Damn. “No. Not yet. It’s just that I’ve had a little too much wine. I’m fine.”
“Good. I was hoping you’d accompany me to a friend’s party. We won’t stay too long, I promise. We’ll just say hello, have a bit of refreshment, perhaps do some dancing, and then I’ll drive you home. Do you like to dance, Jasmine?”
Dancing? She laughed softly. “I don’t know. It’s been a long time since my freshman year in college. I don’t really do that kind of stuff anymore.”
“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten how?” Hayden folded his napkin and pushed his plate towards the waiter who had begun to clear the table. “It’s like riding a bike or swimming. Once you’ve learned it, you’ll never forget it. You know, Jasmine, I feel like I haven’t gotten the chance to know you much this evening. Where did you work, again?”
“Oh.” There was a sinking feeling in her gut, how would he respond to the wide social gap between them? He was the CEO of a multi-million dollar company and she was just making coffee at a small café for a living. She took a deep breath and muttered, “I’m a barista at the Java Joy.”
“You know what, I’m a coffee aficionado myself. If I hadn’t had a cup of espresso in the morning, I’m not awake.”
Hayden’s reaction surprised her. She expected he’d snub her for her job. “Me too. What are your favorite beans?”
“El Injerto or St. Helene. I like coffee that has full body but has delicate acidity.”
“I thought you’re going to say Kopi Luwak or Black Ivory, being the most expensive out there, that is.”
“The poop coffee?” He made a face. “No, thank you. The civet and the elephant can have them.”
They laughed together.
One brownie point. Once she dug through his list of accomplishments, Hayden was actually nice to talk to. He was knowledgeable, not just blowing hot air like some people she knew. This date had been fun so far, how did Duada find this guy? Jasmine wondered for the second time.
They drove to Hayden’s friend’s party in New Vernon and stopped in front of a house that was more like a mansion than anything. He introduced her to his friends and they were politely curious about her, and as more than one of them mentioned, Hayden didn’t usually bring his dates to parties. One of Hayden’s female friends was curious if she and Hayden were serious. The woman, Pamela, didn’t believe her when Jasmine told her she and Hayden were on their first date. Pamela said that Hayden must have thought that Jasmine was special. They chatted and had more drinks on the patio. Once Hayden’s friend started pushing people into the pool, Hayden pulled her into the house and watched his friends’ shenanigans from the French doors.
Hayden chuckled. “Rowdy, aren’t they? You’d think they’re a bunch of frat boys.”
“You went to college with all of them?”
“Mostly. We’ve been friends since high school. Pete went to Princeton with Milla and Pamela.”
“Milla, the one who set this date up?”
He nodded. “Too bad she hasn’t shown up tonight. She’s a fun girl.”
Jasmine felt relieved. If Milla were here, she’d be hard pressed to explain how this had all come about, and Milla might not remember if she ever played as matchmaker at all.
“Jasmine.” Hayden suddenly became serious. He took her hands and squeezed them. “I’ve really enjoyed our evening together. To be honest, it’s been a while since I felt this way. You’re beautiful and kind and I’m really taken with you. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to see you again.”
His confession took her by surprise. “O-okay.”
A smile crept across his handsome face. “I wish…I don’t want the night to end. Jasmine, come home with me tonight.”
“I…”
“And take a day off work tomorrow. I want to take you to New York tomorrow and spend the whole day together. We can go shopping, sightseeing, anywhere you want to go. Please say yes.”
She wanted to think about it some more, but Duada’s annoying smirk suddenly flashed before her eyes. She didn’t want to come home and see that fae prince with his smug expression and his amethyst eyes and his gorgeous…
She shook off her thought. “That sounds fun, Hayden.”
“You won’t get in trouble for skipping a workday, right? I’ll talk to your boss if I have to.”
“My friend can cover for me if I ask him nicely.”
“That’s great.” Hayden lifted her hand and kissed it like a true gentleman. “I’ll find Pete and tell him we’re leaving.”
“Okay.” Jasmine was slightly dazed with the sudden development. She watched him beaming as he slipped past the French doors and went to the back patio to find his host. Jasmine padded to the kitchen to put away her glass. Pamela and Pete’s wife were there and they chatted for a few minutes. She excused herself to grab her purse and her new coat from the guest bedroom.