Page 25 of Judge Me Not

"No. I don't lie."

His voice drops several octaves. "Then why don't you want me to pick you up?"

I say the only thing that comes to my mind. "This is business. We aren't dating."

His voice sounds angry and maybe a little hurt. "No, we aren't dating. But you are mine. Or did you forget that detail?"

I close my eyes. "The contract said I would meet you. Please stick to our arrangement."

The line goes silent.

"Are you still there?"

"Fine. I will not pick you up. After the salon, my driver will bring you to my house. You can get ready there."

I'll miss dinner with Abby.

The one thing I get to do with Abby every day is have dinner. I'm not home a lot due to my jobs, but I've always been home for dinner.

"I need to be home first."

"Pick, Jasmine. Either I pick you up, or you come to my place. Which one?" he growls.

It's one night. Then I'll get to spend more time with Abby during the day.

"I'll go to your place."

His voice softens. "Okay. I'll see you tonight."

I don't say goodbye and hang up.What have I gotten myself into?

Cee Cee knocks on the door, pulling me out of my moment of panic. "Jasmine? You okay?" She comes in and sits on the bed next to me.

I nod. "Yes. Everything was as he stated. I signed."

She forces a smile and puts her arm around me. "That's good. I would have done the same thing."

My eyes well with tears, and my body shakes.

"Oh, hey. What's wrong?" She pulls me tighter to her.

I wipe my face. "I'll be gone from ten this morning, and I don't know when I'll be back. I just spoke with Colton. I'll miss dinner with Abby tonight."

"Yes. But if you don't leave until ten, you'll get to make her breakfast. I bet she's going to be excited about that."

I take a deep breath. "You're right."

"I'll be here with her. She'll be okay. Why don't you try to have some fun while you're out?"

"With Colton?"

"Yes."

I snort. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why? Because he's sexy, rich, and totally into you?"

"He's paying me."