Promise Me

by Kristin Mayer

  “Nonsense. We giggled ourselves out this morning.”

  We all laughed as Allison said one final good-bye. As she walked out of the room, I prepared myself for the inquisition I was about to receive.

  Mark’s sister and mother were absolutely amazing. We fell into conversation and didn’t stop for what felt like hours. We laughed as Annie told me stories of Mark’s childhood. I shared stories about my family and my love for cooking and sports. They were both laid-back and down to earth as we talked. They weren’t measuring me to see if I was good enough for Mark. They truly seemed happy to meet me.

  As she refilled her wine glass, Sabrina asked, “Did Mark ever tell you about having to play Annie in the school play in junior high?”

  I started choking on my wine as I began giggling. “No, he’s failed to mention it. Do tell.”

  She took a sip of her wine before continuing, “He’s going to kill me for telling you this, but I have definite bragging rights. He never bet me again after this. We were outside, playing and running. Mark was taunting me about how slow I was. Anyway, I bet him that I could climb a tree faster, and if I did, he would have to try out for the play they were doing at school, Annie. He took the bet, and I smoked him up the tree.”

  She paused, and I bit down on my lip, preparing for what was ahead.

  Mark as Annie? Shit, I hope they took pictures.

  “Anyway, we all went for the audition. He came out, dressed up like the little redheaded scrapper from the movie, and he lip-synced the entire song of ‘Tomorrow.’ Funniest thing ever.”

  I busted out laughing. I was practically snorting.

  Sabrina started chortling also as she barely got out, “We have it on video. I’ll show you when you come to my house. He was the cutest Annie ever.”

  “I have to see it.”

  We were in the middle of recovering from laughter as Mr. Annie himself came strolling out. He looked slightly tense as he took in the scene.

  He came to sit next to me. “Hey, I’ve been trying to reach you.” His voice was low and urgent. It was as if there wasn’t anyone else in the room but me.

  I looked and remembered leaving my phone in the study. “Oh, I left my phone in the study when security had us move in there before your family arrived.”

  I searched his eyes as he searched mine. I was wondering what was causing him to be on edge.

  His mom broke our staring stance. “Mark, it’s good to see you. We couldn’t stay away, knowing your Sam was here. We’ve had the best time, talking this afternoon.”

  His Sam?

  He hadn’t stopped staring at me, but then he looked at his mom. When he looked back at me, he started to relax a little bit, but he was still tenser than what I was used to seeing him as.

  What the hell has him so on guard?

  He sat back and threw his arms around my shoulders, pulling me to him. He was trying to exude calmness, but I could see his pulse jumping in his throat at a galloping pace.

  “Glad you girls had a fun time.”

  I snuggled into his side as I asked, “How was the trip?”

  “Long, long, long.” He scrubbed the hand not holding me over his face that was shadowed with blond stubble.

  I looked at him, confused, but his sister and mom seemed like they knew exactly what was going on.

  Gah, this is frustrating.

  Sabrina chimed in, “We weren’t expecting you guys back for a few hours. We were going to take Sam to dinner. We can all go now as a family.”

  He scrubbed his face again and tiredly asked, “Can we do that another time? I haven’t seen my girl all day.”

  Sabrina looked disappointed.

  Annie answered, “I bet you’re tired. Will we be able to see you guys tomorrow?”

  Mark shifted uncomfortably. “Mom, probably not. I’m not sure what time we’re leaving. Let’s plan a trip where you guys fly out to North Carolina, and we can all hang out there.”

  His mom smiled at us. “That sounds great. You guys probably need some time alone.”

  He exhaled a long, quiet breath. He looked exhausted and seemed a little edgy. I could feel his muscles flex around me. Damien and Allison walked out onto the patio. She was playfully hitting him, and he looked triumphant.

  Damien wrapped his hand around her waist as he asked the group, “I’m going to take Alli into town for some dinner. Would anyone like to join us?”

