He went completely still. Why was she toasting about parting when he had hoped this wouldn’t be their last encounter during his weeklong stay. “Are you saying you’ll never go out with me again?”
She took a sip of wine while staring directly at him. “Don’t you recognize the Bard?”
He shook his head as a sheepish expression flitted over his features. “I must admit I slept through most of my literature courses. Shakespeare in particular.”
“Shame on you,” Jasmine teased, smiling. “And to answer your question. I didn’t say I wouldn’t go out with you again. Remember, we met the first time last October and our parting was amicable even though I felt as if you did come on a little strong.”
Cameron lowered his eyes as he stared at his left hand splayed on the tablecloth. “I’m sorry about that.” He smiled. “Does this mean we’ll get to see each other again before I go back home?”
Reaching across the table, Jasmine rested her hand atop his. “Let’s get through tonight’s dinner before we fast-forward to the next date.”
He was momentarily speechless in his surprise. When he had sent Jasmine the text message he wasn’t certain whether she would reply, or if she did, if she would accept his dinner invitation. Cameron had known and dated enough women in his life to recognize there was something different about Jasmine that made him want to know her better.
“You’re right. There are times when I tend to get ahead of myself.”
Jasmine’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “How long have you been plagued with impulsivity?”
Much to his chagrin, Cameron laughed softly. He was more than aware of his negative personality traits, but being impulsive wasn’t one of them. There were times when he had been accused of being moody, controlling, and possessive, but never reckless or impetuous.
“It appears it only occurs when I’m with you.” He felt Jasmine’s hand tremble slightly atop his before she removed it.
“What is there about me that makes you so reckless?”
He angled his head and smiled. “I don’t know. And that’s what I’d like to find out.”
Jasmine sat straight. “That’s not going to happen over one dinner date.”
“You’re right, but perhaps over time I can get to figure it out.”
“You come to New York once or twice a year, while I doubt whether I’ll come down to New Orleans for more than a couple of weeks once I find permanent employment.”
“You’re not working?”
“Not at the present time,” she admitted in a quiet voice. “I’d accepted a temporary, per-diem position with a social services agency to help with a backlog of cases assisting families transitioning from homeless shelters to permanent housing, but that ended last week. Right now I’ve decided to take the summer off and wait until September before looking for a permanent position.”
“Do you plan to spend the entire summer here?” Cameron asked.
Jasmine shook her head. “No. I’m coming down to your neck of the woods for my friend’s wedding, and if it doesn’t get too hot, then I’ll hang out there for a couple of weeks with Hannah and St. John.”
Cameron flashed a Cheshire cat grin. “If we get along well tonight, then I’d like to extend an invitation to act as your guide once you come down.”
* * *
Jasmine wanted to tell Cameron that again he was getting ahead of himself, but decided not to call him on it. Even though she had accused him of coming on too strong, there was something about him that radiated strength and confidence—two traits she found attractive in a man. “I’ll definitely keep that mind,” she said. “I’m leaving here the end of the month, and I plan to stay until the seventeenth of June.”
“When’s your friend’s wedding?”
“It’s the second Saturday in June.”
Cameron nodded. “I’ll make certain to rearrange my work hours to take you around.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
He put up a hand. “It’s okay. I’ve been told that I work too much, so now I have an excuse to get out of the office.”
Jasmine didn’t have the opportunity to form a reply when their waiter approached the table to take their dining selections. She chose an asparagus salad with beets and goat cheese, and a main course of Mediterranean grilled branzino with mixed vegetables. Cameron decided on tuna tartare with a frisée salad, grilled salmon, and vegetables.
She listened intently as he outlined the activities he’d share with his college buddies. After Sunday brunch they’d traveled to Atlantic City to stay overnight to gamble and attend several shows. Cameron admitted they had overindulged and once they returned Monday afternoon most were too hungover and had to scrap their plans for that night and the next day.
