Page 78 of Tempted

“Yes.”

He paused for a moment at a loss for words. She was really calling him. He’d dreamed of his moment and all the things he’d say to her, but now that she was actually on the phone that carefully rehearsed speech he’d planned on delivering wouldn’t come out.

“Victor?”

“Yes, I’m here. Uh, Jasmine. How have you been?”

“I can’t complain although sitting in bed most of the day is driving me crazy.”

Victor asked the question he was dying to know. “And how…how is the baby?”

“He’s healthy and getting bigger. I’ve been following doctor’s order.”

“I’m glad to hear it. If you ever need anything…” Dammit. Why was it so hard to tell her what he really wanted to say? That he loved her. That he wanted her to come back so that he could spend the rest of his days proving it.He wanted to give her the love and respect she deserved and needed.

“Thank you. Um, I was actually wondering if we could meet up for lunch tomorrow. Maybe around noon?”

Victor wanted to leap out of his chair and shout his elation at the top of his lungs but he didn’t dare. “Noon will be great. Should I pick you up or—”

“No! I’ll meet you somewhere. How about at that Italian restaurant Arlington the kids liked so much. That’s the midway point at least.”

“Sounds great. I’ll be there.”

“Good, I’ll see you then.” Without waiting for him to reply, she hung up.

Victor replaced the receiver with a mixture of fear and hope. No matter what happened tomorrow, he had a feeling this meeting would change his life forever.

* * *

Jasmine slipped the taxi driver a few bills before sliding out of the car. “Keep the change.”

She glanced at her watch and groaned. Half hour late. In all likelihood Victor was probably gone. She would have been here sooner had Jason left when he was supposed to. He had a lunch appointment with his agent and planned on visiting a gallery where his work was displayed afterwards. He’d told Jasmine he’d be back by four which would give her plenty of time to meet with Victor and get back home.

After a few days of battling her conscience, Jasmine realized she would be no better than Victor if she didn’t at least hear him out. Besides, despair and sincerity rang so clearly in his voice the last time they spoke, it was difficult to forget. She’d heard the conversation he and Jason had had outside of her hospital room. Weeks had passed and yet Jason had failed to bring it up. She didn’t understand why he’d kept such pertinent information from her. She had yet to confront Jason about his duplicity, but depending on how this meeting went, she’d know how to deal with the situation better.

When she made it to the inside of the restaurant, she immediately spotted Victor at the bar. His back was turned to her, but she would recognize those broad shoulders anywhere. Clutching her belly nervously she wondered if she should turn back around and leave without him knowing she’d come. Before she made up her mind, he turned around. His face lit up like a thousand watt light bulb and she knew there was no way she could get out of this now without making an ass of herself.

He came toward her and she couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped her lips. He’d lost so much weight! She’d noticed there was something different about him the last time she’d seen him but didn’t have time to dwell on the changes. But staring at him full on, she realized the couple months hadn’t been kind to him. There was more gray in his hair. The vibrant light in vibrant eyes had dimmed significantly and there were new lines around the corners of his mouth. He looked older. But strangely, he was still quite attractive. He was like a fine wine.

“Victor.” She nodded in his direction when he was only a foot away from her.

He moved forward as if he wanted to hug her but she stiffened in defense. She didn’t know how she’d react when he touched her.

“You came.” His gaze roamed her from head to toe seeming not to miss a single detail. Victor paused in his perusal to stare at her slightly pronounced stomach.

Shifting uncomfortable, she looked away from that penetrating glance. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting. I got a later start than I anticipated.”

“It’s okay, you’re here now. That’s all that matters. Our table is ready and the hostess will seat us right away.”

The hostess led them to their table and recited the specials. When they were alone again, Victor offered her an uneasy smile. He seemed nervous about something. “You look well, Jasmine.”

“Thank you.”

“And…and the baby?”

“He’s doing well too.”

“He?”

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