“Yeah,” Jasmine said, not sure why he cared.
Damien glanced at Jasmine before looking at Stacey.
“Babe, do you mind hanging with the ladies?"
“No, you go ahead.”
He kissed Stacey on the cheek before heading toward the men.
Damien's behavior didn't sit well with Jasmine. She didn't like the way he was acting toward her. With a shrug, she turned her attention back to Lisa and Tessa, they were in the process of questioning Stacey.
As the party progressed, Jasmine went into the house for more wine.
“So this is where you've been hiding,” Drew said, walking into the kitchen.
Jasmine stood by the island, opening a bottle of wine.
“How's it going with the fellas?”
“I like Avery... I'm not happy he got to kiss you, but I'm sure I'll get over it.”
“Who said we kissed?” Smiling she popped the cork out.
“So you didn't?” He moved closer, grabbing her around the waist.
Jasmine laughed and sat the wine bottle down, as Drew pressed up against her.
“I want you now.” Drew began planting kisses on her neck.
“Mmm, I want you too.” She turned around to face him and combed her fingers through his hair.
“Hey Jaz, Lisa said.... Sorry, my bad.” Damien had walked in on their heated moment.
“It's OK, I have the wine right here. I was just going to bring it out.” She gave Drew a peck on the lips and with reluctance, he released her.
She passed Damien on the way outside. When she turned around, he and Drew were talking.
At eleven o'clock the party started to die down.
Tessa let out a yawn. “I'm heading home.”
“Me too, I'm getting sleepy.” Jasmine had caught the yawn effect.
“Judging from his face, I doubt you'll get any sleep.” Tessa teased.
Jasmine turned her attention over to where Drew was sitting, and met his gaze. The look between them didn't go unnoticed. With a grin, Lisa nudged Tessa in the shoulder. When Jasmine stood, they joined her, as she walked over towards the men.
“Hey, are you ready to go?”
“If you are.” Drew grabbed her hand, at that moment he would have followed her anywhere.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” Jasmine asked as they drove towards his house.
Yeah, I did. Thanks for inviting me. Oh, wait you didn't.”
“I forgot,” she said with a laugh. Jasmine kept her eyes on Drew. “So what did you and Damien talk about?”
“When?”
“In the kitchen, after I left.”
“Nothing, just business.”
She stared out the window. She had forgotten how vague Drew could be at times.
Drew gave her a serious look. “Why, is there something I should know?”
“No, I was only curious.”
Once they were back at Drew's house, Jasmine climbed the stairs to his bedroom. After stripping, she hopped in the shower. When she came out, she found him sitting on the bed, with a gift bag.
“What's this?”
Drew held the bag out to her. “Take a look.”
Like an impatient child, she pulled the contents outs, and gasped. It was crochet yarn, with needles.
Jasmine smiled and tilted her head to the side. “This is so sweet of you.”
He shrugged. “I figured tomorrow we could stay in. You can crochet me a hat.”
“It's been so long. I'm not sure I remember. I might accidentally make a sleeve.”
“Either way, I'll wear it.”
She walked closer and sat on his lap. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome.” After kissing her lips, he stood and placed her feet on the floor.
Jasmine frowned. “Where are you going?”
“To take a shower.”
“Hurry back.” She winked at him seductively.
Drew chuckled and shook his head, before disappearing in the bathroom.
When he returned, she laid wrapped in the towel on top of the covers. He smiled as he placed her underneath them. After turning out the light, he laid down next to her.
Sunday afternoon, Jasmine found shade in Drew's backyard. She sat next to the coy pond, located in the garden. Serenity came to mind while she sat on the wooden bench. She wondered who tended the grounds and kept it so immaculate. Drew himself, didn't appear to have a green thumb or the time. Then again, he didn't fit the stereotypes she once thought of him. She had misjudged him in many ways.
“Thirsty?” Out of nowhere, Drew seemed to appear with a glass in his hand.
“Sure.” She took a sip. “Is this lemonade?”
“Yeah, I made it.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Three scoops of powder, mixed with five quarts of water.”
Jasmine smiled. “OK I guess you can count that.”
“Have you started on my hat?” Drew noticed the bag sitting on the bench next to her.
“No, I'm too busy admiring the view.”
“I don't come out here that much. When I'm in Richmond, it's usually only for work.” His eyes roamed over Jasmine.
“Does that mean I'm distracting you?”
“No, you inspire me.”
Her heart fluttered. The man knew what to say and when to say it.
“I'll let you focus on my hat, while I catch up on some work.” He bent down and gave her a soft peck on the lips.
Jasmine looked on as he walked into the house.
An hour or so passed, before she came inside. Jasmine called for Drew, but she didn't see him anywhere. Then she heard his voice coming from the study.
“Hey Drew, what do you want for dinner?”
She entered and found him sitting with a man. She considered him to be slightly older than Drew, due to the facial hair. The closer she examined his features, the resemblance became more evident between the two.
“I'm sorry, I didn't know you had company.”
