victor in the doorway. He didn’t seem angry. How
long had he been standing there? She wiped her tears away.

“Is everything alright in here?” He walked in with a cup of coffee in hand.

Jasmine nodded. “Yes. Everything is just fine. I was just thanking Jason for being a really good
friend.”
 Victor smiled. “A very good friend. I owe you my thanks as well, Jason.”

Jason nodded in acknowledgement. “Well, Jasmine’s very easy to be friends with. I’m hoping you
won’t have a problem with us keeping in touch?” There was a slight challenge in Jason’s tone but to
Jasmine’s relief Victor merely shrugged with ease.

“That’s up to Jasmine. She’s an adult and as such has the right to choose her own friends. I know
the two of us have had our differences but maybe in time the two of us can be friends as well.”

“Maybe,” Jason said noncommittally.

Victor nodded in seeming understanding. “Our son should be back shortly if you’d like to stick
around to see him.”

“Well, actually, I hope to see him soon but I have to a meeting to get to. Glad everything worked
out for you.” He gave Jasmine another quick hug. “Be happy, okay?”

“I will. I already am.”

Jason waved in Victor’s direction as he walked out the room. She didn’t know if the two men
would be bosom buddies but she hoped in time they could forge some kind of relationship.

She didn’t have that much time to dwell on her thoughts before she was sweep into Victor’s arms
and given a kiss that took her breath away.

When he lifted his head she grinned. “Wow. What was that for?”

“For being so beautiful, sexy and for giving me another son. But most especially, for just being
you. I love you Jasmine Meade.”

“And I love you Victor Meade.”

He lowered his head slowly and this time when their lips met, she parted her lips allowing his
tongue to sweep inside and ravage every recess of her mouth. Her body tingled with delight and lust.
It had been so long since she’d been held this way. When they finally drew apart they were both
breathless.

Victor rested his forehead against Jasmine’s. “The next six weeks will be torture lying next to you
and not being able to make love to you.”

She grinned at him. “Who says there aren’t other things we can do?” Jasmine emphasized her
point by sliding her hand down the center of his chest not stopping until she cupped the erection she’d
felt against her stomach.

“You little minx,” he growled, lower his head again only to be interrupted.

“You two just had a baby for goodness sake. Don’t tell me you’re trying to make another already.”
Madeline swept in with her usual dramatic flair followed by the children. The three youngest rushed
over to Jasmine and engulfed her in a big hug.

“Give her a break. She needs to be resting,” Victor scolded lightly.

Madeline snorted. “Maybe you should take your own advice, Victor. And where’s my grandson?”
she demanded.

As if on cue, the nurse wheeled the baby in who was fast asleep. Jasmine lay on the bed as
everyone gathered around the baby’s bassinet.

“Oh, he’s beautiful,” Maddie gasped.

“Cute kid, you can tell he’s a Meade.” Adam grinned.

“He’s so little. I’ll teach him how to play soccer when he gets older,” was Tyler’s comment.

Star stared at her little brother with silent fascination.

Chelsea for all her previous enthusiasm seemed a little disappointed.

“What the matter, Chelsea?” Jasmine asked.

“He’s so white. I wanted a brown brother.”

Jasmine and Victor exchanged a look before bursting into laugher. Madeline, Adam and Tyler
joined in.

Chelsea crossed her arms looking a little put out. “I don’t understand what’s so funny.”

Jasmine sobered. “He’s probably get a little darker when he gets older but I hope you’ll love him
all the same.”

Chelsea sighed. “I guess I will. He’s still cute though.”

Jasmine nodded solemnly. “I’m glad you approve sweetheart.”

Life was definitely going to be different now that she was officially a Meade but Jasmine knew
one thing for certain, Chelsea would never change and that was a plus.

***

“How about James.” Maddie suggested.

“Craig. My best friend at school is Craig,” Tyler piped in.

“Justin!” Chelsea said.

 Adam rolled his eyes. “Or Sean.”

Chelsea’s eyes lit up. “Oh that’s a good one.”

“I was being sarcastic,” the teenager snorted.

Jasmine was getting dizzy at all the names being thrown at her as the family figured out what they
wanted the babies name to be. Jasmine was ready to give up when a little voice softly said, “Zac.”

