“I’d like to see you try,” she muttered back. The most amazing kiss of his life? It was hers too, but that didn’t matter.
He chuckled. “If it means another kiss with you, I’ll take him down easily.”
She steeled herself. “Sorry. That was a one and done.”
“No.” Kaleb’s voice was strong and determined. “You can’t take every good thing in my future away from me.”
She glanced sharply up at him. “Every good thing?” She scoffed. He was being dramatic. It was what singers did, right?
“You are my future, Jaz,” he said, his determined yet tender gaze backing up his words.
Jasmine’s heart raced and her entire body filled with warmth. She was his future? How could he say that? The terrifying thing was, he believed it. She could see the sincerity in his incredible eyes.
Jasmine didn’t care about the act any more. Lines like that could not be tolerated. She had to get away to save herself and to save Kaleb, like she’d told him earlier. Hopefully the photographers had enough pictures. She elbowed him, hard. He grunted and released his hold on her waist. Luckily his mom was mere steps away. Jasmine moved her direction.
“We haven’t officially met,” Jasmine said. She and Bree had hidden out in her room until it was time to walk down the aisle.
“It doesn’t matter, beautiful girl.” His petite mom hugged her close. “I see the way my boy looks at you. You must be an angel to have him so wrapped up.” She lowered her voice. “Treat him nice or I’ll rip out your hair.” She released her and smiled.
The smile was so sincere, the words something Jasmine would have loved to hear from her mother-in-law. I’ll rip out your hair? Jasmine appreciated her spice. This was truly a woman after her own heart. If only Jasmine wasn’t a monster inside who would shred someone innocent and perfect like Kaleb. You must be an angel? Jasmine was the devil in a beautiful female form, and she would happily let Kaleb’s mom rip her hair out if she hurt Kaleb. She had to be stronger, make sure he didn’t fall for her. She smiled woodenly at his mom, not able to think of any response, not able to lie and say she’d treat him nice.
Bree grabbed her next and pulled her in tight for a hug. Jasmine relaxed into her sister, the only sense of home she’d ever known. She hoped this wedding ceremony and dinner would be over quickly, but then she’d be alone with Kaleb again. What was worse? Faking that she was in love with Kaleb in front of his family and her friends, or being alone with him and having to knock him to the floor to keep from kissing him?
Chapter Nine
Kaleb made it through all the hand-shaking, back-slapping, and other forms of congratulations after the wedding. He endured the fancy, drawn-out dinner with a big grin on his face. Everyone seemed in high spirits and the cameras were clicking away. These photographers didn’t know about the threat or that the wedding would be annulled tomorrow. They only knew they’d been given a unique opportunity to photograph a celebrity’s rushed marriage and they seemed excited about it. The rest of the wedding party had an underlying tension surrounding them, or maybe it was just Kaleb that felt it. He wanted to have Sutton capture whoever threatened his brothers’ teammates and he wanted to get his new wife alone and kiss her until he convinced her that taking a chance on him was worth it. Admittedly, the convincing would be a lot of fun.
He couldn’t stop thinking about that kiss and he couldn’t stop staring at Jasmine as, finally, they said goodbye to everyone and walked up the stairs to his house, late that afternoon. She was allowing him to hold her hand as they ascended the wooden staircase. He knew it was for show as the photographers were still going nuts, but he loved her hand clasped with his.
He wondered how they’d pass the time as they waited to hear what happened tonight. He was certain with Sutton’s men involved, the person would be caught and the charade could end. The annulment would get as much attention as the marriage and probably do great things for his sales. It made him sick. He didn’t want to let Jasmine get away and he would never use her for a publicity stunt. He frowned, trying to scheme up a way to keep her in his life.
“Did you lose your dog, your horse, and your wife in one fell swoop?” Jasmine asked as they reached his back yard and walked along the grass toward the pool area.
“Excuse me?” He knew she was referring to the typical slam everyone gave country music, but the thought of losing his wife made his brows draw even more together.
