One Beautiful Promise

by Layla Hagen

  It hit me like a tidal wave. I’d never come like this. The pleasure was brutal and all-consuming, and I moved until all my muscles were burning and I was completely out of breath. Then I went completely still, stretching out my legs. Laney did the same, so she was lying on me completely.

  “Babe?” I murmured. She just nuzzled my neck with her lips and the tip of her nose, humming in a low voice. “Are you okay?”

  My voice was more urgent now. I’d started out gentle enough, but fucking hell, I’d been very rough at the end. I had to know if she was hurting.

  “Did I hurt you?”

  “No.” She spoke in a faint whisper, but she sounded happy. Sated. Her lips curled in a smile against the side of my neck. I moved my arms around her waist, just holding her against me, not intending to let her go unless she explicitly asked me to.

  I was still inside her. When Laney wiggled her ass, clenching her inner muscles around my cock, I groaned. She was trailing her fingers on my arms.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “I don’t know.” Pushing herself up, she looked at me with a huge smile. “Just trying to make the best of... this. Take full advantage. Anything against that?”

  “I’m not stopping you.”

  She pushed herself up until she was sitting on me, roaming her fingers down my chest. I made to grab her wrists and pull her back in a lying position, but she swatted my hands away. “Don’t interfere.”

  I let her go, holding my hands up at the side of my head.

  “Damn... all these muscles,” she murmured, tracing a straight line on my chest, then over my abdominal muscles. I worked hard for them and liked that she appreciated that.

  “Such a pity you have to cover them up.”

  “I can go shirtless for you,” I offered.

  She grinned devilishly. “That’s a great idea.”

  I couldn’t postpone getting rid of the condom any longer, so we both headed to my bathroom to freshen up. Afterward, we ended up right back in bed.

  Laney attempted to straddle me again, but I took control, rolling her on her back. Her eyes widened.

  “My turn to explore you.”

  I drew the tip of my nose down the side of her neck, then her breasts. “Your skin is so soft. So fucking inviting.”

  Her stomach rumbled. I stopped kissing her skin, looking up.

  She pouted, patting her belly. “My stomach is such a cockblocker.”

  Laughing, I kissed right above her navel. “Come on, let’s feed you.”

  Taking her hand, I got us both out of bed. I threw on some jeans and gave Laney the shirt I’d been wearing earlier.

  “Put this on.”

  “It won’t cover my ass completely.”

  “That’s the point.”

  I wanted to delight my eyes with her gorgeous ass. The joke was on me. She burst out laughing as she slipped the shirt on, buttoning it up only halfway. The contours of her breasts were visible. Her nipples pressed against the fabric. Fucking hell... having her ass and her breasts on display was far too tempting.

  Closing the distance, I buttoned the shirt all the way up. Laney watched me with a smug smile.

  “Come on. Let’s feed you.” I turned her around by her shoulders, wrapping my arms around her waist. We walked like that to the living room. It wasn’t the fastest way, but feeling that ass rub against my crotch with every step was more than worth it. We stumbled on each other’s feet and promptly burst into laughter, almost walking into a wall.

  “I thought you were supposed to look out for us.”

  “I was too busy feeling you up.”

  “Yeah, I got that.”

  “What’s your excuse?”

  “I was too busy enjoying you fondling me.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “So I got my full-body massage, and now you’re feeding me? Just so you know, I’m liking you more and more.”

  “You belong to me. I want to take care of you.”

  She shuddered in my arms. I kissed the side of her neck before letting go as we reached the kitchen. It was state of the art, but the only appliances I used were the fridge, the microwave, and the coffee machine.

  “I’m not much of a cook, but I always have plenty of takeout. Since Skye married Rob, I practically have a delivery subscription from his restaurants.”

  “Works for me. I eat vending machine crap half of the time and cafeteria food the rest of the time. This is actually an improvement.”

  We ate bacon sandwiches and salad, standing at the counter.

