ell'

he thoughts of everything she said before leaving keep ringing in my head. I know I haven't

at times what could be wrong. I can't just sit and watch while my brother has children and I

prepared trust funds for his grandchildren. Who will claim the trust fund if Jasmine can't giv

She made me feel whole, but I can't explain when it dwindled. "

like this. She can't leave me alone to be with another man. I need to do somet

ever ceases to tell me the truth when I'm wrong. I k

an's voice comes through the ph

e. We saw each other yesterday after I clos

know he is feigning surp

s wrong. "Spill now," he says, leaving

ge him to say something. "You pushed her, Ma

think there is a man in the picture t

l to you. You know she had given up her happiness for you. But w

the picture, I'll look into that. I have

umber has been unreachable. I just want to know that she

n't worry, I'll swing into

you lat

I can't imagine her leaving me because of

ine'

How will I tell him I'm pregnant when I eventually see him? What will he t

clients are satisfied. Then I notice someone sitting at the corner table. He looks so familiar. I move c

airs stand up as the blood drains from my hand. His eyes have a knowing light in them as if he had been a

ess, but one of the cleaners is already on the ground to assist. I return to the kitchen quickly, my hand on my chest, panting. "Ta

his table, my head racing w

h and deep, sending shivers down my

to keep a professional demeanor. "What can I get y

s. "Surp

brought this stranger into the restaurant? Was it pu

my partner, says with concern

her face. My interest is piqued as I look at her, expecting

. He owns chains of hotels and nightclubs in town and across the country. He was recently vo

ly, with a platter of wonderfully cooked foods in hand, I return to his table and place the platter in

e is full of surprises, Jasmine. Som

last time, thoughts of our hot, steaming sex flooding my mind. He has a look that I can't quite place into words. I shake my head, dispelling the thought, and walk away

that night, something I've never experienced, not even with Maxwell. But I'm not ready to explore. Yet, my c

sense of unease as if something major is about to happen. As the night draws to a close and the res

nt? What are you doing

roken. "I've been looking for you. I need to talk

confusion. "Why? Ar

rry for showing up in your workplace. Our bond that night was clear.

f our intense encounter flood my head, reminding me of the longing and fr

tation. But I can't deny th

pursue something with m

" he interrupts. "I know it's b

d he raises his hands in su

who you are and why you left the fo

and I catch a flash of vulnerabili

d that trust must be earned. Show me th

acks a tiny smile. "I'll do it, Jas

know when I will be seeing him again, so I need to let him kn