Seduce Me (The Heart Series)

by Angela Estienne

  “Bye Lana.”

  The coffee shop was so quiet. I’d rather be busy. I hated just standing around waiting for customers to decide to turn up. Finally, my big order came in. I really had sped up. I had it knocked out within five minutes, three cheers for Jasmine. But then I remembered I was leaving this job, I rushed around to find my hand bag, I had a big surprise waiting for Luke if he turned up and started all of his seducing games again. I finished cleaning down the sides, I had swept the floor, still no more customers, I only had two more hours left of my shift. This was really boring. Then Mr blue eyes walked in.

  “Afternoon Luke, what can I get you today?”

  “BLT please.”

  “Would you like anything to drink from the menu?”

  “Orange juice would be nice.”

  “I will bring it over to you when it is ready.” I walked off into the kitchen and made him his sandwich. After I took it over and placed it on the table, I walked back over to the safety of my counter, he looked up at me.

  “Are you busy today?” He asked.

  “No, you’re only my second customer.”

  “I hear you are leaving the coffee shop.” How the hell did he find that out? Oh it had to be Lana, very blonde Jazz.

  “Yeah, I am just working out this week first.”

  “Why are you leaving?”

  “I have another job and it is just too much working both of them.”

  “I see, come on over here, and talk to me.”

  “No I am fine here, behind my counter thank you. We have already said everything that needed saying already.”

  “You know we will end up together don’t you?”

  “Apparently so, but as far as I can see, it would only be in your dreams.”

  “Now you know better than that.”

  “Do I?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you need me to remind you of our conversation from the other evening?”

  “I don’t care what you said then. I know differently in my heart.”

  “Oh you do, that’s interesting.”

  “You are still drawn to me. I can see your body calling out to me from here.” How does he know this? I am beginning to think he’s a mind reader.

  “No I don’t, where are you looking?”

  “At your nipples, look at the mountains peaking up under your blouse, they are just waiting to be rolled around in my fingers. It is a perfect indicator as to your state of mind when I am around you.” No, not my nipples. Don’t look Jasmine. Am I wearing a padded bra? Come on brain help me out here. Shit you are of no use to me at all, pity I can’t trade you in for a better model.

  “My nipples are none of your concern, have you thought that they are just cold?”

  “I could see why you would say that, but your face is flushed as well.” This man is too observant.

  “I have just been sweeping the floor and moving the machines in and out trying to clean behind them.”

  “You have an answer for everything Jasmine, but you know I am speaking the truth, I can smell the pheromones coming off you at this priciest moment in time.”

  “Well then your nose is faulty.”

  “Have it your own way.” He carried on eating and I continued cleaning the counter. “How about we go out for a simple meal and a drink together?”

  “What, with your wandering hands? I don’t think so.”

  “I won’t lay a finger on you, I promise.”

  “No I will give it a miss, but thanks for the offer.”

  “What are you afraid of Jasmine?”

  “I am not afraid of anything.”

  “Then come out with me, we can go and catch a film, then go for a meal and a drink. You can get a taxi home.”

  “I am not sure about this.”

  “You do eat don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Then let’s do it together.”

  “No I will leave it thanks anyway.”

  “I am sure we could go out as friends.” I stood pondering over his request. Could we really just be friends?

  “If I agree, I want no funny business going on, just a film and food.”

  “I will pick you up at 7:00 tonight.”

  “Before I agree, I need to just get one thing cleared up.” I walked over to him.

  “What’s that then Jasmine?” He had an amused look on his face.

  “Hold out your hand for me.” He did as I asked. I placed a pair of my panties in his hand.

  “What are these for?”

  “I am just letting you know, this is the closest you are going to get to being in my pants.” He started chuckling away.

  “I get the picture, 7:00, be ready.” I still wasn’t one hundred percent convinced that this was a wise decision, but it would be nice to see a movie. The next hour dragged on, I’d only had two customers the entire afternoon. Now I was glad that I was quitting my afternoon job. I rushed home to get ready for my evening out.

  As I walked through the door Dylan pounced on me, he fell to the floor rolling around in fits of laughter. He was feeling playful. Once I got my heart back, I asked him.

  “So what has put you in such a good mood?”

  “I got a place to live.”

  “Wow, that’s brilliant, well done hun. Where is it?”

  “Not far from where you and Rachel work.”

  “Excellent.”

  “When do you move in?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “Really? That soon, congratulations. I am off for a quick shower.” I walked over to him and gave him a big hug. I ran upstairs and got my shower. I threw a dress on and applied some light make up, slung my hair up, now I was ready. I got downstairs to Dylan frowning at me.

  “What are you done up for?”

  “I am not done up.”

  “Dress, make up, heels, you are definitely done up Jasmine Williams.”

  “Whatever you say Dylan.”

  “Come on tell me.”

  “I am off to the cinema and then for a meal.”

  “Who with?”

  “Do you want to know everything about me?”

  “Hell yeah, come on spit it out.”

  “A friend.”

  “Does this friend have a name?”

  “Really Dylan, you are not my mother.”

