Southern Admirer (Southern Loving Book 2)

by Thorn, Ava

  “Yes.”

  A.J. smiled and stood up allowing Jasmine enough space. She stood up slowly and gripped the side of the walker tightly. A.J. stood behind her. As she shifted her weight to her feet, Jasmine’s legs started to shake a little, as if they weren’t strong enough to support her.

  “Easy,” he said, gently placing one of his hands on the small of her back and the other by her arm.

  Jasmine took one careful step after another. Her legs were awkward and clumsy. But with every step she grew confident. “I’m doing okay.” Her voice was shaky, as her legs started to hurt, but the will of not stopping took over. The pain and every step told her she was much closer to making a full recovery. Before she knew it’d they already walked around the pool and was now back at her wheelchair.

  Clapping erupted as she took a seat in the chair. They both look back to see Shane, Gerald and Melody McBride standing there with a proud look on their faces.

  “See I told you,” A.J. said as he helped her sit down in her chair.

  “Why are you so sad?” she asked, being completely off subject.

  “I’m not sad,” he said.

  “That’s not what your eyes say.” She grimaced as he massaged her leg.

  “What makes you think I’m sad?” he asked, looking at her curiously.

  “Who is the lucky girl you longing for? We’ve been friends-”

  “Actually, you’re my patient,” he smirked. “And I’m not about to tell you my personal business.”

  When A.J. was appointed her physical therapist, she didn’t know that he played college football with Hank Jackson at the University of Texas. She caught little bits and pieces of the conversation that transpired between Hank and Shane about A.J.

  “Why don’t you just call her? Tell her you’re sorry and live happily ever after.”

  A.J. laughed at her and shook his head. “You’re crazy if you believe in that fairy tale crap.”

  “There is a lot you don’t know,” he mumbled, placing her feet on the paddles of the wheelchair. He stood up. “Now, the same time tomorrow, a few more days and you will be graduating to arm crutches.”

  “So, you’re not going to tell me about her?” she asked.

  “You’re not going to stop asking me, are you?” He unlocked the brakes and pushed the chair back into the house.

  “So, that’s a no?”

  “Correct.” He tapped her shoulder and she looked up at him. “Just focus on walking again.”

  ***

  Shane looked at Jasmine sitting on the porch talking to his mother. Every day when he watched Jasmine struggle to do some of the simplest things that were easier for her months ago, there was a feeling of guilt and anger that surfaced in him. He felt like he should have been home with her when Gil Novik came knocking at their front of door, he should have protected her.

  “How is she doing?” he asked. Today was a milestone for Jasmine as she made it around the pool without falling.

  “Nosey, but she doing a wonderful job…she is healing ahead of schedule,” A.J. said as his eyes followed Shane, as they watched and listen to Jasmine’s laughter. “She will return to some sense of normalcy.”

  “How is Shannon?”

  A flicker of regret and sadness appeared on A.J.’s face and was gone in a matter of seconds. “I guess she is okay.”

  “She needs you.”

  “We just need space,” A.J said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” The conversation was done. It was clear that A.J didn’t want to talk about his problem.

  After Shay was asleep and everyone left for the evening, Jasmine wheeled herself into the bathroom as Shane filled the porcelain claw tub with hot water. “It’s almost done.”

  “You should join me tonight,” she said.

  “We shouldn’t…” he stuttered backing away from her.

  “I’m not going to break, plus that tub is big enough for two other people.”

  “I don’t want to hurt you.” He started to undress her like he did for the past couple of months, lifting her up her placed her into the hot steamy water. Jasmine was covered by bubbles; her creamy brown shoulders were bare above the water. He wanted to kiss her shoulders and her neck. Instead, he began the process of washing her hair. “Lean your head back, let’s wash your hair.”

  She did as he asked as she leaned back her breasts peeked above the surface. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he cock started to swell.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to join me?” she asked.

  “Yes,” his voice was raspy as he poured warm water onto her hair. He wondered if Jazzy knew how much of a vixen she was. He tried to get his mind off how beautiful and alluring she was.

  He forced himself to focus on applying the strawberry scented shampoo to her hair and began massaging her scalp. Jasmine moaned with pleasure as he worked the soap through her hair.

  “Feels so good,” she purred.

  He picked up the pitcher and filled it up with warm water. “I’m going to rinse your hair.” She leaned back and he feasted again once again on her glorious breasts.

  “You know I’ve seen your package,” she smirked. “You should get in the water with me.”

  Shane gulped. “Jasmine, I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “I’ll be fine,” she promised quickly.

  He didn’t need a second invitation. He stood up and took off his clothes. Jasmine leaned forward giving him enough room for him to slide in behind her.

  “Do you know how much I love you?” he whispered into her ear.

