Alluring Promises Box Set (Books 1-3)

by Josie Bordeaux

  Mel thanked her and uncorked the bottle immediately, pouring a glass for both herself and Vanessa. The rest of us all drank beer. I started to sit next to Vanessa at the kitchen island, but she looked over towards me and told me I should sit with the guys on the couch. I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, remembering what she told me about how nervous she gets when she first meets people. Although this wasn’t the first time meeting everyone, I still didn’t want her to feel odd. I gave her a quick squeeze on her shoulder and walked over to join the boys.

  I was chatting with the guys about the game when I overheard Vanessa ask the girls, in a lowered voice, “So do you guys get tired of Matt bringing a different girl here each week?”

  I glanced back in time to watch Mel and Izzy exchange glances. “He’s never brought a girl over for dinner,” Mel responded. I couldn’t see Vanessa’s expression, but I could imagine she was surprised.

  Izzy reaffirmed Mel’s statement, “No, he’s never brought anyone over,” as she shook her head.

  I was glad I took the corner seat so I could turn my body to listen to Vanessa’s next question. “What about Clark?”

  Izzy laughed, “Only Tina and that’s every once in awhile.”

  Mel chuckled, “Only every third month. Oh wait and make sure it isn’t that time of the month.”

  “He keeps track of her cycle?” Vanessa asked surprised. It’s Clark. I would think she would know by now not to be shocked by what that guy does.

  Speak of the devil, Clark picked that same time to walk through the front door. “Honey, I’m home!” he called out as he walked in holding up his hands, smiling. “Damn, that smells good, Izzy!” He proclaimed as he walked in and grabbed Izzy for a hug. He came around and gave Mel a hug and then looked at Vanessa. “Hey, neighbor,” he chimed as he tried for a hug. I watched Vanessa awkwardly hug him back.

  “Hey Clark, we were just talking about when Tina comes over for dinner and Vanessa was surprised you keep track of her monthly. When is it?” Mel asked with mirth shining in her eyes. She couldn’t help but prove to the girls what Clark does. Again, it shouldn’t surprise any of us what he does anymore.

  Clark pulled out his phone and replied, “In about nine days,” without skipping a beat as he turned to chat with us guys and sit on the couch. He looked back over to me and in Clark style, loudly told me, “You better figure out when Vanessa’s is. You don’t want to be around women during that shit.” Wadded up paper napkins started flying at Clark’s head as we all started to yell at him. Hey, we’re not about to get on the girls’ bad side, we might not get fed tonight.

  The girls continued to chat as the guys sat there watching football and commented on favorites and what would happen.

  We all sat down at Mel and Flynn’s new dining room set that accommodates eight comfortably. The dining room held a small table for years and we never used it. Adding to our Sunday night ritual must have prompted the new purchase.

  The dinner, as usual, was fantastic and the conversation always fun and light. Being home with these guys was actually working out pretty nicely and having Vanessa fit into the group so well was an added bonus.

  Vanessa thanked them profusely for the wonderful meal and great company when we were trying to head out. We were going to stay and play some pool, but Vanessa said she had some work to get done before tomorrow, so we decided to head back. Clark had left a while ago, claiming he was going to meet up with some chick a little later.

  Grey heavy clouds formed in the evening sky as we started our casual stroll back to our apartment building. Aside from those clouds, it was a warm and comfortable evening. The sun still hung over the city behind cloudy skies and the moon was already making an appearance in the sky line. There was a mix of almost dark with the warm glow of the sun still hanging over us. It was a perfect night for walking back with a beautiful girl.

  “Oh crap. I didn’t bring my umbrella,” Vanessa muttered as she glanced up at the sky, amusing me with her worried expression.

  “It’s probably going to be just a little rain,” I remarked as I looked towards the same clouds she was peering at. I was probably wrong as they seemed to become darker with every step we took toward home.

