Growing feelings

Khaleed hadn't understood his feelings at first. Unsure if he was just momentarily fascinated with her, but the more time he spent talking to her and getting to know her, the clearer it became. He had fallen for her.

For someone who has never had deep feelings for a woman, it was a jarring realization. She was different. Her vibrant personality, independence, and charm had changed something in him. He respected and admired her.

Khaleed found himself treading lightly. Jasmine was a whirlwind of laughter and warmth, but beneath her playfulness, there were boundaries he didn't dare cross. He feared speaking too soon and risking her cutting him off and retreating behind those walls she'd built.

He would slowly show her he was someone she could trust with her heart. But for now, he was content to wait till the time is right and enjoy every moment they spent together.

"What I see in you?" He began, pausing to gather his thoughts. "I see a wonderful, thoughtful woman who cares about her family and friends. I look forward to talking to you and spending time with you."

"That's nice. Thank you."

"I like talking to you too. And just so you know, I never visit male friends this late," she joked.

A wave of jealousy washed over him."Oh yeah? How many male friends do you have?" He asked, trying to sound casual.

She laughed, catching his tone. "Not many, I have one at work, two of my bandmates, and my best friend."

"You must have a female best friend then."

"Yes, her name's Katie. She's practically family."

He nodded in understanding. "You mentioned bandmates, I didn't know you're in a band."

"Now you know."

He nodded in satisfaction. "Oh... that’s nice. So, no boyfriend?"

Her lips twitched in amusement. "No boyfriend."

Was that relief on his face? Maybe she saw it wrong, she thought. Shrugging off the thought.

"I'm sure you’ve got a girlfriend."

"I'm single," he said, in a serious tone.

She gave him a doubtful look. "Yeah. Like I'd believe that."

She glanced at her phone. "When did it get so late!" She exclaimed. "I should get going."

He stayed seated, watching her. She didn’t believe him, but he decided not to press it—not yet. Timing was everything.

"James will take you home," he said.

"That’s not necessary. I’ll order a cab," she replied.

"I insist." His voice softened. "Please,"

"Alright."

He opened the car door and slid in beside her. She glanced at him, curious.

He walked her outside to the car, which James had idling. He pulled open the door for her and slid in after. She glanced at him in confusion.

"Your address, miss?" James asked.

"Why are you coming?" She asked Khaleed after giving her address to James

"I want to see you home and know where you live, if that's okay." His said, his voice casual.

"That's not stalkerish at all," she quipped with a wry smile, making him laugh.

"That's not how I meant it, and you know,"

"Yeah. And it's fine."

The car ride was filled with comfortable silence. Khaleed's gaze kept wandering to her, the soft glow of the street lights dancing across her profile. She seemed lost in thought, looking out the window. His own heart raced, torn between starting a conversation with her or holding her hand. He chose neither.

Beside him, Jasmine felt his gaze like a brushstroke on her cheek but kept her eyes on the window, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

When they finally arrived, she turned to him with a sweet smile. "This is me. Thanks for the ride. Maybe I'll invite you in next time,"

"I'd like that," He leaned in, "I wasn't kidding when I said I'm single. But I hope that'll change, hopefully soon." Without waiting for her response, he brushed a kiss against her cheek and wished her a good night.

She got out of the car, flustered, mumbling a goodbye. Once he was inside, she held a and to her warm cheeks, heart racing. What just happened?

His message came in just as she entered her room: "I loved having you over today. I hope you’ll come again and maybe stay longer next time—long enough to make those famous pancakes."

She replied, laughing. "I told you, we’re getting those at McDonald’s, smartass."

He sent a pouting emoji. "A man can hope, can’t he?"

She laughed. "Why aren’t you asleep yet?"

"Couldn’t sleep," he admitted. "Can I call you?"

She hesitated briefly. "Sure."

When the video call came through, she answered, holding her phone up before propping it against a pillow.

His breath hitched when Jasmine's face appeared on his screen. Her skin glowed against the delicate blue lace of her nightwear, under the soft lighting in her bedroom. A surge of heat washed over him at the sight. Calling her on video now seemed like a bad idea. For a brief moment, he forgot how to speak.

"Hey, can you hear me?" She asked, breaking his train of thought

"Yes, I can." He replied, his voice gruff.

"Oh, good. I thought it was a bad connection. How was your trip? I never did ask."

"I was able to handle what I went there for, so I would say it was a good one. It was in Milan, actually."

"You went to Milan! Wow, I heard it’s a beautiful city. I’d love to go there sometime."

"Indeed it is, only I was so busy I barely had time to enjoy the place."

"Too bad."

"Do you have any plans for the weekend?"

"Just work. Why do you ask?"

"I was going to suggest we spend the weekend there,"

She laughed. "That would be lovely. We could sunbathe on the beach and have some of their famous gelato"

He laughed at the realization she was messing with him. "That's all you could think of? I wasn’t joking about going there with you, though," he said when their laughter subsided.

"You really need to stop springing stuff like that on me. I'm still getting used to how wealthy you are."

"Get used to it fast. I'd like to go somewhere with you, not necessarily Milan."

"I'll let you know when I'm free."

"Sound good. Should I look forward to seeing you this weekend?"

"If I don't have work, yes." She yawned, covering her mouth.

"Feeling sleepy?"

She nodded, rubbing at her eyes. That's so cute, he thought.

"Have a good night, Jasmine,"

"Good night"