New Hearts Old Flame

by M D Alexander

  “Hey Damien!” The two embraced.

  He gave her a glance over. “You look fantastic!”

  “Thanks. How have you been?” She hadn't seen Damien in a while.

  “Busy keeping the place running. How about you?”

  “I'm doing great, things are a little crazy at the clinic.”

  “That's right, Avery did mention you guy's were moving. I didn't realize it was this soon.”

  “Yeah I know. Its already been a year since we decided to construct the new building.”

  The truth was, Jasmine had purposely stopped coming to the bar. She could tell Damien started having deeper feelings for her. They had gone out on a number of dates. At that time, however, she wasn't ready for a relationship.

  “Man, it's really good seeing you. What brings you here tonight.”

  Suddenly, an awkward feeling move through her. “I'm meeting someone.”

  “Who? Tessa or Lisa?”

  Jasmine shook her head. “Neither, I'm meeting someone else.”

  “Oh.”

  “This is what happens when you can't find a parking space. Some guy tries to steal your girl,” Drew said walking up behind Jasmine.

  Both men laughed and shook hands.

  “What's up Drew?”

  “Same as always.”

  Jasmine looked at them confused. She wondered how long they'd known each other.

  “Are you two sitting at the bar? Or do you want a table?”

  Drew placed his hand on her back. “Table.”

  They walked over to a private section where Damien seated them.

  “I'll send the server over with your drinks,” Damien said.

  Drew acknowledge him, but his eyes stayed glued to Jasmine. At the moment, he was picturing her laying naked in his bed.

  “I like your dress.”

  “Thanks.”

  “How do you know Damien?” he asked.

  “Through my friends, Lisa and Avery Grant. How do you know him?”

  Drew smiled. “A question for a question.”

  Her mouth curved slightly. “Well, it's a logical one.”

  “Business.”

  “Business?”

  Drew nodded. “Yes.”

  “The two of you are in business together?”

  “Yeah.”

  Jasmine waited on him to elaborate further, but instead he picked up his menu.

  “Are you going to give me one word answers all night?”

  “I didn't realize that I was doing that. The dress you're wearing has my attention other places.”

  She bit her bottom lip to suppress a smile, and was grateful when the waitress brought their drinks. Jasmine prayed the alcohol would help her relax.

  Drew decided to cut her some slack. “Tell me about the book.”

  “Yeah, the book.” Jasmine rubbed the side of her neck, still trying to calm her nerves. “It's about a woman who loses her husband and child in an accident. She relocates to her family's beach house, attempting to start over.”

  The story hit close to home, but Drew managed to keep his feelings neutral. “Sounds tragic.”

  “At first, but then she meets a mysterious stranger that changes her life.”

  Drew sat back in his chair and inclined his head. “How does he do that?”

  “He teaches her to love again. Despite her pain, she falls for him. They live happily ever after, the end.”

  Drew looked into her eyes and leaned forward. His voice at a whisper.

  “Is that so.”

  Jasmine met his stare. “Yep.” She took a sip of her drink and sat the glass back down. “Isn't that how it always happens? In a romance book.”

  Drew shrugged. “You're the expert on books, not me.”

  Jasmine laughed. “Touché.”

  Filled with curiosity by her question and attitude, Drew decided to inquire further.

  “You don't believe in happy ever after?”

  “No, not really.”

  “But doesn't every woman believe in that? Once you find the perfect guy, together you buy a home in the suburbs. Then you have two kids and get a dog.”

  Jasmine stared across the table at him. She found herself bothered with his comment.

  “You're being a little prejudge-mental don't you think?”

  “Like judging someone based on their wealth.”

  Jasmine turned away.

  “I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude. I was only trying to make a point”

  “No it's fine. Point taken. Besides, you're a little accurate. There was a time, I did want those things.”

  “What changed your mind.”

  “I grew up and realized, sometimes there is no happy ever after.” She flashed him a fake smile.

  “Care to discuss what made you all grown up?”

  Jasmine didn't want to relive her past, she'd worked hard to put it behind her. She held up her glass of wine.

  “Maybe some other time and a couple more drinks.”

  Drew understood, he also had things he didn't care to rehash.

  “Why the medical field?”

  “My mother was a nurse and my father a fireman. Must be my family genetics.”

  “I'm sure they're proud of you.”

  “Yeah, my mom is. My father died while fighting a fire, before I was born.”

  “My apologies.”

  “Thank you. Everyone that knew him, has shared a lot of memories with me. They tell me how kind and honest he was.”

  “If you're a reflection of him, it must be true.”

  “What about you? Why did you choose your profession?”

  “Because I'm good at it.”

  “That simple huh.”

  “No, but I knew early I wanted to be my own boss. I like being in control.”

  She remembered Drew had told her that before, at the bookstore.

  “From where I'm sitting, you're superb at it. Is there anything you don't own?”

  “There is one thing.”

  Jasmine became feverish, she knew he was referring to her. The fact he wanted to own her should have pissed her off, but instead it turned her on. She took another sip of her drink.

  “Are you from here?” he asked.

