CHAPTER SIX – SISTER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

Matthew, she learned, was a successful up-and-coming architect from Boston, in New York overseeing the construction of his firm's latest high-profile project downtown. Beyond a few subtle hints of masculine pride and hints of rakish charm, he was refreshingly devoid of pretense or inflated ego. Just another hard-working guy with a penchant for fine scotch and inappropriate jokes that kept Jasmine suppressing smiles. And she, in turn, found herself gradually opening up as the amber liquid in her glass slowly dwindled. "I'm so sorry," she rushed out, fighting another flush of heat in her cheeks. "Here I am prattling on like a madwoman and you've been such a perfect gentleman just listening to me ramble..." "Hey." Matthew reached across the narrow table to give her hand a comforting squeeze, his calloused palm engulfing hers. "I like a girl with stories to tell and who isn't afraid to be herself. It's...refreshing." The gentle admiration in his hazel eyes sent a frisson of warmth t