Obsession - Erotic love story

Chapter 19

Jasmine

Jasmine stepped into the quiet of Reece's penthouse, her mind still spinning from the events at the bookstore. The envelope of cash Angelia had given her felt heavy in her bag, a strange and sudden symbol of an ending she hadn't expected. The bookstore, a place she'd found comfort and routine, was gone. And with it, a piece of her stability.

She let out a long breath, trying to wrap her head around everything. Now what? What was she supposed to do with herself? The question lingered in the air as she walked further into the penthouse, the sleek luxury of the space feeling even more surreal now that her life had been upended.

Jasmine's phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her out of her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw Reece's name. Her heart skipped a beat as she opened the message.

Reece:

How's work going?

Jasmine hesitated for a moment, unsure how to sum up the whirlwind of emotions she'd been feeling since she left the bookstore. After a few seconds, she typed out a response.

Jasmine:

The bookstore closed today. The owner sold the building, and I don't have a job anymore. I feel... lost. I don't know what to do now.

She hit send, her fingers trembling slightly. Admitting how lost she felt, even to Reece, made the situation feel more real, more overwhelming. It wasn't just about losing her job—it was about losing her sense of purpose, her routine.

Her phone buzzed again with Reece's response.

Reece:

I'm sorry to hear that, Jasmine. I'll be home shortly. How about I take you out for lunch? It'll give us a chance to talk, and maybe it'll help clear your head.

Jasmine felt a spark of excitement flutter in her chest. Reece had a way of making everything feel less daunting, and the idea of spending the afternoon with him was enough to ease some of the tension she'd been carrying. She quickly typed back.

Jasmine:

That sounds perfect. I'll be ready when you get here.

After they hung up, Jasmine set her phone down and began to wander around the penthouse. The quiet space was both calming and overwhelming, and as she walked, her thoughts drifted back to Reece. He had become such a constant in her life, a source of stability amidst the chaos. And now, more than ever, she found herself leaning on him for support.

Without realizing it, she ended up in his bedroom.

The door was slightly ajar, and she hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. It felt strange to be in his personal space, but at the same time, there was something intriguing about it. Reece's bedroom was as sleek and polished as the rest of the penthouse, but there was a warmth here—a sense of him that permeated the space.

Her eyes were drawn to the large walk-in closet that stood at the far end of the room. The door was open, revealing rows of meticulously arranged suits, each one perfectly tailored and pressed. Curious, Jasmine walked inside, her fingers brushing lightly over the fabric of the suits as she passed them. The closet smelled like him—clean, masculine, with a hint of his cologne lingering in the air.

As she explored further, she noticed a display case filled with expensive watches, each one gleaming under the soft light. Everything was so perfectly organized, so carefully curated, that it gave her a deeper glimpse into Reece's controlled, methodical world. Every part of him was reflected in this space, from his choice of suits to the careful arrangement of his belongings.

Jasmine found herself lingering in the closet longer than she intended, her thoughts drifting. She couldn't help but think about the way Reece had been there for her—protective, caring, and always in control. Her heart fluttered at the memory of the night before, the way he had looked at her during dinner, his presence filling every space they shared.

Her gaze shifted toward his bed, the massive, luxurious piece of furniture dominating the room. Without thinking, she walked over to it, her fingertips grazing the soft, expensive sheets. A shiver ran through her as she imagined what it might feel like to be in this bed—with him.

Images from the romance novels she loved flooded her mind. She could almost picture it—Reece leaning over her, his lips brushing hers, the weight of his body pressing her into the softness of the bed. The thought sent a rush of warmth through her, and she closed her eyes for a brief moment, allowing herself to imagine the way it would feel to be kissed by him, to feel his hands on her.

She shook her head, embarrassed by her own thoughts. What am I doing? She thought, pulling herself out of her reverie. But the lingering warmth in her chest, the flutter of desire, wouldn't quite leave.

With a sigh, Jasmine stepped back from the bed, feeling a little flustered. She glanced around the room, half expecting Reece to appear and catch her in the act of fantasizing. But the room was still, the silence wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.

Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked out of the bedroom, her thoughts still swirling. As much as she tried to push away the thoughts of Reece, she couldn't deny the pull she felt toward him—the way her heart raced whenever he was near, the way she found herself wanting to be closer to him.

Jasmine returned to her room to get ready for lunch, trying to clear her head. She didn't know what the future held, but in that moment, she knew one thing: Reece had become more than just a source of support. He was someone she was starting to crave.

And that, more than anything, left her feeling both excited and scared.