Recharged

by Lulu Pratt

  I drop my head to hide my sheepish grin. “It was absolutely amazing, but the best way to tell a story is over food. How about I whip up some grilled cheese sandwiches?”

  Magdalene closes her eyes and moans. “I don’t need the carbs, but that sounds so good right now.”

  I quickly fix the sandwiches and join Magdalene back at the table. I leave out the unusual way I met him and instead briefly mention meeting him outside the building while getting groceries. I recount the highlights of the first date, the following meetings which were all too brief, and this one.

  I keep Asher’s name too myself for now. I’m not ready to put whatever this is out there just yet. Thankfully, Magdalene doesn’t ask, but I get the feeling she’s not fully invested in my story. She’s listening like an older sister might, one who doesn’t necessarily care what’s happened, but she knows it means a lot that she would even inquire.

  “Look at you out here having a little fun. I’m so happy for you. I know working for me isn’t always easy, so it’s nice to know you’re having fun on your days off instead of being cooped up in your room. And by the sound of things, I’d say this guy is a keeper,” she says as she rises from the kitchen bar. “Hold on to an attentive man for as long as you can.”

  I nod my head and take a large bite of my sandwich. “I sure hope you’re right. He has potential, and I’m looking forward to getting to know him better. I just hope my Prince Charming doesn’t turn out to be a toad.”

  Chapter 14

  ASHER

  To say I’m on cloud nine is an understatement. I’m feeling so good I cancel all my meetings for the day, opting to take some time for myself instead. It’s not like I can focus on anything at work with Jade on my mind.

  I take full advantage of the rollercoaster of emotions I’m feeling and decide to drive myself around for the day in my convertible. Stopping by my favorite tailor, I get fitted for a few new suits before grabbing lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant, only to cruise around the city some more. Long drives always help clear my head, not that I really want to clear my thoughts, because my memories of Jade are worth the clutter.

  Last night was amazing. Hell, everything about Jade is amazing. Every single moment of last night was picture perfect. I’m not sure what to do with these new feelings she’s awakening inside me, but I’m experiencing a lot of firsts. I felt something between us during dinner, something deep, passionate and intimate. There’s something so innocent and pure about Jade. It makes me care that much more about her, wanting to protect her from anything that will bring her harm or unhappiness.

  I’ve never cared so much about somebody else’s feelings before, and I never truly cared about somebody else’s pleasure more than my own. Simply put, I think I care about Jade. In fact, I know I do. Her thoughts, feelings, pleasure and well-being all mean something to me. I long to hear her voice throughout the day as she updates me on whatever she has going on. She’s the first woman to make me forget about work and just get lost in the moment.

  I check the time and sigh. I regret telling Joe and the other guys I would meet them later at Club Zero, but since I’ve been ducking and dodging this “good time” they’ve been promising, I knew sooner or later it would catch up to me. If Jade was off tonight I would cancel on the guys in a heartbeat.

  This woman really has me under her spell.

  I turn the car around and head back home to get ready for tonight, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jade before I go. I shower, get dressed and head out the door in less than two hours. I call Jade, wanting her to take a short break to meet me outside, but she doesn’t answer the phone.

  I sigh and shove the phone into my pocket as I slide into the backseat of my car. Rather than deal with the traffic and parking nightmare downtown, I get Ed to drive me.

  The bouncer moves the velvet rope to the side and waves me through as soon as I step out of the Rolls. Once upon a time, I was a regular fixture in the upscale club scene. I would come in after work and not leave until it was time to head back to the office, but those youthful days are long behind me. I walk in and wave at a few familiar faces before heading straight for our reserved area in the back, stocked with its own private bar. I spot Joe first and see he’s nursing a beer, nuzzling the neck of some young woman who is giggling a little too much.

  Nothing Joe is saying is that funny.

  He raises his glass bottle and waves me over. “Damn glad to see you, I thought you blew me off for the nanny.”

