“You can put your shoes on, but not a shirt?” I ask as I point to his boots.
A smile slowly starts to appear on his face when he says, “They were never off. I know you have heard of doing it with your boots on.” Then he winked. I don’t know how long I stood there with my mouth hanging open. Hell, I didn’t even realize it was till TJ reached forward and shut it for me. “I’m sorry. I thought I locked the door.”
“Why are you apologizing? This is your bar, it’s your office that I walked into.” I was a little confused, if anything I should be apologizing. Matter of fact, “I am the one who is sorry.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” TJ straightens his back going on the defensive side. His eyes though, I may be crazy, look as if I hurt him. I raise my hands up and start to tell him that’s not what I meant at the same time he leans into my space.
“Wow, you move fast.” I look over TJ’s shoulder to see that Blondie is now dressed and walking passed us. “Call me when you’re done babysitting.”
When I take my eyes off her retreating form and back at TJ I notice he never looked away from me. His smile comes back, and I notice that the palms of my hands are warm. They are on his hard chest. Holy mother of Pearl. I yank my hands back and cross them over my stomach.
“You didn’t have to do that.” He says through hooded eyes.
“Didn’t have to do what?” My stare now on the paneled walls.
“Stop touching me.” He grabs my chin and turns it to him. “I don’t bite. That is unless you want me to.”
“Yea, I mean no, no. I’m just, um, going back to sit with the girls.” I take a step backwards, “Get a shirt on and get us some drinks, before Skeigh climbs behind the bar to start making her own.” With that I turn and flee back to the safety of my friends. TJ has always made it known that he wasn’t into to me more than a friend. So, why was he apologizing? And what was with the whole ‘you don’t have to quit touching me bit’?
“What took you so long?” Skeigh ask while pushing me my margarita.
“I see you already took it upon yourself to get us drinks?” I smile and take a drink. “Anyways, when I went to get TJ I ended up interrupting him and some blonde getting it on in his office.” I laugh out.
“I guess he is back to his old ways.” Lexi states.
“I don’t think he ever stopped to be honest. I just think he kept it under wraps.” Skeigh looks at Lexi with her eyebrow raised.
“Wait, what are you two talking about?”
“My brother is what you call a man whore. Or he was, I thought he put that behind him a while back. I haven’t seen him usher any skanks from his office in a couple years. Guess not though if you just walked in on him and Janice.” Lexi says. She lets out a sigh and picks up her wine.
“We saw her walk out from the hallway, but assumed that she was coming from the bathroom. She was his number one.” The snarl that Skeigh has on her face is her usual ‘I Don’t like that girl’ look. Which is on her face most of the time, because with the exception of me and Lexi she doesn’t like other girls. We all turn our heads when TJ takes his spot behind the bar. He says something to the waitress points to us and walks back to his office. A few seconds later she comes over to our table.
“I have been informed that anything you girls want tonight is on the house. My name is Sam just holler when you finish your drinks and I’ll bring you another round.” She says it like we just kicked her puppy, before going back behind the bar. We normally don’t take the time to learn any of TJ’s waitresses’ names because they never last long enough.
“I guess that is my dear brother’s way of making up for you having to witness such a travesty.” Lexi finishes her wine, “Sam, could you be a dear and bring me another glass of wine?”
“Lexi!” Skeigh and I say in unison.
“What, that was polite.”
We have another round while Skeigh tells us all about her awesome new customer. She explained that she is a major journalist for this new magazine called Strong Women. It covers topics about how woman can be empowered to go after their dreams, and things they can do to make them happen. This Ms. Bran goes around the country interviewing women that have made it happen, and ones that have struggled and been through some awful things in their life but come out on top.
“I wonder who she is doing a story on here? Maybe, it’s about your shop. Wouldn’t that be great!?” Lexi’s grin is practically from ear to ear when she looks over to Skeigh.
