Ready to jump back into Jasper's dating life?
Some consensual NSFW at the end of this one. ;)

Chapter 9 – Girl's Best Friend?

Their co-worker's wedding was on the first weekend in March and Jasper felt confident in her new wine-colored cocktail dress. The lace on the three-quarter sleeves concealed her tattoo well and was stretchy, allowing her muscles to not feel constrained. It was form-fitting and the hem was higher on one side showing off her right knee, but hiding the left. She met Garnet outside and they walked in together. Her friend, who was carrying a wrapped box, gave her a look. "You didn't just get them cash did you?"

"You know how many toasters they'll get? Trust me, they'll be ecstatic to get money."

"Her parents are probably already giving them a good chunk if they can afford this place."

The country club was a huge, white building sitting atop a green hill that rolled down and flattened out to contain a golf course. A huge pool area sat off to the other side of the main building, though it appeared to be closed until the weather turned warmer. "They have a fucking pool?"

"Jasper, language. The women here don't fling expletives around every which way when they speak."

A snooty man at the door asked if they were club members, released a brief "hm" when they showed him their invitations and gave them directions to the ballroom. Their heels clacked against the polished marble floor as they made their way through the foyer and down the hallway. Two older ladies regarded them suspiciously with their eyes. It was almost inaudible but Jasper heard one of them whisper. "Remember the good old days?"

Jasper shook her head unaware they'd gone through a time warp to fifty years ago.

The other woman cleared her throat. "What do you suppose that one is?"

"A mix of some kind, clearly."

"Yes, I'm mix of 'nunya' and 'business' and if you don't…"

Garnet turned toward them, cutting Jasper off, her tone calm yet firm. "Excuse me, but we were invited to a wedding and we are within our right to be here."

"Well you…two…have a good time." The older women walked off together.

"I really thought…" Jasper shook her head, feeling her face still flushed with anger.

"Things are much better than they were. Still, in some circles, there's clearly room for improvement."

The wedding was a standard ceremony and looking around, Jasper didn't recognize anyone from the groom's side, but Carol had invited everyone who worked at the gym, so at least there would be some people she could chat with at the reception. Really, she'd been more interested in the part of the invitation that promised an open bar. It was also just nice to have a different experience every now and then – something different from the mundane.

It would be so nice to have a wedding, Jameela said. I hope we find someone who loves us.

As the vows were exchanged, Jasper couldn't help think about her own wedding. It definitely hadn't been as fancy, being at the courthouse, but that didn't mean it hadn't been just as meaningful. She looked down at her hands remembering the words she'd spoken with Bismuth and wondered if she could ever really promise her soul to someone again. Would she ever find someone she loved that much to vow to share every aspect of her life with them?

"It was a beautiful ceremony," Garnet said once they were seated at a table for the reception. "I definitely wouldn't spend this much money on one day though."

"That was one deciding factor in our wedding, too," Jasper told her. Other reasons included the fact that she and Bismuth just didn't want a huge ceremony and that she had been thirteen weeks pregnant when they got married. She'd lost that baby three weeks later and Bismuth had immediately comforted her and she'd been there for him when they were hurting so deeply. Based on the dates she'd been on, it was hard to believe any other man would be there for her like that. "I'm going to hit up that open bar."

Jasper walked up to the bar and waited her turn, finally walking up and surveying the bottles behind the counter. She'd come a long way since her days of carelessly shooting back whiskey in order to get hammered. "Scotch on the rocks, please." She'd sip it and get just the right amount of warmth settling in her.

A deep chuckle beside her caught her attention. "Darlin', you are the first girl I've seen who hasn't ordered some fru-fru drink with an umbrella in it."

She turned, her dark eyes staring him down. "I'm nobody's 'darling'."

"My apologies, ma'am," he said in that smooth Southern accent.

Oooh, he is cute, Jameela commented.

He's probably in his fifties, Jasper replied, then took a sly look as the bartended handed her the drink she'd asked for. This man was clearly older, but in a refined sort of way. His face was still remarkably handsome despite his white hair and trimmed mustache. His eyes reminded her of the sky and caught her looking at him causing the corner of his mouth to twitch up in a smile. Yeah, okay, he's not horrible-looking, but he still has to be like fifteen years older than me.

