Chasing Me (14 page)

Jasmine’s eyes light up, “Toys?”

“Yeah, alright.” Hunter replies, plopping her onto the counter. “We’ll be here for a while, so sure. Whatever you want.”

Once Hunter and the doctor, are dealing with swabbing Jasmine, I make a getaway into the bedroom. A minute to think things out and clean up a bit is just what I need. Yesterday, all I wanted was Hunter to see things differently. Now that he does, everything is changing so fast I can barely keep up. I can handle everything that comes along with him, and I plan to. Just wish I could breathe in-between bombshells.

“You okay?” Hunter’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.

“Yeah, I’m fine honey.” I answer, walking out of the bathroom just in time to see him closing the door behind him. “How’d that go?” I ask, but pretty much have an idea that it didn’t go as he expected.

“Xandra only came to dump her off on me.” Hunter blurts, tugging his icing covered shirt over his head and tosses it to the floor. “Says that this ‘mistake’ has kept her from all the fun she could be having. That it’s my turn now.”

My heart breaks over Hunter’s recap of everything I missed upstairs. I hurt for the little girl who was abandoned by the only parent she’s known, up until now. Who is too concerned with getting to something they considered more important than their own child. More than anything, I would love to get my hands on that bitch and give her a couple ass beatings for tossing away her little girl, like my father had done with me. Luckily, I didn’t get forced from my home; plus, Luke was always there for me. Even when my mom put us on the back burner, he always took care of me, but Jasmine is different. She has been dropped into this life, with people she doesn’t even know, and is just expected to trust us all immediately. Poor kid, I would have been terrified.

“So what happens now?” I ask him.

Hunter walks across the room, running his hands up my arms. “I’m doing this. Test will be back tomorrow or whatever, but anyone can tell by looking at her that she’s mine. Xandra abandoned her, I won’t do that. Ever.”

My heart expands, as if I could love this man more. Pushing up on my toes, I kiss his lips tenderly. “I love when I’m right, you know?”

Hunter smiles, against my lips. “Really? What would you be right about?” He asks, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me to him.

Our bodies pressed together, frazzles my thinking a little. I struggle to gather my thoughts. “You’re a lot better man than you give yourself credit for, Hunter.”

Instead of a reply, his mouth covers mine. The kiss is sweet and slow, as if he is savoring me. The warmth in his touch, something that Hunter has never given me before. Our tongues slide along one another, teasingly. His rough fingers slide up, cupping the back of my head. Effectively holding my body against his, as if he is worried I would run. A sigh escapes my lips, making him groan in desperation. “Can’t.” He says pulling back, but I’m not sure if he is talking to me or himself. “Let’s go grab dinner; we can pick up some stuff for the kid.”

“Sure,” I reply, walking with him toward the bedroom door. “What does Jasmine need?” I ask, not knowing what Xandra sent for her or if he even knows himself.

“Looks like Xandra didn’t leave shit. Didn’t even mention wanting to say goodbye to her own kid.” Hunter whispers, angrily. “I feel like shit. If I’d known…” He trails off. Grabbing a clean shirt, he yanks it over his head, covering most of the ink I love so much.

“Well you didn’t; that’s on her, not you. Nothing you can do about it but show Jasmine you’re here now.”

Hunter swings open the door and both of us burst into laughter. Mack is on all fours, while Jasmine steadies herself on his back. Riding him through the living room like a horse, “Go faster, Uncle Mack.” She commands between giggles, hanging onto his ponytail. Her face lighting up when he moves around the chair toward us.

“All the ladies around here are so bossy.” Mack snaps, bouncing to make Jasmine jiggle. She squeals an excited cackle, as he fumbles across the carpet on his hands and knees.

“Uncle Mack, huh?” Hunter asks, “That was fast.”

Mack rolls his hips, causing Jasmine to tumble onto the couch. “Well, I figure if I bribe her with enough cookies and fun shit, maybe one woman around here will give me kisses.”

“Language, cuntbiscuit.” Hunter snarls.

“I don’t kiss boys! Eww.” Jasmine huffs in shock, crossing her arms over her chest. She scrunches her nose in disgust, the same way Hunter does. “I only kiss princes.”

“I bet you’re hungry, huh Jasmine? After we eat, we can go shopping.” I say, grabbing my purse off the chair.

