Page 29 of Tempted

The older woman looked over to him with a smile. “Yes, dear?”

“Where’s Jasmine?”

“Oh, she’s with a friend. This nice young man picked her up for a drive. I hope you don’t mind my giving her permission to go. It gave me the opportunity to spend time with the children.”

Victor’s nostrils flared. Not only did he mind, he was pissed. Jasminewent on a date when she should have been working? “What man? Did you meet him?” he demanded.

Madison laughed. “Darling, you sound like the father of a teenage daughter. I assume this Jasmine person is your new nanny?”

“Soon to be ex-nanny if she continues to run off when she’s supposed to be watching the children,” he replied gruffly.

Madison nodded. “I sympathize, dear. Good helps is hard to find these days, but you should have taken my advice, darling, and hired someone with more experience. These young girls are so easily distracted.”

Even though Victor was furious that Jasmine wasn’t around, hearing Madison’s words brought his defenses up. “She’s actually very good with Chelsea and Tyler. I only wish she would have cleared it with me before she decided to go out on a date.”

“If you say so, darling.” She shrugged with a smile on her face.

“Victor, our reservations at La Bella’s is in an hour, so we should probably be heading out shortly,” his mother joined him and Madison.

“That’s fine.” He would have said more if he didn’t hear the front door open.

Jasmine.

Not wanting to make a scene, he remained silent when Jasmine entered the living room.

“I trust you had a nice time out?” His mother smiled with a wink.

“Wonderful. I feel much better.” Jasmine smiled, her eyes sparkling. Victor couldn’t remember a time when he’d seen her so animated, and the fact that it was due to some mysterious man she’d snuck off with didn’t sit well with him. When did she even have time to meet someone anyway?

Victor wanted to strangle them both. He was about to ask Jasmine to explain herself when Chelsea bounded over.

“Jasmine! He’s here. You have to meet Adam.” Chelsea tugged her nanny’s hand, forcing her to follow. “Adam, this is my best friend Jasmine,” she announced for all the room to hear.

Madison leaned forward, placing her lips mere inches from his ear. “Do you think it’s wise for your nanny to be so familiar with the family?”

His mother must have heard that statement because she turned to Madison with a ferocious frown. “Nonsense. Jasmine is part of the family.”

“She’s an employee, Madeline. You know what they say: familiarity breeds contempt.” This time when Madison spoke, she didn’t bother to lower her voice and all eyes turned in their direction.

Madeline’s lips thinned but she remained silent.

While Victor didn’t appreciate Madison’s comment, he was still focused on his earlier anger. “Jasmine, may I have a word with you in private?”

A frown tugged the corners of her lips down as she shot him a questioning glance. “Sure, Mr. Meade.”

Turning on his heel, he walked to his study, expecting she would follow.

“Don’t take too long, you two; we need to leave for dinner shortly,” his mother called behind them.

The moment Jasmine was in his study, he closed the door behind them.

“Is everything alright?”

“Who was he?” Victor demanded through clenched teeth.

“What are you talking about?” If he didn’t already know the truth he might have been thrown off by the confusion on her face, but he wouldn’t be swayed by the look of confusion crossing her face.

“Don’t play games with me. Mother mentioned some man picking you up for a date.”

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