The room went silent as all eyes focused on the little girl the word was uttered from.

Jasmine’s mouth fell open, rendering her speechless.

“Zachary.” Star grinned seeming quite pleased with herself.

Epilogue
“Don’t let him crash into that table,” Jasmine called out to her husband.

There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Zachary Eli Meade at one year of age ran the show
around the Meade household. Besides being adored and fussed over by his big sisters, protected by
his older brothers spoiled to pieces by his grandmother and parents, he had brought so much joy to
everyone, even as he left destruction in his wake. He was a holy terror but so much fun.

Jasmine didn’t think it possible to experience this much happiness. The children were each
thriving. Tyler was the star of his soccer team and was just starting to notice girls although he still
denied it. That young boy who’d once been prone to angry outbursts had matured considerably and
was much more laid back. There were still bouts of temper, but not as often as before.
 Chelsea was still Chelsea, saying what was on her mind whenever and wherever but she had
learned a little tact over the last year. She still had some growing up to do but Jasmine knew the girl
would be just fine. Both Chelsea and Tyler called Jasmine Mom and it made her so happy.

Adam had grown into an outstanding young man. In his senior year of high school he’d taken so
many college level courses he would be starting out as a sophomore when he went to college. The
downside was, college would be on the other side of the country at Stanford in California. They
would miss him but it was for the best. It was time for him to spread his wings.

Star was definitely not the same child she was a year ago. She didn’t talk nearly as much as her
sister and was still quite shy at times, but she had opened up so much even to the point of sharing why
she had kept quiet for so long. Apparently Phillip had once told her that Jasmine was sent away
because she talked too much. What a thing to tell a child. Even at her most loquacious, Star had never
been that talkative. Thank God she no longer had to deal with Phillip and her daughter had a positive
male role model in her life. Victor had officially adopted Star much to Jasmine and Star’s delight.

Madeline was still Madeline.

Victor had cut his office hours considerably so he could spend time with the family. He’d even
named Danny as a new partner. He made sure to spend all of his spare time with his family. They’d go
out together often, take family vacations around the world. But the best part was just being a family.

Zac only got slightly darker much to Chelsea’s disappointment. In fact he looked like the spitting
image of Victor even down to the blue eyes but Chelsea soon got over it because she adored her little
brother.

The biggest surprise of the year was the friendship developed between Jason and Victor. It had
been a bit awkward for them in the beginning but soon the two of them bonded over the baby and their
mutual love for Jasmine. The kids even called Jason Uncle when he came to visit. He always brought
gifts. Kids were so easy to please like that.

Now that Jasmine’s name had been cleared she wanted to continue her education but she refused
to hire a nanny. She wanted to raise her children. She would have waited until Zac was a few years
older but Madeline insisted on helping out so Jasmine attended two grad school classes on Tuesdays
and Thursdays. She’d be finished with her degree by the end of the year.

Victor grabbed his young son before he could run into the table. “Got you.”

Zac giggled as if it was funniest thing in the world. Victor set him down in his playpen which the
toddler didn’t seem to like. He crumpled his little face up as if he would let out a huge wail.

Victor tossed the child a stern look. “Don’t even think about it, buster.”

Zac pouted and plopped down on his booty before one of his toys caught his eye.

Letting out an exhausted sigh, Victor joined Jasmine on the couch and wrapped his arms around
her. Besides Zac, the house was blissfully quiet. Adam was out of town on an overnight school trip,
Tyler was at a sleepover and the girls had been invited to a sleepover as well.

Victor shook his head. “Either I’m getting old, or that kid is getting faster.”

Jasmine snuggled closer to her husband. “I think it’s a little of both.”

“So how much longer do you think it will be before he goes to sleep?”

She raised a brow. “What exactly do you have in mind when he does?”

“Oh, something along the lines of making wild passionate love to my wife.” He dropped a light
kiss against her neck.

“Mmm, you’re on. Zac’s already in his jammies so I’ll give him another fifteen minutes.”

Victor groaned. “I don’t think I can wait that long.” He pulled her in his lap and kissed with a
ferocity that made her tingle all over.