With that Jasmine leaps off of the couch, grabbing both Hunter’s hand and mine. “Bye Uncle Mack.”

Hunter laughs when Mack rolls his eyes before standing to his feet. “I’m goin’ too, beautiful.”

Looking between Hunter and Mack, I nod shakily. Even though we lost the cameras earlier, any time the guys go out in public now it’s pretty certain there will be chaos. Their faces are plastered all over the magazines and every social media site, now. It’s what they always wanted: fame, recognition. “Price to pay for everything, babe.” Hunter whispers against my ear, almost as if reading my thoughts. They are being recognized for being as talented as they are, but the price is privacy. Grabbing hoodies and sunglasses from our bags, we attempt to be incognito, and head upstairs.

Everyone else is gathered around the table diving into pizzas and chicken wings. Daisy eyes light up when she sees Jasmine between Hunter and I. “We’re goin’ out spooners! So you’ll have to find a way to enjoy your night without us to spice it up.” Hunter says, scrunching his nose up at Daisy’s salad. “I’m allergic to that healthy shit.”

I bite back a giggle at the look on his face, since it was the same look Jasmine made just minutes ago. “I’m going shopping.” Jasmine says, bouncing in place.

Henry looks up from a pizza box, expectantly. “Mack already volunteered to go with.” Hunter answers, before Big Man says anything.

“Should be fine, I suppose.” Big Man agrees, while dousing a slice in hot sauce. “I plan on eatin’ my dinner, plus Katheryn’s on her way.” He grins, the fact that Henry is relaxing enough to focus on anything other than protecting everyone is shocking. Though it’s about time.

“The pizza joint has an ‘Inferno Pie.’” Aiden explains. “Pepper Jack Cheese, they even use hot sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top it with every meat and pepper available.”

“The heat is so bad they wear goggles while bakin’ it.” Cam adds making Hunter’s eyes light up.

“Share the wealth Big Man.” Hunter says, inching toward the box. “Is there bacon on it? I could be persuaded to eat a slice if there’s bacon.” Henry slams the box closed, shaking his head.

“Go take the ladies shopping, be sure to buy Mack a new purse for his bridge game at the Seniors’ Center.” Gray says, slapping the table, unable to hide his amusement.

“Yeah,” Aiden chimes in. “He’s a real ladies’ man. Got ‘em swoonin’ between sewin’ circles. Hell, I bet he can get a mic stand full of bras at Bingo Night just as fast as Hunter can at any show.”

“You two are such assholes.” Cam scolds, rolling her eyes. “Don’t worry Mack, the post on the fan page was only seen by a few thousand before I got it taken down. It wouldn’t have been that many if someone hadn’t linked it to every senior dating page in the Tennessee Valley.”

“You posted what?” Mack shouts, looking between Hunter and Aiden. Instantly, Jasmine’s hand tightens around mine. A tremor runs down her body, as she scoots behind me to hide.

“It was a joke man. Just a little necessary pay back. We made you a little profile on the site too, with a photo shopped pic. Real classy like.” Aiden defends.

Everyone is going about their business. Eating, talking, and making fun of Mack as he explodes about being in the running for ‘Hunk of the Month’ on SaggingShaggers.com; completely missing the little girl freaking out over here. Memories flood my mind, making me way too emotional. The things I’ve spent years pushing back come flooding to the front. Desertion, rage, hurt, and resentment all churn in my veins. What I thought didn’t exist in me, feelings that I thought I had let go of long ago, stand front and center now. All because of this sweet little girl that has been put through more in just the time that I’ve known her than any one deserves. Right now, I would give anything to be judge, jury, and executioner for Xandra, my father and any other worthless parent out there who has higher priorities than their own children.

I don’t, of course, blame Hunter. Too much. He’s just coming into the realization of having a child. Just like everyone in the group, they are used to being loud as hell, and not afraid to toss out insults and argue about trivial shit. None of it matters, tomorrow they will be on to the next stupid prank, but all Jasmine knows is they are yelling. Loud. Which, by the way Xandra acted earlier, I assume Jasmine has seen a lot of fighting.

“Hunter,” I mutter, trying to get his attention.

“It’s not so bad, man.” He keeps talking. “You’ll make a nice pension kept bitch.”

