Sasha: The Wallflower (The Wallflower Series Book 1)

by Fletcher, R. J.

  Sasha knew Dina was only teasing her. She shrugged off Dina’s comment and went to get a bottle of Dasani from the kitchen refrigerator. Holding a cup of water in her hand with a couple of straws, she made her way back to the table. Her shoes squeaked in protest when she stopped abruptly. The man’s guest had arrived. It was Dmitri. Sasha wanted to seek shelter in the walk-in freezer instead of approaching the table. Dina passed her with a questioning glance.

  “Okay, I can do this,” Sasha said to herself. Taking in a deep breath, she continued to the table. “Here is your drink, sir.”

  Dmitri looked up at Sasha with surprise. He had been in a conversation with his fellow business partner and best friend, Slade, when she had walked up. The surprise on his face quickly transformed to a devilish grin as he remembered their conversation at the barbeque.

  “Hello Sasha,” he purred. He noticed out of the corner of his eye that Slade was looking between him and Sasha with curiosity.

  “You two know each other?” Dmitri heard Slade ask.

  Before she could respond, he turned back to his friend and nodded. “We met in a restaurant a few weeks ago. It seems like we just keep running into each other, huh?” He directed his last question at Sasha, enjoying seeing the frantic look in her gaze.

  It was quickly replaced with fury as she answered tersely, “Well, you are seeing my best friend. What can I get for you two gentleman, today?”

  Ignoring her question, Dmitri continued to look up at her with a smile. “How are you doing today, Sasha? I had no idea you worked at this diner.” He glanced at Slade whose brow was still crinkled in confusion. “All the times you asked me to join you here and it is only until now that I show up.” He tsked at himself.

  Slade’s mouth also spread into a wide grin.

  Sasha stood at the table awkwardly, not knowing what to say to them both. “W-would you like to order?” she asked again.

  Both the men decided to put her out of her misery and give her their orders. Dmitri watched her as she walked away, perusing her figure. For a tiny woman, she was still very proportionate. While not as skinny as her friends, Dmitri could definitely appreciate her hourglass figure, accentuated by the skin-tight slacks and black polo shirt she wore.

  Slade looked at his friend ogling the server that had just left their table. “May I ask what that was about?”

  Dmitri grinned, his gaze not leaving her figure as she continued to speak with a co-worker. “I guess you could call it courting.”

  Slade frowned at this. “I have known you for a long time Dmitri. So I know from experience that Dmitri Durand does not court because he is not interested in anything long-term. Have you finally met the person to change all that?”

  He scoffed. “Are you serious, Slade? If I were to marry, God forbid, I would look for a trophy.” He paused. “Sasha…is no trophy.”

  His friend took a sip of his water with a raised brow. “What do you mean by that?”

  Before Dmitri could answer he felt the vibration of his smart phone on his hip. Excusing himself, he stood up and went to the hallway leading to the diner’s restrooms. Leaning on the wall, he answered his phone, keeping in a breath of frustration at who was calling him.

  “How may I help you, Teagan?” He cringed slightly at her high-pitched squeal. Though he found her to be quite attractive upon their first meeting, as they continued to date he discovered that she was also vapid and immature. But what could he expect from a beautiful 25-year-old, he told himself. She was simply enjoying her twenties. At this thought, however, he automatically compared her to Sasha, who seemed to be quite mature even though she was the same age as her friend Teagan.

  “Dmitri! I’m going to this really hot club tonight and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me? It would be so cool. Please…”she whined.

  “Teagan, I’ve told you this already. I will not be able to go out with you this week because I am too busy at the moment. Thank you for your invitation but I must politely decline.”

  He heard her softly gasp. “But we haven’t been out since the barbeque. What’s the deal?”

  “I really didn’t want to do this over the phone but, since you seem to be so distraught, I have decided it is best for us to cut ties. I told you before I was not interested in a serious relationship.”

  “I get that, Dmitri.” He could hear her breathing quicken. Gone was her normal peppy, upbeat tone. “I’m not looking for one either. I just wanted to have a little fun. But…are you not attracted to me?”

