“Yes. Even if you stop tomcatting and decide you want to settle down there’s no guarantee Jasmine will want the same because she’s been there, done that.”
“That’s not going to happen because we both agree marriage is not a part of our future.”
“She told you that?”
There was no mistaking the shock in Hannah’s voice. “Yes. We were open with each other about marriage.”
“So, you want to have a relationship with her without making it permanent? What’s the expression: why should you pay for the cow when you can get the milk free?”
Sudden anger lit Cameron’s eyes, turning them a frosty gray. “I’m not going to take advantage of her.”
“Aren’t you when you want her in your life without offering an alternative?” Hannah argued softly. “What if she changes her mind and decides she wants to be married? Are you going to tell her ‘sorry, baby but I don’t believe in matri-monn’?”
“No!”
“No what, Cameron?” High color darkened Hannah’s fair complexion. “You can’t have it both ways.” Her voice had softened. “I’ve known Jasmine a lot longer than you have and identify with her because we both had cheating-ass husbands. The man screwed her in and out of bed, so I’m warning you I’m not going to stand by and let you do the same to her. Either you do right by her or let her go, because you don’t have the best reputation when it comes to women.”
Cameron stared at Hannah in shock. He hadn’t known her husband had cheated on her, and she had judged him unfairly. “I’ve never messed over a woman.”
“Listen to yourself, Cameron. How many women have you dated in the past let’s say five years? Eight? Ten? Or maybe a dozen?”
“I’m not going to dignify that with an answer.”
“Then don’t!” Hannah spat out. “Just don’t hurt my friend or you’ll have to answer to me.”
Cameron sat straight. “Don’t threaten me, Hannah.”
Her eyes gave off green sparks. “I just did.” She blew out a breath. “Look, Cameron, I don’t want to spoil a good business and personal relationship with us arguing about Jasmine. I’m just begging you to treat her good. She deserves to be happy.”
He nodded. “I usually don’t make promises I know I can’t keep, but I promise you I will not hurt her.”
Hannah gave him a long, penetrating stare. “I don’t know why, but I believe you.”
Cameron closed his eyes and exhaled an audible breath. “Thank you.” He pushed to his feet, extended his hand, and helped Hannah stand. Angling his head, he kissed her cheek. “Thanks for the pep talk.”
“Anytime. I’ll walk you to the door.”
“By the way, where’s your husband?”
“He’s at the college meeting with some of his colleagues. He’s been invited out to the West Coast to meet with folks who film historical documentaries. I’d rather he not go because this will be our first summer together as husband and wife, but I didn’t tell him that.”
“How’s the work coming on the inn?” Cameron asked.
“It’s going well. Most the rooms are finished and after that they’ll begin installing the elevator. Once it’s operational the contractor said he’ll begin converting the guesthouses.”
“Are you still projecting a fall opening?”
Hannah walked with him as far as the porch. “Yes. We’ve set a tentative date for mid-October.”
“I’m sure the inn will be beautiful. It’s true when folks say the DuPont House is one of the most magnificent homes in the Garden District.”
Hannah rested a hand on Cameron’s shoulder. “And I have you to thank for suggesting I invite investors when Tonya decided to open a restaurant on the property. Now if I can only convince Jasmine to help me run it I’ll be as happy as a pig in slop. I’ve given up on Nydia handling the finances because she’s wedded to New York City and doesn’t want to relocate.”
“You’ll find someone eventually.”
“I know that, but I need someone I can trust.”
“I hear you,” Cameron drawled. He kissed Hannah’s forehead. “Thanks again for the honest talk.”
