“Penny for your thoughts?”
Jasmine turned to face Drew.
“It's been over between her and I, for a long time,” he said.
“Okay.”
“Why do I feel a but coming,” he said.
“It's not over for her.”
“You don't need to worry about Chanel.”
Drew met Chanel through a prestige escort service he used. Every two years he would choose a new woman. During that time she was not allowed to sleep with other men. Chanel had complied like the others, to all the agreements stated in her contract. Until about eight months ago, when she became clingy. That was a deal breaker for Drew. He ended it with her, and hadn't used the service since. Drew had no idea she would be in Richmond that night.
“I'm not worried about her, or anyone else for that matter,” Jasmine said.
“I should have figured as much... What are you doing tomorrow?”
“I promised my mom I'd go to church with her.”
“What about after that?”
“After that, I'll be home by eleven-thirty. Why?”
“I was thinking of checking out the festival. Care to join me?”
“The festival?”
“Yeah, you got something against it?”
“No, I would love to go. In fact, I usually go every year.”
“Then why the hesitation?”
“I didn't quite picture you, as the festival going sort of guy.”
“What sort of guy do you think I am?”
Jasmine laughed. “I haven't figured that out yet.”
They continued to stare at one another momentarily, before Jasmine turned to look out the window. When the car turned into her driveway. Drew got out and walked her to the door.
“I'll come by and pick you up around twelve-thirty tomorrow.”
“Sounds good.”
Drew leaned in and kissed her. Jasmine reached up and touched his face. When she leaned back from the kiss, his eyes were still closed.
“Goodnight Drew, and thank you for a lovely evening.”
Drew finally opened his eyes. “It was my pleasure.” Slowly he turned and walked back towards the car.
Jasmine went inside and closed the door. She watched through the window as the car drove away. The night hadn't ended the way she thought it would. Jasmine didn't count on running into Drew's ex. Nor had she expected to like him so much. She replayed Chanel's words in her mind. What exactly did Drew need, that only she could give him? Jasmine wasn't quite sure of what she witnessed between them.
∞
Drew looked out the window as Stanford drove him home. Many times, he dreamed of what life would've been like, if Nina never died. All the money and power he'd obtained, he wondered if he would still want it. That night, was the first time, in a long time he questioned himself again. Jasmine was causing him to think and feel so much, in such a short time.
On Sunday morning, Jasmine went to church with her mother as planned. She found the service moving and inspirational. She felt the need to repent, considering her current thoughts of Drew. As always, her mother invited her to brunch. She and her prayer group, met every Sunday after church.
“It's Sunday. Even the lord rested on the seventh day,” her mother said.
“I know mom, but I need to go in. With the move coming up, there's not enough time in the week.” Jasmine wasn't ready to tell her mom about Drew, so she made up an excuse.
Once home, she changed into her pink sundress, something casual. She used the curling iron, and gave her hair an extra bounce. While applying her lipstick, she heard the door bell ring. Giving herself a final glance, she went to open the door. Drew stood on the other side, in a pair of light blue shorts, and a plain white t-shirt.
“Hey, are you ready?”
Jasmine figured he had to know his effect on her.
“Yep, all set.”
Outside she saw a Range Rover that resembled hers, only it was black. Drew opened the passenger's door for her.
“Nice, now I want a black one.”
“When do you want to go pick it up?”
“You're kidding right?”
Drew stared at her nonchalantly, before closing her door.
Her eyes followed, as he walked around the truck and climbed into the driver seat.
“Drew you're not serious, are you?”
“No, of course not. Unless you want one.” Drew Smiled, he enjoyed teasing her.
“You're not funny,” she said pushing him.
As they drove to the park, she focused her attention outside.
“So, you go to the festival every year?” Drew asked.
“Yeah, I like scoping out the different shops. Sometimes the entertainment is decent too.”
The festival was an annual event that allowed local small business to display their merchandise. It also gave upcoming artists, a chance to showcase their talents. That year it was being held at a park, that wasn't too far from Jasmine's home.
“Since this is my first time, you can be my guide.”
When Drew looked over at her, Jasmine squirmed in her seat. She couldn't figure it out. Why had she become so flustered by him?
After finding a place to park, Jasmine and Drew walked across the street into the entrance.
“Where do we start?”
“Personally, I go with the flow. I walk until I see something I like.”
“What if I already see something I like?”
“Then you stop.”
Drew stopped walking, bending down he kissed her. “Like that?”
Jasmine smiled. “Yeah, like that.”
Together they continued to walk, occasionally stopping at various booths. They came across a stand, where a woman was selling crocheted quilts. Jasmine ran her hand over the threading, appreciating the work.
“When I was a little girl, my mom and I would crochet all the time. She had a booth at the local flea market. I would help her set up, every weekend.”
Jasmine looked over at Drew, his eyes were burning a hole through her.
“What?”
“Nothing, I was admiring your beauty.”
“Thank you.”