"Bride or groom?" he asked.

"Bride – I work with her."

"Are you also an aerobics instructor?"

Jasper paused to sip her drink. "Personal trainer. And you?"

"I've been friends with Carol's father for years. I run my own technology company – well, I run the East Coast side at least." He extended his hand. "Alabaster Diamante. And you are?"

"Jasper Cordero."

Instead of shaking her hand, he gently took it and kissed it. "It's a pleasure."

The gesture startled her, but she didn't pull her hand back until he let go. She glanced down at his left hand and noted that he was not wearing a wedding ring. He was, however, wearing a fine black suit that appeared cut and tailored to his masculine frame, which was neither too thin nor too heavy. The suit was accented by a blue tie and honest-to-goodness gold cufflinks. Jasper was unaware those were even made anymore. He stood about an inch taller than her, but she reminded herself that her heels were adding about an inch to her own height. Looking at him all put together, the word 'gentleman' came to her mind.

Jasper smiled at him and returned to her table as the waiters began moving around serving a 'fancy' dinner, that really appeared to be a simple chicken breast with some kind of sauce on it with rather plain potatoes and over-boiled vegetables. She leaned in toward Garnet and whispered. "How much you think they paid for this per plate?"

Garnet nodded in agreement. "Hopefully the cake is good. Carol told me the other day it's mocha flavor."

"Sounds interesting." Jasper finished her drink as the best man continued giving his speech, which had been going on for a while now. She glanced over at one of the tables near the front and saw Alabaster smile in her direction and wink. Her cheeks felt warm remembering how he'd kissed her hand…it could possibly be from the scotch too. Jameela, allow or not?

Jameela sat back on her couch, one hand to her chin as though she was thinking before finally speaking. Allow, but proceed slowly with caution.

Why caution?

We're done with one night stands – make sure he wants more than that.

It was after the cake had been cut and the first dance when others were heading out onto the floor that he approached their table and extended his hand. "Shall we dance?"

"I…I don't know how." Well, she had actually taken some dance lessons as exercise a few years back, but there was no pole in the ballroom…plus that was hardly appropriate dancing for a wedding.

"You'll never learn if you don't try, darlin'."

"Okay." Jasper allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor and very soon she had fallen in sync with him as they swirled around to the music doing a simple four-step dance.

"Are you by chance a member?" Alabaster asked.

"Are you kidding? I could never afford this place."

"I wasn't sure if perhaps your parents were."

"My family has never been rich by any means. I'm only here for the wedding."

"I'm from what we call old money, so I'm the only one who is a member of this particular country club."

"Oh." Jasper had no idea what to say to that; they were clearly from different worlds, so when the wedding ended there was little chance she'd see him again.

His thumb grazed the back of her hand. "So, Jasper – a strong name for a strong woman – I noticed you are not wearing a wedding ring."

"I am no longer married."

"Divorced?"

"Widowed," she said quietly.

"My condolences."

Jasper shrugged slightly. "It was four years ago."

"No matter how much time has passed, you never stop missing them."

She smiled sadly. "That's true, but it's time to move on. It's what he would have wanted."

Alabaster pulled her a little closer. "I'd like to get to know you better."

"Why me? Why not someone more from…your social circle?"

"I already know everyone in my circle and you seem far more interesting."

Jasper laughed lightly. "I don't know how interesting I am, but if that's what you want."

"Shall we meet for dinner tomorrow night?"

"Yes, I'd like that." Before she left that evening, she left with the name of a restaurant to meet him at, a time for their date and another gentle kiss on her hand.

Jasper decided to be discrete about this one. She gave only a few details to Amethyst, but when she told her the name of the restaurant, her sister's eyes bugged open. "He can afford that? It's uptown and expensive as hell."

"I guess he can if he invited me there."

"Then you need to wear a dress. Pants are too casual for that atmosphere."

