Seaside Dances_A Sweet Romance Read online

  Her mom scowled. "You don't know anything."

  "I know plenty. More than you. Ever since I left home, I've been taking care of myself and having a great time. Until you showed up, that is. Now my life is a mess again. So, thanks for that. At least I can count on you for something."

  "You need to help me get on my feet."

  Jasmine laughed bitterly. "No, I don't."

  "Your brother would have."

  Anger shot through Jasmine. She narrowed her eyes. "Don't ever bring up Carter in my presence again. He followed in your footsteps, and look what happened." Hot, angry tears stung her eyes. "He was smart. Remember that? They put him in the program for the exceptionally bright. You probably don't remember, because neither you nor Dad cared. He had that ceremony, remember? Oh, wait. You wouldn't—because I was the only one who went."

  "Do you think now's the time to bring up my mistakes?" asked her mom.

  "It seems as good a time as any," Jasmine snapped. "You showed up at my condo and burned it down. I think I have the right to talk about whatever I want."

  "Why don't you just leave?" her mom asked. "You're not helping me none."

  "Facing your demons is the best thing you could do. Maybe it will wake you up enough to stop being so destructive. Now you have a physical reminder."

  Her mom touched the fresh bandages. "I can wear long sleeves. Then I can pretend it doesn't exist." She stuck her nose in the air.

  "What good is that going to do? You need to sober up and get a job. That's the only way you'll get away from Dad. You always say you want away from him, but you don't do anything about it. You never have. Not in the twenty-six years I've known you."

  "I did, actually."

  Jasmine raised an eyebrow.

  "I walked out, not that he noticed. Then I found you, and you didn't make that easy, but I did. I'm taking steps to change things."

  "You need to try harder," Jasmine said. "If you'll go to rehab, I'll help you. Only then. Rehab. And it goes against my better judgment, but if you're serious and willing to put in the hard work, I'll see what I can do."

  "Rehab?" her mom exclaimed. "Are you serious?"

  "Yes. And you have to succeed." Jasmine sat taller and stared into her mom's yellowish eyes.

  "Do you know how long I've lived like this? My body couldn't even survive without alcohol and tobacco. I can't even think straight right now with the pains ravaging my head."

  "You know what?" Jasmine asked. "That's your body trying to get rid of all the toxins you've put in for all those years. It wants to be healthy, but you won't let it."

  Her mom closed her eyes. "My arms hurts. I'm going back to sleep."

  "You just woke up." Jasmine narrowed her eyes.

  "I don't want to be awake."

  Jasmine shook her head. "Since you came out here to see me, I'm going to be back. I'll be here every day. Maybe more than once a day. Think about what I said. It's either rehab or going back to Dad. Think about that for a while."

  Her mom groaned, but didn't open her eyes.

  Jasmine stormed out of the room. She wanted to scream—a typical response after spending time with her mom. Instead, she stopped at the nurses' station.

  "Any chance of having my mom sent to a drug rehab center after she's released?" she asked the nurse.

  "Is the patient addicted to drugs?"

  "The easier question to answer is which ones isn't she addicted to." Jasmine stared at the nurse.

  "Which room is the patient in?"

  Jasmine told her.

  "Okay. I'll leave a message for the floor's social worker. Her job is to be an advocate for all the patients. I'll need your number because she's going to want to talk to you."

  "Gladly." Jasmine wrote the number down and then finally made her way out of the hospital. She'd been there far too long and had wasted a day off work. With as long as her mom had been unconscious, she could have taught her classes and then come over. Not only that, but she could have had her lunch date with Zachary.

  What a waste.

  When she got outside, Jasmine realized she was without a car. Kate had insisted on driving her, and now she was stuck. She could either call Kate and then wait—and go stir-crazy—or she could call for a cab. That would probably be a lot quicker.

  She went inside where it was cooler. It was comfortable and she realized how much she just wanted to relax. She hadn't slept well on the cot, and then dealing with her mom all day, even when she was unconscious, had been too much. All she wanted was to sit and read Zachary's book. She'd wanted to finish the night before, but that had been a bust. No more tablet, but at least she had an app on her phone.