  “Yep, born and raised. I read that you're from Virginia as well.”

  “Yes, Arlington.”

  “Lets see. If I remember correctly, you were in private school throughout your childhood into adolescences. After high school, you went to New York. You did one year at the university and then dropped out.” Unable to resist, the night before, Jasmine read an article on Drew from the internet.

  “Somebody's done their homework.” It was ironic, hearing her talk about his background. Jake had given Drew a file on Jasmine that afternoon. However, he hadn't read it yet.

  “So why did you drop out of college?” She observed the way he tensed up, at her question.

  “It wasn't for me.”

  Jasmine took his bland response, as a sign he didn't want to discuss it.

  “Do you think you'll be prepared for tomorrow? Did I give you enough information on the book?”

  “Plenty. Is there a quiz at the end of the meeting?”

  She raised her eyebrows in a playful manner. “There might be.”

  Drew laughed. “Ready to go?” He really didn't want to end their evening, but if he stayed in her presence any longer, she would end up in his bed. He wanted to know more about her first. He wasn't sure what he expected to find, if he found anything at all.

  “Yeah, if you are.” Jasmine looked around the restaurant. “I don't see our waitress.”

  “Don't worry about it.”

  She watched as Drew put a hundred dollar bill on the table. As they left, she spotted Damien and waved bye.

  “Where's your car?” he asked once they were outside.

  “Right here, I drove my Range Rover today.”

  “How many cars do you own?”

  “Only two. What about you?”

 
; Drew laughed.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  “You like to answer my questions with a question.”

  Jasmine smiled. “Quid pro quo.”

  “Six. I own six cars.”

  “Are you kidding me. Six!”

  “What can I say, I like to have options.”

  Jasmine noticed how carefree he looked in that moment. She began to wonder just who was the man behind all the money.

  “Do you like having options with everything?”

  “What are you asking me Jaz?”

  The sound of her name on his lips was hypnotizing.

  “Am I the only woman you're pursuing?”

  Drew had never been asked that question before. He didn't pursue anything except wealth. The women he dealt with, understood that from the beginning. Sex. When he wanted it and how he wanted it, was all they needed to know.

  “Yes,” he said.

  Jasmine stared at him. She saw the hesitation before he answered. Something was going on in his head.

  “You don't believe me?”

  “I didn't say that, I just...” Her words were cut off by his lips, and before she could process what happened, Jasmine's back was pressed up against the truck. His hand slid underneath her dress, and caressed her outer thigh. She moaned when he reached her ass and squeezed. His touch made her come alive.

  Drew released her mouth, only to trail his kisses to her earlobe, then down the side of her neck.

  Jasmine gripped the back of his head, embedding her fingers in his hair. His hardness pressed against her, she fought the urge to run her fingers over it. Things were moving too fast, she had to stop him. They were in public.

  Reading her mind, Drew pulled back. Allowing them both time, to collect themselves.

  He stared at her, keeping a small distance between them.

  “I'll call you tomorrow?”

  “Yeah.” she replied unsure of her voice.

  Drew opened the door for her. “Goodnight Jaz.”

  She glanced at his face, he appeared to be upset. “Goodnight.”

  ∞

  Drew looked on, as she drove away. Lately he hadn't been himself. Being around Jasmine made him forget his on rules. Perhaps, it was because he enjoyed the feel of her in his arms. It was like having Nina back. Drew shook the thought off and got into his car. She wasn't Nina and he knew that. In many ways, however, they seemed so much alike.

  The sexual attraction between them was intense. He wouldn't be able to keep his hands off her much longer. Drew wondered if Jasmine would be willing to have a relationship, based on just sex. He realized it sounded horrible, but he didn't have anything else to give her. The fact that he was thinking of any type of relationship, was disturbing to him. Drew was incapable of falling in love, and had no desire to be. He considered love to be a dangerous emotion. It made you weak and vulnerable.

  When he got home to his office, he scanned over Jasmine's background check. Most of the content had been things she already told him. The only additional information he discovered was that she had been home schooled. From elementary, through high school. Drew found that odd at first, but then dismissed it. His own youth had been well-structured by his father. At a glance, nothing peculiar stood out to Drew in her file, yet he still suspected there was more to her.

  ∞

  The next day came quick. Jasmine didn't sleep well the night before. She tossed and turned in her bed, thinking about what happen between her and Drew. When she arrived at work, she could barely suppress a yawn, while greeting Mrs. Potts.

  “Are you OK dear?”

  “Yes, I'm fine. I had a difficult time getting to sleep last night.”

  “Do you need some coffee?”

  “No thanks, I have some right here.”

  Mrs. Potts gave her a half smile. “Of course.”

  Inside her office, Jasmine settled in and got started on her day. She was finishing up with a patient, when Avery popped in to check on her. He had heard from Mrs. Potts, she wasn't herself that morning. Jasmine gave him the same story she gave her.

  “Did you and plus one stay out late, or something?”

  Avery was fishing for information and Jasmine knew it.

  “No, I got home around nine-thirty. Wipe that grin off your face, nothing happened.”

  Avery threw up a hand, before walking out. Jasmine laughed to herself and shook her head.

