Outskirts Press, INC.

Loosely inspired by true events, Bound by Memphis, by Jennifer J. Hayes, is the steamy, sultry romantic story of Jasmine Henderson, a successful public relations consultant who has everything she’s wanted in life… Well, just about everything. Fourteen years ago, while planning her wedding to Melvin Brown, better known as MB, she was left at the altar with no explanations. Although she assumed she’d never move on, she ended up meeting and marrying the love of her life, Chauncey M. Henderson, and having a child, years later. It’s when Jasmine’s latest work venture places her in the city that holds memories to her past, Memphis, MB resurfaces when he learns she’s back in town. Although Jasmine loves her husband, her son, and her life, she can’t deny the passion and chemistry that she once shared with MB. Briefly away from her family and home in Dallas, Jasmine is left alone to deal with these emotions and unresolved questions of MB. She goes looking for answers to why he walked away. When forced to confront painful memories she awakens something she thought died long ago. In this novel, Jasmine discovers herself as she explores the depths of her former love versus her current life, and learns “Love doesn't change, people change.” Bound by Memphis takes you on an insightful journey of love, joy, and pain, and gives a deeper meaning to why sometimes "you have to lose happiness to find it again."

Four weeks away from Chauncey and Manny, while I was opening the new Lonz, Inc. location, in Memphis, was long enough. I was so ready to head back to Dallas, a familiar territory, and everything I loved. My flight was due to leave on Monday morning; but since I had managed to land this huge account with Donnie Wright, retired NFL player for the Tennessee Trojans, my weekend was now free. I contemplated going home early. I even started packing, but something was telling me maybe I should stay and try to reach MB, one more time. There was so much that I wanted to tell him. I made a promise to myself that this would be the last time I contacted him, if I ever returned to Memphis. It was getting late, and I was sure MB was at home with his family, having a Friday night blockbuster with his boys and his wife, Darla. I was just finishing up my second glass of Shiraz, when I heard a knock at my hotel door. “Who is it?” I shouted, hoping it was just the concierge, checking to see if I needed more towels. I was in no mood for company. I had just gotten out of the shower, thrown on a short, linen robe, and tied my hair in a soft, loose ponytail. I had planned on a quiet evening with myself, my Penfolds St. Henri, and my thoughts. So, who the hell was this interrupting my evening? After a few moments of silence, I looked through the peephole and didn't see anyone. I opened the door. To my surprise, MB was standing there, staring directly into my eyes. “What are you doing here, MB?” I asked. Deep inside, I knew his answer. However, this time, I wanted him to verbalize it. I wanted him to say it. I was done with assumptions, dreams, and fantasies. I wanted Melvin to profess his feelings. For half my life, I had loved this man. Let me say this again: I… LOVED… ME… SOME…. MB. Why, knowing that what we had was so rare, would he ever…? MB grabbed me tight. With his arm around my waist, placing one finger over my mouth, “Shhhhh, Jazz. I am taking you down to the Delta.” He said, “What I need you to do is forget about everything, for these next few days… Jazz, we can’t go back and change the past, and I have no clue as to what our future holds.” He pulled me even tighter. As his lips touched my ear, he whispered, “I need you, Jazz, Baby. I’ve never stopped needing you.” His voice sounded different, this time. I felt his breath against my neck. The tone and cadence in his voice sent chills all over my body. At that very moment, I forgot about my wonderful life, awaiting me in Dallas. I didn't ponder “what-ifs,” or even stop to think about consequences. I closed my eyes, just for a moment. Then without thought, I leaned back in MB’s arms and let it all go………