  “How come you decided you wanted to be a doctor?” I asked her.

  “I don’t remember a time I didn’t want to be one. I honestly never considered anything else. It was particularly alarming in my last year of college, when I had no plan B in case I didn’t get into med school. You? Always knew you wanted to work in real estate?”

  “Not at all. I just wanted to make money, honestly. I know, it’s shallow.”

  “No, it’s not. Wanting to have a comfortable life is a valid reason to pursue things.”

  I liked that she wasn’t judgmental. “When Hunter asked me to work with him, I didn’t hesitate. I was young and hungry to prove myself, hungry for a high-paying job. My siblings and I had wanted to help Mom every way we could.”

  “Oh?”

  “Back in Boston, we lived in this huge house. Right after Dad left, she’d thought that she would at least get half of the house. Dad had hidden from her the fact that he’d put up the house as collateral for a personal loan. It had been in his name only, so he hadn’t needed her signature. I knew she really wanted to own the place where she lived.”

  I had this vague memory of eavesdropping on Mom talking on the phone with her sister.

  “We won’t even have a roof over our head. What am I going to do? I’ll never be able to afford buying a place to call home.”

  It had haunted me for years. I didn’t want Mom to ever feel that desperate or unsafe ever again.

  As soon as we were all working and had a decent income, we chipped in with more than enough for a down payment. Hunter had flat-out offered to buy Mom’s apartment, but she’d given him such a stern speech that we both grimaced every time we remembered it. She’d used his middle name, and that was saying everything.

  “And you succeeded,” she said with a smile.

  “Yeah.”

  “You’re a remarkable man. Did I mention I like you?”

  “Several times, but I love hearing it so you can repeat it as often as you want. Now, time to answer some questions.”

  “Oh?”

  “I want to know you, Laney. The things you like, the things you don’t.”

  “I like where this is going.”

  “Tell me everything. Favorite food, city, color... whatever you feel like.”

  “You might get an overload of information.”

  “I’ll take it.”

  “Okay. But in return, I want the same from you. So, I go first?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Favorites... let’s see. Color: green; movie: Pretty Woman; food: french fries with ketchup. You now.”

  “Blue, James Bond, pulled-pork burgers.”

  She grinned wide. “I like this day. You know, I usually don’t like talking about personal things at all, except with Isabelle or people I’ve known for years... but I want you to know everything there is to know about me. And I also want to know about you. Before, I didn’t really care about these things. I was content just working and sleeping. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. But now, I feel like I’m missing out on everything if I don’t find out your deepest, darkest secrets.” She wiggled her eyebrows. I liked that she wanted to open up to me.

  “I see. I’m going to file that for consideration.”

  She pouted. “But I want to know now. How else am I going to be able to guess the things you need?”

  “I like that you care so much about everything and everyone.”

&
nbsp; “Hmm... not sure if this is an attempt to change topics or butter me up so I compliment you too, but I like that you make me laugh so easily. I just feel so light when you’re around, with your sexy smile and larger-than-life charm.”

  “Careful. It’s all going to my head.”

  “Okay then, let’s find something to hang over your head. Why exactly were you named the charmer?”

  “I’ve never really dated seriously.”

  “Why?”

  “Couldn’t say. I think I just didn’t see myself with anyone for more than a few dates... until now.”

  “Nice save.”

  “I mean it.”

  She laughed, touching my lips. I undid the buttons of the shirt, starting at the top. After opening one, I paused, stroking her skin before kissing the same spot.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I was exploring you when your stomach interrupted us. I’m resuming that course of action, and I plan to make it last all day.”

  “I’m more than onboard with that.”

  Her voice became shaky as I descended lower on her abdomen. She giggled when I moved my fingers around her navel. That sound was inexplicably fulfilling. I didn’t want to only bring her pleasure, but also happiness—joy. She deserved all of that, and I wanted to be the one who gave it to her.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Cole

  The mediation meeting with Gabriel Lyons was in the first week of April. Josie, Tess, and I were in the mediator’s office in Lower Manhattan, sitting across from Lyons and his lawyer.

