Page 9 of One More Kiss

“At what?” I asked lightly.

“Diffusing emotional situations. Making me take a step back, rethink what I thought I knew.”

“Maybe you wanted to see the situation from a different angle.” I said it lightly, but there was a reason I could smooth out volatile emotions. For years I’d dealt with Laurence’s anger and frustration. I’d been the one to place myself between him and Cam more than once. Laurence never hurt me physically; he used his words and deeds for that.

We all have our demons.

Steve pulled me into his embrace, dropping his nose into the cradle of my shoulder and neck. “I think this angle is my favorite,” he murmured. He kissed me, shifting his lips back and forth softly, and desire flooded my system.

The backdoor squeaked open, and I reluctantly let Steve go as he backed away. Jenna stood there, lips pursed, assessing. “Cash wants his gramma.”

She turned and headed back through the kitchen.

“I’m sorry, Jasmine—”

“I’m not,” I said firmly.

Steve grimaced, running his fingers through his hair. I loved his hair—it was thick, often in need of a cut. “But she’s going to think—”

“That we’re lovers? Well, we’re not.” I kept my tone level as I met his gaze, which held the memory of our passion. “You made that clear.”

“Jasmine—” His voice cracked, and my heart bled with his uncertainty.

I waved off his concern. We weren’t lovers now, so there was no point rehashing the past. “I’m known for my comforting shoulder. So, I think your virtue’s safe.”

He scrubbed his palms over his cheeks. “You’re exasperating, you know that, right?”

I sashayed back into the house, calling over my shoulder, “Hmm. I can see how you’d struggle with me constantly being right. Such a problem.”

His chortle made my lips turn up, even as my heart continued to ache.

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