Life couldn’t get any better.

 About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Eve Vaughn has always enjoyed creating
characters and stories from an early age. As a child she was always getting into mischief, so when
she lost her television privileges (which was often), writing was her outlet. Her stories have gotten
quite a bit spicier since then! When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, Eve is reading,
baking, traveling or kicking butt in 80’s trivia. She loves hearing from her readers. She can be
contacted through her website at: www.evevaughn.com

Books by Eve Vaughn:

Obsessed

Forever

Whatever He Wants

Jilted

Dirty

Relentless

Theirs

Runaway

Run

The Reinvention of Chastity

Burned

Broken
 Also from Eve Vaughn….. Broken
Chapter One
“I had that dream again.” Jocelyn clutched the wheel of her rented SUV until her knuckles went
white. Beads of perspiration broke out along her forehead as she attempted to stave off the shiver
racing up her spine. Taking a deep breath to calm the erratic beating of her heart, she mentally counted
down from ten. She hadn’t meant to blurt that out, but anything was better than the silence. The silence
that gave her a chance to dwell on things she would rather not have.

Even after all this time, reliving the moment over and over again still had the power to reduce her
to a bundle of nerves. To make her afraid. Ashamed. Less than human. The nausea welling within the
pit of her stomach made her tremble.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Her best friend and traveling companion reached over to rub her
thigh.

Jocelyn shook her head, knowing she’d said more than she should have. Why did she have to open
her big mouth? What she really wanted to do was turn the vehicle around and go home, to New York
and fade back into her world of pretense. A place where she ceased being just plain Jocelyn Winters,
but instead known as Jos Song. When she was Jos, she was beautiful, confident, brave, not constantly
looking over her shoulder, unable to trust or give all of who she was. No, the cloak she donned as her
public persona would not shield her where she was headed.

She waved her hand dismissively. “Forget I mentioned it.”

Kyla tightened her clutch. “How can I when you’re shaking like a leaf? You don’t look so well,
hon. Maybe we should pull over at the next exit.”

“No!” The truth was, if she stopped this vehicle, the impulse to turn around and drive back to the
airport would be too powerful to resist. And the last thing she wanted to do was let her father down.
She owed it to him to make this trip if nothing else.

“Then tell me what’s going on, girl. The closer we get to our destination, the more agitated you
seem. You’ve been quiet for the last hour and I figured you didn’t feel like talking. But maybe you
should. Sometimes vocalizing your concerns puts things into perspective—makes you feel better. Tell
me about it. Please?”
 Jocelyn’s lips tightened briefly. Nothing raised her hackles more than the feeling of being backed
into a corner. Deep down she knew Kyla was only trying to help, but Jocelyn grasped on to any
emotion other than the cloying despair threatening to descend upon her. Unfortunately, it was anger
which came strong and swift tearing through her very core.

“Oh? Like how you’re oh so willing to open up about your life? Why don’t we talk about how
stellar your life has been?” The minute the words left her mouth, she could have kicked herself.
Never in a million years would she ever want to deliberately hurt the one person who’d been in her
corner these past few years and she feared that’s exactly what she’d done.

Kyla snatched her hand away, her eyes widening and mouth falling open and then closing again. It
was as if a great invisible barrier suddenly slammed between them. With flared nostrils, and crossed
arms, Kyla turned around to stare out the passenger window.

Not another word passed between the two for the next ten minutes. Jocelyn counted every second
of it, wishing she had held her tongue. Starting an argument before they reached the ranch wasn’t on
her list of things to do, but she was so on edge and didn’t know how to handle the tension churning
within her like electricity.

She took her eyes off the road momentarily to glance at her friend, taking in Kyla’s rigid frame,
and face devoid of emotion. Jocelyn more than anyone knew about concealing pain, and was familiar
with how Kyla dealt with hers. “I’m sorry, Ky. I didn’t mean it.”

Kyla didn’t reply for a moment and Jocelyn didn’t think she would, until the other woman
released a sigh and the stiffness eased out of her body. “It’s okay.” The monotone delivery of those
words gave Jocelyn pause. She’d hurt Kyla, which made her feel even more guilty.