She decided to wear the flowing blue spring dress. Her heart pounded as she allowed her GPS to guide her through this unfamiliar area of town that she sometimes drove through but never stopped in. Jasper wasn't surprised that there was only valet parking available and cringed when she saw the price. Well, at least it was cheaper than a parking ticket. Before she could reach for the door handle, a man in a work uniform had opened the door for her and she stepped inside the fancy restaurant, spotting Alabaster right away. He gave her a friendly grin, showing off his perfect teeth and for two seconds she had thoughts of running out.

Why? Jameela asked.

I'm completely out of his league.

I can take over if you…

Not on your life.

Jasper smiled back at him. "Hello."

"You look stunning with your hair down."

She'd had it pinned up for the wedding, but tonight it flowed long and wavy down her back, making her think she resembled Jameela more than ever. He kissed her hand and they followed a waiter back to a table by a window. Jasper allowed him to order wine for them and then opened the menu and raised an eyebrow at the prices. She also wasn't sure what anything was as the dishes listed were all in French. She figured she'd just order the item with the lowest price, but that turned out be escargot and she knew what that was. Yuck!

"You need help, darlin'?"

"I…um…I didn't take French in school."

"Would you like me to order for you?" Alabaster winked at her. "Everything here is good."

She was going to have to put her pride aside this time. Jasper reflected on how she used to be quite the feminist who at one point would never allow a man to do anything for her, much less something so old fashioned as order for her in a restaurant. She folded her menu. "That would be nice, thank you. I'm not overly picky, but I don't like coconut or eggplant."

"Does chicken sound good?"

"That would be fine."

Alabaster ordered for them in French while Jasper sat with her hands folded. Once the waiter walked off, he looked at her, one side of his mouth turning up into a gentle smile. "So, if you don't speak French, what language did you take in school?"

"Spanish, though I don't remember much of it. I speak Arabic though; I learned when I was stationed in the Middle East."

"Military? Were you a nurse over there?"

Was he for real? Was every rich person stuck back five decades ago? "No, I was actually a combat sergeant."

"Well, I'll be. You're quite the remarkable woman. Do you speak any of your native language?"

Jasper resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "My native language is English so, yes, I speak it fluently. If you want to know my ethnic background, you could just ask instead of coming across as ignorant."

"I meant no offense, darlin'. Yes, I have been curious as to your ethnicity. I thought possibly Hawaiian."

"My mother is from Savai'i – one of the islands of Samoa. My father was from American Samoa. My sister and I were born here. And you?"

"I was born in Georgia where generations of my family lived for over two hundred years. Before that, I think we could have come from anywhere in Europe."

The food was divine; Jasper wasn't sure she'd ever pay that much for a chicken dish, but every bite was tender and delicious. Over dinner, she told him about her military career and her family. Alabaster was fairly silent about himself, but she did get out of him that he was fifteen years older than her and he had a sister who ran the West Coast division of the company.

Walking out at the end of the evening into the chilly night air, he kept a hand on her back. "I would like to see you again, darlin'."

"Really?"

"You seem surprised."

"I just…we're from two different worlds. I'm not sure what you see in me."

Alabaster placed a hand on her cheek. "Perhaps I'm not sure what it is yet, but I do know I want to see you again. Would you like that too?"

"Yes."

They exchanged numbers and set up a date for the following Friday. He said he would call her later on in the week to finalize details. "May I kiss you, Jasper?"

She hesitated for a moment, but he had only asked for a goodnight kiss unlike the others who wanted more. Jasper nodded, granting him permission and closed her eyes as he leaned in softly pressing his lips against hers. His arms were around her, holding tight and she could taste mint on his breath. Only for a second did a worried shiver run up her spine as she felt his mustache tickle her skin, but she brushed the fear aside. He had been nothing but kind to her and she had no reason to be scared of him. Instead, that chill of fear was quickly replaced by tingles spreading from her lips and the places on her back where his hands rested warmly. Alabaster pulled away as the valet brought her car around. "I look forward to Friday."

"Me too," she breathed.

"Until then, darlin'." He kissed her forehead before walking her to the driver's side of her car and making sure she got in safely. One more quick kiss on the hand and then he smiled and walked off. Jasper's heart was skipping as she drove away from the restaurant. She wasn't sure what he saw in her or why someone that rich and important was interested, but she definitely couldn't wait to see him again.