  “Jade,” I say giving him a hard stare. “Not ‘the nanny,’ her name is Jade.”

  Joe laughs and holds his hand up defensively. “Loosen up, cowboy, it was just a joke. I know she’s tugging at your heartstrings. Trust me, I know the feeling. First, they tug on your heart, then your dick and their favorite thing to tug on is your wallet. Go ahead and grab a drink and then come have seat with us over here. This little beauty named Dahlia has a few friends keeping us company.”

  I glance over in the direction Joe is pointing and see a flock of young girls who appear closer in age to eighteen than twenty-five. I have serious doubts about whether Dahlia should really have that drink in her hand.

  I’m going to need a drink, or five, to deal with this all night.

  I order a rum and Coke and walk over to take a seat. Two young ladies instantly surround me.

  “Hello, I’m Honey,” says one.

  “And I’m Sugar,” says the other.

  I give them both a quick once over before focusing back on my drink. They aren’t twins but they look alike, and probably went out of their way to find matching outfits for tonight.

  “Is that supposed to be some kind of joke?” I ask.

  “No,” says the one who identified herself as Honey. “Those are our names.”

  “Our industry names,” says Sugar. “You know… it’s what we go by.”

  “And what industry are you referring to?” I ask.

  Honey laughs and nudges Sugar. “He’s so funny, isn’t he? We’re dancers.”

  I nod and throw back the rest of my drink in one swallow. Damn it, I should have ordered a double.

  “Woo-hoo!” yells Sugar. “That’s the spirit, you tossed that back in one gulp. Somebody’s ready to party!”

  I glance around the room and notice each one of my colleagues is surrounded by one or more women and they are all beautiful, but my mind is on Jade, not on partying with Honey and Sugar.

  “Excuse me, ladies,” I say, quickly making my way to the bar for another drink before searching for a quiet place to make a phone call.

  I’ll leave a message if she doesn’t answer this time. Luckily, she does answer and my heart skips two beats.

  “Hi handsome, sorry I missed your call earlier,” she says. “I was at the doctor’s office with Jacob.”

  I take a seat in the corner of the small room I found and put my drink down on the table. “All okay?”

  “He’s fine,” she says. “He has a little ear infection, but he’ll be okay. The doctor gave him some drops and he’s resting now. What’s all that noise in the background? Are you out right now?”

  I sigh heavily and take a sip of my drink. “Yeah, the guys convinced me to come out, but I had to sneak away to call you. Nothing holds my attention like you do.”

  “Aww,” she says. “You’re so sweet.”

  “Speaking of sweet,” I say. “I wish I had more of you to taste. Every time I close my eyes I see the look on your face when you came and I can hear you moaning just as clearly as the night it happened.”

  She laughs and drops her voice. “You’re trying to get me in trouble.”

  “I sure as hell am,” I say. “When is the next time you can come out with me and get in a little trouble?”

  “Um,” she pauses.

  I hear paper shuffling in the background and I wait with bated breath for her answer.

  “I’m not really sure, especially with Jacob not feeling well, but I’ll let you know as soon as I know.”

>   “Deal,” I say.

  “What do you think about me planning the date next time?” she asks.

  “Hmm. What do you have in mind?”

  She pauses for a moment before responding. “I don’t know just yet, but I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

  “Okay,” I say. “Just so we’re clear, you can plan the date, but I’m the one paying for it, and we’ll let Ed drive.”

  She laughs a little and shuffles more papers in the background. “You know you don’t have to pay for every date, but I see chivalry is alive and well when it comes to you.”

  “Absolutely. I wouldn’t dream of you paying for anything when you’re with me,” I say, taking a large gulp of my drink. “I’d give anything for you.”

  There’s a pause on the line following a small gasp, as if she’s contemplating what I just said. I hope it wasn’t too forward, because it’s the truth.

  “I’m going to hold you to that, Mr. Jordan. Be a good boy tonight and I’m sure I’ll have a nice treat for you the next time we’re together. I’m hoping I see you sooner rather than later,” she says. “But at least now we have something to look forward to. Right, Mr. Jordan?”

