Promises to Keep

by Vanessa Devereaux

  Now that she’d taken off her boots she realized how tall he was. She stood on tiptoe to kiss him.

  “You have the softest lips,” he whispered.

  “The lady who sells me the lip gloss will be so happy to hear that,” she said, running her fingers over his mouth. “Yours are pretty nice, too.”

  He smiled. He had the most wonderful smile and each time she saw it, it made her happy inside. Cole inched his hand up under her sweater. It tickled.

  “You use that gloss on your belly too, because it’s really soft and smooth?” he asked

  “All my beauty secrets are being revealed tonight.”

  He got hold of her hand and led her over to the bed. He sat down and slowly unbuttoned the clasp on her jeans. Next he pulled down the zipper, causing air to kiss her belly. He looked up at her as he pulled the two sides of the pants apart.

  Taking her by surprise, he leaned in and placed his lips on her belly. She drew in her breath and ran her fingers through his hair.

  “You smell as pretty as you look,” he said.

  Cole eased her jeans over her hips. Hayley wiggled somewhat to help him. He leaned over and ran his hands under her sweater, bunching it up so he could raise it over her head.

  Now in only her bra and panties, she couldn’t help but shiver.

  “Hey, you cold?” he asked, running his hands up and down her arms.

  “Just a little.”

  “I guess we’ll have to use our body heat to keep warm.”

  He quickly took off his shirt and jeans before she’d had a chance to voice her request that she wanted to do it.

  Maybe next time. Hopefully there will be a next time.

  Cole pressed his body into hers. Yeah, she could feel the heat. She could also feel his erection too. Hard, strong, and his cock pulsed against her belly now.

  “That feel better?”

  “A whole lot,” she said.

  They kissed again. This time a longer, tongues sliding over one another’s lips sort of one, until finally she yielded to him. Cole slid his tongue into her mouth. The room was spinning around, and around and she wondered if she was dreaming all this. She was about to make love to the cowboy she’d had her eyes on since she’d spotted him at the tree lot. How romantic was that?

  They pulled away, Cole tracing the lace of her bra with his fingers. They passed over her nipples. She closed her eyes, feeling them turn hard and suddenly super-sensitive. He reached behind her back, unclasping the bra, and allowing it to fall to the floor. Cole stroked her nipples with the backs of his fingers. Gently, and barely touching them, but that’s what made it all the more exciting. Now holding both her breasts in his hands, he kissed her again and then pulled away looking straight at her.

  “Yeah, it’s all like riding a bike,” she said, running her fingers down his belly and into the downy hair around his navel. A trail of dark hair went down beyond his boxers. She wanted to explore and learn just how far it went.

  Easing her hand down under its band, she looked for any sign that maybe she was doing something wrong, that maybe Cole was the type of guy who liked to lead and be in control during sex. So far no protests.

  She found his cock. Big, hard, and she could even feel its veins too. She was sure the movement under her fingertips was the blood pumping through them. She had to see for herself. She pushed his boxers over his butt. Looking down, she saw his cock was hard and red, and…

  Shit, she wanted him soon, wanted him inside her, warming her, thrilling her.

  Her panties felt suddenly damp, uncomfortable. Whether he liked it or not, she needed to free her body of them.

  She eased them over her hips, wiggling once again to speed the chore. They fell on top of her feet, so she kicked them away. He did the same with his boxers.

  They stood naked, his cock mere inches from her belly and her mound, and she almost wanted to lick her lips.

  He pulled her in close, his dick brushing her pubic hair. She didn’t know why she wanted to, but it seemed the right thing to do at his point. She jumped up into his arms, wrapping her legs around his muscular hips. His cock passed over her pussy lips and she felt it pulsate against her.

  “I think we should get me sheathed, don’t you?”

  She knew what he meant. They were both at the point of no return, but she hated the thought that she had to move away from his body so she could get the condoms.

