JasmineHer father nodded. “And we’re flying with you to help you get a car and settle in.”“No, Dad.” Jasmine let out a deep breath. “I’m an adult now, and I can do this on my own. I’ve been saving money—”“Yes, but we’re buying the car,” he cut her off. There it was. He was holding money over her head again. Of all the things in her life, that was what she hated the most. Every time her father wanted her to do something, he threatened to cut her off or withhold money for something. “I just want to make sure you get something dependable.”“Dear,” her mother intervened, “we agreed to get her a new car, so it really doesn’t matter where we get it. Besides, we have another month before anything’s decided.”Jasmine knew if she didn’t say something quick, she’d lose her chance. “Dad, I’m going to fly from here. It’d be a whole lot easier.”Her father let out a deep breath, studying her. “Are you sure you can handle getting a car on your own? You’ll need to rent a car at the airport and th
Jasmine“What happened?” Jasmine held her mother’s hand, listening. This was the first she was hearing this. For the first time in her life, her mother was starting to seem like a real person.Hannah shrugged, giving her a small smile. “We wanted to get married, but my parents forbade it. So, I kissed him goodbye and never saw him again. Then I met your father at my father’s Club. I had a feeling my parents had arranged it, but I went along with it anyway, no longer having the strength to fight them.”“So, you didn’t love Dad.”Hannah shook her head. “Not at first. But love grew over time. Now, I love him very much.” She let out a deep breath, her smile fading. “But a part of me sometimes wonders what life would have been like if I would have married that boy... Paul was his name.” Then her smile returned as she patted Jasmine’s hand. “But then, I wouldn’t have had you.”“Mom, I didn’t know.” Jasmine’s heart ached for her mother, knowing that was probably why she was the way she was n
Jasmine“Hannah, what’s gotten into you?” William asked, shock coloring his eyes. “I’ve never seen this side of you before.”That makes two of us, Jasmine thought. But she was glad that her mother was finally finding herself again, even though she was sad that her parents might be getting a divorce, and she was furious with her father, all at the same time.“Let’s talk this out,” William said, holding his hands out in surrender.Hannah shook her head. “Not this time, William. I’ve played the part of the dutiful society wife long enough, and I’m tired.” She sank onto her chair, tears filling her eyes. “I’m tired, William. Go back home, and I’ll see you there.”“But Hannah—”“I said to get out,” she growled. “I’m calling a lawyer today, and I don’t want to see you until the court date.”His lips curled into a snarl. “Well, you can’t keep me from seeing my daughter—”“Dad, you haven’t spent much time with me this summer, anyway.” Jasmine let out a deep breath. “And I’m going away to coll
JasmineJasmine and her mother arrived at the mall and walked around, looking for a dress shop.“What about this one?” Hannah asked, stopping before a store. “I’m sure you’ll find something really nice here.”Jasmine looked up, and it was what she would call an older woman’s shop with sophisticated clothes instead of hip, trendy clothes. “Nope!” She slid her arm in her mother’s. “Mom, if you’re going to be back on the market, I’ll need to show you where to shop. Hannah’s head snapped up. “On the market?” She let out a deep breath. “Honey, I’ve been married to your father for so long I wouldn’t even know what it’s like to date, let alone be with another man.”Jasmine pulled her mother to a stop. “Mom, promise me that no matter what happens between you and my father, you won’t stay alone for the rest of your life.”Hannah smiled. “Sweetie, it’s much too soon to think about such things—”“Promise me,” Jasmine cut her off. “I can’t leave for college next month, knowing you’ll be alone.”
