A spiral staircase loomed ahead and Jasmine could imagine all the grand parties that had been given in the older home, which appeared to have been built in the eighteen hundreds. But what took Jasmine's breath away more than anything was the beautiful view of the Savannah River from almost every room in the house.
He had furnished the house with period furnishings. Each piece made the house retain its original splendor and made her feel like she was taking a step back in time. Just from glancing around, she could tell he enjoyed having nice things. So did she.
After touring the downstairs, they walked up the stairs to the second floor. "You have an office both upstairs and downstairs?" she asked, after taking a glance at another room with a computer, bookcase and a desk.
"Yes. I do a lot of work at home although my business has office space on the river front. Besides my bedroom, there are two additional bedrooms up here that have their own baths. I have a master bath in my bedroom. I decided to put off decorating the additional bedrooms for now since there wasn't an urgent need to do so. In fact I use one of them for storage."
When they entered his bedroom she was in awe and couldn't help but stare shamelessly at his huge bed while something stirred deep within her. She tried averting her attention from his bed to the other impressive furnishings in the room but found that she couldn't. She could see herself in that bed with him making love. She glanced up and met his gaze and the look in his eyes indicated that he could imagine the same thing.
"Let me show you the master bath," he said hoarsely, leading her into an area off from the bedroom. His bathroom was as large as one of the bedrooms downstairs and had a huge Jacuzzi tub, as well as a large shower. Another image filled her mind; one of them taking a bath together.
She turned to Wesley. "Your home is beautiful."
Wesley reached out and touched her chin with his fingers. It pleased him that she liked his home and without thinking twice about it, he leaned down and gently kissed her lips.
The kiss was slow and soul deep. Jasmine's heart lurched at his tenderness.
Moments later she experienced a tinge of regret when he pulled his mouth back to end the kiss. "I guess we better get going," he whispered against her still-moist lips.
She nodded. "Yes, I guess we'd better."
As they walked down the stairs together, she thought about how much she enjoyed the kisses they shared. Somehow Wesley had the ability to elevate a simple kiss to a sensuous art form.
They walked through his kitchen with the spotless appliances, beautiful tiled counters and floors, and oak cabinets to his four-car garage. In addition to the Mercedes and Explorer and Corvette that she'd known he owned, a huge Harley Davidson motorcycle was also parked in one of the garage spaces.
She glanced up at him when he opened the door to the Explorer for her. "You like riding your motorcycle?"
He smiled and even before he gave her an answer, she knew that he did. "Yes, occasionally I enjoy hitting the open road. Sometimes there's nothing like the feel of wind in your face."
After making sure her seat belt was secure, he closed the door and walked around to the front of the vehicle to get into the driver's side. Jasmine peered over her shoulder into the back seat of the SUV and saw all the books stocked on the seat. "You're delivering books?" she asked in surprise.
He glanced over at her as he started the engine. "Yes. A friend of mine from college runs the boys' club in Charleston. I usually check with him periodically to see what items he may need since funding for the club has been drastically cut over the years. When I talked to him last week he indicated they were trying to steer the boys away from playing video games and focus their free time on reading, so I offered to buy a few books."
Jasmine nodded. Wesley had bought more than a few. There were over a hundred books in his Explorer. She couldn't help but think about the Wesley Brooks she was getting to know. Her father had always said that a person's deeds reflected their true inner self and part of her couldn't help wondering how many people, other than the Danforths, had the opportunity to see this side of Wesley.
The drive from Savannah to Charleston was pleasant. A wave of sadness touched her when Wesley opened himself up and told her about his childhood, that period of time when he'd been moved from foster home to foster home. What he'd gone through made what she'd experienced with Evelyn and her stepsisters look like nothing. At least she had always known she'd had the love of her father and had been fortunate to have had her mother's love for a while. But Wesley hadn't known what family was until the Danforths had come into his life. Now she understood his love and loyalty for them.
