Leaning forward, he kissed her. “Ready to join Neil and Lisa?”
Jasmine laughed. “Yeah, just let me clean up first.”
After a quick shower and a change of clothes, they were on their way to meet the Mitchell's.
“How long have you known them?
“I've known Neil for six years. He and Rachel have been married for five.”
“I like them. They seem like genuinely kind people.”
“They are, and I think they like you too.”
Twenty minutes later they arrived at the board walk.
Jasmine and Rachel talked as they walked ahead of the men.
“Things seem to be going well between you two,” Rachel said.
Jasmine smiled.
“Sorry, I don't mean to be intrusive. I like seeing him happy.”
“No, it's fine.” She nodded. “You're good.”
“That's the place, up ahead on the left honey, ” Neil said.
The four of them walked into the bar and grill. It was a decent size crowd, and the atmosphere was lively.
Drew caressed her elbow. “I'll go grab us a table.”
“Jasmine, Drew tells me you were busy moving this week,” Neil said.
“Yes, we did on Thursday. There's still plenty to do, but the worst part is over.”
“I believe I've met Dr. Grant before. Is his first name Avery?”
“Yes.”
“I thought so. I met him at a doctor's convention last year.”
Minutes later, they were being seated at a table, with a waitress taking their orders. The four of them conversed together as a group and also separately. While Drew and Neil talked about golf, Rachel and Jasmine set a date to meet.
Drew watched Jasmine move to several songs throughout the night. At the moment, it was 'Moves Like Jagger', that had her going.
“Do you like to dance?”
“Yeah. I really like this song. Maroon five is my favorite band.”
“Let me guess, Adam Levine is your favorite member.”
She flashed him a bashful grin. “Of course. When I was a teenager, my mother would never let me go to their concerts. I'm almost certain, she believed I would become a groupie or something.”
Drew laughed. “You, a groupie?”
“What about you? Do you like to dance?”
“I don't dance, it's not really my thing.”
Jasmine raised an eyebrow. “You can't dance?”
“I didn't say that.”
“Then dance with me.”
Drew stared across the table at her, with a smirk on his face. “If I do, then you have to do something for me.
“Like what?”
“I'm not sure. When the time comes, I'll let you know.”
Jasmine looked out towards the dance floor, where Rachel and Neil were.
“OK deal.”
When Drew smiled, Jasmine had the sneaky suspicion she'd been tricked. Soon after, she learned the truth. Drew not only knew how to dance, but he knew the words to the song.
At eleven o'clock, they left the bar and headed back to Drew's house.
“I was misled,” Jasmine said. “You tricked me and now I'm indebted to you.”
Drew laughed. “I never said I couldn't dance, you made that assumption. If it makes you feel better, you don't have to do the favor.”
“No, I'll keep my end of the deal.”
After a short drive, Drew pulled into his driveway. Jasmine got out and walked up the steps, with him following in her footsteps. She stood by the door, and waited while he opened it. Inside, she walked towards the spiral staircase. Before she could climb the first step, Drew grabbed her by the waist and pinned her against the wall.
His kiss was urgent, as he pressed his body against hers. Drew had waited all night, for them to be alone again. He needed to be inside of her. Reaching for the bottom of her dress, he pulled it over her head.
Jasmine tried to catch her breath. She had waited a lifetime to be touched and kissed that way. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
“What about Isabella and Jeffery?”
“They sleep in the guest house.”
Drew carried her to his bedroom and placed her on the bed. With his focus aimed at her, he undressed.
Jasmine joined him, removing her bra and panties. Intoxicated with lust, she laid back and rubbed her body against the fabric. She gazed at the moon that shined through the window, casting a glow upon her.
With heavy breaths, Drew stared at Jasmine's haunting appearance. Her beauty was undeniable, and her sex appeal unquestionable. She had no idea the pain she caused him. She wasn't allowed to make him suffer like this. He walked over to the nightstand and grabbed the condom.
When Jasmine felt the bed move, she turned her attention towards Drew. His blue eyes stared down at her. She thought of the man in her dreams, and how he made her feel the last time. She closed her eyes and pushed the thoughts of the familiar stranger away.
Drew parted her legs and caressed her thigh, before pushing his way inside. She was warm and inviting. As her muscle squeezed him tight, he willed himself to stay in control.
Jasmine saw the flicker in his eyes. Reaching up, she touched the side of his face. Her body jerked, when Drew thrust harder. She remembered what he said earlier. Love, had nothing to do with this. Removing her hand, she pushed back to match his tempo.
Still fighting for control, Drew entered her from the side.
“Oh!” she moaned. Her stamina faded, as he took her higher. Despite her attempt to hold on, she was already on the verge of release.
Drew smiled, he couldn't let her lead. Nor could they be equal, not here. He would never love her, he told himself. This was about sex and nothing more. Each time he thrust inside her, he tried to remember that.
Jasmine looked over her shoulders, the look in his eyes was savage.
“Are you ready to come?” he asked.
“Yes!”