  She had mentioned this morning that she wanted to go out to dinner tonight before their big announcement tomorrow. Things always seemed to get hectic for them in public for a while after any major changes. Damien was about to have them on lockdown, and Allison knew it. The public was in love with her. Hoping to lower the appeal of the story, Damien and Allison had moved up the announcement, so it could be done at their discretion.

  All of us declined, and they headed out.

  Annie was the next to rise. “We’re going to head back. Your dad is probably starving. He wanted to come with us today, but I figured you would for sure kill me if I brought everyone.”

  Sabrina spoke next, “Yeah, Mike, my husband, has been texting me, asking when I’m coming home. He’s threatening to come this way shortly and devour your fridge.”

  Mark stood. “Well, you guys have had her enough today. I’m not sharing tonight.”

  He sounded playful, but I knew he was serious, and I could hear the underlying warning tone not to push it any further this evening. His family obviously knew him well as they followed suit. Standing, I joined him, and he put his hand around my waist.

  His mom came up and enveloped me in a hug first. “It was wonderful finally getting to meet you. I’m sorry we crashed on you like we did, but I had to meet the girl who has made my boy so happy. We’ll plan a trip out to North Carolina soon.”

  I smiled. “Sounds wonderful. I’ll hold you to that.”

  Sabrina was next. “I’m glad I got to meet you, Sam. We have heard so much about you. Thank you for making my brother so happy.”

  What all has he said to them?

  Next, they moved to Mark, giving him a hug, and then they left toward the dock on an illuminated path as they called out one last good-bye. We both stood there and waved, and I realized that we were home alone for the first time since arriving. I took the moment to enjoy the peacefulness, the completeness I felt.

  Mark was stiff beside me. I looked over, and he was watching me warily.

  “What’s wrong, Sport?”

  “I’m sorry about them bombarding you this afternoon. I told them to stay away.”

  I grabbed his face and kissed him, which forced him to stop speaking. The boat was far away from here at this point, and an idea struck me to lessen his stress.

  I pulled back. “Hey, I loved it. I had a wonderful time.”

  He still didn’t believe me as I stepped out of his grasp and into the yard. I slipped off my flip-flops and felt the cool grass beneath my feet. It was just after dusk now.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  He was starting to walk toward me as I ripped my shirt over my head, causing him to stop midstride. I shimmied my pants down, leaving me in nothing but my undergarments.

  “Sam, you’re beautiful.”

  I did a little flirty turn as I took off my bra and panties in the sexiest way I knew how. He gave me an appreciative groan as he started to come after me, which spurred me to take off at a run toward the water.

  He called after me as I ran to the shoreline, “Sam, I will catch you, make no mistake.”

  A shiver ran up my back as I neared the water’s edge, and I laughed. He was on my heels, but I made it first since he had to stop to strip himself. The water was cool and refreshing as I ran full speed, splashing into it, and then I swam until I was standing in water up to my shoulders. Keeping my eyes closed, I listened for him to enter the water, and then I waited to feel the water move around me, signaling he was near. Before I knew it, his hands snaked around the front of my stomach, and he pulled me to hi
s front where his erection pressed hard against me.

  “I missed you, Sam.”

  “I missed you, too.”

  I grounded my ass into him, and he pulled me tighter to him. One hand slowly moved up my body toward my breast as he began sucking on the part of my neck right before my shoulder starts. I felt desired. His other hand made its way down, and he started rubbing my clit in a circular motion that had my body temperature rising, even in this cool water. Mark began rolling my nipple between his fingers, hard. I whimpered at the conflicting sensations my body was feeling. It was exquisite—a little pain mixed with pleasure. He pressed down on my clit, causing the orgasm to take over. It was quick, but it relaxed my muscles as I sank into him.

  “I think it’s time you were inside me, Sport.”