"Here we are," he said, bringing the vehicle to a stop in front of a huge building. "Luke works hard to keep the boys off the street and channel their energy into worthwhile projects."
"Luke?"
"Yes, Luke Murdock."
Jasmine blinked. "Luke Murdock? The Luke Murdock?"
Wesley smiled. "Yes, the Luke Murdock." Most people had heard about the kid from the small town in Blakely, Georgia, who had later played football at Georgia Tech and had gone on to play professionally, becoming one of the most noted quarterbacks in the history of the NFL before an injury ended his football career a few years ago.
"And the two of you went to college together?" Jasmine asked, still in shock that she was about to meet Luke Murdock.
"Yes, we used to play ball together at GT." Wesley sighed deeply. What he wasn't ready to share with Jasmine was how because of Caroline Perry's article, he had gotten kicked off the football team and shunned by the majority of his teammates. Of all the guys on the team, Luke had been one of the few who had stuck by him through the entire ordeal, giving him support and friendship, and even going so far as to ask their coach not to take him off the team. However, the coach had stuck to his decision by saying the information Wesley had given Caroline had been too damaging and had cast a bad light on the entire team.
Not wanting to think about that part of his past any longer, Wesley glanced over at Jasmine and thought about the time they had spent together. A sensuous shiver made a path up his spine when he thought about making love to her, thrusting inside of her, the way her fingernails dug deep into his shoulder blades, branding him. Everything about her wanted to make him reach out and touch her. The woman was simply distracting.
Even now he enjoyed being in her presence and was glad she had agreed to come to Charleston with him. "When we're through here, I'd like to rent a sailboat and have lunch on the Charleston Harbor. Would you like that?"
Tossing her head to look at him, her braids settled in a way that framed her face. When she tilted her head and met his gaze, he felt as if he'd been punched in the stomach. "Yes, I'd like that, Wesley."
* * *
Before renting a boat, Wesley and Jasmine visited Charleston's premiere shopping district on King Street
. Since Ronnie's birthday was in a few weeks, Jasmine thought now would be a good time to pick out a gift for her friend. Then they enjoyed a carriage ride on East Battery, a section of town located on the harbor. The oleanders along East Battery were in full bloom and they were a delight to the senses.
After picking up a packed lunch at a restaurant that Luke had recommended, they walked hand in hand around Waterfront Park, basking in the beauty of their surroundings. Jasmine had really liked Luke and could see why he and Wesley were good friends. Both were fiercely loyal to the people they considered friends, and from the look on Luke's face she could tell he had appreciated the books Wesley had delivered to him.
"Do you know how to operate a sailboat, Jasmine?"
Wesley's question interrupted her thoughts and she glanced up at him. "No. If you were depending on me being your backup then you're out of luck."
Wesley grinned. "No, I was just wondering how anyone who has lived in Savannah for as long as you have hadn't been interested enough to find out. I can't imagine not going out on the water at least once a week. That's the beauty of living in Savannah
, even during the winter months, you can enjoy the river."
Jasmine nodded. "Do you own a boat?"
"Yes, I have a sailboat, as well as a cabin cruiser that Jake and I own together."
Sharing lunch with Wesley on the Charleston Harbor was a wonderful experience, Jasmine thought as she watched him expertly handle the sailboat. At one point after having a conversation about several movies they had seen, they had fallen into silence. She had glanced up to find him watching her intently like she was a puzzle he was trying to piece together. It didn't bother her that he was seeing another side of her because she was seeing another side of him, as well. There was work and then there was play and she was enjoying being able to relax in his presence. They hadn't mentioned anything about Abraham Danforth and the campaign since Wesley had shown up at her place for dinner last night.
Later that afternoon when they had returned to Savannah and Wesley walked her to the door, she invited him in. As soon as the door was closed behind them he gathered her into his arms and kissed her and she had to lock her knees to keep them from buckling under her.
