New Hearts Old Flame

by M D Alexander

  It was clear Jasmine disappointed Paul with her response. Even if she weren't seeing Drew, Jasmine still wouldn't have taken him up on his offer.

  “In that case, I wish you the best.”

  Jasmine felt bad. Polite as possible, she excused herself and joined her mother with the other women.

  “Tell me Jasmine, where did you meet that friend of yours?” Mrs. Wood, the nosiest of the group asked.

  “At a bookstore.”

  “How romantic.” Mrs. James said, chiming in with a smile.

  ∞

  “Are you enjoying yourself ?” Jasmine's mother came over and stood by Drew.

  “I am, thanks for asking.”

  “Jasmine tells me you own a business.”

  “Yes that's correct.”

  “What kind of business?”

  “Real estate and investments.”

  “Do you often travel?”

  “Yeah, quite a bit.”

  “Are you from Virginia?”

  Drew suppressed a chuckle. He saw first hand, that Jasmine didn't lie about her mother asking a lot of questions.

  “Yes, I'm from Arlington.”

  Acknowledgment flickered in her eyes. Arlington, was one of the wealthiest cities in Virginia.

  “Jasmine is very independent and strong. I raised her to be that way.”

  Drew knew where the conversation was heading.

  “My hope is that she'll find a man that will love her and give her the respect she deserves. Someone who wouldn't mind sacrificing for her and his family.”

  Drew continued to listen as she talked, giving her his full attention.

  “I must say, I'm surprised that she's talking to a man in your profession.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Jasmine has been through a lot, when it comes to relationships. The most recent was three years ago. She was engaged to a man name Calvin.”

  Drew tilted his head. Jasmine never said a word to him about being engaged.

  “Like you, he was a businessman, and he traveled quite frequent. One day Calvin changed his mind about getting married. It just so happened to be their wedding day. At first Jasmine thought something bad happened, like an accident of some sort. She contacted every hospital she could think of. The next day when he called, Calvin explained how he couldn't go through with it. He'd fallen in love with someone else. Someone he met while away on business.”

  Drew stared at the floor, his heart ached for Jasmine. He understood why she had difficulty trusting him. And why she tried to push him away from the very beginning.

  “He left my daughter and took his new girlfriend, on their honeymoon to Brazil.”

  “She never told me about that.”

  Jasmine's mother smiled. “Do you want marriage or kids?”

  Drew didn't dare tell her the truth.

  “I haven't given it much thought.”

  “Well you should. I think people should discuss these things, sooner rather than later. It would save a lot of heartache and pain. Don't you think?”

  “Possibly.”

  Drew stared at the woman in front of him. There was no doubt in his mind, that she cared and loved Jasmine. It was clear to him, Diane had convinced herself, she was Jasmine's biological mother. Nevertheless, Drew decided it wasn't his place to tell her any different. He couldn't bare to be the one to cause Jasmine more pain.

  ∞

  Jasmine found Drew sitting at one of the tables talking to a church member.

  “Thanks for helping out. When I invited you, I didn't expect you to work.” she said laughing.

  “I don't mind. As long as you're happy, I'm happy.”

  Jasmine looked at Drew with suspicion.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “Just wondering where that came from.”

  “Me wanting you to be happy?”

  “Never mind me.” She shook her head, brushing it off.

  Drew stared at her but said nothing.

  By five-thirty the banquet ended. She and Drew stayed, to assist her mother with the cleanup.

  “Thanks for all your help, and you too Drew. I really enjoyed meeting you.”

  “It was my pleasure Mrs. Williams.” They waved as she drove away.

  “Shall we.” Drew held out his hand to Jasmine.

  When they pulled up to her house, Jasmine glanced over at Drew. “Do you wanna come in?”

  “Yeah.”

  She barely closed the door, before Drew spun her around and kissed her. He backed her up, in to the living room. They paused only to remove their clothes. No words needed to be spoken. He took her by the hand, and led her over to the sofa.

  From behind he entered her. He moved slow, perfecting every stroke. He wanted to make love to her. His lips wanted to tell her, but he couldn't bring himself to say it. Drew placed his hands over hers, locking their fingers together.

  Jasmine closed her eyes, and with each thrust he pierced her soul. The deeper he went, the more he claimed her heart.

  “Jasmine,” Drew whispered in her ear.

  “Yes!”

  He unlocked their hands, and cupped her breasts. “Don't let go.”

  “Oh!” she cried as he drove up inside her.

  He needed her to know, she belonged to him. He wanted her to feel what his mouth struggled to confess. Drew's strokes became so powerful, every muscle in his body showed. When he poured inside her this time, he felt the transfer of power. She owned him.

  They laid spooning on the sofa.

  “I'm going to Boston for two weeks.”

  “When do you leave?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  Jasmine turned to face him. “That soon?”

  “Yes. You can call me whenever, I don't care what time it is. I'm never too busy.” Drew reached over and touched her face. Three words hung on his tongue.

  Jasmine smiled. “Okay.”