  “Why won’t you tell me?”

  “Because . . . you will only make a big deal out of it if I told you.”

  “So it has to be Luke then.”

  “Yes it is, we are off for a meal and then to the cinema together, as friends only.”

  “Ok that’s cool, I won’t be in tonight, I am staying at Rachel’s, if I don’t catch you tomorrow, I will text you at some point. I can’t wait to get moved into my new digs.” Thank god, he didn’t make a meal out of it.

  “That’s cool Dylan, have a great night, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, and if you do don’t get caught.” He came up to me and gave me a hug.

  “You look beautiful Jasmine, have a great evening and most importantly relax and enjoy yourself.”

  “Thanks Dylan.” He was just walking out of the door when Luke arrived.

  “Evening Jasmine.” Oh my, look at Mr blue eyes, tight black short sleeved v neck t-shirt, black jeans. Nom, nom, nom. Jasmine! oh god, I forgot, just friends.

  “Evening Luke, you are looking very handsome.” Shit! I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t want any mixed signals.

  “And you are looking sexier than ever, shall we go?” I locked the door and headed over to his car, he opened the passenger door first. He took my hand and helped me in. Shutting my door he walked around to the driver’s side, he started her up and off we went.

  “What film is it?”

  “Rain, Rain Let there be no more Rain, it’s a comedy, but it doesn’t start until 9:00, so I thought we might as well get our meal first.”

  “That sounds good.” I had no idea where he was driving to, but he looked very confident. His left hand on the w
heel and his right arm propped on the door. We pulled up outside a very posh looking restaurant. He opened his door and walked around to the passenger side. He opened the door and put out his hand, this car was so low. How was I meant to get out without flashing my knickers? What are you worrying about that for? He has seen a bit more than you’re knickers already. Shh, stop it. Now I wished I had worn trousers. As I exited, I slipped on a bit of ice and my head landed on his chest, closing my eyes I took in a deep breath, he smelled divine, I stood up straight.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “Don’t apologise Jasmine, I quite liked it.” I hoped I wasn’t turning red, I really needed to keep a tight grip on my emotions for the evening. He put his hand on my back. A man got into his car and drove away.

  “Where are they going with your car?”

  “They are just parking it up, don’t worry.”

  He escorted me into the restaurant, I was flabbergasted at my surroundings, I had never seen anything like it before, he took me through to a private booth area, and we took a seat. A waiter came over and gave us each a menu.

  “Good evening Mr Heart. May I get you some drinks?”

  “I am driving tonight, so you had better make mine a cola please.” The waiter looked at me.

  “Yes I will have the same please, but can I have no ice.”

  “Very well.” He walked off.

  “It’s posh around here isn’t it?”

  “I like to think of it as a bit of luxury.”

  “Well that’s one way of putting it.” I was feeling totally out of my social depth, the divide between us was unmistakable. The waiter brought our drinks over. I was still looking at the menu. I didn’t understand one word of what was written. It was all just fancy words to me.

  “Are you ready to order?” Luke looked at me.

  “No, can you give us a little longer please.”

  “Very well sir.” He then walked off.

  “What’s the matter? You look lost.”

  “I am, I just want a steak with Diane sauce, but I cannot find it on the menu.” He stood up and came around the booth, he leant over my shoulder, I froze as he leaned over me, I sucked in another lung full of the sweet intoxicating scent of Luke. He then pointed it out on the menu, it was right there in front of me.

  “How do you want you steak cooked?”

  “Medium to well-done please.”

  “I think I will have the same as you, but I much prefer a peppercorn sauce.” When the waiter came back, Luke placed our order.

  “Where are the ladies?” He pointed it out to me and I walked off. When I got into the toilets, I was amazed. They were immaculate. I couldn’t believe how clean everything was, I was afraid to sit down just in case I made a mess. After washing my hands I headed back out to re-join Luke.

  “So tell me something about yourself Jasmine.”

  “Like what?”

  “Anything.”

  “Ok, I’m 5ft 2”, I’ve got blue eyes, brown hair and I am a Sagittarius.”

  “You’re good.”

  “Well what do you want to know?”

  “Do you have any family?”

  “Cat’s parents are my adopted family, I think of Caitlin and Dylan as my brother and sister, apart from that, not really.”

  “Not really? You don’t sound convinced.”

  “I have a sperm donor and an incubator, but I broke contact with them about six years ago, I have no interest in seeing them. I also have one male sibling that is older than I am, and I have even less desire to make contact with it.”

  “So family wasn’t a good conversation choice then?” I just smiled. I could see the funny side to it.

  “How about you? Do you have any family?”

  “I have a brother and two sisters, my parent are very supportive of us all.”

  “You are very lucky then.”

  “So how did you meet Caitlin and Dylan?”

  “I was working in Scarborough for half of my working week for a large insurance firm, the rest of the time I worked from the main office. I was a personal secretary to one of the independent insurance agents. Cat was a friend of a friend. They introduced us and the rest is history. Her parents took me under their wing. Helped me through my very late teen years, never once judged me, they were always very supportive even if they didn’t agree with my decisions. It’s funny when I look back at it. If I got in a mood Cat would always bring me back a pizza with garlic bread to cheer me up. Caitlin was an amazing friend and still is an amazing friend.”