Drew lifted her leg and deepened his stroke. With his fingers, he rubbed her clit. Jasmine leaned against him, all of her strength was gone.
“You like that?”
“Mmmhmm.” Was all she could manage.
“Tell me Jaz!” Drew rubbed harder.
“Yes, yes!”
He bit the side of her neck and locked his arms around her shoulder, pulling her back against his thrust. Unable to hold out, he spilled inside her, while her wetness overtook him.
“No!.. No!.. Nina!” Drew yelled as he tossed and turned.
“Drew! Wake up!” Jasmine shook him.
He opened his eyes and sat up. His forehead was sweaty.
She stared at him. “Are you okay?”
Drew rubbed his face, and tried to control his breathing. “Yeah.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Jasmine wasn't convinced, but it was obvious Drew didn't want to talk about it.
He laid back down and reached for her. She placed her head on his chest, and closed her eyes. However, Drew was still wide awake.
The next morning, when she woke up, Drew was gone. Jasmine stared at the empty space and thought of his nightmare. Still naked, she climbed out of bed. In the bathroom she found a robe and put it on, before walking to the other room. Her dress from downstairs, laid across the bed. Jasmine sat down and brushed her hair back. She took a minute to gather her thoughts, before taking a shower.
Downstairs in his office is where she found him. He seemed absorbed in whatever he was reading. Glancing up from it, he noticed her.
“You're awake.”
“I just got out the shower.”
“I've already eaten. If you like, I can have Isabella make you breakfast.”
“That would be great.” Jasmine turned and walked across the foyer, into the kitchen.
“Good morning Isabella.”
“Morning ma'am. Would you care for something to eat?”
“Yes, something light. Please, don't go through
a lot of trouble.”
Drew joined her a few minutes later.
“Is there anything else you need Mr. Watts? Maybe a refill on your coffee?”
“I'll take another cup. Thanks, Isabella.”
Jasmine looked over at Drew. “What's on the agenda for today?”
“Golf.”
“Golf?”
“Yes, what's the matter, you can't play?”
He was using her words from the night before.
“No, I've never played.”
“Today is your lucky day, because I'm going to teach you.”
“What if I say no?”
“Then you'll be going back on your agreement.”
Jasmine thought he would use the favor card for something a little different.
“Well in that case, I guess I'm learning to play golf today.”
After nine holes with Rachel and Neil, Jasmine and Drew cheered in victory.
“You brought your secret weapon today,” Neil said.
Drew smiled and glanced at Jasmine.
“It's beginners luck, trust me. I have never played golf before.”
“What are you two getting into tonight?” Rachel asked.
“Nothing at the moment,” Drew said glancing at Jasmine once again. “What are you guys up to?”
“We have dinner reservations at seven-thirty. After that, I'll probably be ready for bed,” Rachel said.
Neil patted her playfully on the butt, and she blushed.
Jasmine felt a little envious. She could tell the Mitchell's were very much in love. She had been lying to herself all this time. She still wanted love too.
“You guys enjoy your dinner tonight. We're heading over to the beach.” Drew grabbed Jasmine by the waist and pulled her closer.
“Cool. We'll see you guys back in Richmond,” Neil said.
Back at Drew's house, they both changed before heading to the beach. They swam for a while then started walking down the shore.
“I've never seen a beach so empty,” Jasmine said.
“The only people that use it, are those that live along this portion of the beach.”
“Is it private?”
“No, but we don't get many visitors. Most people use the other beach.”
As they continued to stroll, Jasmine thought about Drew's nightmare.
“Who's Nina?”
Drew stopped walking and looked at her strangely.
“You said her name, when you were tossing in your sleep last night.”
He stared down at the sand, and started walking again.
“You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to. I shouldn't have asked.”
“No, it's okay... Nina was my fiance. She died ten years ago in a car accident.”
“I'm so sorry.”
Drew stared out towards the ocean. “It's something I'm still dealing with.”
“If you ever want to talk, I'm here.”
He looked at her. “Is this the professional 'you' talking?”
Jasmine smiled. “No, it's the friend in me.”
“We're friends?”
“Isn't that what you told Isabella, yesterday?”
They both stopped walking and stared at each other.
Drew reached out and stroked her arm. “Yes, I did.”
Jasmine leaned her head to the side, as he closed in for a kiss. It was soft and sweet, like a kiss of longtime lovers.
“So, friend. What do you want to do now?” he asked.
“I would like to soak in the hot tub. I never knew golf could be so strenuous.”
Drew gave her another peck on the lips. “As you wish.”
While Jasmine soaked, Drew put two steaks on the grill.
“How's the water?”
“Why don't you come find out.”
Drew raised an eyebrow. “The steaks might burn.”
“That's fine, I like mine well done anyway.”
She was asking for it, and he was ready to give her what she wanted.
Jasmine stayed in the corner as he entered the hot tub. When he made it over to her, his frame towered hers.