JasmineWhen Jasmine and her mother returned to their condo, she looked at the clock and knew she had to start getting ready. “Mom, I can call Zain and cancel—”“You will do such thing, young lady.” Hannah held her shoulders and pushed her toward her room. “Now, go get ready before Zain arrives.” She hugged her from behind. “And don’t you worry about me. I’ll be fine. Now, go!”“Okay, okay.” Jasmine laughed, shaking her head as she headed into her room and closed the door behind her. Then she headed over to the window and pulled the curtains closed. Luckily, she had her own bathroom. Once she hung up the dresses, she headed into the shower, shaved, and walked out a moment later, wrapped in a towel. She dressed in the cute red dress, and it fit her perfectly. She donned some red heels that she had picked up, at her mother’s insistence, and quickly did her hair and makeup. Jasmine looked in the mirror when she was finished, satisfied with her efforts.Just then, there was a knock on th
ZainJasmine looked gorgeous as they headed toward the restaurant. He placed his hand on the small of her back, proud to be with her. But the thing he liked most about Jasmine wasn’t her gorgeous body or her incredible good looks, it was her heart. She was beautiful inside and out.But what she had told him about her father surprised him. Zain knew he was a stern man, but he had no idea he would do something like that. Then again, maybe he hadn’t planned on having an affair, and it had just happened. But he was determined to continue the affair when he brought his mistress on vacation with his family.Zain never wanted it to be that way between Jasmine and him. Even though he hadn’t slept with her yet, Jasmine had already ruined him for all other women. He opened the door for her, letting her go in first.The waitresses were dressed in Hawaiian strapless dresses, and the men wore Hawaiian shirts in the same floral red print. “Two for dinner?” The hostess smiled as they approached, li
Jasmine Once the soup came, the conversation turned to lighter topics. “So, what professional baseball team would you like to play for?” Jasmine asked, blowing across her Lobster Bisque and then swallowed it. It was delicious and one of her favorite soups. “The St. Louis Cardinals,” he answered right away, then took a sip of his soup. Her head snapped up. “Seriously?” He nodded, smiling. “Yeah, why?” She shrugged. “I thought you might say the Miami Marlins. Why St. Louis?” He let out a deep breath. “Because their fans are like no other I’ve seen. The Cardinals could be completely losing a game, but the fans will still cheer them on.” He talked about the players as Jasmine listened, intrigued. She knew she wanted to become a physical therapist to help people. But being a sports therapist might be good, too. She would still be helping people. Before this moment, she hadn’t ever really thought about it. But then again, Zain was causing her to think about a lot of things lately. S
Jasmine The next few weeks flew by with Jasmine working with Zain in Uncle Miguel’s food truck, surfing while we weren’t working, and getting everything ready to go to college and Las Vegas. But right now, Jasmine was thinking more of Las Vegas than going off to college. Zain was leaving the next day to get everything ready for her, and she had planned to meet him there the next day. She just hoped nothing happened to derail their plans. At the end of their shift, Zain wiped his hands on a hand towel. “Jasmine, my mother, and family are having a farewell party for me tonight before I leave for college, and I want you to come.” “Of course she’ll be there!” Miguel chirped, smiling as he shot a glance over at Jasmine. “I just hope you two can find a way to work this out. You know, it would be a whole lot simpler if you were going to the same college—” “Uncle Miguel,” Zain cut him off. “Everything’s going to work out.” He let out a deep breath, biting his lower lip. “If Jasmine come
Jasmine “If this is casual, why does it hurt so much?” Jasmine asked Zain as the taxi pulled up in front of the courthouse. Zain bites his lower lip, tears in his eyes. “We don’t have to do this. We can stay married and get a corm room together at USC.” “I know, but I don’t want to hold you back.” As tempted as that sounds, she could never forgive herself if he quits baseball to support a wife and family. “You’re not.” They had the same conversation for the last hour. And before that, every time one of them had brought it up. “Jasmine, we could rent a car and speak with the officials at USC when we get there.” He sighed, his eyes pleading. “then we can call our parents and let them know what’s going on.” She chuckled. “At least they would have a year to get over being mad at us.” Zain gave her a small, heartbreaking smile. “Or until Christmas.” “Let’s go.” Jasmine knew if they didn’t get out of the cab now, she’d take Zain up on his offer and have the cab driver take them to a
ZainSteam billowed around them like a warm, comforting blanket—a stark contrast to the chill of uncertainty that awaited outside the sanctuary they had created. Zain reached out, his fingers trailing through the condensation on the glass door before pulling it open. The sound of water rushing from the showerhead filled the space with a soothing rhythm, and he stepped inside, eager for the embrace of both the heat and his wife.Jasmine was already there, a vision of serenity beneath the cascade. Her skin, kissed by water droplets, glistened under the soft bathroom light. She turned toward him, her eyes locking with his with an intensity that spoke volumes of the wordless pact they’d made—to cherish these final moments before parting ways, before their love was tested by distance and time.“Hey,” Zain whispered, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, inviting and genuine. His heart thrummed, a steady drumbeat syncing with the pitter-patter of water hitting the tile.“Hey,” Jasmine
Zain Zain and Jasmine lay on the bed Sunday night, eating a pizza. They had take out sent in and hadn’t left their hotel room since they entered it. They were officially married now… no matter how long it lasted… and could do what they wanted for only a few more glorious hours. Zain’s heart sank, hating the thought of having to say goodbye to her the following day. He had waited for her his whole life. And now that he had found her, he wasn’t going to let her go. “Come with me to USC,” he breathed against her skin, the pizza forgotten. She rolled him over onto his back and lay across his chest, looking into his eyes. “Zain, we talked about this.” “I know, but we’ll have a whole year to figure something out.” He hated the thought of leaving her behind after graduation, but he hated the thought of losing her more. Jasmine kissed his chest, her beautiful brown hair fanned out over him, framing her gorgeous face. “Zain, I’m not going to hold you back—” “You won’t.” He bit his lower
