"Jaz," Kane called after her.
"You know, I think I should be okay by myself here, day or night," she said with the biggest smile she could fake. "I promise I'll keep the doors and windows locked and I won't open the door for anyone. And I'll keep my phone beside me all the time. I'll call you straight away if there's a hint of Tim around," she said in a rush. She didn't want to go back to the subject of his and Hannah's place.
She stilled as he cupped her face, ensuring she looked him straight in the eye. "No, Jaz, you're not staying here by yourself at night. I don't care if I sleep on the couch but I'm keeping you company until that moron has left Sydney. The days may not be too bad as long as you lock yourself in. Or like I said, you can stay at Clarise's or my sister's if you're not in a safe, crowded place."
His expression told her he wouldn't budge on that. Besides, she was nervous about Tim's intentions. She didn't want to take silly chances either. "Okay then. You can use the other guest bedroom."
Kane was still inspecting her upturned face, his eyes piercing and probing. Her breathing quickened, along with the beating of her heart.
"I wish I could keep you safe at my place," he said softly.
She shook her head and shut her eyes. "No, please. It's okay."
"But it's not okay, is it?"
She pulled his hands from her face. "Kane, I don't even want to think about you living with another woman, so can we please drop this topic?" she asked in annoyance.
He smiled tenderly, gathered her in his arms and fitted his lips to hers. His kiss was soft and gentle—for ten seconds—then he was all need. He devoured her mouth as his hands busily roamed her body, stoking her desire that had been simmering for over a week. Oh, Lord, she wanted this. She wanted him.
Abruptly, Kane broke the kiss and released her. "God, you're gonna drive me crazy. You already are." He raked his hands through his hair as he panted through his open mouth. He looked so freaking hot and aroused that she was tempted to jump him.
"I have to go home to pack some stuff," he said gruffly. "I should be back within an hour. Will you be okay for a little while?"
She nodded her head. She felt herself gawking at him with lustful eyes but damn it, she couldn't help herself.
"Jasmine, stop looking at me like that," he warned.
"Well, don't kiss me like you just did if you don't want me looking at you like this."
His eyes smouldered. "Right now, I want to kiss you again. But I'm afraid if I do, I won't be able to stop."
She gulped visibly. "I'm afraid if you do, I won't be able to stop you."
"Would it be so wrong?" he asked hoarsely.
She wanted to say it wasn't wrong. Oh, God, how she wanted to say it wasn't wrong. How could it be when she was the one he had feelings for, not his fiancée?
But he was still engaged to Hannah, and the poor woman had already been through so much. She deserved to be treated with respect and consideration.
"You said Hannah will be back in less than two weeks. Let's wait until then."
He sighed and smiled at her with fondness and longing. "Okay, I guess we should."
*******
Jasmine eagerly unwrapped her newly-bought e-reader, the latest model she'd been wanting to have since it came out. She loved new, fashionable things: gadgets, clothes, shoes, handbags. They were her weakness.
She leaned back on the comfy seat of the cosy French café she had stumbled upon as she admired her new purchase.
"They're great, aren't they?" a voice commented.
She glanced at the smiling, chestnut-haired woman at the table next to her who lifted something she was holding and waved it. She laughed. It was exactly the same e-reader she'd just bought.
"This is new, too. I just got it yesterday," the woman said.
"Isn't it great to have new things?" Jasmine responded conversationally.
"Absolutely. There's nothing like shopping to lift up a girl's spirits." The woman swept her arm over a couple of carry bags emblazoned with the logo of an expensive designer.
"Wow, you must be on a shopping binge," she chuckled.
"Yup, that I am," the lady said with a big sigh.
"What are you reading, if you don't mind me asking?" Jasmine asked.
"No, of course not. I'm reading The Promise by J.A. Nell."
Her eyebrows lifted. "What do you think of it?"
"Love it. I love her books."
"Yeah, me too," she responded.
"They'll probably want me to leave soon," the woman said conspiratorially. "I'm finished and there are people waiting for a table."
Jasmine looked up and saw a couple standing near the door, pointedly looking their way.