“Thanks again for coming, Jasmine. I know it probably took a lot of effort and I appreciate you making it out for my birthday.” He squeezed my hand. “But, anyway, I’m sure you’ve probably heard the rumors. I supposedly have half-siblings out there somewhere. No idea where they are. But it’s weird to think that they may show up one day seeking either me or my father out.”
“Do you think the rumors are true?”
“I’m sure they are. My father’s an asshole. He’s completely incapable of keeping his dick in his pants.”
“Are you different?” I asked, realizing how mean that sounded as soon as I said it.
His jaw was tense, and his eyes looked evil as he glared at me. “I am not like my father.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say it like that,” I choked out, feeling fearful of his expression. I covered my face with my mittens, realizing I had just completely insulted him. “I was just curious about what all of your friends told me.”
“That I just want to ‘hit it and quit it'?”
“Well, is it true?”
He sighed. “I’ll admit that I haven’t always been the most upstanding citizen. But I would never just toss a woman carrying my child away like she was trash. I would also never cheat on my mate. My father disgusts me.”
“I didn’t mean...,” I began to say, but didn’t finish, hoping he understood what I had actually meant to ask, but he didn’t respond and I chastised myself for my blunder.
We got to the top of the trail and got out of the chairlift. We waited for the whole group to arrive and skied down the mountain, but Blake was distant now. I realized that I had ruined whatever there had been between us.
He continued to take the chairlift up with me, but he was cold now, only giving short answers when I asked him questions. When we skied, he no longer stayed close to me like he had previously, and instead preferred to join his friends. I wasn’t looking forward to the one-hour ride home, distraught by how I had screwed things up between us.
Blake had been a nice distraction from Luke, but now that he was no longer paying attention to me, the feelings came back, the excruciating pain returning to my chest. I was slow going down the trails, the whole group having to wait for me at the bottom before we could ascend the mountain again. By lunchtime, tears were threatening to fall from my eyes.
I was relieved when Jack and Tyler approached me. Tyler asked, “Why don’t you sit with us for lunch today? I’ve been here with you for two days and barely spoken with you.” I agreed and the two of them went up to buy lunch while I saved a table and waited for them to return. They came back and sat across from me. Blake followed right after them and sat down next to me.
Jack and Tyler both looked at him. Finally, Tyler asked, “Is Blake your boyfriend, Jasmine?”
“No,” I replied, feeling insecure and weird having to answer in front of Blake. “He’s just a friend.”
“Good-looking friend.” Jack winked. “I used to have the biggest crush on him growing up.”
“I don’t blame you.” Tyler chuckled. “I’m almost jealous of Jasmine for being the sister.”
I looked at Blake and he kept a straight face, not saying anything.
“He’s grumpy sometimes.” Jack snickered. “Actually, most of the time.”
“I can see that. I could work with that. Sulky yet sexy.” Tyler laughed. “Lots of passionate, angry sex.”
“Mmm.” Jack nodded. “He loves to torture too.”
“Oooh, he’s got someFifty Shadesin him. Very nice.” They both laughed, sharing an amused look with each other.
“Are you two done?” Blake asked.
“I don’t think he likes being part of our foreplay.” Jack smirked.
“He doesn’t have to be. He could be part of the main event. I don’t mind sharing,” Tyler responded.
“I don’t know, your sister might mind.” Jack looked over my way.
“Well, he’s not her boyfriend. So he’s fair game as far as I’m concerned.”
Blake shook his head, the corners of his mouth lifting.
“He’s smiling. I think he might be agreeing to the arrangement.” Tyler looked at Jack.