  “Yes,” she replied.

  He kissed her neck as he placed his hands on her shoulders and slowly began to move them south of the border. His hands purposefully moved past her breasts and brushed softly against her ribcage.

  “Your skin is so beautiful and soft,” Shane moaned into her ear. His hand continued to drift lower until he reached Jasmine’s treasure spot. He began to tease her just a little more, brushing his finger in her throbbing wet heat.

  “Shane,” she gasped.

  “Do you like that?” he asked, as he pulled his finger out and began to massage her thighs. “Tell me what you want.”

  “You…your touch.”

  He slowly slid the head of his cock inside her warmth, forcing his thick, round head in without much effort. Jasmine gasped and gripped the edge of the tub as Shane held her hips and continued to drill his cock into her.

  Jasmine went limp against his shoulder. She looked like she couldn’t take anymore. Her whole body was pulsating and she’d already come once.

  Shane grunted and held her hips still before thrusting all the way causing Jasmine to scream before collapsing on his chest. He gingerly lifted one of her legs out the tub, spreading her pussy more. “Tell me when it hurts.”

  “Okay,” she moaned.

  He grabbed both hips and pounded into her. A growl of pleasure rose from his throat as he pumped; striking so hard it sent splashes of water onto the floor. He rammed his cock deeper that caused Jasmine to let out a moan. He let out a primeval growl as he came.

  They lay in the tub for a while until the water turned cold.

  “Are you awake?” He could see that Jasmine’s eyes were closed and that her breathing had slowed down.

  “Mmmmm…” She could barely speak.

  Shane stood up and wrapped a bath towel around himself. Drying Jasmine off and laying her in bed, he was tucking her in when she held her arm out to him.

  “Can you hold me?” She reached out for him.

  “Yes.” He climbed into the bed with her and she immediately curled up against him and pulled his arms around her. Jasmine seemed to fall off into a deep sleep rather quickly. “I love you.” He pulled her closer and kissed her head.

  When he thought he’d lost his way a few years ago, somehow God saw it fitting to give him Jasmine and Shay. There was divine conspiracy that allowed an angel to come into his life.

  ***

  The light crept across the bed, cutting shar
p angles as it filtered through the blinds. Jasmine blinked her eyes repeatedly before sitting up and looking at Shane’s side of the bed. Empty. Bringing his pillow to her nose and inhaling his scent that was imbedded in her heart and soul.

  She laid in bed a little while longer than she normally would. Her thoughts drifted to Shane as he busied himself in the kitchen cooking breakfast like he did each and every morning for the past month. Her mother used to always say when you found a good man, make sure you hold on to them tightly. Anyone can whisper loving things in your ears, but since she was a little girl her daddy always said ‘action speaks louder than words,’ and he was absolutely right.

  Shane always was a good friend to her through life. Every time she was tempted to go down the wrong path, he reminded her of being true to herself. She was blessed and fortunate to have someone like Shane. She loved this man more each day. He was truly her best friend, cheerleader and encourager. They didn’t have it ‘all together,’ and of course they had problems just like any relationship. Every day they faced challenges and family squabble threaten to tear them apart. But this challenge they were experiencing gave them the opportunity to grow and flourish together.

  “What are you doing sleepy head?” Shane asked, peaking into the room carrying a tray, with orange juice, waffles, turkey bacon, and half of grapefruit.

  “You didn’t have to,” she said in awe, as he placed the tray on her lap. She smiled and picked up a single red rose, inhaling. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, baby.”

  “Anything.”

  “Where is Shay?” she asked, looking at the empty crib.

  “She is with your grandmother.” He cut a piece of waffle and fed it to her.

  Jasmine chewed slowly. Even after her accident her parents haven’t come around on their stance regarding Shane or on the grandparents. “I thought we should do a family dinner.”

  “I can see what you’re trying to do St. Clair, and it probably won’t work.”

  Jasmine took the fork away from Shane and fed him. “I know but we have to try…we can’t be like them…we can’t have our child not knowing anything about her grandparents.”

  “Eat and stop stressing about everything,” he spoke softly. “I will support this dinner but I will not allow you to overextend yourself…I don’t want a shouting match just like the baby shower and the hospital.”

  Jasmine grimaced. “You heard that?”

  “I think the whole hospital heard ya’ll,” he said, eating a piece of bacon. “I didn’t have to rush in there because you held you own.”

  “Thank you for taking care of me.”

  “Honey, you don’t have to thank me for doing what a man is supposed to do.” His green eyes stared into hers. “I’m proud of you. You never cease to amaze me.”

  “You’re going to make me cry,” she said.

