Hunting for Curves (BBW Erotic Romance) (6 page)

Jasmine turned away and took a deep breath. Then she swiped the screen and slowly lifted it to her ear. "Hello?" Her voice wavered and she tried to swallow her anxiety.

"Jasmine? Is that you?"

Mary made a heart with her hands and whispered, "you're welcome," as she strolled away.

Jasmine shot her an angry look and flicked her hand.

"Yes, Luke. Hi." She closed her eyes and sat back down. "How are you?"

"Good. I'm so glad you called. Sorry it cut off. My signal must have dropped."

She grinned despite the humming in her nerves. "It might have been me."

"No worries." He paused and an uncomfortable silence fell over the line before he spoke again. "I've been thinking about you. How have you been?"

A blush burned over her nose. "I'm fine. Sorry I left before you got up. It was just—you know."

"Awkward?" His chuckle sent a flutter through her heart. "I totally understand. We might have moved a little fast on the first date."

"No, it wasn't—well it was—" …
first date?
"It might have been a little fast."

He cleared his throat. "Look, Evan and I really like you and we'd like to make it up to you. Would you be interested in joining us for a stroll on the boardwalk? Maybe start over at a slower pace?"

"Oh." She had been prepared to gently turn him down but the proposition enticed her. It had been years since she'd been down near the waterfront, yet she used to have so much fun there as a kid. She remembered the fanciful street performers, the old carousel, and the best frozen yogurt shop anywhere in the city.

"No expectations. No pressure. Just you, me, and Evan. On the boardwalk, at sunset, with some fish and chips? What do you say?"

A giggle escaped her lips. "I think I might like that. What time?"

"We'll be there around six but you can come whenever you want. I'll text you the directions to where we normally park."

She swallowed. "Is Evan okay with this?"

It didn't really seem like something a billionaire investment wizard would do in his spare time, but Luke's casual tone made it sound like they did it regularly. To be fair, she really didn't know what Evan liked. For all she knew, it was his idea.

Luke laughed. "He will be very happy to see you again."

She cupped her cheek as tingles danced up her spine. "All right. I'll see you there, Luke."

"Can't wait."

***

"Lucas," Evan intoned as he gazed back with tension around his eyes.

The sun was low over the water, reflecting off the glassy surface. Luke squinted as he braced on the hood of his car. "You said you liked her."

"I do." He leaned closer. "But it could have been another night."

"This was the only night you've taken off for months."

"And I did it to be with you." He crossed his arms. "The tickets were four hundred dollars apiece."

Luke groaned. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you were going to buy them."

"Well, it wouldn't have been much of a surprise then."

"I didn't r—" Luke stood up and glanced over the water. "I wasn't thinking."

Evan gently touched the side of Luke's face, urging him back to the intense look in his eyes. "So what did you have planned for tonight?"

Luke raised his eyebrows and tried to grin. "Fish and chips?"

Evan's lip dropped, briefly exposing his perfect row of bottom teeth. Then he glanced up, regaining his regal demeanor as an older economy car whined into the spot next to Luke's sporty Mercedes.

Luke ran his hand through his hair and walked over to the side of the car. But as Jasmine rose from the driver's seat, he stopped in his tracks, his mouth agape.

She'd spent time on her makeup, giving a tasteful red hue to her lips, and thin eyeliner that made her emerald eyes glow. Her long red hair was tied into a loose braid that fell gracefully over one of her bare shoulders. The strapless, sage-green dress went nicely with her fair skin, and showed off her gorgeously smooth curves. She looked like a mythical goddess, stepping out of the forest, to let the light radiate off her fine beauty.

Her head cocked as she walked up to them, a tentative smile on her face. "Hi… Is everything all right?"

Luke bit his lip as he shot his lover a questioning glance.

"Everything is fine," Evan said smoothly. "I'm so glad you could join us."

"I mean, we can do this another night if I'm interrupting something—"

Evan dismissed it with a subtle wave. "Nonsense." Then he offered his hand to help her up to the sidewalk. Jasmine gripped him and lifted the hem of her dress as she stepped.

