Page 34 of Five Goodbyes

“It’s been a long night. Let’s call it good for now and then tomorrow we’ll see them bright and early,” Lucas interjects.

“I’m calling it a night myself,” I say. It may be a lie, but I’m ready to be alone with Jasmine.

Lucas, Amy, and Isaiah bid their farewells. Their faces radiate with genuine smiles as we walk to the front door. Hugs are exchanged, and then we part ways. As the door closes behind them, it feels as if the condo exhales a gentle sigh, as if it too savors the beauty of the evening that has unfolded within its walls. Jasmine and I find ourselves alone in the now quiet space. I begin to pick up the remnants of our drinks but am stopped.

“Who said we’re done playing games?” Jasmine asks. Her eyes are telling me a story that instantly makes my stomach jump.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Poker.” she suggests, her voice as smooth as silk.

I smile at her enthusiasm. “Poker it is, then,” I reply, eager to indulge her playful spirit. “But let's make it interesting, shall we?”

Her eyebrows raise in curiosity. “What do you have in mind?”

I reach into the kitchen cupboard and retrieve a tray filled with an assortment of dessert toppings. Syrups, chocolate sauces, honey, and add whipped cream to the container, a feast for the senses. “How about we incorporate these into our bidding options?” I suggest, placing the tray on the table. “The winner gets to add a sweet touch to their dessert tonight.”

Jasmine's eyes widen, her lips curling into a mischievous grin. “It’s like you’re a detective because that’s exactly what I had in mind.”

I shuffle the deck of cards, the sound of the paper whispering through the room. As I deal the first hand, I can't help but notice the intricate patterns of Jasmine’s bra pushing through the tight undershirt she now sits in. The smooth roundness being pushed from her chest mesmerizes me. Each card carries the promise of victory or defeat, a delicate balance hanging in the air. Though, defeat may actually be a victory. There’s no loser in this game.

The game commences, and my stomach tightens as we place our bets. But it's not just about being the winner tonight; it's about exploring the depths of our connection, the intimacy we share. With each round, the layers of our clothing become less and less. Jasmine's laughter dances through the room, her voice a symphony of joy as I say, “Two pieces.”

It means I’m betting the last two pieces of clothing I have on. My boxers and my right sock. Jasmine isn’t in any better position than me as she only has three articles on. Bra, underwear, and the damn shirt.

“I accept. I’ll raise your bet for another piece of clothing and chocolate sauce. If you lose, it will be two chocolate sauces and one whip cream.”

When I stand to pull the chocolate sauce closer to us, I catch her steal a glance at me, her eyes filled with admiration at the bulge in my boxers. It's in these moments that I’m reminded of how completely infatuated with her I am.

“Show,” I tell her after the cards have been dealt, and new cards given.

“Read ‘em and weep,” Jasmine confidently says as she aggressively throws down her cards.

Three kings and two queens. A full house. My eyes drop down at my hand and I give a little twitch at the corner of my mouth.

“Take it off baby!” Jasmine claps.

“Waaaiittttt a second.” I smile.

I slowly put down one card at a time. One ace, two ace, three ace, four ace, and a king.

“I think this is four of a kind . . . which wins over a full house,” I say through a large grin.

“What!” Jasmine shouts.

I sit back, raise my eyebrows at her clothes, look her in the eyes, and smile. The bulge in my boxers quickly rises as she slowly stands and begins removing her shirt, never taking her eyes off of mine.

My breath catches as she lets her bra slide off her shoulders, her beautiful breasts tight with excitement. Then I lose my hearing as she slowly leans over the table, purposefully giving me a show, and then turns the chocolate syrup upside down and lets the dark brown liquid drip directly to the top of her breasts that runs down to her nipples.

“Enough!” I growl as I stand and step to her and bury my face in her chest. The smoothness of the chocolate sauce cascades over my tongue, mingling with the rich taste of wine. I pull back and add some items to the dessert. The velvety texture of whipped cream dissolves in my mouth as my tongue crosses her hardened nipples. A lingering sweetness sits on my tongue as I pull back.

My gaze never leaves hers. “You’re truly beautiful. I mean it, absolutely beautiful,” I whisper, my voice filled with genuine awe.

“You aren’t too bad yourself. But the game isn’t over yet, Mr. Sparks.”

My knees all but buckle when she gently pushes me back into the chair, turns her back to me, and slowly slides down until her ass is resting just on top of my boxers. Bringing my discipline to almost zero.

To my demise, our game continues, but the intensity builds with each hand. I win four straight hands and it’s the worst feeling in the world to be stopped from taking things further. I just want to push everything off the table and ravish her, but the gates of heaven aren’t opening up for me quite yet.

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