“Sadly, it isn’t about me. However, she did say that she was going to have someone come out and do a spotlight in the magazine and feature some of my clothes!” Skeigh explains.
Skeigh tells us that in the next week or two a woman will come down with a few models. They will have Skeigh dress them, then a photographer will take some pictures. While that is going on the journalist will be interviewing her about how she comes up with the ideas.
It’s nearly midnight by the time we get home, so I wash my hair and change into my pajamas. Once I climb into bed and plug in my phone I notice that I have two unread text messages. The newest one is from TJ saying he was sorry again, and hated that I walked in and saw that. I just ignored it and went to the other one. It was received at eight o’clock and I don’t recognize the number.
I made Yoda blush today. Let me keep my promise, and let me take you out ;-)
As I read that simple text, I blushed.
Chapter 5
The next morning my phone teases me, begging me to pick it up and text Ryder back while I get ready for school. Damn text. I ignore it. I finish getting dressed, grab a cereal bar and water from the fridge and am out the door. The girls have already gone, which is good because if they weren’t they would know something was up and would pester me till I told them that Ryder wanted me to go out with him. Then would have insisted that I text him back. I really want to, I mean what woman wouldn’t. With Ryder’s ethereal good looks and body that was made just for women to ogle. I haven’t been able to pin point what it is about Ryder that calls to me.
The few relationships I have had over the past few years have been ok, they were nice. Up until the end when they realized that I wasn’t as normal as I made myself out to be. So of course they broke it off, saying they didn’t need my shit. It’s a good thing I never fell for them, but Ryder is different. I can see myself falling head first over a damn cliff, and he would just end up walking away from me like all the others.
I make it through my first class pretty easily without daydreaming of Ryder, and what it would be like to actually give in and go on a date with him. When I leave the classroom my stomach rumbles informing me that I need to grab something to eat. Instead of going to my car I decide to walk. It isn’t unbearably hot today and The Burger Shack is just down the road. It’s got the best burgers and fries in town, with has a nice area outside to sit and eat with a good view of the park. The line is fairly short today so it doesn’t take long for them to get my order ready. I grab my basket, and start towards a small table closest to the park. Once seated, I grab a book from my bag. I figured I might as well get some reading done for my next class.
“Greek and Roman Mythology. Interesting, I figured you would be reading some smutty romance novel.” I jump at the sudden intrusion of my reading. Then turn in my seat to see Ryder standing behind me with his hands in his pockets. He then walks by me and takes up residence in the other seat at the table. “So, were you going to text me back eventually, or are you going to make me beg you?”
“I don’t read smut books, this is for school.” Really. What the crap Kat? “And it seems that I don’t have to reply back to you, apparently you have excellent tracking skills.”
“Actually, Dave and my restoration shop is just on the other side of the park. I just came over here to grab us some lunch.” He places he elbows on the table and leans in. “I have never been more thrilled that I lost rock, paper, scissors to Dave in my life.”
“Why?” What the hell is
that supposed to mean?
“Because, if I had won I would be ordering pizza. And I would have missed the chance to ask you in person to go out with me.” When he is done he gives me that mischievous grin. My heart is beating so fast at this point that I can feel it even in the tips of my fingers. I look into those god forsaken green eyes, as an internal war goes on inside me. Could I date him without him ever noticing that I am not 100% here? No. The answer was no. But, I want to take the chance so bad. Try. Say yes. He isn’t like everyone else. HA. My mind and heart are in a battle of epic proportions. “Thought you said you don’t do that often.”
“Um, do what?” What’d I do now?
“You spaced off. From what I could see, you were thinking really hard about something.” He inquires.
“I don’t. At least I never have before. Sorry, school must be getting to me.” I say as I watch a squirrel climb up a tree.
Suddenly there are fingers on the side of my face pulling my gaze back to Ryder. “It’s alright, it was kind of cute actually.”
“How in the heck is me zoning out cute?”
