Page 33 of Maxwell

Maxwell started walking. “You need to be outside.”

“Yes, but it’s Valentine’s Day, and you know every restaurant in Atlanta will be filled with couples.”

“Then we avoid the restaurants. I’ll come get you.”

“And then what?”

“We live in the largest city in the southeast. There’s a ton of stuff to do.”

There was a beat of quiet before she responded. “You know what, you’re right, and I have an idea.” She sounded upbeat all of a sudden.

“What did you have in mind?” Maxwell stopped beside his car in the dark.

“Just come get me. Hopefully, you’re dressed casually, because where we’re going you don’t need to impress anyone.”

“Hmm... that’s going to be tough.”

“Why?”

“Because impressing people comes naturally, no matter what I wear.”

Jasmine groaned. “Why do I feel like this is a mistake?”

“Let me behave before you change your mind. I’ll be there in less than thirty minutes.”

Maxwell hung up and hopped into his car with renewed energy. All of a sudden, he was in a better mood.

Chapter Thirteen

Jasmine was standing in front of her building when Maxwell pulled up, dressed casually in dark jeans, an oversized sweatshirt, and white tennis shoes. With her hair pulled into a low ponytail and no makeup, she looked like she was in her early twenties.

Maxwell reached across the seat to push open the passenger door. She climbed in, bringing the cool night air and the familiar scent of cherries with her.

“Hey,” she said, a bright smile on her face.

“Hey.” Maxwell scanned her. “You look so different from how you normally look in the office.”

“I told you to dress down,” Jasmine reminded him.

“I am dressed down.”

It was her turn to study his appearance, taking in the leather jacket, white, lightweight sweater, and dark slacks. “I don’t know if I would call this dressing down...”

“Hey, if I’m not wearing a tie, this is dressed down. Besides, no way was I going home to change. Then I’d have to keep you waiting.” He pulled away from the curb. “Where are we headed?”

“You’ll see soon enough,” Jasmine replied.

He glanced at her, but she was looking straight ahead, with the mischievous expression of someone who was enjoying having information he didn’t.

“You’re not going to give me a hint?” he asked.

“I gave you a huge hint already, letting you know that you could dress casually.”

“Come on, Jasmine, I need to know where we’re going so I can navigate.”

“Drive the car, Maxwell. I’ll navigate by telling you when you need to turn. I’m in charge.”

“I have a feeling you’ve been looking forward to this,” he muttered.