Chapter 80 Karma

Chapter 80 Karma
Cody

I wake as the sun peeks through a crack in the curtains. I open my eyes and look over at Jasmine’s side to check if she's still sleeping. Jasmine isn’t beside me, but I jump and squeal loudly when I see a creepy clown mask resting on the pillow next to me. 

“What the hell?” I groan, heart pounding in my chest. 

Jasmine’s loud giggle echoes in the bedroom. I look for her and see her standing at the foot of the bed, bent over, laughing while holding her cell phone, which is pointed at me. She seems very pleased. "Karma.” 

I grab the mask and throw it to her, laughing. “You’re so mean.” 

“You deserved it after last night. I had terrible nightmares,” she pouts. 

“I am sorry, but there was still no need for a creepy clown mask. Did you film me?” I ask, raising my brow at her. 

Jasmine shakes her head. “No, I only took a few photos and sent them to Sasha. She thought they were hilarious,” she replies with a smirk. 

“So, so mean…”

Jasmine smiles warmly and nods. “Yes, but you still love me. You're lucky it was only a mask, and I wasn’t inside underneath it, making creepy noises to match it.” 

“Yes, I do. Now, come here," I say, beckoning her over with my finger. 

“Hmm, I’m not sure if I want to.” She snickers. 

I give her a stern look, and she smirks, but instead of crawling onto the bed, she turns and walks out of our bedroom, laughing as she does. I groan! How long does she plan on teasing me because of last night? It won’t last too long. She can never stay mad at me for too long. 

I'm about to chase after her, but my cell rings first. I check who it is before deciding whether to answer. I see Carter is calling—why is he calling so early?

I answer. “Good morning.” 

“Good morning. Did you enjoy your scare this morning? Sasha showed me the photos," he chuckles. 

“I squealed like a girl. I won’t lie,” I laugh. “Is that why you’re calling? To laugh at me?” 

“No, not at all. Can you meet me for a coffee? I need to talk to you about something—actually, about someone,” he whispers. 

“Is this someone Sasha by any chance? Are you still there?” 

“Yes, to both questions. Can you meet me in a couple of hours?” 

“Sure, just text me the location, and I will meet you there.” 

“Thanks. I have to go now—Sasha's preparing breakfast for us. I'll see you in a couple of hours," he says before hanging up. 

I'm curious if something occurred between them, or perhaps he's finally prepared to acknowledge he desires something to happen. I'll find out later. I get out of bed and go look for Jasmine. She couldn’t have gone far. 

I find her in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. I quietly approach from behind and wrap my arms around her. She startles at first but then eases up. 

“Mmm, can I help you?” she asks, glancing over her shoulder at me. 

I kiss along her shoulders. “You can always help me.” 

I turn her to face me and capture her lips before she can speak again. With a whimper, her arms wrap around my neck, and she kisses me in return. Before long, we're becoming lost in the moment right in the kitchen. I lift her onto the counter, maintaining the kiss as I do. 

Jasmine doesn’t seem to have any complaints, and she slips her legs around. Our kiss quickly becomes heated, but the sound of movement makes us part. 

“I forgot for a moment that we weren’t alone,” she giggles. 

“Me too,” I groan, creating some space between us as I assist her down from the counter before our friends arrive and scold us for making out on the kitchen counter where food is prepared. 

One by one, they arrive, all appearing tired and in need of coffee, sitting silently at the table. Jasmine and I exchange glances, shaking our heads and laughing. 

"Would you like some breakfast?” Jasmine asks with a snicker. 

They all grumble, yes. Whoever is cooking always cooks enough for everyone, just in case. I help Jasmine finish making breakfast and hand it out, but we take ours to the bedroom, leaving them to wake up and get into a better mood. They will be fine once they have had their food and coffee. 

“I know we plan to spend the whole day together, but I need to go out briefly. Carter called and wants to meet for coffee to talk about Sasha. Is that okay? I promise I won’t be gone for long," I say as we climb onto the bed to eat breakfast. 

“Yes, of course, that is fine. Perhaps something happened between them last night. I will find something to keep myself occupied until you return,” she smiles. 

I knew Jasmine would understand. I considered asking her to join me, but I'm unsure if that might make Carter uncomfortable, especially if he wishes to discuss something personal with me. 

“I am sure you will. You can always have a nap.” 

“I might do that since I didn’t sleep well last night," she replies. 

She doesn’t have to explain why, but I understand it was due to the nightmares. I didn’t realize it affected her so deeply, but now I’ve learned my lesson. 

Jasmine leans her head on my shoulder as we eat. I give her a gentle kiss on the top of her head before turning my attention to my breakfast. I'm sad she'll be working again soon, but I understand. I know I will have to adjust to our restricted time together once more. 

“What do you want to do when I come back?” I ask. 

“I am not sure. I will think of something while you are away.” 

I nod. I am fine with that. We don’t need to do anything special. All that matters is that we will be spending time together before all the craziness begins again.