She pounded her fist against the steering wheel, inadvertently honking the horn. “No it’s not. I
shouldn’t have said what I did. That was really catty. Please forgive me.”

Kyla nodded but no other communication was forthcoming. Damn. How was she going to get
through this trip knowing her friend was upset? Nibbling on her bottom lip, Jocelyn wondered if she
dared to utter the words plaguing her thoughts. Even with many therapy sessions behind her, she still
found it difficult to open up about her predicament. “It’s just…the nightmares have been more frequent
—more graphic even. I haven’t had them in a couple years, but lately…” If she held on to this wheel
any tighter, her skin would probably split.

Kyla released a sigh and faced her once again. “I’m so sorry, Jos. I thought your visits to Dr. Scott
were helping.”

“They are. I mean she’s great, but sometimes I believe I’m going to be screwed up for the rest of
my life.”

“These things take time, sweetie. It’s not something one can get over with the snap of a finger. I
struggle with my problems every second of my life. You have to take this one day at a time and I
promise it will get better. No one ever said the healing was easy. It’s actually the hard part. On the
positive side, I’ve noticed a change in how you’re coping. Before when the incident was alluded to,
you’d burst into tears. You’ve come such a long way and you’ve given me hope there’s a chance for
someone as messed up as me.”

Knowing what Kyla had suffered, she almost felt selfish for voicing her concerns. “I guess.”

Almost as if she’d read Jocelyn’s mind, Kyla returned her hand to Jocelyn’s thigh and gave it a
light squeeze. “Don’t ever think what you’re feeling is insignificant. Only you can determine that.
You’re beautiful, strong, and I know eventually the hurt will fade.” She removed her hand. “Maybe
you’re having these dreams again because you’re going home for the first time in years. When did you
say was the last time you saw your father?”

“I suppose you’re right. Maybe I’m just antsy about returning to my old stomping ground. It
doesn’t help matters when I haven’t seen my father in nearly seven years. Part of me is excited to
rekindle the special bond we once shared, while the other half is shaking in these designer boots. You
might think I sound ridiculous for saying this but, what if he’s stopped loving me? I’ve shunned all
attempts to visit and when he offered to visit me in New York, I told him it wasn’t a good time.”

“Jos, he’ll be thrilled to see you. If that weren’t the case, he wouldn’t have invited you to stay
until his wedding.”

“Actually, it was Lavern who asked me to help with the planning. I’m not sure my dad had
anything to do with it.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Whenever I talk to him on the phone, he seems distant.”

“Sometimes feelings aren’t as easily expressed when they’re not done in person. When you see
him again, I’m sure it’ll be like you’d never left.”

“I hope so.” Her father had meant so much to her and still did. She must have hurt him when she’d
stayed away with no explanation. He probably believed she was ashamed of him. Or worse, maybe
he was ashamed of her. If only he knew the truth. What would he say then? The very thought nearly
sent her into panic mode.

A brief silence fell between them before Kyla spoke again. “Are you nervous about seeing Cade
again?”

Jocelyn closed her eyes for a second and then opened them, mindful of keeping her attention on the
road. She tried not to think about him, knowing how futile it was to dwell on the “what might have
beens”. The deep agony lurking within the depths of steel blue eyes, which had quickly morphed to
cold hard anger, still haunted her. They frequented her dreams more than she cared to admit.

An indescribable pain shot through Jocelyn, making her shoulders shake. The kind that felt like
someone had taken her heart in their palms and squeezed until she couldn’t breathe. They said time
healed all wounds, yet Jocelyn still ached to her very core. Most days, she could carry on as if her
life hadn’t been irrevocably changed by one damning night. Other times, she didn’t have the strength
or the will to get out of bed. Cade remained prominent in her thoughts even after all these years. He
hated her. She’d made sure of it. It was better if Cade despised her for what he believed to be her
callousness than the slow agony they would both suffer over time if he knew the truth. Jocelyn cursed
herself for her weakness, but dammit, she wasn’t strong enough.