The man stared at her strangely, causing her to feel a little uneasy. Jasmine saw that Drew noticed the stare too.
Ethan, this is Jasmine.” Drew went over to stand by her. “Jasmine this is my oldest brother, Ethan.”
She stretched out her hand. Ethan continued to stare.
“Oh, sorry where are my manners.”
He held her hand a little too long, dropping it once he realized his error.
She looked at Drew. “I was going to cook something for dinner. I figured we'd eat before I left.”
Yeah, whatever you can find in the fridge will work.”
“Cool.” Jasmine smiled as she looked back at Ethan. “It was nice meeting you Ethan.”
“Same here.”
As Jasmine disappeared from the room, Ethan began to whisper to Drew.
“She looks just like...”
“I know, keep your voice down.”
The sound of Drew's footsteps walking towards the door, caused Jasmine to hurry down the hall. Seconds later, the door to the study closed.
Beyond puzzled, she wondered who Drew's brother was referring to, and why did Drew want to keep it a secret.
Chapter Nineteen
Scratching the surface.
A fter leaving Drew's on Sunday night, Jasmine stopped by her mother's house.
“Is everything OK?” her mother asked.
“Everything is fine. I wanted to come by for a visit, that's all.”
“Alright, what's his name?”
Jasmine never understood how, but her mother could tell when she was dating someone.
“Drew.”
“What does this Drew, do for a living.”
“He's an entrepreneur. He has his own business.”
“Which means he's never home. Honey are you sure you want to get involved with someone like that again?”
“It's not that serious. We're just getting to know each other.”
“That's what you said about Calvin.”
“Oh God ma, why did
you bring him up!”
“Because I don't want you to make the same mistake.”
“I won't.”
“Good... By the way, Paul asked about you.”
Jasmine closed her eyes and looked back at her mom.
“I'm seeing someone.”
“You just said it wasn't serious.”
Letting out a sigh she leaned forward and kissed her mothers cheek.
“I love you mom, but I'm not interested.”
That night while drifting off to sleep her phone chimed.
Drew: My bed feels lonely now.
Received: 10:30 PM.
Jasmine: Tell your bed I miss it too. Goodnight.
Delivered: 10:31 PM.
Drew: It asked, when are you coming back?
Received: 10:32 PM.
Jasmine: Friday, when we have our 2nd date.
Delivered: 10:33 PM.
Drew: As you wish. Goodnight.
Received: 10:34 PM.
On Monday and Tuesday, Jasmine and drew found themselves playing phone tag. Each time one had a break, the other was busy. By the time Drew finished working for the day, Jasmine was asleep in bed. Her mother's words started to ring in her ear.
Finally, on Wednesday she decided she would surprise him at his office. She had never been there, but it wasn't hard to find. The tall bold structure, was located downtown. The lobby, was neat and tidy with fine lines everywhere. A beautiful young girl, sat behind the receptionist desk.
“Hi, may I help you.”
“Yes, I'm here to see Mr. Watts.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“No, but I'm sure if you let him know that Jasmine...”
She stopped talking, when Drew exited the elevator. He wasn't alone, the woman Damien had brought to the party, was with him. Her heart sunk, when Stacey hugged Drew's neck, and he patted her on the back. Jasmine hid her face, as he and Stacey walked through the lobby towards the outside. Drew didn't even notice her standing by the desk.
Embarrassed, she turned to face the receptionist, until they were gone. Turning back around she hurried out the lobby. Outside, Drew was walking back across the street. When their eyes met, Jasmine shook her head and ran away.
“Jasmine, wait!”
Drew dodged several cars before crossing the street. By the time he made it, she was gone. He took out his phone and tried to call, but she wouldn't pick up. He took a minute to catch his breath, then walked back inside.
“Mr. Watts, a woman name Jasmine just stopped by. She walked out, after you and the other woman.
“Thanks.” Drew hit the button on the elevator and rode it back up.
∞
Jasmine fought to keep her tears back, and finish the day. She couldn't abandon her work. She remembered the look on Chanel's face at the fundraiser. It seemed Jasmine's day had come sooner than she thought. After seeing her last patient, she headed home.
On her way out, she checked her phone and saw the missed calls from Drew. She read the text messages.
Drew: Answer your phone.
Received: 1:30 PM.
Drew: We need to talk.
Received: 2:45 PM.
Drew: I'm coming over.
Received: 5:30 PM.
When Jasmine pulled in her Driveway, Drew was waiting.
“I'm not in the mood Drew?”
“Neither am I.”
Jasmine stared at him, she could see his determination.
“You wanna do this out here or in there?” He pointed towards the house.
“Fine,” she said.
With irritation, Jasmine unlocked the door and flipped the light switch. After throwing her purse on the kitchen counter, she turned and stared at Drew.
“Why did you run off?” he asked.
“I'm not the one who needs to explain. What excuse do you have for Stacey being at your office?”
“I don't need an excuse.”
With a foul attitude she looked him up and down. “Right, because you're Drew Watts.”
“That's not what I meant.”
