Promise Me

by Kristin Mayer

  His words were like acid in my veins. The obvious disappointment hurt me. My mom was stirring uncomfortably beside him, playing with her napkin. She was obviously on the verge of tears. I hated disappointing them. I always had.

  How the hell am I going to respond to that?

  Mark squeezed my knee slightly before he responded, “Dean, I understand both of your positions on this matter, and we mean no disrespect. However, Sam and I have to do what’s right for us, which might not exactly align with everyone’s thoughts all the time. Feel free to give my number to everyone who feels like they have a right to discuss our life choices or their opinion of it with you. Sam will always be my priority, and as long as she is happy, that’s all I’m concerned with. I hope you both can appreciate the unconditional love your daughter will receive from me. Give us time.”

  The room was deathly quiet as everyone absorbed Mark’s words. His speech was respectful but full of authority.

  The waiter chose this moment to come and take our orders. I chose the spaghetti because it was the first thing I’d spotted on the menu. The atmosphere felt like we were at a standstill with no one talking, and I had no idea what anyone else ordered as I tried to process it all.

  My dad wore a blank mask, staring at the both of us. It was a little unsettling, thinking about what they would have been like without their talk with Allison yesterday.

  The waiter left, and the awkward silence returned. Mark’s hand grabbed mine, and his thumb stroked it up and down. I returned his gesture with a squeeze. It felt like we were in some alternate universe where seconds felt like a millennium.

  My dad cleared his throat and spoke in a much nicer voice, “Mark, I’ll never approve of this because she’s my little girl after all. This is not how we believe a proper relationship should be done. I do see and hear how much you love her and are willing to stand by her, which is what Chandra and I have always wanted. We might be considered old-fashioned, but our views won’t change on this subject.”

  Mark went to speak, but my dad held up his hand, continuing on, “With that being said, neither one of us wants the strain on our relationship, and we want to be a part of your lives. For now, we will need to abstain from staying with you guys, and if you stay with us, we will ask you to respect us by sleeping in separate bedrooms.”

  Mark gave my hand several little squeezes as if each was saying, I love you, over and over again, which made this crusade worth the fight.

  He responded, “Dean and Chandra, I completely understand. There’s no strain. Sam is the way she is today because of who you are and how you raised her. I’m thankful for that. However, this is our relationship. I’ll always put Sam first.”

  That did it, and my mom and I had tears in our eyes. She and I both stood and hugged each other.

  My mama whispered, “He loves you so much.”

  “I love him, too. He’s the one.”

  My body froze as I registered the words that had come out of my mouth. I hadn’t meant for it to come out like that. What the hell did I just do? Inadvertently admitting that to my mom had shifted everything clearer into focus.

  We pulled apart, and I realized that everyone in the room had heard what I had said.

  Shit. Shit. Shit.

  My dad looked pleased and shell-shocked all at the same time. Mark had a different look about him as he smiled. It was almost calculating. His gaze was burning a hole in me, and I looked away and went to hug my dad.

  My dad’s demeanor had completely softened, which hopefully meant the worst was behind us.

  As I latched on to him, he whispered, “I love you, Boo Bear. It will all be okay.”

  “I know, Dad.”

  Our dinner arrived, and it appeared everyone was settling back down. It was a good feeling, knowing that we had been able to work things out with both sides of our families when we had disagreements. I wanted us to all get along and be a loving family. The only thing that was rocking my world at the moment was how I had so outspokenly admitted that Mark was the one. This afternoon, I had told him I was able to see where this was going, but I had laid down the gauntlet and basically declared that I was ready. Hopefully, he was glad we had worked things out with my family, and he hadn’t paid attention to my slipup.

  I was headed to the second day of the photo shoot, and later tonight, we were going to a formal dinner for everyone who had been brought in from North Carolina, totaling about thirty people. Yesterday had been uneventful with it being a bunch of guys posing this way and that way. The cheerleaders were being added today, which was going to make it a little more interesting. This was part of Mark’s life, so I guessed I would see how I was going to deal with the girls hanging on him. I believed I would be okay with it since it was business and not personal.