Jasper felt discretion as still prudent as she met Alabaster the following Friday for dinner, Saturday for lunch and one evening during the week for drinks. At that meeting, he covered her hand gently and said: "Now, darlin', I hope this isn't too forward, but I'd like to invite you to dinner on Friday evening…at my penthouse apartment."

"Oh…" Jasper's heart pounded. She knew exactly what would happen if she agreed. She'd told herself no more casual sex. In fact, she'd said no dating until she worked on her own issues. However, they had been out four times now and he'd never asked for more than a kiss. He's treated me like a gentleman, she told Jameela.

Even gentlemen have dicks, her alter ego responded.

"I do apologize if it's too soon to ask such a thing."

"No, no," Jasper replied. "I was thinking I would like that."

Alabaster squeezed her hand. "Wonderful. I'll have my driver pick you up around six."

She supposed they knew each other enough that she could give him her address. "That sounds perfect."

Jasper decided to do her very personal grooming the night before so on Friday after work she could quickly shower and change. It had been forever since she'd worn the 'va-va-voom' dress, but she decided that if tonight ended the way she anticipated it would, she wanted to look her best. The knee-length red dress still hugged her curves perfectly, the neckline dipping down to show just enough cleavage to be considered desirable, not distasteful.

Jasper had become quite skilled at doing her makeup, lining her eyes perfectly and giving her lids a smoky effect. Using a stain rather than a gloss, she made her lips the same shade as her dress. Finally taking a look at herself in the full-length mirror she nodded in approval just as the doorbell rang. She heard the running of little feet before her sister yelled: "Crystal!"

Amethyst had already opened the door by the time Jasper descended the stairs and gave her sister a look. "There's some guy here driving a Rolls Royce to pick you up."

"I shouldn't be out too late."

"Who are you dating that owns a car like that?!"

"I'll tell you everything when I can." Jasper hugged Allie who also had a skeptical look on her face.

"At what hour should I call the police if you're not back?" Amethyst asked.

"Just chill, Ames. I've met up with him a few times now; he's perfectly safe."

Amethyst sighed. "Just…text me to stay in touch, okay?"

"Ames, I'll be fine and I'll tell you everything I can when I get back." She followed the driver outside and was escorted into the back of the car. Jasper clasped her hands in her lap and wondered if her sister was right to be concerned. Jameela, you will help me, right?

I'll help by giving advice, but I'm not switching with you. If you do this, you do it as you.

I'm nervous.

That's okay. Just relax and go with it. You've got this.

She watched as small houses gave way to larger, fancy houses and finally to tall buildings until they pulled up in front of a large apartment complex. She'd never been treated like someone important, but the driver opened her door and the usher at the front showed her to the elevator and pressed the buttons for her. Jasper tried to calm her heart as she heard the gentle hum of the elevator as it lifted her high into the building. She was really going to do this…this was really going to happen. She quickly texted Amethyst that she had arrived safely before the motion stopped and the doors opened, pausing for a moment before she stepped out into the hallway and knocked on the oak door.

Alabaster greeter her warmly, taking her in his arms and giving her cheek a kiss. "You look radiant, darlin'."

She could feel herself meld to him as she gave into the embrace. Perhaps it was the age gap, but he always made her feel protected and cherished. What was wrong with her? These were things Jameela would normally be feeling. Jasper didn't need a man, but having one hold her again…as though she mattered…as though she was worthy of love…it felt divine.

The apartment was spacious, decorated simply in black and white décor. Dark rugs protected the hardwood floor from the furniture. In the kitchen, a cook was just plating dinner and gave Jasper a polite nod as Alabaster guided her to the table and pulled out a chair for her. Jasper couldn't remember being treated like a lady – ever. There was a time she'd been a feminist, when she would have snapped at a man for daring to suggest she couldn't do simple tasks for herself. Even when she was married to Bismuth, equality was a huge part of their marriage – they both worked so they both helped with finances; they both did household chores, nothing divided up based on their gender, but rather their abilities. Jasper had opened doors for him and had left little surprises to show him she loved him, just as he had done for her. No man had ever pulled out a chair for her before. She thought that sort of thing only happened in old-time movies. Nonetheless, there was a part of that thought it was incredibly sweet. She sat down at the small table and smiled when he took a seat across from her. "You hesitated."

