“I can't believe this!” Jasmine shook her head and put the phone down on the counter. “I don't like this.”
Tessa raised an eyebrow. “What's not to like?”
Jasmine handed Tessa back her phone. “I can't see him again?”
“Why not!”
“Because, I'm not attracted to him anymore. He's not my type.” Jasmine pointed to the phone.
“Damn it Jaz!” Tessa threw her sandwich down on the plate.
Jasmine looked down at the sandwich. “What's the big deal?”
“You do this every time! You find some excuse to stop talking to every man you meet. I admit it, what Calvin did was shitty as hell. But you need to move on, every guy is not out to hurt you.”
“This is not about Calvin.”
Tessa folded her arms, “Then what is it about?”
“I don't have time for games, or drama.”
“You're being a little judgmental, don't you think?”
“No, not really.”
“Five minutes ago, you were down and excited to talk to the guy. You said you enjoyed your conversation with him.”
Jasmine didn't respond, instead she picked up Tessa's sandwich and took a bite.
“Please, give the man a chance.”
“Why? So you can get into Stallions whenever you want.”
“No, that's not why. However, now that you've mentioned it, that is a good reason.”
Jasmine let the conversation go. It became obvious, Tessa was rooting for team Drew.
Later on after Tessa left, Jasmine sat in her living room. As she flipped through the channels, she tuned out her thoughts of Drew. A couple of times, she nodded off. At nine-thirty, her phone began to ring. Half asleep, she walked into the kitchen and stared at it.
Jasmine replayed Tessa's words in her head, while looking at Drew's name on the caller ID. Part of her wanted to answer it, but she couldn't bring herself to pick up the phone. She would wait until tomorrow, after she had time to think. She knew there was some truth to what Tessa said, but this was her way of dealing with things.
The following morning, Jasmine wasn't feeling any better about Drew. After greeting Mrs. Potts, she went into her office and sat behind the desk. She turned on her computer and glanced at her watch. It was only eight o'clock. It was too early to call him, she decided to wait until later. What she needed to say was simple.
Jasmine didn't believe in the, 'Lets be friends' cop-out. She wasn't about to get caught up in that. A man like Drew would understand. He probably had women throwing themselves at his feet. No. She figured an early exit was best in this situation. Before she invested time and caught feelings for him. When her office phone rung, it startled her.
“Jasmine Williams speaking, how may I help you?”
“Good morning Jasmine. Did you sleep well,” Drew said.
“Drew? I was just thinking about you.”
“Judging from your tone, that doesn't sound like happy thoughts.”
“I was going to call you later, but now is fine.”
“What's wrong?”
Jasmine took a deep breath. Sometimes she irritated herself with her paranoia of being hurt, but this was the only way she knew how to shield herself.
“Look, I don't want to waste your time.”
“You're not wasting my time.”
“OK, well I don't want to waste my own time.”
“You don't mince words do you. What may I ask, is this about?”
“You own Stallions. You're that, Drew Watts.”
“Yes I do and yes I am.” Drew spoke in a matter of fact tone.
Smart ass, aren't we.
Jasmine placed her hand on her hip. “Why didn't you tell me.”
“I didn't think it mattered.”
“You've been featured in several magazines. Your picture is splashed across the internet. You're basically a celebrity, and you didn't think it mattered?”
“Is that why you're trying to ditch me?”
Jasmine hadn't said anything about that yet, but Drew wasn't stupid. He knew she was trying to flee.
“I don't think you and I...”
“Okay, maybe I could have said something, but that's no reason we can't get to know each other. I enjoyed talking to you the other day. You seemed to enjoy our conversation as well.”
Perhaps she was over thinking things. If Drew had disclosed his status and wealth, she would have considered him to be arrogant.
“What time do you go to lunch?” Drew asked, using her silence as leverage.
“Around one o'clock, I'm not sure. Why?”
“Have lunch with me, please. So we can talk.”
She was hesitant at first, but then agreed. “OK, I'll go to lunch with you.”
“Great! I'll pick you up at one o'clock.”
Jasmine gave Drew the address to the clinic.
“How's your day going?”
Drew's ability to change the subject, didn't go unnoticed to her.
“I just got in. I don't start seeing patients, until nine o'clock. At the moment, I'm getting ready to pack. We're moving to a new building.”
“Moving is always fun,” Drew said sarcastically.
“Tell me about it...I should probably get started. I'll see you at one o'clock.”
“Yes, see you then.”
Jasmine hung up the phone. The entire conversation she'd rehearsed in her head, had gone out the window. Instead of her walking away from Drew, she was going to lunch with him.
∞
Drew sat back in his chair and stared at the wall. He never had a woman turn him away. Neither had one been put off by who he was, or his money. He laughed to himself, Nina would have done the same thing. Drew wanted to see Jasmine again, her personality was alluring.
He could tell she was strong and independent. She was also witty and sassy. He wasn't lying, when he said he enjoyed their conversation the other day. His communication with women outside of business was minimal. It primarily consisted of him ordering them, into different sex positions.
His conscious told him he should have let her go. Deep down he knew he couldn't give a woman like Jasmine what she deserved or needed. Nevertheless, his selfish need to conquer her won in the end.
