AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A flash of movement caught his attention. Jasmine walked out the back door with Remy. The other women approached her and gave her a hug before she waved and headed down the steps. Her gaze locked with his before she turned and continued the other way down the beach, her hands wrapping around herself. She looked like she was drowning, and he wanted to be the one to pull her to safety. But that was in no way a part of the plan. Impossible didn’t begin to explain the situation.
Someone cleared their throat. He whipped around. All three men were staring at him. It was clear from the overprotective-big-brother vibes Bently had going on that he thought Atlas was after their sister. Which he wasn’t. But he couldn’t keep his eyes off her either. AlthoughI did kiss her.
“Tuesday we’re heading to the ropes course. You should come,” Mikel invited him.
Hanging out with these guys was great, but that wasn’t why he was here. “I don’t know.”
“He probably couldn’t cut it.” Bently smirked.
The challenge burned his veins with determination. If there was one thing he’d like more than to wipe that smirk off Bently’s face, he couldn’t think of it at that moment. Besides, how many deals were made over the golf course? Time with her family would give him more insight into her, and how he could figure outwhat she wanted. So he could have the inn and get what he wanted: CEO position at Remington Empire. Along with the respect he finally deserved. Only one week left to make it happen.
“I’m game.”
Bently nodded.
“Another round?” Andre asked, tossing the volleyball in the air.
Atlas’s eyes flicked back to the beach. “Actually, I’m gonna go for a walk.” He turned around, not needing to see the men’s reactions. Something tugged inside him, leading him to the small woman in the distance. I just want to check on her and make sure she is okay.
* * *
Atlas caught up to Jasmine within a few minutes. She was sitting on a piece of driftwood on top of a sand dune facing towards the ocean.
“Hey,” he said.
She wiped her face and turned around, her eyes red and puffy. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“I’m fine.” She smiled, but it seemed forced. It didn’t reach her eyes.
He nodded and pointed towards the makeshift seat. “May I?”
“Sure.”
He took a seat and stared out at the ocean in silence for a few beats. “Your family seems pretty cool.”
She chuckled, and it warmed his chest. “Don’t tell them that. It’ll go to their heads.”
He smiled. “No one is that perfect, right? Tell me they have this dark, secret double life.”
Her eyes dimmed. Shit. What did I say?
“They’ve all been through hell and came out the other side. They know how to hang on to something good when they have it.”
And what hell have you known?
“Zoey’s a great little girl. You’re a good mom.” He bit his tongue. Was that too much?
Jasmine smiled, turning to face him. “She really is. I’m happy to hear you say that.”
“It can’t be easy doing it alone.” Where is Zoey’s dad in all this?
Her gaze wavered before she turned back to the ocean. “Zoey’s dad doesn’t know anything about her. He never knew I was pregnant.”
The air rushed from his lungs. Like all things with Jasmine, one answer led to more questions. How is that possible?
“How about your family? What are they like?” Jasmine asked.
