Page 8 of Pleasure Games

“What ring?”

“Duh...your engagement ring?”

Jasmine’s gaze automatically searched her ring finger only to find it bare. Her purse! She reached inside, found the cold platinum and held it in front of the phone for Ashley to see.

“Get rid of it.”

“Like, chuck it?”

“No! That thing cost Parker a fortune. Go sell it. Use the money to do something wild and crazy. And whatever’s left? That’s what you use to start over.”

Jazz held the ring up, seeing it in a new light. Could she do that?

Hell, yes, she could. The ring was hers. Parker had given it to her when he said he’d love her forever. Now she was heartbroken, fucked over and desperately in need of a break. Parker probably wouldn’t even care.

Jazz bit her lip. “I’ll sell the ring, but I don’t know how to do ‘wild and crazy’.”

“Oh, my God.” Ashley slapped her forehead. “I’ve known you most of my life and if there is anyone who knows how to be wild, it’s you.”

“Ash...”

“Don’t Ash me. You know what you need?”

“A drink?” Jazz held the champagne bottle aloft.

“I think you’ve self-medicated enough,” Ash replied with pursed lips. “No. Here’s what you need. Go find yourself some smoking-hot Frenchman who knows how to treat a woman. And then you need to have a month of raunchy, nasty, awesome sex.” She snapped her fingers. “A sex-venture.”

“A sex-what?” Jasmine rolled her eyes.

“I’m not kidding. You need a release from all this tension—what better way than good sex? You’re totally single now.”

Jasmine groaned.

“I’m sorry, hon. But that’s why you need a passionate, torrid, love affair. Feed some romantic French dude chocolate-covered strawberries. Let him lick champagne off your body...”

“Seriously?”

“Go to one of those sex districts and buy awesome European sex toys...or...” Ashley’s eyes lit up. “No, wait! Buy yourself a gigolo. A super-hot one!”

Jazz couldn’t help laughing at Ashley’s suggestion. It felt good to laugh. “You are insane.” She blew her bangs out of her eyes. “And you should be here,” she finished softly.

“Yeah, well...” Ashley stood and patted her rounded belly. Her friend was tiny, so her third trimester of pregnancy made her look like she had a basketball tucked up under her shirt. “I’m not exactly in the best form for sex-ventures. Plus, I’m pretty sure I would scare off any potential hotties.”

Jasmine touched her finger to the screen as if touching Ashley’s belly. “That is one lucky kid to have you for her mother.”

Ashley’s lips twisted. Her friend had worries of her own with her first child due in under a month.

“Thanks, Ash.”

“Hey. What are friends for? You know I’m here for you. Anytime. I’m just a FaceTime away.”

Jazz nodded.

“Oh, and Jazz?”

“Yeah?”

“Let me be your cautionary tale...” Ash rubbed her belly. “As soon as you sell that ring and before you embark on your sexy time?”

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