Book 2: What Happens Here - Chicago (What Happens Here Series)

Chapter 27 - Jasmine

Jasmine was in awe of Ethan's home, and the more he showed her, the more impressed she became. Now that she saw the type of equipment that he had in his personal home gym, she understood just how he stayed in such great shape. Hell, the equipment that he had exclusive access to, made the YMCA's equipment look like something from a playground. There were pieces that she had never seen before, and Jasmine had felt like an idiot at having to ask what they were used for, and how to use them. Although she'd felt dumb for having to ask, Ethan had been patient and had simply smiled as he'd explained each piece of equipment to her, and even promised to show her how to use them while she was there. As she'd continued walking around the room, a door in the corner caught her eye, and she walked over and peered inside of the window. Her head had jerked when she'd realized that he had his own personal sauna!

As Ethan continued their tour of his beautiful home, Jasmine shook her head as she recalled the equipment that he had in his gym, and the damn sauna that he'd mentioned he'd had installed a couple of years prior. Jasmine had only used the sauna at the YMCA a handful of times because they were always so crowded but had always enjoyed them because of how rejuvenated she felt afterward. Unfortunately, the last, and final time that she used it would forever be branded in her mind. On that final use, she had walked into the room, and due to the unusual amount of steam, she'd only seen the outline of another person sitting in the far corner, so she'd put some space between them, and sat on the opposite side. At some point, Jasmine had relaxed and closed her eyes, allowing the heat and steam to soothe her aching muscles. Sensing movement, she'd opened her eyes and noticed that her sauna companion was standing completely naked, and with a full erection as he began performing some full body stretches that were...let's just say.... pretty exposing. After that unpleasant encounter, she never used it again.

After leaving the first level, which she soon learned was one of three; they walked back to the main level and into the dining room. When she walked into the room, she saw a huge table with black leather high-back chairs that could accommodate a party of eight. She rubbed her hands across the soft leather and was amazed at how buttery soft the leather felt. There was a very nice bouquet of tulips and lilies in the center of the table, and she had no doubt that Ethan had grown them himself. She looked over at Ethan and found him leaning against the wall watching her with a smile on his face.

The main level had hard wood floors, with the exception of the occasional throw rug. The huge fireplace in the living room was white marble and had a huge painting over the mantel that appeared to be a Monet. When she walked over to it, she noticed that it was one of her favorite paintings by the famous artist. It was from his first works, and it was the "Water Lily Pond Water Irises" painting...no doubt an original. Jasmine stood in front of it for a moment, before she said, "Is this an original?" She looked over at Ethan as he stood a few steps away, obviously giving her space to look around. Ethan walked over and stood beside of her as he said, "Yes, it is actually. I bought it at a charity auction that mom chaired about 2 years ago in New York. It was for a worthy cause, so I bought it. I love this piece. It's one of my favorites." Jasmine smiled, and said, "It's one of my favorites too. I have a smaller version of it, but mine came with a set of four matching cup coasters, so I'm pretty sure that it's a reproduction."

They both laughed, as Ethan grabbed her hand, and continued showing her the rest of his home.

When they walked into the kitchen, Jasmine stopped in her tracks and said, "No way!" Ethan stopped, and turned to look at her, a questioning look marred his features as he said, "What?" Eyes wide and filled with excitement, Jasmine said, "I think I'm in love with your kitchen." Ethan chuckled as Jasmine walked further into the enormous kitchen that boasted mahogany cabinetry, and granite counter tops. The kitchen was gorgeous, and was every chef's dream, and Jasmine lovingly ran her hands over the cool surface of the granite. Jasmine glanced around the large space until her eyes landed on the stainless steel, 48" side by side Liebherr sub-zero refrigerator with glass doors, that sat next to a huge stainless steel double oven with a grill inset in the middle, and a matching steel hood. Jasmine's mouth literally salivated at the thought of getting into Ethan's kitchen and showing off her culinary skills. Jasmine loved cooking and being born in a home with a mother that was known for baking the best cakes around, she spent a great deal of time in the kitchen learning from the best.