  There was no need to say that twice as he spun me around. Immediately, my legs wrapped around his, and he lined up and entered me. He walked us up into shallower water until my breasts were above the water. His mouth descended on my nipple, and he sucked it hard into his mouth. He continued pushing us both higher. Water caused the friction of him inside me to be raw, which in some ways I loved, but I couldn’t prolong the build as long as I would have liked. He pulled me back down on him, hard, and the ecstasy took over. He was right there with me, and we both said each other’s names as a prayer.

  Walking slowly to the shore, he continued pulsing inside me. We were kissing, and he nipped my lip.

  I asked, “What had you so tense when you first got back from your trip? You were in serious need of a distraction.”

  He rubbed his nose along my chin as he responded, “When Damien got the call that my family had arrived, I was worried they would scare you off. They can be a bit much at times. My family doesn’t do boundaries very well. I tried reaching you, but I didn’t receive an answer. I actually had Damien check with his security to make sure you hadn’t left.”

  That statement caused me to look down at the water. “Were you ashamed for me to meet them? I didn’t even think about that. I should have—”

  A finger came under my chin, and he brought my eyes to meet his.

  “I will never be ashamed of you. I was nervous it would be too much, too fast. I just got you, Sam. I’m afraid you’re going to bolt, and I’m trying to make you feel secure in us.”

  My stomach twisted sourly as I asked, “Did your view of me change last night when you learned what had happened?”

  “No. Hell no. I want to pummel the bastard.”

  The conversation was intense as we maintained eye contact and spoke to each other. It was intimate, and I felt connected to him.

  I pressed on. “Does it bother you that I’ve had multiple sexual partners through the years?”

  His grip tightened on me. “Do I like the thought of another man touching you? Fuck no. Do I understand that we both have pasts? Yes. We can sit here and list it all out, but I don’t see what that would accomplish. As long as you’re completely mine, that’s all that matters.”

  I let his words sink in as I played with his hair. We had never once wavered in looking at each other, and it felt like it was strengthening our bond with each second that passed.

  “I want you, too. I never wanted this before. I’ll probably royally suck at it, but I want it. I want it with you. I just need you to be honest with me if my past becomes too much. I don’t want to worry about if you think I’m broken because of it. It probably has fucked with my head a little bit because I kept it buried for so long, but I swear, I’ll communicate with you.”

  “Sam—”

  Cutting him off, I said, “Mark, I need that. It’ll help me keep at bay all the self-doubt that I’ve been carrying around. You have to promise me. I think I can focus on us if I know you’ll tell me.”

  He didn’t even hesitate as he responded, “I promise, Sam. It doesn’t matter, but I swear, I’ll tell you.”

  I smiled up at him. “Please take me up to your room and make love to me.”

  He walked, kissing me the entire way. The moonlight bathed us before he carried me into the house. As soon as we hit the bed, he did exactly what I’d asked for.

  Boneless, I lay on the bed, wrapped up in the sheets with Mark. I was lying on my stomach, and his legs were on top of mine. He was trailing his fingers up and down my exposed back. I felt complete and whole.

  He nuzzled my neck. “What are you thinking about?” His voice was gravelly from sex.

  I turned onto my back, and he covered half of my body with his.

  My hand went up to his face. “I was thinking about how good this felt.”

  “Just tell me if I’m pushing too hard. I’ve wanted you as my girlfriend since the Vegas gala last year. You ruined me the moment I had you. I knew there would never be anyone like you again.”

  My throat started to tighten, but I took a deep breath. He was watching me closely, and I finally managed a genuine smile.

  “Thanks for continuing to pursue me.”

  He looked triumphant as he pushed some of the hair away from my face.

  “You, Miss Matthews, are worth the pursuit.”

  I gave him a kiss, and he kissed me back.

  “How about I get us something to drink and gather our clothes from outside before our guests return?” he asked.

  “Probably a good idea. You better put on some pants in case they come back early. I’d rather your manly bits stay for my viewing pleasure only.”

  I wiggled against his manliness, which earned me a lustful look.

