Page 34 of OneTime Lovers
With raised eyebrows, she asks, “Did you google me?”
Damn, caught out by my own admission. It’s a habit of mine to check out the backgrounds of women as I’ve been a victim of enough honeytraps to make me wary. Turns out Jasmine’s family probably has more money than mine, they are big in New York, in the same way mine are in Australian society.
I smile sheepishly at her through half-closed eyes. “Umm … I might have done. Does that mean you didn’t google me? I think I’m offended.”
With another cute giggle, she slaps me lightly on my chest then says, “Don’t worry, I’ll be getting straight onto it, when I can be bothered to move my lazy body from this hammock.”
We continue to chat some more in the same comfortable way with both of us sharing more about our families. She talks about her work, and I tell her about my business, I’m proud of my company and the team of board builders I employ from around the world.
What I don’t mention is that lately my booming business has been sucking up all of my time and energy. Most days in the office are too long, spent in meetings with clients instead of making boards, surfing or even flying.
Being here on the island spending time with friends or the beautiful lady beside me, has made me see clearly how things need to change. What’s the point of all the money and success if I’ve no time to enjoy any of it?
Before Jasmine asks the next question her stomach rumbles loudly and I can’t hold back a laugh. She is so refreshingly without pretense.
“I guess that’s our queue to go. We’ve probably missed dinner with the others but I’m sure we can get room service at my bungalow.” I hope that this isn’t going to be it for the night. I want to spend another night pleasuring this beautiful woman and I’m pretty sure she’ll be happy with that idea too.
“Is that your way of inviting me back to your place?” she teases.
Grinning, I tell her, “Yes, I’m concerned for your wellbeing. I need to make sure you eat, especially given all the vigorous exercise we did this afternoon.” I shift reluctantly away from her body and carefully remove myself from the hammock. Then standing beside her I hold it steady for her to get up too. As I grasp the rope sides in both hands, I look down at her, admiring the way her soft milky skin glows with the final rays of the day.
She smiles up at me, not remotely self-conscience about her nakedness. “Lucky for you I’m all about my well-being too, so let’s go back to your bungalow.”
Jasmine places a hand in the center of my chest to help herself up, and my cock twitches in response to her touch. It’s like there are invisible strings linking her hand to parts of my body, like a marionette controlling a puppet. I can’t resist pulling her in for a brief hug and kiss, but refrain from letting our lower bodies touch, as it’s bound to delay food for even longer. Anyway, there is plenty of time for that after we’ve eaten. We have all night together.
We dress quickly, then make our way hand in hand, along the now dark path.
The next day, I finish running my final checks over my bird and I’m ready to go. All that’s left now is to say goodbye to Jasmine. Yesterday afternoon and last night with my island sea goddess will live on in my dreams for many months.
Time spent with other women now pales in comparison to those hours yesterday. Maybe they were the wrong women as the mere mention of a day on the beach or a swim in the ocean would generally have them screwing up their faces in disgust. I heard enough complaints about the saltwater ruining their hair or sand sticking to their skin that I stopped suggesting the beach as a date location.
For some reason in recent years, I’ve attracted the type of woman who is happier lounging seductively by the pool in the latest fashions with no intention of getting that designer bathing suit wet. If I’m going to spend time with a woman, I want it to be a woman of substance, one who is independent with her own goals and ambition, who challenges my mind with interesting conversation and challenges my body in the bedroom.
Jasmine certainly challenges me, and her beauty could rival the top swimsuit models. She also could out swim and out play most women and then when it comes to the bedroom, well, she’s in a class of her own. Basically, she’s the perfect woman.
Yep, saying goodbye is going to be tough but it’s probably all for the best. Jas made it very clear yesterday afternoon, she isn’t interested in anything more, thanks to her idiot ex.
I wander back through the resort lobby and spot Jasmine with her friends at the far end of the pool. The girls are reclining in the early morning sunshine, and I wish I could join them instead of heading back to work.
Lily leans over to say something to Jas, which has her raising her head in my direction. I move toward her as she stands and removes her sunglasses. Her green eyes uncovered now capturing and holding my blue ones, so many unspoken words communicated in that one look. Words which can’t be spoken as we had a deal.
I say goodbye to Trudy and Lily, then ask Jas if she’ll walk with me a minute. She nods so I take her hand, leading her silently along a path till we have some privacy. Stopping I turn to face her, for once short of any jokey comments to lower the drama and knowing a simple thanks for the memories won’t do.
“Jas, I wanted to say thank you for the time we spent together over the last couple of days. You’ve left me with some special memories.”
Jas’s lips curve up gently in a smile which I hope means my words came out right. “It has certainly been a few fun days together and maybe you’re not as arrogant, cocky, or frustrating as I originally thought.”
“High praise indeed, but I think the arrogant callout was probably well deserved.” I smile back at her as I slip my arms around her waist for a last hug and one last taste of her sweet lips.
Reluctantly, I pull back from the brief kiss, and we both drop our arms from each other.
“Goodbye, take care,” I tell her, then shoving my hands into my short’s pockets, I turn and leave. Her soft goodbye, drifting to me on the salty breeze.
Unfortunately, our deal is done. She lives in New York, and I live in Florida, so anything more would be impossible.
Chapter 17
Jasmine