“You said you were home school, why is that?”
Jasmine squinted. “When did I tell you that?”
Drew slipped. Jasmine hadn't shared that with him, he'd actually read it in her file.
“The other night, when we were at Blue Tavern.”
Jasmine still didn't remember, but figured she must have said something. How else would he know?
“Oh, I guess I forgot. Anyway, when my father passed away, it was a difficult time for my mom. She wanted to give me a good life. Shortly after I was born, she quit her job and focused on me. Between my father's pension and other resources, she was able to make ends meet.”
“How long where you home schooled?”
“Through high school. I guess you could say, I didn't learn social skills until college.”
“That must have been tough, not having any friends.”
Jasmine shrugged. “My mom did what she thought was best. She sacrificed a lot for me.”
“She sounds like an extraordinary woman.”
Jasmine smiled. “She is.”
“Your mom never remarried?”
“No, she said my dad was impossible to replace. “Why are you so interested in my past?”
Drew shook his head. “Just trying to get to know you.”
Jasmine begin to sing the lyrics to 'Getting to know you' by Julie Andrews.
“You sing?” The laugh lines showed in his face. “Come on, we need to get you up there.” Drew playfully pulled her in the direction of the stage.
She laughed, while resisting. “No, lets head over to the food truck instead. They have praline pecans. I love praline pecans.”
“I'll keep that in mind.”
They stayed at the park for almost two hours, before the sky opened up.
Chapter Eight
Fig
hting Temptations.
J asmine glanced over at Drew. “That rain came out of nowhere. So much for enjoying the festival.”
“There're some napkins in the glove compartment.”
She reached inside and gave him a couple, after taking some for herself.
When they arrived at her house, Drew parked in the driveway.
“We can go in through my garage.”
Together, they made a run for it and entered the laundry room.
“We should take off these wet clothes,” she said.
“Yeah I think you're right.”
They stared at each other for a few seconds, before Jasmine handed Drew a robe.
He examined the pink fluffy cloth and raised an eyebrow.
“It was either this or that one.” Jasmine showed Drew another terry cloth robe, with flowers on it.
“In that case, never mind.”
“I figured you would say that. Do you remember where the bathroom is?”
“Yes, I believe so.” Drew nodded and walked in the direction.
In his absence, Jasmine changed into the flowery printed robe. When Drew returned she tried her best not to laugh. The robe barely came to his knees. His toned hairless chest, peeked through the top.
Drew held up his clothes.
“Are those safe to put in the dryer?”
“I think they'll survive. If not, I'll send you a bill.” He winked at her.
Jasmine made a face, and tried to take the clothes from him.
He tightened his grip, making it difficult. Drew laughed when she snatched them out of his hand.
“We can sit in the living room while they dry. Would you like something to drink?”
“Yeah, water will be fine.”
Jasmine went into the kitchen and returned with two bottles of water.
Drew watched as she approached him. With each step, he saw an exposed part of her thigh. Her skin was the color of caramel, he wondered if she tasted like it as well.
“Here you go.”
Drew noticed the healed scar on her right thigh. “What happened to your thigh?” he asked.
Jasmine looked down. “I got that when I was twelve. I saw this guy on a skateboard do a trick, and I tried to do it too. It didn't turn out so well.”
Drew laughed. “A skate board.”
“I was a tomboy. What about you? Any war wounds?”
“Actually yes. This one, it's almost in the same spot as yours.” Drew moved the robe over and showed her a spot on his right thigh. Jasmine willed herself to look at the scar, and nothing else.
“This happened when I was Fifteen. My father took me and my brothers, on a hunting trip. I wanted to prove I could take the shot by myself. So I climbed a tree.”
Jasmine leaned back, and pictured the young version of Drew up in a tree.
“I was about to pull the trigger, when the tree branch snapped. I remember thinking, I was going to die trying to prove myself to my father.” Drew laughed to himself. “Lucky for me, the branch underneath caught me. Unfortunately, it sliced a cut out of my thigh as well.”
“That could have turned out worse,” she said.
“Yeah I know.”
“I have another one, but it's not as old.” Jasmine pulled the arm of the robe up and showed him a scar on her wrist.
Drew moved closer, to get a better look.
“What happened?” As he held her arm, he rubbed his thumb across the scar.
“When I first moved in, there was this horrible green carpet on the floor. So I took it up. I wasn't paying attention, and one of the nails from the floor boards scratched me.”
Drew was still rubbing her arm. “Your skin is soft.” He looked into her eyes, then down at her lips.
“Thank you.”
Unable to resist the urge, he crushed his mouth against hers, while sliding his hand inside her robe. He moved his hand further down, and his fingers teased her flesh, before cupping her hip.
Jasmine lean back, accepting his advances. She moaned when he kissed the side of her neck and then her collar bone. He caressed her breast with his hand and then replaced it with his mouth. He sucked gently, teasing her nipples. The warmth of his breath through the sheer fabric, was heavenly.