  “Yeah, but I’m never caught without my umbrella,” she told me with a slightly embarrassed grin as I gave her a soft laugh knowing she probably would do that. “No really, I usually am pretty good about checking the forecast before I leave the apartment,” she insisted.

  I smiled at her and realized she probably plans for everything. “You’re not spontaneous, are you?” I asked knowing the answer already.

  She laughed and threw me an incredulous look. “I’m sorry, have you met me?” she teased sarcastically, still smiling. Her eyes were so beautiful and seemed to match the evening sky. It was just twilight so the moon was out already and mixed with the street lights and light from the remnants of the sun made her eyes really stand out, especially with her gorgeous smile.

  I tried to look away from her eyes. “You need to loosen up a little. Not everything has to be planned,” I told her. I was pretty sure if she just let go of a little control sometimes she would really enjoy life a little more.

  “I don’t plan everything, I just like to know what’s coming next, that’s all,” she said with a slightly defensive shrug. “I’m not so great with surprises.” She laughed as she said that, making me wonder if there was a story behind that.

  Just then the sprinkles started. We picked up our stride toward our building. Then came the rain and Vanessa looked like she was headed to seek shelter at a nearby store awning.

  I grabbed her hand and pulled her back to continue our walk. I held her hand to make sure she’d stay with me as we walked a little faster.

  Full rain. It came pouring down by the buckets and Vanessa stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and looked up at me. “This is supposed to be fun and spontaneous?” she yelled above the sound of the rain as she started laughing. Mascara was running down her cheeks, her hair was matted to her face, she was soaking wet.

  And I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my life as I watched her tilt her head up toward the sky and just accept the falling rain.

  She looked back at me, smiling and laughing. I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward me. I looked down at her face and tilted her chin up to look to me. As the rain splashed on her face, I placed my hands on both sides of her face and with the pads of my thumbs I wiped away the mascara that trickled down. I stared into her eyes, which were blinking away the rain.

  We both smiled at each other as I glanced down at her mouth. I slowly started to bend down to taste her lips, but hesitated and looked back into her eyes. I wanted to make sure she wanted me to kiss her. I didn’t want her to regret it. She answered me by smiling again. A smile that reached her eyes as she started to flutter her lashes expecting my kiss. Or maybe she was batting away the drops of rain. I’ll go with the former, I decided as I smiled into her mouth. My lips touched her perfect soft lips, wet from the rain that was drizzling on us. She opened her mouth letting mine explore hers. I swear time stood still as our tongues danced together in the most perfect kiss I’ve ever had.

  Shit. That sounded romantic.

  I pulled back slightly and gave her another peck, noticing her eyes were still closed. She slowly opened her eyes and her lips formed the sweetest smile.

  Thunder crashed in the distance causing her eyes to widen with slight fear. I smiled and grabbed her hand again and we started to run toward our building, knowing it was only a couple more blocks.

  We finally arrived at the entrance to our building, laughing from jumping puddles although mostly hitting them straight on. We were both soaked. Completely and entirely drenched from head to toe. Inside the elevator, Vanessa glanced down at the floor, laughing at the puddles of water surrounding us at our feet.

  As soon as the doors closed, I couldn’t contain myself. I grabbed her waist and pulled her toward me. Her eyes met mine mirroring the same
desire. She inched her head toward me and I had no doubt she wanted me. I smiled just slightly before our mouths thrust against each other. Pulled together by some longing force that we’ve always wanted this.

  Now, lost in this kiss, I honestly can’t understand why we haven’t been doing this all the time. Our tongues lashed against each other with such force as we pressed our bodies tightly together.

  Out of all the girls I’ve kissed, somehow with Vanessa there was something more than with the others. I couldn’t figure out what it was, nor did I want to try right now. The elevator door opened as we reached our floor.

  “If you guys fuck in the elevator, I want a copy of the surveillance tape,” I heard Clark say somewhere in the distance.

