“You know you should treat her better than that, you know she hangs of your every word.”
“Like you can talk. When was the last time you took a girl home to meet your mum? Never that is when. Don’t tell me you want to settle down?” he scoffed.
“Dude, where did you get that from? I only said you should treat her a bit better.” I said as my mobile phone began to ring,
“Go and get the first round in and I will meet you in there.” I said digging my phone out of my pocket.
“I will meet you in there but it is your round first, and look, the lads just got here, bigger round to pay for.” he laughed getting out of the car.
I looked at the caller id and it was my mother. I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle right now so I rejected her call, turned my phone off and got out of the car. I hurried to the door as the misty rain was beginning to get heavier. As I pushed open the door someone else pulled it open from the other side and I ended up crashing into them. I looked down once I had my equilibrium back in place and helped steady the women in front of me, I couldn’t help but stare at her. She was the most beautiful women I had ever seen, her long dark brown hair falling loosely down her back, her flawless skin with her deep brown eyes looking back at me. I smiled at her.
“Sorry love, are you okay?” I asked releasing my hold on her arm. She continued to stare back at me not answering. The longer I stared at her I realised I knew her from somewhere. I was too entranced by this women standing before me I didn’t see the bald headed guy join us until he spoke.
“Is everything okay Miss Collins?” he asked her, giving me the once over at the same time. He was definitely outnumbered if he wanted trouble; there were at least six of us here.
“I am fine,” she said answering us both. As soon as she spoke I knew who she was. Jasmine Collins, she used to hang around with us on the estate back when we were teenagers. Now I knew who she was she hadn’t changed much, she just looked a bit older. She disappeared without a word when she was sixteen.
“Let’s go.” she said looking at the bald guy. I raised my hands showing I didn’t want any trouble and moved to the side. She looked conflicted as she passed me on her way out, maybe she recognised me too?
I stood there for a moment after they had gone; I never thought I would see her again. Occasionally I would think about her and wondered what she was doing now but never in too much depth. A scarf on the floor caught my eye as I was about to go through the second door, it must be Jasmines. Another chance to see her again, I quickly opened the door again as the bald guy was opening the door of a Bentley for her. Christ, what does she do now?
“Miss Collins,” I shouted to get her attention, I had heard him call her that before so I wouldn’t look weird knowing her name, “You dropped this.” I said handing her the scarf that was hopefully hers back.
“Thank you Mr…?”
“Chris Jenson” I said holding my hand out, she shook it quickly, her skin was extremely soft. Hearing my name obviously didn’t jog her memory.
“Well, thank you Chris Jenson” she said smiling at me, her smile had me twitching in my pants. She was definitely flirting with me.
“COME ON! Your round.” I looked round to see Jase shouting from the door. I looked back to Jasmine and she had changed, her smile was gone.
“Thank you again,” she muttered.
She got in the car and the bald guy drove her away instantly. I watched the car until it disappeared out of sight and walked back to the pub. I couldn’t believe it, seeing her after all this time and she didn’t recognise me. I don’t think I have changed that much over the years?
I made my way to the bar where Jase was standing chatting to our other work mates.
“What is up with you? You look like you have just seen a ghost,” he said putting a pint in front of me. He obviously couldn’t wait for me to get the first round in.
“I think I have, that women was Jasmine Collins.” I said to him. Her name didn’t register to him for a moment.
“Really? Where has she been?” he asked.
“I don’t know, she didn’t remember me. We didn’t talk about anything, she had some guy drive her off.” I said feeling disappointed at not getting the chance to catch up with her.
“She is still looking fit, I wonder where she has been all these years?” he asked.
“God knows. Come on, let’s have a game of pool.” I muttered taking a deep gulp of my pint.
CHAPTER TWO
Part One…Jasmine
I couldn’t sleep that night, allowing myself to think about the past. I had only had one boyfriend in my life, when I was fifteen years old and he was twenty. He thought I would fall at his knees and for a time I did, when I was with him he would make me feel so special then he would disappear for weeks at a time. That was how it went for about a year but I thought I was in love with him – how little did I know? – Now I know he was using me to get what he wanted, sex. When I stayed on the estate and hung around with my friends, the lads showed me attention too, however this was always done in secret, which sometimes I was happy about as they never knew about each other. I liked being with them, the excitement of them chasing me, I knew exactly what they were chasing me for though and it wasn’t because they loved me. Once again it was for the sex, which I never gave to them. I loved the thrill of them wanting me and knowing I held the power whether they got what they wanted or not and it was always not.
I may not socialise much anymore and keep myself hidden away in work but these days I am no quiet mouse when it comes to sex. I love it, I love to be in control and see the wanting in their eyes for me. The way they look at my slim body with lust and longing to touch me. It is turning me on just thinking about it, my thoughts immediately turn to Chris Jenson. I am sure he would be able to satisfy my urges but I doubt I would see him again. Maybe there will be a suitable man at the ball on Saturday to accommodate my needs?
I decided to get up and have a shower, wash away all thoughts of useless using men that had once been in my life. A long shower it is then.
