Secret Words(2)

"Where do you need to go?" he asked.

"To the sink first. I need to wash my hands again."

Her heart raced as a muscular arm went around her waist as he helped her hobble to the washbasin.

"Why don't I help you walk back to wherever you need to be?" he offered. "You probably shouldn't be putting much weight on that foot."

"How do I know you're not dangerous?" she asked with a smile that conveyed she was joking. She felt safe with him already. But was that being too naive?

He laughed out loud. "How about I introduce myself first? My name's Kane and I work for Krand Architects. I'm definitely not an axe murderer."

"Where's your proof?" she asked with a mock frown.

He took his wallet from his back pocket and fished out a business card. "Here. See? Ar-chi-tect," he said with exaggerated enunciation as he pointed to the title 'Director and Head Architect'.

She chuckled at his playfulness and snatched the card from him. "Glad to meet you, Kane … Summers? Are you related to Faye Summers?"

"Yes," Kane replied in surprise. "I'm her oldest brother."

Oh. She checked him out with new eyes. She could now see the resemblance between him and Faye—one of her sister's best friends—especially their blue eyes and the fact that they were both extremely good-looking.

"And you are …?" Kane prodded.

"Oh, I'm Jasmine Allen."

He lifted his eyebrows. "You're Jessa's younger sister?"

"Yes."

He grinned at her. "Well, then, now you know for sure I'm not an axe murderer. You live in Melbourne, right? When did you arrive?"

"Yesterday. I'm here for five weeks."

"Wow, that's a good length of time to be away from work. What do you do?"

"I'm a corporate trainer. My boss wants me to consider moving here to Sydney to fill a position that will be vacant in three months. Since I have plenty of annual leave up my sleeve, I thought I'd take it now so I could see if I'd like living in Sydney while I house-sit for Jessa and Rob when they go on their honeymoon. Plus, I also wanted to come early for Rob's birthday. Speaking of which, we should head back to the party."

As Kane escorted her out of the men's room, she tried to hide the wince that formed on her face. She was in more pain than she would like to admit.

"Do you think I should carry you?" Kane asked tentatively.

"Ah, no. I think that would be too awkward," she replied, her cheeks turning pink. The thought of being in his arms heated her up all over and made her heart pound hard. This guy was doing crazy things to her system.

"Okay," Kane said. "But you shouldn't use your left foot at all until you've had it checked by a doctor. Hang on to me and I'll help you hop along with your right foot."

"Thanks." She put her right arm around his shoulders as he kept a tight grip around her waist and held her against his side.

Whoa, this position won't help me cool down. Not at all.

"I hope I can walk all right by next week," she babbled, keen to distract herself from her ridiculous physical reaction to this man. "I wouldn't want to ruin Jessa and Rob's big day by being on crutches during their wedding."

"I'm sure you'll be fine as long as you don't do silly things while your ankle's healing," he consoled her.

Yes, just continue to hold me and I'll be fine.

She decided not to respond in case something totally inappropriate came out of her mouth.





Jasmine exhaled her disappointment when they neared the place where the rest of their group was busy barbecuing, chatting and laughing. Kane Summers would have to let go of her soon.

She couldn't understand it. Why this intense attraction? He might be one hell of a looker, but he was just one of the many handsome guys she knew. What made him the most magnetic of them all?

"Nearly there," Kane said.

She wanted to swoon at the husky tone of his voice. Instead, she forced herself to focus on keeping her left foot raised while she hopped with her right.

"Jaz! What happened?" She looked up to see Jessa's worried face.

"I slipped and sprained my ankle," she answered.

"Oh, no! Are you okay? Where did you slip? In the bathroom?"

"Yes," she responded in a small voice.

Their group gathered around them, wanting to see what was wrong.

"It's just a sprained ankle, guys. Please don't worry," Jasmine pleaded.

"Maybe we should take you to a doctor," Rob said.

"Rob, seriously, I'm fine. I'll just put my foot up and relax. Please carry on with your party. You'll only make me feel bad if you fuss over me."

"You sure?"

"Yes. Please." She looked around with embarrassment as about fifteen pairs of eyes stared at her. She didn't even know who a few of the others were. She had run straight for the bathroom as soon as they got there.