Good. Evan is okay with this
. Luke exhaled as he moved around to her other side. Then a smile creased his lips as he offered her his arm.

"Fish and chips, m'lady?"

"Yes, please." She giggled with a nod and put her hand around each of them as they walked. It was like something out of a fairy tale: a beautiful princess, escorted down the street by two handsome princes. Luke took a deep, satisfying sigh from the imagery.

The pedestrian walkway was teaming with people: affectionate couples, joggers and bikes. Tourists browsed the little storefronts selling cheap novelties. Street performers barked out their gimmicks to small clusters of onlookers. And groups of teenagers slouched by, probably heading for the amusement park down at the end.

As they reached the small, hole in the wall shop, Luke breathed in the mouth-watering smell of fried fish. Since it was a walk-up window, it was standing room only. Yet the space around it was crowded with people, either lined up or clogging the wide walkway as patrons ate where they stood.

Evan motioned them over to the railing, overlooking the water, where there was more open space.

"Stay here," he ordered. Then he disappeared in the pack of people.

Jasmine glanced at Luke. "Does he normally do this?"

"What? Being chivalrous?" He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It's what I love about him."

"No, I mean this." She opened her hands and made a wide sweeping gesture.

Luke turned around to gaze out over the open water. The sun had just touched the horizon, casting an orange glow over the tiny rippling waves.

"Truthfully, this is more my thing. But he likes making me happy." He glanced at Jasmine. "And regardless of how he feels about eating finger food, I think he quite enjoys hosting for you."

She braced on her arms as she stared at the sunset. From that angle, the light made her cheeks glow and her eyes twinkle.

"It seems so strange," she finally said.

"How so?"

"I mean he's rich. He could buy almost anything he wants." She flicked her eyes to him with a shy smile on her lips. "And yet he likes waiting on people."

Luke coughed into his hand as he stifled a laugh. "Don't get me wrong, he's a gracious man. But…" He raised his eyebrows. "He doesn't do this for just anyone."

"Oh." Color bloomed up her neck as she cupped her mouth and turned away.

"Here you go." Evan stepped up to them with three paper trays, precariously balanced in his hands.

Luke cocked an eyebrow as he took a teetering plate from him. "How did you get these so fast? I assumed we'd be here a while."

"I paid a little extra for expedited service." He winked and handed Jasmine a tray.

Luke shook his head but he grinned. He liked seeing Evan like this: involved in life, relaxed. Well, relaxed for him anyway, which meant he was still a little on edge. But it was a start.

They walked down the street a ways while Luke idly munched on his fries. Past street hawkers and a group of teenage girls gossiping loudly, they found an empty wooden bench facing the water.

There was enough room for all of them so Luke took a seat. Jasmine sat next to him, a wide smile on her face as she picked up a wedge of fish.

"I'd forgotten how good this was." She giggled. "I think I was in high school the last time I came down here."

Luke glanced up at Evan. "Are you going to sit?"

Evan shook his head as he examined a chunk of fried food. "I'm fine." He gave Luke a skeptical look before he took a bite. Then he blinked. "This is tasty. A little too greasy for me but—" He took another bite. "It is better than I expected. Is this…"

A grin played on Luke's face. He swallowed a mouthful. "Fresh caught. It's one of the only places around here that doesn't use frozen. I knew you'd appreciate the distinction."

"You were right," he said with warmth in his voice. "I should have tried this sooner."

He set the tray on the bench and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth. Then he strolled over to the railing and stood for a moment, his hands in his pockets.

Luke leaned back. "Are you going to finish your fries?"

Evan simply shook his head. "Sorry, no. I don't care for them."

With a shrug, Luke picked up Evan's plate and dumped the contents into his own tray.

Jasmine leaned close and whispered, "Who doesn't like fries?"

"He's picky." Luke wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "At least he liked the fish."

When she was done eating, Luke collected the plates and tossed them in a nearby trash can. Then the three of them continued their stroll down the boardwalk at a leisurely pace.

As they walked, the last of the sun cast a reddish-purple glow over the water. Golden-hued streetlamps clicked on and flashing neon shone like a beacon ahead of them.

