Hale murmured.
“Good. I would expect that from him.” Jasmine nodded.
Hale was still looking down at the table but her cheeks had reddened.
“What aren’t you telling us? You’re turning red. You’re either mad or something happened.”
Hale let out a sigh. “Damn it, you know me too well.” She paused and then shrugged. “That night, we were yelling at each other and so I got up to make him leave and well, we, uh, we kissed a little bit.”
“What?” Ashley’s head turned so fast her ponytail shot straight out behind her head.
Jasmine’s jaw had dropped and she had a shocked look on her face.
“I don’t know how it happened.” Hale’s cheeks were on fire. She’d been so angry with Finn, but when he touched her, she hadn’t wanted him to ever stop.
“So, how was it?” Ashley leaned forward eagerly, waiting for the answer.
“It was hot, really hot.” Hale dropped her head into her hands. She was so screwed.
“So, what are you going to do about it?” Jasmine questioned carefully.
“Nothing, I’m not thinking about it and I’m not doing anything about it.” Hale answered. Liar, she thought about it all of the time. Thank God, she didn’t share that at the meeting, she could have sworn that Finn ran his hand over her ass. He was the only one standing near her. When she jerked her head to see who was touching her, he simply raised one eyebrow. God, she hated that look.
“Wow, you and Finn. Was there more? Angry sex can be awesome.” Ashley added.
“Ashley, hush,” Jasmine cautioned, but she was leaning in, waiting for the answer.
Hale continued to sit in silence. Finally, she shared, “A little touching.”
The trio sat quietly processing the second bombshell of the day.
Jasmine broke the silence. “So, your dates with Major, do they have anything to do with the kiss?”
Fucking Jasmine was way too perceptive. “Major is single, successful, and seems to enjoy my company.” Hale managed to hide the defensiveness she felt. Why couldn’t she find him attractive and forget Finn?
“He has also been tagged as a serial dater and a bit of a social climber,” Jasmine stated. “But he does have that lovely accent and fine manners.”
“But he’s starting to do the comb-over thing and I don’t think he’s sexy,” Ashley added. “The mayor is sexy and likes hot angry sex. No contest.”
Hale snorted. “I will admit that the hair is unfortunate, but I can live with that. We’ve had a few dinners. I wouldn’t say we were dating.”
Jasmine’s chuckle was sarcastic. “Please, he is probably thanking his lucky stars every night. You are exactly what he is looking for. Single, beautiful and rich.”
“He sends her flowers every other day. He even calls to confirm their dinners with me.” Ashley made a gagging noise.
“Y’all need to stop making fun. Major is the only man who’s asked me out. What’s wrong with wanting a little male attention?” Hale was whining. She could hear it and hated it.
“Oooh, gross. Don’t tell me that you are doing it with him. That is so yucky.” Ashley looked horrified.
“Oh, Hale, you aren’t fucking him are you?” Jasmine turned up her nose.
“No, I’m not fucking him. Jeez, it’s not polite to tell, anyway.” Hale couldn’t keep from giggling. Through the years, she had taken great delight in sharing her sexcapades with Jasmine. Her best friend was more conservative than Hale. “Plus, you're a mother, you shouldn’t say fuck.”
“Since when have you not kissed or fucked and told? Christ, I’ve had phones melt from some of your stories.” Jasmine joined in, laughing.
Ashley swiveled her head between the women. “Wait, this is new. Hale, you have stories that are that hot?”
“Girl please, Hale is a fuck-monster. Well she has been over the years.” Jasmine was laughing so hard, she could barely get the words out.
Ashley stared at Hale in amazement.
She tried to look innocent. “Well, what did you want me to say? Hi, I’m Hale Cameron and I’m a fuck-monster?” She laughed so hard she pounded on the table.
“It would have made my interview easier. I wouldn’t have been so nervous!” Ashley tried for outrage but joined in the laughter.
“But you don’t look like a fuck-monster, Ms. Cameron.” Jasmine took several deep breaths to help get the words out.
“Bitch, I was one hell of a fuck-monster.” Hale raised her voice. “Still would be if I got the chance.”
Ashley was still watching Hale closely. When the laughter quieted, she asked, “So, what all have you done?”
“Oh, honey, do I need to buy you a