Seduce Me (The Heart Series)

by Angela Estienne

He snapped back “Why not?” This was proving to be a very difficult conversation.

  “Look my life is complicated enough and you just make it worse for me?”

  “How on earth do I do that then?”

  “For one, you have this magical ability to control me, my body ignores me and does whatever you ask from it, I don’t like it.”

  “I see, anything else?” his voice was filled with amusement.

  “Yes, secondly I get alarm bells ringing out that we are no good for each other.”

  “Ok, anymore?”

  “No . . .”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes . . .” He lifted his brow as he looked at me, “all right no. You are the most eligible bachelor in town. Why don’t you use your energy trying to find someone that feels the same as you?” I was ready to break down in tears at any moment. My body started shivering as the cold snow continued to land on my bare legs. He placed his arm around me and pulled me into his warm body, I pulled away fast. “Luke what are you doing?”

  “You are shivering, I was only trying to keep you warm.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.” I replied. He placed his arm around me again, and pulled me into his warm body. I took the opportunity to take in a deep breath of Luke’s wonderful scent.

  “Jasmine, I have been the most eligible bachelor for a number of years, I don’t want anyone else but you.” This wasn’t helping me stay in control of the situation.

  “I am not looking for a relationship. I need to be on my own.”

  “Why?”

  “I am not willing to share my reasons with you.” He went silent for a bit and then continued.

  “Well how about a compromise then?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Let’s just forget the relationship and head straight for lovers.”

  “No. That will not be happening, I am not into that.”

  “Is there anything I can say to sway your mind? I am not one to just give up on what I want.”

  “I bet you’re not. But no, I am set firm on this.”

  “Pity.”

  “I have now answered your questions. I’d like to get back home now.” We stood up and headed back to the club. He was quiet for the entire journey back. I noticed Dylan’s car outside the club, they were waiting for me. As I got closer, Rachel shouted out to me.

  “Are you coming Jasmine?”

  “Yes, I am coming.” I shouted back. As we got closer I turned to face Luke, I gave him his jacket back.

  “I am truly sorry Luke, this is for the best.” He bent down and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Then whispered in my ear.

  “Best for who?”

  “I am sorry.”

  I jumped into the car and Dylan drove away. I wanted to turn around and look at him, but I resisted the temptation, it would only make me feel worse about what I had just done.

  “Are you all right Jazz?” Rachel asked.

  “Yeah I am fine. I was just reinforcing the fact that we are not going to be together. Ever.”

  “So Jasmine, why didn’t you tell me Luke was such a hunk?” I looked up at Caitlin.

  “He isn’t.” I snapped back.

  “Oh my I know that look, you have it bad hun. How long have you felt like this?”

  “Felt like what?” I hated getting cornered by Cat. She knew me so well, but I didn’t want to admit anything to her. Rachel started next.

  “He really is Mr Dreamy, isn’t he? I wish he would look at me like he looks at you, I wouldn’t mind giving him a test drive myself.” Dylan coughed “sorry Dylan I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “Rachel, I can’t believe you said that, I’m shocked.”

  “Don’t worry Jasmine. He only has eyes for you by the looks of it. Pity I wouldn’t have minded knowing what he was like in bed.” Dylan coughed again, “you know I only have eyes for you Dylan. I was just making a point to Jazz, that’s all.”

  “Can we please change the subject now? There is nothing going on between me and Luke, he just feels sorry for me, that’s all.” Rachel and Caitlin looked at each other, and both said at the same time.

  “Denial. Poor girl.” I just let out an exasperated sigh and shook my head. I was never going to win this one. Dylan dropped Rachel off on route home.

  “Goodnight Rachel, see you tomorrow.”

  “Goodnight everyone.”

  Once we were home, Caitlin still had the bit between her teeth.

  “Jasmine will you talk to me about it? Please.”

  “No I won’t. I wish we could just drop the subject so I can get on with my life.” I stormed off and went to bed.

