Page 47 of Tempted

Madeline’s expression gave nothing away. “You do that dear. I’m sure your lunch date is waiting for you to return. We’re just finishing up our coffee before we leave.”

Madison focused her attention on Jasmine for the first time since she approached their table. “Why, Jemima, I didn’t even notice you there. You’re so quiet.”

As much as she wanted to slap the taste out of Madison’s mouth, the bitch wasn’t worth the risk of going to jail and definitely not worth losing the chance to get Star back.

“It’s Jasmine, but you already knew that. Maybe you should be worried about your memory.”

Madison waved her hand as If it was no big deal. “I knew it started with a J. I’m just horrible with names. It must be such a treat for you to have lunch in a place like this isn’t it?”

Jasmine ignored her seeing no point in engaging with this troll.

But Madison went on as if Jasmine had replied. “You should be grateful for how well your life is right now because in a blink of an eye, it can be taken away.” She grinned before returning her attention to Madeline. “I really must get back to my friend, but it’s been great seeing you again.”

“Have a nice lunch, Madison,” Madeline said so deadpan as to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind she didn’t share the sentiment.

Madison smiled, showing off a row of tiny white teeth. “You too. Toddleloo.” She wiggled her fingers goodbye. Either the blonde had really thick skin or she didn’t know when she was being insulted.

Jasmine’s stomach was in knots as she wondered how much of their conversation Madison had heard. She couldn’t get out of this place fast enough.

“I’ll take care of the bill and we can go.” The same thing must have crossed Madeline’s mind as well because her expression was grim. The pleasant smile she’d maintained throughout lunch was gone and her dark blue eyes so like her son’s were shadowed with what seemed like worry.

Nothing further was said until they were halfway back to the Meade residence when Madeline broke the brooding silence hanging between them. “I wouldn’t worry too much about her, dear. I don’t think she heard anything. And if she did, what could she do? Victor wouldn’t believe her.”

Jasmine wrapped her arms around her waist. Maybe she was being more paranoid than the situation called for. “If they’re such good friends as she claims them to be, he just might.”

“The woman is delusional. Victor is no longer friends with that small-minded bigot. Don’t borrow trouble, Jasmine.”

“I wish I had your optimism, but there was something in the way she looked at me…I could have imagined it but it was as if she knew something. If your son finds out, he’ll throw me out, no questions asked. This couldn’t have come at a worse time.” Jasmine slumped in her seat and rested her head in her palms.

A few days ago she’d met with the case worker she was required to check in with once a month. Pleased with Jasmine’s progress, she promised to file paperwork recommending full custody for Star.Without a permanent residence that would present a huge snag.

“Victor isn’t so heartless, Jasmine. If you’d just explain the circumstances to him, I’m sure he’d understand. Despite his faults, he’s fair. And you wouldn’t have to worry about having nowhere to go. You’ll always have a home with me.”

. As much as the older woman’s offer melted her heart, she knew she’d have to decline. If Victor fired her, staying with his mother would slowly turn into an ordeal, especially when….no. She wouldn’t dwell on the uncomfortable feelings she’d been dealing with of late where Victor was concerned.

Her life was complicated enough as it was without thinking of the night she’d lost all self-control and gave into her deepest carnal urgings. There were times when Jasmine would wake up in a cold sweat, her body tense from the erotic images flashing through her mind. It didn’t help matters that he was spending more timewith his children while she was around which made him more attractive to her.

He was a distraction she was finding difficult to ignore from the scent of his cologne, the way he’d look at her with those unfathomable blue eyes of his, and how they’d sometimes accidentally touch. Jasmine realized she’d been fooling herself when she thought she could put that episode they’d shared firmly behind her.

Somehow Victor Meade had managed to get under her skin in a way she’d allowed no man to do since Phillip. After her destructive relationship with her ex,Jasmine believed herself to be immune to those kinds of feelings. But apparently she wasn’t.

“I appreciate the offer,” Jasmine finally answered noncommittally.

“Think nothing of it.” Madeline maneuvered her Mercedes into the driveway and brought it to a halt. “Here we are dear. I’m so glad you could come out to lunch with me.”

Jasminesmiled. “So am I. The kids were ecstatic that Victor had taken them to the zoo today.” She had been invited to go to the zoo with Victor and the kids but Madeline had popped in earlier and asked Jasmine out to lunch. “Would you like to come in and I’ll fix you a good cup of coffee? We have the house to ourselves. Your son isn’t supposed to be back with Chelsea and Tyler until later this afternoon and you already know Adam won’t be back for a couple days from his waterskiing trip with his friends.”

Madeline turned her vehicle off and took the key out of the ignition. “That sounds lovely.

* * *

Victor was exhausted by the time he brought the children home well after dark.Chelsea and Tyler had fallen asleep in the back of the car and he had a tough time waking them.

The light flickered on in the front hallway as he walked in.Jasmine greeted them at the door, wearing an oversized t-shirt that did nothing to disguise the outline of her braless breasts, and a pair of short shorts that clung so tightly to her ass, he fought not to get an erection. “You didn’t have to get out of bed on our account.”

She shrugged. “It’s okay. I was reading anyway. Let me help you get the kids settled in bed.” Reaching out, she took Chelsea by the hand and led her upstairs.

Victor urged Tyler forward and followed the ladies upstairs, wishingJasmine didn’t have such a tight round ass. It was bad enough his day was off kilter because Jasmine hadn’t gone with them, but now he could think of nothing more than grabbing that tempting ass in his palms.

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