  Vanessa broke from our kiss first as embarrassment flooded her face. I punched Clark’s arm hard as we left the elevator to get to our apartments. His stupid comments seem to always fuck up the best situations.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Vanessa

  I ARRIVED at the office early that morning, feeling fantastic. I wasn’t sure if it was because I had so much fun with Matt yesterday. And the day before that, and before that. I made myself giggle out loud just thinking about how many days there were with him. Matt just put me in a good mood, I guess.

  I touched my lips remembering how amazing Matt kissed me, especially the kiss in the rain. Romantic. It really was romantic, standing in the rain like some Audrey Hepburn movie full of romance. Of course, Matt’s roommate broke any spell that might have been there. Clark has to be the most disgusting man ever created. I was so embarrassed, not to mention that I keep breaking my damn policy every time I kiss Matt. Someone from work could have seen us. Although the rain was pouring so hard, I doubt anyone was looking at the odd couple kissing in the middle of the sidewalk.

  My feelings for Matt were growing stronger and I was teetering on my reasons for why I created the darn policy in the first place. The subordinate not dating their superior was reasonable. We had a problem and I didn’t want that to happen again. A boss should never make advances towards his subordinate, regardless of their affections. It just gives the boss the upper hand and a position of power.

  Co-workers dating…things could go wrong in any relationship — lovers or co-workers. Fights at the office would occur regardless. Thinking back not too long ago, I already fought with Matt and we weren’t even dating, but that’s beside the point, because my reason for fighting with him stemmed from my jealousy of what he’s able to accomplish at the office and the attention he attracts.

  I sat back analyzing my relationship with Matt or whatever it was. I had to remember that Matt doesn’t date anyone. Even if he did, he doesn’t “do” romance.

  I would always feel like I was competing with every woman he’s either already slept with or women who wanted to sleep with him.

  What am I thinking? We weren’t even talking about dating or anything like that. He just wants sex I reminded myself and that would only lead to more feelings. More feelings from my side, since he’s a man that likes his philandering ways and I would just get jealous. Ugh. There I go again thinking that he would ever want a relationship.

  I just need to get my head out of the clouds and just remain friends and not think about anything more with him. No more sex with Matt and along those lines, no more kissing either. That way I wouldn’t feel so shitty about going around my own policy.

  Friends. Just friends. No friends with benefits. Just Friends.

  I exhaled a sigh of huge relief that I now had a grip on reality and started working on the project that I had put off for awhile. For some reason today, I felt inspired to finish it. I became so engrossed in what I was doing that I didn’t even hear Matt come in to my office. I glanced up when I noticed someone sitting in one of my chairs. Seeing his warm blue eyes gaze at me with that sexy smile made my heart skip a beat. I couldn’t help but smile.

  Friends.

  He leaned in slightly and cocked his head to the side. Then he threw his thumb in the direction of his office. “Umm, who’s that guy you sent over?”

  I wanted to laugh and I had a really tough time trying to keep a straight face. “Your new admin, Blaine.” I swallowed to keep myself from laughing. “Is there a problem?”

  He raised his eyebrows and in all seriousness and almost a disgusted look, stated, “Yeah. He’s a guy.”

  “And?” Keep it together Vanessa. This is way too beautiful to watch.

  “Well why don’t I have a female admin?” He was trying to keep calm when asking this and I swear I wanted to laugh at him. I knew this would get him and I had completely forgotten about his new admin over the weekend.

  I looked down at the files on my desk, trying to concentrate on keeping a straight face. “Because he’s an incredible admin. He worked for Paul Richards who just retired.”

  “Why didn’t you get me a female?” Oh God, it was tough holding it together.

  “Because he’s familiar with our company and he’s fantastic and he used to actually assist with sales. He’s perfect for your department,” I told him as matter of fact as I could.

  He leaned back with that arrogant attitude and smiled. “You’re jealous.”

  “Of what?” I practically spat out. Why did that just hit me the wrong way?

  He leaned in. “You didn’t want to get me a female because you were afraid I’d start something.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t want you to get fired for taking advantage of your admin, now would I?” I gave him a small smile and then quirked my head to the side. “I have your best interests at heart.”

