Chapter 23

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Saturday had finally arrived, and Jasmine could barely contain the nervous energy coursing through her. She spent the entire afternoon pacing in her bedroom, trying on different dresses, only to discard each one onto the growing pile of clothes strewn across her bed and floor. The mess was unlike her, but tonight was different. Tonight felt like a turning point, and the pressure to get everything perfect gnawed at her.

She sighed in frustration, standing in front of the mirror, holding up a pale blue dress before tossing it aside. Nothing felt right. Her heart raced as the minutes ticked by, the anticipation almost too much to handle. Finally, after what felt like hours of indecision, her eyes landed on a simple yet elegant black spaghetti-strap dress hidden in the back of her closet. She slipped it on, smoothing the fabric over her hips, and paired it with black flats. It wasn't extravagant, but it was timeless—and it felt like her.

After a few final adjustments to her hair and makeup, Jasmine made her way to the living room. The silence of the penthouse seemed louder than usual as she sat on the couch, waiting. Her foot tapped anxiously against the floor, and every second felt like an eternity.

Finally, a soft knock echoed through the penthouse, pulling her from her thoughts. Jasmine's heart skipped a beat as she stood and walked to the door. When she opened it, Vincent stood there, as calm and composed as always.

"Miss Vaughn," he greeted with a polite nod. "Mr. Scott is ready for you."

Jasmine smiled, her nerves briefly forgotten as she followed Vincent down to the lobby and into the waiting car. As they pulled away from the building, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. Reece had kept the details of their date a mystery, and while part of her loved the anticipation, it also left her on edge. Where was he taking her? What had he planned?

The drive felt longer than usual, but soon enough, Jasmine noticed the landscape change. The tall buildings of the city gave way to the open expanse of water, the smell of salt in the air filling the car. Her eyes widened as she saw the pier ahead of them, a large, luxurious yacht docked at the end.

Her heart fluttered as Vincent stopped the car, and she stepped out, taking in the sight before her. She was escorted toward the pier, where the massive boat waited, gleaming under the soft light of the evening. And there, standing on the deck, was Reece.

He looked stunning as always, dressed in a tailored suit that made him seem both effortlessly elegant and commanding. His eyes found hers the moment she approached, and he smiled—a smile that sent warmth flooding through her.

"Jasmine," he greeted, his voice smooth as he extended his hand to her. "You look beautiful."

Her cheeks flushed, and she took his hand, stepping onto the yacht. The interior was even more luxurious than she had imagined, with polished wood, soft lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the water. The gentle hum of jazz music played in the background, setting a romantic mood as Reece led her further inside.

In the center of the room, a table was set for two, the flicker of candlelight casting a soft glow over the elegant setup. Jasmine's breath caught at the sight, her nerves momentarily forgotten as she realized how much thought Reece had put into this evening.

"Wow," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "This is incredible."

Reece smiled, pulling out her chair for her before taking his seat across from her. "I wanted tonight to be special," he said simply. "I thought you might enjoy something a little different."

Jasmine's heart swelled with warmth as they began to eat, their conversation flowing easily. They talked about everything—the city, their favorite books, even their childhood memories. However, Jasmine noticed Reece only mentioned his childhood briefly and changed the subject. The easy banter between them made Jasmine feel like they were the only two people in the world.

After the meal, Reece leaned back slightly, his eyes twinkling with something mischievous. "How about a dance?"

Jasmine blinked, caught off guard. "A dance?"

Reece stood and offered her his hand. "I thought the music would set the mood."

Jasmine bit her lip, feeling her nerves spike again. "I... I've never danced before," she admitted, embarrassed.

Reece's smile softened as he stepped closer, taking her hand gently. "That's alright," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "I'm a good teacher."

With a slight tug, he led her to the center of the room, where the music played softly around them. His hands settled on her waist, guiding her into position, and Jasmine felt her heart race at the closeness of him. She wasn't sure what to expect, but the moment they began to move, everything else fell away.

Reece's touch was gentle but firm, his movements slow and deliberate as he led her across the floor. At first, Jasmine felt awkward, her steps unsure, but Reece's calm confidence quickly put her at ease. Soon enough, they were gliding across the room in perfect sync, the soft jazz music swirling around them like a dream.

As the song slowed, Reece's gaze met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Without thinking, Jasmine leaned in closer, her heart pounding in her chest as Reece's hand slid up to the back of her neck. He tilted her chin up slightly, and before she could catch her breath, his lips were on hers.

The kiss was slow, sensual, filled with a quiet intensity that left Jasmine breathless. His hands roamed gently, pulling her closer, and the heat between them seemed to build with every passing second. The kiss deepened, and Jasmine's mind went blank, lost in the feel of him.

When they finally pulled away, both of them were breathing heavily, the tension between them palpable. Reece's eyes darkened slightly as he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his voice low and husky.

"Come with me."

Jasmine's heart raced as he led her down a short hallway, his hand still holding hers. They stopped in front of a door, and Reece opened it, revealing a spacious, elegantly decorated bedroom. The soft glow of the lamps cast a warm light over the room, and the large bed in the center looked impossibly inviting.

Reece turned to her, his eyes filled with desire. "Are you sure?" he asked softly, giving her the chance to decide.

Jasmine's breath caught as she looked into his eyes, her heart pounding. She knew, in that moment, that there was no turning back. And she didn't want to.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'm sure."

With that, Reece closed the door behind them, and the world outside disappeared.

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