  “So do they still live in Scarborough?”

  “No, Caitlin moved to York a couple of years ago for a job opportunity. Dylan then moved in with her. Her parents moved about a year ago to be closer to them both.”

  With that, our food arrived. Saved by the steak, I started giggling to myself. Luke just looked at me bewildered. The steak was absolutely beautiful, cooked to perfection, just the way I liked it. Dead but still moist, it melted in my mouth. We ended up having a decent conversation, not strained, he never ventured back onto the family subject. It was avoided like the plague. Then came the pudding choice, I only wanted something small, the meal had made me feel full already, so I went for a slice of lemon meringue. After we had finished our meal, it was time to go and see the film. We got back into the car and set off for the cinema, I was glad I hadn’t opted for a dress that was too tight. I think the pudding threw me over the comfortable edge.

  We got to the cinema with fifteen minutes to spare. I was really looking forward to the film. I tried to pay but Luke was having none of it. We got a drink each and for some reason although I was already full from our meal, I just had to get some toffee popcorn. A film in my eyes couldn’t be enjoyed without it, the lady that served us was giving Luke the come to bed eyes and I got jealous, how could that be possible? It was at that moment I realised how much I really did like him, it took me completely by surprise. I now wanted him to start something with me, put his arm around me, hold my hand, anything to show Miss I really like the fellow your with to stop looking at him that way.

  Luke finished paying so we went in search of the correct screen. We got in and got ourselves comfortable. It had to be on the back row, but I didn’t mind, I knew in my experience it was thee best place to watch any film from. I sat back in my seat and started on the popcorn, I had managed to eat most of it before the film had actually started. There were so many trailers, but I did like the look of some of them. As the film started Luke put his arm around my shoulder, his fingers slightly brushing over my skin, I didn’t flinch or move away, it actually felt really good. As the film progressed we seemed to laugh at the same bits, we appeared to be on the same wavelength for our humour.

  After the film finished I realised that I was missing watching films, I really needed to purchase a DVD player and some DVD’s, I’d have to put this on my ‘I really want to buy it list.’ Luke had kept to his promise and never once made a false move all night. He was a perfect, first class gentleman, which I was really grateful for, after the young lady incident, I’d have only regretted any decision to show him affection, just to prove a point. I had a wonderful evening. When the film finished, we walked outside. Wow it had got chilli all of a sudden, I shivered, I wished I had brought a cardigan with me instead of a shawl.

  “Are you cold?”

  “Yeah, I am freezing now. It was nice and warm in the cinema.”

  “Come here and I will keep you warm.” He put his arm around me and pulled me in close to his body to keep me warm. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the young lady that had served us. It felt like a small victory, you could see she wasn’t happy by the expression on her face. I didn’t quiver, or push him off. He really was nice and warm. We got into the car and headed back to my place.

  “Thank you for a wonderful evening Luke, I have really enjoyed myself.”

  “Thank you, you really are the best company.” Now I knew I was going red, I could feel the rush of blood injecting into my
cheeks.

  “Would you like a coffee before you get back?” Jasmine Williams what are you doing? Get out of the car and go in by yourself.

  “Yes I would love one.” I unlocked the front door and headed to the kitchen, come in and sit down, I put the kettle on and he sat at my kitchen table, we sat and talked for another thirty-minutes. It was really nice just having a normal, non-sexual conversation with this man.

  After we had finished I put the cups in the kitchen sink, I’d deal with them in the morning, it was getting late, and I was exhausted. I escorted him to the door.

  “Thanks again Luke, I have really enjoyed my night out with you.”

  “It was my pleasure Jasmine. We will have to do it again.”

  “Yeah that would be nice.” I opened the door and he stepped out. “Goodnight Luke.”

  “Goodnight Jasmine.” I closed the door and stood behind it. A beaming smile came across my face as I was stood there. It felt nice going out with Luke as friends, without there been an ulterior motive. Now I was looking forward to hopefully getting a full night’s sleep.

  Chapter 18

  There was a knock at the door, I opened it up to Luke stood starting at me.

  “Sorry Jasmine, I think I must have left my car keys in the kitchen.”

  “Oh, I will go and have a look for you.” I walked off into the kitchen and found his keys sat on the kitchen table, I turned around, and he was stood right behind me.

  “Here you go.”

  “Thanks and sorry.”

  “Don’t worry, we have all done it.” I escorted him back to the front door. As I put my hand out to grab the handle, he started whispering in my ear. No this can’t happen, I have never ever in my entire life known someone so persistent. His whispers were soft and seductive, I closed my eyes trying desperately to stay in control, my whole body was reacting to his sweet talking, my nipples hardened, my heart rate increased, I felt flushed, my arousal almost complete.

  “Luke please stop, we can’t do this.” My voice now nothing but a whisper.

  “Why not Jasmine?”

  “I have already told you why not.”