Page 39 of Tempted

Jasmine sniffed. “I never thought I was either until it happened.”

Jason took her hands in his. “Please.”

Jasmine sighed. “Okay.” She began her tale from the beginning when she’d met Phillip. Remembering everything as it was brought back the old fear and feelings Jasmine believed she’d locked away a long time ago. As she shared her story with Jason, the tears ran down her cheeks unheeded. She left nothing out and told him every singlegraphic detail of the night which led to her incarceration. At moments, Jason flinched, but he didn’t interrupt her.

By the time she finished unburdening herself, Jasmine felt physically and emotionally drained. She sagged deeper into her seat. “That’s pretty much all of it. I’ve been lying to my boss about where I was before I was employed with him and I lied to him about Star. I live in constant fear he’ll learn the truth, so much so I get sick to my stomach thinking about it. Even though I’ve managed to put away quite a bit in my savings since I’ve started working for the Meades, it won’t last very long if he kicks me out on the street. That’s why I agreed to sit for you, because I desperately need the funds in case that happens, but if you want the money you’ve already paid me, I’ll return it.”

“Look at me, Jasmine.”

She shook her head, afraid to know what he thought about her.

Jason grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. She gasped at what she saw. Compassion. Other than from Mrs. Meade it wasn’t an expression she was used to. “You must have a pretty low opinion of me if you think I’d toss you out of my life because of that. No one would be able to blame you for what you’ve done. Hell, I would have taken it one step further and made sure that bastard was dead, that you were convicted for what you did is the real crime.”

“It could have been much worse I guess. I couldn’t afford an attorney, and the one the court appointed for me either didn’t care or was too overworked, I’m not sure which. And I was facing up to20 years in prison. I knew I couldn’t be away from my baby that long so I took a deal to get out in five years. If it weren’t for overcrowding I’d still be locked up.”

“And Phillip? What happened to him?”

She snorted with a humorless laugh. “Ironically, he’s dead. Shortly after I went to prison, he was killed in a car crash.”

“Poetic justice. The bastard didn’t deserve to live.”

Jasmine shrugged. “There are probably a lot of people who are better off without him around, but he was still Star’s father. Without him there would be no her.”

“But if he was still alive, Star would be in his custody and who knows what would have happened to her then.”

“You’re right, but the damage is done. I was away from Star for nearly two years and now she’s an emotional wreck, hell, I’m an emotional wreck and I’m still trying to get my life back together.”

Jason pulled her in his arms again and held on tight. “It’ll be okay. I hope you know I’m here for you whenever you need me.”

Jasmine returned his hug. “Thank you, I appreciate that.” She pulled back. “I guess this means you don’t think I’m some raving psychopath?”

“Not at all. We all have our struggles, and I can’t exactly say my past has been squeaky clean either. I used to get into a lot of trouble when I was a teenager until I found an outlet for all of my energy through my art.”

“I’m glad you did. You have the kind of talent that is truly inspiring.”

He winked at her. “Thank you kindly, ma’am. So all better?”

She nodded. Telling Jason about her past was like a big weight off her chest. Now she could be more open with him.

“Does anyone else know about your conviction?”

“Mrs. Meade, but I didn’t exactly tell her everything. She knows I’ve spent time in prison, but I kind of glossed over some details.”

“Maybe you should tell her. She helped you get your job, after all and I doubt she’d rat you out if she basically knows most of it anyway.”

“You’re right. She might not like that I omitted some details.”

“She might be a little disappointed you weren’t completely up front with her, but by the sound of her, she’s a nice lady.”

“She is.”

“Then I’m sure she’ll understand. Besides, you already have a great rapport with the children. Maybe your employer might even—”

Jasmine shook her head vehemently. “No! He can never find out. Victor Meade isn’t exactly one of the most understanding people I’ve ever met, and if he learns about my past, no questions asked, I’ll be out the door. I need this job too much to tell him.”

“You’re playing a very dangerous game Jasmine. Anyone could pull this information on you. Wouldn’t it be better coming from you than if he found out later?”

“I can’t tell him.” She sighed feeling completely drained after her emotional outburst.“Look, I need to get back home. I told the kids I’d take them to the zoo tomorrow.”

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