Most girls want the fairytale ending with a modern day prince to pick her up when she falls. Not me I always had a taste for the ones with a mystery underneath their belt. One that could make my hormones race not my heart. I didn’t want a man to love, just one to have a good time with. I wanted to chase that never ending high, the one no drug can compare to---an adrenaline high. I wanted to do anything that was dangerous. As long as reality was on the back burner I was up for it. He became my medication to my cruel reality. I thought he was everything I would ever need but he turned out to be much more than I signed up for. He turned my already shaking reality into one a father never wants his daughter to be a part of. He claimed me and I was his. The high I once loved turned into a vortex of self destruction and pain. I thought about all of this as I sat on a bright pink couch in my therapist’s office. Do I open up my mouth? The risk is too great. He would have me killed if he knew where I was right now. Do I want the child I am carrying to really have a monster for a father; my baby will never be a part of that world. If he finds out I'm pregnant all the progress I have made trying to get away from him will all be for nothing. He will look at it as a sign from god, that we are truly meant to be. A baby is not meant for this life.
“Miss, are you going to talk at all or just continue to stare at that bruise?” The nice doctor lady pulled me back from my thoughts. I guess I was staring at the now purple skin on my arm. You could clearly see it was the shape of his hand. This was not the only one on my body, just the only visible one. The messed up thing is I used to like when he got rough with me now he just takes it to a whole other level. The fun I used to have with him helped turn him into the man he is today. I went way too far with him and it is my fault for making him even more aggressive than he already was. I felt a tear fall from my eyes and I knew I was ready to tell my story.
“This bruise is one of many and a symbol of my past mistakes…” I was cut off by the abrupt sound of gunshots coming from the hallway. The door to our room swung open and I saw the terror lingering on the sweet doctor's face. Her once colorful rosy cheeks now pale due to the terror she was now facing. The light from her eyes drained and blood poured from her torso. Guilt ran through each fiber of my body. I knew I should have never come here. Her blood is on my hands and I will never be able to forgive myself. I turned my head to see the man I once loved pointing a gun at me. I instinctively covered my stomach with my hand. With this motion he lowered his gun for just a moment but then pointed it at me again with a tear running down his beautiful face. He mouthed I love you and pulled the trigger. I shut my eyes and felt the bullet enter my shoulder and shatter my collar bone. Everything went blank and I felt a man pick me up and kiss my forehead. It was him who shot me, but is going to save me? A wet drop hit the top of my lips and fingers went through my hair. Then, I was out once again and I could feel myself slipping away, my mind fading. I must have lost too much blood. I clung on to the person caring me, if this was my last moment I want it to be out of love not hate.
“No baby, don't leave me. I can’t live without you. Don’t you understand I had to or the boys will think I've gone soft. Don’t leave me please I will never hurt you again. Please don’t make me do this to you--to us.” I almost believed he wanted me to live at this moment but I knew better by now.
It was almost as if time slowed and I was reliving the exact moment I laid my eyes on him. Oh he was so handsome that day no wonder why I couldn’t resist him. My eyes traveled up and down his muscular body. His hair almost a golden brown and slicked to the left side of his face met with the bluest eyes I have ever seen. His facial hair was trimmed so cleanly you could even see the precise line where he wanted it to stop. He had on black pants and a white t-shirt but oh man did white bring out his ocean eyes. His eyes sparkled when I looked into them. I knew I would be hooked on this man for some time. I didn’t want anything but a little bit of fun to keep my mind off of the problems going on at home. What kind of distraction is better than a model? Shaking like a leaf I walked up to the handsome man and said hello. Oh the way he smiled when I approached him made my stomach turn in excitement. He was so hot I knew he was from out of town. They didn't make them like this in our little town. He just smiled as his eyes gazed up and down my body until finally meeting mine. I was almost self-conscious about what I was wearing. What was I wearing? Oh who cares.
“Well hello there Miss, how may I help you.” he asked, his voice deep and husky making the hair on my body stand up. I needed to say something back now but his voice just traveled through my body making it hard to speak.
“I saw you from across the park and couldn't help but wonder what brought you into town. You’re not from around here are you?” I said as I stumbled over the first few words. This only brought a smirk to the man's face. I already knew the answer to my own question but was just looking for something to ask him.
“No Miss I am not from around here im here on business. The names Hayden by the way if you were wondering.” Hayden said as he winked at me and took my hand in his before asking, “What would your name be darling? It would be nice to have a friend while I was in town.”
“My name is Jasmine, I could show you around town sometime. There’s not much to do but I can show you the hot spots.” I replied hoping he would take me up on my offer. I looked down at my red cowboy boots with black glitter following the flower pattern carved into the leather.
“I would really enjoy that Miss Jasmine. Can we meet here at about 7pm tonight?” Hayden said as he reached forward and pulled a red leaf off of my white dress. As his hand reached to grab the leaf I could smell his cologne. It smelled of the forest and cashmere mixed together an odd mix. The red leaf flew in the wind and he smiled showing his pearly white teeth. I couldn’t help but let out a soft giggle as I watched the leaf blow away.