Like an electrical charge, her body prickled from the sensation. She grabbed the back of his head, encouraging him to continue. With so little between them, she could feel his erection pressing against her.
The sound of Drew's phone ringing, caused them both to turn towards the table. He stared at her face, then down at her body. Her skin was smooth and silky, he wanted to kiss every inch of it. The phone continued to ring, distracting him.
“You should probably answer that. It might be important.”
Drew stood, and assisted Jasmine with sitting up.
“I'll go check on the clothes,” she said closing her robe.
He waited for her to leave, before picking up his phone and listening to the voicemail.
In the laundry room, Jasmine closed her eyes and laid her head against the wall. After collecting her thoughts, she grabbed Drew's clothes and headed back in the living room.
“I think they're all dry.”
“Thank you.” Drew took the clothes from her and began to dress.
Jasmine looked away, as he stepped into the shorts and slid the shirt over his head.
“I have to go.”
“Is everything OK?
“Just some minor things I need to deal with.” Drew walked over and kissed her lips. “Thank you for this afternoon.”
“Anytime.” Jasmine walked him to the door.
After Drew left, she went upstairs to her room and laid on the bed. She was starting to agree with Tessa. The sensation of a man's touch, could never be replaced. She wanted Drew bad. If she hadn't insisted he answer the phone, he would still be there.
∞
After dealing with security issues at Stallions, Drew headed home. He toyed with the idea of going back to Jasmine's, to finish what they'd started. He wanted her, but on his terms. There would never be, a happy ever after with him.
Even though Jasmine said she didn't believe in that anymore, he knew she did. Every woman did. Once home, Drew went into his office and sat down at his desk. He stared at the papers with her information on them. With frustration, he ran his hands over his face. Taking out his phone, Drew scrolled through his contacts. He dialed a number he hadn't in years.
“Hi Mrs. Baxter, it's me Drew.”
“Well hello Drew! It's so nice to hear your voice! How have you been?”
“Good, I'm in town. I was wondering if I could stop by. Maybe one day this week.”
“Sure! You're always welcomed here. John was just telling me you opened a Stallions here in Richmond.”
“Yes ma'am, last week.”
“We're so proud of you and I know Nina would be too.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Baxter. What day would you like me to come by?”
“How about Wednesday evening?”
“I'll be there.”
“OK and I'll let John know you're coming. See you then.”
“Yes ma'am, goodbye.”
Drew sat back in his chair. His own guilt caused him not to reach out to the Baxter's sooner. They were good people, and they had always been accepting of him. In many ways, the Baxter's were the parents Drew had always wanted. Although he blamed himself for the accident that killed Nina, they never did.
∞
“What do you want?” Jasmine yelled.
The man standing on the corner said nothing, and continued to stare at her. Jasmine couldn't see his face, just like in all the other dreams. As always he wore a white suit, but something seem different about him this time. She became more afraid, and ran towards the other end of the street. She glanced over her shoulders, and noticed he was running after her. He had never done that before.
“Help, please! Someone help me!” she screamed.
When he grabbed her from behind and turned her a
round, Jasmine thought she would finally see his face. She had been wrong, it remained hidden behind a white mask. The stranger placed his hand around her neck, and she closed her eyes.
“No! Please don't hurt me!” she pleaded with him.
“I won't hurt you,” he whispered in her ear.
“Drew, is that you?” She tried to move her arms, but they were bound with something. “Please release me.”
“Shh,” he placed a finger to her lips.
Jasmine continued to squirm, desperately trying to see the man in her dreams.
She tossed and turned, before sitting up. She glanced at the clock, it was one in the morning. Getting out of bed, Jasmine removed her sweaty night gown. In the bathroom, she splashed some cold water on her face. She touched her hand to her neck, where the stranger's hands had been. Her dream felt so real.
Jasmine's Monday morning didn't start so well. Not only had she gotten little sleep, but she had a patient scheduled for eight o'clock that morning. It was a clear indicator, of her week to come. They were moving into the new building on Thursday, and things still needed to be packed. Throughout the day, Jasmine's thoughts kept going back to her dream. Somehow, she'd managed to bring Drew into it. At least she thought it was him.
Around noon, her cell phone buzzed. Jasmine saw Drew's name and bit her lip.
“Good afternoon Mr. Watts. How can I help you?”
“Have lunch with me.”
“When and what time?”
“Now, I'm outside.”
“In that case give me a couple of minutes and I'll be right out.”
After freshening up, Jasmine headed out of her office and bumped into Avery.
“Let me guess, you're going to lunch with plus one again.”
“Yes, and quit acting like you don't know his name. I know Lisa has told you by now.”
Avery laughed. “Enjoy your lunch.”
With a wave of her hand, she walked towards the front and out the door. She found Drew, leaning against his black Maserati. Dressed in a pair of black slacks and a white shirt, he looked extraordinary.
New Hearts Old Flame Page 8