Page 90 of Tempted

“Victor, don’t be angry with your mother. I think her heart was in the right place.”

Victor racked his fingers through his hair with a sigh. “You’re right. I’m sorry for giving you a hard time, Mom. I just didn’t want you to feel as if we’d forced ourselves back into your life. But it doesn’t change the fact that I love you.”

Jasmine squirmed in her seat, not comfortable with the direction this conversation was heading. It was one thing to concede that the baby needed its father, siblings and grandmother around, but dealing with her unresolved feelings for Victor was another issue. She’d never been so confused in her life. “Victor, let’s not do this now.”

He raised a brow. “What? You don’t want to hear how I’m madly in love I am with you?”

Madeline threw her hands up in the air. “Hallelujah, boy! It’s about damn time.”

Heat rushed to her face. “Now isn’t the time for this discussion, Victor.”

“Because my mother is sitting here? She knows I love you, would walk to the ends of the Earth for you. Don’t you know I lay awake at night cursing myself for being a great big fool? Besides my children, you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and furthermore, I think you love me too.”

“I’m wearing Jason’s ring,” Jasmine retorted stubbornly. Why couldn’t he understand the two of them couldn’t be together?

“But you don’t love him. If you did, you wouldn’t have been able to kiss me the way you did.”

Jasmine gasped. “You kissed me!”

“But I didn’t imagine your tongue pressing against mine.”

“Okay, that’s enough, Victor. If you keep this up, up you’re going to have to leave.”

Victor opened his mouth as if he’d continue the argument, but a shrill ring cut him off before he could speak. “Shit,” he grumbled, digging into his pocket. He pulled out his phone and looked at the number. “Excuse me while I take this call. It’s an emergency.”

She’d never been so glad to be interrupted in her life. “Sure.”

“Thanks.” He headed toward the hallway but paused before turning to face her. “This conversation isn’t over.”

“Yes, it is.”

Victor tightened his lips and walked off.

“My, my, my, what were you and my son up to before me and the kids arrived?”

“Madeline, don’t you start too.”

“Start what, dear? I’m simply asking a question.”

Jasmine rolled her eyes. “Nothing happened. Nothing significant, that is.”

“Victor seems to think otherwise.”

“It doesn’t matter what Victor thinks.”

“Jasmine, we both know that’s a lie. Obviously you feel something for my son.”

Jasmine clenched and unclenched her fists as her frustration grew. This wasn’t how she’d envisioned this day to be. “Look, if you’re going to continue this line of conversation I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Madeline crossed her arms across her chest and raised a brow, reminding Jasmine of Victor. “Don’t that tone with me, young lady. I stood in your corner when you had no one else. I love you like a daughter, Jasmine, so I say this out of love. I told Victor the same thing. You need to get your act together.”

“Madeline—”

The older woman held up her hand. “No, let me finish. I know you’ve been hurt and how difficult it’s been for you to put your trust in other people. I also know my son did a very stupid thing when he kicked you out without waiting to hear your side of the story. But you know what Jasmine? It’s time for you to stop playing the martyr. You’re not completely blameless in this entire debacle. I was wrong for encouraging the deception, but maybe if you would have opened up to Victor sooner it wouldn’t have come to the point where Madison’s words would have mattered. Victor poured out his heart to you just now, the least you owe him is an explanation of why you two shouldn’t be together when: a, you’re carrying his child, and b, you love his children, and c, you love Victor too. No, you’re in love with Victor.”

“For the last time, I’m wearing Jason’s ring. Now can we drop the subject please? I love you too Madeline, and I’m sorry for not contacting you or the kids like I should have, but I’m not interested in discussing whether or not I love Victor.”

Maddie gave her a long questioning look. “All you had to say was that you didn’t love Victor too. But we’ll have it your way. I’ll drop the subject. For now.”

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