“When did you two decide to hook up? Huh? At the party?”
“What exactly do you think you saw?
“She hugged you and you smiled before walking her outside.”
“And that means I'm cheating on you?”
“No, because to cheat, would imply you and I are in a committed relationship. You don't do commitment. You have sex with women, then toss them aside.”
Hurt and anger flashed in his eyes, yet that didn't shut her up.
“I must say, I'm surprise you've replaced me so quickly. Was I too boring, did you need a new flavor?”
Drew's jaw clinched as he took a few steps closer to her.
“I understand you're upset. I'm going to pretend you didn't say any of that. To answer your question. No, I didn't hook up with her or meet her at your friends party. I already knew Stacey.”
“From where?”
Drew remained silent and Jasmine filled in the details.
“She's one of 'those' women, isn't she.”
Drew nodded.
“Why was she at your office?”
“Her son is sick. She's having difficulty paying the hospital bills. She didn't know where else to go.”
“Did you help her?”
“Yes and I spoke with Neil. He and Rachel's foundation will help her as well.
Jasmine felt foolish, she'd misinterpreted the entire situation.
“I'm sorry Drew. I...” Her voice cracked a little.
Drew moved closer and wrapped his arms around her. “I know what you thought.”
Jasmine let out a sigh.
“Is it so hard to believe and trust me?”
She shook her head. “I'm complicated.”
∞
As Drew drove home he replayed the conversation between him and Jasmine. Her analysis of him had been dead on. Which is why it bothered him. Never had he needed to explain himself. Never had anyone, or any woman for that matter, talk to him that way.
She had a smart mouth and from what he could tell, she'd been hurt by someone. By nature, she assumed the worst. He wanted her, but he couldn't be with her that night. He would've taken his frustration out on her. Then without a doubt, she would have thought of him as a monster.
∞
Thursday morning, Jasmine arrived at the clinic, in a better mood.
“Good morning Mrs. Potts.”
“Good morning Ms. Williams. There are some beautiful pink roses on your desk. They must be from your secret admirer.”
Jasmine smiled, she knew Mrs. Potts had figured Drew was the one.
Disappearing inside her office, she smelled the roses and took the card off the stem.
I really care for you Jasmine. There's so much I feel for you, you can't imagine.
Drew.
Jasmine held the sincere words to her chest. She wasn't supposed to possess such deep emotions for him. At least not so soon. She wanted to hear his voice.
“Hello,” he answered.
“Thank you for the roses, they're beautiful.”
“Like you.”
Her grin widen even more. “Are we still on for tomorrow?”
“Yes, unless you changed your mind.”
“No, but I didn't receive a package yet, so I wasn't sure.” She heard Drew chuckle on the other end. “You like this don't you.”
“What?”
“Don't 'what' me.”
“I haven't the slightest idea as to what you're talking about.
“Right.”
Drew laughed again. “You're book club meeting is tonight.”
“Yes, are you coming?”
“Sure, how about dinner afterward?”
“OK, I'd like that.”
“Is the meeting still at seven?”
“Yeah, and we're meeting at the same place.”
“Impact Grill?”
“Yep.”
They both remained quiet.
“I
better get started, I need to get ready for my patient.”
“See you tonight, Later.”
“Later.”
At the book club meeting that night, Jasmine became a little jealous. Everyone seemed to be more excited about seeing Drew than her. She had to admit, despite his standoffish appearance, he was a joy to be around. In between the laughs and discussing the book, along with whatever came to mind. He sent her glances and squeezed her thigh underneath the table.
Just like before, they went over their time. It was nearly ten o'clock when the group left the restaurant. After saying good night, everyone went their separate ways.
“Sorry, I promised you dinner. We can still grab something quick if you want.”
“No, that's OK. That basket of chili cheese fries, is still sticking to me.”
Drew shook his head. “You did demolish them.”
“Hey!” Jasmine shoved him with her hip. “So I guess this is goodnight.” They'd made it to their cars.
“Yeah, I think I've kept you out long enough.”
Jasmine wanted him to come over, she missed his touch. She still felt bad about overreacting the day before.
Drew leaned down and kissed her. It was slow and passionate.
A breeze came through causing her hairs to tickle her neck. Jasmine wanted more, she moved closer and placed her hands on his chest. She loved his heavy masculine scent. She wanted to drown in it. Reaching up, she caressed the side of his face.
“Mmm,” Drew moaned.
Jasmine smiled, agreeing with him. “Yeah, me too.”
He kissed her forehead. “Get home. Lock up and set the alarm.”
“Yes sir!” she said, being facetious.
His eyes widen in surprise, before releasing her.
When Jasmine arrived home she waved to the man in the car. She had never formally introduced herself, Jake had been the only person she'd met. She hated to admit it, but she'd grown accustomed to them watching over her. It became an extra layer of protection. Thanks to Drew, she slept knowing she was safe.
Friday had become Jasmine's favorite day of the week. It was date night with Drew, and she couldn't wait.
New Hearts Old Flame Page 17