“The face you made. Eyebrows drawn, lips all pursed together,” He lets out a husky laugh, “It was just cute. Trust me on this, it was. Now, tell me when you’re free so I can plan our date.”
“I never said I would go.” I am slowly loosing whatever composure I had. I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans as I stand. My appetite has flown away with my traitorous heart. I put my book in my bag and grab the tray with my wasted food.
“I didn’t take you for someone that likes to torture. Please, put me out of my misery and say yes.” He is still seated, and punctuates his words with a pout lip while looking up at me, making those green eyes glitter as the sun hits gold flecks near his pupil.
“I seriously doubt me refusing to go out with you is torture. I promise, you will live.” I let out an exasperated laugh as I throw my food away.
“Just one date. If I blow it and you don’t have an amazing time, I’ll leave it alone. I promise.” He says as he stands and walks to me.
“Ugh, has anyone told you that you’re pushy?” I take a deep breathe. “Fine. Fine, just one date. That’s it!” I caved. It was the pouty face that got me. Damnit.
“It was the face wasn’t it? Being the baby in the family you learn some neat tricks. My mom was a sucker for it too.” Let’s hope that’s the last time I fall victim to it. “Ok, I got to get this food back to Dave before he starts going in to fits. I’ll text you later.” He walks up to the counter and grabs the to-go bag. I’ll admit as he walked away I was so checking out his ass. I’ll bet those jeans don’t do it any of the justice it deserves. I turn around feeling flushed and head back to campus, I still got two classes today.
I don’t make it far before I hear Ryder calling for me. When I turn around he is jogging up to me with a smile on his face. “So, I know this is something that most people do when they first meet, but what’s your last name?”
“Brown, my last name is Brown.” A smile breaks across my face as I realize I don’t know his either. “What about you Ryder, what’s your last name?”
“Hudson.” He stares at me for a minute before he says anything else. “Well, get back to school. I’ll talk to you soon Katrina Brown.” Then he turns and walks away without a backward glance.
Then it hit me. He said my name, my full first name, and I didn’t freak. Alarm bells didn’t sound off in my head. Instead, I actually liked my name coming from his lips. He makes it sound like a prayer, not something whispered in the darkness.
***
Being a history major has its advantages. For me anyways, because even when I am not completely into whatever the professor is lecturing about that day, I can still follow along pretty easily. It comes naturally to me, always has. That is how the rest of my classes for the day went. I listened periodically, other times I was chastising myself for giving in so easily to Ryder. Lexi called on her way home from work about supper, and since I didn’t eat my lunch I was starving, literally. Lexi and I have an addiction to food, and a bigger addiction to cooking it.
When I get home I put my bag in my room and head to the kitchen to help make the chicken alfredo with Lexi. When it’s done Skeigh meets us at the table.
“So Ms. Bran stopped by the shop again today. She invited us to dinner with her and her assistant Friday.” Skeigh says excitedly.
“Why does she want us to go?” Questions Lexi.
“She is new to town, and other than the people she is working with here, she doesn’t have anyone to hang out with I guess. Do you guys want to? She told me to call her and let her know if we decide to go.” Skeigh says as she takes a sip of her wine.
“What time are we talking here? Because I got to pick Jamie up from school and help her get ready for a dance.” I sit my fork down waiting on her answer.
“I figure we could meet her at that Mexican restaurant we like downtown around six thirty.” Skeigh suggest.
“Ok, I can do that.” I say.
“I can too. Besides, I would like to see what women she has in sights for her article.” Lexi says. She stands up and grabs the wine bottle of the kitchen counter and tops our glasses off. I figured I might as well get it over with and tell them I have a date.
“So, I ran into Ryder today. I agreed to go on a date with him.” I pick my fork back up and move some chicken around on my plate.
“Heck yea! When?” Skeigh’s face is beaming like she is the one who got asked out.