∞
At twelve-forty-five, Jasmine finished up with her last patient before lunch. She stopped by Avery's office on the way towards the front.
“Hey I'm heading out to get something to eat.”
“Where are you going?”
“I'm not sure yet. A friend is picking me up.”
Avery looked at her surprised. “Oh, is it plus one?”
She nodded with a smiled. “Yeah, me and plus one.”
“So when do I get to meet him?”
“Don't worry, you'll meet him at the party.”
If I don't run him off.
“OK enjoy.”
When Jasmine stepped outside, she noticed the clouds forming in the sky. She checked the time on her phone, then slid it into the pocket of her lab coat. She hadn't brought an umbrella that morning, she prayed the rain would wait. Soon after, a town car drove up in front of the building. The driver, a middle-aged man, got out and walked around.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Williams” he said, opening the back passenger's door.
“Good afternoon. Thank you.”
Jasmine proceeded to climb into the backseat of the car with Drew. At the moment he was on a call. From the expression on his face, he wasn't pleased.
“I don't care how much it cost, I want it handled.” His voice was calm and firm. Drew hung up, and turned his attention towards Jasmine. “Nice specs.”
Jasmine felt like she was under a microscope. Here she was, being gawked at by an incredibly attractive man. Who was currently sporting a well trimmed goatee, and dressed to perfection. While she on the other hand, had chosen to wear a pair of scrubs that morning. She was also still wearing her glasses, which Drew had already taken notice of.
“Hi, sounds like a
nother busy day at the office.”
“Yeah, another Tuesday.”
Jasmine nodded. “Where are we going for lunch?”
“How does Melon Breeze Sound?”
“Sounds yummy.”
For a brief second, Drew turned his attention away from her. “Melon Breeze, Stanford.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Watts.” Stanford rolled up the partition.
Drew reached over and tried to grab Jasmine's hand, and was instantly shocked by static.
“Did you just shock me?”
She chuckled. “Perhaps you should keep your hands to yourself.”
He laughed and folded his hands in his lap. “Dearly noted. What would you like to know about me?”
Jasmine glared at him with amusement. She had no intentions of playing twenty-one questions with him.
As to answer the unspoken, Drew leaned forward.
“I want you to feel comfortable around me. I believe you have the wrong impression, because of who I am.”
She started to speak then stopped.
“No, please say whatever you were going to say.”
She was going to ask him about Stallions and if he saw her that night, at the opening. At the risk of sounding crazy, she refrained from asking.
“I don't think you and I have a lot in common,” she said instead.
Drew nodded and glanced out the window. Staring back at her, he wore a smirk on his face. “Let me ask you something.”
“Sure.” Jasmine turned at an angle in her seat, giving him her full attention.
“Did you work hard to start your business?”
She didn't understand where he was going with the question, yet she answered.
“Yes.”
“And despite many obstacles, were you determined to reach your goal?”
“Yes.”
“Do you work hard every day to be successful, and the best at what you do?”
Jasmine smiled. Now she knew where he was going.
“Yes.”
Drew held up three fingers. “So far, I've mention three things we have in common.”
“Drew...” She began to speak, but he stopped her by caressing her face.
“I can't change who I am or what I'm worth. Neither can I change the fact that I'm attracted to you. I want to get to know you Jaz.”
Every bit of fight inside her was completely gone. She looked down, then back into his eyes. When he moved closer, fear swelled in her chest.
Shit! Is he going to kiss me?
Drew paused, their lips were inches apart. The fact that she was going to let him kiss her, told him she was just as curious. Refraining himself, he sat back against the seat. He saw the disappointment in her eyes, he was disappointed too. He had every intention of kissing her. His hesitation was troubling him.
“We're here Mr. Watt's.”
They drove around to the front. Stanford got out and opened the door.
“Thank you, Stanford,” Jasmine said.
“You're very welcome Ms. Williams.”
Drew stepped out and grabbed her hand to escort her inside. They were seated in a private area. The place seemed intimate but still casual.
“I haven't been here in a while. I heard it was under new management.” She gave him a look over. “Did you buy it?”
Drew smiled. “Yes, is that a problem?”
“No, it's not.”
As they reached for the menu, their hands touched. Jasmine laughed.
“Here.” He handed her the menu. “I'll take the one on the bottom.”
Soon, their waitress came over and introduced herself. She seemed infatuated with Drew, almost star struck. When it came time for her to take Jasmine's order, she was slightly less enthused.
“You run a tight ship,” Jasmine said, referring to the waitress.
“Yes, to work here you need to be professional and knowledgeable.”
“Is that so.” Jasmine surveyed the restaurant and the other patrons.
“How's the packing coming?”
“Not bad. I still have a few items I can put into boxes. The rest will have to wait.”
“When do you move to your new location?”
“The end of next week.”
“Let me know if you need help, I'd be happy to assist you.”
“Thanks, I will.”
Drew's stare made Jasmine think about their closeness in the car. As if he was reading her mind, he smiled and his eyes moved down to her lips.
“Have you decided on what day yet?” he asked.