Bending down he kissed her lips. With want and desire, his tongue demanded entrance inside her mouth. He could taste the wine, it was sweet and bold like her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him closer. Drew grabbed her thighs and picked her up.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
She smiled. “Are you?”
Drew hesitated momentarily before pressing his mouth against hers again. He let her down, only to remove his shorts and her bikini bottom.
“Shit!” he cursed.
“What's wrong?”
“I don't have a condom with me.”
“I'm on the pill. You're the first man I slept with, in almost three years.” Jasmine looked away, slightly ashamed.
Drew turned her face back towards him. “That long?” He sensed there was a story behind her lack of sex.
“Yeah. What about you?”
“My last test was a month ago, and it's been eight months since I slept with anyone.” Drew had been extremely particular, about the women he chose from the escort service. On top of that, they were required to complete monthly testing. Although he hadn't been with anyone recently, he still got tested.
She reached behind her neck and undid the tie, before removing it.
With a smirk, he picked her up again and entered her. Forcing her back against the tile, he grabbed the edge of the hot tub. At a steady tempo, he moved while gazing into her eyes. He pushed up inside of her, wanting her to feel every inch of him.
Jasmine held on tight, as he drilled her with his thickness. She closed her eyes, and basked in the warmth of the surrounding water.
Why does this feel so right? He thought as he buried his face in her neck. He would never get tired of her. Of this. She felt too good, there was no way he could last much longer.
“Open your eyes Jaz.” Drew wanted to see how they changed, when he came inside her.
Jasmine did as he asked, and saw his climax nearing. She herself, was already there. She felt the difference in his thrust, they became slower and forceful.
With one hand embedded in his hair and the other in his back, she cried out.
Drew pushed inside one last time, before releasing deep within her.
Chapter Twelve
Back to business.
O n Sunday evening, Jasmine and Drew headed back to Richmond. They spent that morning mostly in bed, and the afternoon watching movies.
“Thank you for inviting me this weekend.”
“You're welcome. I'm glad you said yes.”
Drew kept his eyes on the road, they were almost to her house. Over the weekend, he managed to forget about Jasmine's mother and the DNA samples. Drew wasn't certain what he expected to find. It was almost preposterous to think Jasmine was Nina's sister.
What if she is? Then you just slept with your dead fiancѐ's sister.
Choking on his thoughts, Drew cleared his throat and reached for his water.
“Here's yours.” Jasmine handed him the bottle, then took a sip of her own.
At eight o'clock, Drew turned into Jasmine's driveway. He popped the trunk, and took her things inside. They stood in the living room, both not wanting to say goodbye. Drew closed the gap between them. Reaching out, he rubbed both her shoulders.
“I'll be in New York this week. I'm not sure what day I'm coming back.”
Jasmine looked away, then back up at his face.
“Okay, that's fine.”
“When I come back, we'll do dinner or something.”
“Sure, of course.”
Drew lifted her chin with his finger, and kissed her lips. Jasmine closed her eyes. She had just spent the most exhilarating weekend with him. It was time to get off the ride.
“Have a safe trip,” she said, when their kiss broke.
Drew nodded and walked towards the door. She waited for him to get in the car, before closing it. Picking up her bags
she went upstairs to her room. She sat on her bed, with a smile across her face. Jasmine had managed to let go, without getting swept away. She wanted to see Drew again. But if that never happened, she was satisfied with what they'd shared that weekend.
∞
Drew sat in the car for a few minutes before driving off. He glanced over at the cup holder, Jasmine had forgotten her water bottle. Looking back at the house, he thought about the DNA test. He called Jake, while backing out.
“Tell me, you got something.”
“I do.”
“Great. Meet me at my place, in twenty minutes.”
“Ten-four.”
When Drew arrived home, Jake was waiting. He took a napkin out the glove compartment and grabbed Jasmine's water bottle.
“Here you go sir, this is the background check you asked for.”
“Thanks Jake. Give me a minute.”
He nodded and waited in the hall.
In his office, Drew sat at the desk and took a moment before opening the envelope. With reservation, he pulled the contents out and began to read. Ten minutes passed, and he was starting to get a headache. Jasmine's mom had worked at the hospital where Nina was born, as a labor and delivery nurse.
Jasmine's birth certificate indicated she was born, in the same hospital. There were too many coincidences. He took a minute to collect his thoughts, then called for Jake.
Drew placed the bottle of water, the lipstick, and hair sample on his desk.
“I need you to have these tested, for a possible DNA match. How long will the results take, to come in?”
“I'll take them over to my connections at the lab. It will take a week, two at the most.”
Drew nodded. “I need you to stay here in Richmond, while I'm in New York this week. I'll have Conrad come with me instead. I want you to keep an eye, on Ms. Williams.”
“Yes sir. Anything else?”
“No, that's all. Thanks.”
He waited for Jake to leave, before leaning back in his chair.
∞
After her morning ritual, Jasmine made her way to the clinic. They weren't seeing patients yet, but there was much still needing to be done. The drive to the new location was longer, but worth it. They had out grown the old one, soon they would need to hire therapist to help with the case load.
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