  ∞

  Drew didn't leave from Jasmine's until after nine. And that had only been, because she insisted he get some rest. He didn't want to leave her. For the first time in ten years, someone else mattered to him. At home, he packed his things and thought of his conversation with her mother.

  Drew hadn't taken offense to her so called warning. It actually helped him to figure things out. When he returned from Boston, he planned to tell Jasmine how he felt about her.

  ∞

  Monday morning, Jasmine made her way down to the kitchen. She reflected on her weekend. It had consisted of rough sex, a church banquet, and love making. She blushed at the combination. After turning the coffee machine on, she went back upstairs.

  She examined herself in the mirror. The evidence of her love for Drew showed in her reflection. Soon, she wouldn't be able to hide it. Reaching in the cabinet she grabbed her birth control pills and froze. Jasmine stared at the pack. She hadn't taken one since Tuesday. It had to be a mistake. She searched the cabinet, praying to find another pack.

  “No! Oh, God. What have I done!”

  She ran back into the bedroom and grabbed her phone. All the while her fear and worry steadily increased. She began to explore the chances of her being pregnant. There was too much information on the internet, for her to decipher. She needed an expert opinion.

  Half in a daze, she finished getting ready for work. At the clinic, she vaguely heard Mrs. Potts when she greeted her. Hiding in her office, she slumped down in her chair. She had never been this careless or forgetful. Jasmine looked down at her phone.

  Drew: I'll call you once I land.

  Received: 8:30 AM.

  She glared at the text message. Her euphoric high from earlier that morning, had vanquished. It had been replaced by grim feelings as she thought of her future.

  Jasmine: OK have a safe trip.

  Delivered: 8:31 AM.

  As if her mind had made up her fate, she became nauseous. She ran over to the bathroom, and splashed cold water on her face. Her thoughts were driving her insane. Jasmine dialed her friend and
gynecologist Erica. After twenty minutes, she began to feel better. Her anxiety finally subsided, after Erica agreed to fit her in that afternoon.

  An hour and a half later, Drew called.

  “Hey, I just landed.”

  Jasmine sighed.

  “What's wrong? You sound tense.”

  “My patient is running late.”

  “I'm sorry baby.”

  Drew had never called her that. It sounded so loving, coming from him.

  “Is there anything else, bothering you?”

  “No, everything's fine.”

  “Do you need me there?”

  “What about your important business?”

  “I can come home early or reschedule the trip for another time.”

  “You'd do that for me?”

  “Yes, I would.”

  She thought about the fact he would come back for her. As tempting as it sounded, she couldn't. “No, you don't need to do that.”

  “Remember, you can call me anytime.”

  “OK.”

  “I'll call you later.”

  “Later.”

  Something seemed different with Drew. She noticed the change in him since the banquet. She wondered what he and her mother talked about.

  At one o'clock she sat on the exam table at her gynecologist office.

  “What are my options?”

  “Based on the time frame and the type of pills you're on, I think we should wait and see if you get your period. It's a little too early to test you.”

  “I should get my period next week.”

  “We'll wait until then. If you don't come on, I'll do a pregnancy test the following Monday.

  “What am I supposed to do in the meantime.”

  “You'll need to use protection.”

  Jasmine looked down at the floor. For the first time, she was happy Drew was out of town.

  As the days rolled by Jasmine and Drew talked on a daily basis. By Friday of the following week she gave up on getting her menstrual. While in the process of finishing up for the day, Tessa called.

  “We're going to Blue Tavern tonight, are you coming?”

  Jasmine needed something to do, besides think of her condition.

  “Yeah, I'll be there.”

  On the way out she stopped by Avery's office.

  “I'm heading out.

  “Me too, after I finish dictating this psych eval.”

  “Listen, I might need you to cover for me on Monday. Only for a little while.”

  “No problem. Is everything alright?”

  “Yeah, I have a doctor's appointment.”

  Avery stared at her, sensing there was more.

  “Anyway see ya.”

  As she drove to Blue tavern, she thought about Lisa and Avery. The two of them were trying so hard to conceive. She on the other hand, had no desire for it. At least, in her current situation. She wanted to be married, or at the most, in a committed and loving relationship.

  “What's going on with you.” Tessa asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “Then why are you looking so sad? Is it because your boo is out of town?”

  Jasmine gave Tessa the middle finger.

  “Don't listen to her. I'm the same way when Avery leaves.”

  Tessa rolled her eyes. “The two of you, are making me sick.”

  “That's because you've never missed anyone,” Lisa said.

  “Yep, and I hope I never do.”

  Jasmine stared into space. When Damien approached their table, she didn't get bothered.

  Lisa spoke first. “Hey Damien, how's Stacey?”

  “She's good.”

  “Yeah, how's her son?” Jasmine asked.

  “Better. She said Drew helped her with the expenses. I guess the two know each other.”

  “I know, he told me.”

  Damien appeared to be surprise. She wondered if he intentionally brought Stacey to the party. Perhaps he did know about her and Drew after all.

  “I take it you and Drew are a couple now?”