  I wasn’t anybody’s fool. I’d built a reputation as easygoing, and some people misinterpreted that, like the asshole sitting across from me. His smug expression set my teeth on edge. His lawyer was just as smug. I couldn’t believe their nerve. The guy had first pressed Tess for publicity, and now he wanted to sue us for “information misrepresentation.” It was written in black and white in the agreement they signed for donating that they would not be listed in marketing materials. It was not how the galas operated. The focus was on the causes, not the donors. Since he had no way of winning that lawsuit, I assumed he was just doing this to force our hand.

  The fuckers.

  They thought we would cave. That we’d prefer to give in to his demands so they wouldn’t disparage us. Fuck, no. That wasn’t who I was. I didn’t cave, and I didn’t compromise. But I wasn’t alone in this. Josie asked for a brief recess in the meeting so we could consult with the rest of the family.

  “Let’s take this fucker to court,” I exclaimed the second we were alone in the meeting room.

  Josie held up a finger. “Let’s hear what everyone has to say.”

  We’d told everyone to keep their phones close because we might call. Hunter answered first, Ryker and Skye a few seconds later.

  I was glad Josie was the one talking. I admired her cool and calm demeanor. She was a professional through and through, even though this was a family matter. I was pacing around the table, unable to sit.

  “Tess, Cole, what are you two saying?” Hunter asked.

  “Let’s take him to court,” Tess said. My sister was always a force of nature, but when she was pissed off? She was downright dangerous. She’d been clenching her hands in her lap during the entire meeting—always a sign that she was barely holding back from speaking her mind.

  “Fuck yes to that,” I exclaimed.

  “I agree,” Hunter said, “Skye, Ryker?”

  “Yes!” they said in unison.

  “Perfect.” Josie ended the call, opening the door. “We’ve come to a conclusion.”

  Gabriel, his lawyer, and the mediator stepped inside. We all sat down.

  “Hope you three had some time to come to your senses,” Gabriel said. “Participation in the galas depends on the good name you’ve built.”

  “We’re taking on your challenge. You said you’ll take us to court. Let’s do it,” Josie said simply. Gabriel’s face fell.

  “You can’t be serious.”

  “Gabriel, let me do the talking,” his lawyer said. “Look, you’ve got an impeccable reputation. A lawsuit would tarnish it.”

  Josie shook her head. “No, it wouldn’t.” Turning to the mediator, she said, “This meeting is over. I will handle the paperwork required and keep in touch with all parties involved. There is no reason to prolong this.”

  “I agree,” the mediator said. “Since you’ve decided to move this to a court, my involvement isn’t needed past today.”

  Gabriel and his lawyer stormed out. Tess flipped the bird to their backs. The mediator feigned not seeing it. I was still pissed as fuck when we left the building. Gabriel was still in front us as we walked out.

  “Cole, it’s best if you don’t engage,” Josie said.

  I didn’t really give a fuck. Assholes grated on my nerves, especially those trying to get a free ride. I was used to encountering those in the real estate business, but this was the first time someone was being a prick about the charity events. It felt personal.

  “You’re going to regret this. No one messes with my family.”

  Gabriel rolled his eyes. “I guess we’ll see about that, won’t we?”

  I opened my mouth just as Tess stepped next to me. Her fists were clenched.

  “Cole! Tess!” Josie said forcefully. “Let’s just go.”

  “I disagree,” Tess said.

  “No, really. Come on, our Uber is here!”

  Thank God for Josie, because otherwise I was liable to throttle the moron. She practically shoved both me and Tess in the car. We dropped my sister first in Soho, and then Josie at a client’s before the driver brought me to the office.

  I headed straight to Hunter.

  “You look like shit,” he said the second he saw me. He was sitting in his chair, looking relaxed, as if nothing had happened.

  “Thanks.”

