Mesmerised by the Alpha

Chapter 6. Party Girl

The town came into view like a picture postcard, nestled in the valley and lined with beautiful hanging baskets overflowing with colourful blooms. Jasmine leaned forward in her seat, peering out the windscreen with curiosity and quiet awe.

"Welcome to Elmridge," Dana said with a proud smile. "Quaint little place, isn’t it? That pub there—" she pointed to a whitewashed building with dark timber beams and stained-glass windows, "—has the best gin collection you’ll ever find this side of the country. And their apple pie is something else. Not quite as good as mine, of course." She winked.

Jasmine chuckled. "I'll be the judge of that."

Dana continued as she drove slowly through the main street. "I used to cook there, you know. Before I was poached by the owners of St Amstein. Met them one busy evening, whipped up a storm in the kitchen, and next thing I know—they're offering me the job of a lifetime."

They passed a series of local shops, each with its own character. Dana pointed out a clothes shop with an elegantly painted sign and window display featuring vintage and modern fashion. Next to it was a compact DIY store, its front cluttered with tools, seed packets and garden furniture.

"Some handy spots around here. And there—" she pointed across the road to a tiny coffee shop with ivy crawling up its stone walls, "—meet me there in an hour. Go have a wander, get yourself something nice. I’ll treat you to a drink and cake after."

Jasmine nodded eagerly and stepped out of the car with a wave, heading straight for the clothing shop.

The little bell above the door jingled as she entered. A strong waft of incense and vanilla greeted her nose, and she was surprised to find the shop manned by a goth-looking teenager. The girl had heavy eyeliner, false lashes that seemed to flutter like wings, and an eyebrow piercing that glinted under the lights.

"Hiya," the girl said brightly. "Welcome to Stitch and Story. Let me know if you need help with sizing or anything."

"Thanks," Jasmine smiled, starting to browse. She found a rack of flowy dresses, intrigued by the mix of modern and vintage styles.

"You're not from around here, are you?" the girl asked, drifting closer.

"No, just moved up to work at St Amstein."

The girl's expression shifted for a heartbeat, something unreadable flickering in her eyes before she smiled again. "Ah, the hotel. I'm Nora. I live here in town with my brother. Mum used to own this shop, but she passed away a couple of years ago. So, I took over."

"I’m so sorry to hear about your mum," Jasmine said gently.

"Thanks. She loved this place." Nora smiled, but before Jasmine could reply, the shop door jingled again.

Nora glanced over Jasmine’s shoulder. "Excuse me a sec."

Jasmine didn’t turn around, but she could feel it—something in the atmosphere shifted. A low, masculine voice began chatting with Nora, and every word he spoke wrapped around Jasmine like velvet. Her skin prickled, her heart thudded unexpectedly. Embarrassed by her own reaction, she kept her eyes focused on a nearby display.

She selected a few items—some dresses, trousers, and tops—before her gaze landed on a mannequin wearing a sexy red dress. It was short, low-cut, with thin straps and a daring slit up one thigh. Something about it called to her.

As she reached out to touch the fabric, a warm presence moved behind her. "You a party girl?" the voice rumbled.

Jasmine froze. The voice was smooth, but deep. It sent a shiver spiralling down her spine.

She turned slowly. "Pardon?"

Her breath hitched. He was tall, with tousled dark brown hair, striking green-blue eyes and a body that practically radiated heat. He smelled like cedar and pine. Forest. Earth.

"That dress," he said, his mouth twitching into a crooked grin. "Looks like something a party girl might wear."

Jasmine opened her mouth, but no words came. Her mind went blank under his gaze.

Thankfully, Nora came to her rescue. She stepped between them with a laugh. "Don’t mind him. This is my annoying older brother, Theo. He owns the DIY store next door. Thinks he’s God’s gift."

Theo offered his hand. Jasmine took it without thinking—and immediately wished she hadn’t. Heat travelled up her arm like a current, and goosebumps rose on her skin.

"I’m Jasmine," she managed to say. "Nice to meet you."

She dropped his hand quickly and made an excuse. "Please excuse me, I should get going. I'm meant to be meeting a friend at the cafe."

"Pleasure’s mine," Theo said, watching her with interest.

She paid for her items, offered Nora a quick goodbye, and exited the shop with her heart thudding. To calm herself, she made a beeline for the DIY store. It was quieter, more practical. She browsed until she found a pair of gardening gloves, then turned down an aisle—and saw Theo again.

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you following me?"

He leaned on a shelf, that same cocky grin on his lips. "Maybe you’re the one following me. I own this place, remember?"

She laughed. "Convenient."

They chatted for a moment, their banter easy, surprisingly comfortable. She admitted to working at St Amstein.

"Yeah, I know," Theo said.

Jasmine tilted her head. "How?"

He hesitated. "Heard you tell Nora."

"Right..." she said, unconvinced.

She glanced at the time. "I really should go—My friend's waiting. Let me guess, I'll probably see you at the cafe, which you obviously own too, right?"

He chuckled. "Not yet."

Jasmine walked off, grinning to herself.

At the cafe, Dana was already seated at a table by the window, a steaming mug and a decadent slice of chocolate cake waiting.

"You were gone a while," Dana said with a knowing smile. "Shopping spree?"

Jasmine lifted her bags. "Couldn’t help myself."

"Sit. Eat. You’ll love this cake."

Jasmine took a bite, her eyes closing in delight. "Oh wow. Okay. You weren’t lying."

Dana sipped her coffee. "This place is a little treasure trove. The hotel’s not the only gem around here."

"Tell me more about the hotel," Jasmine said between bites.

Dana nodded. "It’s been in the Fitzgerald family for centuries. Old blood. After a fire in the East Wing, they decided to modernise the whole place."

"I didn’t get shown the East Wing," Jasmine mused.

"That’s because the Fitzgeralds live there. Staff aren’t allowed in, mostly."

"What are they like?"

"Lovely old couple. They don’t bother with day-to-day stuff. Mostly travel and raise money for charity. Right now, they’re off in Asia for a few months."

Jasmine nodded, then mentioned meeting Nora and Theo.

Dana’s face softened. "Good kids. Their parents were pillars of this town before they passed. Car crash. Theo’s taken on a lot—raising Nora and their youngest brother, Ashton. He was only seven at the time."

"That’s a heavy load," Jasmine murmured.

"It is. I hope he finds someone to share it with one day. A nice mate to—" Dana stopped, then chuckled. "Sorry. Girlfriend. I meant girlfriend."

Jasmine grinned. "He does seem...interesting."

Dana winked. "And those muscles—he looks like he could chop down a tree with his bare hands!"

Jasmine blushed and changed the subject. "This cake is unreal."

Dana patted her hand. "Stick with me, Jasmine. You’re going to love it here."

Jasmine leaned back in her chair, watching the town through the cafe window. Elmridge, with its strange new faces and sudden sparks, was beginning to feel like the start of something magical.