  My car radio was on, and the sunroof was open as I drove to the warehouse for today’s shoot. Mark had been picked up earlier per Allison’s last-minute request as she needed a few additional shots of him by himself. I had used that time to pay bills.

  Pulling in, I jumped out of the car and headed into the warehouse where the shoot had started. I saw Mark in front of a white screen with two girls on each side. He made eye contact with me as if sensing my presence. I gave him a little wave. Missy was off in the corner, and she looked at me and then back toward Mark. Damien was here also. I imagined he’d made his presence known to make sure no one would give Allison any shit.

  Different lighting fixtures and silver screened things were everywhere. Several different areas were setup with white screens, intending for those pictures to look like they had been done outside. Allison was going to photoshop in different backgrounds where needed. One area looked like part of the field while the one right next to it was a locker-room setup.

  Allison was directing the girls’ stances and clicking away. Mark was dressed in full uniform and had a sultry look on his face as he posed with them. Even though I had already had him once today, desire bloomed through me.

  I walked up to Allison who was clicking away. “Hey, little mama. Is there anything you need me to do?”

  “Not right now. Damien has so many people hired to help adjust lighting and anything else that I need, so I’m good.” She knelt down for a different angle and repositioned everyone.

  Damien walked up. “Hey, Sam. Make sure Allison doesn’t work too hard today.”

  I gave him my best salute.

  He leaned into Allison. “You two take care. Bane and Jeremy are staying here with you. I’ll be back before dinner.”

  She leaned up and kissed him. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”

  Damien gave her an endearing smile before walking out the door.

  I watched as Missy looked at Mark with lust in her eyes. “How’s Missy been acting?”

  Allison smirked at me. “She’s been fine. She won’t act up during the shoot. She knows her ass would be grass if Damien found out.”

  I knew I loved my brother-in-law for a reason.

  Allison paused to get in a different position. She started clicking again as she continued talking, “Did you get Mark’s text about bringing his clothes for tonight? We’re running behind with all these unplanned and unnecessary makeup touches.”

  “I did. I also went ahead and brought my dress just in case.”

  Mark looked uncomfortable with the girls draped on him. I gave him a reassuring smile, and he seemed to relax some. I wondered if he was worried about how I would take all this. It honestly wasn’t a problem for me as long as it all stayed professional.

  Allison asked, “How did it go with your parents last night?”

  I lowered my voice, matching hers, in case prying ears were trying to hear our conversation. “Good. We basically are agreeing to disagree. Thanks for what you told them. I think it would have been a lot more difficult if they hadn’t talked to you.”

  “Anytime. That’s what best friends are for. Plus, I know you’ve covered for me several times with all their questions about Damien and me.” />
  I gave her a wink.

  She turned her attention to the group. “Okay, take five, and we are going to move to the stadium set over there.”

  Allison left to start having the lights and screens adjusted while Mark walked up to me.

  He gave me a kiss before saying, “Hey, glad you made it. Did you get my text?”

  I pushed myself closer into him. “I did, and your clothes are in the car. How’s it going?”

  He massaged his forehead with the arm that wasn’t holding me, obviously trying to ward off the beginnings of a headache. “It’s going. These fucking makeup retouches are slowing us down. We were originally planned to be done two hours prior, but I think it’s going to be down to the wire.”

  Placing my hands on each of his shoulders, I pulled back and looked at him with sarcastic, sympathetic eyes. “Aw, are they having to do a lot of beauty work on you? I did keep you up late last night.”

  He gave a look of mock horror. “Very funny. I wanted some time alone before we go to the party. I was hoping we could use that wig of yours today.”