Still, she couldn’t help but wonder; was that bitterness she’d glimpsed at their last encounter just
as strong or was he happy? Did he think of her? Had he moved on with someone else? He would be
twenty-seven now, so it stood to reason that he had. The image of a tall loose-limbed man with a
rock-hard body filled her mind. “Rarely,” she whispered, silently congratulating herself at how easily
the lie had tumbled from her lips. “Not that it matters anyway. I’m not going there to see him. I intend
to spend time with my father and get to know my future stepmother better. I’m sure Cade will have his
hands full with the ranch.”

“I don’t know much about ranch life but, don’t he and his brothers employ people to take care of
the place for them? You said it was a pretty successful spread.”

“It is, but everyone pulls their weight around the ranch, even them. Actually, they probably work
harder than the people they employ. They never ask anything of anyone they’re not willing to do
themselves. I believe one of the reasons for the Devlin Ranch’s success is their work ethic. And their
subordinates respect them for it. None of them walk around flaunting their money or position. I think
you’d like the Devlin brothers. They’re probably some of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet.”

A slight curve tilted Kyla’s full lips before she released a sigh. “They sound nice. Besides you, I
don’t think I’ve met a genuine person in a long time.”

“What about Nigel? He’s a sweetheart. He’s crazy about you. He’s always bending over
backwards to help whenever you need anything. And you have to admit, he’s played a major role in
your comeback.”

Kyla snorted, rolling her eyes. “I’d say you played a bigger part than anyone else and you had no
ulterior motives. I’m not saying that I’m not grateful for all he’s done but I sometimes feels he expects
me to show it in a way I’m not capable of. That’s the problem. I don’t want to be anyone’s cause.
Enough about him.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Tell me more about the ranch. It sounds
exciting. I’ve always pictured cowboys riding around the range, roping cattle, sitting around a
campfire at night telling ghost tales while eating baked beans from a can.”

Laughter tore from Jocelyn’s throat. “You watch entirely too many movies, my friend. Ranch life
isn’t as glamorous as most people think. It’s a lot of long days and even more hard work.”

“I thought you mentioned it being a Dude Ranch for tourists.”

“Part of it is. Decker runs that side of the operation, but he puts in long hours—rises early and
goes to bed late.”
 “Sounds exhausting. I hope I can keep up with the hectic pace.”

“It can be, if you’re not used to it. When it’s all you know, it’s simply a way of life. But you don’t
have to worry. You’re coming with me to rest, remember? Doctor’s orders.”

“Ah, yes. It’ll be nice to take a walk without a member of the stalkerazzi jumping from behind a
bush to snap my picture. No social media. And to finally have a little bit of peace. The road to
redemption is definitely a tiring journey. I wonder what the press will make of my disappearance this
time.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about them, sweetie. They’ll find someone else to harass soon
enough. They always do.”

“You’re probably right. Hmm.” Kyla rolled the window down and inhaled deeply. “Ah, I needed
that.”

Jocelyn flicked off the air conditioner. “I know what you mean. Nothing beats fresh air. I’d almost
forgotten how much easier it is to breathe out in the country than it is in a huge city.” She stifled a
yawn with the back of her hand. Her emotional outburst had tired her.

“I wish I knew how to drive, otherwise I’d offer to take over for you.”

With a shake of her head, Jocelyn pasted a smile on her face. “I appreciate the gesture, but I’ll be
fine. We’re about a half hour away from Devlin Ranch. I can handle this last stretch. This is supposed
to be your vacation, too. The only thing you need to worry about is rest and relaxation.”

Kyla raised her shoulder in an elegant movement. Everything she did was with style and grace,
her movements fluid. “I don’t intend to laze about for the next couple months. I’d like to help out
where I can…and to offer the moral support you’re going to need.”

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine. Your first priority is to rest and I fully intend to see you do exactly
that.”

“Are you sure? I didn’t imagine you tensing up when I mentioned Cade’s name. You were the one
to bring up that dream of yours so it’s obviously bothering you. Sweetie, you can’t heal if you refuse
to acknowledge it happened.”

“It’s easy for you to say. You don’t understand what it feels like to be afraid wherever you go, to
freeze up when someone so much as touches you. I know I’ve been labeled eccentric, but I feel
physically ill every time I get that closed-in feeling. Do you think I want to live with this constant
looking over my shoulder? Trust me, Kyla, if there was a way I could get over it in an instant, I
would.”

