At First Kiss

скачать книгу бесплатно


“Seriously, guys think just because you let them take you out a few times they have the right to blow up your phone and tie up your answering machine. I swear, when I move to Detroit, I’m going to stop being cheap and get an unlisted number. And I won’t be giving out my main number. I need a cell phone just for this.” She turned to Troy. The way he ran through the female species, he could probably understand her pain.

He was frowning.

“What’s with that look? Don’t tell me you don’t have women blowing up your phone? And I’m sure they’re calling because they gave you a little more than these guys have given me.”

“And just what have those guys given you, Jasmine?”

“Ooo, that would be none of your business, Stud Bud.” She laughed. “Seriously, if they’re calling the phone asking why I haven’t called, then they probably took me out a few times, dinner, movie, dancing, a show, nothing serious. I can usually tell after a few dates if it’s going to be worth my time. And few men are worth my time. I’m a serial dater and proud of it. I’ll date anyone a few times. And if the chemistry and connection isn’t there, don’t expect a call back. There are just too many men out there to waste time with Mr. Wrong—not that I’m looking for Mr. Right, no matter what my mother’s stupid will demands.”

She plopped down on the couch next to him.

Troy swallowed back his burning questions about all those damn messages from all those guys. Who was he to judge? His cell phone had been vibrating ever since he turned it back on when they got off of the plane, and he knew it wasn’t family making all those calls. His father was probably still pissed at him. His mother couldn’t be bothered. And his sister was probably good for about five of the phone calls. He made a mental note to call Sonya and let her know he was okay and back in the States. But he couldn’t get Jasmine’s many messages out of his mind…

He shook his head. It was not his business how many guys Jasmine had apparently enticed, entranced and evicted. He just hoped she didn’t come to Detroit running those same games. He didn’t know about Boston guys, but the brothers in Detroit didn’t play that. And he would hate to have to knock someone out because they came at her the wrong way after she jilted them.

He shook his head again. Where was all this I-must-protect-Jasmine stuff coming from?

Change the subject, that’s all, just change the subject, he thought as he cleared his throat.

“What does you finding Mr. Right have to do with your mother’s will?”

She looked stunned for a minute, as if she hadn’t even realized what she had just said. She tilted her head and just looked at him. “I so-oo didn’t want to bring that up. Can we just ignore it and move on?”

“Now I’m really curious. Don’t tell me your mother made some crazy clause in her will that you settle down and get married or something like that. That sounds like something my demanding father would do. He just threatened to take me out of his will unless I settle down. And he wants me to give up my spot as the host of our media company’s top-rated show, Detroit Live, in order to be a part of the business side of things. Can you believe that?”

“At least your dad is only making threats. Apparently, my mother managed to save $500,000 as an inheritance for me, but only if I get married in six months. And if I don’t get married in six months then the money goes to my deadbeat dad. Can you believe that?”

“What? Get out of here! Your mother has my father beat. Although I wouldn’t put it past my father to put some kind of marriage clause in his will. Mr. Divorced and never met a woman he didn’t flirt with thinks that the only way for me to prove I’ve grown up and left my wild days behind is to get hitched, put on a suit and tie every day, and sit behind a desk instead of in front of the camera. He just doesn’t get it.”

“Why do I feel like channeling the Fresh Prince and belting out ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand’?” She giggled, and it was good to see her smile.

Troy shook his head. He and Jasmine were both in the entertainment business and loved music. It always tripped him out that she thought in songs just like he did sometimes. No matter what the topic, he could think of a musical reference, and Jasmine had that same knack. But there was no need to point out any similarities between them.

“Because you’re a sarcastic brat and you’re a nut,” he offered instead, and chuckled.

“Not that I don’t feel your pain, Stud Muffin, but this was kind of about me. My own little pity party…” She rolled her eyes in an exaggerated manner. “Recently deceased mother and actual horrendous marriage clause that threatens to ruin life as I know it no matter what I decide trumps nagging father any day. I’m just saying… It’s not always about you.” She laughed again.