Promise Me Read online

  “What makes you say that?”

  “I tried to run from Damien, and a very good friend of mine helped me stick it out. Now, thanks to her, I’m happily married to the man of my dreams.”

  She gave me another squeeze, and I smiled. It made me feel good, knowing I had helped her out with her relationship even if I was terrible at having one myself. It gave me hope.

  I tapped my chin. “Hmm…maybe I can convince Wales that we’re even again, so he can quit holding that damn bet over my head. I still can’t believe that he got you to understand sports and not mind attending the events. I tried for years. I just don’t get it.”

  Shaking my head in disgust and irritation earned me a little giggle from my dear friend.

  Allison knew I was ready to move on from the serious conversation. She knew me more than I gave her credit for sometimes. Not pushing me to tell her what had happened made her a saint in my eyes.

  “Oh, Sam, it’s the power of the P. You never had a chance.”

  And with that, she took a big bite, and I giggled.

  We arrived in Colorado in record time. Flying in a personal jet, especially one with a bedroom, had definitely been the way to travel. Before even boarding the plane, Allison and I had decided that we were commandeering the bedroom and taking a nap. If I didn’t get my sleep schedule back on track soon, my nights and days were going to be reversed. I was officially starting my job in a few weeks, and I needed to be on top of my game.

  Damien and Mark had stayed in the main cabin and worked. I had heard Mark ask Damien about suggestions regarding PR announcements, which caused that flip-flop motion in my stomach to occur. At this time, I was going to ignore the upcoming announcement of our relationship until it actually happened. Our relationship going public in the media was too much to think about right now.

  We were driving to Mark’s home, and Allison and Damien were in a separate car in case Damien needed to leave unexpectedly. Security was with them, and I thought Allison had probably insisted on that since they could be overwhelming at times. I needed to be as calm as possible.

  My phone pinged with a text message.

  Allison: We are going to stop off at a place I saw. We’ll be about thirty minutes or so behind.

  Me: Sounds good.

  I knew she was giving me a few moments alone with Mark, so I could acclimate myself to being at my boyfriend’s place without other people. I love her.

  My nerves were a little frayed. Mark and I had not talked any more about my erratic night behavior. Mark was something I definitely wanted, but the toll it was taking on me mentally was exhausting. I knew his parents were nearby, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to meet them.

  As we continued on the drive, I felt like I needed to say something, but I didn’t have the nerve. I hated how insecure this made me feel. The world saw me as an outgoing girl without a care in the world, but the inside of me was a totally different person.

  I stared off into the distance at the beautiful mountains, trying to calm myself. There was a residual snowcap on the highest of the mountain peaks. We were leaving a quaint town, and at the base of the mountain, we turned off onto a road. The coloring of the green foliage was amazing. Trees surrounded us on both sides of the roads. It felt like I was passing into another world, my own fairy tale.

  We drove through iron gates and entered a driveway. His house was incredible. It was a stone and wood mixture with a modern and rustic feel. A huge iron light fixture hung from the front porch. Trees were all over the yard, strategically placed to add to the ambience. It wasn’t what I had expected, but it felt like Mark at the same time.

  He placed a hand on my moving leg, and I startled slightly.

  “What do you think?” His voice was low.

  I looked over at him, and he actually seemed nervous.

  “It’s beautiful. I love it.”

  He smiled, seeming truly relieved. “I’m glad. My parents live across the lake behind the house. My sister and her husband live halfway between our places. We aren’t going to meet them this time around. Maybe next time.”

  The fact that he wanted there to be a next time made me smile. I was also relieved that I wouldn’t have the pressure of first impressions with his family, and I relaxed some.

  “Okay. Do you guys have the entire lake?” I looked back out the window and noticed the water behind the house for the first time.

  “We have all but one section. We bought the tracts when they became available over the years. It gives us some isolation. My dad did well with his investments, and I haven’t done too badly with the team. Between the both of us, we’ve been able to buy land as it becomes available. Let’s get out, and I’ll show you around.”