  There’s that “Mr. Jordan” again.

  “You’re calling me that on purpose,” I say.

  She giggles into the phone. “I sure am, but like I said, don’t worry, we’ll see each other very soon.”

  I force the erection threatening to hold me hostage down.

  “We sure will, beautiful, even if I have to set up my telescopes to make it happen,” I say.

  We laugh together for a moment before ending the call. I put my phone back in my pocket and walk into the private room with a renewed sense of purpose. The guys have loosened up even more. Some of them are dancing with different women and Joe has two ladies sitting on his lap.

  He peers out at me from between their breasts, which are positioned on either side of his face, and gives me a thumbs up.

  To them, this is the life. Countless women, money and attention. But Jade, my blue-eyed beauty, is more than enough for me. She’s a welcome distraction to my hectic world.

  I get another drink and find a seat off to the side, out of the way. I’m thankful Ed drove here instead of me. With the number of drinks I’m consuming and the high of knowing I’ll be seeing Jade soon, there’s no way I would have been able to drive home.

  I nurse my drink while watching my friends have a good time, all while daydreaming about my last evening with Jade as the countdown to our upcoming date begins.

  Chapter 15

  JADE

  I’m practically on pins and needles waiting on Asher to pick me up for our date. He planned the first few dates and now the tables have turned. I decide to plan a more relaxed date that I hope he enjoys. I didn’t want to do anything too over the top. I trade in my fitted dresses and high heels for a T-shirt, jeans and flats.

  Having never seen Asher in anything less than business casual, I texted him earlier just to be sure he understood the dress code. Tonight is about comfort and having a good time. Jacob had me tied up for a few days dealing with his ear infection, so I’m relieved to finally get a day off again for a bit of time to myself.

  Since I’m dressed so casual, I decide to go a little heavier on my eyeshadow, giving myself a deep dark smoky eye. After a last glimpse in the full-length mirrors in my closet, I smooth down the fly-away strands of hair before grabbing my purse and practically skipping out the door, down the hall to the elevator.

  I shuffle from one foot to the other, urging the elevator to get to the lobby faster. I finally reach the first level and there’s Asher, leaning against the wall just as handsome as ever. His dark hair is slicked back and I see he has taken my instructions to heart, wearing jeans and a well-fitted button-down shirt as requested.

  “You look handsome,” I say.

  “Thank you,” he says.

  I wrap my arms around him and tilt my head up for a kiss.

  “How do you feel to be in something other than work or gym clothes?” I ask.

  “You think you’ve got me all figured out?” he asks with a smile.

  I shake my head and kiss him again. “Not quite, but I’m working on it.”

  He laughs and rubs his thumb over my cheek. “What did you do to your eyes?” he asks.

  “What do you mean? Does it look bad?” I ask, pulling away to try to check the mirror closest to us.

  He pulls me back and gives me a tight hug. “Of course it doesn’t look bad. You’re always a vision of beauty. In fact, I love how it looks. I just noticed it was different.”

  “Oh,” I say. “You scared me for a second.”

  He takes me by the hand and escorts me to the car. “Babe, you could color your face with a Sharpie and I’ll still think you’re beautiful.”

  I smile and give his hand a squeeze, a little taken aback by his term of endearment. “Well, I hope it never comes to that, but thank you for the compliment.”

  I slide into the backseat first, with Asher right behind me. Ed closes the door behind us before getting into the driver’s seat.

  “Where to, Ms. Sinclair?” he asks.

  “We’re going to The Grove, if you please, Ed,” I say, looking over to Asher for his reaction.

  “Roger that, ma’am,” says Ed before hitting the button to close the partition.

  Asher pulls me close and raises an eyebrow at me. “A date at the movie theatre? That’s funny,” he says.

  “How so?” I ask.

