She lets out a disgruntled noise. “Ugh, well he didn't specifically ask me to ask you. He just mentioned it in front of me, so I thought I'd find out. Didn't know you had a girlfriend or that you'd be with her. Is it that same chick who came with you that other time? You didn't bring her last time.”
I glance over to Jasmine, but she's looking out the window. I didn't even tell her about the race a couple of days ago. I wasn't really trying to hide it. I just didn't want to be responsible for triggering another panic attack or having her worry. Plus, it was at three a.m, and she had just worked a really long shift the day before. I went and raced, then left right away, ignoring the offers to try some pills or get a blow job.
“None of it is any of your business,” I tell Brandy. “And if Reese wants to know anything, he can call and ask.” I hang up, dropping my phone into my lap and chancing another peek at Jasmine, but she's still looking out the window. “You don't have to worry about her,” I try to assure her, thinking she's maybe concerned about it. But when she turns to face me, the slightest smirk is playing on her lips.
“You called me your girlfriend.” I guess I did. It just sort of came out without a thought. I don't know what else I'd call her anyway. She's not just some fuck. “If you're racing tomorrow night, I'd like to come.”
I feel my brows drop into a deep v. “Absolutely not.”
“I think I can handle it. I just hadn't prepared myself and–”
“Jaz,” I cut in. “There is no fucking way that I'd intentionally put you in a position to have an attack. No.”
She sighs but doesn't say anything more about it. I can tell she's somewhat upset by my gruff response, but, hell, that shit scared me the last time, and then I felt like shit for putting her in that situation. I can't handle more guilt.
I pull up outside a diner and then grip her chin, turning it to face me.
“I'm sorry. I just care about you, okay?” Her eyes immediately soften, all the annoyance draining out of her features. “Let's go eat some food before you get hangry, and then go back to your place so I can eat dessert.” Leaning in, I peck her lips, wink, and then get out of the car.
CHAPTER 25
JASMINE
Two glorious weeks.
Has it reallyonlybeen that long since Cam and I officially started seeing each other? My soft heart that's already attached would argue that it's been longer, except that I know it's only been two weeks since Walter left the hospital. And it was the night before that I went to Cam's race.
Everything changed that night.
Walter and I have been messaging, but it doesn't compare to actually seeing him daily like I was at the hospital, so I decided to stop by this afternoon after my shift.
Admittedly, I would have come sooner had I not been so distracted with spending time with Cam. He has come to my apartment almost every day, either before my shifts at the hospital or after.
And the sex . . .
I feel warm and tingly just thinking about it. His seemingly insatiable appetite seems to be rubbing off on me, too, with the number of times I daydream about him when he's not around. His body is delectable, but it's his piercings that my fingers most often gravitate toward, always touching or tugging at them. And if the groan that rumbles from his chest each time is any indication, he loves it, too.
But it's not just the sex. He satisfies the craving for companionship and feeling cherished and cared for.
I refocus my thoughts on the door before me and knock.
“There she is.” Walter greets me with a giant smile when he opens the door and steps back.
“Walter.” My heart swells at the sight of my friend, who has sort of been like a father to me since I met him. “I've missed you.” I step through the door, wrapping him up in a tight hug. He feels skinnier than I remember, which causes me to pull back and look him over. “Have you been eating enough?”
He waves me off with a chuckle. “You stop that. I'm fine. Besides, you're not my nurse here, just a friend visiting.”
“Yes, and as a friend, I'm still concerned about you. Don't think that my caring for you begins and ends at the hospital.”
I watch as he walks into his little kitchen with an amused smile on his face. He can pretend all he wants, but I know he loves that I care about him. “Tea? Coffee? Water?”
“I'll have tea, but I can make it if you like,” I offer.
“Do you see a cane or a walker anywhere?”
With furrowed brows, I glance around the area. “Um. No?”
“Then I'm perfectly fine to walk around and get us some drinks.” He throws a wink at me over his shoulder. “Now, go sit down and relax.”