“I don’t know when yet. He said he would text me.” I shrug my shoulders and twirl some noodles onto my fork. My phone picks that exact moment to ring. I look down to see that it’s Ryder. Great he calls me and I have a mouth full of food. Lexi grabs the phone with a shit eating grin on her face. Then she answers it.
“Hello.” Pause. “This is Lexi. Kat’s best friend. She is a little busy at the moment.” Pause. “We are eating dinner.” Pause. “What are,” Pause “YES I am asking you what your intentions are with her.” Pause. “Next? Next, is when I tell you that dating her means dating all three of us. Can’t get one piece of the triangle without the other two, and if you don’t like it…”
Skeigh snatches the phone out of Lexi’s grasp, “Too bad, because we are here to stay, so kiss it.”
They have never been so ‘in your face’ with guys that I have dated before. It makes me wonder if I should be worried. Do they know something I should? Skeigh hands me the phone with a satisfied smirk on her face. I take it from her and head to my room.
“Um, I’m sorry about that.” I apologize as I shut my door.
“Wow, they are fiercely protective over you, huh? I think that is the most intense interview I have been put through when taking a girl on a date. That includes a dad or two, one who was a cop.” He sounds kind of nervous.
“I don’t know what that was about.” I sit on my bed and start pulling out my books from my bag.
“Anyways, I was thinking I could come get you Friday. Is that good?” He ask.
“Nope, I have dinner plans Friday with the girls.”
He huffs into the phone. “Saturday? Do you have any plans for Saturday?”
I laugh at his sad tone, I bet if I were looking at him right now, he would have that damn pout face on. “Saturday it is then. Where and when do you want me to meet you?”
“You won’t meet me anywhere. A gentlemen always picks up his dates.”
“Is that what you are Ryder, a gentleman?” I inquire.
“If that’s what you want me to be, Katrina, then that is what I will be. If not...” He trails off. If not then…what? Why wouldn’t I want him to be anything other than a complete gentleman? He is talking about in the bedroom, dumbass. Ah!
“I can assure you, being a gentleman will get you further.” I did not just say that.
“Is that a promise?” What was it with him and promises.
“Yes, it is.”
“Then I will be the perfect gentleman.” He rumbled.
The ripple of those words come through the phone and all the way to my core. “Text me your address. I’ll pick you up around two in the afternoon.”
“Ok.” It comes out shaky.
“Goodnight, Katrina.”
Chapter 6
The rest of the week went by rather smoothly. Got a few quiz results back from school that I have been waiting on, they weren’t perfect A’s but I was happy with them. Wednesday Jamie and I went shopping at the mall for her a dress for the dance. We ended up hitting some of the older shops in downtown, which is where we found the dress she is wearing. It is a beautiful flowing gown all the way to the floor. A glowing sage green with gold embroidery, which just made her blond hair stand out like a crown with it pinned up in ringlets. She is going to have all eyes on her when she walks into that dance.
“He knows to meet you there, right?” I ask, while I clasp her necklace on her neck.
“Yea, he said that was better anyways. He didn’t want his mom making us late taking a million pictures.” I can tell by her voice she is nervous, but also very excited. I grab the shawl and hand it to her.
“Alright, you ready then?” I place my hand on her shoulder. “Relax, and just have fun.”
“Ok!”
Little did she know that Skeigh and Lexi were waiting in the living room, cameras poised and at the ready. We all get shots with her, and even set on up on the counter to take some of us all together. Some of us being goofy others of us acting like the debutants that we know we aren’t. When we all but fill up the memory on the cameras, the girls walk us out and give Jamie hugs. Once we arrive at the school gym where the dance is being held I get out with her, because it’s my turn to give her a hug.
“You got everything you need? Clutch purse, phone, and some money?” I hate dropping her off and her not have something.
“Yes, yes, and yes. I’ll be fine. Most of the jitters have worn off now.” She says and beams a smile up at me.
From Lies to Promises Page 4