"Yeah, no one's ever pulled out a chair for me before." She looked at the fancy silverware already set out and the glasses filled with ice water and red wine.

"I believe in treating a lady right."

Jasper chuckled a bit. "No one has ever called me a lady before either."

"Why ever not?"

"I think once you've handled a grenade launcher, you've proven yourself to be one of the guys."

Alabaster laughed, seemingly taking little notice of the cook as he came over and set the plates on the table.

"Thank you," Jasper said simply, earning her a look that told her the man didn't hear this often.

"Anything else, sir, ma'am?" he asked.

Jasper was slightly put off by the way Alabaster simply dismissed the man with a wave of his hand, but kept her feelings to herself. After all, he'd been absolutely wonderful with her. She saw dinner was filet mignon next to a neatly stacked pile of thinly sliced vegetables topped with a red sauce. She knew she'd seen this before and it took a moment before she realized it was ratatouille, but a very fancy version as opposed to simple chopped up stew Bismuth used to make.

"I remember you told me you like steak," Alabaster said.

"It looks delicious." Jasper unfolded her napkin and put it on her lap. She'd never had filet mignon before; her favorite cut of steak was ribeye, though that was arguably less fancy. Plus, she'd always thought the round steaks seemed rather small as she could put away sixteen ounces of beef easily. Still, the meat was cooked perfectly medium-rare and was tender. The red wine went perfectly with it, though she hesitated remembering her sister's nervousness. What if he'd put something in her drink? Stop being paranoid, she told herself. He doesn't have to do that; he already knows he's getting some tonight.

Alabaster waited until they were enjoying their dessert of flourless chocolate cake, topped with fresh made whipped cream before bringing up the subject. "Darlin', I don't think it's any secret why I've asked you here tonight."

Jasper took a sip of her water before responding. "I figured it out."

"Would you like to retire to the bedroom after dinner?"

She could feel the fork shaking a bit in her hand. Why was she so nervous? Oh, right, because all the other guys only wanted one thing and when they'd gotten it, she was tossed aside. "I would, but I've been with other men who only wanted…" what was the polite way to word this, "physical intimacy and afterwards, I never heard from them again. If that's your intention then please let me walk out the door with some pride intact. However, if your intentions are of a more pure nature, then I will sleep with you."

He sat back, the corner of his mouth twisting up in a smile. "You must not have met many decent men."

Nice, certainly. Truly decent? Hell, no. "Honestly, only my father and late husband come to mind there."

"Darlin', if I had only wanted that, I'd have asked on our first date. You are a treasure and I would not discard you so thoughtlessly."

A treasure? No one had ever called her that before. He did seem different than the others; perhaps he did have a genuine interest in her. "Then, my answer is yes."

Alabaster stood and offered her his hand. She'd noticed the cook had gone and she glanced at the dishes on the table. "Should I help with this?"

He laughed. "Darlin', you're too much. My housekeeper will take care of it in the morning."

Jasper took his hand and followed him to the upper landing where he opened a door. Please don't let this be like Fifty Shades of Gray, she silently pleaded, not that she'd ever read it, but she knew the basic premise. The tapping of her shoes echoed off the floor as she walked in and saw the large bed covered in black and white sheets, which were already turned down. Jameela, you're with me, right?

I'm here and you may want to flip your hair and look over your shoulder at him, like now.

Jasper did so as she heard the click of the door closing. Alabaster began undoing his tie. "I hope you don't mind, darlin', but I'm old fashioned and like to be on top."

"That's fine." And it was for their first time; she'd convince him later that having her on top or doing it from behind was just as satisfying. She reached behind her to unzip her dress.

"Now don't you dare take away my fantasy of unwrapping you like a gift." His arms enclosed around her and he kissed her softly.

Jasper felt those familiar tingles spread from her lips to the rest of her body as he deepened the kiss, grazing his tongue along her upper lip as though asking permission. Her teeth parted and she circled his tongue with hers. Alabastar ran his hands along her sides, her hips, her back…seemingly memorizing her body before sliding one hand up to her zipper and slowly pulling it down. He didn't, however, just pull her dress down and she reveled at the feeling of his fingers on her bare skin. He broke the kiss to trail his mouth softly along her cheek, her jaw line, up to her ear, nibbling at her earlobe. Jasper gasped lightly and felt herself relax into him.

