Chapter 3: Rising Action
It was a mistake, I'd told myself. But there I was, standing at the bar, feeling the warmth of the dark wood against my palms. The muffled sounds of life flowing around me, the musky smell of the bar, the sharp tang of spilled beer and pine cleaner all mingling with the thick haze of cigarette smoke.
I'd been coming here for months, watching, observing. Wearing conservative clothes and tucking my hair into a cap, always slightly uncomfortable. But tonight, I was neither Jacob nor Jasmine.
I was just me. With flickers of auburn highlights framing my face and dangly silver earrings catching the dim light, I nestled into my seat, the worn leather yielding and welcoming beneath me.
Scanning the patrons, my eyes caught his across the bar. A deep chuckle rumbled as he caught me staring, framed by his wide, inviting smile. My pulse picked up its pace, and I found myself drawn to him.
A magnetic pull drawing my body towards him. I flashed a coy smile, tucking a loose wisp of blonde hair behind my ear as I considered my options.
"James, isn't it?" His name slipped from my lips effortlessly, an intonation of recognition in my voice. The slight dimple that appeared when he smiled sent a buzz through me, and I felt a corner of my mouth turn up in response.
"Jasmine, right?" He didn't miss a beat.
"Yes, that's right. It's not often I get such gorgeous company in here on a weeknight. What brings you by?" I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I'd reveal too much, or too little.
Taking a deep breath, my eyes met his as I confessed, "Honestly, I just wanted to slip out of my comfort zone, to be someone else for a few hours."
James leaned in, intrigue sparkling in his gaze. "I think we all need that sometimes.