CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY NINE – HUNGOVER FROM THE KAREOKE BAR

With that, he released her from their heated embrace and stepped over to swipe the discarded blanket up off the ground. A few strides brought them to the perfect grassy knoll, lush and sun-dappled with flowering trees scattered around the perimeter. Gordon spread the plush blanket out with a casual flick of his wrists before extending one hand to Jasmine in a silent invitation. As soon as they were settled side by side in the cozy sprawl of fluffed fabric, Jasmine leaned her head against his shoulder familiarly. Her earlier comment to Claire rang true - Gordon's presence at her side felt like the very essence of home, calming and reassuring no matter what sort of tumult the world flung her way. "You know, as much as I adore this little oasis we've got going on here," she mused playfully after several idle moments, "I seem to recall your text promising some sort of evening 'exhaustion'? I'm starting to think it was just an elaborate ploy to lure me out for a nap in the sun instead."