  “Yeah, something like that.” Jasmine wasn't renouncing Drew, but their relationship didn't have a title.

  He shook his head and chuckled.

  “What's so funny?” Jasmine was unclear of his amusement.

  “Women. I listen to you all talk about wanting a good man, someone who's willing to commit. However, when it's staring you in the face, you reject it. Then a man like Drew comes along, clearly with no intentions on doing any of those things and you give in without hesitation.”

  Tessa and Lisa were engaged in their own conversation, neither heard what he said.

  “I thought you were better than that. I guess I was wrong.” Damien walked off leaving her to stare at his back.

  Jasmine couldn't believe what just happen. He was rude to her, and it had everything to do with her seeing Drew. She couldn't concentrate anymore she needed to leave before someone saw her cry.

  “I need to go home you guys, I have a terrible headache.”

  “I got some Excedrin in my purse,” Lisa offered.

  “No, that's OK. I need to lie down.” Jasmine stood and headed for the door.

  Lisa and Tessa watched her with confusion.

  On the way home, Jasmine thought about what Damien said. Had she lowered her standards? Or was she just bad at choosing men.

  The following Monday had arrived. Two weeks since her last doctor's visit. Once again Jasmine sat on the exam table. She studied the room, as though something changed within the last couple of minutes. She glanced at the magazine in her hand. Jasmine had picked it up, with the intentions to read it. Instead, she was busy thinking about her life and the recent choices she made.

  When Erica walked through the door, Jasmine already knew the results before she told her. Tears swelled in Jasmine's eyes, before stinging her face. She wiped them away, only for them to be replaced with more.

  “It's going to be okay.” Erica handed her a tissue.

  Jasmine wished that were true. At that moment she couldn't foresee it.

  “Does he know?”

  “No, I wanted to be sure.”

  Drew was still away on business, and wasn't due back until Thursday. Jasmine had until then, to figure out how to tell him about the baby.

  That night in bed, she contemplated Drew's possible reaction. She pictured him being infuriated with her, and wanting nothing more to do with her. Money wouldn't be an issue, but she doubted he would leap at the idea of playing father of the year. What kind of life, could she give her child without a father? Her mother had done it. Maybe she could too.

  Jasmine glanced down at her phone and read the text message, that had just come through.

  Drew: 4 more days. I have a surprise for you.

  Received: 9:45 PM

  With sarcasm, she chuckled to herself. “I have one for you too.”

  Jasmine: I can't wait. Good night.

  Delivered: 9:46 PM

  Drew: Good night.

  Received: 9:47 PM

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Changes.

  I t was Friday, the time had come for her to face Drew. Jasmine feared rejection. She reminisced about the last time she drove to his place. The feelings of intrigue and desire, were gone. It was her own fault, she'd placed herself in this position.

  When she entered, she saw Drew sitting in the living room. At the sound of the door closing, his head turned in her direction. He didn't run, but Drew's steps were swift. Joining her in the foyer, he began to lay kisses on her.

  “What happen to you in Boston?” His overflow of affection caught her off guard.

  Drew released her and they went into the living room.

  “I have a surprise for you,” he said. “Wait here.”

  He left the room and returned with two slips of paper in his hand.

  “What are those?”

  “See for yourself.” Drew handed the tickets over.

  Jasmine's mouth dropped open before she screamed.

/>   “Maroon Five concert tickets!” Reaching out she hugged his neck tight and kissed him.

  “They're for tonight. The concert starts in an hour.”

  “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Like a star struck teen, she jumped up and down.

  “You're welcome baby.”

  Once more, Drew called her baby.

  For the next four hours Jasmine forgot about her current problems and enjoyed the show. On the drive back, she was still singing along to the songs.

  “Oh no. You're not thinking about becoming a groupie, are you?”

  “Anything is possible. If I do, you're to blame. You took me to my first concert.” She smiled and started back singing.

  Drew could only laugh.

  Once inside the house, Jasmine began to climb the steps, but Drew pulled her back down.

  “Where are you going?”

  “To take a shower, care to join me?”

  “Did you even have to ask?”

  “No, but I did.” She kissed and sucked on his bottom lip. Turning around she continued to walk up the stairs, with him behind her.

  He indulged in her beauty, as she removed her clothes, then he did the same. When she got into the shower, he copied her once again. She had become his muse, invading his mind and disrupting his plans. As he lathered the sponge, he thought about the words before he uttered them.

  “I love you,” he said, while washing her back.

  Jasmine turned to face him.

  Drew's heart began to race. He wondered if he'd said too much too soon.

  “You don't have to say it back. I just wanted you to know.”

  “I love you too.” She brought his face to hers and kissed him.

  “I've missed you so much,” he said.

  “I missed you too.”

  “You're all I need.”

  Drew kissed the side of her neck. He picked her up and carried her over to the wall. He'd waited patiently to have her back in his arms. To inhale her scent. It had been almost three weeks since they made love. He hungered for her. The time had come, and he wanted all of her. Within seconds, he was inside of her. His thrust were covetous and possessive.