“7pm would be great, I should be off of work by then and we can meet at this coffee shop.” I responded and pointed to the dark green sign with white writing reading Gales Coffee. I always loved that it was in cursive and had a little coffee cup on it. I panicked realizing I needed to be at work 10 minutes ago, Gale was going to have my head on a stick. I have already been late 3 times this week. I saw Gale look out the window and his eyes met with mine and he pointed to his watch and then glanced at Hayden.
“I will see you at 7 Miss Jasmine, I think your boss is waiting for you. Look for a Maroon colored car in front of the coffee shop see you then darling.” Hayden winked and began walking to the little diner in town. I quickly ran to the other side of the street and opened the door to the coffee shop. I took a deep breath waiting for the wrath of Gale as the bell dinged. Gale's head poked out of the back room as he started a pot of coffee and just smirked at me.
“I know I am late again, I'm sorry I don't know what's going on with me this week. I promise I’ll be better next.” I smiled at Gale and batted my hazel eyes. He raised an eyebrow and just looked at me for a moment but his face softened shortly after. I knew he could never stay mad at me! I was his best worker and his go too if he wanted to take a vacation or any time off.
“Try not to make it a habit, Miss.Wolf. Now get to work Taylor will be here in an hour to run register and help you out. I have some errands to run once she gets here. You will be in charge for the rest of the day. “ Gale informed me. I laughed because I know Taylor will just go on her phone and talk to me about the newest guy she is going to run away with. She really does hate this little small town in Texas. Gale was wearing his usual black timberland boots, black jeans and red t-shirt but brought in his leather jacket today so I knew he had a date. Gale wasn't an ugly guy either he had medium length blonde hair that was thrown back in a ponytail today and ivy colored eyes. He was also built like a tank.
“Sure thing boss, is it okay if I close the shop at 6:30 tonight, I have plans around 7.” I asked Gale. His head spun around in amusement and curiosity.
“Oh, does someone have a date?” Gale questioned with a concerned husky tone. He then looked me up and down. I blushed from the comment and just nodded my head no. He almost looked relieved. He sighed before saying, “Jasmine I have to be honest with you, I'm happy it's not a date. You have been so much more than just a valued worker to me lately. Ever since my mom died you have been like my rock. You help me so much with this business and are just a wonderful person. I can’t hide my feelings for you anymore. If you don't feel the same I understand and just know it doesn't affect your job here.” My mouth almost dropped in disbelief did he really just say that to me am I dreaming; I must be. I now had to figure out a response to this. I never really looked at Gale in this matter. He was my boss and that was it. After work I had a cute fellow to meet here, I don't want to think about Gale like that.
“I honestly have no idea how to respond to that right now Gale. I need some time to think I have never looked at you like that.” I said and started putting the coffee in the filter for the coffee pot. I felt horrible about my response but I needed time to process his feelings and try to see if I had any for him. He glanced over at me and I could see the hurt in his eyes making my heart ache. I didn't want him to hurt anymore then he already was. My mind couldn't help but drift off to the blue eyed beauty from this morning. What was he even doing here, what kind of business did he have in a small town?
“I get it Jasmine, it is a lot to process and I should have told you in a different way; that guy you were talking to before work just made me realize I need to tell you before I can’t.” Gale replied, breaking me from my thoughts . He pushed his hair through his fingers and sighed loudly. The coffee machine began to beep indicating to me that coffee was done. I reached over to grab the pot of coffee to move behind the register, feeling a little lighter than it normally would. Gale had grabbed the pot and moved it to its normal spot and said, “ I know you hurt your shoulder when the horse threw you off last summer, you always think you can tame something wild. You should get that looked at soon.”
I turned around to face Gale and said, “I never told anyone I hurt my.. “ but was interrupted as Gale's hands brushed against my face moving my hair behind my ear which did make my heart skip a beat for a moment. My body felt warm all over and I didn’t know if I wanted him to pull away so I just froze his ivy eyes looking into my hazel ones. He pulled me into his arms and his lips brushed against mine softly at first then he pushed himself more into the kiss. His tongue asked for entrance and to my surprise I allowed it. My body now tingling, he moaned into the kiss. I pulled myself away, breaking the kiss in shock. Did I like this, did I have feelings for Gale or was he just a good kisser? I couldn't deny that the kiss sent heat rushing through my body.
“Gale… can we talk about this another time Taylor will be here in like 5 minutes and you said you had errands to run. I can’t just make a decision right now, I need to process how I feel.” I said as my breath was shaking from the kiss. To deny that there is something here would be like lying to myself; whatever it may be. Gale just smirked at me and laughed. I pushed the hair out my face and sat at one of the little tables we had for customers.
‘You already know how you feel it was clear in that kiss Jaz. You can’t fake a kiss like that, it's raw emotion. But yes we can talk about this later after your non date if that is what you are still calling it.” Gale sighed indicating something was bugging him and then added, “Just promise me you will be careful with that guy you were talking to you he isn’t what he seems. Be careful okay?” The concern in his voice made me wonder what he really knew about Hayden. Did they know each other? No that can’t be the case he just came into town and this is the first time I ever saw him. It is a small town there is no way he has visited before and I didn’t know about it. Taylor would have told me if she saw a new hottie in town.