  I opened the truck door and took in the smell of cedar. It was rejuvenating. The mountains in the background created one of those settings seen in paintings. Mark grabbed me from behind and pulled me to him.

  He kissed the back of my head as I murmured, “Thank you for bringing me here.”

  He turned me around, and he looked at me for a moment. It was as if he was about to say something, but he decided to kiss me instead. It was slow and the most loving kiss he had given me yet. He pulled back and looked in my eyes again. His green eyes sparkled in the light. He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the house.

  As we walked up the stairs, I worked on squelching that earlier fear, remembering Edna’s confirmation to me that messy was right. Mark looked at me so tenderly, and I reveled in it, pushing aside those other unpleasant feelings.

  We walked inside, and Mark began showing me around the place. Wood beams lined the ceiling. The house was done in browns and reds. I instantly felt at home with the warmth, and I pictured myself curled up by the fireplace while snow fell outside. It had just enough of a modern edge that made it eclectic. We were in the kitchen, and Mark was pouring me a glass of wine when my phone chirped. It was Allison.

  Allison: We are almost there. Just trying to save my eyes from another unwanted visual.

  Me: Shut it. I don’t want to have to call you the B word.

  Allison: I’d rather be called the B word than walk into P-and-V action.

  Me: Funny. Biotch.

  Allison: Muah! Xoxo

  Me: Xoxo

  I couldn’t help but chuckle. I wished she hadn’t walked in on Mark and me at my condo because she was never going to let me live that down.

  “They’re on their way.”

  “What’s so funny?” His brow quirked up as he finished pouring his own glass of wine.

  We clinked glasses as I responded, “Allison refuses to walk in unannounced anytime we are alone.”

  “Smart girl.”

  Mark put down his glass, and I followed suit. He started to prowl toward me, and I knew what was on his mind.

  “No, no, no.” I started to round the island, keeping it between us. “You stay away.”

  He continued to stalk me as I laughed nervously. If he touched me, my body would ignite, and all normal reasoning would be gone. My mind was craving a hard, fast release.

  “I mean it, Mark. We have tonight.”

  He stilled for a moment, but then he continued on, and I kept going around and around the island, keeping him on the opposite side.

  “If you don’t stop, I won’t show you what I brought for this evening,” I said.

  That made him stop dead in his tracks. He put his hands up, surrendering this game, and slowly walked to me.

  “What do you have for me tonight?” he asked.

  His hands moved to my hips and he pulled me against him. I felt his breath on my lips. My stomach quivered at the thought of what his lips had done to me on numerous occasions.

  “You’ll have to wait to find out.”

  We both slowly inched our mouths together, and our breaths mingled. The moment our lips touched, they fused together, like two magnets drawn to each other. His tongue swiped across my lips for entry, and I granted it to him immediately. His hands were slowly mo
ving down my backside, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. My libido came roaring to the front.

  I was about to suggest taking this to his bedroom when I heard, “Holy hell, you guys. I even gave you a warning that I was coming. Seriously?”

  I disengaged and saw Allison with her hands on her hips. Even agitated, she was still adorable.

  “You guys, there are some things that cannot be unseen,” she said.

  Mark obviously wasn’t going to respond. Traitor. Though, in his defense, I’d left him completely on his own when he tried to be all suave the time she caught us spread out on the floor of my entryway.

  Damien strolled into the room, put his hands on Allison’s shoulders, and looked at all of us.

  Here we go.

  Speaking to his wife, he asked, “What’s going on? Sam looks like she’s about to die of embarrassment, and you look like you’ve seen something out of a horror show.”

  Being the intelligent man Damien was, he quickly caught on and gave one of those cat-ate-the-canary grins at Mark.

