Page 23 of Tempted

He raked his fingers through his hair. This isn’t how he’d envisioned this conversation to be. For one, he couldn’t stop staring at her lips. And for the life of him he couldn’t get the taste of her out of his mind. “Jasmine, I never said you had to go. In fact I want you to stay. Chelsea and Taylor adore you. They’ve both blossomed since you came into their lives and I appreciate it. They need you Jasmine. Don’t punish them for the mistake I made.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“It is. Besides, it may take a while before you can find employment elsewhere. Keep that in mind.”

She pursed her lips together for a moment and then she bowed her head. “You’re right. I’m not in a position to turn your offer down however, what happened last night can’t happen again.”

As much as he wanted to protest, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to do that. He had conflicting feelings on the situation. Part of him wanted to finish what they’d started, but the practical side of him knew she was right. They couldn’t start an affair, because when it ended as he was sure it would eventually, things would be too awkward to deal with. He’d have to let her go and he couldn’t do that to his children. Not when they seemed to love Jasmine so much.

“I agree. We won’t let it happen again.”

“Okay. I’ll try.”

“Good. That’s all I ask.”

She picked up her coffee mug with shaky hands and took a sip before replacing the cup back on the table. “Where are the kids?”

“In the den watching cartoons.”

“I should go to them. I’m sorry I was late coming down this morning I was…”

Victor waved his hand dismissively. “Say no more.”

Jasmine stood up and gave him a brief smile, or at least it looked like one. He couldn’t be sure because it was gone as fast as it had appeared. Turning on her heels, she was out of the kitchen before he could blink.

Now that she’d agreed to stay, he’d have to find a way to keep his hand off of her because God only knew how hard it was going to be.

Chapter Eight

“You’re perfect,” a baritone voice spoke, breaking Jasmine’s concentration. She tore her eyes away from the children playing on the jungle gym to focus on the man who say next to her on the park bench.

One of the first things she noticed about the stranger was a pair of warm topaz colored eyes, smiling at her. He was an attractive man, with a mop of dark curls that fell around his lean face that was borderline gaunt. Flashing Jasmine a straight white smile, he held out his hand to her. “Jason Rivera.”

Reluctantly she offered her hand and shook his briefly before pulling it out of his grasp. She eyed him warily wondering why this stranger had decided to talk to her.

Jason’s smile widened. “Relax, this isn’t a pick up, I swear.”

“Oh? Do you always make a habit of telling random women they’re perfect?”

He grinned showing off straight white teeth. “Only if it’s true.”

“Hmm…and which one of those kids is yours?” She asked pointing toward the playground.

“I don’t have any children.”

A grown man hanging around a playground with kids was a bit suspect. She scooted further down the bench, putting some distance between the two of them, her gaze straying to the children as she wondered how long it would take to make it over to them and then get the hell out of here. “Yeah, well, I need to run. Nice meeting you, Jason,” Jasmine muttered inching herself further away.

“I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not a lunatic.”

“Says you.”

“Please hear me out for two minutes and if you’re not interested, I will leave you alone.”

He seemed like a nice enough guy, but she had the kid’swell-being to think about. She looked over to them to see Tyler pushing Chelsea on the swings. “I’d rather you just did that now.”

“I understand why you may be cautious. I’m just some weirdo off the street to you.” He dug into his jean pocket and produced a small rectangular business card. “My credentials.”

Jasmine slowly took it and gave it a brief glance. “An artist?”

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