Hunting for Curves (BBW Erotic Romance) Read online

  Luke ran his hand through his hair and walked over to the side of the car. But as Jasmine rose from the driver's seat, he stopped in his tracks, his mouth agape.

  She'd spent time on her makeup, giving a tasteful red hue to her lips, and thin eyeliner that made her emerald eyes glow. Her long red hair was tied into a loose braid that fell gracefully over one of her bare shoulders. The strapless, sage-green dress went nicely with her fair skin, and showed off her gorgeously smooth curves. She looked like a mythical goddess, stepping out of the forest, to let the light radiate off her fine beauty.

  Her head cocked as she walked up to them, a tentative smile on her face. "Hi… Is everything all right?"

  Luke bit his lip as he shot his lover a questioning glance.

  "Everything is fine," Evan said smoothly. "I'm so glad you could join us."

  "I mean, we can do this another night if I'm interrupting something—"

  Evan dismissed it with a subtle wave. "Nonsense." Then he offered his hand to help her up to the sidewalk. Jasmine gripped him and lifted the hem of her dress as she stepped.

  Good. Evan is okay with this. Luke exhaled as he moved around to her other side. Then a smile creased his lips as he offered her his arm.

  "Fish and chips, m'lady?"

  "Yes, please." She giggled with a nod and put her hand around each of them as they walked. It was like something out of a fairy tale: a beautiful princess, escorted down the street by two handsome princes. Luke took a deep, satisfying sigh from the imagery.

  The pedestrian walkway was teaming with people: affectionate couples, joggers and bikes. Tourists browsed the little storefronts selling cheap novelties. Street performers barked out their gimmicks to small clusters of onlookers. And groups of teenagers slouched by, probably heading for the amusement park down at the end.

  As they reached the small, hole in the wall shop, Luke breathed in the mouth-watering smell of fried fish. Since it was a walk-up window, it was standing room only. Yet the space around it was crowded with people, either lined up or clogging the wide walkway as patrons ate where they stood.

  Evan motioned them over to the railing, overlooking the water, where there was more open space.

  "Stay here," he ordered. Then he disappeared in the pack of people.

  Jasmine glanced at Luke. "Does he normally do this?"

  "What? Being chivalrous?" He raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It's what I love about him."

  "No, I mean this." She opened her hands and made a wide sweeping gesture.

  Luke turned around to gaze out over the open water. The sun had just touched the horizon, casting an orange glow over the tiny rippling waves.

  "Truthfully, this is more my thing. But he likes making me happy." He glanced at Jasmine. "And regardless of how he feels about eating finger food, I think he quite enjoys hosting for you."

  She braced on her arms as she stared at the sunset. From that angle, the light made her cheeks glow and her eyes twinkle.

  "It seems so strange," she finally said.

  "How so?"

  "I mean he's rich. He could buy almost anything he wants." She flicked her eyes to him with a shy smile on her lips. "And yet he likes waiting on people."

  Luke coughed into his hand as he stifled a laugh. "Don't get me wrong, he's a gracious man. But…" He raised his eyebrows. "He doesn't do this for just anyone."

  "Oh." Color bloomed up her neck as she cupped her mouth and turned away.

  "Here you go." Evan stepped up to them with three paper trays, precariously balanced in his hands.

  Luke cocked an eyebrow as he took a teetering plate from him. "How did you get these so fast? I assumed we'd be here a while."

  "I paid a little extra for expedited service." He winked and handed Jasmine a tray.

  Luke shook his head but he grinned. He liked seeing Evan like this: involved in life, relaxed. Well, relaxed for him anyway, which meant he was still a little on edge. But it was a start.

  They walked down the street a ways while Luke idly munched on his fries. Past street hawkers and a group of teenage girls gossiping loudly, they found an empty wooden bench facing the water.

  There was enough room for all of them so Luke took a seat. Jasmine sat next to him, a wide smile on her face as she picked up a wedge of fish.

  "I'd forgotten how good this was." She giggled. "I think I was in high school the last time I came down here."