  Dmitri was actually shocked she had jumped to that conclusion. Not wanting to cause an angry rift, he continued, “No, Teagan. You are a beautiful young woman but there is only so much we have in common with our age differences.”

  “But…” He could clearly imagine her pouting over the phone as he had been exposed to it very often on their dates together. The pouting and whining had not only been a nuisance but extremely unattractive. As such, he felt no desire to continue things to a physical level. The initial attraction he had felt had disappeared but before he had even acknowledged this, his mind had already been overrun by images of Sasha.

  The night of their first meeting, he could concede the truth of her statement about his automatic ‘dismissal’ of her. But she had been wrong in thinking it was in response to him being less than appreciative of her physical attributes. If anything, it had simply been a means of self-preservation. The rush of attraction that had hit him the moment he laid eyes on her when he first entered the restaurant had been unreal, completely unknown territory for a man that had devoted his life to meaningless relationships and spontaneous flings. Yes, she was fairly attractive but, in comparison to her friends, she became severely average. So what was it about her that caught his attention?

  Because it had seemed irrational considering the women he typically dated, he felt it was best to simply keep a distance. That, however, did not stop him from slyly learning more about her through Teagan, who could hold a conversation on her own for more than several minutes. As soon as he even mentioned Teagan’s home life, she would automatically go off on a tangent about her roommate, Sasha, and their close friendship. He had to admit, with all of her faults, she did at least seem devoted to Sasha.

  Having learned more about her, he still questioned why he had a growing obsession toward this woman. But, he figured after days of introspection, maybe he was just overcome with lust. After all, he couldn’t help admiring her form, though she was too short for him. He couldn’t stop his lustful thoughts. His mind raced with all the possibilities. The natural pout to her lips was sexy. And her hourglass figure, coupled with wide hips and a round bottom, was very enticing!

  Thankfully, before he could delve too deeply, Teagan tore him from his thoughts with the sound of his name blaring through the phone.

  “My apologies, Teagan. But I am having lunch with a friend at the moment. Can we possibly continue this conversation another time?”

  She released a heavy sigh. “There is no need. I won’t force you to talk to me anymore. Good-bye Dmitri.”

  Ignoring her obvious taunts, he said his own good-byes and returned to the table with Slade. A different waitress was in the process of serving their food. Dmitri sat down as Slade spoke to her. He noted objectively that she was very attractive with a curly afro that rested down to her shoulders and beautiful slanted grey eyes. He could tell Slade was appreciating the service.

  “How are you doing, Dina?” Slade had asked her.

  She gave a feminine giggle as she placed their plates on the surface of the table. “Besides the ache in my feet and lower back, I am fine. What about you Slade? You didn’t come here last week. Is everything okay?”

  “It is now that you’re here.” He smiled flirtatiously at her.

  Dmitri rolled his eyes at the corny line but continued to listen in, needing a laugh. He could tell Dina felt the same way about Slade’s comment because she held back her own laughter by biting down on her lower lip.

  “Slade
, maybe you shouldn’t work so hard. Your pick-up lines are starting to suffer.” With that said she swished her hips and walked away. Slade’s gaze stayed hooked on her sexy sway, the large grin not leaving his face.

  “It seems like I’m not the only one courting.”

  Slade shrugged. “Yeah, but unlike you I’m playing for keeps.”

  Dmitri didn’t protest this. Instead he turned to his food.

  Sasha listened to the ringing of the other line, her foot tapping impatiently on the concrete ground.

  “What are you calling me for?” Faye asked, obviously annoyed.

  Used to her friend’s attitude, Sasha ignored her tone and instead asked, “Where are you? You said that you would pick me up after my shift. I told you, Teagan can’t because she is across town.”

  Faye groaned loudly. “Well, change of plans. I’m going on a date so…yeah, you’re just gonna have to take the bus.”

  A silent gasp passed through her lips. “That will take more than three hours, Faye! It’s already close to midnight. Plus, I don’t have any change for a bus or train!”