  “Want to go out for a drink tonight?”

  Usually, I managed to put work issues behind me without a problem. I compartmentalized easily enough. Hunter was my opposite, which was why in the early days of the business, I’d often taken him out for drinks after hours, so he could relax and get out of his headspace. Now he was offering to do the same to me? How the mighty had fallen.

  “No, I’m going to go over the operational plan I drafted for Delimano.”

  “Drowning sorrows in work? Not your usual MO.”

  “This isn’t the usual type of jerk.”

  “You know what would help?”

  “What?”

  “Take Laney out.”

  I stared at him.

  “What? Don’t take this so seriously.”

  I cocked a brow. “This, coming from the guy who’s spent so much time brooding that he could teach classes about it?”

  “Just saying!”

  “I’m just gonna be in my office,” I said, in no mood to continue this conversation.

  I wasn’t exactly productive either. When I’d read the same page for the third time, I glanced away from my computer screen, out the window. I kept trying to get to the bottom of why it bothered me so much. It was something I’d built with my family. It was a source of pride and joy for everyone, and I didn’t want that tarnished.

  Hunter’s suggestion flitted in my mind a few times. Spending time with Laney would definitely lift my mood. We’d only met a couple of times since we’d been intimate for the first time last week, and each of them had been insanely fun. But I wanted to give her the best of me. Today, I just wasn’t at my best, and when that happened, I preferred to be on my own.

  ***

  Laney

  Laney: How did it go?

  I wasn’t on a break, but I snuck into an empty room after lunch to text Cole. He’d told me he had a mediation meeting today. It was supposed to be over about half an hour ago, and I wanted to know the outcome. He’d mentioned it a few times, and I knew it was important to him.

  Cole: Not over yet. I’m pissed.

  Laney: :-( I’m sorry. Can I help?<
br />
  Cole: No. I’m gonna stay in the office until late today.

  Wait a second... no joke or innuendo? Holy shit, that meant he was really pissed. I leaned against the closed door, chewing on my lower lip, working on a plan. Cole was always pampering me when I was tired, comforting me when I needed it. I wanted to do the same for him, but I didn’t have a clue where to begin.

  I mulled it over until I finished my shift, and I had an inkling of what I wanted to do, just not a clear picture. I’d promised my parents I’d call them, so I sat on my favorite bench in the backyard of the hospital and called them with FaceTime. They answered immediately, heads huddled together. Mom pushed her huge, black-rimmed glasses up her nose, playfully pointing to Dad. I immediately realized she was poking fun at his haircut. He’d gone for a short, military style.

  “What do you think, honey?” he asked.

  “Hey, I like it.”

  Mom rolled her eyes. “Tell him what you really think.”

  “I mean it, Mom.”

  “Ha! At least one of my two ladies is on my side. How are you, hon?”

  “Just finished my shift.”

  “Any plans for tonight?”

  “Well, actually... yes. Remember Cole, from Rome?” I hadn’t told my parents about us until now because we’d only had short, hurried calls, but now I wanted to share this with them.

  “Hell, yes,” Mom exclaimed. Dad nodded stoically.

  “Well, we’ve been going out for a while.”

  Mom clapped her hands, smiling brightly. “Oh, I’m so happy for you, Laney. I thought something was different about you when you emailed me all those links.”

  I grinned, nodding. I’d been spamming Mom with links to several decor websites with things I liked, such as lamps and paintings, asking for her opinion. When I’d first moved into my apartment, I hadn’t cared about making it feel like home. Honestly, I couldn’t even imagine that any place would feel like home without Ryan in it. It had been a place to sleep in between shifts, nothing more. But now, I wanted it to be cozy and welcoming. I wanted to love it there, and for Cole to feel welcome.

  “Tell us about him,” Dad said.

  “He’s very smart and caring and makes me laugh a lot. You’d like him.” They’d only seen him in that pic I sent from Rome, but I wanted to introduce him to them, maybe through FaceTime.