Only Ever Yours

Her eyes widen slightly in recognition. It would be hard to live in this area and not know my marina. It’s the biggest one in the state and is privately owned. Nobody within a hundred-mile radius can import or export anything without going through me.

We move down the line and I fill out a few of the auctions. When we get to the end, I see Brad talking to none other than Clint Pruitt and his asshole offspring.

“The person I need to speak to is over there,” I tell Jasmine, nodding toward the men standing in the corner, bullshitting.

Because my hand is on the small of her back, I feel her stiffen on the spot. But before I can question her and find out if one of those men are who has her scared—and if one of them is, I’ll make him regret the day he was born—she mutters, “I need to use the restroom, I’ll be back,” and scurries off, leaving me standing alone.

CHAPTER SIX

ISAAC

As Jasmine disappears through the crowd, I consider going after her, but I really need to speak with Brad, and the fact he’s standing with Clint is even more convenient.

“Gentlemen,” I announce, making my presence known. Brad flinches and Clint grumbles under his breath. James—Clint’s son—glares. “I’m glad I could catch you together. There seems to be a problem with the property over on Sycamore.” I glance from Clint over to Brad. “It seems someone called the ERM on it. Clint, here, says he has no clue. Do you know anything about that?”

Without hesitation, Brad shakes his head. “I told you we had a deal.”

“I know what you said, but the ERM being called and deeming fifteen acres as wetland tends to send mixed messages.”

“It wasn’t me,” Brad insists. “I was just telling Clint about your plans to make a community center and park…” I watch him closely as he rambles on about the agreement we came to. I’ve done enough business with him over the years to know when he’s lying, and unless he’s gotten better at it, he’s not. Which means either Clint or someone else is trying to fuck with me.

“I can ask around,” Brad offers.

“Thanks,” I tell him. “The industrial park is happening, even if I have to alter my plans slightly. But if we can’t figure this out, the first thing to go will be the community center and park.” My eyes roam over his shoulder and land on Jasmine, who’s standing by the bar, her eyes darting around nervously. I glance at Brad once more, ignoring the presence of Clint and his son. “I have someone looking for me. We’ll get together soon.”

Without giving any of them another glance, I walk past them and over to Jasmine, whose eyes meet mine. Her shoulders drop slightly and a poor excuse for a smile graces her lips, making me long for the real one she showed me earlier.

When I reach her, I cage her in against the bar, resting my hands on either side of it against the edge. “You find the bathroom okay?”

“I did. Did you find your guy?”

“Yeah. They still have the auction, but I don’t need to be here for that. I did what I came to do. You want to get out of here?” Maybe I can convince her to go somewhere with me so we can talk and get to know each other better.

She gnaws on the corner of her lip, contemplating for several long seconds. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she finally says, her lips turned down in a frown. “I just…” She releases a harsh breath. “Tonight was a mistake.”

I don’t know what she means by that, but I don’t bother asking, because I know, even after only spending a short time with her, she has no intention of telling me anything. It doesn’t matter if there’s evident chemistry between us, she’s got shit in her closet she’s not ready to let out yet. She’s going to need more time to open up to me, and that’s okay because I have all the time in the world.

“It’s okay,” I tell her, backing up and giving her her space. “Thank you for accompanying me tonight.”

Her eyes descend to the floor and she nods once. “I’m sorry…”

“You have nothing to be sorry for. You were hired to escort me tonight and you did just that.” I pinch her chin gently to raise her face so she’ll look at me again. “Let’s get you home. It’s nearly midnight. Wouldn’t want you turning into a pumpkin.” I wink playfully, and the cutest fucking giggle escapes past her lips, showing me more of the real her.

The ride to her place is filled with high tensioned silence. More than once I catch her peeking at me through her lashes, almost as if she wants to say something, but she remains quiet. When the driver pulls up, I get out first so I can help her out. And with a chaste kiss to her cheek, I thank her again for accompanying me and then wait until she’s inside her building before getting inside the car to go home.