Page 4 of Tempted

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 wifeCarolyn 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 Madisonhad 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.”

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