The Alpha's Runaway Queen

Chapter 17 - Dustin

Jasmine POV

I spent the entire day prepping for my date that night. Excitement and nervousness churned in my stomach, making me feel like I might choke just thinking about it. I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, unsure of how to style my hair. After a few failed attempts, I decided to visit the hair salon. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but luckily, a customer had just backed out, giving me an opening.

The stylist worked her magic, giving my hair soft waves that framed my face perfectly. I thanked her profusely before heading home to pick out my outfit. I settled on a blue wrap dress, pretty yet comfortable. Tonight was important. It had been a long time coming, I felt it was the right time.

I arrived at the restaurant, each step increasing my anxiety. I scanned the room and finally spotted him. Taking a deep breath, I put on a big smile and walked over.

“Hi, Dustin,” I said, trying to sound upbeat.

“Jasmine! Wow, you look amazing,” he replied, standing up to give me a hug.

Dustin was a friend of a friend from med school. He had asked me out numerous times, but I had always declined. Dating wasn’t on my agenda back then; I was focused on becoming a doctor. He eventually stopped pursuing me in the middle of med school, and then I found out a few weeks ago that he had been in a couple of relationships and that he had just broken up with his last girlfriend a couple of months ago. I guessed he was already back in the dating scene. Dustin was handsome, lean, and tall, thought not as tall as Reagan. Not as gorgeous as Reagan either.

Ashamed of comparing the two men, I shook my head, trying to push Reagan out of my mind. I needed to focus on Dustin that night.

The dinner was wonderful. The conversation flowed smoothly, with no awkwardness between us. We talked about our jobs, our friends, and our hobbies. Nothing unusual happened until it was time to pay. Dustin insisted on covering the bill, but as he patted his back pocket, then his shirt pocket, and finally the inside pocket of his jacket, his face reddened with embarrassment.

“I’m so sorry, Jasmine. I must have left the wallet at home,” he stammered.

I smiled reassuringly. “It’s okay. I can pay.” It was not a problem. I was having a great time.

“I’ll pay you back,” he said.

“Don’t worry about it,” I answered, patting his hand.

I took a few bills out of my purse and placed them on the table. Dustin looked mortified, but I tried to brush it off. After dinner, he didn’t seem keen on going to the movies anymore.

“How about a walk instead?” I suggested.

Dustin hesitated. “I have a better idea. Why don’t we go to my apartment and watch something there? I have ice cream.”

A knot of discomfort tightened in my stomach. I sensed that his plans for the night extended beyond just watching movies. At twenty-seven, I was still a virgin, a decision rooted in my past and my principles.

“I think a walk sounds nice,” I said firmly, trying to keep the mood light. “I love the fresh air.”

He looked slightly disappointed but agreed. We walked through the city, the cool night air refreshing. He talked about his family, while I just listened silently. I changed the topic back to our jobs, asking him about his latest project. Despite the earlier tension, we managed to enjoy ourselves. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Dustin’s disappointment lingered beneath the surface.

When we finally said goodnight, I felt a sense of relief. More so knowing I brought my own car. The night had been pleasant, but something was missing. As I drove back to my apartment, Reagan again filled my thoughts. I hadn’t been looking for my mate, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I was missing out on something important by not having found him. Or perhaps I had already found him, and he was just out reach.

The following days were busy with long shifts at the hospital and a conference to attend. I threw myself into work, using the distraction to keep my thoughts from drifting back to that night and the unresolved feelings it stirred. Life as a doctor was demanding, but it kept me grounded.

.

.

.

Dustin asked me out again, and that time we actually made it to the movies. It felt almost normal, like any other couple on a simple date. The movie was a light-hearted comedy, which was a good distraction from my usual stressful routine. After the movie, we went to an ice cream shop nearby. The atmosphere was relaxed, and we chatted about everything and nothing, enjoying our cones as the city buzzed around us.

“What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?” Dustin asked, grinning as he took a big bite of his mint chocolate chip.

“I’d have to say chocolate chip cookie dough,” I replied, savoring my scoop. “It’s because I love chocolate chip cookies.”

“I can see that,” he said thoughtfully. “You seem like a cookie monster to me.” He then chuckled at his joke.

I laughed. “What does that even mean?”

He shrugged, still smiling. “It means you’re sweet, with a bit of an edge. It’s a good thing.”

We continued talking and laughing, the conversation flowing easily. Dustin was easy to be around, and for a while, it was nice to forget about everything else. The night ended on a pleasant note, and it wasn’t long before more dates followed. Dustin was mostly flexible with my hectic schedule, understanding the demands of my job. I had also started my pediatric fellowship that brought more chaos into my busy life.

But as time passed, I noticed a change. Dustin’s calls and messages became less frequent. At first, I thought he was just busy, but eventually, it became clear. One day, I realized he had stopped contacting me altogether. There were no more good morning texts, no more spontaneous plans. Just silence.

I found myself staring at my phone, waiting for a message that wouldn’t come. Part of me felt a pang of disappointment, but another part felt relief. It was better that way. Dustin deserved someone who could fully commit to a relationship, and I wasn’t that person. Our dates had been nice, but there were no sparks, no deep connection. I had gone out with him for companionship, to fill a void that still lingered despite my busy life.

One evening, I sat in my apartment, reflecting on the brief time I had spent with Dustin. It had been a pleasant distraction, but it was clear that I wasn’t ready for anything more. My heart was still guarded, still holding on to the past in ways I couldn’t fully understand.