Page 10 of Return to Lovett Cove (Lovett Cove B&B #1)

CHAPTER NINE

Jasmine hobbled into her office, coffee sloshing around the brim of her mug. She still had trouble walking upright; her healing progressed more slowly than her doctor had predicted. But he told her to take it easy, no heavy lifting, no stress.

Today alone, she lifted a box of paper to refill the copy machine, skipped lunch to prepare for an early afternoon meeting, and stressed the entire day.

But she had accomplished so much. The high of achievement was carrying her through when she likely should work from home. If her dedication to the job didn’t prove to her bosses that she deserved the VP position, Jasmine didn’t know what would.

Kennedy looked up, her face a sweaty mess after running in front of and behind her all day, completing her work and helping pick up some of Jasmine’s slack.

She bolted from her seat, the phone in her lap crashing to the floor.

“Let me get that. You should’ve told me you wanted another cup.

How many is that, by the way? Are you even supposed to be drinking coffee?

It’s five-thirty. You’re going to be up all night. ”

Jasmine grunted and collapsed into her seat.

No, she wasn’t supposed to be drinking coffee after surgery.

The caffeine would undoubtedly produce more acid in her already sour stomach, but she’d barely slept a full night since returning to Philadelphia from Lovett Cove three days ago.

She was determined to win the promotion even if it—

Killed her?

No, she wasn’t dying. The ulcer was gone. She had work to do.

Jasmine opened her portfolio, flipped to the next page of her to-do list and sucked in a breath.

The photograph of her and her sisters on the beach. Smiling. Forgetting for a moment all the struggles they would face back home.

I was happy there. I am happy there.

Lovett Cove was a different pace. A different warmth.

Her mother’s B&B was now on the market, according to the email she had received from a real estate agent who wasn’t River.

Since pushing River away after their kiss—

Their kiss.

Disappointment surged up, causing her eyes to sting.

Jasmine understood why River didn’t want to conduct business with her, why he wanted to limit their contact.

He’d put his heart out on the line, kissed her till her toes curled, and she threw it all away to be back in an always-freezing office, barely able to stand up straight, running her poor, faithful assistant ragged, destroying the last strands of her pride for a job that would give her everything she thought her mother wanted for her.

Jasmine grimaced at her coffee cup as though it were the root of all her problems. “Fine, no coffee,” she resigned. “But I need a pick-me-up.”

Kennedy handed her an open jar of peanut butter with a spoon sticking out of it. “You started this earlier.”

Jasmine groaned but accepted the food. The strong, nutty smell turned her stomach. “No.” She set the jar down on her desk.

“Fruit?”

“Too healthy.”

“Tuna sandwich?”

“Too smelly.”

Kennedy fell back against her seat, holding her stomach as she laughed. And laughed.

“You’re delirious,” Jasmine observed.

Kennedy shook her head but couldn’t stop laughing.

“And I’m delusional to think this is ever going to work.

” Jasmine stared at the to-do list in her planner.

She’d given her insides to this company, and this was the first time she had ever questioned the cost. Thanks to River and her mother’s beautifully run-down inn, Jasmine could see another future.

One that involved sand dunes, biscuits and honey…

And a man who’d care for her. Who wanted to be with her. The workaholic.

“Jasmine? You look exhausted.”

Jasmine sat upright and grinned so widely Kennedy looked at her with alarm.

I must look crazy. Unlike her boss, Monica, who was the epitome of boss girl who dressed smartly and never appeared unruffled by life or work.

Monica stood in the doorway, her concerned gaze running over Jasmine. “Are you okay?”

“Monica! I couldn’t be better.”

“Are you sure? Didn’t you just have surgery? And for an ulcer. That can’t be an easy recovery.”

“Not. At. All.”

Monica’s grin was shaky. “Perhaps I can offer you something that’ll make it better. The partners and I have discussed it, and we want to offer you the promotion. Congratulations, Jasmine, you are a vice president!”

Jasmine stood slowly, conscious of her sore abdomen. With her back straight and her shoulders back, Jasmine felt peace fill her as the words came. “Monica, I want to thank you and the partners for this amazing opportunity, but I have to decline. In fact, consider this my notice.”

Monica blinked. “I’m sorry? You’re quitting?”

Kennedy bit her lower lip and clutched her hands in front of her as she watched the scene.

Jasmine smiled at her. “My mother left me some property in Lovett Cove, and I’m going to be moving there.

But I want you to consider Kennedy for a promotion.

Without her, I never would’ve completed this project.

She deserves this office, and I hope you will agree. ”

Monica smiled knowingly. “This job demands your soul. I’m glad you decided not to pay that price.” She looked at Kennedy and extended her hand. “We have noticed you, Kennedy, and if you’re not quitting, let me be the first to offer you Jasmine’s old job.”

Behind Monica, Jasmine nodded eagerly for Kennedy to accept. She would be among the youngest marketing directors at the company. It would fast-track her to a vice president position, if she wanted that for her future.

Kennedy shook Monica’s hand. “Thank you, Monica. I accept.”

Monica wished Jasmine well and left her alone with Kennedy.

“Jasmine, what have you done?” Kennedy hissed.

Jasmine shrugged. “I decided for myself. Not for what I thought people wanted. Or even what my mother wanted.”

“But she wanted you to move to Lovett Cove. And that’s what you’re doing.”

“Yes, you’re right. But I want to move for me.”

Kennedy’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “And River?”

Jasmine laughed until she groaned from the pain in her stomach. “Before you redecorate this office, I’ll need you to email my former clients and let them know I’ll be leaving the company. Then, if you could book me a mover and plane tickets—”

“Consider it taken care of, boss,” Kennedy said as her thumbs furiously pounded her phone.

“No. You’re the boss now.” Jasmine gripped Kennedy in a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m sure I’ll be calling you about everything.”

Jasmine stared into Kennedy’s eyes and squeezed her shoulders. “Call me anytime, but you know the job. Don’t doubt yourself. I’m the one who needs help. I know absolutely nothing about running a B&B!”