Chapter 6
Cole
I’m nervous. I just have a lot more energy than I can expel.
Getting Jessamine to the resort was an ambitious idea that almost felt too good to be true but it’s happening.
I fight to not fidget or watch the clock because the time is ticking far too slowly.
I haven’t expressed interest in Jessamine beyond the business deal to anyone.
It feels too much like sharing your birthday wish after blowing out the candle.
I have a good feeling about her but only time will tell if we’re compatible or if she’d even want me. For now, all I can do is focus on the deal. I’m happy Kacy is a fan because she’s giddy enough for both of us.
“Can you believe it, Cole? I get to meet Jessamine today. I’ve switched my outfit so many times.”
Me, too.
“I’m happy for you but try not to overwhelm her, yeah?”
Kacy nods but I see the 8 million thoughts she’s dying to unload swirling around her like she’s in a manga.
Her phone chimes and she releases an excited squeal. “The security gate just waved her through.”
Despite my desire to appear neutral, I pop a mint into my mouth, check my hair in a lobby mirror when I pass, and straighten my blazer one too many times. Kacy and I head outside to meet her when she pulls up.
The valet opens her door and it’s like watching a highly anticipated present being unwrapped. Her hand appears first when she accepts his help. Her toned leg follows as she unfolds herself from the vehicle. Jessamine smooths the wrinkle out of her long skirt as she says something to the valet.
With a nod he moves around to get her luggage. We are positioned to see her profile. I take in her patterned two-piece outfit. Her spaghetti strap crop top is designed to accentuate her cleavage. The valet points to us, prompting her to turn in our direction.
Her skirt’s slit shows most of her left leg and has all of my attention. She starts to walk towards us and I swear it’s in slow motion. Desire punches me in the gut. My feelings swap between predatory and protective so steadily that they fall into a perplexing combination of both. It fucks me up.
Jessamine’s smile is beautiful yet tentative when she takes off her shades and looks me in the eyes.
“I heard you want me.”
Her smirk is a indication that it’s obviously a pun but the fact that I do want her has fucked up my ability to form a proper response.
“Of course,” Kacy interjects. “I worked so hard to get you here it feels almost surreal.”
Jessamine's eyes finally float from mine to focus on Kacy. “It’s so very nice to meet you,” she says warmly. Her sincerity is only enhanced when she accepts Kacy’s hug with a giggle.
“I’m sorry. I just need to fangirl for a moment. I’m such a fan. I’m obsessed with all of your looks.”
Jessamine glows from the compliment with a subtle shyness that suggests that she’s still not used to it.
“You are so sweet.”
Finding my voice, I push out my hand for her to shake. “I’m Cole Heywood. Nice to officially meet you.”
Her eyes flicker with recognition and she smirks as if she’s come to a realization that she doesn’t plan to share.
“It is nice to meet you as well, Mr. Heywood.”
That was sexier than it needed to be. I clasp her hand with both of mine. “No need to be formal, Cole is fine.”
Beyond sexual attraction, there is something about her that makes me want to be in her space. Part of me wonders if she thinks that I have concocted an elaborate scheme to get her alone but I’m just lucky it worked out that way.
We’re caught in a staredown with my hands still holding hers longer than necessary.
We disconnect when Kacy, ever the yapper, goes into a full speech about Jessamine’s looks inspiring her to change up her wardrobe.
Hopefully, it’s obvious that she spearheaded this project, I mainly write the checks.
Jessamine pulls out her phone and steps between Kacy and me. “Let’s take our first selfie.” she says brightly.
I can hear the reservation in her voice. I’m still unsure if it’s because she recognizes me or if it’s all the shit that’s going on in the world. She hands me the phone and I lean in to snap the photo of us.
She smells just as good as she looks but I force myself not to linger.
“Thank you,” she says as she retrieves her phone.
Her sparkly nails glitter in the sunlight as she types on her phone. The message sent notification sounds just before she gets bombarded with Kacy’s full spectrum of excitement.
“Are you ready for the tour?” Kacy asks as she rocks onto her tippy toes.
Jessamine offers her another genuine smile. “Sure. Now that I’ve alerted my parents to my whereabouts, I’m all yours.”
Her gaze flickers to mine for a moment but I know she was talking into Kacy.
I take a step back in case I’m the cause of her reservations. “Well, I’ll leave you two to it and I’ll go check on lunch. Meet in an hour?”
I’m rewarded with another polite smile and Kacy is the one who answers. “Sounds good Cole, we’ll see you in a bit.”
The urge to remind Kacy that she’s not staying dies once I consider that Jessamine may want her around.
In fact, my anxiety starts to consider allowing Kacy to take the lead.
Maybe being alone in a resort with a man seems predatory to her and not in a sexy way.
Redirecting my energy, I check-in with the staff about lunch plans, reviewed the spa’s inventory list, and looked over the counselor's presentations for the wellness programs. My cellphone rings the moment I near the pool thus saving my cabana guys from my questions.
I frown at the display since it looks like the resort's phone number.
“Cole speaking.” I mumble on autopilot.
“So it is you,” Jessamine says, her voice an unexpected erotic caress.
“Expand on that,” I retort casually. I want to hear her take on it.
“Mr. Beverly Hills. I saved the number you wrote on the paper. I was sure that it was you, but I had to double check.”
“Oh no, not Mr. Beverly HIlls. Give me more credit than that. I’m east coast all day can’t you tell by my accent?”
“Some people convert.”
“Not me. I just so happened to stay at the hotel because it was highly recommended by my sister-in-law.”
“Mmm-hmm. If you say so.”
I’m still smiling as I walk towards the lobby. She is casually leaning on the counter like she’s taking a leisurely call at her home. Our eyes connect across the space.
“You don’t need the phone to talk to me, Jessamine. I’m right here.” My voice is a little huskier than I anticipated but she brings the hungry side out of me.
“I’m still trying to determine if you’re dangerous or not.” There isn’t a trace of fear in her gaze.
“Like I said in California, I’m perfectly docile. I’m a safe bet.”
“And you didn’t lure me here after I turned down your dinner invitation?”
She’s teasing but I know it was a concern when she arrived. “I didn’t know who you were until Kacy asked to watch your show and I saw you walking in slow motion on my television.”
Jessamine hangs up and saunters my way.
“Well, now you’ve caught me.”
I don’t know why everything she says sounds so seductive. Oh, it’s going to be a long week.