  He paused for a moment as if he were studying me. His mouth curled into a full beautiful smile that reached his eyes. I pressed my lips together wondering what he was going to say.

  He nodded his head and looked right into my eyes. “Alright, I get it. He’s good. I’ll shut up.”

  I couldn’t resist adding in my two cents. “I knew you’d see it my way.” I winked at him and gave him another smile.

  He chuckled. Nodding his head and lowering his voice he asked, “What are you doing for lunch?”

  “Oh no, we can’t hang out together at the office too.”

  “We’re two adults having lunch with each other. What’s wrong with that?” I glanced around the room and took a deep breath. I really did want to, but that damn policy kept haunting me. We were just going to have lunch as two co-workers. It wasn’t a date.

  “You know you want to,” he continued to prod me. “Come on. It’s just lunch.”

  I rolled my eyes, knowing full well he was right. Not to mention, I loved spending time with him. “Alright, but some place casual and loud. Not intimate.”

  He smiled that perfect smile that was starting to really melt my heart each time. “Great. I’ll meet you at the elevators at noon. You know, so we don’t look like it’s a date.”

  IT WAS WEDNESDAY NOW. Matt and I had lunch and dinner together both Monday and Tuesday. Both days we left each other smiling like idiots. Friends, I constantly repeated to myself.

  I breathed in deep as I put my key into my lock and walked into my empty apartment after getting home from work. I would say I felt alone without Aubrey, but I haven’t been alone except when I went to bed. I rarely hear from her when she’s away since she’s so busy.

  I felt my cell phone vibrate and I smiled knowing it was probably Matt. He texted me the past two nights the second I walked in the door. I started to wonder if he was watching me from his peephole. I was surprised to see it was Aubrey instead.

  Aubrey: How’s it going? Miss me?

  Me: I do miss you. Matt’s been trying to fill your shoes though.

  Aubrey: Oh yeah? :-) Well, good then he can take you Friday night.

  Me: What’s Friday?

  Aubrey: I signed you up for speed dating, I paid for you already, so you have to go.

  Panic gripped me that she set me up. Again. I already went off on her about the octopus she unleashed on me, now I have to g
o to speed dating? Without her?

  No way.

  I dialed her number, frantically tapping my foot. Okay, so I was tapping my foot, pissed as hell at her.

  “It’s not a big deal, Vanessa. You’ll have a great time, I promise,” she greeted me as she answered her phone the second I called.

  “No! I’m not going!” I practically screamed into the phone.

  “Sure you will, as a favor to me. I signed us both up before I knew I had to leave. I don’t want you sitting at home on a Friday night. Come on. You’ll have so much fun. Not to mention, I’m sure you’ll have some stories to share with me.”

  I rolled my eyes even though she couldn’t see me through the phone. “I’ve never been. I don’t want to go alone,” I whined just as there was a knock at the door.

  “Was someone knocking? Who do you have coming over?” Aubrey asked.

  “Probably Matt,” I said nonchalantly.

  “Matt? Are you two dating now? Did something happen since I left?” She asked anxiously.

  “No. Nothing happened. We’re still just friends. Well, I mean something happened. We kissed.”

  “You did?” Aubrey asked excitedly.

  I nodded and smiled like an idiot even though she couldn’t see me. “Uh huh! In the rain! Romantic kiss!” I exclaimed just as there was another knock on the door, reminding me someone is there. I peeked through the hole to see Matt staring at the floor looking slightly agitated.

  I turned my back as if he could see me through the door, and whispered, “We’re still just friends. I remember the reason why we can’t be anything more.”

  “Darn it all, Vanessa! Tear that damn policy up and go for him.”

  “I can’t!” I whispered loudly into the phone as I went ahead and opened the door. I knew I’d have to end the conversation with Aubrey. “Hi Matt,” I said both to Aubrey on the phone and to Matt.