Page 11 of Tempted

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.

---