  Maybe waiting for Kate to return wasn't such as bad idea. Even if Kate couldn't get there for another hour, that would be an hour Jasmine could sit by herself and get lost in the world Zachary had created. She was dying to know what happened to Damion, anyway.

  She sat down in a plush chair near a water fountain. She watched the water for a few minutes, trying to relax. It helped somewhat. Then she pulled her phone out and texted Kate just to be sure.

  Are you able to pick me up or should I call a cab?

  I'm teaching a class now. It's just about to start. How long can you wait?

  Doesn't matter. I'm in no hurry.

  How's your mom?

  Moody, but awake.

  If you don't mind hanging out with her, I can get you.

  Okay.

  See you in a couple hours.

  Thanks.

  No way was Jasmine going back to visit with her mom. She'd settle down with the book and lose herself in a thrilling, imaginary world. Nothing else sounded better—with the only exception being to see Zachary, but she couldn't ask him to drive all that way. It would be over an hour round trip. It had taken them nearly forty minutes just to get to the hospital that morning.

  Just as Jasmine had settled into the story, she heard her name. Looking up, she saw Zachary's brother standing near her.

  "Hi… Brandon, was it?" she asked.

  He smiled. "Close. Brayden."

  "Right, Brayden. Sorry."

  "No worries. Is everything okay?" he asked.

  "Yeah. I'm just waiting for my ride back home… uh, to Kittle Falls." She had no home.

  Brayden sat in the chair next to her. "What brings you to the hospital?"

  "Just my mom." She wasn't going to admit to being related to the person who had caused the fire.

  "Is she all right?"

  "She will be."

  He nodded. "That's good. I'm actually headed back to Kittle Falls. If you want to ride with me, I'd be more than happy to drop you off wherever you need to go. Or if you don't want to ride with a stranger, I understand. But I can take you to my parents' house. I happen to know that's where Zachary is right now." Brayden smiled.

  Jasmine's heart nearly leaped into her throat. "You don't mind?"

  "Not at all. Like I said, I'm headed that way now."

  "Hold on." Jasmine pulled out her phone and sent Kate a text.

  Never mind. I found another ride.

  Fourteen

  Zachary snatched the basketball from Rafael and shot it into the hoop, making a perfect shot. "Take that."

  Rafael ran over to where the ball bounced, grabbed it, and jumped up, making a slam dunk. "Take that, little brother."

  "Always with the pecking order." Zachary shook his head and pointed to the right. "What's that?"

  "What?" Rafael asked.

  Laughing, Zachary grabbed the ball, stepped back, and made another perfect shot.

  "Seriously?" Rafael asked. "That's such a snotty, little brother move."

  "But you fell for it." Zachary laughed again.

  Rafael cracked a smile. "Hope you enjoyed it because that's the last time."

  A car pulled into the driveway. Zachary and Rafael moved out of the way, with Rafael hanging onto the ball. He shot Zachary a look that only an older brother could get away with. It was crazy how playing ball with his
brother could reduce them both to acting like competitive teens in a matter of minutes.

  Zachary looked as the Mercedes with tinted windows pulled into the driveway. It was only Brayden—and he would likely want to play on Rafael's side. Those two had always sided together when playing hoops—ever since they were all kids. Zachary grabbed the ball, but this time Rafael had a tight hold on it, refusing to let go.

  They both tugged and pulled, until they ended up on the grass, rolling around to gain control of the ball. Finally, Zachary pulled it out of Rafael's grip, but then his brother pushed his face into the dirt, getting it in his eyes.

  Not to be overtaken that easily, Zachary held the ball closer and stood, running to the other end of the yard. Rafael, dressed perfectly, now ran after him covered in soil and grass. Zachary laughed at the sight, but then stopped cold when Jasmine stepped out of Brayden's car.

  He thought was imagining her—until she waved.

  Rafael wasted no time, taking advantage of Zachary's distraction. He snatched the ball from his hands, and ran toward the hoop.

  Not in front of Jasmine.

  Zachary ran after his brother, knocking him to the ground from behind.

