Love Through Pain by Ancelli

through, and don’t come back this time.”
    He touched his cheek, stepping away in shock. She slammed the door in his face.
     
     
     
     
     

Chapter Eight
     
     
    Javier navigated traffic on his way to meet Jazmine. His phone rang, and he glanced at the screen. He gently tapped his steering wheel with his left hand, and then slid it on.
    “Yes , Madre.”
    “Javy, que paso con Monica?”
    He sighed into the phone. He didn’t need his mother nagging him about his decision.
    “Why are you asking me ? I know she already told you?”
    “She called me crying. Is it true?”
    “Yes Ma, I’m going adopt Jazmine’s baby. And no matter what you or anyone else says, I won’t change my mind. This baby needs me, and believe it or not, I need him, too.”
    “I wasn’t going to tell you what to do , I would never do that. I think what you’re doing is commendable, that’s the man I raised. But Monica is hurt; she wanted to give you a baby.”
    “Ma, I don’t want to get into it right now. I’m driving, I’ll call you later .” He pulled into the hotel. Jazmine stepped through the lobby doors. “Bye.”
    “Que Dios te bendiga, adios.”
    “Adios.” He slid it off.
    Parking the truck, he jumped out and placed his cell in his pocket.
    His heart skipped a beat as Jazmine strolled closer. Her dimples deepened when she smiled—it was mesmerizing.
    “Hey.” He opened the passenger door.
    She surprised him when she kissed his cheek, making his cock jerk. “Isn’t that the way latinos say, hi?” Her scent was sweet like vanilla.
    Javier took her hands in his, and then helped her jump up into his truck.
    He ran around the vehicle, opened his door , and jumped in.
    “Where are you taking me?” She placed her hands on her lap.
    He stared at her manicured nails as she pulled down on her sundress, and then glanced up at her. “Someplace we can talk in peace.” He pushed the START button, and the truck roared to life; shifting gears, they drove off. “Did you get to sleep last night?”
    Javier noticed that when Jazmine was nervous she tugged at her clothes. “Yes, I got about four hours of sleep.”
    “You need your rest.”
    “I’ll try to do better .” She stared over at him.
    He took his eyes off the road for a few seconds, and met her gaze. Jazmine grinned wider , and her left dimple got deeper.
    Javier turned his attention back to the road. Her smile was addicting, and he wanted to see her smile again. “As long as you try.”
    They chatted a bit, until they arrived at the Memorial Park.
    He helped her out of the vehicle. It was a chilly day. Beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves littered the ground. She kicked a few as they strolled to an empty picnic table.
    Jazmine smoothed her hands over her arms and shivered. He could tell she was cold. Javier tugged off his jacket holding it up.
    She shook her head. “I’m okay.”
    Goose bumps rose on her arms. “You’re shivering .” He placed the jacket around her shoulders.
    Jazmine accepted it, and sat. Javier took the seat on the other side of the table, sitting in front of her. “So…” She stared at him.
    “I’ve been thinking of everything the agency offered you, and I want to provide you with the same things.” He held her gaze.
    “Javy.” Her full lips curled up at the corners. “You don’t have to give me anything. I’m also financially stable.”
    “I know, but you mentioned the medical bills.”
    “I’ll survive.” She locked her fingers together. “I’m still working. I’m just doing it from home and will perform some focus groups until your baby is born.”
    “I don’t want you to be burdened .” He was nervous about what he was about to ask her. His left leg quivered. “So, I have an idea.”
    “What’s your idea?” She leaned forward on her elbows.
    He leaned in too, reaching out to clasp her hands. “Marry me.”
    Her eyes widen ed as she pushed back, almost falling off the bench. “What did you just