  Luke glanced up at Evan. "Are you going to sit?"

  Evan shook his head as he examined a chunk of fried food. "I'm fine." He gave Luke a skeptical look before he took a bite. Then he blinked. "This is tasty. A little too greasy for me but—" He took another bite. "It is better than I expected. Is this…"

  A grin played on Luke's face. He swallowed a mouthful. "Fresh caught. It's one of the only places around here that doesn't use frozen. I knew you'd appreciate the distinction."

  "You were right," he said with warmth in his voice. "I should have tried this sooner."

  He set the tray on the bench and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his mouth. Then he strolled over to the railing and stood for a moment, his hands in his pockets.

  Luke leaned back. "Are you going to finish your fries?"

  Evan simply shook his head. "Sorry, no. I don't care for them."

  With a shrug, Luke picked up Evan's plate and dumped the contents into his own tray.

  Jasmine leaned close and whispered, "Who doesn't like fries?"

  "He's picky." Luke wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "At least he liked the fish."

  When she was done eating, Luke collected the plates and tossed them in a nearby trash can. Then the three of them continued their stroll down the boardwalk at a leisurely pace.

  As they walked, the last of the sun cast a reddish-purple glow over the water. Golden-hued streetlamps clicked on and flashing neon shone like a beacon ahead of them.

  By the time they reached the amusement park grounds, Luke knew it was time to turn back. None of them had any interest in carnival rides—least of all Evan. Truthfully, he was amazed that his partner had come this far, and he even seemed to be enjoying himself. Luke breathed in the temperate night air and turned to Jasmine.

  "We should—"

  A man with a camera jumped in front of them, blocking their path. "You two look great together. Mind if I take a picture? Five bucks for digital, Fifteen for prints with next day delivery."

  The man flashed a quick look between Luke and Jasmine.

  "Oh, we're not—I'm with—" Luke stuttered and glanced over at Evan for help.

  His lover simply stepped aside with a gracious smile. "It's fine. Go ahead."

  "Oh, no," Jasmine said with a grin as she reached out and tugged on Evan's arm. "If there's going to be pictures it should be you two."

  The photographer raised his eyebrows and shrugged. "Makes no difference to me."

  Luke touched his chin. "Why can't we all be in the picture?"

  Jasmine cocked her head as she gazed up at Evan, her hands still gripping the sleeve of his shirt. "Is that okay?"

  Evan lowered his eyes but a subtle smile spread on his lips. "Sure."

  There was some confusion as to who should stand where, but the photographer interjected. "I think he should be in the middle because of his height." He gestured at Evan. "Otherwise the picture will look lopsided."

  Luke put his arm around Evan's waist and Jasmine pressed in on the other side.

  "Okay." The man held the camera up and it began to whirr. "Ready… and… cheese!"

  Both Luke and Jasmine said the word in unison but Evan simply chuckled as the camera beeped several times.

  "Good. Perfect." The man approached as he fiddled with the display. "I just need to know where to send it."

  Evan handed the man a fifty dollar bill along with his hotel business card.

  "Send the physical copies to the address here. I hope the extra will persuade you to be discrete. If the photos are to my liking, I may request your services ag
ain in the future."

  The man stared at the bill with wide eyes as he nodded dumbly. "Yes, of course. Thank you." He glanced up. "I can send you digital versions as well if you'd like."

  "That's not necessary. I don't have my phone with me."

  "You can send one to me." Luke relayed his number as the man typed it into the back of his camera.

  His phone dinged and he quickly swiped it on. Then he forwarded the text to Jasmine. "There. Now we all have a copy."

  Luke paused as he stared at the image displayed on his screen. They all looked so happy, like they had been friends for years. Evan wore his usual half-smile but there was something else, like a twinkle in his eyes. At thumbnail size the details were vague, but Luke recognized that expression. He missed it.

  By the time they made their way back, twilight had faded. The night closed in and the bright lamp lights formed golden pools on the sidewalk.

  Luke wrapped his arm around Evan's waist. "Did you really leave your phone behind?"

