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

Chapter 71 - Jasmine

Jasmine awoke to the feeling of nausea, and covering her mouth, she threw the covers back and raced to the bathroom. Barely making it to the toilet, she emptied the contents of her stomach. Groaning, she rested her hands on the edge of the toilet and tried to catch her breath.

What the hell?!

Feeling a sense of deja'vu from two weeks ago, when she'd developed food poisoning from the Indian take-out that she and Ethan had ordered from a place that he'd been ordering from for years, Jasmine had decided never to eat Indian food ever again. But now as she sat gripping the toilet, she tried to recall what she'd eaten the night before that could have made her sick again, but for the life of her, she had no idea.

In that moment, Ethan rushed into the bathroom, and squatting down beside of her, he pulled her hair back from her face. Worried hazel eyes met hers as he said, "Baby? What happened? It's not food poisoning again, is it?" Shaking her head, Jasmine said, "No. This feels different. Plus, I was sitting here thinking the same thing, but last night we had grilled chicken salads, and I didn't feel sick last night." Rubbing her back, Ethan said, "Maybe you're coming down with something?" Shaking her head, which she realized instantly was not the best idea, she groaned as she said, "I have a very strong immune system Ethan, and I rarely get sick." Releasing a sarcastic snort, she said, "That's pretty odd, given where I work. Right?" Smiling, Ethan said, "Yeah, it is actually. Especially since kids tend to carry more germs around than anyone." Jasmine laughed at his comment, instantly regretting the action when the muscles of her stomach began to spasm in protest. Groaning, she said, "Don't make me laugh Ethan." Chuckling, he said, "I'm sorry baby." Swatting at him, she said, "You suck."

Placing a kiss to her forehead, Ethan stood and said, "I'll go grab you some ginger ale. We still have some from two weeks ago." Pausing at the door, he turned and said, "I made breakfast.... but I'm assuming you'd like to take a pass on that right now. Right?" Nodding her head, Jasmine said, "What did you make?" Running a hand through his hair, that was currently the length that it had been when she'd met him at the airport in Las Vegas almost a little over a month ago, he said, "Scrambled eggs, bacon and waffles." Although the thought of eating anything at that moment caused bile to rise in her throat, she said, "Maybe I'll eat some eggs. I'll definitely pass on the bacon and waffles for now." Smiling, Ethan chuckled as he said, "Caden would've been happy to hear that if he were here, but he's already at the airport."

Frowning, Jasmine said, "He's still planning to fly to Miami for the weekend?" Nodding his head, Ethan said, "Yeah, he is. He said there's a young lady that he met who lives there. And he's been very tight lipped about this woman, so I don't really know much about her." Smiling, Jasmine said, "Well, I hope it works out for him, because I noticed that he's been a little quiet since we returned from New York. And that is not like Caden." Nodding in agreement, Ethan chuckled as he said, "Yeah, I noticed that too, but when I asked him about it, he said he was fine, and that he just had some things to work out." Shrugging, he said, "I asked him if there was anything that I could do to help, but he said he had it under control."

When Jasmine made to stand, Ethan was right by her side, supporting her with a hand to her elbow, and when a wave of dizziness hit her, she was grateful for his help. Noticing her imbalance, Ethan said, "Baby, why don't you sit down for a second, and I'll go and grab that ginger ale." Nodding her head, Jasmine said, "Okay baby. Thank you." When Ethan left the room, Jasmine slowly stood, and using the sink to balance herself, she quickly brushed her teeth. Wetting a cloth with cold water, she placed it against her flushed face and exhaled a slow breath.

Turning at Ethan's approach, Jasmine smiled as she said, "Thank you baby." Placing a kiss to her temple, Ethan said, "Of course. Do you want to try and lay down, or would you prefer to sit up?" Allowing herself to be escorted to the bed, Jasmine stood to the side and watched as Ethan pulled the covers back before taking the glass of ginger ale from her so that she could climb in bed.

Once she was settled, Ethan handed her back the glass and sat on the bed next to her. "I called Dr. Bennett and asked if he could fit you into his schedule today for a quick checkup. After what happened the last time, I'm not taking any chances with your health baby. You're my world Jasmine, and I want to make sure that you're okay." Frowning, Jasmine said, "Dr. Bennett?" Nodding, he said, "Yes. Dr. Bennett lives in a brownstone two doors down. After I had my accident, I met him at the hospital, and when we realized that we were neighbors, we became friends. He used to stop by and check on me during those months when I had PT." Slowly sipping on the cool drink, and enjoying the feeling as it soothed her stomach, she said, "Oh...okay. But you didn't have to call him Ethan. I'm okay baby. Like you said, it's probably just a stomach bug." Hearing her own words, Jasmine's eyes were wide as she said, "Ethan! If I'm sick you can't be near me. I don't want you to catch what I have, if I am coming down with something."

Eyes softening, Ethan said, "Baby.... after what we did last night, and again early this morning.... I'm pretty sure with all of the fluids that we've shared since we met, we pretty much have the same DNA by now." Laughing out loud, Jasmine said, "Ethan! You are so damn crazy!" Smiling he said, "Tell me I'm wrong." Shaking her head, Jasmine said, "You're right, because with the things that we've done, we are pretty much the same person at this point." Chuckling, Ethan said, "That's because you can't keep your hands off of me. Hell, I think I need to join a support group for men that are in my same situation." Tossing her head back and laughing, Jasmine said, "You are so full of crap! If anyone needs to join a support group.... it's me! Because after what you did to me last night, I'm going to need to set up a few sessions with my aunt Alyshia soon."

When Ethan tossed his head back and laughed, Jasmine smiled, because since meeting him, she had laughed more during the short time that she'd known him than she had during her entire relationship with Marcus. And when he locked eyes with her, still smiling, she said, "I love you, Ethan Daniels." And just like with each time that she said those words, Ethan's features softened, and he cupped her face before placing a deep kiss to her lips. After Ethan had broken their kiss, Jasmine cupped the nape of his neck when he placed his forehead to hers and smiling, Ethan said, "I love you more Mrs. Daniels."