Jasmine Jasmine's heart thundered, echoing the ripples of the satin sheets beneath them as they lay in each other’s arms. But the air felt heavier, as if soaked in anticipation of more to come. “How do you feel?” Zain pushed back her hair as he looked into her eyes, breathless, his eyes filled with concern. “I’m fine. Ready to go again?” Zain laughed. “I thought you’d never ask.” Zain sat up, bringing her with him as he held her in his arms, his lips descending upon hers in a passionate kiss. I’ve never felt this way before.” “Neither have I.” She hated herself for the thought but had to know. “Have you ever been in love before?” He sighed, lost in thought as his hard cock rubbed against her pussy lips, causing them to twitch. “I thought I had been in the past, but it was nothing like this. Now, I know that I’ve never truly loved anyone else before… not like this. Jasmine, no matter what happens between us, you’ll always be the one.” “Shush….” Jasmine gently pressed her finger
Jasmine Zain swept Jasmine into his arms, and she nestled against his chest as he carried her to the bed, laying her down gently, lying over her, careful not to crush her. Zain pulled her close, his hands slowly moving over her trembling body as heat exploded under his touch. His hands were strong and gentle, exploring every inch of her as he kissed and massaged her breasts, licking and sucking, and then slid down her body to her stomach. He circled her navel with his tongue and then moved lower, wrapping his arms around her legs, guiding them over his shoulder. “Zain, I want you—” “Just relax,” he breathed, dangerously close to her heat but with a tenderness that made her ache deep within. She ran her fingers through his hair as he clenched the side of her panties with his teeth, pulled them down her legs, and then discarded them onto the floor. “You are one gorgeous woman,” he breathed as he looked into her eyes, reaching up to rub and massage her breasts. Jasmine nearly rose o
Jasmine “I’ll be right back.” Zain rose from his seat and headed straight for the counter. She took another gulp of her Margarita, letting the sweet liquid work its magic, relaxing her. Jasmine smiled as she watched Zain at the counter, guessing she opened her mouth too soon. Zain sat in front of her a moment later with a take-out container and set it to the side. “For when you’re ready to go.” She nodded, smiling as her nervousness threatened to return. “Let’s finish our drinks first, then we won’t have to leave our room the whole weekend.” He chuckled as he took another sip of his beer. “Are you sure you don’t want to see some sights while we’re here?” “The only thing they want to see is you naked on our bed.” Jasmine didn’t know where this sudden burst of courage had come from, but she liked it. It must have been the Margarita. Zain laughed, rolling his eyes. “You know how to make a man squirm. Don’t you?” “Let’s finish our drinks and get out of here.” She didn’t have to te
Zain “Thank you, Rev. Woodward.” I smiled as I shook his hand vigorously, my heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst. He chuckled. “It’s my pleasure. Now....” He placed his hands on our shoulders, looking between us. “Go and have a wonderful life.” Gladys dabbed at her eyes as she approached. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful couple.” She pulled Jasmine in for a hug. “Congratulations, dear.” “Thank you.” Jasmine dabbed at her eyes, too. Then Gladys pulled me in for a hug. “Take care of that girl,” she whispered, her voice serious as she released me. I nodded as my heart plummeted. After this, there was no way I was going to be able to let Jasmine go come Monday. “I will.” After saying our last goodbyes, I placed my hand on the small of Jasmine’s back, and we headed into the hallway. “So, where would you like to go? The Steakhouse again, the Pizzeria, or the Blue Iguana.” “The Blue Iguana?” Jasmine looked at me as if I had lost my mind. I shrugged as I hit the button
Jasmine“So, you must be Zain Perez and you must be Jasmine Hunt!” A cheerful man greeted them as they walked in. “Yes, we have an appointment to be married at twelve o’clock.” Zain handed him his driver’s license as well as the marriage certificate. Jasmine handed him her driver’s license, too. She was afraid that the kind, older man might say something about her having just turned eighteen, but he smiled as he handed back their IDs. “Well, it looks like everything is in order!” He smiled as he clasped his hands. “This is how it’ll work.” He pointed toward a glass case where a woman stood, smiling. “Ms. Hunt, you’ll choose the bouquet you’d like, and Mr. Perez, you’ll choose the handkerchief to go in your front breast pocket. Then you’ll both come and stand at the altar.” He clasped his hands, suddenly serious. “Are either of you religious?”Zain glanced over at me and then nodded as he turned back to the man. “Both of us are.”“Good,” the kind man replied. “My name is Reverend Woo
Jasmine Jasmine nodded and took off her robe as he watched, his eyes combing her body. Although she was happy that tomorrow would be their wedding day, she was sad that it wasn’t real. But it always would be for her... no matter what happened between them in the time to come. Try as she might, she couldn’t sleep, so she rolled over to face Zain. “Are you awake?” His head nodded slightly in the moonlight. “Yes, of course.” “Promise me our life together will be amazing.” She took in the sight of him lying in his bed with his arm tucked behind his head, shirtless as the moonlight illuminated his body. “I promise.” There was a pause in the dimly lit room. “Look. We’re committing to each other tomorrow, no matter what happens on Monday. And I promise you, that commitment will stay with me... always.” Jasmine smiled, starry-eyed as she dreamed of what tomorrow—and their lives—held. “Always.” Zain let out a contented sigh as he turned to face her, his eyes illuminated in the moonligh