  Shit. That was the quickest way to douse my libido, and all of a sudden, I was thankful for those stupid makeup touches. I’d totally forgotten to throw that stuff out this morning, and I needed to make sure that happened pronto before the evading excuses were gone. However, distraction was my best friend at this point.

  Sweetly, I purred, “Well, it’ll build the anticipation for after we get back. I might have a red lacy surprise for you this evening.”

  His uniform pants began to tighten as I felt Robertson Junior harden against me.

  “You’re going to kill me the rest of this afternoon with my imagination running wild at the possibilities.”

  Leaning forward, my hips ground into him, and he emitted a low growl. It gave me the distance I needed up top to give him a patronizing small pat on the chest as I pouted my lips.

  “I wouldn’t want that. Just to ease your pain, it has a garter belt and lace stockings, and the top can be ripped off by your teeth. Mmm…I’m getting wet from thinking about the possibilities.”

  “Damn it, Sam.” He looked around.

  Mission accomplished. He wants to take me somewhere.

  We were starting to walk away when Allison cut us off at the pass.

  “No. No. No. Mark, don’t you dare think about it. I’ll send Sam away if I have to.” She used her no-nonsense voice as she put her hand on her hip.

  Mark actually looked like he was contemplating calling her bluff.

  I slapped his chest. “I don’t think so, Sport. She’s not bluffing. Get back to the set. You’ll have to wait till later to ravish me, or she’ll have me thrown out of here.”

  “Geez, Sam, I’m standing right here. Mark, march your ass over there now.” Allison threw her hand out for emphasis.

  Mark walked away, resigned. He even looked back once with those puppy-dog eyes. Allison raised her hand again, telling him to continue on. She gave me a wink as she followed him.

  I stuck my tongue out at her in response. “You just cost me a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am orgasm.”

  That caused her to cover her ears and continue forward.

  Too. Damn. Adorable.

  The shoot was dragging on and on. Overall, it seemed to be going well. I was getting tired of Missy eye-fucking Mark from the sidelines, but other than that, I was fine.

  Allison was focused on clicking away as I informed her, “Hey, I’m going to go ahead and get ready. I’ll be back shortly.”

  “Sure thing. We should be done in the next thirty minutes. If they try to break one more time, I’m going to threaten to start adding weight to all of them when I do the edits.” She giggled to herself as she went back to work.

  I gestured and mouthed to Mark that I was going to go change, and he nodded. He was tired. He dragged a hand down his face as Missy said something in a giggling voice. She wasn’t getting out of line, but she was still getting on my nerves.

  In the gray cinder block–walled bathroom, I touched up my makeup and pulled my hair back halfway into a gold clip in order to let my dress showcase my shoulders. I slipped my dress over my head and adjusted everything into place. The cut of the dress didn’t allow for a bra. For some reason, I liked how the dress looked with a slight outline of my nipples. It was a one-shouldered, spaghetti-strapped red dress that gathered over to the right side. There was a small circular cutout where the fabric came together. The cutout was outlined in a gold clasp that matched my hair clip. The slit started six inches below the cutout and then flowed out, exposing most of my leg. My gold strappy heels were high, which only added to the illusion of how long my tanned legs were. My earrings were simple gold teardrops, and I had a gold bangle on my wrist. After adding a shimmering lip gloss, I stood back and decided that this would definitely get me laid this evening.

  I put Mark’s clothes near his bag in the men’s area, and then I headed back to the photo shoot where they were wrapping up.

  Allison was getting one last shot with the guys, and the girls were off to the side. Missy was continuing to eye-fuck Mark, and then she gave me a little I-don’t-care-if-you-see-what-I’m-doing look.

  We are about to tangle.

  The moment I looked back at the stage, Mark’s eyes connected with mine, and he actually took a step toward me, leaving his pose.

  Allison’s voice broke through the connection that was drawing him to me, “Mark, give me ten more minutes, and she’s all yours.”

