Page 44 of Afterglow
I’m not even exaggerating when I say I found three ingredients in Jazmine’s cupboard. Coffee beans, almond milk and caramel flavouring. The fact thatJazmine had to think about the last time she went grocery shopping is worrying.
Originally, I came over to see how she was doing, but I also wanted to change the day we did our research project this week. I have a game tomorrow night, so our usual Sunday session is out of the question.
Now, though. I will be dragging her pretty little ass into my car and taking her out for breakfast. Jazmine has been trying to force any reactions she has to me away but it’s clear I’m not the only one who feels the pull between us.
She is stubborn though, to the point where it is harmful. Jaz puts on an independent andI don’t need help from anyonefront every day but I won’t be falling for it.
Jazmine returns to the kitchen in black skinny jeans, which hug her ass, highlighting every delectable curve. My tongue runs along my lips, as I move my gaze up to her face.
A scarlet flush forming on her cheeks and neck. Jaz tucks strands of loose hair behind her ears. Another nervous tick I’ve noticed.
“Where are we going?”
“What is your favourite breakfast food?”
Jazmine’s eyebrows scrunch, crinkles forming on her forehead. “Pancakes?”
“Why do you seem unsure?”
She bites her bottom lip, her attention falling to the floor. “I don’t usually eat breakfast, but in my hometown, I always order pancakes,”
“You-” I tilt my head back, trying to stifle an angry groan.
“What?”
“Princess, you can’t just skip meals.”
“I don’t do it on purpose,” Her voice jumps higher, probably in an attempt to justify her action.
“Let’s go. I am buying you the biggest plate of pancakes and you are going to eat every bite,”
Jazmine rolls her eyes. My tone is bordering on controlling, but at this rate I’m going to be following her around like a puppy to make sure she eats.
“Don’t be a brat,”
“Why?” She bats her eyelashes, a pout curving on her lips. “Is there a punishment if I’m not a good girl?”
I cough, choking on air. My eyes are coated with lust as they come into contact with hers. Is Jazmine flirting with me? It’s hard to tell because her usual method is to insult me.
I’m unable to look away from her mouth. Jaz dips her tongue out, licking her bottom lip. I suppress my groan and every desire to touch her.
I’m so fucked.
***
Jazmine and I agreed on Strong Beans as it was the closest to her apartment. I’m not letting her starve any longer. The irrational part of me wants to jump the queue so we get our food quicker.
How do you know if you'regoing insane?
Or better yet: how do you know if a girl has embedded herself underneath your skin without you even realising?
Jazmine picks a two-person table, located near the large windows that allow you to see Lakewood’s picturesque campus.
Fall is my favourite season—the fallen leaves are a combination of brown and orange, scattered across the pathways all over the university. The river is in my direct eye line as is the outline of Arizona’s mountain ranges.
I beat Jazmine to her chair, pulling it out and guiding her to sit. She squints her eyes and turns her head to the opposite chair. I already know what she is thinking.
“Don’t you dare Princess,”
