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

Chapter 56 - Jasmine

The trip to New York with Ethan had been a dream come true. They'd spent a great deal of time just seeing the sights of New York and being together. Last year, she and her girls had spent the weekend in NYC for their annual girl's trip, and while she'd enjoyed her time with her friends, Jasmine had to admit that this trip to NYC meant a little more to her because she was experiencing it with the man that she loved. Being with Ethan, and having her parents there was truly amazing, and Jasmine would hang on to the memories that they were making forever.

Once they'd left the auction house, Ethan and Jasmine headed back to their hotel to get ready for the auction, and to grab a quick bite to eat with her parents. After sharing dinner with her parents, which was filled with a ton of laughter and shared memories, Ethan and Jasmine headed to their suite to shower and change.

"Baby, you look amazing." Turning to smile at Ethan, Jasmine said, "Thank you baby." Pulling her loose curls over one shoulder, Jasmine said, "You look incredible as well." And walking over to him, she gave him a seductive once over before she said, "And...I can't wait until we get back here so that I can take that suit off of you." When a huge smile crossed his face, and his hazel eyes twinkled, Ethan made a move to unhook his slacks, before slowly lowering his zipper. Laughing, Jasmine stayed Ethan's hands as she said, "No! We don't have time right now Ethan!" Chuckling, Ethan shrugged and said, "Well...I thought you could take my suit off now....and then again...later." Shaking her head, Jasmine said, "You are so damn nasty!" Chuckling, Ethan smiled before leaning down and kissing her gently on the lips, before pulling back and taking her hand as he led her out of their suite.

Arriving at the auction house, Jasmine excitedly looked over at her mom and smiled as she said, "Isn't this incredible." Smiling, her mom said, "Yes Pudd. It is." Chuckling, Ethan said, "Just wait until you actually see the auction taking place." Excitement filled her and as she, Ethan and her parents walked into the famed Christie's Auction House, Jasmine couldn't help the huge smile that spread across her face.

Walking into the crowded lobby where many of the attendees were laughing and conversing with one another, Jasmine's attention was directed at Ethan when she heard him say, "Hey Shane...you made it." Turning to face the man that had broken her best friend's heart, Jasmine's eyes narrowed when she saw the tall, handsome man striding towards them, with a very attractive African American woman accompanying him. Hold up! Was this the longtime girlfriend that Mackenzie had told her about? The Victoria Secret model?

Rage filled Jasmine as she recalled how hurt and disappointed Mackenzie had been when they'd spoken the day before about the magazine article that had featured Shane and possibly this same woman standing before them, on the cover. With narrowed eyes, Jasmine watched as Shane smiled and gripped Ethan's hand before he pulled him in for a half-hug. As if sensing her anger, Shane's blue gaze locked with hers, and his lips parted as if he were about to say something, but he was interrupted when Ethan said, "Hey Cantrell. It's good to see you again. Thank you for making sure that Shane didn't get lost on his way here." Jasmine's eyes jerked to the beautiful young woman, and in that moment, the name that Ethan called her, Cantrell, echoed through her mind.

Cantrell? Cantrell wasn't the name that Mackenzie told her that she'd read in the magazine. So, who the hell was this woman?! Damn, was Shane Reyes just a damn player that had a stable of women around the damn country. Jasmine broke gazes with Shane and watched as Ethan pulled the young woman in for a quick hug, before he quickly released her. Turning to Jasmine, Ethan smiled as he placed his hand on her lower back, and said, "Cantrell, this is Jasmine, my girlfriend." And glancing down at Jasmine, Ethan paused slightly when he noticed the expression on her face, before he said, "Jasmine, this is Cantrell Simmons. She is Shane's right hand, and the glue that holds things together for his business." In that moment, who the young woman was finally clicked in her mind, and a slow smile crossed her face as she said, "Oh...you're Cantrell. Shane's assistant. It's nice to meet you." Smiling, Cantrell said, "Hi Jasmine. It's nice to meet you as well. I've heard a lot about you." Jasmine's gaze shot to Shane's once more, but jerked back to Cantrell when she said, "Shane mentioned that you are from Charlotte?" Nodding her head, Jasmine said, "Yes, I am." And glancing over to see her parents heading their way, she smiled as she said, "These are my parents, Nathaniel and Bernadette Ellis."