  Boys. My face heated even more, if that were possible. I wasn’t sure why I was getting embarrassed and not embracing it and playing it off like I normally would. If it had been me with an easy conquest, I honestly wouldn’t have given a damn, but being with Mark made it all different.

  Allison looked up at Damien and saw his smile. She gave him a light smack on the chest and simply responded, “Do not encourage them.”

  Smiling her sweet smile, she turned back to Mark and me. I pleaded with my eyes for her to change the subject.

  She answered my request when she asked, “What are the plans for dinner?”

  I gave her a wink, and she smiled.

  I knew I was actually getting off easy compared to the shit I would be giving her, and she knew it. It was obvious what she was doing since she was still only eating the basics.

  Becoming the gracious host, Mark joined the conversation. “I had the house stocked with meals, or we can go into town and eat. Whatever the ladies prefer.”

  I looked at Allison, and we both blurted out, “Here,” in unison. We looked at each other and laughed.

  I guessed we both wanted a peaceful night in. With everyone’s hectic schedules, it was actually a treat to be able to relax and dine.

  Mark gave me a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll get dinner ready if you want to go freshen up.”

  After offering to help Mark, Damien kissed Allison. The love I felt in this room caused my heart to clench in pain. I wanted that myself, but I knew it wasn’t likely.

  I scurried out of the room before Mark could see my face.

  Dinner had been delicious, and we were now sitting on the back porch, sipping wine on the love seats, with the exception of Allison, who was having juice.

  She yawned, and Damien rose, holding out his hand.

  “I think we are going to turn in for the evening. I guess we’ll be leaving in the early hours, if we’re still going,” Damien said.

  Allison stood. “There’s no option. You guys are going. Period.”

  She gave a sweet little smile to Mark and me before heading to the room with Damien.

  Mark pulled me closer, and we stared out onto the lake on this clear night.

  “Do you see that clearing over there?” His finger pointed to a place to the left of the house.

  “Yes.”

  “That’s where I plan on building a guest house this spring. It would be a smaller version of this place. I’d like to show you the plans sometime to see what you think.”

  I laid my head on his as I yawned. “I’d like that.”

  “Why don’t you head upstairs to the bedroom while I lock up? It’s been a long day.”

  Standing, I stretched. Refusing to let fear enter my mind, I replied, “Perfect. See you upstairs in a few.”

  He gave me a loving kiss, and I tried to walk nonchalantly into the house.

  My heart started beating faster as I climbed the stairs. I refused to think about the fact that I still hadn’t slept an entire night with Mark. When he couldn’t see me anymore, I bolted up to our room to get ready for bed. I had purchased lingerie as a surprise for him, and I was nervous that he might not like it because he had only seen me in more provocative clothing. The white ruffle-tiered chiffon nightie had a satin ribbon that tied below the deep V lace cups. The nightie hit just below my ass. It was sophisticated but had some flare to it at the same time.

  I ran my hands through my hair a few times, adding volume. Hopefully, this would get Mark in the mood. I liked dressing up. Plus, I needed the distraction. I needed that feeling to keep all my other thoughts at bay.

  I can do this tonight. I will stay the night with him.

  After putting all my stuff back into my bag, I headed into the bedroom. Mark was pulling the pillows off the bed. He looked to be deep in thought. It all seemed so domesticated, like we had been doing this exact same thing in this house for years. My throat tightened as I saw a life I wanted.

  Mark glanced behind him as if he was checking to see if I had come out yet. He saw me and stopped pulling the bedspread back. He stood there and stared, not saying a word. I began to wonder if I had taken it too far, getting this type of lingerie versus my more crazy, seductive outfits.

  As I was right on the verge of turning around, Mark said, “You’re gorgeous…unbelievably breathtaking.”

  I smiled. “Thanks. I was hoping you would like it.”

  I gave a little turn, and before I completed it, I was up in his arms. My legs automatically locked around his waist, and our mouths connected. The rush to finish took over as we started devouring each other.

