Atlas. Atlas Remington. She finally had a name for Zoey’s biological father.
“What are you doing here?” She gasped. Was he here to take Zoey from her? Had he known all this time? No. That wasn’t possible. No one knew what had happened in that bar bathroom except them.
His eyebrows furrowed. “Uh, checking in. I should have a reservation for two weeks.”
Did he not recognize her? Was it possible? He’d smelled strongly of whiskey that night. Maybe he had no idea who she was.
“Right. Sorry. We don’t know each other, do we?” She held her breath.
“I think I’d remember if we did.” He smiled. Was he flirting with her?
“What are you in town for?” She asked carefully, finding his paperwork.
He looked around the room, at the high white patched ceiling and then over to the paint chipped furniture, rather than at her before he answered. “Just needed a little vacation.”
“And you chose my inn? Was it my two Yelp reviews that convinced you?” She couldn’t hold back her smile.
He chuckled again, those grey eyes flashing as they focused on her. “I like the location, and wanted to see it for myself. The pictures didn’t do it justice though.”
Her eyes flicked down momentarily. “Well, someday I’ll hire a professional photographer.”
“Oh, no. The pictures were great. I just meant, it’s even better in person.” He smiled, showing off his perfect white teeth. Good god, was he a toothpaste model?
“Do you need my credit card?” he asked.
Shit, she’d been staring. “Uh, no. It’s all on file. Just sign here—“ She pointed to the space on the form ready and waiting on the counter. “You have the Lighthouse suite like you requested. There are extra towels in the closet in the bathroom. I’ll come in to clean every three days unless you need it done sooner—just let me know.”
He nodded and scribbled his signature on the paper. Jasmine held out the lone key ring with a lighthouse keychain and his receipt. “I’ll charge the card you provided when booking with any incidentals. Your room is just up the stairs to the left.” Across from mine. “There’s a sign on the door. The silver key works for the front door, and the brass key is for your room. Did you need more than one set, or will it be just you staying with us?”
“Just me. The one is fine.” He took it from her hand and reached down to grab a duffel bag she hadn’t noticed in the shock of seeing the baby daddy from her one-night stand—if you could even call it that. Were ten-minute stands a thing?
“Enjoy your stay. I leave my number at the desk here,” she pointed to the folded card stock sign right next to the one stating No cash kept on premises. “And it’s also on the copy of your receipt. Just text me if you need anything and I’m not at the front desk.”
“You run the inn by yourself?”
She smiled with pride. “Yes, I do.”
He nodded and grabbed the papers before walking towards the stairs. She waited until the sound of his door closed to let out the breath she’d been holding.
“Holy fucking shit.” She placed a shaky hand over her racing heart as if it would help to calm the panic.
She whipped out her phone and stepped into the large kitchen, dialing her big brother Bently’s number.
He picked up on the second ring. “Hey Jas. You on your way?”
She swallowed hard before answering. She didn’t need her brother freaking out and showing up over here to make things worse. She didn’t even know what the hell was going on yet. “Uh, no. Actually, I need you to keep Zoey overnight.”
“Is everything okay?” The concern in his voice brought a rush of guilt crashing over her.
Not even close to okay. Of all the people in her life, Bently had been the one constant, the only person she could count on. She hated to lie, but she’d brought enough trouble to their family. No. She’d handle this on her own.
“I have everything under control, Bent. Okay? I just need you to do this and not ask me any questions. Okay? I’ll owe you one.” More like a million, but who was counting?
“Okay. Fine. Anything you need.” Bently said.
“Thank you. I’ll call before bed to say goodnight to her.”
“Sounds good.” Bently ended the call.
Jasmine opened her contacts. She needed to talk to someone about this. But her best friend, Remy was married to Mikel, and she was shit at keeping secrets from him. The last thing Jasmine needed was her two over protective brothers jumping in to save her. Again. She’d caused them all enough trouble. This was her doing and she would fix this. Somehow.
She scrolled through her contacts until Emma’s name popped up, and hit call before she could back out. It rang and rang until her friend picked up.
“Jazzy! Hey Mama. I got a quick break from the studio. How are you?” Emma asked as background music filtered through.
Jasmine covered her mouth with her hand, trying to quiet the sob that surprised even her.
“Jas? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Emma asked. The noise grew quieter, as if she’d moved away.
“He’s here.” She managed.
“Who’s there?”
“Zoey’s father. He’s staying at my inn.”
Emma was silent for a few beats. “Is this a good thing or a bad thing?”
She couldn’t blame her friend for not knowing. There were several things Jasmine kept locked away in a vault of topics she wouldn’t talk about. Zoey’s biological father was one of them. She was too ashamed.
“I don’t know, honestly.” Jasmine wiped the tears from her eyes and walked out to the back deck. Salty sea air blew gently over her skin as waves crashed in the distance.
“Okay. Does