His kiss sharpened her senses and filled her with an intense need to return it with all the longing she felt. She regretted the moment their lips parted and he took a step back.
"Thanks for going to Charleston with me today," he said huskily while his gaze zeroed in on her lips.
"Thanks for inviting me to go. I had fun."
"So did I. What are you doing tomorrow?"
"Attending church service and having dinner at my father's. It's a weekly ritual and because of his schedule, sometimes it's the only time the two of us can spend together."
He nodded. "And after dinner?"
"Ronnie and I are going to see several movies. A co-worker of ours who reviews movies is out of town this weekend and asked if we would do so in his absence and we told him that we would." A smile touched her lips. "But I'm sure that you and I will be running into each other sometime this week, right?" She knew he had every intention of continuing to follow her around. The thought of him doing so no longer bothered her.
He grinned. "Right. We'll definitely run into each other this week."
After kissing her again, he opened the door and left.
* * *
"So what did you do yesterday? I tried calling you a few times and couldn't get you."
Jasmine glanced up at Ronnie from across the table. They had taken a break in between movies to grab another soda and more popcorn. She wondered what her best friend would say if she knew that she had spent Friday night with Wesley and then all day Saturday in Charleston with him, as well. She was not ready to let anyone else in on what was going on between them. She wanted to savor the secret a while longer, especially since Ronnie knew she had considered Wesley her enemy just few weeks ago.
"I did all sorts of things," Jasmine said, thinking that really wasn't a lie. She met Ronnie's gaze. "What about you? What did you do?"
Ronnie smiled. "Dan and I drove down to Amelia Island and spent the entire day on the beach. It was fun. I'm still trying to get him to make me into a naughty girl but he won't budge."
Jasmine bit her lip to keep from grinning. Dan and Ronnie had been dating for almost six months and still they hadn't slept together. He didn't want them to rush into anything and no matter what Ronnie did or said, he hadn't changed his mind. "I wouldn't give up if I were you. Just keep trying, he's going to surrender sooner or later."
Ronnie chuckled. "I hope it's sooner than later. Trust me, I intend to keep tempting him. In fact, how would you like going shopping with me tomorrow? I want to buy something sexy that's guaranteed to get his attention."
Jasmine laughed. "It shouldn't be hard finding such an item."
Ronnie joined her in laughter. "I'm counting on it." After their laughter subsided, Ronnie asked. "So how are things going with that Danforth assignment? Any new developments?"
Jasmine shook her head. The last time she'd been out to Crofthaven had been for the press conference where Abraham had revealed the coroner's report regarding the cause of death. "No, things have been pretty quiet. I really don't expect things to start heating up until the election gets into full swing."
"And what about Wesley Brooks?"
Jasmine took a sip of her drink, deciding not to meet Ronnie's gaze and asked. "What about him?"
"Is he still following you around?"
Jasmine felt a thickness in her throat. Not only was he following her around, he had parked himself real snug in her bed a few nights ago. "Yes, he's still following me around."
"And you're handling it okay?"
If only you knew just how well I'm handling it. "Yes, I'm handling it fine. I'm used to it now."
Ronnie nodded as she checked her watch. "It's almost time for the next movie to start. Oh, by the way, I'm covering that big social event sponsored by the hospital in a few weeks. I noticed your father is one of the doctors being honored. Are you going?"
"Yes, although I got a call from Alyssa the other day to let me know that she's going with Paul."
Ronnie frowned. "Paul Sanders?" At Jasmine's nod Ronnie's frown deepened. "When are they going to let up and get a life? I can't believe after what happened she would do something like that."
Jasmine shook her head. "You and Alyssa have different values and standards. You would never have done what she did. I'm sure Paul being Alyssa's date will have Dad wondering what's going on."
Ronnie nodded. "You never told your father why the two of you broke up and about Evelyn's part in it? If he knew, Evelyn, Mallory and Alyssa would be history."
