The corners of his mouth turned up. “The grandmother who adores me?”
Now Jasmine groaned out loud. “Yes, that one. Anyway, we’re having a huge party for her, and if you wanted to—I mean, it would just really make her day if—”
“Jasmine.” He said her name in a low voice that set off all kinds of pleasant vibrations in her body.
“Mm-hmm?” What else could she say when consumed with pure lust?
“Are you inviting me to your abuela’s birthday party?”
“Um... yeah. I am. Which sounds kind of dull, but I promise, it’ll be a lot of fun. The Rodriguez fam knows how to throw a party.”
He stared at her for what felt like a long time, his expression inscrutable. Just when she was sure he was about to say no, he spoke. “I don’t have my return flight booked yet, and it will depend on the needs of my own grandparents, but if I’m in New York, I’ll attend.”
She blinked. “Really?”
His lips curved in a small smile. “Yes, really.”
“Great. Thank you.”
Their eyes held, and Jasmine’s body grew warm all over. Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and when he leaned in to drop a farewell kiss to her cheek, she inhaled sharply and fought a full body shiver. Shehadto find out what cologne he wore.
“Goodnight, Jasmine.”
The low rumble thudded through her. “Good night,” she echoed, voice hoarse with desire.
Then he raised his voice and called out, “Nice meeting you both.” Ava and Michelle yelled their goodbyes in harmony, something the three of them had done since they were kids, and then Ashton slipped out the door, leaving Jasmine trying to catch her breath.
Whew.
That was...
Whew. Later on, she was going to have to think about why she found his hellos and goodbyes so arousing.
Crisis averted, Michelle and Ava left shortly after Ashton did. Michelle’s parting words were, “You’re welcome,” paired with a meaningful glance. Ava had mouthed, “We’ll discuss later.” And then they were gone, too, leaving Jasmine alone with one single thought.
Ashton had been flirting with her.
Why else would he ask about her reaction to him? And he’d called her pretty, albeit in an offhand, term of endearment kind of way.
But then he’d called her a liar when she claimed not to have an emotional reaction to him. And the way he’d said “good night” just now was probably illegal in twelve states.
He was right. She was lying. The truth was, she had all sortsof emotional reactions to him. But she wouldn’t—couldn’t—let him know the effect he had on her.
Her traitorous little heart converted pants feelings into emotions far too readily. It was rather efficient that way.
But now wasn’t the time or place. Her feelings for him had to stay firmly within lust territory. The Leading Lady Plan was in action, and this opportunity was too big to screw up.
And besides. No rebounds. She’d promised herself and her cousins.
If she went back on it now, Ava and Michelle would never let her live it down.
Crushes were fleeting. Family teasing was forever.
Chapter 20
CARMEN IN CHARGE
EPISODE 6