  That earned him ribbing from the other players. He obviously didn’t care about them because he was staring at me until one of them slapped him on the back, breaking into his world. The sexy grin he gave me, telling me he was going to make me scream in pleasure, had my panties nearly combusting on the spot.

  I walked up to Allison as she said, rather disgruntled, “Really, Sam? You had to come out here like that before I’m done?”

  Giving her my most innocent look, I responded, “What?”

  That earned me an eye roll before she focused back on the task. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Missy heading into the locker room.

  It’s time that bitch and I had a little talk. “I’ll be back in a minute. There’s something I need to handle.”

  I gave Mark a wink, and he looked at me in amusement, his green eyes dancing, before I started to walk off.

  Allison looked in the direction I was walking, and I heard her mumble, “Oh hell, be gentle on her.”

  I waved as I walked toward the locker room. This little chick is about to receive a reality check.

  Missy was at the counter, still in her cheerleader uniform, combing through her black hair and eyeing her makeup. With how many makeup checks they had done today, she had to have fifty layers on by now. Her short strapless blue sequin dress was hanging from a hook to the side. She saw me in the reflection, and her hazel eyes took me in. She was fit. I had to give the girl that as she turned around in her teeny uniform.

  “Hey, Sam, did you have fun today?”

  That snarky tone had me wanting to physically knock her block into next week.

  I casually walked up, looking at my fingernails as if I had just had them done. “I did. Well, of course, I always have fun, especially when it involves me getting to ogle my boyfriend in his uniform, knowing what’s going to come after when we’re alone. Hell, he does that uniform justice. How about you?”

  Obviously confused by my response, she tentatively said, “I did. I always enjoy the photo shoots.”

  “Oh, I bet.” Walking up to her, I kept about two feet of distance between us. Entering what could be called bitch mode, I continued, my voice turning cold, harsh, and full-on steel, “I’m going to cut right to the chase, Missy. If you pull that shit you did at the bar the other night or continue to eye-fuck my boyfriend inappropriately, I want to warn you that I have no problems airing my grievances in front of everyone, sparing no thought to how it’s said. I can’t imagine that it would do great things for your cheerlea
ding career. Demerits can be a bitch, I’ve heard. If Mark had wanted you before, fine, but he obviously doesn’t, or he would have tapped you when he had the chance. Don’t fuck with me, Missy. I know your game. I have a feeling you’re trying to stir up a shitstorm. Cut it the fuck out, or I’ll make good on what I said.”

  Her mouth dropped open, and I turned on my heel and walked out with my head held high. There was nothing she could have said that would have been of any benefit at this point. If she had denied it, it would have been a lie. If she’d explained it, it would have been unfounded. If she’d confirmed it—well, that would have pissed me off even more. She’d known I meant business, and at this point, the ball was in her court. How she played it would determine how I would play. Maybe it had been a bit bitchy, but I refused to put up with that unnecessary bullshit. My life had too many other things I was working on.

  Mark was heading to the locker room with Allison by his side. When they saw me, the relief that flooded both of their faces was almost comical. Mark was probably concerned for me, and Allison was probably concerned for Missy, which made me mentally laugh even harder.

  Before the questions started, I put my hands up and said, “Everything is fine. I needed to clear the air on a few things, but I think we came to an understanding.”

  Mark grabbed me and kissed me before I had a chance to say anything else. Allison was muttering something about bleach as she went into the locker room while I relished in how Mark’s tongue felt in my mouth after having to look at each other all day and not really being able to touch. Plus, a man in uniform really did something for me.

  Mark was jostled, and it broke our connection.

  “You two need a room.” It was Gavin, the running back for the team.

  Mark grinned.

  I pushed him away. “Go get ready, Sport, or we’re going to be late.”

  A few seconds later, Allison emerged in a beautiful black chiffon baby doll evening dress with spaghetti straps. Her natural beauty allowed her to shine without a lot of makeup. I gave Mark a shooing motion, and I walked up to Allison and gave her little baby bump a pat.