Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90448 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“Jasmine?” I heard him say my name over the rain.
“Bastard.” I backed up and slammed the door.
Am I overreacting, or do I have every right to be pissed? Because right now I’m motherfucking pissed!
I breathed in and out at a fast pace and rushed up the stairs. The front door’s knob jiggled as someone opened it.
Shit.
“Jasmine?” Chase yelled, right as I rounded the corner on the second level.
I can’t talk to him right now. I may slap or gut him. I need to think.
Stomping sounded behind me from the stairs. I quickly shoved my keys into my apartment’s door, opened it, and hurried in. The door banged close. The lock clicked when I turned it.
“Wait, Jasmine,” Chase called back. “Can we talk about this?”
“Just go on your date!” I yelled and stormed off toward the kitchen. Silence came next. I didn’t know if he was outside the door or if he’d just returned to Wendy. Tears finally fell down my face and I wiped them away, pissed at myself for even crying.
What did I expect?
My phone buzzed.
Vivian: We’re bored. Do you want to do something?
I rubbed my eyes. Wendy and Chase kissing flashed in my head again.
Me: Party at my place. Bring lots of wine.
Chapter 28
Friends to Lovers?
When Vivian said we, I’d assumed she met just her and Troy. Shock stretched all over my face when Gabe stepped in behind them carrying grocery bags.
“This place is huge.” Gabe landed a peck on my cheek and entered my apartment. “Vivian told me you’re staying here every now and then when your boss needs you.”
I exchanged an awkward glance with Vivian. “Yep.”
“What’s up with the two ladies in the hallway?” Gabe asked as he carried the bags into the kitchen.
He must be talking about Dawn and Lucy.
They must’ve been taken aback when my maid showed Troy, Vivian, and Gabe inside.
“They’re on his staff too,” I said.
If I end up staying here I’m going to have to think up a better lie for my guests. But then that’s a big if, for me staying here.
“I drove your car over by the way, while Troy rode in mine.” Vivian gave me a half hug.
“Thanks. I’ll need it.”
Troy sighed and headed to the shelf with the family pictures. “I haven’t seen these photos in years. I have to get some of these.”
“Get your own.” I stuck my tongue out at him and turned to Vivian. “Where’s the wine?”
“You’re drinking way more than usual.” She handed me a big bottle of pinot noir. “How are things going in Harem Land?”
“Not so well.” I moved her way and whispered, “I saw him kiss Wendy an hour ago.”
“And?”
“Isn’t that enough?”
“You knew he would kiss them.”
“Yeah, but it still hurt.”
“I’m so sorry.” She hugged me. “So are you coming home?”
“Maybe. I was going to talk to him first. You think that is a good idea?”
“Definitely. At least tell him how you feel. But frankly, Jasmine, if you can’t deal with him kissing another woman then you may want to get out of this situation while you can.” She squeezed me and let me go.
“Good point,” I said while she walked over to Troy as he continued to gaze at our family pictures. I studied the wine bottle and grimaced. “A twist cap? Seriously? Where did you do buy this from, 7-Eleven?”
Gabe peeked his head out of the kitchen. “Don’t stress. I brought the good stuff.”
“This is why I love you, Gabe.”
Vivian began to play around with my stereo, pressing buttons and twisting controls. Music blared as I entered the kitchen and then the volume lowered until only the smooth sound of Billie Holiday flowed throughout the place.
Vivian was just like Chase, she loved old music and preferred it to new releases.
Gabe moved fast in the small amount of time he’d been in the kitchen. Pots full of yummy smelling liquid simmered. Steam rose from each one and carried a joyous aroma of promise to my nose.
“Holy shit! What are you cooking?” I inched over to the stove.
“Don’t even think about sneaking a taste.” Gabe snatched up a wooden spoon, stirred, set it down in a tiny bowl, and rushed to the counter to begin chopping herbs.
“I can chop for you.”
“It’ll take you an hour to do it.” He wiggled his eyebrows and laughed.
“You just hate people being in the kitchen with you. Admit it.” I stuck my finger in one of the pots. The liquid burned the tip of my finger. I screeched and shook it.
“That’s possibly the hundredth time I’ve seen you do that.” Gabe chuckled. “And it’s still funny each time. At some point in your life you’re going to have to come to grips with the fact that a boiling pot of liquid will burn you if you stick your greedy little finger in it.”
I pouted. “What are you cooking?”