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have, right?”
    Jasmine twisted in the seat to face him. “Yes. Hosea, she was all over you.”
    “Come on, you’re exaggerating.”
    “No! I’m not. There were a couple of times when Deborah and Triage had to hold me back. I was ready to take her out.”
    He laughed. “First of all, you don’t belong to that group of women.”
    She softened even more. “I know. But back in the day, she would have found herself laid out on the floor.”
    “Well, I’m glad I didn’t know you then because that’s not the kind of woman I want.”
    Jasmine sighed.
    “Darlin’…”
    She cringed when he said that.
    “It doesn’t matter what Natasia’s sellin’ ’cause I ain’t buyin’.” He squeezed her hand. “How am I gonna have time for someone else when I got you?”
    He was extending an olive branch and she wanted to take it. Just lean back and forget. But she had to add, “I don’t trust her.”
    “No need to trust her. Trust me.”
    “It’s not always about that.”
    He pulled his hand away, and glanced at her sideways. “It’s always about trust. And you’ll always be able to trust me.”
    She was quiet until they pulled in front of their apartment building. The doorman greeted them and Hosea tossed him the car keys.
    Inside the elevator, Jasmine asked, “Are you sure there’s not another reason why you didn’t tell me about Natasia?”
    Hosea sighed. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”
    “But I need to.”
    “There’s no reason. I’ve told you all there is.”
    “Are you sure?”
    He stepped to the side, tilted his head. “I’ve told you the truth, Jasmine,” his voice stronger now. The elevator doors opened. “Secrets are your M.O., not mine,” he said before he stomped from the elevator and into their apartment.

    Jasmine stood at the window, staring at the full foliage of Central Park. Hosea had taken Jacqueline to the pond, but thoughts of the lunch were still with her.
    Hosea was right. She should trust him. And she did. But she didn’t trust Natasia. She’d been in the game long enough to recognize a player. Natasia was definitely a player and the game had already begun.
    “It must be fate. We were meant to be.”
    Those were Natasia’s words, but Jasmine knew that Natasia being in New York was no coincidence. How could it be? She was the kind of woman who did her research, of that Jasmine was sure. She was convinced Natasia knew everything about Hosea Bush—including that he had a wife.
    “That woman is definitely after my husband.”
    “You say something, darlin’?”
    Jasmine spun around; Hosea stood at the door with Jacqueline in his arms.
    “I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
    “My pumpkin is knocked out. Let me lay her down.”
    Jasmine nodded, then waited for her husband on the couch. Even though the June sun beamed heat into their apartment, she shivered—every time she thought of Natasia.
    “Our daughter ran me ragged.” Hosea plopped down next to her. “I’m gonna take a nap myself.” He picked up the newspaper. “So what did you do while we were out?”
    “Not much. Was just thinking.”
    “About what?” He sighed. “Or should I even ask?”
    She paused. “I’ve decided to go to Los Angeles with you.”
    He nodded slowly. “Well, that’s a good thing.”
    “And I’m taking Mrs. Sloss.” Jasmine expected Hosea to ask her why she would need their nanny since she wouldn’t be working. But watching Natasia was going to be a full-time job.
    “That’s fine.” He grinned. “Is there any particular reason for this change?” he asked, though through his smirk, Jasmine was sure he knew her reasons why.
    “Only that I couldn’t stand the thought of missing you.” She kissed his cheek, then pushed herself up. “You said you needed a nap; I think I want one, too.”
    He tossed the newspaper to the floor. “I’m right behind you.”
    She took a few steps, then stopped. “We’re staying at the Fairmont, right?”
    He nodded.
    “Make