Page 94 of Four Fiances & I

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about, but it’s better to be ready for anything now.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” I answer, walking towards the door to see him out.

“Whilst I’m here, I wondered if you knew how Abigail was yesterday at the spa?”

I turn, frowning as we walk from the office.

“I haven’t heard anything, but I haven’t had a chance to speak to Jasmine properly about her day. Would you like me to ask? Or would you like to speak to her yourself?” I offer. McIntire seems to think about it for a moment, then nods.

“I’d like to speak to her if that’s okay?”

“Of course, follow me.” I lead him back to the sitting room, hopping that Jasmine is still there waiting as instructed.

When we enter the room, I find her sitting on the sofa, hugging the puppy. She looks sad, and it hits me that I’m the reason she has lost her smile again.

“Sweetheart, McIntire was asking how Abbie was yesterday,” I say, standing beside the sofa she is sitting on and running a hand over her head.

“She was happy considering everything.”

“Was she drinking much at the spa?” McIntire asks. I don’t miss the concern in his voice, plus it's evident in the way he is frowning.

“Umm, yeah, but she wasn’t the only one.” Jasmine squirms in her seat, and I can see she’s uncomfortable being asked about her friend. “Well, you saw how she was by the end of the evening” she adds quickly as if to prove that her friend did nothing wrong.

Looking back at McIntire, I can see he is deep in thought, as if something isn’t sitting right with him.

“Thank you, Jasmine. I hope you had a lovely day. From what I hear, the girls had plenty of surprises planned for you,” he smiles. Jasmine seems to relax and nods, smiling back at him.

“They were amazing and went above and beyond what I ever expected.”

McIntire looks between the two of us and nods, still smiling.

“That’s wonderful to hear. I will leave you in peace now and see myself out. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and if you need anything before the big day, don’t hesitate to call.” He nods at me once before walking out of the room, closing the door behind him, and giving me only a brief second to thank him for his kind words.

As soon as the door is closed, Jasmine stands and places the puppy on the floor.

“I’m going to let him out,” she says quietly as she goes to walk past me. I take her hand and force her to turn around so she is looking at me.

“I am so sorry, Sweetheart. I didn’t mean to upset you before. I am tired and have been awake all night dealing with some pretty nasty stuff. I wasn’t turning you down; I just wanted to hold you and relax for a moment before McIntire was due to arrive.” Before I can continue, Jasmine's whole face changes, and I see nothing but concern in her eyes. She steps forward and places a hand over my heart as she looks deep into my eyes.

“You don’t need to apologise. I was just so happy to have you home. I didn’t think about what you needed at that moment,” she whispers, lifting on her tiptoes and lightly kissing my lips. “Why don’t I let Embry out? Then I will run you a bath while you have something to eat. Afterwards, we can relax together in bed or down here. Whatever you want.”

Running my knuckles down her cheek, I can’t help but smile.

“That sounds perfect, Sweetheart, but there is one thing I want to add to that.”

“What’s that, Daddy?”

“That you join me in the bath, and we relax together before I take you to bed and show you just how much I missed you.”

ChapterThirty

JASMINE

Leaning my head forward, I tighten my arms around Christian’s neck, holding him from behind as we lay in the deep, hot bath. Christian relaxes back into me, his hand lazily drifting up and down my arm. We’ve hardly spoken since we got into the water, but that’s okay. My man needs me, and I’m here to help him with whatever he wants. If it’s just to hold him as he relaxes and tries to shake off whatever is bugging him, then so be it.

“This is exactly what I needed,” Christian sighs contently. “A little time just you and me, pretending the rest of the world doesn’t exist.”

I kiss his smooth, broad shoulder before leaning my cheek against his.

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