  He interlocks our fingers and places a gentle kiss on the back of my hand. “Because it’s unexpected. I’m not sure what I thought you’d do, but now that I think about it, a date to the movies definitely seems like a ‘Jade’ thing to do. It’s fun and not too fussy. I’m really happy you thought of it, because I haven’t been to a movie theatre in years.”

  I smile and lean against his chest. “Well, I’m glad I can be the one to break the cycle. I think you’ll really like this movie.”

  “Is it a chick flick filled with a lot of crying and kissing?” he asks, playfully poking me in the side.

  “No,” I say, trying to hold in my laughter, dodging his poking fingers. “It’s a movie I think you’ll enjoy. It’s a comedy about a rich guy who loses everything and has to take on several odd jobs to survive.”

  “Oh,” he says. “That sounds more like a horror film to me.”

  We pull up at the theatre and make it inside just as the previews start.

  I love going out to the fancy restaurants, drinking Champagne and eating lobster, but I’ll take twenty dates just like this one any day.

  I spend more time watching Asher than I do watching the movie. He catches me a few times and rewards me with a kiss.

  He feels so… right. This man with the world at his fingertips is on a date with me.

  I hate to admit it but early on, I did take it upon myself to Google Asher. I was shocked to find out I had another billionaire in my midst. I saw several pictures of him with very high-profile models here and there, but the look on his face right now wasn’t present in any of those pictures. Right now, he looks… happy.

  I think quite highly of myself, but on occasion I think about our differences and wonder if Asher is too far out of my league. I’ve seen firsthand how men in his position tend to treat women, although that hasn’t been my experience with Asher, and I hope it never is.

  I pray he wants me for the right reasons, and not because he’s looking for a kept pet to take out on occasion when he’s bored. Watching Magdalene live that type of life is enough of a deterrent for me. No amount of money will make me comfortable being somebody’s plaything.

  Sometimes, late at night I sit up and wonder what Asher thinks of me. I’d hate for him to think I’m a gold digger out to get his money, because that’s just as bad as him thinking of me as an object.

  “Hey,” he says, waving a hand in front of my face. “Earth to Jade. Are you okay?”

  I blink a few times
and notices the theatre is emptying. The closing credits are scrolling by on the screen and the lights have come back on.

  “Sorry, I space out and get lost in my own head sometimes. Did you enjoy the movie?”

  He drapes his arm over my shoulder as we leave the theater. “I loved it,” he says. “I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. You picked well.”

  We climb into the backseat once again, heading to our next destination, which I’ve whispered in Ed’s ear. Vanilla Beans and More is one of the best ice cream shops in all California. It’s one of my guilty pleasures I get to enjoy when I’m out and about during my grocery shopping trips.

  I step right up to the counter, ready to order the mega desserts of all desserts. I’ve wanted to order it since the first day I walked into the shop, but it’s too big to have alone. Since it was my turn to plan the date, I knew this had to be one of the stops for the evening.

  “One chocolate double fudge brownie sundae, with double pralines, and extra whipped cream,” I say.

  Asher takes out his wallet to pay for our dessert.

  “Not so fast there, Mr. Jordan. This is my treat.”

  This dessert costs almost as much as a full entrée, but I want to prove to him that I value his company and his wallet can gather some dust.

  He wraps his arm around my waist. “If you insist, Ms. Sinclair. However, you’re trying to give both of us a stomachache.”

  “Absolutely,” I say, a wide grin spreading across my face. I grab the two giant spoons from the cashier and find us a booth in the corner while we wait on our sundae.

  Asher sits on the opposite side of the booth and reaches out to take my hands.

  “I am having a wonderful evening. I hope you’re ready for part two,” he says.

  “Oh my, there’s a part two?” I ask. “I thought I was the one planning this date.”

  He rubs his thumb over my knuckles and gives me that devastating, panty-melting smile of his.

  “Don’t be too mad with me,” he says. “Doing things for you and seeing you smile makes me happier than words can explain. I wanted to add something a little extra to our evening that’s just for you.”