  He pulled me to him and kissed me hard. “Manly bits?”

  “Mmhmm…”

  “Bits? I think they’re bigger than just bits.”

  I giggled as he pulled himself off me.

  “You’ve been warned. When I get back, I’m going to spend the rest of the night showing you how non-bit-like they are.”

  I pressed my lips together as I tried to stifle a laugh. “I look forward to it, Sport.”

  He sauntered into his closet and came out in some gray sweatpants. It was incredible how defined his muscles were. They flexed as he moved and walked.

  “You like what you see?” he asked.

  “You have no idea.”

  He walked out of the room, giving me a very nice view of his back, as he lifted his arms in a pose that had me swooning at how toned he was. I lay back and closed my eyes, reveling in the feeling of being wanted and accepted. The door opened, and Mark came back with a champagne bottle, two glasses, and my phone.

  “Your phone was beeping in the study. Thought you might want to check it. Also, there was a note on the counter addressed to you.”

  He handed the phone and note to me, and then he busied himself, opening the bottle before pouring us two glasses. There were a few missed calls and texts from Mark.

  Mark: Sam, you don’t have to visit with my family if you don’t want to.

  Mark: I’m sorry they came over without warning you. Please talk to me if you need to leave.

  It was incredible how much he truly cared about me and had wanted to ensure I was okay. Next, I opened the note. It was in Allison’s handwriting.

  I smiled at my bestie. She was an amazing person. I opened my text messages and sent her a text.

  Me: I love you, too, Allison. Thank you. I’m turning off my phone now and taking the advice of my best friend.

  I smiled as I turned off my phone. When I had been in the sorority, I remembered hearing stories about how girls would forget their friends when they met a new guy. I had vowed never to do that, but it all made sense now why Allison had basically disappeared when she met Damien. Allison had still been there for me, but I was used to her being around all the time. I felt like an ass with how it had probably looked like I’d been trying to come between them and undermine Damien at times. I’d just missed her, but I thought they had both known that and understood it. Damien was perfect for Allison in every way.

  I took her words to heart, and I was excited about my journey ahead.

&nbs
p; We were on our flight back to North Carolina. Damien arranging a first-class ride home for us had meant he’d booked the entire first-class cabin. He was an over-the-top bastard, but I loved him like a brother, and I was appreciative for the alone time. Mark had let the stewardess know we were not to be disturbed, and we would buzz if we needed anything.

  I was looking through a magazine, leaning on Mark’s shoulder, as he was reading a playbook.

  There were some red fuck-me heels I was thinking were a must-purchase when Mark said in a low voice, “Sam, in the next few weeks, when the preseason starts and then the season, my life is going to be a little hectic for a while.”

  Closing my magazine, I looked up at him. “I know. I’m not going to be one of those clingy women. I understand the life. I have a career starting that I’ll need to focus on.”

  “There are going to be photo shoots with cheerleaders, fans tend to be a little more expressive, and rumors get started, especially when the player is dating someone.”

  I honestly hadn’t thought about how much our lives were going to change, but I should have. Even though it had been short, I was getting comfortable with our current setup. As long as we stay levelheaded, we’ll adjust.

  “As long as it stays strictly business, then you have nothing to worry about. I get the PR factor. You have to remember, too, that I’m going to be with players in meetings and at dinners, selling them on the team. But that’s all they’ll be—a job, nothing sexual. You know rumors circulated about me when I signed Dyn-O-Mite so quickly, but I’d been with you that night. You’re the only person I’ve slept with on the team. Fidelity is not an issue for me.” I gave him a reassuring smile and a light kiss.

  He smiled. “That was an unforgettable night. I knew I’d have to find a way to make you mine when I walked out of the restroom, and you were gone. Fidelity isn’t an issue for me either. I only want you, Sam. Just remember to talk to me if you don’t like something, and we’ll work out some sort of compromise.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t give up on us.”

  I nestled into him, and he stroked my arm as he said, “Me, too.”