“Did you enjoy yourself tonight?” Jasper asked, eyeing Charmaine’s thigh exposed by the slit in her dress.
“Yes, although I feel badly that you have to leave the party to drive me home,” she said, buckling her seatbelt in his Range Rover.
Jasper pulled out of the driveway. “It’s not a problem. I wanted to.”
Charmaine gave him directions to her home. He made a right turn on U.S. 41 and turned left on Conway and made his way to Brooklyn Avenue where Charmaine lived.
He saw the Kia in the driveway. “What’s wrong with your car? I notice you haven’t driven to work.”
“Um, it’s my mother’s car. She’s a nurse and sometimes she has to work doubles. Thanks to my generous boss, I’ll be putting a down payment on a car next month.”
Jasper nodded. He visualized the yellow Mustang parked in his driveway. It had less than five thousand miles on it. Jasper had not modified it for his disability as he had the Range Rover. He rubbed his chin. Charmaine would look good in the front seat of his Mustang. She would even look good on a donkey cart.
She opened the door and put one leg out. “Thanks so much for the ride home.”
He exited the vehicle and took her hand to help her out of the vehicle. The feel of her smaller hand in his made his heart warm. Jasper held onto her hand. He did not want to let her go.
Charmaine looked up at him and smiled.
The night sounds of frogs and lizards rang in his ears, but Jasper tuned them out. Together they strolled toward her front door. Jasper was pleased she had not pulled out of his grasp.
Once they were at her door, with a flick of his wrist, he pulled her close to him. Her eyes widened as she gazed into his face. Jasper lifted a hand to touch her cheek. “You’re beautiful.”
A small tongue flicked out to lick her lips.
He lowered his head and captured her tongue with his lips. “You taste as sweet as you promised,” he whispered. With a groan, he tightened his embrace. It had been so long since he had held a woman in his arms. His hands roamed the expanse of her back. He heard her groan and Jasper deepened the kiss. He could kiss her forever.
Jasper.
He recognized God’s voice. Hmm. Mmm. He was not ready yet. Jasper closed his eyes and rocked his hips against hers. Ooh, they fit well.
Careful, Jasper.
Jasper held up a finger as if to say, “Wait, God.” He tore his lips from Charmaine’s and kissed her neck before running his fingers through her hair. He sniffed the strands, loving the smell of vanilla and coconut. He groaned.
Jasper!
Jasper broke contact. His chest heaved. He did not want to stop but knew he had to heed God’s voice.
Jasper panted until the haze around his brain cleared.
“Wow,” Charmaine said. “That was some kiss.”
His mouth watered when he saw her flush red lips. He wanted to … Jasper shook his head. He took a few steps back.
“I’m doing this all wrong,” Jasper said.
“What do you mean?”
Jasper placed his index finger over her mouth. “Shh. Hear me out. Here I am mauling you like an—I don’t know what.” He sighed. “Charmaine, I’d like to take you out to dinner.”
Her eyes were wide. “You mean like on a date?”
He cracked up. “Yes, a date.”
She gave him a cheeky grin. “Don’t you have a rule about not dating your employees?”
He shook his head. “No, but if I did, you’re worth breaking every single rule. How about tomorrow night?” He cringed. Boy, did he sound eager.
She shook her head. “Pastor Brooks called me. He wants to meet with me tomorrow night and I’ve backed out so many times already. I have to go. How about Saturday night?”
“Okay.” Jasper smiled. “I can’t wait to see you then.”
He swung her into his arms for another heated kiss before reluctantly letting her go. “I see your face all the time.”
“What do you mean?”
“You were the last face I saw before going over the Paul. It’s been in my nightmares, but lately something happened. I still see your face, but it comforts me. I can’t wait to see your smile.”
She touched her cheeks. “Jasper, I don’t even know what to say. I think about you all the time. When I’m around you, I feel light … I like being around you … I was afraid to hope you might feel the same.”
Jasper hugged her. “I just want to move slowly and get to know you. I’m liking what I see so far.”
She nodded. “I like how connected I feel to you. It’s like I’ve known you forever. I don’t want this feeling to end.” Charmaine teased his ear with her tongue. “I don’t want to move slow.”
Jasper played with her curls. He gave her a tender kiss. “I know what you mean. But, you know I’m a Christian so I hope you’re cool with slow. Plus, I’m glad to have a Bible study partner.”
Charmaine lowered her gaze. “I’m not big on the Bible,” she mumbled.
Jasper stepped back. “Come again?”
“I haven’t been involved with church for a while.”
“Charmaine, look at me.” Jasper waited for her to comply. “Are you saying you’re not interested in getting to know God?”
“No … I don’t know … it’s complicated.”
He folded his arms. “I can’t date someone who doesn’t have love for God. I’m for real with my faith. If it wasn’t for God, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” He squinted. “Does this have anything to do with God taking your father?”
“Huh?” she asked.
“You said something like that earlier today,” Jasper said. “I don’t know the details, but I know that whatever you’ve gone through works for God’s purpose. He brings good out of everything.”
With a tender smile, she touched his cheek. “I so admire your faith and how you were able to forgive me. Pray for me.”
He nodded. “If you ever want to talk about it, I’ll listen.”
She made her way to her front door. “I think after I’ve spoken with Pastor Brooks, I’ll be able to talk to you.”
Jasper was right on her heels.
Charmaine backed up but he moseyed right into her space. “We will talk. I’ve got to head back to my party. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She dropped her gaze. “I hope after we talk, you’ll still want me.”
Jasper held her arm. “Oh, I’m sure I’ll want you. But at my age, I’m looking to build a long-term relationship leading to marriage. I need a woman of God.”
“Not to be funny, but you knew I wasn’t a Christian when we first met.”
“True.” He kissed her cheek. “Good night.”
Charmaine hugged him tenderly. “Good night.”
By the time Jasper returned to his house, his dinner guests had dwindled.
“Honey, where were you?” MaryAnn asked.
“I gave Charmaine a ride home.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Couldn’t someone else do that? I mean you left your guests …”
“I don’t think I was missed,” Jasper said.
“Why her?” MaryAnn asked.
“Why not her?” Jasper shot back. “She’s beautiful and smart.”
“Is she saved?”
Jasper coughed. “I …” He could not lie to his mother. “She’s not sure how she feels about God.”
MaryAnn pursed her lips. “I thought so. Forget that Charmaine damaged your career and cost you your legs. She is not fit for you. You have to be with someone who shares your faith or it will not work.”
“I don’t think it’s because she doesn’t have faith. I think she’s in pain and it might have a lot to do with her father dying.”
“What about Edie?” MaryAnn asked. “She’s beautiful and she’s your equal in so many ways. Edie is sure about her faith. Her father is a missionary, and she prayed for you. Did you know that? That woman prayed for you daily.”
Jasper shook his head. “No, I didn’t know that. Edie is amazing, but she doesn’t …” He turned away. He was not about to discuss chemistry with his mother.
“It will come,” MaryAnn said. “You can build a solid relationship on mutual faith and respect.”
“True, but it doesn’t keep you warm at night,” Jasper said.
MaryAnn blushed. “Jasper Miles Orion. I did not raise you—”
“Mom,” Jasper interrupted. “I know you’re concerned, but leave my love life to God and me. God won’t steer me wrong. Charmaine is loyal, and if she turns her heart to God, nothing will shake her.”
MaryAnn glared. “I hope you’re right. I hope she deserves your trust.”