Chapter 4

When he arrived, a distraught Jasmine ran into his arms. He had never seen her so vulnerable and shaken up before. "Jasmine, what's wrong?" he asked her. "John Coleman tried to come on to me. He kissed me and I kicked him," she started to explain. "Where is he?" Austin said clenching his fist. "Did he hurt you?" he said angrily. "Wait until I get my hands on him," Austin said heading towards the restaurant.

"No, please don't leave me," she pleaded as she held onto his arms. Austin could tell this was more than what had just happened and she needed him. "Okay, I am not going anywhere," he said gently trying to reassure her. He got her directions to her apartment and held her hands the entire time. All he wanted to do was comfort her. Austin took her inside her apartment and did not want to leave her in such a fragile state. He knew Jasmine must have had something deeper going on. Austin could not believe it because she always appeared so strong and resilient. He sat on her sofa as she changed and got cleaned up. When she came out, he could not believe how natural and beautiful she looked. The makeup was gone and her hair was let down in a ponytail. Jasmine was breathtaking and she always smelled fantastic. Without words, he stretched out his hands and offered support. Jasmine accepted the gesture and sobbed. His heart broke to see her like this. "Do you want to talk about it?" Austin asked.

Jasmine shakes her head and lays there in his arms until she falls asleep. Austin looked at her admiring her beautiful face and lips. He carried her to her bed and lay next to her the entire night until he fell fast asleep as well. When Jasmine awoke the next morning she smelled the aroma of eggs, bacon, and pancakes coming from the kitchen. She sat up and started to remember the events of the night. She recalled what happened with John Coleman and Austin coming to the rescue. He must have stayed the entire night she thought becoming self-conscience about her looks. How was she going to explain why she overreacted? She had never revealed details of her abuse. Would he want an explanation?

After returning from the restroom, she quietly headed towards the kitchen. Their eyes met and she said, "Thanks for last night." My pleasure, sit and eat some breakfast," he encouraged. She gave him a huge smile and ate the hearty breakfast. "Austin, that was delicious," she said. "Where did you learn to cook?" she asked. "My mother," he said. "What? I thought you had the housekeepers and chefs preparing your meals," she teased. "Well, contrary to what you may think my parents believed in us learning life skills," he pointed out.

"Are you going to tell me what else is going on with you?" he asked. "I will but not today," she said wanting to be more comfortable before she told him about her past. "Whenever you are ready, I am willing to listen," he assured her. After breakfast, they said their goodbyes and he gave her a warm hug signifying he was there whenever she needed him. Jasmine leaned against her front door. She was grateful for Austin being there when she needed a shoulder to cry on. Jasmine was not used to this side of him but liked it a whole lot.