[chapter thirty-two]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please. ;-)
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~Jeffy's POV~
She could paint every wall black or rip holes in the carpet, and I would think it's perfect.
Because she did it.
I feel like an idiot because I've been hiding in my own kitchen for the last 10 minutes while Jasmine and the contractor argue about my house. And she's totally going off on him because she wants it to be perfect.
For me. Wow.
I hear the back door slam shut and I risk poking my head around the corner to see that Jasmine is no where in sight. I cautiously walk out into the family room and see her back through the glass door, looking out over my backyard.
Deep breath, Gordon. Go talk to her.
I step outside and silently go to stand beside her. I can see her looking at me out of the corner of her eye, trying to hide the cigarette in her hand.
"You don't smoke." I state after a few moments.
"Until a few nights ago, I didn't think you drank." She states in return, and I can't help but smile a little.
"A few nights ago, I think I perfectly proved that I don't drink." I say lightly and am rewarded by a chuckle.
"Hi." She says after a minute.
"Hi."
"How are you?" She asks, still gazing off into the distance.
"Not so good. Yourself?"
"Not so good, either."
"Any reason why?"
"Yeah, this house is fucked up." She states simply.
"That's all?"
"Well, the owner is fucked up too, but in sort of a cute, goody goody way."
I chance looking over at her and see a broad grin on her face.
"I couldn't agree more." Finally she turns her head and meets my stare. Her eyes soften, and I feel my heart soar just high enough to be dangerous. "Jasmine. I'm so sorry. For everything. For being screwed up and stupid and lame and unsure and for not telling you that I - "
"Shh." She says, turning fully towards me. "I know. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have … I shouldn't have done so many of the things I've done to you. But you scare the hell out of me, Jeff."
"Why?"
She looks at me for a long moment. "Isn't it obvious?"
I search my mind, but seemingly have nothing but pebbles rolling around inside. "Apparently not."
"Because I … because I like you, you bonehead."
"I like you too, you idiot."
Her jaw drops slightly at my words and I smile to show her I'm teasing.
"Jeff?"
"What?"
"Say a cuss word."
I laugh out loud at her request, remembering the first time she asked me to. Without hesitation, I reply. "Shut the fuck up and kiss me, Jasmine."
And here I thought guys could only get the girl if they bought them flowers and sappy cards.
Boy, was I wrong.