“You’re looking so moody and broody over there.”
He smiled. “Forgive me for being ‘moody and broody’.” He swallowed hard and admitted, “I was thinking how I don’t want to let you get away.”
She stopped walking on the patio next to the pool and tugged her hand free. “Don’t get caught up in this wedding nonsense. You never had me, so it won’t be any sweat for you to ‘let me get away’.”
Kaleb suddenly got fed up. He wanted her to be his, but the only time she’d softened toward him, at all, had been when he’d kissed her. “What did I ever do to turn you against me?”
She glared at him as if he’d ruined her entire life. “Nothing yet, buckaroo, and let’s keep it that way. We’re going to be in close quarters until this idiot is caught. I need to make sure that you aren’t tempted to get too close.”
He was more than tempted and he’d already revealed it to her. Why was she so standoffish with him? Did the kiss mean nothing to her? “Your professionalism is underwhelming.”
She grinned and she looked so beautiful, especially in the white dress that set her glowing, dark skin off perfectly. “My bedside manner is the worst in the industry.” Her words thrust him back to reality. The reality of her not wanting him. “But I’m going to keep you alive, and honestly, that should be all that matters to you right now.”
Kaleb wanted to fight with her. She was the most infuriating woman he’d ever met. But his clock was ticking. The sun was sliding toward the ocean in the west, when night fell and they caught the guy or girl, Jasmine would disappear from his life. He’d like to think that Bree or Griff would help him get together with her again, but he didn’t think they would. Especially not Griff, jerk brother anyway.
He reached out a hand to her, not touching her but giving her the chance to meet him halfway. “All that matters to me right now is having more time with you.” He’d laid it out there. It was her response that would keep him hoping, or drive him to his studio to compose tragic love songs.
She looked him over carefully but she didn’t reach out her hand. “Sorry to disappoint you,” she said softly. Then she spun away, strode around the pool and through the closest set of french doors into the living room.
Kaleb watched her go. He reached up and loosened his tie, pulling it off. His wedding was over. By tomorrow it would be as if it had never happened. Sadly, he didn’t know if there’d ever be another wedding. What woman could compete with all the fire that Jasmine was and created in him? Nobody.
Chapter Ten
Jasmine spent the evening exactly how she’d spent part of the morning and early afternoon—hiding out in the suite she’d claimed in the upper level of Kaleb’s beautiful home. She’d wiggled her way out of the wedding dress and reverently put it in the bag. She loved that dress. She loved the way Kaleb had gazed at her in that dress.
Slipping into a tank top and comfy running shorts, she paced the large suite and watched the sun descend toward the water. She hated how she was treating Kaleb but it couldn’t be helped. He was so obviously into her. It killed her to not reciprocate, but that wasn’t her life. It couldn’t ever be her life. Her father up in heaven had a tremendous sense of humor to put her in the path of the man she’d always admired and desired and have him seem to feel the same. Yet she and the good Lord both knew she wasn’t right for Kaleb and never would be. Not to mention the fact that her past could easily catch up to her and harm this amazing man. The thought of the possessive and psychotic Troy getting ahold of Kaleb … she shuddered.
She shook her head to cle
ar the horrific images that had just popped into it, and paced some more. No way could she expose Kaleb to those kinds of dangers. She was here, right now, to protect him from some psycho fan or maybe his psycho ex-girlfriend. If the tables were turned and she had to protect him from Troy or other nightmares from her past ... She simply couldn’t allow her and Kaleb to grow closer.
Her phone rang and she snatched it out of her pocket. “Sutton?”
“Are you two getting along all right?”
What an odd question out of Sutton. “No. I’m in a bedroom and have no clue where he is.”
“Jasmine.” Sutton’s voice was patient, as always. “I need you to stay close to him. I don’t think this threat is what it seems. Something just doesn’t feel right.”
“What do you mean?” She clutched the phone tighter in her palm. Stay close to Kaleb? That would be an exquisite torture.
