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For the first time, that name grated on his nerves. Why was he introduced as mister and Turner got to be just Turner? Who was this man to Jasmine? And why did he have to care so fucking much?
“No,” he answered a little more gruffly than he’d intended.
Zoey’s eyes widened and her mouth opened into an O. “I thought everybody liked candy.”
“I prefer chocolate.” He winked. It wasn’t her fault he was rabid with jealousy over the man who couldn’t keep his filthy hands off her mother.
“I noticed the grass needed mowing. I’ll be back tomorrow to take care of it,” Turner said, letting Jasmine go.
Hot anger wrapped around him and squeezed. He wanted to be the one to help Jasmine if she needed it, not this pretty-boy sailor.
“Oh, no. I got it covered,” Jasmine argued.
“Already got the mower loaded into the truck and on the agenda for tomorrow. I’ll be working with Dad’s landscaping company for the rest of my leave. It’s not a problem. Besides, I still owe you one.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Turner, I can’t—”
“I insist,” he ordered.
She nodded, conceding. “Okay. But then we’re even.”
He grinned. “Whatever you say, Trouble.”
She smiled, and shook her head. “Don’t ever change, Turner.”
“I won’t.” He pulled her in again and kissed her cheek.
Pain radiated through Atlas’s jaw as he clamped his teeth harder. He forced his eyes to his white knuckles. She isn’t mine. His chest tightened, his lungs cinching together and cutting off his oxygen supply.
I’m just a guest. Temporary.But it didn’t do anything to calm the riot raging inside him at seeing Jasmine in another man’s arms.
“See ya later,” Turner said before giving Zoey a wave and a wink as he left.
Jasmine walked over to clear the table, her eyes landing on his. Her brows drew together. “Are you okay?”
“Fucking fantastic.”
Jasmine’s mouth dropped open as her face flushed. Her eyes flicked to Zoey who was seemingly too focused on her candy to have heard his slip.
Atlas shot to his feet and darted out the back screen door towards the ocean. He needed some air. And a long walk to get this monster inside him under control.
Hours later, he wandered back to the inn. He owed Jasmine an apology for losing his temper and saying what he’d said in front of her daughter. But he also wanted to be put out of his misery and know who the fuck Turner was to her.
Was he an old boyfriend? Zoey’s father? Not that it should matter because he was leaving in four days. But it did. Technically he’d gotten his answer from her about the inn. She wouldn’t sell. The only trick left up his sleeve was to come out and tell her why he was here and offer her an embarrassing amount of money. Not many people could turn down the offer when they saw their name on a check with so many zeros. But he didn’t want to do that because it would mean his time here really would be up. Jasmine would look at him differently. And he wasn’t ready to let go just yet. He liked the Atlas he got to be here in Shattered Cove. No one had expectations of him. No one thought less of a man who had humble dreams. And she was here.
That little girl was worming her way into his heart too. He’d actually miss Zoey when he went back to New York. Since when did he give a child a second thought?
He pushed open the screen door and walked through the empty kitchen. Voices came from the other room.
“We planned this weeks ago. Come on. You can handle one afternoon out with everyone,” Remy said.
“I know what you all are doing. And I appreciate it, but I just want to be alone today,” Jasmine replied.
“It’s not only for you. They need this distraction. They need you.”
Jasmine huffed. “Fine.”
What is today? Atlas walked the rest of the way into the inn. Both women turned to look up at him. Remy smiled, but Jasmine’s gaze darted away.