“Hunter, you need to-” Daisy says, taking notice of Jasmine and then no doubt, my look of panic.

“I’ll get your ass back for this, both of you.” Mack roars, interrupting Daisy. “What if my grandmother sees that?”

Jasmine whimpers, and I lose it. “Hunter!” I explode. Everyone stops mid-sentence, all eyes on me. Releasing her hold on Hunter, Jasmine grips my hand with both of hers now. Obviously just as shocked at my outburst as everyone else in the room who are now waiting on an explanation. However, the last thing I am going to do is go into a wounded tirade. “You know what, never mind. We’ll be out in the ‘Burban.” Lifting Jasmine into my arms, I hurry from the room; ignoring Hunter and Cam pleading for me to come back. My only thought is to get Jasmine out of there.

Take Notes, Quiz To Follow

Hunter

“What the hell? Is she that excited to go shopping?” Mack asks, scratching his head.

“Do I look like a mind reader?” I snap, staring down the hallway as if it held the answers. Chase just exploded, storming out with the kid to the car.

“Nope, but it looks like you need to buy a clue while you’re out shopping.” Daisy snorts. The entire room goes quiet again, except for Cam clicking her tongue in agreement with Daisy. “Better take notes, because you’re messin’ up Hunter.”

“Big time. Jasmine was huddled behind Chase like a wounded pup.” Cam explains, while Daisy just nods, her face sad. “Chase, noticing the fear running through that poor, sweet, baby girl, went into protective mode.”

“Momma bear.” Daisy says, nodding in agreement again.

“Scared?” I mutter before blowing out a harsh breath. “Shit.” I could kick my own ass, and Mack’s. “Jasmine doesn’t know us, so our joking and shouting scared her, didn’t it?” When I get nothing but a few shrugs from the peanut gallery, I grit my teeth in frustration. “Here it’s supposed to be me reassuring her that she doesn’t have to be scared, and I can’t even get that right.”

“It’s an adjustment, for all of us.” Cam says standing to her feet. Walking over she pats my shoulder. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Hunter. That’s the great thing about love, there’s so much room for learning and forgiveness. Nothing’s built in one night.”

“She’s right, Hunter.” Daisy says, tearing up. Oh shit.

“No tears, baby momma, please.” I beg, making the guys chuckle. “I love you ladies like my damn sisters, but I’m man enough to admit that if you start up the waterworks, I’m gonna act like a broken rubber and head out.”

“Get the hell outta here already.” Henry says through a mouthful of pizza. “Katheryn and I plan to make
real
good use of my easy night since it’s just the ‘spooners’ here.”

“Alright, let’s go Mack.” I groan, starting down the hall.

“I prefer to think of myself as more of a sporker…” Mack says, opening the front door. “I can be soft and supportive like a good spooner should be, but I come packin’ a helluva fork when the time’s right.”

Ignoring Mack, I hurry down the walk to the ‘Burban where Chase sits with the door open, cradling Jasmine in her arms. “I’m sorry.” I whisper softly, once I reach them. I don’t know who I’m apologizing to more, but the tear stains on both sets of eyes level me to the ground.
I don’t do tears. Yeah, I say that a lot too. Let me buy you ice cream, give you anything you want, just don’t cry!

“Hey, beautiful.” Mack coos to Jasmine, who just huddles closer to Chase, burying her face in her chest. “Let’s get buckled up, huh?” Grabbing the only thing Xandra did leave, a raggedy ass booster seat, from Mack, I wave him off.

“I got it, man.”

“Alright.” He replies, walking around the car.

“Hey baby girl, don’t cry.” I soothe, when I touch her arm and feel her tremble. “I’m sorry, no one’s used to havin’ a little girl around. We’ve all gotta adjust, but I promise any one of us would rather cut off our arm than hurt you. No one will raise their voice at you like that, ever.”

Jasmine’s eyes peek at me over Chase’s arm. “What do you want for dinner?” I ask, when she sniffles.

“Anything?” She asks, perking up instantly. I realize, in this moment, that I’d give anything to put this look on her face every day of my life. To see the smile that looks so much like mine did growing up. Brown eyes that are the exact same color as Aiden’s and mine, lighting up with excitement at the suggestion she gets to choose where we go. She’s a piece of me, not dark and fucked up, but innocent. How could one night of meaningless sex result in something so priceless?