“Jos, I’m not trying to oversimplify what you’ve gone through, because God knows, I’ve been
through my own private hell and I sympathize with your plight. You stood by me when I was going
through my ordeal and I want to return the favor.”
 Jocelyn glanced at her friend with a great amount of affection swelling within her heart. If it
weren’t for Kyla’s support and encouragement over the past few years, she might have suffered a
serious breakdown. To look at the regal brown-skinned beauty, dubbed “the ice queen” by the
tabloids and gossip blogs, one wouldn’t think she too, had her own demons to battle. No one knew the
kind, giving person she actually was. Jocelyn wished Kyla would allow more people to see that side
of her.

“The simple fact you’re here with me is comfort enough. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”
With shaking hands, Jocelyn flipped on the radio, wanting to drop the uncomfortable subject she
wished she hadn’t brought up.

Kyla groaned. “Isn’t there anything else on other than country music? I’m not really in the mood to
hear another song about some guy whose pickup truck was stolen, wife left him, and dog got rabies.”

Despite the heaviness of their prior conversation, Jocelyn giggled. “Not all country music is like
that. I’m sure after you’ve been on the ranch a few days, you’ll love it.”

Kyla rolled her eyes, slouching deeper into the leather seat. “Yeah, only if I get a lobotomy within
that time,” she muttered. “I’m going to catch a little shut eye. Wake me up when we get there.”

“Will do.” This time around, Jocelyn welcomed the peace that followed. It allowed her to think
about the events to come. Her stomach rumbled with each mile they drew closer. How much had the
ranch changed in her absence? Had her father aged noticeably? Was the tire swing that hung from Old
Hickory still there? Did Gertie still cook the best chili in the state of Texas? Most importantly, what
would Cade say when he saw her again?

He’d probably moved on with his life and found happiness in the arms of another woman. Who
wouldn’t want the tall, blond hunk? It had been her decision to end their relationship, so she had no
right to feel the shattering pain that gnawed at her insides when she imagined him with someone else.

One thing she knew with absolute certainty, the next couple months would be a testament to her
strength and Jocelyn hoped she had it in abundance.

Jocelyn gulped as she stepped on the porch of the house she’d grown up in. The two-seater swing
chair, where she would sit for hours and sketch, was still there as was the weather-beaten rocking
chair her father had favored. Everything was just as she remembered, down to the green shutters and
slightly askew welcome mat with mini cows painted on it. Yet, she felt like an intruder, like she didn’t
belong here, didn’t have the right to be here. A lump formed in her throat and she froze. Once she rang
that bell, there was no turning back.
 Kyla gave her a slight tap. “Are you okay, Jos?”

Jocelyn nodded. “Yeah, I guess I’m nervous. What if he—” She wasn’t able to finish that thought
when the door was abruptly opened. A pleasantly plump woman of short stature, with dirty blonde
hair liberally streaked with grey, opened the door. Laugh lines framed her eyes and she wore a wide
grin, revealing small white teeth. “Jocelyn! Welcome home!”

Before Jocelyn could respond, the other woman engulfed her in an embrace and rocked her from
side to side. “It’s so good to finally see you face to face. I’ve seen your pictures of course and I
watched that television special they did on you, but you’re even prettier in person. Jack will be over
the moon when he gets back. He’s gone into town to pick up some material to mend a fence.”

Jocelyn had no choice but to return the hug. She could only assume this was the Lavern her father
was planning to marry and with whom she’d corresponded over the last several weeks. There was
something very genuine about the other woman that instantly put her at ease. “It’s nice to finally meet
you face to face as well.” She pulled away in order to introduce her to Kyla. “And this is the friend I
told you about. She’ll be staying with us.”

Lavern walked over to the model with outstretched arms and hugged her as well. “Of course.
Kyla. I’m mighty pleased to meet you. We’re huggers around these parts. Jocelyn didn’t tell me how
pretty you’d be, but I should have known, you being a model and all.”

Kyla shot Jocelyn a questioning look. She’d made Jocelyn promise not to tell anyone who she
was. Without the makeup and fancy clothes, Kyla looked a lot different than she did on the runway or
within the pages of fashion magazines, but it didn’t change the fact that she was still an incredibly
stunning beauty. “I didn’t say anything,” she mouthed to her friend.