  "What gives?" Rafael grunted.

  "I need to make that shot." Zachary grabbed the ball and jumped up, running toward the hoop. He felt his brother's arms wrap around his waist. Zachary focused on the hoop. It was pretty far away, but he was a decent shot. He could do this—he had to with Jasmine watching.

  He held the ball close, focused on the hoop, and threw it, aiming for the middle. It sailed through the air, as if in slow motion. It hit the rim and rolled around it, teetering toward the outside, and then moving toward the inside. It went around, moving back and forth between falling through the hoop and outside of it.

  He held his breath as he watched, feeling his manhood on the line. There was no way he was going to let his brother get the best of him in front of Jasmine.

  The ball seemed to go around in circles forever before finally tipping inward and falling through the hoop.

  "Yes!" Zachary cheered, clenching his fists close to him.

  Rafael shot him a dirty look, but said, "Nice shot."

  Jasmine came over. "I agree. You have some good moves." She dusted some dirt off his arm.

  Rafael raised an eyebrow at Zachary as if starting to understand.

  Zachary turned to Jasmine. "This is my brother, Rafael. Rafael, Jasmine."

  "Nice to meet you," Jasmine said, smiling.

  "Likewise." They shook hands.

  "How many brothers do you have?" Jasmine asked, glancing between the three present Hunter brothers.

  "There are five of us," Zachary said. "I take it you've met Brayden. I didn't know he was bringing you over here." He shot Brayden a questioning expression.

  Brayden shrugged and mouthed, "Sorry."

  Zachary shook his head. "Yeah, right."

  "We ran into each other at the hospital," Jasmine said, seemingly oblivious to Zachary's irritation. "I saw his tag and asked if you two were related. I thought it was a small world, but if there are five of you, I suppose not."

  "If you've spent much time here in town," Rafael said, "you've probably run into the other two without knowing it."

  "More than likely," Brayden agreed. "Well, I need to get over to the clinic and approve some carpeting. It won't be much longer now." His face lit up.

  "Have fun," Zachary said, his mood lifting. "We'll talk later."

  Brayden laughed. "I'm sure we will. Bye, Jasmine."

  She waved. "Thanks for the ride."

  "Anytime." Brayden got back into his car and drove away.

  "I didn't know you were coming over," Zachary said, "or I would have cleaned up." He brushed some dirt away from his eyes.

  Jasmine smiled. "I enjoyed watching you two wrestle. It reminded me of my brother."

  "Oh?" Zachary asked. "So you know how annoying they can be." He glanced over at Rafael.

  Rafael shoved him. "You know it. I'm going inside to get cleaned up. I'm not sure this shirt is salvageable."

  "Maybe you shouldn't wear designer threads when shooting hoops," Zachary teased.

  "I can always design more. Besides, this shirt is from last year." He shrugged.

  "You designed that?" Jasmine asked, appearing impressed.

  "He runs a small design—"

  "Ran," Rafael corrected. "I'm starting over up here. There's an empty retail space next to the bridal shop where I'm going to sell my clothes."

  "Wow," Jasmine said. "Is your whole family so successful? A novelist, a doctor, and a fashion designer."

  "We also have a tattoo artist and a shop owner," Rafael said.

  "Owner?" Zachary asked.

  "Oops. I wasn't supposed to say anything," Rafael said. "You can't tell anyone. Jake and our parents are going to tell everyone at dinner tonight. Jake's buying the Hunter Family Store from them. Anyway, catch you guys later." He went inside.

  She stepped closer to Zachary, but he backed up. "You probably don't want to get too close. If I had any idea you were on your way over, I would have washed up."

  Jasmine stepped closer. "I don't mind. Like I said, you reminded me of my brother. It was nice to think about good memories for a change."

  "Oh?" he asked with heightened awareness to how close she stood while he was covered in dirt, grass stains, and perspiration.

  She shook her head. "I don't really have many good memories with him, unfortunately."

  "You guys can always make new memories. I've found that as we get older, my brothers and I have gotten closer. Even if we do wrestle from time to time." He smiled.

