Page 4 of Maxwell

He reclined against the back of the leather booth and let his shoulder touch hers, bringing them closer and making the conversation more intimate. She smelled incredible. Something fruity, like cherries.

“So, when’s the wedding?” he asked.

“There’s no wedding.”

He glanced at the woman he thought was a future bride, who was now swaying from side to side with her hands in the air. He then looked back at Jasmine for an explanation.

“It’s a ploy she uses to get free drinks. Works every time.”

“Damn. We got played?”

She laughed. “Sorry. Do you wish you hadn’t sent over the champagne now?”

“Not at all. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get what I want. I consider it money well spent, though I do wonder if your friend will be able to walk out of here. She looks like she’s feeling real good.”

“You didn’t help by sending over those bottles.”

“My bad. I saw five beautiful women and couldn’t help myself.”

“I should tell you that money doesn’t impress me.”

“Darn. All I have left is my good looks and charming personality to win you over then. I guess those will have to do.”

She laughed again. “You get another point for being humble.”

“You caught that from just these few minutes?” Maxwell asked.

“I’m very perceptive.” Jasmine took another sip of champagne. “What do you do when you’re not spending ridiculous amounts of money on women you don’t know?”

“I’m a doctor. My friends wanted to celebrate before I start my new job,” he answered.

Normally, when he gave his profession, women were impressed. Jasmine didn’t seem impressed, though she did appear to be surprised.

“A doctor? I didn’t see that coming. I work with doctors, and you don’t give off that vibe.”

“Is that a good thing?”

She shrugged. “Maybe.”

“Your turn. When you’re not partying the night away, scamming drinks out of innocent men, what do you do?”

“Oh, come on! Did you have to say all that? We’re having a little fun, that’s all.”

“Uh-huh. Answer the question.”

Before answering, she pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. Cute.

“I’m an office manager for a medical practice. Nothing exciting.”

“You work with doctors, so it must be a little exciting. Or do you not like your job?”

“Actually, I love my job, and it’s interesting since no two days are exactly the same. Despite the fact that it’s not exciting, I’m never bored.”

“That’s another reason I like what I do. Every day there’s something different. There’s problem-solving, and I love⁠—”

“Helping people,” Jasmine finished.

Maxwell took another good look at her. “Yeah.”