  “Doll, your courage is an inspiration to me and I can only sit back in admiration at the woman you are.” Their breakfast was forgotten as he thumbed away her tears that spilled from her eyes. “I’m impressed with who you became and that you refused to allow this setback to define you…you didn’t allow this to change your heart.”

  “This has been a journey,” she acknowledged. “At times more intense than ever imagined. But to know that you’re my teammate on this journey, gives me hope and comfort.”

  Shane moved the tray and placed it on the nightstand, picking her and sat her on his lap. “We will continue to grow together,” he paused.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, searching his eyes. Jasmine could sense that there was something else that he wanted to share with her.

  “You should get dressed, A.J. will be here soon,” Shane said after he cleared his throat. Reaching over he lifted the plate from the table and started to feed her again.

  “So, what’s the story about A.J.?” she asked with a mouth full of food. “He seems so sad.”

  “Every couple goes through a rough patch,” he replied. “A.J. was somewhat a womanizer in his pro-football days. Let’s just say that life has finally caught up with him.”

  “He cheated?” she asked.

  “We’re not going to gossip about another man’s private life,” Shane responded. “But on another note, we’re going out for dinner tonight.”

  “I don’t know.” Jasmine was still uncomfortable with being in a wheelchair, a small part of her self-esteem was low.

  “Nope.” He shook his head. “I can’t take no for an answer.”

  “Well, if you insist.” She kissed his lips before going back to eating her food as Shane watched on.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Where are we going?” she asked as the truck went down the road.

  “You will see when we get there,” Shane laughed. This was Jasmine’s fifth time asking that question since they got in the truck.

  She tsked. “You’re starting to get on my nerves, one little peek won’t hurt,” Jasmine started to reach for the blindfold on her face.

  “Nuh un uh, sugar. No peeking,” he laughed, tapping her hand.

  “Crap,” she said aloud. “I know you’re smirking over there.”

  “I know you’re smirking over there,” he mimicked.

  “Shut up McBride!” she yelled as the car came to a complete stop.

  Shane hurriedly to the passenger side and picked Jasmine up. “You may take off the blindfold.” He watched as tears welled up in her eyes. She was absolutely speechless. “I started building the farmhouse, four months ago.”

  Shane’s heart warmed and he couldn’t help but smile. He knew that she’d love it. During the building of the house, he second guessed himself thinking she wouldn’t like it.

  “What is it?” she sputtered.

  “Well darling, they called this a farmhouse with 3,500 square feet that we’re going to fill with love and children,” he said as they stood and gazed up at the whitewashed three-story Colonial. “Six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a pool…even a small cottage guest house for your grandparents when they visit. If it was daylight, you would be able to see the weeping willow tree.”

  “This is so surreal,” she said.

  “Are you okay to stand?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she replied.

  Shane got down on his knee, receiving a gasp from Jasmine. “You have put a spell on my body and soul. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t tell you that you will be happy, sad, or mad at me. But I will tell you that you won’t have any regrets to becoming my wife.” Shane reached into his pocket and pulled out a simple, flawless engagement ring. “My father gave my mother this ring, forty-eight years ago when his mother gave it to him for when he found the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his with…she gave it to me two months ago.”

  Right there, she was lost in his green eyes. “I have found mine everything in you. I don’t need all the diamonds in the world…all I need is you to hold me and give me love.”

  “I promise that I will give you all of me. Jasmine Bly St. Clair, will you be my wife?”

  Jasmine took a deep breath before mustering all her energy to get down on her knees in front of him.

  “Jasmine, you shouldn’t—” Shane started to stay but receive a finger against his lips. He could tell she was in pain, but it didn’t stop her from getting down on her knees.

  “These past few months have opened my eyes. You are my something to believe in and the compass to guide me home.” Her eyes sparkled in the moonlight, as she reached into her bag and pulled out a black wedding ring. “You were my strength when I was weak. Gave me faith when I couldn’t believe. Yes, I will marry you because I’m marrying my best friend. The question is will you marry me?”

  Shane stared in disbelief at Jasmine. She was proposing him to him. “When did you have a chance to get a ring?” he asked.

  “My grandmother gave it to me, the first day I went to visit her.”

  “And you’re just now asking me?”

  “She said to give it t
o you when I was wholeheartedly sure about my future…I fall in love with you every single day.”

  “Yes Jasmine, I will be your husband,” he howled.

  “Kiss me under a thousand stars.” She leaned into him, tilting her upwards. He obliged happily, slipping his tongue into her perfect mouth. The kiss was sweet and tender.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you more.” He stood up and picked her up. “Now let me show you our new house.”

  When their eyes connected, Shane still couldn’t believe that this woman choose him. He was going to cling onto this love. This love with Jasmine left an everlasting sweet taste in his mouth. He could already imagine their happily ever after in this house that he made a home. For her.