By the time they reached the amusement park grounds, Luke knew it was time to turn back. None of them had any interest in carnival rides—least of all Evan. Truthfully, he was amazed that his partner had come this far, and he even seemed to be enjoying himself. Luke breathed in the temperate night air and turned to Jasmine.

"We should—"

A man with a camera jumped in front of them, blocking their path. "You two look great together. Mind if I take a picture? Five bucks for digital, Fifteen for prints with next day delivery."

The man flashed a quick look between Luke and Jasmine.

"Oh, we're not—I'm with—" Luke stuttered and glanced over at Evan for help.

His lover simply stepped aside with a gracious smile. "It's fine. Go ahead."

"Oh, no," Jasmine said with a grin as she reached out and tugged on Evan's arm. "If there's going to be pictures it should be you two."

The photographer raised his eyebrows and shrugged. "Makes no difference to me."

Luke touched his chin. "Why can't we all be in the picture?"

Jasmine cocked her head as she gazed up at Evan, her hands still gripping the sleeve of his shirt. "Is that okay?"

Evan lowered his eyes but a subtle smile spread on his lips. "Sure."

There was some confusion as to who should stand where, but the photographer interjected. "I think he should be in the middle because of his height." He gestured at Evan. "Otherwise the picture will look lopsided."

Luke put his arm around Evan's waist and Jasmine pressed in on the other side.

"Okay." The man held the camera up and it began to whirr. "Ready… and… cheese!"

Both Luke and Jasmine said the word in unison but Evan simply chuckled as the camera beeped several times.

"Good. Perfect." The man approached as he fiddled with the display. "I just need to know where to send it."

Evan handed the man a fifty dollar bill along with his hotel business card.

"Send the physical copies to the address here. I hope the extra will persuade you to be discrete. If the photos are to my liking, I may request your services again in the future."

The man stared at the bill with wide eyes as he nodded dumbly. "Yes, of course. Thank you." He glanced up. "I can send you digital versions as well if you'd like."

"That's not necessary. I don't have my phone with me."

"You can send one to me." Luke relayed his number as the man typed it into the back of his camera.

His phone dinged and he quickly swiped it on. Then he forwarded the text to Jasmine. "There. Now we all have a copy."

Luke paused as he stared at the image displayed on his screen. They all looked so happy, like they had been friends for years. Evan wore his usual half-smile but there was something else, like a twinkle in his eyes. At thumbnail size the details were vague, but Luke recognized that expression. He missed it.

By the time they made their way back, twilight had faded. The night closed in and the bright lamp lights formed golden pools on the sidewalk.

Luke wrapped his arm around Evan's waist. "Did you really leave your phone behind?"

"It's in the car."

"But you never go anywhere without it."

"I didn't want to be disturbed." A warm smile passed over his lips. "Some things are more important."

Jasmine had fallen behind a few steps and Luke motioned for her to join them. Her arm brushed against his and he reached out and caught it, pulling her closer. She giggled and fell in with their stride. Now it was his turn to play the dashing young prince with a lover on each arm. He'd never been one for fairy tales, but this one suited him just fine.

A stream of light fell across their path. Luke looked up at a small shop illuminated with bright neon signs. "Anyone up for yogurt?" he asked in a cheerful voice.

"I'm fine," Evan said as he glanced at Jasmine. "Do you want one?"

A sly smile passed over Jasmine's lips. "Strawberry, please."

Evan nodded then flashed Luke a knowing look. "Vanilla?"

"Oh, sure, but let me—"

With a wave of his hand, Evan turned and walked into the tiny shop.

Luke sighed again. Then he gave Jasmine a stern look. "What have you done with my boyfriend?"

Jasmine blinked. "I'm sorry?"

A laugh broke from his lips. "I've just never seen him like this. It's like you put a spell on h—"

Luke's pocket broke into a droning ring.
That can't be good.
His phone never rang unless it was Evan or…

He quickly glanced at the screen. "Damn it."

Jasmine's eyes narrowed with concern as he lifted the phone to his ear.

"This is Luke."

It was his work. They were several nurses down and the backups had either pulled a full shift already or couldn't be reached. And they were bringing in new patients from a huge multi-car accident.