  She jumped back on the floor and turned. His finger traced the tattoo on her right butt cheek.

  “One of my mistakes,” she said, turning around and handing him the foil package from her purse.

  “Cowboy hat. I like it.”

  “My welcome to Wyoming gift.”

  “I think I can offer you something better than a tattoo.”

  He tore open the package but was all fingers and thumbs sheathing himself. “Shit, I haven’t done this in years.”

  She took it from him, lifted his cock and with one fluid movement, covered his dick.

  “I promise I’ll be better next time,” he said, running his finger down the side of her face.

  So there is going to be a next time.

  They seemed to know what each other wanted as they eased onto the bed, kissing, hugging and exploring one another’s bodies. His fingers delved deep among her folds. Teasing her, he playfully bit her lip while circling her clit.

  “You must have been an expert bike rider,” she said.

  He played with her some more, bringing her closer and closer. Then his finger slipped inside her, and she experienced what she could only describe as a mini-climax. Something like an appetizer before a gourmet meal. Yeah, she knew Cole would serve her that sort of experience.

  They kissed, and then he nudged her legs open, ran his hands up the inside of her thighs and, wow, he was inside her. He was big and hard, yet gentle as he began with tiny thrusts that brought every nerve ending in her body to life again. She rubbed her hands over his shoulders, feeling the muscles hard against her palms as he held his body over hers.

  He moved faster and harder, making her groan a little.

  “You okay?” he whispered.

  She couldn’t speak, only nod. To give him encouragement that he was doing exactly what she liked, she lifted her legs and wrapped them tightly around his butt. The action caused his cock to slip deeper inside her.

  This was pretty fantastic and as he moved faster, Hayley felt her pussy pull and throb.

  Her ex hadn’t been the most skilled of lovers. She’d only just realized that because Cole was already making her body feel like it never had before.

  She was falling into a warm, dark abyss where a stunning climax was on the horizon. She knew it. The skin on her legs tingled. Her heart beat faster. Her skin prickled and then holy moly, he’d given her a climax that made her lower lip quiver, and she wanted to cry out.

  Hayley had to fight back the tears. It had been intense and somewhat emotional. She’d never been like this before with other men. She hadn’t known him that long, but it seemed like they were old souls who’d been together a life time.

  Did he feel that, too?

  His breathing grew rapid and then she heard him sigh close to her ear and he stopped thrusting.

  He didn’t pull out of her straight away; neither did he let her take the weight of his body.

  They smiled at one another and then he slid out of her and lay by her side. He offered her his hand. She took it. And they both looked up and the ceiling.

  “I guess this also makes me guilty of sleeping with a guest. Although it was only one for me.”

  Cole turned over to look at her. “Your fiancé slept with a couple of guests?”

  She’d forgotten he hadn’t heard the whole story.

  “Yep, found all three of them in the same bed.”

  “You’re joking. He slept with two women at the same time?”

  “Unfortunately it’s no joke but the truth.”

  “Geez. Glad to hear you kicked him out.”
r />   “Of course, that was back in the days when we had more than one person staying here at a time.”

  She laughed, and then he did. He lifted up her hand and kissed the back of it.

  “You know you have a sense of humor similar to Amanda.”

  It was Hayley’s turn to roll over and look at Cole.

  “Is that a good thing?”

  He tweaked her on the nose. “It’s a very good thing.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Cole hoped he hadn’t offended Hayley by not letting her stay in his bed for the rest of the night. Not that he didn’t welcome her warm body next to his, but he had to take baby steps. Last night he’d done something he never thought he would. He’d made love to another woman. Besides the physical thrill it had brought him, his mind felt some relief that he’d gotten over a huge hurdle.

  Sitting on the bed and putting on his boots for work, he thought about Hayley. She was wonderful, kind and giving…funny too. Would she have the patience to wait for him to take a few more steps? The sleeping together all night and waking up looking into one another’s eyes sort of relationship?

