“I did, too.” I lift my hand to her face, letting my thumb caress her jawline. “Is it okay if I kiss you?”
Her only response is a nod, and I bend down until our lips meet. The kiss starts gently at first. Then I run my tongue along her lip asking for permission. She leans into me, granting me entrance. Before I know what’s happening, my hand is on her hip and the other in her hair.
I’m not sure how long we kiss, but there are whistles coming from the sidewalk and I slowly pull away.
“Goodnight, Parker.” She chews on her bottom lip.
“Good night. Be careful and let me know when you get home.”
She nods and gets into her car. I close the door as soon as she has it started. There’s no way I’m not thinking about the kiss for the rest of the night. I can’t wait until I can do it again.
Why are my hands sweaty? I’ve never been this nervous going to a woman’s house. Though, truth be told, I haven’t met anyone’s parents in years.
Now I need the courage to actually get out of my truck. I’m sure Jasmin is peeking out the window wondering what I’m doing. You can do this, Parker. You can charm anyone. Jasmin’s mom is no different.
There’s a tap on the window and I smack my face into it as I turn to see who it is. Jasmin is standing there with a wide smile on her face. She motions for me to roll down the window.
“Are you going to sit out here all night like a weirdo?” She lifts up on her toes to lean on the door. “I promise my family won’t bite. At least, I don’t think they will. And I totally saw you hit your face.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.” I roll my eyes as I rub my face. It still stings a bit. “I’ve been trying to pump myself up. I’m not used to dealing with nerves.”
“It’s not a pleasant feeling, is it?” Jasmin steps back and opens my door. I guess I don’t have a choice about getting out of the truck now.
“I wouldn’t say unpleasant. Mostly, it’s new.”
“What do you mean?” She waits for me to climb out of my truck. There’s no point in keeping her waiting, or prolonging the inevitable.
“I’ve spent most of my life sweet talking my way out of trouble. Even staring down my meanest teachers didn’t make me flinch. But your parents? I want to run screaming.”
“It’s not that big of a deal. I promise.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out. “You don’t even have to stay long after we eat. We aren’t going to hold you hostage.”
“Jasmin,” I slip my hand in hers. “That’s where you’re wrong. This is important. I don’t want to screw all this up. Not with you.”
I close my door and hit the key fob to lock it. Jasmin is eerily quiet, and I wish I knew what she’s thinking.
“Let’s get inside before the mosquitoes tear us up.” She pulls me up the sidewalk and I know I’ve screwed up. Maybe I came on too strong.
I’m not lying, though. I want tonight to go perfectly for her. In the brief time we’ve known each other, I’ve picked up on the fact her family causes her to stress. Adding to it isn’t productive.
We’re standing in front of the door and she reaches to open it. I squeeze her hand to stop her. She turns to face me with wide eyes. Road noise fills the night air, and I have a feeling this is going to be my last still moment for the night.
“Everything will be fine.” I give her hand another squeeze and pull her into a hug. “If at any time, you’re ready for me to leave, give me a signal. Or, if you need me to sweep you up and get out of here, I’ve got you.”
I can feel her soft laughter against my chest. At least I made her release some tension. No matter how brief it might last.
“It’s go time.” She pulls away from me and opens the door before I can stop again.
We can do this…hopefully.
Fourteen
Jasmin
We’re barely two steps into the house when my mom swoops in and pulls Parker from my grasp. She’s not eager to meet him, at all. I roll my eyes as she envelopes him in a hug. Maybe I should have warned him about how affectionate my family can be. Well, when they aren’t giving me hell about not settling down.
“It’s so nice to meet you.” Mom muffles into his shoulder.
“You, too.” Parker laughs. “Thank you for having me over for dinner Mrs. Campos.”