  “Well, you should have thought about that earlier. Don’t blame me because you can’t think ahead.”

  Changing tactics, Sasha continued, “Please, Faye. I’ve had classes all morning plus I worked a ten-hour shift. Please, just pick me up. You live only a few blocks from here.”

  “Sasha, like I said before, I have plans tonight. I’m not gonna drive you all the way to your apartment just to turn back. That’s pointless. Take the bus.” Before hanging up, she added, “And buy your own goddamn car!”

  Sasha heard the click of the line ending. Faye’s last comment made her more than angry considering Faye was aware of her financial situation. Unlike Faye and Jaelynn, Teagan and Sasha did not come from well-off families and had both chipped in to buy the old, rusted car they did own together. It was only in times like these that it became extremely inconvenient and frustrating.

  She walked to the bus stop and sat down on the bench to find a collection of small coins that could at least get her one bus trip. She had been waiting for close to thirty minutes when an expensive black sports car pulled up to the curve in front of her. Being in a big city had taught her skills of self-preservation so she automatically stood from the bench and stepped back, reaching into her purse for the pepper spray attached to her keys. She was fumbling with it when she heard a familiar voice.

  “Get in, Sasha.”

  She looked up to see the passenger window rolled down with Dmitri leaning over to open the door.

  Chapter Five

  Normally, she would have adamantly refused but the pain in her feet, after having worked ten hours straight with little to no break, was thankful for the ride. The wise voice in her head told her not to do it, but she found herself walking toward the car before eventually taking a seat on the leather interior. His car had the fresh-off-the-market smell to it. Inhaling deeply, she turned to him.

  “Thank you for the ride. The bus would have taken forever.”

  Dmitri said nothing as he drove away from the curve into traffic.

  He stopped at a red light and glanced over at her. “My office building is close to the diner. I was on my way home when I saw you standing at the bus stop.”

  “What is it that you do?”

  Dmitri chuckled at her question. “You are quite adamant about finding out my chosen career path, aren’t you?” He watched as she shyly looked away from him. A grin still in place, he finally said, “I am a senior advertising and marketing executive at a PR firm. Not exactly what you were expecting was it?”

  Sasha shrugged her shoulders. Playing with the strap of her purse, she glanced at him before quickly reverting her gaze once more. “That is quite a mouthful. Actually I had no real prior expectations. Judging from the way you carry yourself, I was pretty sure it was an important position.”

  Dmitri only shrugged.

  Noticing the way he was going to her apartment, she quickly interjected. “Oh, you should make a turn here to your left. It’s a short cut.”

  There was a moment of silence between them. Sasha sat going over their kitchen conversation once more. She glanced at him as he drove, taking in his angular features. Her mind automatically brought up the memory of his lips settling softly against her own before she shoved herself away from him. She wondered what it would have felt like if she hadn’t moved, if she had allowed him to kiss her intimately with no reservations or thought of how she was betraying her friend, Teagan. It hadn’t been her first kiss. But it had been the only one that created such a strong desire for more.

  Dmitri’s thoughts were not as pure as he drove Sasha to her apartment. Even though he was thinking of their kitchen encounter as well, he felt more frustration at the memory than anything else. Even now, the tiny taste he had received only helped to create a stronger desire for her. A desire he knew would not be as easily fulfilled as with his previous encounters. Sasha was different, innocent. If they were to progress to a more intimate relationship, she would more than likely think more of it than he would. And, to be honest, he didn’t want the hassle of having to force her to move on from him.

  But, at the same time, he was torn. His lust was unwavering and more potent than with any other woman he had ever met or been with. He didn’t know if he could stop himself if the opportunity was presented.

  In an effort to stray from these thoughts, Dmitri spoke, “How often do you work at Al’s Diner?”

  “I’m part-time but that may change in the future.”

  At this, he looked at her curiously, “Why? Are you moving?”

  She shrugged her shoulders and looked out the window, seeing the streetlights pass by. “I may,” she said softly.