“I don’t know, just a gut instinct. I’ve upped the security around Kaleb’s house but you’re one of the best I’ve got, Jaz. Keep him safe. Keep yourself safe.”
“You think the girl, or whoever, will come here?”
“I’m preparing for anything and everything. Griff brought Ryder, Bree, and Tate here.” He actually laughed. “You should see Liz and Agatha with Tate. Brilliant.”
The only time Sutton was truly soft was when his wife was around. Their marriage was impressive to Jasmine. An idealistic love she’d never hope to copy.
“I bet.”
“I’m wondering if I should bring you and Kaleb in also. I’ve got a dozen guards throughout his property but it just doesn’t feel like enough.” He paused. “Let’s do it. I’ll send Griff in his Escalade and keep the security presence at Kaleb’s house in case someone is watching.”
Sutton’s men all had Escalades that were like armed vehicles, tricked out with every gadget a security guy, or girl, could hope for.
“Okay. We’ll watch for him.”
“Perfect. We already dropped off the money to the spot they designated outside the Railroad Museum at Balboa Park. I’ve got twenty men stationed there. We’ll catch the perpetrator soon and then you can be done with this job.”
Jasmine felt a pang of longing. Longing for Kaleb. She didn’t want to be done with this job, but she’d never admit that to anyone, especially not Sutton.
“Sounds great. See you soon.”
“Go find Kaleb and be waiting for Griff. I’ll have him pull into the garage, so you can load up without anyone seeing.”
Go find Kaleb. It was a direct order. She couldn’t ignore it. Excitement traced through her as she stowed her phone in the small pocket of her running shorts and strode to the bedroom door.
She walked through the upstairs but didn’t see or hear him. Descending the stairs, she could hear his guitar strumming and his voice singing low. She followed the sound through the main area and to the door of the master suite. Her throat tightened. She could not go in there and remain detached and somewhat sane.
Leaning closer to the door, she tried to pick out words but they were faded and her mind wandered. She’d love to sit and just listen to him sing, her own private concert with her favorite singer. Could anything be better than that? She touched her fingers to her lips. Yes, him kissing her.
The door opened and Jasmine yelped in surprise. She hadn’t even noticed the singing stop, she had been so caught up in remembering that kiss. Her cheeks burned as Kaleb stared down at her, guitar in hand.
“Hey,” he said quietly.
“Hey.” She let her eyes sweep over his handsome face, inhaling that mouth-watering scent of ginger and forest that clung to him, and said the last thing she should’ve said, “Will you sing for me?”
He nodded, his blue eyes tender. “Every song I sing is for you, Jaz.”
Jasmine’s own eyes widened and she sucked in a breath. It just got much too real and intimate. Not good. Escape, escape. She luckily remembered Sutton’s call in the midst of this spell that Kaleb seemed to cast over her. She backed up a step. “Griff’s on his way. Sutton wants to bring us in. Something doesn’t feel right to him and we always trust his instincts.”
Kaleb didn’t comment on her refusal to respond to his sweet pledge. “Okay. Should I pack a bag?”
“I would. His guys should catch the perp tonight, but if they don’t, I don’t know when Sutton will let you come back here.”
“I’m supposed to be in Vegas in two days.”
She shrugged. “We’ll try our best to get you there, sir.”
“Sir?” His eyebrows arched up.
“Pack your bag. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” She whirled away from him. “Sir” was a good way to address him. If there was any way she could keep this professional, she might save her heart and Kaleb’s. Thank heavens they were going to Sutton’s where her buddies would be close by and watching if she dared slip into fawning over Kaleb. That would be the best place for both of them—safe for Kaleb, safe for her heart.
Kaleb walked out of his room with a small bag over his shoulder. He’d hurried to pack, wanting to be with Jasmine if she’d allow it. She’d hidden in her room all evening. He’d started up the stairs several times but his respect for her and his own pride, hoping she’d come to him, kept him from pounding on her door.
Now the sun had dropped over the horizon and they were headed to Sutton’s. Any chance he had to get her interested in him was slipping away faster than the daylight.
