Page 45 of Tempted

Chelsea took his hand and led him to the others. “Daddy, that’s Jasmine’s daughter Star,” she said unnecessarily pointing in the little girl’s direction. “She’s my best friend. But don’t be sad if she doesn’t say anything to you. She doesn’t talk to anyone.” She whispered the last part behind her cupped hand but she may as well have said it aloud because everyone in the room could hear.

“Chelsea,” he said in his best warning tone.

His daughter looked nonplused. “But it’s true, Daddy.”

“It’s okay. Star will talk when she’s ready,” Jasmine said, defusing what could have been an embarrassing situation.

“I wish you wouldn’t talk,” Tyler said.

“That’s enough son,” Victor warned.

“Well she does have a big mouth,” Tyler muttered under his breath.

“Do not!” Chelsea yelled.

“Inside voices.” Jasmine picked up some game pieces and handed them to Victor. “Here. You’re at a disadvantage so we’ll start you with three pieces instead of four like everyone else.”

Victor took them and crouched down on the floor with everyone else. “How do you play this game anyway?”

Chelsea and Tyler were more than happy to show him and before long he was into it. For the first time in a long time, Victor felt a wholeness within him he couldn’t explain. He couldn’t figure out why sitting here like this with Jasmine and the children just felt so right.

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