Jasmine became confused, surely he wasn't talking about sex. “For what?”
“You were going to catch me up on the book. Remember?”
In the midst of everything, she'd forgotten about Thursday's book club meeting.
“Oh, Yes. We can meet tomorrow.”
“Name the place, and I'll be there.”
“How about Blue Tavern? Do you know where that is?”
“Yes I do.”
For the remainder of their lunch, they talked a little about work. Drew told her about the changes he planned to make at the restaurant. Soon, it was time for Jasmine to head back. Inside the car, she felt the need to discuss the near kiss.
“Do you start slow, and then move in for the kill?”
Drew chuckled. “I'm sorry, you've lost me.”
“Something tells me you're holding back.”
Drew's eye's darken, he stared at her for a moment. “When the right time comes, there will be no hesitation or restraint on my part.”
Jasmine swallowed. She began to throb between her legs. Suddenly, the back seat wasn't big enough for the both of them. They sat in silence for the remainder of the ride. When Stanford pulled up to the curb, Drew gripped her elbow, preventing her from leaving.
“Give us a minute Stanford.”
“Yes, Mr. Watt's.”
Still holding on to Jasmine's elbow. Drew waited for Stanford to step out of the car, before he spoke.
“Thank you, for having lunch with me.”
“You're welcome.”
Drew moved closer. Releasing her elbow, he slid his fingers through her hair, and brought her face towards his. Gently, he rubbed his lips against hers.
“Drew,” she said breathless. “My patient is coming in soon. I need to go back inside.”
With hesitance, he released her. “Can I call you later?”
“Yes.”
He watched as she scurried from the car. Drew didn't want to scare her off, but she had struck a nerve in him.
Once in the safety of her office, Jasmine sat down at her desk. She wondered what had come over her. She'd only known Drew a couple of days, and she had almost kissed him. That didn't compare to the fact, he'd blatantly told her his intentions. Tessa had been right, Jasmine had spent too much time single. There was a lot of sexual frustration built up inside of her. Something told her, Drew knew exactly what to do with it.
Chapter Five
Temperatures Rising.
T he next day when Jasmine got ready for work, she picked one of her dresses from Cambria's to wear. She chose to meet Drew at Blue Tavern because it was a popular spot, and because Damien the owner happen to be Avery's friend. She needed to be relaxed and in a familiar place. After the day before, she felt unsure of herself around him. When he called later that night, she expected him to discuss what happened between them in the car.
Instead, they talked about the book. Jasmine didn't know whether to be relieved, or annoyed. After all, she'd just met Drew. She didn't want him thinking she was ready to sleep with him. Even if, her body wanted to.
On the ride to work, Jasmine called Tessa and mentioned the afternoon she'd spent with Drew.
“Damn girl, I didn't think you would be moving this fast,” Tessa said.
“He's the one putting the moves on me!”
“So you tried to stop him?”
“No... Not exactly.”
“Well, then.”
“Isn't this what you w
anted? Didn't you tell me to live a little?” Jasmine tried to turn it around. As though Tessa was the one to blame for her lack of self-control.
“For once, it sounds like you took my advice.”
“I'm meeting him at Blue Tavern after work today.”
“Blue Tavern? It's been a while since I went there. Carlos and I might need to stop by.
“First, who is Carlos? And second, I don't need you spying on me.”
“I'm not spying!”
“Sure you're not. Keep it that way.” If Tessa showed up, she would interrogate Drew by asking inappropriate questions. “You still haven't answered me?”
“What did you ask?”
“Who's Carlos?” she repeated.
“My dear, Carlos is the guy I met at the wedding,” Tessa said, imitating a deep southern accent. “Anyway, which dress from Cambria's are you wearing?”
“The black one, with a pair of wedges.”
“Ooh, sexy! Since you won't let me and my new boo tag along, I need you to give me an update tomorrow.”
Jasmine drove into her parking space, and turned off the engine.
“I made it to work, I'm getting ready to go inside.”
“I want details.”
“Of course, you do. Bye.”
After playing catch up with Tessa that morning, the rest of Jasmine's day seemed to go by fast. Drew had been tied up all morning, and they only communicated through text. Both agreed upon meeting at six-thirty.
“Knock, knock.”
“Hey Jaz, do you have any extra boxes?” Avery let out a slow whistle, catching site of Jasmine's outfit. “Is there a special occasion I should know about?”
Jasmine stood by her file cabinet, with a bashful smile on her face.
“Thanks and no. I'm having drinks with plus one after work. Do you think this dress is too much?”
Avery shook his head. “No, but you'll definitely get his attention.”
Jasmine laughed. “I have a few boxes over by the bathroom in the corner. Take what you need.”
It was six-fifteen when she pulled into the Blue Tavern parking lot. Jasmine used a few minutes to touch up her face before going in. She was only inside a couple of seconds, when she heard her name.
“Jaz!”
She turned to see Damien, the owner of the bar approaching her. An attractive dark skinned man, with brown eyes. He was tall and brawny, and wore his head balled. She had met him during Avery and Lisa, engagement.
New Hearts Old Flame Page 5