  Dmitri didn’t know how he felt with this new information. A part of him felt relieved, it would help for him to no longer see her. Maybe then his interest would wane. But, at the same time, he felt a mysterious sense of loss if she were to move.

  “Would you leave Boston or just relocate within the area?”

  Sasha looked back at him. “I have no idea right now. But I think a new start would be beneficial for me.” She paused, swallowing nervously. “I don’t feel…very happy here.” Sasha didn’t know why she revealed this to him but, somehow, she felt comfortable telling him. If she were to reveal this to any of her friends they would more than likely laugh it off or completely ignore it. Sasha knew to a certain extent the friendships she had with them meant more to her than it did to them. The inequality was something she had grown used to in order to avoid loneliness. But, perhaps, it was time for her to move on and find a new niche. A new start sounded very enticing once she graduated with her Master’s degree.

  Dmitri stopped at a red light and looked at her intensely. “Running away is not the answer, Sasha.”

  “I’m not running away from anything. I’m just trying to look for a place that I-”

  “Sasha, I hate to say this but I really think you need to hear it. You need to grow up and face the people that are making you unhappy. You allow them to walk all over you; I’ve seen it myself that night at the restaurant with Faye and the barbeque with Jaelynn.”

  Her fists tightened in her lap as she listened to him say the things she thought on many occasions. “I-I don’t think I could stand to be alone again,” she mumbled mostly to herself.

  Catching her whisper, Dmitri asked, “What do you mean?”

  Sasha didn’t respond. Instead, she watched as he turned into her apartment complex. As he parked, she gathered her things and opened the door. “Thank you, Dmitri.”

  Not liking the depressive tone in her voice, Dmitri left the vehicle as well, locking the door as he followed her to her apartment. Sasha looked back at him with a raised brow. “What are you doing?”

  “Well…I live across town. Would you mind if I came in and rested a little bit before getting on the road again?”

  Knowing that Teagan wouldn’t be home ‘til late tonight, Sasha ope
ned the door with her key and allowed him in. Dmitri looked around at the small surroundings, noting the colorful array of furniture. It seemed to be more an expression of Teagan’s loud personality than Sasha’s quiet shyness.

  “Teagan won’t be here until later tonight, in case you were expecting her.”

  Dmitri shook his head as he plopped himself down on the loveseat. A small flat screen television was hinged on the wall. He felt Sasha take the seat next to him. He turned to her, smiling inwardly at the way she was hunched as far away from him as the couch allowed.

  “Relax, Sasha. I only came to rest my eyes a little bit.”

  She nodded, ringing her hands in her lap.

  Feeling the need to tease her, “Do you remember what happened in Jaelynn’s kitchen?” When she didn’t respond beyond a light flush upon her cheeks, he continued. “Well, I remember it.” He scooted closer to her, reaching for her hands. He grasped them in his own, stroking the soft skin of her palm and whispered, “I want more…don’t you?”

  Sasha’s eyes widened and she shook her head, jumping up from the couch and tearing her hands from his grasp. “No, Dmitri! Why do you keep doing this? How can you have a clear conscience when you know I’m friends with the girl you’re dating? She’s m-my roommate for Christ’s sake!”

  Dmitri groaned and stood up to stand in front of her. He looked down at Sasha and palmed her tiny shoulders in his large hands, bringing her closer. “I’m not dating or seeing Teagan, anymore. So what’s preventing us from having a little fun? You said yourself that you weren’t happy.” He shook her slightly.

  Before she had a chance to protest again, Dmitri pulled her up slightly to the tips of her toes and bent down to place his lips firmly upon hers. He almost groaned at the pleasure that coursed through him the moment they touched. He felt her shiver under his touch and lean in closer. A cocky grin spread across his lips at this. Wanting to hear her voice her enjoyment, he stepped closer to her, allowing their bodies to touch more intimately. Enjoying the feel of her breasts pressed against his chest, he pulled her even closer by moving his hands from her shoulders to her lower back.