“Do you know who he is or heard of him? He said he was here on business. Do you know what business it is because you’re telling me to stay away?” I couldn't help but ask. I wanted to know anything I could about this man. It almost felt weird going out tonight after the kiss Gale and I shared. Before Gale could answer a knocking came from the window. It was Taylor actually on time for her shift for once. Our conversation broke and Gale smiled at Taylor and let her in. She winked at Gale and said “Looking good boss like usual.” I couldn’t help but let out a little giggle she tries everyday and he just shakes his head in dismay. I guess we needed to put a pin in this conversation; it was none of Taylors business. I’m assuming Gale felt the same way as our eyes met and he mouthed later to me. There was a small part of me that wondered what he knew that I didn’t.
“You girls have fun. I have some errands to run, make sure the store is closed by 6:30pm.” Gale said as he opened the door to the cafe and walked away.
I was pulled away from my thoughts as Taylor asked, 'Do you ever think I’ll have a chance with Gale or am I just wasting my time trying to get him to notice me?’ Her question almost made me sad in a way. I now knew Gale had feelings for me and I was about to go on a date. I did not want to tell her that and make it awkward at work. Plus I had no idea what I even felt at this point.
“I have no idea girly just try and be more yourself and less flirty. I think Gale cares more about a person’s heart than looks.” I responded by trying to change the subject. She just nodded and took the first customer of the day. They ordered a caramel frappuccino. The days just dragged out and I kept looking at the clock waiting for it to read 6:30pm. My patience was running thin and I was so excited to see where the night would take us.
My mind began to drift to the thought of possibly being with Gale too. He really has been through so much sense his mother died. I would have probably fallen apart if I was him. He actually held his mother in his arms as she took her last breath. She had just collapsed one day in the back of the shop and started seizing. The doctors said something in her brain popped and there was nothing anyone could have done to prevent it. I did try to be there for Gale as much as I could. I would make gift baskets for him and a few home cooked meals. I Just tried to make the day a little better for him. Anything was better than him going back to drinking every day he has been clean for over a year. He had also lost his dad about 2 years before his mom. The way his dad died we never speak of it in this town. His dad was the first person murdered in over 150 years in our small little town in Texas. I remember watching the news and hearing about how his fathers head was cut off. I just wanted to try and make his life a little less painful. Thinking of him as more than a friend just felt wrong to me but when I kissed him my body was telling me something else.
I walked over to the back room and grabbed the sugar so I could refill the little wooden boxes on the few tables we had in the cafe. The tables in here were cherry wood with the prettiest chairs I had ever seen. They were almost like you were sitting down on a king's throne with the way the wood was carved. Then my eyes wandered to the white and black marble flooring the building came with; it was my favorite part of the whole store along with the crystal chandelier that was hung in the middle of the room. This shop did have its charm, Gale is always trying to get me to make my desserts here too.
I glanced over at Taylor, she was on her phone taking pictures of her morning coffee to post on her snap chat. I just laughed and continued to stock the rest of the store and do any cleaning that needed to be done. I plugged in my headphones and started listening to plastic hearts by Miley Cyus and started singing as I cleaned the store bathroom. I cleaned the toilet first and then stood up to clean the mirror. I about had a heart attack when I saw Taylor looking at me through the bathroom mirror.
“Uh Jasmine it is like 6:45 can I go home now?” Taylor asked after she pulled my headphones out of my ears with a smirk on her face. “I already closed up the front and made sure you don't have to do any more cleaning!” She pleaded with me. I just laughed and nodded, surprised so much time had passed already.
My heart began to beat a little faster knowing in only 15 minutes it was time to go show the new mystery man around in town. I walked Taylor up to the front, we said our goodbyes and then I locked the store up. I walked back to the bathroom and brushed out my chair and put a little makeup on to look like I hadn’t been cleaning all day. I put a little foundation on. I always keep it in my black and gold purse along with gold sparkly eyeshadow and mascara. I also had my pinkish lipstick in my bag as well so I put that on to top it off. I looked at the time on my phone and it read 7:05pm. Oh shit he is probably here already. I hurried up and put everything in my purse and went out the backdoor making sure I locked it. I gave the door a good pull to ensure it was locked and then looked up as I turned around. I walked around to the front of the store to check that door was locked as well and it was. I was then blinded by some bright car lights in my eyeballs. The car parked and I could now see it was a Maroon GMC truck. It was Hayden. He opened the car door and hopped out of the car. Man did he look even better than this morning. He had on a black suit with a red slickly undershirt and some black dress shoes. The shoes almost looked like a black and white snakeskin and to top it off he had a black and red tie to match his shirt when he wasn't wearing his suit coat. His blue eyes just sparkling in the moonlight.
“Hello Miss Jasmine, where am I taking us on this fine evening?” Hayden asked as he walked over to me and grabbed my hand and brought it up to his face placing a small kiss.
“I know this little bar in town and they have the best burgers and I am starving. I'll show you the way; you are way overdressed though not that I'm complaining or anything. ” I winked at Hayden as he led me over to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for me. 71Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq41zzkmgh