  "It's in the car."

  "But you never go anywhere without it."

  "I didn't want to be disturbed." A warm smile passed over his lips. "Some things are more important."

  Jasmine had fallen behind a few steps and Luke motioned for her to join them. Her arm brushed against his and he reached out and caught it, pulling her closer. She giggled and fell in with their stride. Now it was his turn to play the dashing young prince with a lover on each arm. He'd never been one for fairy tales, but this one suited him just fine.

  A stream of light fell across their path. Luke looked up at a small shop illuminated with bright neon signs. "Anyone up for yogurt?" he asked in a cheerful voice.

  "I'm fine," Evan said as he glanced at Jasmine. "Do you want one?"

  A sly smile passed over Jasmine's lips. "Strawberry, please."

  Evan nodded then flashed Luke a knowing look. "Vanilla?"

  "Oh, sure, but let me—"

  With a wave of his hand, Evan turned and walked into the tiny shop.

  Luke sighed again. Then he gave Jasmine a stern look. "What have you done with my boyfriend?"

  Jasmine blinked. "I'm sorry?"

  A laugh broke from his lips. "I've just never seen him like this. It's like you put a spell on h—"

  Luke's pocket broke into a droning ring. That can't be good. His phone never rang unless it was Evan or…

  He quickly glanced at the screen. "Damn it."

  Jasmine's eyes narrowed with concern as he lifted the phone to his ear.

  "This is Luke."

  It was his work. They were several nurses down and the backups had either pulled a full shift already or couldn't be reached. And they were bringing in new patients from a huge multi-car accident.

  "Okay," he said with a grim tone. There was no way around it. He owed his co-workers for covering for him last week. When he'd been working overtime during a staffing shortage, and they'd stepped up to let him go home. And the patients deserved the best care, not waiting for hours in an emergency room.

  But why did it have to be this night, of all nights? Fuck. He knew he had to go in. "I'll be there in ten minutes."

  "What is it?" Jasmine placed a hand on his arm.

  "I've got to go." He glanced away. "I'm sorry for cutting the evening short."

  "What did you just say?"

  Evan stood at the door, the light from the shop silhouetting his tall, slender body. Cups of yogurt sat in his hands, the stem of a spoon sticking out from each.

  "Evan—" He pulled his car keys out. "They're short staffed and getting slammed with check-ins. I've gotta run."

  "Lucas. I canceled a conference call with China so we could have a night together. This is what you've been asking for. Tell them—"

  "I know, I know. I'm sorry, I can't." Luke started jogging down the street. "I'll try to be off as soon as I can," he called over his shoulder.

  Chapter 4

  Jasmine watched as Luke faded into the dark: black casual shirt, khaki pants, then nothing. She suddenly felt strange and out of place. As if she had just watched a wedding proposal go wrong and she was left standing with the embarrassed groom-to-not-be. She wanted to say something: apologize, reassure him, or anything that would help to bring back the mood they had shared mere moments before.

  Evan sighed and dropped his lingering gaze. Then he offered one of the cups. "I'll walk you to your car."

  She accepted the yogurt but remained silent. The three of them had shared such a brief flash of time, and it had been brilliant, magical. But now she was left feeling embarrassed and clumsy. It was exactly what she'd wanted to avoid by leaving the hotel late that night.

  Taking a bite, she tried to let the sweetness distract her anxiety. But it left a bland taste in her mouth, as if her tongue had gone numb. This isn't as good as I remember it.

  They strolled together in the quiet, Jasmine taking small bites of the chilly dessert as Evan simply held the extra cup. He could have eaten it. Or he could have thrown it away. But he did neither. It was as if he expected Luke to return, and he was simply holding it, waiting.

  When she couldn't stand the awkward silence anymore, she ventured a glance.

  "His work must be very important. Do you think he'll save any lives tonight?"

  Evan's gaze remained fixed on the street ahead of them. "I'm not sure. It doesn't matter. He takes his job seriously, regardless of the circumstances."