Dressed and ready for work, I went downstairs where I could smell Rose cooking in the kitchen.
“Morning Miss Jasmine, breakfast is on the table,” she said while wiping down the counters. Rose is an excellent cook and very good at keeping the house clean. She is in her late forties and very beautiful for her age with her fading copper hair and delicate features. She baffled me when I first interviewed her, she told me she likes to do this for other people, she likes to make sure they are well fed and live in a nice home. I admit I am too selfish to do anything for anyone. That is why I work my size eight ass off and have people work for me.
“Thank you Rose.” I said, although I don’t know why she bothers cooking so much, she knows I don’t eat a lot.
All things forgotten of previous male escapades, I escape into a world I am used to and can control. I now prefer to work at my Cambridge offices rather the ones in London, but being the boss I get to choose when and where I work. Jenna hands me my list of calls to return and my morning coffee. Sitting at my sleek black glass desk I put the coffee cup to my lips, the smell hits my nose and I have to run to the bathroom. After heaving my breakfast up I still feel nauseous. The doctor warned me this would happen.
Back at my desk I sip the bottled water trying to settle my queasiness. Just work through it Jasmine, I tell myself.
I make all the calls needed when Jenna reminds me Henry is waiting to take me to my lawyer’s office.
As always Henry is waiting and holding the door open, he frowns when he sees me coming, he must see that I am not feeling too good. He doesn’t say anything and drives me to my destination.
I haven’t given much thought as to who will get what as I don’t have anyone to pass it all on to apart from Henry and Rose and they know nothing of running my company.
“Are you sure you want to do this so soon?” he asked as we stopped outside of my lawyers office building.
 
; “The sooner it is done, the sooner I can relax. Don’t worry you will get your share.” I mumble. I know I shouldn’t have said the last part especially looking at his falling face in the rear view mirror.
“That is not what I meant Miss Collins,” he said sternly.
“I will be ready in under an hour.” I said getting out of the car before he could open the door for me. As I walk into the building the doors open for me and I am greeted by Mr Jones kiss ass receptionist.
“Good morning Miss Collins, you can go straight through.” she said smiling at me as if we were best friends. As if I intended to wait, the amount of money I spend on my legal team is staggering. I will go through as she said when the hell I like!
Hopefully this mood swing disappears quickly, I need a clear head right now.
“Miss Jasmine Collins, a sight for sore eyes as always.” Mr Jones said kissing each of my cheeks. He might as well kiss my ass while he is there like his kiss ass receptionist. Sheesh, calm down, deep breathes.
“You were very coy as to why you wanted to meet today, I trust everything is well?” he said motioning for me to sit down, while he sat at his large wooden desk. If everything were well I wouldn’t fucking be here would I! I wanted to scream. Come on, deeper breathes.
“I want to update my will, I am of sound mind so I would like it sown up this morning, I have a business lunch I need to get to.” I stated sharply.
He spoke into the intercom and requested my file to be bought in, in less than two minutes kiss ass was walking across the room handing him my file. He chuckled slightly looking it over before asking me what I wanted to change.
“I would like to leave my house in Cambridge with all its contents to Rose Carter and a payment of ten million pounds. I would also like to leave my apartment in London and all its contents to Henry Robinson with a payment of ten million pounds.” I said.
“You have acquired additional properties since we last wrote your will, what are your wishes regarding them?” he asked.
“Have them sold at public auction, the money raised from them will go to the NSPCC Charity.”
It made me feel cold talking about what is going to happen after my death but it had to be done.
“And your wishes regarding Jasmine Enterprises? Do you still wish it to be handed over to your mother Elizabeth Collins?”
I had forgotten all about my mad moment of emotionally charged need for someone I knew to take over my company and although I haven’t spoken to mother in years she was the only one I could think of. That was one of the rare times I allowed myself to think about her.
“definitely not. Have it sold to the highest bidder. The money I would have received from the sale I want to go to these organisations equally.” I said handing him my list of chosen charities. He sighed running his hand through his hair.
“Are you sure you don’t have anyone you would like to leave it too?” I can’t believe he is questioning my wishes.
“It is not a question of not having anyone Mr Jones, I don’t want anyone I know to have it. I have plenty of rivals who would love to get their hands on my company, I don’t wish to know who.” I explain. He looks at me as if I am mad, quite frankly I think I am.
“What about your personal affects?”
“I will sort them out myself. If that is all I need to be on my way.” I said standing to leave.
“Of course, I will get Kelly to call Henry.” he said standing with me.
“Thank you.” He follows me out of his office and gives Kelly her orders, he turns to me. He wants to ask me something but is stalling which is beginning to irritate me.
“Is there something I should know Miss Collins, you are not normally like this…” I cut him off; I know I am not normally like this.
“It is most likely I will be dead by the end of this year if not most definitely by next summer Mr Jones. Now if that really is all I need to leave.” I didn’t give him chance to reply before I walked out of the building at a quick pace. As soon as the fresh air hit me my legs turned to jelly, and my breath came fast. It really hit home, I am going to die, no ifs no buts. I am going to die.
