I Promise

by Adrianne Byrd

  Jordan slid his hands into his pockets and rocked on the balls of his feet. “I have to admit—this hasn’t been my weekend. As far as my brother is concerned, I’m sure it’s just the alcohol that’s talking right now. In the morning I suspect that he’ll be ready to apologize to you.”

  Christian glanced to where Malcolm and Alex had disappeared. “I hope you’re right. I’ve never seen him like this before.”

  “Well, take it from me. He’ll regret everything in the morning.”

  Relieved, Christian smiled.

  “Since this is your last night here, how about I treat you to a cup of coffee? There’s a Starbucks around the corner.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe I should be getting home. I have an early flight in the morning.”

  Jordan nodded. “I understand.” He draped his arm around her shoulder.

  Such a familiar action took Christian by surprise. His embrace comforted her, transforming the thoughtful gesture into something more intimate. How was it that she felt so comfortable around him, so at home?

  She shivered, but not because of the night’s cool breeze. And there was peace. Strange, that she would feel that way now. The past two years could only be described as pure hell. His arms tightened, and a smile curved her lips. After tomorrow, she would never see him again. The thought saddened her. Tomorrow, she’d be heading home. She found solace in that and yet…

  “You know,” she said, looking up at him. “I think I will have that cup of coffee.”

  Alex glanced at Malcolm as they rode in a comfortable silence. By the time she drove onto the Williams’ estate, Malcolm had pulled himself out of his deep reverie.

  “I made a fool out of myself, didn’t I?”

  Alex smiled. “I would say so.”

  Malcolm laughed and shook his head. “I was afraid of that.”

  “You never could hold your alcohol.” Rolling to a stop, she cut the engine and turned toward him. “Mind if I ask you what came over you?”

  He leaned his head back against the headrest. “I don’t know. It was everything, I guess. I thought I loved her.”

  His words stabbed her heart, but she managed to keep a brave face. She turned in the deep bucket seat and stared straight ahead.

  “Thank you, Alex.”

  She looked back at him. “For what?”

  “For always being there. You’re a great friend.” He smiled tenderly at her.

  She smiled back, but she wanted to scream. Why couldn’t he see how she truly felt? Why couldn’t she take the chance and tell him?

  “Remember how we met?” he asked.

  She nodded. How could she ever forget? “I was auditioning to model for one of Opulence’s spring jewelry lines.” She laughed. “Your father wasn’t too impressed with me.”

  “Come on, he loved you.”

  Alex frowned.

  “It’s true.” He held up his hands. “It was my mother who didn’t want to hire you.”

  “Your mother is a trip.” She shook her head. “What’s her problem anyway?”

  “Hey, now. My mom always has the best intentions.”

  “Yeah, and I hear the road to hell is paved with them.”

  “Are you trying to talk about my momma?”

  She crossed her arms and fixed him with a what-do-you-think look.

  “All right, all right. She can be a little tough on people, but if you ever get the chance to really get to know her…well, she can…” He gave up. “She’s my mother, I love her, next subject.”

  Alex laughed and Malcolm grinned.

  “You know, I’m here if you ever want to talk,” she replied, wanting to kick herself.

  “I don’t want to drag you into the middle of this. You’re Christian’s best friend.”

  They fell silent again. When he failed to make a move to get out of the car, Alex concluded that he did want to talk.

  “You know I was really surprised when you proposed last night.” Alex forced the words out of her mouth.

  Malcolm laughed and shook his head. “Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part. I don’t know. She’s beautiful, independent, strong, but at the same time, there is such fragility to her. Something about her makes you want to just…take care of her. I don’t know how to explain it.”

  Alex concluded that she must be a glutton for punishment tonight. There was no other way to explain her line of questioning.

  “She wouldn’t let me, though,” he added, reflectively. “She never would let me get too close. Why is that?” He looked at Alex.

  She shrugged. Christian had her reasons, but Alex would never tell.

  “I had everything planned. I was prepared to join my dad at Opulence, look for a starter home, and just settle down.”

  “I would have never figured you for the settling-down type.”

  “At one time, I would have agreed with you. But now…I want…more. What about you? Don’t you ever just want more?”

  Definitely a glutton for punishment. “I know I want a successful career, a home like this.” She swept her hand in front of her to indicate the Williams’ estate.

  “No, I don’t mean something as shallow as material things.”

  Alex laughed. “It’s real easy for someone who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth to say something like that.” She shook her head and became serious. “I fought against the odds to make it here. To attend GSU. My whole family is waiting on me to make something of my life, to achieve something no one else has. You don’t know what that kind of pressure is like.”

  “You know, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I may have been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but that spoon has a price. I didn’t realize that until recently.” He paused as if in deep thought. “All the men in my family have gone on to achieve great success. My brother will no doubt be another one. Can you imagine trying to compete with doctors, congressmen, and presidents of corporations?” “No.”

  “But maybe you’re right.” Malcolm announced with conviction. “Maybe, I’m not the settling-down type. It’s time I start looking out for number one. Focused on a career.”