She waited in the kitchen, watching the security cameras that showed different angles of the exterior of Kaleb’s house. “Hey,” she muttered, not turning to look at him.
“Watching for Griff?” he asked.
She nodded. “I want to open the garage door as soon as I see him.”
Kaleb set his bag down and edged closer to her. He loved her floral scent. She was feminine, even though she was tougher than any woman, and most men. Waiting for her to glance up at him, he was disappointed when she didn’t. Disappointment seemed to be the standard for his interactions with Jasmine, except for that kiss. He wanted to remind her of that kiss and get her honest reaction. There was no way he’d been the only one who had felt something. Unless she’d just been acting for the cameras.
But he didn’t know how to ask, so he said, “Have you and Griff worked together long?”
“Two years.” She still didn’t look at him, even though he was studying her nonstop. “He saved my life.”
This was news to him. “How?”
Jasmine finally glanced at him and gave a soft laugh. “We’re not delving into my past.” She looked away again.
She was a hard nut to crack.
Folding her arms across her chest she muttered, “Griff’s a good guy.”
Kaleb knew his brother was a good guy but he didn’t like the way she’d said that. Griff and Jasmine would be a perfect match. Did that mean … “Do you have feelings for my brother?”
Jasmine whipped to face him. “What?”
“Griff’s warned me away from you a few times. He doesn’t usually express his opinion unless he’s in deep. Are you two …” He didn’t even want to say it, but if she was with Griff he would have to respect his brother and back off. “Involved?”
Jasmine studied him, not smiling, not giving him any information from her stone-like face. Her dark eyes were chilly. “What does it matter to you?”
Kaleb reached up and touched her cheek. “I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m interested in you, Jaz.”
“I’m not with Griff,” she rushed out.
Kaleb smiled and she hesitantly returned it. She looked like she wanted to say more but instead she swallowed. Kaleb’s eyes were drawn to her lovely neck. He bent down low and kissed the pulse point in her neck. Jasmine let out a soft moan that made his body heat up. He slowly lifted his head but stayed bent down close to her. Her eyes softened for a fraction of a second before she shook her head and stepped back.
Kaleb straightened fully, the warmth he’d felt a moment ago slowl
y leaking out. Why couldn’t she let him in?
“Griff warns you away from me, not because he wants to be with me.” She pressed her lips together and then said, “It’s because he cares about you and he knows what I’d do to you.”
That made no sense to him. Of course his brother cared about him, but Jasmine wasn’t dangerous to him. “What would you do to me, Jasmine?”
She stepped closer again and his heart started racing. Her voice dropped lower. “I’d take that beautiful, poetic, singer’s heart and I’d twist it into darkness, misery, and pain.”
Kaleb was the one stepping back now. What was lurking inside this beautiful woman’s body that made her say things like that? “You keep acting like you’re evil, but you’re wrong. There’s goodness inside you.”
Her smile wasn’t soft or warm now, but full of disbelief and contempt. “You’re the eternal optimist, aren’t you?”
“Sure.” He’d always had a positive outlook on life.
“Well, I’m the devil’s spawn and we eat eternal optimists like you for breakfast.”
“You keep trying to scare me. Why?” He held her gaze, not showing how disturbing her negativity was to his hopes of winning her heart.
“To keep you safe,” she threw back at him.
“I know you’re going to keep me safe. I trust you with my life, Jaz.” He shook his head. “But you don’t need to try to scare me, because I trust you with my heart too.” He took a step closer.
She didn’t back away but stared defiantly at him. “Then you’re the stupidest man I’ve ever met.”
“Stupid or smitten, doesn’t matter, I won’t give up on you.”
She just stared at him, her chest rising and falling quickly. This was his moment. Kaleb felt it and he was equal parts terrified and hopeful. She might let him into her heart, or punch him in the gut. He didn’t think she had a knife on her at the moment, but who knew with Jasmine?
Quinn Family Romance Collection Page 19