  Would she wait for him to battle his demons? And if he couldn’t, would he lose her to someone who could give her everything she deserved? Maybe he was thinking too far ahead. If this relationship was supposed to be, it would all work out, right?

  His cell phone rang just as he was pulling on his jacket. He dug it out of the pocket and pressed the button to accept the call.

  “Hi, Cole?”

  “Hello, who’s this?”

  “It’s Sadie Sutton. Sorry to bother you so early, but I think I have a young woman who might be a wonderful match for you.”

  “No, that won’t be necessary.”

  “Now I know you’re reluctant, but I can assure you…”

  “It’s not that. Since we spoke, well…I’m sort of seeing someone.”

  “Well, that’s wonderful. Should you need the help of Perfect Pairing in the future, you have my number.”

  “I do, but I can assure you I won’t be needing it.”

  Cole ended the call. It was true, he’d just admitted it. He was seeing someone.

  ****

  Sadie pumped her fist in the air. The spell and the cookie recipe had obviously worked. Although she did sense that she might have to intervene a little more to get the relationship into top gear. She took a deep breath. His heart was still broken and heavy. And Sadie knew something about his late wife he didn’t. She’d also seen the near future and soon that secret would come to light, casting him into despair and possibly danger.

  But Hayley was there for him now. He had to believe she would bring a light into his heart and soul. She was his future.

  ****

  Hayley knew it would take Cole some time to get used to being with someone again. He’d eaten his breakfast and kissed her goodbye. She’d busied herself, wondering if they’d sleep together again that night. And if and when they’d start going out as a couple with him letting her spend the whole night in his bed.

  The phone rang about midday and it was Sadie Sutton.

  “Hi, Sadie.”

  “How are things going?”

  “Well, I’ve had a paying guest for the last three nights, but only because his water heater and furnace are broken.”

  “It’s just the beginning of business picking up for you.”

  “I’m going ahead with a Christmas afternoon tea. I thought I’d use the chocolate cookie recipe you gave me from your former client. They were the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

  “Gen’s a wonderful cook. Oh, and I’ve just thought of something ideal. I’ll give you her phone number; give her a call because she probably has a bunch of other wonderful recipe you can use for the tea.”

  “That would be great. And I’ve got someone to play Santa. In fact, he’s the man I met at the tree lot.”

  “Cole…wasn’t that his name?”

  “You have the best memory.”

  “And did I hear a little special something in your voice when you mentioned him?”

  “I don’t want to jinx it.”

  “Oh, I don’t think you could do that. Seems you like him a lot.”

  “He’s really nice. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

  “I’ll make a wish for you.”

  “That’s sweet.”

  “Now do you have a pen and paper handy, because I’m going to give you Gen’s number. Oh and while you’re talking to her you might want to ask her for a few tips, because her husband Jake was also a widower.”

  ****

  Sadie rubbed her hands together. She had a feeling she’d done it again. Not that she could sit back and take it easy. This was a relationship in its early stages and as Sadie knew from past experience in dealing with mortals, sometimes they needed either some of her special intervention or a good kick to the butt to put them in the right direction.

  And thinking of someone who needed a kick to the rear, she had a meeting with Ted, the Department of Love’s head accountant, in an hour. She glanced at the clock on the wall. She had plenty of time to get to the Other Realm. Right now she had Christmas cards and photos to look at from today’s mail.

  The first one was from Luc and Katey, reminding her they’d invited her to come see them in Boise soon. Inside was an adorable photo of the two of them with their son and Luc’s service dog, Willow. We’re all doing great. Katey is busy training another dog. Hope to see you in the New Year.

  The next one was from Mitchell and Rachel. She’d have to try and get to Chicago to see them, too. The last time she’d seen her first Perfect Pairing couple, Rachel had just given birth to a beautiful little girl and they were all attending Luc and Katey’s wedding.