  Again, I woke up sweating and panting, I ran to the shower, this was getting draining. Caitlin jumped into the shower with me.

  “Shh, breath hun, come on I have got you.” She held onto me so tight, and cradled me in her arms. Her voice was calming and soothing. She stayed with me until I had calmed down. Turning off the shower, we got ourselves dried off. I grabbed some dry pyjamas and got back into bed.

  “Night hun.” She gently rubbed the side of my face with the back of her hand until I drifted off back to sleep.

  I woke up tired, I walked downstairs to get a coffee. My eyelids were heavy. I sat at the kitchen table with both of my hands firmly wrapped around my mug of nectar. I knew Cat would be up soon, I just needed to get a jump-start on the caffeine before the next bombardment of questions came my way.

  “Morning Jazz.”

  “Good morning Cat, would you like a drink?”

  “Yes please.” I got up and made us both a drink.

  “Jasmine, we need to have a chat.” I knew this was coming.

  “What about?”

  “Your nightmares for one.”

  “What about my nightmares?”

  “They are getting worse.”

  “I know. I am living with the horror show every night.”

  “So what are you going to do about it?”

  “I don’t know, what do you suggest in your perfect Caitlin world?” Jasmine, don’t do this to her, she is only trying to help you. Be quiet, I don’t need anyone helping me, so just shut up. I walked off and went upstairs to lie on my bed. I put my headphones in. I just couldn’t cope with any advice.

  As I lay there thinking about what had just happened, I felt bad for snapping at her. I burst out crying, I knew it wasn’t Caitlin’s fault, yet I just treated her like crap. Brushing away my tears I got off the bed and went back downstairs, I walked into the kitchen.

  “Sorry Cat, I didn’t mean it.”

  “I know you didn’t, come on.” She held her arms out to give me a cuddle. We sat down at the table together.

  “So let’s start that one again. What are you going to do about your nightmares getting worse?”

  “To be honest, I have no idea. It is bad enough living with them during the night without wanting to think of them during the day as well. I went to the doctors, but I don’t think he took it all that seriously, he has apparently referred me to a head doctor.” She took a sip of her coffee. I knew something bad was going to follow next.

  “I talked to mum about it.” I sighed, I hated being right.

  “When did you talk to her?”

  “This morning. I found it hard to sleep last night after what I saw you going through. It broke my heart seeing you in so much pain.” I took in a deep breath.

  “And what did she say?”

  “She said you need to move on.”

  “That’s easier said than done.”

  “I told her about Luke.”

  “Why did you do that? I am so angry with you right now. How dare you?”

  “I dare because I know you, I know how you tick, you are not moving on.”

  “I don’t want to move on, I am not ready.”

  “I agree with mum, you need to let go of Greg, then that hopefully will help your nightmares die down a bit.” Now I was starting to get annoyed at her.

  “Fucking hell Caitlin, I don’t b
elieve we are having this conversation, I can’t just move on, Greg was my life.”

  “I agree in part, Greg WAS your life.”

  “And I am not ready to move on.”

  “Jasmine look at the facts. I found you in a cemetery trying to cuddle your dead fiancé, how on earth is that healthy?” Raising her voice, she continued, “at least Luke has a pulse and a warm body.” I stood up. My anger was starting to bubble over.

  “That was low Cat, how dare you.”

  “I’m sorry Jazz but it is true.”

  “I have quit my afternoon job to get away from him.” Dylan walked into the kitchen.

  “Morning girls.” He glanced at me, and then at Caitlin, “what have I missed? Why are you shouting at each other?”

  “Your interfering sister thinks I should move on and give Luke a proper test drive. Apparently, your mum agrees. They say it will help with my endless nightmares.” Storming off I went upstairs to get dressed, I couldn’t believe what they were trying to do to me. Surely, it should be my choice if I want to move on or not.