"Yes, but then where would they go?"
"Who gives a royal flip? If I were you I wouldn't give a damn. Besides, your father would be better of without them. I'm sure his bank account definitely would be."
Jasmine couldn't disagree with that last comment. "I still can't do that no matter how mean and hateful they are."
"Well, as far as I'm concerned Evelyn is a real witch. She makes Cinderella's stepmother look like an angel."
Jasmine only nodded. She had learned a long time ago not to let her stepmother and stepsisters get to her.
"What time do you want to go shopping tomorrow?"
"Right after work." A thought then crossed Ronnie's mind. "You don't think Wesley Brooks will follow us, do you?"
Jasmine shrugged. "Probably not. Why?"
"Just curious, especially since we plan on visiting stores that sell sexy lingerie. I don't want him getting any ideas about you."
Jasmine smiled. After Friday night, Wesley probably had gotten plenty of ideas about her.
* * *
Eight
« ^ »
He couldn't get Jasmine off his mind.
Even a week later while having dinner with Harold and Miranda at their home along with Jake, Larissa and their son, Peter, Wesley was flooded with memories. He continued to shadow Jasmine but now it was with an entirely new intent. He liked seeing her and watching her.
Trying to give her time to adjust to the turn their relationship had taken, he hadn't been over to her place since dropping her off Saturday night. But he'd seen her every day. He remembered how they had gone sailing on the Charleston Harbor and sat side by side sharing lunch. Even then, he had fought the urge to take her in his arms and make love to her right then and there.
"Are you all right, Wesley?"
Wesley quickly raised his gaze to the end of the table at the sound of Miranda Danforth's soft voice. She was looking at him with concern and so was everyone else at the table. He suddenly realized why. She had asked him a question a while ago and he had yet to answer.
"Yes, I'm fine," he answered smiling, focusing on the woman with the warm blue eyes who had always been there for him after he'd come to live with her and Harold in this huge house. From the moment they had invited him into their home, not only as their son's best friend, but also as a member of their family, an unofficially adopted son, they had occupied a special place in his h
eart. All the Danforths had.
"She asked if you've been dating anyone special lately," Harold Danforth chuckled, repeating his wife's question. His eyebrows were heavy over kind blue eyes. "Now that Jake's married off, she's determined to see what she can do about you since it seems that Toby and Imogene are lost causes."
Wesley smiled. Tobias, whom everyone fondly called Toby, was Harold and Miranda's divorced twenty-nine-year-old son who lived in Wyoming. Everyone knew that like Ian, Toby had no plans to ever remarry. And Imogene was married to her career. Not surprising to anyone, she had called earlier to say she would miss dinner because she was on the run and was trying to squeeze in a late appointment with a potential client.
"Well, Wesley, are you dating?"
Wesley's smile widened at Miranda's question. He remembered when he and Jake had lived at home, Miranda would wait for them after their dates to find out how things had gone. Of course he and Jake had never told her everything. But just the thought that she had cared enough to ask had meant a lot to him and he'd never considered it as meddling like Jake often had.
He glanced quickly across the table and met Jake's smile and knew his best friend thought his mother was meddling now. "No, I'm not dating but I am seeing someone," he finally answered.
He saw the bemused frown settle on Miranda's brow. He understood her confusion since the situation confused him, too. However, Jasmine was determined not to "date" him. As far as he was concerned, she could call it what she liked as long as he got to see her and be with her.
"Will we get a chance to meet her?" Jake asked grinning.
Wesley shot his best friend a warning glance. Jake was the only one at the table who knew the woman he was seeing was Jasmine Carmody and just how deep their relationship had gotten. Although none of them other than Jake and Larissa had met Jasmine, everyone knew her name and knew her to be the persistent reporter hounding the Danforths. He smiled when he thought of what everyone's reaction would be when he brought her to dinner, which was something he planned to do when she realized that he intended to remain a part of her life for a while.
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