  He walked me back to his bed, and his hands began to roam. He finally made it underneath my nightie and groaned in approval when he found I had chosen to stay bare. We crashed onto the bed. He pulled back and practically ripped off his clothes, not giving me a chance to help. I loved his wild abandonment that caused all my chaotic thoughts to disappear. In moments like these, my raging hormonal fire took over, consuming everything else in flames. The freeness that I felt when I had an orgasm was what drove me to these moments, caused me to want these moments, and kept me seeking these moments over and over again.

  I was sprawled on the bed as he stood there, staring at me for a millisecond, and something changed. He reached for my foot and slowly began moving his finger along the arch and up to my calf and then to the inner part of my thigh. It left a wake of goose bumps, causing me to moan. I wanted him inside me. He repeated the motion on my other leg.

  Why the hell is he taking his time? We never take our time. I was getting frustrated, needing that relief that made my mind blank out and leave reality.

  I looked down. He was hard, and I knew he wanted me badly. His erection jumped each time he touched me. He slowly climbed on the bed and began kissing my leg where his fingers had left off. He kissed to the apex of my thigh. As he made it to my core, his tongue came out and tasted me thoroughly. His mouth went to my cleft, giving each centimeter of me equal attention. As he made his way back up to my clit, two fingers slipped inside, and he began to suck me harder. It felt so good, having the constant pressure on my sensitive flesh, while he stroked my walls. I was incoherently moaning as the tingles began to take over my body, signaling I was close to my release.

  He slightly nibbled on my nub, and it sent my body over the edge as my body was consumed with euphoria. While I was still on the high, his hands started to move up my legs to my stomach. He worshiped my body as his lips went to my breasts.

  “You’re incredible. I could taste you all day.”

  “Please, I need you.”

  My mind froze when I realized what I had said. I had never admitted that I needed someone before. Mark came over to me and was smiling sexily at me, satisfied with my admission, as his green eyes raked me in. His stomach muscles were taut, and I reached up to run my fingers along them. His body trembled beneath my touch. His mouth slowly came down to the exposed section of skin betwe
en my breasts, and he started kissing me there. I wanted him to rip the clothes off my body, but he did the opposite as he made his way to my nipple and sucked it into his mouth. I had just had an intense orgasm, but I needed another one.

  One hand snaked around my back as his mouth continued to suck each of my nipples. He lifted my arms, and he slowly removed my nightie, leaving me completely exposed. I had been naked around him countless times, but this time felt more intimate. Before I had time to process, he laid me back down, and his mouth sought mine, his tongue slowly exploring. Our tongues danced together, fully tasting and appreciating each other. The heat of his body, the touch of hands, the feeling of his tongue had my brain completely scrambled.

  I felt him slowly slide into me. The slow and sensual feeling was exquisite. We found our rhythm, and it was intense. Our hands were memorizing each other as we fit our bodies together.

  I was on the brink of a cataclysmic orgasm. Mark must have been right there with me as he pulled back and locked his eyes with mine. He continued to build me as he pumped into me. The moment our eyes met, I felt the heat spread as my orgasm took hold, like a wave building toward the shore. Mark reached his point of no return at the same time I did, and we maintained eye contact as he spilled himself into me.

  “I’m never letting you go, Sam.”

  Those words caused my world to snap back into reality. I smiled, but I knew it was tentative.

  Mark and I had just made love. We hadn’t fucked. We had made love. I had never made love with anyone before, and I thought my heart was going to seize in fear.

  I lay there for what seemed like an eternity while my heart hammered a million beats a second. Mark had a near death grip on me, and he hadn’t let go since he had slipped out of me and pulled me to his side. I wasn’t able to speak. Shocked was too simple of a word to express how I was feeling right now. My mouth refused to work, so I stayed silent. Without a word, he pulled the covers on top of us, and I closed my eyes. Like a coward, I pretended to fall asleep after his admission of never letting me go.