  At two o'clock, she received a call from a very impatient Tessa. Who found it hilarious, when she told her about the parking lot scene. Tessa blamed it on Jasmine's sexual tension and her choice to remain celibate for the last couple of years.

  “I didn't mean to laugh, but this is good for you,” Tessa said.

  “You're a sex specialist now?”

  “No, I just have sex a lot.”

  “You can say that again.”

  Tessa didn't hear Jasmine's smart remark and continued to talk.

  “I understand why you took a break, but you need to get back on the horse. If, you know what I mean.”

  “Yes, I do. I have to take my next patient, I'll call you later.”

  It was three o'clock, by the time Jasmine had seen her last patient. Still tired, she decided to head home. The book club meeting wasn't until later that night.

  “See you tomorrow Mrs. Potts.”

  “Have a good day dear, I hope you get some rest.”

  On the way to her truck, Jasmine's cell phone rung. She answered without looking at the screen.

  “Hello.”

  “Good, you're still talking to me,” Drew said. “I was worried you might try to run away again.”

  Jasmine figured he was reflecting on the night before. She smirked, as she remembered the way their evening ended.

  “Why would I run away? I enjoyed it.”

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes.”

  “You sound tired. What time did you go to bed?”

  “Around eleven, I couldn't sleep,” she said.

  “Why not?”

  “I had other things on my mind.”

  “Don't tease me Jaz. There's nothing I would enjoy more, than putting your mind at ease.”

  “Promises, promises.” She could hear Drew's groans on the other end.

  “Unless you want me over there tonight, I'd suggest you quit while you're ahead.”

  Jasmine put an end to her teasing, and started discussing the book club.

  “Do you remember where to meet me?”

  “Yes, Impact Grill. At seven, correct?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Are you still at work?”

  “No, I'm finished for the day. I'm getting ready to head home.”

  “Are you driving?”

  “No, I'm sitting in the parking lot of the clinic.”

  “Is it safe for you to drive?” Drew didn't like the thought of her falling asleep at the wheel.

  “Yeah, I'm awake. I just need a quick nap before the meeting.”

  “Text me when you get home, so I know you made it there safe.”

  Jasmine sensed Drew's genuine concern. “OK, I will. Bye.”

  Reluctantly, he let her go. “Later.”

  Chapter Six

  Jasmine in wonderland.

  “Do you like that?”

  “Mmm, yes,” Jasmine said as Drew sucked on her neck.

  One hand massaged her breast, while the other caressed her thigh. He moved his hand further up, and slipped his finger inside her.

  “How long has it been?”

  “Too long... Please!” she begged, urging him to make love to her.

  “You have to wake up.”

  She stared at him with confusion. “What do you mean?”

  Drew withdrew his finger and stood.

  “No! Where are you going?”

  When Drew open his mouth to speak, the sound of her alarm replaced his voice.

  Startled, Jasmine looked down to find her hand between her legs. She'd dreamed the whole thing.

  �
�This is pathetic,” she mumbled, staring up at the ceiling.

  After taking a shower and getting dress, she headed to the restaurant. Upon entering, she immediately noticed her fellow book worms. Surprisingly, Drew was already seated among them, engaged in a conversation. As Jasmine approached the table, everyone began to laugh at something he said.

  Drew sensed her presence, turning around he looked up into her eyes.

  “Hi.” He stood and pulled out a chair for her. “Did you enjoy your nap?” His voice was low, only she could hear him.

  “Yes.”

  “Did you dream about me?”

  She chuckled uncomfortably.

  Drew smiled. “Interesting. Care to share?”

  Jasmine blinked her eyes and shook her head. “No.”

  He waited for her to sit, then sat beside her.

  “Ah hem. Hi everyone, I see you've met my friend Drew.”

  “Oh yes! He and Malcolm have been keeping us entertained,” Samantha said.

  “Really?” Jasmine noticed the woman's flirtatious expression as she filled her in.

  “Yeah. They've been sharing their opinions, regarding the recent merging of two software companies,” Samantha continued.

  Jasmine stared at Drew. “You seem to be enjoying yourself.”

  “I am.” He winked and laid his arm over the back of her chair. Leaning over, he sniffed the side of her neck. “By the way, you smell delightful.”

  “Thank you.” Jasmine grabbed the other side of her neck and prayed she made it through the next hour.

  The group went over their usual time, and ended the meeting at nine-thirty. Everyone enjoyed Drew and asked him to return, especially the women.

  “I can't make any promises, but I will definitely try.”

  When the ladies of the group began to pout, Jasmine became amazed by his effect on them.

  “See you guys next Thursday,” Jasmine said, as she and Drew left the restaurant.

  Outside, Drew slid his arm around her waist, and she had no objections.

  “Let me guess, the Maserati.”

  Drew laughed. “Yeah.” He proceeded to walk with her, she had parked a couple cars down from him.

  “Thank you for coming.”

  “You're welcome.”

  She stood there for a second waiting for him to kiss her. When he leaned forward and gave her a soft peck on the lips, she was disappointed. Once again they stared at each other.