  Jasmine gave him a weak smile. "Carter and I can't make any new memories."

  "No?" Zachary asked.

  Sadness covered her face. "He's gone."

  "Oh," Zachary said, his joy deflated. "I know how that feels."

  She gazed at him, her face curious.

  "We used to have a sister."

  Jasmine's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry."

  Zachary nodded and indicated toward a bench swing under a tree not far away. "Want to sit?"

  She nodded, and then they walked over and sat. He took her hand and rubbed her palm. "Sounds like we've both had our share of heartache," she said.

  "Unfortunately. What happened with your brother? If you want to talk about it."

  Jasmine sighed, a tear rolling down her face. "It was a car accident a long time ago. He never even got to graduate high school, and he would've been the first in our entire family to not only graduate, but with honors."

  "No one in your family graduated high school?" Zachary asked, confused. Had she not? Not that he would have liked her any less, it was just surprising.

  Her cheeks turned pink. "Not until I did. Carter and I didn't exactly come from a line of high achievers."

  "Sounds like you two are real heroes. I imagine it would be hard to break out of a mold like that."

  Jasmine shrugged. "He was born with natural talent, and I just wanted to get away from everything. So I focused on dance. It pretty much saved me." She looked away. "That probably sounds stupid."

  Zachary slid his fingers through hers and squeezed. "Not even close. It was fairly easy to succeed in my family—it was practically expected. With Brayden leading the way, and five competitive boys…." He frowned. "Now I'm the one who probably sounds dumb."

  She stared at him, her eyes wide. "Not at all. I wish I could've grown up in a home like that." Her face clouded over.

  He wanted to ask what her childhood had been like, but didn't want to push. If she wanted to talk about it, she would. He'd already managed to tick off his brother, he didn't want to add Jasmine to that list.

  "What happened with your sister?" she asked.

  "Cancer." Zachary couldn't bring himself to say more than that.

  Jasmine nodded. "That sucks." She scooted closer and leaned her head against his shoulder.

  He was tempted to scoot away, knowi
ng how dirty he was, but he didn't. They were sharing a moment, and if she didn't care, then neither did he. At least he didn't stink. The deodorant was doing its job.

  "Did you ever feel like instead of just being you, you became just the brother of that dead kid?" she asked, frowning.

  "For a little while, I suppose. But then I moved to New York and became just another face in the crowd."

  Jasmine scooted even closer and their bare legs pressed against each other. Zachary took a deep breath and tried to focus on her heartache instead. He wrapped his free arm around her and rubbed her shoulder.

  "After he died," Jasmine whispered, "everyone treated me differently. Even my best friends. It was like no one knew how to act toward me. Like I would break or something? Yeah, I was heartbroken, but it wasn't like I was a different person, you know. I was still me, just without my big brother."

  Zachary leaned his head on top of hers. "It wasn't quite like that for me, but I know what you mean. People did look at me differently for a while. But then again, I suppose I was used to stares. The only family in town with six kids. When people see me, if they don't know me personally, they just see one of the Hunter siblings. And with that, yes, the loss of Sophia."

  Jasmine seemed to relax in his arms. "It's nice to meet someone who understands."

  "I wish neither of us had to."

  They sat in silence for a while until his mom came out with a tray holding a pitcher and two glasses. She set it next to Zachary. "I thought you two might be thirsty." She extended her hand toward Jasmine. "I'm Dawn, Zachary's mother."

  Jasmine took her hand and shook it. "Jasmine. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Hunter. You have very nice sons. At least the three I've met."

  "You should stay for dinner, and then you can meet the others, and Tiffany and Lana, too."

  "That sounds wonderful," Jasmine said. "I'd like that, thank you."

  "Great. I'll let you two be." She walked away.

  "Your whole family seems so nice," Jasmine said.

  "Mostly." Zachary shrugged. They all had their flaws like any other family. "So, what was your brother like?"

  "He was a good guy," she said. "He just got caught up in some stuff he shouldn't have. I wish he would've made more friends with the smart kids in his honors classes, but he didn't." She let a long, slow breath. "I like to think if he knew how things would play out, he would've made better choices."