  There I go, putting my foot in my mouth again. “What will you do?”

  “Opulence. I have a few ideas. Someone needs to help the company prepare for the twenty-first century.”

  “Well, I’m sure you’re the one who can do it.”

  “Thanks, Alex.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I know what I have to do now.”

  “Don’t mention it,” she mumbled as he turned and got out of the car.

  Chapter 8

  Christian gazed out of the car window. Atlanta was beautiful at night. The city came alive with the hustle and bustle of the weekend crowd.

  Jazz played soft and low over the car stereo while a gentle breeze from the air conditioner mellowed her mood. At this point, she wanted to crawl into bed, and forget that this night had ever happened.

  Home. At least by this time tomorrow, she’d be home. A light drizzle of rain spotted the windshield. She hoped that they would make it back to the dormitory before a potential downpour.

  “Which building?” Jordan broke into her thoughts.

  “The last one on the right.” She stole a glance at him and shook her head. She marveled at the differences between the brothers.

  Her thoughts returned to Alex’s confession tonight. Why hadn’t she confessed her feelings toward Malcolm sooner? Why hadn’t Christian noticed it for herself?

  Jordan parked in front of her building, then cut the engine. An awkward silence spanned between them.

  “Well, here we are.”

  Christian laughed at the cliché line. “So we are.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said, shaking his head.

  They laughed, then fell silent again.

  “It seems we keep saying goodbye,” she commented.

  He nodded. “Are you still leaving tomorrow?”

  “Yeah. I have a nine o’clock flight.”

  “I do
n’t know you, yet, I have a feeling that I’m going to miss you.”

  Her heart fluttered as her gaze met his. The intensity in his eyes stripped her defenses. She would never confuse the brothers again.

  “Thanks for bringing me home.” She positioned her purse strap over her shoulder and reached for the door handle.

  “It was my pleasure. Again, I apologize for my brother’s behavior tonight.” He reached for his door handle. “Let me walk you to your door.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” She got out of the car, then shut the door.

  Glancing up to her window, she wasn’t looking forward to being alone.

  Jordan started the car.

  The rain picked up its pace.

  And still, she hesitated.

  This was crazy. She turned back toward the car and reopened the door.

  “Would you like to come up for a nightcap?”

  Alex wiped the few tears she’d allowed herself as she drove off the Williams’ estate. When it came to hiding her emotions, she was an expert. Lately, she didn’t understand her own emotions. Her feelings for Malcolm didn’t make sense.

  Most of what Christian had said was true. Malcolm was a relentless womanizer. She had no doubts that the only reason he wanted Christian was because she didn’t fall for his charms. In fact, she was probably the only woman who had ever told him “no.”

  Alex laughed. It didn’t make sense. He was completely wrong for her. He was temperamental, obnoxious, and just plain spoiled. Yet, her heart ignored all of that, and convinced her that there was more to this man. And at times, she caught a glimpse of his other side.

  Highway 285’s dark lanes stretched before her. She set the car on cruise control while her thoughts traveled to the past, to the first time she’d ever laid eyes on Malcolm.

  In truth, she’d heard about him through the rumor mill at Opulence. He’d dated all the other models the company had ever hired. He was an equal-opportunity womanizer. Black, white, yellow, it made no difference to him.

  She believed he loved the idea of being in love. He worked his magic with women with his devilishly handsome looks. He could be angelically charming and sweep most women off their feet.

  Women often fell in love with the die-hard bachelor. His womanizing also caused friction among the Opulence models whenever one learned about the other. At best, it was a soap opera, and he loved the attention.

  Alex had laughed at the women’s antics. She often found herself chastising Malcolm for playing the women. He, of course, accused her of being a player-hater. That was the beginning of their friendship.

  When exactly had she fallen in love with him? She didn’t know. Malcolm had often joked that he could never ask her out because it would be like dating a sister, which was fine with her…in the beginning. She didn’t want to be another notch on his bedpost. She did want something more. Until last night, she didn’t believe he was capable of giving it.

  It hurt like hell, when after she’d introduced Malcolm to Christian, he’d fallen hard and fast. She didn’t blame him really. Chris was a beautiful woman; however, she was unable and unwilling to commit emotionally. For that, Alex was grateful.

  Christian opened the door to the dormitory and flipped on the light switch. The ceiling’s bulb flashed, then made a funny sound before dimming.

  “I think your bulb is about to blow.”

  “No, actually, it just does that. Pay no attention to it.”

  Jordan smiled at the soft, seductive scent of jasmine wafting through the small place. He now associated the fragrance with Christian. He closed the door behind him.

  “What can I get you to drink?” she asked, going toward the kitchen. “Wait.” She stopped and faced him. “I have to warn you that we don’t have a fully stocked bar here. Your choices are white zinfandel, Miller Lite or Diet Coke.”

  Jordan laughed. “What a selection.”

  “What can I say?”

  “I’ll take the Miller Lite.”

  “One Miller Lite, coming up.”

