She managed to curb her curiosity until after she slipped off her shoes, changed out of her street clothes and into a tank top and cotton lounging pants. Sitting on the club chair in her bedroom, Jasmine opened the package, and removed pale-blue tissue paper covering a rectangular flat velvet box. Her fingers were noticeably shaking when she opened the box to see a single strand of golden South Sea pearls and matching studs resting on white satin. Jasmine knew the round baubles were at least twelve millimeters. Her fingers grazed the ruby and diamond clasp connecting the magnificent strand. Sandwiched between sheets of tissue paper was a small card: IHOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR BIRTHDAY. HERE’S A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU TO WEAR TO YOUR FRIEND’S WEDDING. C. SINGLETON.
Jasmine blinked back tears. She hadn’t expected Cameron to give her anything for her birthday. Reaching for her cell, she dialed his number. Sending a text was too impersonal for what she wanted to say to him.
“Talk to me, darling.”
Her smile was dazzling. “Is that how you always answer your calls?”
“Nah. Just you.”
“I got the pearls and—”
“Do you like them?” he asked, cutting her off.
“Of course. They’re beautiful. But you didn’t have to give me anything for my birthday.”
“But I wanted to. It’s the least I could do to thank you for making my frat reunion the best I’ve ever had.”
Jasmine paused, wondering if he was referring to her sleeping with him after three encounters. “It was quite memorable for me, too.”
“What’s wrong, Jasmine?”
“What are you talking about?” she asked, answering his question with one of her own.
“Something in your voice changed.”
Damn, she thought. Was he that insightful or was she an open book? If she hoped to have an open relationship with Cameron, then she had to be truthful. “Was it the best because we slept together?”
“Why would you ask me that?”
“Just answer the question, Cameron.”
“No! It still would’ve been the best if we hadn’t slept together. I’m no choirboy when it comes to sleeping with women, but there haven’t been so many that I can’t recall their names or their faces. When I came to New York to see you it wasn’t my intent to sleep with you. And that’s not to say I didn’t want to, but if it didn’t happen then so be it. You’re different, Jasmine, from any other woman I’ve met.”
“Have you ever dated a woman of color?”
“No, but that has nothing to do with you being different. You’re beautiful, talented, sophisticated, and stunningly feminine. In other words, you’re the total package.”
She smiled. “Stop or you’ll give me a swelled head.”
“Wrong, darling. Every time I conjure up your naked body the head between my legs swells up.”
“You’re so nasty!”
“You like it, don’t you?”
Jasmine covered her mouth with her free hand to smother a giggle. “Yes,” she said through her fingers.
“I can’t wait to see you again.”
“Same here,” she admitted. “Are you free June ninth?”
“What’s happening on that day?”
“That’s the day when my friend is marrying Gage Toussaint, and I’d like you to be my plus-one.”
“Of course. What time is the wedding?”
“Seven.”