Lavern must have caught on because her grin widened. “She didn’t tell me you were a model, but
it’s not that difficult to figure out. With your looks you’re going cause a riot among the men. You’re a
mite skinny, honey, but no matter, we’ll fatten you up with some good old-fashion Texan cooking.”

Kyla offered a small smile. “Thank you for having me.”

Lavern waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t think about it, honey. Any friend of Jocelyn’s is
obviously a friend of mine. Come on in, girls. I’ll call one of the boys over to get the rest of your
things out of your truck later. I just made some sweet tea. I’ll pour you two a glass.”

Jocelyn followed Lavern inside and halted. It was like stepping back in time. There were new
curtains and a few new paintings on the wall, but the décor was basically the same. The throw rug in
the middle of the sitting room floor with its Aztec designs was still there. The old brown leather
recliner her father favored rested in the corner. It even smelled the same. Like home. And there was
no turning back.

“It’s just like I remember.”

“It’s very nice,” Kyla murmured politely.

 “Yes.”

Lavern returned from the kitchen with two refreshing-looking glasses of iced tea. “Here you go,
ladies.” She handed them each a glass. “What are you standing around for? Have a seat.”

Once the three women were situated, Jocelyn and Kyla on the sofa and Lavern cattycorner in the
loveseat, the tension slowly began to ease from Jocelyn’s body. This wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it
would be. She felt comfortable in Lavern’s presence and was happy her father had found someone
who seemed like a genuinely nice person. At least now she wouldn’t have to worry about him being
lonely once she left again.

Lavern smiled at them. “I was so nervous to meet you. Jack is always telling me about his famous
daughter. I’ve never met a celebrity before.”

Jocelyn stilled. “My father talks about me?”

“Oh, yes. All the time. He’s sure going to be surprised to see you here.”

“Didn’t he know I was coming?”

Lavern shifted in her seat, a look of discomfort briefly crossed her face. “Well, he knew, but uh…
he didn’t think you’d show up.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks flamed in her embarrassment. So he had actually given up on her. The invitation
was all Lavern’s doing and maybe she shouldn’t have come.

“Don’t look so glum, honey. He just thought you’d be busy is all.”

The older woman’s assurances didn’t help. Jocelyn, however, didn’t have long to ponder those
words before the front door opened. “Lavern, if that tea is ready, I sure could use a glass.”

Jocelyn’s heart sped up as a man topping six feet with broad shoulders entered the room. His
checkered shirt was rolled up to the elbow and the top two buttons were undone to reveal a farmer’s
tan. His sun kissed skin was lined more prominently than she remembered. He was still lean at the
ripe age of fifty-six and just as handsome as he removed his Stetson to reveal a crop of salt and
pepper hair ringed with the outline of his cowboy hat. His green eyes were still startling beneath dark
bushy eyebrows. Her father.

She wanted to say something to draw his attention to her, but the words got stuck in her throat.
Placing her glass on the end table, Jocelyn stood, drawing his gaze in her direction.

“Jossy?” He whispered her name as if he couldn’t believe she was standing there. Squinting and
then shaking his head as if to banish an illusion, he rubbed his eyes with his fist.

“It’s me, Daddy.” A bundle of nerves, she closed the gap between them, halting a foot away from
him.
 He moved closer, extending his hand to cup the side of her face. “Baby?” There was still a hint of
disbelief in his voice.

Jocelyn leaned into his touch, enjoying the warmth of his palm against her face. “I’m home,
Daddy.”

His response was to take her in his arms and envelope her against him into a big bear hug. Jocelyn
could barely breathe he held her so tight, but she didn’t care. Wrapping her arms around his waist she
squeezed him back, and tears flowed freely down her face. “I’m so sorry I stayed away so long.”

Her father stroked the back of her head as he rocked her from side to side. “It’s okay, baby. You’re
home now and it’s all that matters.” He grabbed her forearms and pulled away from her to reveal
tear-moistened eyes of his own. As her gaze locked with his, love welled within her heart. She was
finally home.