  After she left, he looked around the apartment. The walls held only three photographs of Christian and Alex horseback riding. Plants were propped up in the corners of the room along with one sofa and a thirteen-inch TV.

  Christian joined him. “Here we go.”

  “Thanks.”

  Their fingers brushed as he accepted the bottle. Their gazes caught and locked together.

  Christian’s heart skipped a beat and she forced her gaze lower. That was a mistake. Her breath hitched within her throat at the sight of his inviting lips.

  “You know, I’ve never been one to believe in love at first sight,” Jordan said, moving closer.

  She looked back up into his eyes.

  “But I’ll be damned if I can understand this strong attraction between us.”

  What would be the point in pretending she didn’t know what he was talking about? Instead of responding, she used every ounce of strength she had to turn and walk away from him.

  “There is no us.” Her voice cracked, and she had to cough to clear her throat.

  “Maybe not now.” Was he crazy? He didn’t know, but holding on to sanity whenever she was around, seemed to be an impossible task.

  Christian shook her head and laughed. “I think we need to slow this down. Way down.”

  Jordan nodded, then took a sip of his beer. “You’re right. Forgive me. I don’t know what came over me.”

  They laughed, trying to make the best of an awkward situation.

  He gulped down half his beer.

  “Why don’t you take a seat?” she offered with a sweep of her hand.

  They moved to the sofa. The sound of the rain drummed against the windows and in the distance, a clap of thunder ruptured the sound barrier.

  “How long have you known my brother?”

  The question seemed to have come from out of nowhere.

  “Less than a year.”

  Jordan digested the information, then drained the rest of his drink.

  “Would you like for me to get you another?” she asked.

  “No. Actually, I should be leaving.”

  Christian doused her disappointment. What was she thinking about anyway? She had only known this man for twenty-four hours. Tomorrow, she would go home and never see him again. So, why were her emotions running rampant?

  Pull yourself together, girl.

  Lightning flashed just as he stood.

  Struck by his dominating presence, she knew then that she needed to put as much distance between them as she possibly could.

  “I better go,” he replied, setting the empty beer bottle on the coffee table.

  Christian stood as well and gave him her best smile, but it faltered the moment she caught the intensity of his eyes. He did more than just look at her. His gaze devoured her.

  “I guess this is goodbye…again.” His smile broadened.

  She didn’t trust herself to reply, so she nodded in agreement.

  “I wish you the best,” he added.

  “Thanks. Good luck to you as well.”

  Neither moved toward the door nor spoke during the ensuing silence.

  Fearing that he could hear the wild beating of her heart, Christian finally forced one foot in front of the other to walk him to the door. This was it. “Again, thanks for bringing me home tonight.”

  “It was a pleasure.” He leaned down and brushed a kiss against her lips, then turned and exited the apartment.

  Christian stood staring at the door long after he’d left. She lifted her hand to her lips and thanked God she would never see Jordan Williams again.

  Chapter 9

  During his drive home, Jordan turned off the car radio and listened to the distant rumble of thunder. The sky flashed with a vibrant light and raindrops sprinkled across his windshield. His conscience scolded him, but he couldn’t deny what he felt.

  As he watched the road through the swishing of his windshield wipers, his thoughts drifted back to the
woman he’d left only moments ago. Her angelic face and onyx eyes held something behind their rich color—a secret perhaps.

  He shrugged off the thought. Maybe he read too much into the matter. He laughed at his schoolboy antics. It wasn’t like he didn’t have enough trouble. He should have a talk with Malcolm. Now there was an explosion waiting to happen.

  The rain’s sudden downpour made Jordan ease his foot off the accelerator. Spots along the asphalt had his car gliding more on the water than the pavement. As cars zipped past him, he shook his head at the risk most drivers took.

  Risk. He was a fine one to condemn people for taking risks.

  Much later, he lay awake in his old bed at his parents’ house, staring up at the ceiling. The storm continued to rage in counterpoint to his inner turmoil. He wanted to see Christian again. His eyes drifted closed and he swore the room smelled of jasmine.

  He imagined they were back out in the gardens with the band’s soft, seductive music drifting on the wind. He remembered the white-sequined, stunner dress covering skin the color of chocolate, texture as soft as silk. The way she had held her head and the quiet way her eyes had met his sent a rush of heat through his loins. A taste of desire sweetened in his mouth. He’d never believed in love at first sight, but now he wasn’t so sure.

  If only they’d met in another time, another place, things wouldn’t be so complicated.

  Jordan woke from his reverie and emptiness engulfed him. He looked over at his brightly lit digital clock. It was four in the morning. In just a few hours, she’d be on a plane to Texas. He’d probably never see her again.

  He sat up. His gaze remained locked on the clock. He didn’t like the way the word never sat with him. Another flash of lightning brightened his bedroom. By the time it had fallen dark again, Jordan had risen from his bed and made his way to the window. The storm’s strong winds picked up their velocity and the low howling grew louder.

  At this rate, he would never get any sleep. He turned from the window, snatched his robe from the foot of the bed, and left his room. He traveled down the long hallway and descended the staircase.