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
Zain After Zain left the room, he headed downstairs and slid into a cab that was waiting for him. “To the airport, please.” “You got it, bub,” the driver replied, chomping down on a thick cigar between his teeth. Zain stared out the window at the palm trees swaying in the breeze as they passed, thinking of his family and Jasmine. Then again, he considered Jasmine to be a part of his family now, too. Although he knew his sister and mother would be alright without him, he couldn’t help but worry. But when they pulled into the drive leading to the airport, his heart pounded as he thought of Jasmine, pushing everything else from his mind. He just hoped she didn’t leave him standing in the airport waiting for her, alone. He checked his phone and there was still no messages from her. But when the cab driver pulled to a stop, he quickly pushed the thought aside as he paid the paid him. “Thanks, man,” the driver said as he took the money. Zain nodded as he slid out of the cab and checked
Jasmine As the cab headed down the Las Vegas strip, butterflies danced in Jasmine’s stomach in anticipation. “Do you think we should just get one or two rooms tonight?” She felt like an idiot for asking, but this was all so new to her. “It’s up to you,” he replied, his eyes filled with concern. “But we’re not going to do anything until after we’re married tomorrow.” She nodded, not sure if she would be able to wait that long for him. She had never wanted anything or anyone so badly in her life as she wanted him in this moment. But then again, she had waited this long, so she could wait a few more hours. “One room will be fine, then.” He pulled her to his side and kissed the side of her head. “I promise, you’ll be safe with me.” But a part of her didn’t want to be safe. Not with Zain. She had started taking birth control pills and was ready, but she had made her mother a promise, and she intended to keep it. When the cab came to a stop, Zain paid the driver, and they carried their
Zain When Jasmine walked out of the bathroom, she looked even more gorgeous than she’d ever looked before. I knew I’d better get out of the room, or we’d never even make it to the altar the next day. I looked at my cell phone, and it was just five o’clock. The Marriage License Bureau was open until midnight. “This is going to sound crazy, but let’s get our marriage license now.” I smiled as my eyes met hers, hoping she agreed. Jasmine’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. “You mean, get married now?” I let out a long, slow breath, shaking my head. “No. But if we get our license now and make an appointment at the chapel tonight, then we’ll be all set to get married tomorrow.” She stared at me for a long moment. “But if you’d rather wait and do everything tomorrow, it’s okay—” “No, Zain,” she cut me off, taking a step closer. “Let’s do it.” A broad smile spread across my lips as I took her hand. “Good. The bureau is open until midnight, so we’ll have plenty of time.” I took her han
Jasmine “Are you nervous?” Zain asked Jasmine as they left their hotel room, heading for the elevator. Jasmine nodded, smiling sheepishly. “A little, but I’ll be more nervous tomorrow.” Zain laughed. “I will be, too.” She arched an eyebrow. “You’re nervous?” A sexy smile lit his lips. “It’s not every day you get married.” He pushed the button when they entered the elevator. “So, where would you like to eat? There’s a Mexican restaurant, a steakhouse, a pizzeria, and an all-you-can-eat buffet.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Let’s do the Mexican restaurant, the steakhouse, or pizza.” She laughed as the elevator opened on a quiet floor high above the casino. “Somehow, going to an all-you-can-eat buffet the night before we get married doesn’t sound very romantic.” “Let’s go to the steakhouse then.” Zain took her hand and smiled. “We can always save the buffet for tomorrow.” She laughed, feeling more relaxed now than she had earlier. Something about Zain always sent a feeling of p
JasmineJasmine laughed, shaking her head, knowing he was only teasing. “Yeah, right!” She laughed. “I just hope I don’t have a hangover tomorrow for our wedding!”He laughed. “You won’t.”The seafood was exquisite with rich, flavorful sauces and was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Every bite was delicious.“Wow! This is really good.” Jasmine took another bite and moaned, savoring the flavor.“Keep moaning like that, and I just may have to get another room.” He winked and slurped an oyster off the half-shell, looking sexier than a man had a right to.“Sweetheart,” she leaned in close, feeling a bit more brazen with the alcohol. “You won’t need another room.”He started choking and quickly took a sip of his champagne. “It’s a good thing I’m a gentleman.”When the steaks arrived, they were thick and juicy, cooked just to the right consistency.Soon, Jasmine sat back, feeling the effects of the champagne and food, fully sated. “Wow! That was really good.”“Yes, it was.” Zain took another
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