Henry pulled up a few moments later, jumping out of the car and rushing to my side, he supported me into the car and drove us away.
“Are you sure you are feeling well enough for your lunch appointment Miss Collins?” he was full of concern but that only made me feel worse.
“I will be fine Henry. It was a bit much, you know.” I said and returned to staring out of the window trying to compose myself.
When we reached my lunch appointment Henry passed me an envelope, I looked at him puzzled.
“It is the information you asked for regarding Chris Jenson. Quite a colourful guy, it will make an interesting read for you.”
“Thank you. Go and get some lunch, I will call you when I am finished.” I said.
He tipped his head the way he does sometimes as if he is wearing a hat, I smile at him. I really don’t know what I would do without him around.
I didn’t have a clue what this new – possible – accountant looked like but I didn’t have to, as they would know whom I was. I sat at a large table and waited for someone to come and take my order. I got lost in my thoughts whilst waiting for –what was her name again? – to turn up and didn’t notice when she was holding her hand out in my face to shake.
“Nice of you to show.” I said acidly watching her shrink before me.
“I am sorry I am late, the traffic was abysmal.” she stuttered. She was younger than I was expecting. She was very tall with long dark hair, very beautiful.
Our food arrived and we discussed everything we needed to, I felt comfortable with her, she knew what she was doing and I was happy to work with her, and no doubt she would be receiving a very good bonus for acquiring my business. When she left I was about to call Henry until I noticed the folder he handed me, curious as to whom the blonde guy was from last night, I opened it. Henry was right it was colourful reading. It seems Christopher Jenson works as a labourer in construction five days a week. He lives on his own on the other side of town. It also seems he has been in trouble with police on numerous occasions for fighting although it says here he has never been to prison. Hmm, so there is a bad boy underneath that cheeky boy smile. Putting the folder back into the envelope I decide I don’t need to know anymore, there is no point. What am I going to do? Turn up on his doorstep saying ‘hi, I bumped into you the other night – literally – and had you tracked down, do you want to go for a drink?’ Err no.
On the way out I head to the bar and order a Brandy, it feels like silk going down my throat, hopefully it will keep the tremors at bay. Although it does nothing for the dizziness that is starting to takeover, I sit down on the nearest stool and order another Brandy. I close my eyes and try to breathe my way out of it.
“It seems I have quite an effect on you Miss Collins,” someone whispered in my ear, his breath like a blast of hot air on my neck. My eyes fly open to see Christopher Jenson standing beside me, leaning on the bar smiling down at me.
“Would you like to think that is why? Especially when I didn’t know you were here, that would be quite an effect from such a long distance.” I reply in a major flirty tone. Stop this now Jasmine! He looks momentarily stunned by my reply. Maybe he is not used to women not falling at his feet each time he opens his mouth. But then again, I am fighting myself not to do exactly that.
“This is twice in less then twenty-four hours that we have bumped into each other, I think someone is trying to tell us something.” he smiles down to me. Oh my god his smile! That smile coming from his mouth, oh what I wouldn’t give to have his mouth everywhere on me. Really, stop this Jasmine, you know you can't! My brain is shouting at me but then again my brain is faulty these days, what the hell.
“What would that something be?” I ask continuing in my flirty ways.
He opened his beautiful mouth to reply but the barmen wanting to take his order interrupted him. He asked f
or five pints of beer so he wasn’t here on his own, I looked round and staring at us was his work friends he was with last night. Starting to blush furiously I turned back around.
“It seems we have an audience.” I said looking around again.
“So we do,” he smirks. Oh, I would love to bite his lip! “And something can be anything Miss Collins. What would you like it to be?” I felt the stirrings again, I want him right now. No I need him right now.
“I know what I would like it to be Mr Jenson but I don’t think you can be prized away from your friends.” I said raising one eyebrow challenging. I knew I had him, his breathing quickened and oh my, did he look flustered. I stood up giving him the chance to follow up on his flirting. As I started to walk away he stopped me.
“This must be your lucky day, I have the rest of the day free. I will just take these over to the lads.” he said, he couldn’t take them their drinks quick enough. I pulled out my phone to call Henry. Christopher returned smiling knowing he had struck gold with me,
“Ready Miss Collins?” he said taking hold of my hand and leading me past his friends to the exit. Is he for real? Most of all was I for real? I had let him hold my hand.
“Question is, are you ready for me Mr Jenson?” I retort his eyes widen at the prospect.
When were out on the street, Henry is waiting and trying to hide his shock at my company. Once we were in, Christopher whistles at the expensiveness of the inside of the car.
“Christ, are you royalty?” he jokes. He takes my hand again and holds it firmly.
“Something like that,” I mumble, then more clearly to Henry, “I won’t be returning to work this afternoon.” I smile at Christopher.
“Don’t forget you are staying at the Crown Plaza this weekend, would you like to go there now?” he asked.
How apt, a hotel room for an afternoon of sexual naughtiness, this has fallen nicely into place. I have never taken anyone to my home, I am not about to start now.