  Chapter 17

  I ran back downstairs and grabbed my riding gear, I got it all on in double time, I fired up the bike and I was gone. I had to fight back my tears so I could actually ride the bike. I waved goodbye to the town and headed out onto country roads, I had to be on the ball, the freshly laid snow made it hazardous plus the tractors and Sunday drivers were all out to get me. I headed back to the lake. I was so angry with Caitlin, and what she was trying to do to me. I felt betrayed by her. Once I reached the lake, I took my gloves and helmet off and sat down, I watched the small ripples of the water that were being created by the light wind. My phone started ringing, I took a look, it was Caitlin. I wasn’t ready to speak to her yet. Then my phone bleeped, a text message, I opened it up.

  “J, I am sorry but you need to face up to things to make it better in the long run, come back so I can talk to you properly, Cat xxx.”

  No way was I going back whist she was still there. She had crossed the line. I was devastated. I had to text her back and let her know my true feelings. This should prove very interesting.

  “Cat, you had no right, I lv u but you cannot interfere in my life, J xxx.”

  “Jazz, I interfere because I lv u, I care, if I didn’t I would of kept out of it, Cat xxx.”

  “Cat, It is me going through this day in and day out, let me be the judge of what is right for me, butt out of my business, J xxx.”

  “J, Come home we need to sort this out, Cat xxx.”

  I was in no way ready to face her. I needed to get my head straight first. I lay back and watched the sky. Small puffs of white wisps passed every now and then, it looked beautiful, I could have sat there all day long and watch the sky. I could hear the waterfowl on the lake, and the birds singing a sweet musical in the rustling trees, I could almost sing along to this melody of different birds. My peaceful daydreaming was interrupted by my phone bleeping again. I sat up and took a look.

  “J, Dylan has just had a go at me, I am sorry. I see that I am in the wrong, please come back so I can apologise to you properly, Cat xxx, p.s not quite sister of the year.”

  I sat there and laughed, Caitlin Fisher had just made a full blown apology to me, there was something definitely not right about it, she never apologised for anything in her life, she was always right about everything. I wonder what Dylan has said to her. I had to head back, I need to know what he said to make her so apologetic. I started getting my helmet and gloves on. I fired up the bike and headed back home.

  When I arrived home I locked the bike up and Caitlin ran outside to greet me. She slung her arms around my neck.

  “I am really sorry Jasmine.” She just apologise to me, I need to mentally frame this moment.

  “Let’s get inside and sit down.” Cat led the way into the house, Dylan winked at me as I walked into the kitchen. I gave him a quick cuddle as I passed him to sit down. Caitlin flicked the kettle on. Once she had made the drink, she took a seat at the table.

  “Right, Dylan has talked to me and I realise now I should not be pressuring you into anything with Luke. I am really, really sorry about it, I didn’t mean to upset you, you already have so much to deal with, I promise I will back off.” I nearly fell of my chair. I had just got a proper one hundred percent apology off Caitlin.

  “Thank you for the apology it means a lot to me.” I reached over and gave her a cuddle. Everything was now back to normal, just how it should be.

  “We still need to find a solution for your nightmares though.”

  “I know we do, but jumping into the sack with a man I don’t know, whilst I am still grieving for Greg is not the right way for me to get over the nightmares. It is bad enough that I let it go as far as it did last night.”

  “I understand that.” Dylan jumped into the conversation.

  “What have I missed now? What happened last night?” I looked at Caitlin and then at Dylan.

  “I temporarily fell under Luke’s spell.”

  “What? I am lost.”

  “Don’t worry about it Dylan, just give me a cuddle.” He wrapped his arms around me.

  “I love you sis.”

  “I love you to bro, thank you.”

  “I am always going to be here for you both.” I was starting to feel emotional again. I quickly changed the subject.

  “So what are we doing for lunch? I am absolutely starving.”

  “How does a pub lunch sound?” Caitlin said.

