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 My father’s face turned every shade of red and finally settled on pink as his temper cooled. “What are you doing here, anyway?” Jasmine pulled her arm away from him and glanced over at her mother. “Mom, I thought it was over between you two! That you were starting your life over again—” “I am.” Her mother finally found her voice as she rose to her feet, glaring at her soon-to-be ex-husband. “Your father came to spend time with you before you leave for college.” “Well, not tonight. I have plans with Zain and his family. He’s leaving tomorrow.” Jasmine let out a deep breath. “Besides, tomorrow’s my last day here, and I was going to spend it with Mom.” “No, tonight you’re going out with Holly and me—” “What?” I cut him off. “Please tell me your mistress isn’t Holly Barrett!” I rolled my eyes. “Dad, she’s a spoiled rich girl who’s just out for your money and a good time—” Before she knew it, he slapped her across the face, shaking Jasmine to her core as pain rushed through h
ZainCarmen hit him on the back of the head. “What are you doing, Zain, bringing her here?” she stage-whispered when Jasmine was safely inside and out of earshot. “You know you’re leaving tomorrow, and you have your career to think about—”“Believe me, I haven’t forgotten.” He let out a deep breath. “Jasmine doesn’t want me to give up my dreams—”“Well, I hope you know what you’re doing,” Carmen huffed, cutting him off. “Just don’t forget your promise to Poppy—”“For the second time, I haven’t forgotten.” Zain shook his head. “Now, do you mind if I get a beer before you continue lecturing me?” He headed toward the house with Sylvia on his hip but stood her on her feet on the front porch. “I just hope you know what you’re doing,” Carmen’s voice trailed off behind him as he walked inside.“So do I,” he mumbled under his breath as he headed through the house and out the back door. After nearly decking her father, he needed a beer to calm his nerves.He walked outside, and Raphael was al
Jasmine The music blared as I sat across from Carmen, making talking nearly impossible. “How do you feel about him?” Carmen asked. “Really.” Even though it wasn’t any of her business, Jasmine didn’t mind answering. “I love him. He’s my first and only love.” Carmen nodded. “Just make sure he doesn’t give up on his dreams.” For a moment, I wondered if they were really his dreams or his father’s. But I quickly pushed the thought aside, knowing how much Zain loved baseball. “That’s not my intention.” “Good!” A broad smile spread across her lips. “That’s all I wanted to hear.” But Jasmine’s smile faded as she thought about having to leave him soon. “What’s wrong?” Carmen leaned back and rubbed her enormous stomach, which looked more like a beach ball. Jasmine bit her lower lip. “I just hope when we both go off to college that it’s not the last time we see each other.” Carmen leaned forward and held her hand. “It won’t be. If Zain is who you want, then fight for him.” “How?” Jasm
JasmineZain looked down at his niece and smiled. “Well, Munchkin! What would you like to eat?”Juan had been in the process of fixing her plate when he decided it was time for his wife to go to the hospital.“Where did Mommy and Daddy go?” she asked, looking up at her uncle as concern filled her eyes. Zain scooped her up and set her on his lap. “Well, you’re mommy and daddy went to greet your new little brother, Sebastian, into the world.”“Can I go?” she blinked back tears.Zain kissed the top of her head. “In a little while. But right now, you need to eat.”Watching Zain with his niece was adorable. He’d make a great father one day. Jasmine rose to her feet. “I’ll start putting everything away.” She lifted a huge bowl of potato salad, but Zain stopped her.“Jasmine, why don’t you sit here with Sylvie and Raphael, and I’ll put everything away?”“My name is Sylvia,” she growled. “Okay. That’s enough, Munchkin. You know that’s my nickname for you.” Zain stood and lifted the potato s
ZainZain arrived at the hospital early the next day, eager to see his sister and new little nephew. His clothes were packed, and he was ready to go, having planned to go straight to the airport to meet Jasmine when he left the hospital.At Jasmine’s insistence, he reluctantly let her go back to her condo the night before. He just hoped nothing had happened to her before she met him, and that her father hadn’t come back.If he touched her, he was going to kill him. Damn the consequences. But no matter how eager he was to see Jasmine and see for himself that she was okay, nothing was going to stop him from being there for his sister now. He was just glad that he was there when she had the baby.When he walked in, the hospital antiseptic smell was overwhelming, more so than he’d remembered from occasional trips to the emergency room when he was a child from playing baseball or some other sport. The bright lights lit up the hallway as he stepped out of the elevator and made his way to h
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