  Sadie leaned back in her chair wondering what Hayley and Cole’s wedding would be like. Yes, she was getting ahead of herself, but positive thinking was the key to a perfect pairing. Which reminded her that she needed to call Lucy to ask what Presley and Brad wanted for Christmas. She picked up the phone and dialed. It rang for a while and Sadie thought it was about to go to voicemail when Lucy finally answered.

  It sounded like she had a cold.

  “Hi, Lucy, it’s Sadie.”

  “Hi.”

  By that one little word Sadie knew something was wrong with the usually cheerful young woman.

  “Whatever’s wrong?” asked Sadie. She hoped it wasn’t Presley…oh no, she sensed this was somehow connected to her.

  “Everything. I was arrested for shoplifting at the local superstore this morning.”

  She burst into tears and Sadie went cold.

  “But there has to be some awful mistake,” Sadie said.

  “That’s what I told the detective. And poor Brad. How embarrassing for the sheriff’s wife to be arrested for something like stealing.”

  “What happened?”

  “I took Presley to Helena so we could do some Christmas shopping for Brad’s gifts. When I headed out of the store a security guard stopped me and said I had to go back inside with him. It was awful. Presley was crying and everyone was looking at me. He took me to the office and said he needed to check my bag. You know I always carry that oversized purse with all Presley’s stuff.”

  Sadie knew the one, the blue bag with the silver clasp on it.

  “I handed it over to him, quite confident that he’d falsely accused me and then he pulled out a teddy bear with the price tag still hanging from its ear.” Lucy burst into tears. “You know me well enough, Sadie, you know I wouldn’t steal.”

  Sadie felt her heart beating faster.

  “I just don’t know how it got in there. Really I don’t.”

  Sadie bit her lip. Presley had willed the bear off the shelf and dropped it into her mother’s bag. If she’d done it once, she’d do it again, not knowing that it would get her mother in of trouble.

  Telling them about their daughter’s special talent couldn’t wait until Christmas now.

  “Lucy, I think I nee
d to come by and visit.”

  “We’d love to see you, but I’m okay. Brad thinks he can talk them out of pressing charges.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear, but I still think I need to stop by and visit. Oh and if you go shopping don’t take that bag with you again.”

  “What?”

  “I’ll explain when I visit.”

  ****

  Cole had almost forgotten about the fire department’s Christmas party until he stopped by to ask if he could borrow the Santa suit for Hayley’s afternoon tea. He saw the notice on their upcoming events board by the kitchen.

  “You know what would make our Christmas this year?” He felt a slap on his back and turned to see Fred standing there. “For you to attend the party,” Fred said, pointing at the notice.

  Cole had been stubborn and adamant that he’d never go to one. Last Christmas he’d gone as far as lying and saying he was sick. However, this year things were a little different.

  “I’ve recently met someone,” said Cole, the words spilling off his tongue like a confession he had to make.

  He’d finally told someone and it felt good.

  Fred slapped him on the back again. “That’s great, Cole. We’ve all been hoping to hear that. And what’s her name?”

  “It’s Hayley. She runs the Rustic Inn.”

  “The young lady who cooked the pancakes?”

  Cole nodded. “I helped her pick out a tree at the lot.”

  “Then I’m happy the fire department brought the two of you together. It must be Amanda working her magic.”

  Was she? That thought had been in the back of his mind a couple of times, too.

  “I can’t wait to see her again on Saturday night,” said Fred.

  Cole looked at the notice board as Fred walked away. Now he hoped that Hayley wasn’t busy because for the first time in forever he was actually looking forward and not back.

  ****

  They had an official date. He’d asked her out. It hadn’t been a one night stand with him just wanting sex and nothing more. She stepped back from the mirror and checked her dress again. Money was tight, but she’d felt the need to splurge on a black one with a dipped back that required you to go braless. She’d even bought herself some stockings and a garter belt because the sexy cowboy made her feel naughty when he was around.