  “That sounds perfect. I will just go and get some different clothes on first.” When I got back downstairs, Rachel had arrived.

  “Hi Rachel, are you coming out for a pub lunch with us?”

  “Yep, I want to keep my eye on Dylan.” We all started laughing. Caitlin went in her own car as she was going to get back home as soon as we had finished our lunch. Dylan drove Rachel and me to the pub. I already knew I was going to get a pork Sunday lunch with extra crispy roast potatoes and if they had them, I wanted a pile of parsnips as well.

  “So how’s it going between you and Mr Russell? Or should I be calling him Norman?”

  “It’s actually going really well, we spend every evening together, and sometimes lunch, but I have to ask you something.”

  “Go on, that sounds really intriguing.” She looked up at me.

  “If it continues to go so well between Norman and I, would you mind him coming on holiday with us?

  “Really? No I don’t mind at all, I think it could be a lot of extra fun, but there is a slight problem, I have already booked and paid for the holiday.”

  “That’s not an issue he can make his own booking.”

  “Cool that’s settles that then.”

  We all sat down and had a really good laugh, Rachel and Caitlin seemed to be getting on very well, which I was very happy about. If we were all going on holiday then we all needed to get on. When we had finished I was sad that Caitlin had to get back home. I know we had a small disagreement but I wanted her to stay. We all went outside to wave her off. As I was cuddling her she passed me her cheque for the holiday.

  She whispered in my ear, “I am really sorry Jazz.”

  “Don’t worry about it anymore, let’s just bury it and move on from here. I will see you in a few more weeks.”

  “Bye everyone, nice to have met you Rachel, keep an eye on my wayward brother for me.”

  “I will Caitlin, see you in just under eight week’s time.” I had a tear form in my eye as I waved her off. My heart sunk and became heavy having to say goodbye to her.

  When we got back to the house I decided I had better get things tidied up before work tomorrow, I didn’t want to face all of this after working two jobs. I was sad that I had to give up the coffee shop, but I knew in my heart I wasn’t up to playing Luke’s cat and mouse game.

  Rachel and Dylan went out for the evening which left me to read my book by the stream out in the back garden. I put a thick jumper on and took a coffee with me, I sat down by the running
water, this was a little bit of heaven, I loved sitting out here. I only had another three more shifts to contend with Luke and then I’d be free of Mr blue eyes. As night time drew in I headed back inside, all I wanted now was a hot shower and bed, I had a busy day tomorrow and I didn’t want to be tired.

  I woke up feeling even more exhausted than when I had gone to bed, this wasn’t fair. I wondered how long it would take for my appointment to come through for my referral to a head specialist. I hoped that it wouldn’t be too much longer. I got my riding gear on and headed out to work.

  When I arrived Rachel wasn’t on the step to meet me, I hoped she was all right, I missed seeing her bubbly face. I thought I had better text her and make sure she wasn’t ill.

  “Morning Rachel, hope u are all right? I missed seeing your bubbly face this morning, lv Jasmine xxx.”

  I went around back to get changed and then started to load my van, Zale was missing as well, what on earth is going on today? I was just about to set off when Rachel text me back.

  “Hi Jazz, your bro set the alarm clock for p.m. not a.m. I have phoned in sick, sorry babe, Rachel xxx.”

  “Thanks for letting me know. Have a great day, J xxx.”

  Right off to do my deliveries, It was a very hectic morning, I was absolutely run off my feet. When lunch time rolled around, I headed out to grab a jacket potato. It felt really strange eating on my own, I was really missing Rachel, she always found something to talk about, it was just too quiet without her. I set off for my afternoon job. As I walked in Yukari was missing, Lana was stood serving.

  “Hi Lana, where’s Yukari?”

  “She phoned in sick, I think her mum has taken a turn for the worst, but she didn’t say that, it is just a guess.” I walked around the back and got changed, as I came out Lana was walking out of the door.

  “Got to run, see you tomorrow.”