"You like that, darlin'?" he murmured.

Her reply came out in a whisper. "Yes."

She felt an uncomfortable shudder up her spine for a second as he nuzzled her neck, his facial hair tickling her skin and for a brief moment she wanted Jameela to switch with her. Jasper took a breath and let it out in a gentle sigh as he nibbled at the flesh of her neck. Alabaster was not going to hurt her; he was not Akhram. Her fingers found the buttons of his suit jacket, undoing them and sliding the fabric away; one by one, she began working on unfastening his shirt. After older guys with beer bellies hitting her up online, it was indeed refreshing to find that, while he may not have been as muscular as her, she could run her hands along the flat planes of his chest and stomach, that his arms had some definition to them.

Alabaster tugged at her dress so it fell from her, pooling at her feet like water. Clasps were undone, zippers pulled down, fabric discarded until they were on the bed, him hovering over her, only a thin layer of air separating their naked bodies. "You're absolutely stunning, darlin'."

His mouth claimed hers – hungrily, aggressively – as he closed the gap between them and pressed himself against her. His hands explored her body, trailing along her sides and back up again, cupping her breasts. She gasped, unsure what she should do or think. Usually, Jameela would have taken over long ago, but she sat there in Jasper's mind, watching, but staying silent on the matter. Jasper dragged her fingernails lightly along the pale skin of his back and felt him shudder in delight. His thumbs were playing with her nipples now, causing heat to pool in her nether regions and she choked on air for a moment, stifling a moan.

His breath was warm against her ear. "Don't you dare hold back." His teeth found her earlobe again, biting gently before his mouth was at her neck again, trailing down to that nook – the curve where her neck met her shoulder, sucking softly before moving lower to catch her nipple between his lips. Jasper leaned her head back and she found her fingers raking through his silvery hair as though encouraging him. Well, she certainly didn't want him to stop! Especially not when his other hand had just slid past her patch of neatly trimmed hair and his fingers were parting her lower folds, expertly finding the small nub of flesh and working it just right with his fingers to make her arch her back and cry out: "Oh, fuck!"

"I hope this is alright, darlin'."

That heat spread from down below, through her veins and she managed a quick, affirmative: "Uh-hnnnn…"

Alabaster paused for a moment to unwrap a condom and roll it on before he lay on her again, rocking against her, covering his cock in her slick before easing into her. He moaned deeply, his fingers entangling in her hair as he moved in and out of her slowly at first. Jasper bent her knees and spread her legs a bit so he could bury himself completely. He kissed her again, passionately, their tongues playing together as he picked up speed, finally pulling away, his hands grasping her hips as he plunged into her. Jasper panted and groaned as he filled her perfectly. She rocked her hips, matching his rhythm as the fire in her body blazed unchecked and out of control. Her fingers clutched the sheets beneath her and she cried out as the first wave of pleasure undulated through her.

Her lover's words came out in staccato bursts of sound between pants of air. "Let…me…hear it…darlin'!"

Jasper felt herself clamp around him as a final surge of power blew through her, a flash of flame – a scorching in her core that made her scream in delight. Alabaster's fingers dug into her hips and he threw his head back and quivered against her, a slight choking sound the only indication of his climax. It was as if time stopped for a moment in the few seconds before he covered her with his body, both of them shining in a light sheen of sweat. Her breath slowed in the cooling, the afterglow of the blaze finally dying down. He kissed her cheek, then her lips gently, stroking her hair. "Stay the night with me."

A million thoughts ran through her head. She should at least let Amethyst know she was okay. She had said she would be home. After all, Allie still liked the time they spent brushing her hair before bed. She had chores that had been left undone. Jasper drew in air and her eyes closed as she felt his lips against her cheek again. It had been so long since she'd shared a bed with a man…truly slept with one, feeling loved and protected. "Yes," she breathed.

By the next morning, there would be ten missed text messages and two frantic voice mails from her sister, one from Allie and a text from her mother.