CHAPTER 3

"Jeremy, I'm so sorry," Candy says as she hurries to the table where Jeremy is sitting enjoying his beer. "I tried to hurry."

Jeremy stands and gives her a quick hug. "It's all right, Candy. It's not your fault. I take full responsibility."

"You? How is my being late your fault?"

Holding a chair out for her to sit, he explains, "I was the one that woke you up and kept you from going back to bed. I'm sorry."

Lottie sets their plates of food on the table before them. "Okay, you both have apologized. Now eat and enjoy the rest of the night."

"You're right, Lottie. Supper looks delicious. Thank you," Candy says.

"My pleasure," Lottie answers as she then returns to the bar area.

When they're about through eating, Jasmine makes her appearance downstairs. Candy watches her descend the stairs and says, "Oh my, I wonder who that is."

Jeremy turns his head to see who she's talking about, then answers casually, "That's Jasmine Westover. She came in on the stage a little while ago." He resumes his eating.

"And how do you know that?" she asks curiously.

"Because I carried her luggage up to her room." Seeing that Candy has more questions he volunteers, "She asked me if I could help her. I did, we introduced ourselves, and I left."

"Wonder what she's doing here?" Candy muses.

"She said she had some business to take care of here in Seattle."

"What kind of business?"

"She didn't say and I didn't ask. If you want to know, then you ask her," Jeremy answers. Hoping to change the subject, he asks, "What do you want to do tomorrow? Any suggestions?"

"Well, I'm not quite sure. A picnic for certain. Jeremy, do you think Miss Westover has relatives here? What kind of business would bring someone as young as her to Seattle?"

Jeremy puts his fork down and takes her hand. "Candy, let it go. It's none of our business. If she wants us to know, then she'll tell us."

"I know, but I'm just curious," she says.

"I know when you get like this, your curiosity usually gets you. . . and me in trouble. I'm asking you to please drop it. Let's enjoy our evening. I mean it has been almost a week since we've been able to spend time together."

Looking at the expression on his face, Candy relents. "You're right, Mr. Bolt. I've missed you. Let's finish so we can take our walk and sit and watch the stars."

"That's my girl. I've missed you too," he says as he kisses her fingertips.

"Oh my, she's coming over here," Candy whispers.

"What? Why?" Jeremy asks nervously.

"Well hello again, Jeremy. This must be your girl you were meeting," Jasmine says. "Are you going to introduce me?"

"Uh, yeah, hmm, Jasmine this is my girl Candy Pruitt. Candy, this is Jasmine Westover."

"So glad to meet you, Miss Westover," Candy greets her.

"Likewise. Glad to meet you, too. You are one lucky girl to have such a sweet and helpful man such as Jeremy. He helped me with my luggage earlier," Jasmine tells Candy. "And so strong. I know my trunk was heavy and he lifted it like it was a feather." She laughs and squeezes Jeremy's upper arm. "My, you do have some muscles there," she coos.

"Yes, Jeremy is strong," Candy replies as she bites on her bottom lip.

"It really wasn't that heavy," Jeremy blushes.

"Jeremy says you're in Seattle on business," Candy begins her quest to find out what kind of business and with whom. "Do you have family here also?"

"Family? No, I don't even know anyone here except Jeremy. I hope you don't mind but I did ask him if he could show me around Seattle tomorrow, I mean I didn't know at the time that he had a girl."

"Oh no, I guess I don't mind. So when are you going to show her Seattle, Jeremy?" Candy asks.

"I'm not. Candy, you know that you and I are spending the day together," Jeremy explains.

"I know we are, but surely you could find a little bit of time to show Miss Westover around town. I mean it probably wouldn't take over ten minutes," Candy laughs. "Besides, I'll be cooking in the morning for our picnic."

"Jeremy, that would be wonderful if you could do that. I promise I won't keep you any longer than I have to," Jasmine looks at him with pleading eyes.

Lottie walks over to ask Jasmine if she would like some supper. While she is occupied with Lottie, Jeremy gritting his teeth, whispers to Candy, "Candy, what are you doing? I don't want to do this."

"I just thought maybe you could be nice and show her around. Maybe you can find out why she's here," Candy whispers back.

"Candy, you're going to regret this. Mark my word," Jeremy tells her.

"Nonsense, I trust you. I know you would never do anything to break my trust," Candy kisses his shoulder.

Lottie leaves for the kitchen and Jasmine turns back to Jeremy and Candy. "Well, do we have a date tomorrow morning, Jeremy?" she asks.

Jeremy looks at Candy and she nods her head. "I guess we do. I'll be over around nine. Is that time all right with you?"

"It's perfect, Jeremy. Thank you so much and thank you too, Miss Pruitt."

"Call me Candy. May I call you Jasmine?"

"I think you better since you're letting me steal Jeremy from you."

"What do. . ." Candy begins.

Lottie calls out interrupting Candy, "Jasmine, come eat while the food is hot."

"Be right there," Jasmine replies. "Goodnight. See you tomorrow," she adds as she places her hand on Jeremy's cheek, giving it a tender rub.

Candy and Jeremy watch her walk away. "Candy, I'm telling you, you're going to regret your actions."

"Why do you keep saying that?"

"Just keep watching Jasmine. She may show you why," he smirks.

Candy looks over at Jasmine as she takes her cape off before she sits down. Candy's eyes bug out and her mouth flies open when she sees how full figured Jasmine is. "Jeremy Bolt!" she whispers angrily. "Why didn't you tell me that she. . .she has. . .that she looks like that?"

"What was I suppose to say, "Oh by the way Candy, Jasmine has the biggest br. . .uh, hmm, biggest assets I've ever seen? Was I suppose to say that in front of her? I tried to warn you, but no your curiosity got the better of you."

"Let's go!" Candy snaps as she rises. "I need some air."

Jeremy rolls his eyes as he follows Candy outside. "Do you still want to take a walk and sit and look at the stars?" he asks.

"Of course, I do. Jeremy Bolt, we have to talk and talk now before it's too late."