  His eyes flashed to hers. "This night is a bad example but I normally love his dedication."

  "It's what he wants to do, huh?" She spooned the last of her yogurt, hoping to change the subject away from Luke's sudden absence.

  He nodded. "I told him he doesn't have to work, much less hold down a full time job. But he's where he wants to be." He lowered his eyes. "Helping those in need."

  "I wish I could have my dream job." She dropped the half-empty cup in a trash can as they passed by. "I've only been able to land a temporary contractor position. But it will build up my resume so it's worth it. Plus I don't know what I'd do if I they let me go."

  "You said you're in marketing?"

  "For now. But my career focus leans more toward design. Like—" She scrunched her nose as she tried to think of a good example. "Not only how to market something but how to create things that are more marketable."

  Evan chuckled. "That's good. I always say, you can market junk as gold or you can make it with gold to begin with."

  She spotted her car as they rounded the bend and she suddenly felt a tightness in her chest. Anxious questions rolled through her mind: Where does this leave us? Do I give him a kiss goodnight? Without Luke? Would they want to see me again or was this it?

  Soon she would be back in her world, at her shitty job, driving a rusty car, and dealing with all the frustrating complications of her life. She wished this night could have lasted longer. If nothing else, so she could pretend she was being courted by two handsome men.

  She had a taste of something special and she loathed to give it up. The fact that she'd had a good time made it all the more jarring to leave on this melancholy note.

  Luke and Evan tried to wear the guise of having a perfect relationship. But she had to admit that the strain underneath shone through. And her presence had not made things any easier.

  Their affection toward her was awkward and complicated by their competitive drives. Luke obviously liked her although he could come off a little strong—like he was hurried or troubled about something.

  Then there was Evan, the handsome enigma. She wanted to read his mind, peel back his layers and see who he really was. But she had to settle for trying to interpret his stoic mannerisms. Truthfully, she might not even see him again. Especially after this night.

  Reality sucks, she decided.

  As they reached her car, she turned and gave Evan a warm hug. His arms enveloped her in the embrace, crushing her against him for a moment. The bruising in her breasts brought back memories from their night together. Part of her had h
oped for another chance, something slow and sensual so she could enjoy the men a little longer. But that train had left and she resigned herself to the lingering warmth from his body.

  Evan watched her as she got into the driver seat. Then she turned the key and nothing happened. Oh, no.

  She turned it again, this time with more force. The engine made a pitiful groan and clicked into silence. Evan's eyes squinted back at her and she couldn't tell if he was concerned or disgusted. Heat boiled up her neck as she frantically pumped the key. No, please, God. Why now?

  Tears welled in her eyes as Evan approached the side of the car. She didn't want him to see her like this: frustrated, emotional, embarrassed. Crying. Poor. But she swallowed back the tide of tension as she rolled the window down.

  He set the cup on her hood and bent down to the side window, a neutral expression on his face. "I can give you a ride home."

  She tried to refuse. "No, I—I—" Then she choked. And there was nothing she could do as the flood spilled over.

  She jerked, turning away as a sob shuddered through her body. Tears streamed down her cheeks and dripped off her chin. My makeup! The thought forced another round of involuntary spasms. She quickly hunched over the steering wheel in a futile attempt to hide her face. He can't see me like this. Why doesn't he just leave?

  The door squeaked open and her sore eyes widened. From the shelter of her arms, she watched his hand reach around to retrieve her keys. Then his other hand wrapped around her back, bracing her as he urged her to stand up.

  "W—what—what are—" Jasmine stuttered as she stumbled to her feet.

  "I'm taking you to my place," he said in a stern voice. "You shouldn't be alone right now."

  The door slammed shut behind her but she couldn't look up. Not yet. Instead she buried her face against his chest and sobbed into his expensive suit. And sobbed. All of her problems, Rodney, her job, her low self-esteem, flowed out of her in a violent torrent, resonating deep into her aching bones.

  Evan held her through the entire ordeal, his arms tightly wrapped around her back. And the harder her muscles jerked, the more he crushed her against him.