Promises (14 page)

The light died in her eyes
and the smile faltered. “Okay, I suppose.” She lay back, inert, beneath his hooded gaze. “I think you’ll like the dress.”

“Why, and what’s wrong
? I thought you’d be excited?” He was debating whether to cup one of the heavy breasts that teased him.

“It pushes up and out,
and then comes down pretty low.” Pointing to the spot, she tried to explain. “Thin straps, and tight, flaring out beneath the knees.” She frowned. “The colour is nice, though, like a turquoise green. I think it’s designed for a flaming mermaid, though.”

Sol was silent,
unhappy with the description. He’d like it, but he was afraid every other hot blooded male would as well. A surge of possessiveness flooded through him; he did not want her body on show.

“To
be honest, Sol, I’m dreading it. I don’t like being in the limelight,” she admitted as she examined her nails, trying to compose herself. Her eyes shone through a glaze of tears. “I don’t have any confidence, and I’m expected to do this? My brother owes me big time.”

“Hey
.” He tilted her head up, not missing the tears. “I’ll be there for you. Just think of me standing naked in the church.” Her sudden grin relieved him.

“I’m glad you’re coming now.
For once Mother got something right.” Her hand moved down his body in soft brushing movements.

“Where will we be staying?” he asked, already pl
anning ahead. One didn’t run a string of hotels without calling in some favours.

“Don’t
know. I’ll ring around, get us a cheap B&B.” She glanced down at his obvious erection.

“Just tell me where we’ll be going
.” He groaned as she pushed him over until he was flat on his back.

S
he edged herself astride.

“A
nd leave it to me to make the arrangements,” he said, easily lifting her and settling her on his shaft. He penetrated her deeply and closed his eyes as she wrapped herself around him, drawing him in. Her sex clenched covetously over him. Unhurried, almost reverent, she canted gently against him. Sol glanced up and saw her eyes closed, her lips parted as she took her time, savouring each slow, languid thrust. He held her firmly by the hips as he increased their tempo. He drove forcefully into her until she collapsed on his chest, moaning, shuddering against him as roll upon roll of sensations claimed her body.

* * *

“I can’t believe it’s here,” sighed Alex, a bundle of nerves. The day of the wedding had dawned. Her mother had already been on the phone, shouting instructions and questions, including if she’d stopped taking the pill. She managed to sidestep that one.

“You’ll be fine
.” Sol smiled, trying to instil some confidence in her. He rubbed the nape of her neck and chuckled. “You remind me of a cat, the way you purr into me.”

“Yep
, you’ve got the cream for me, all right.” Her sinful gaze slid over him.

Sol burst out laughing and shook his head.
“Now, have you got everything?” He spared a brief glance at the large holdall on the back seat of the Beetle.

Nibbling on her nail
, she paused as her mind raced ahead, then nodded. “Come on. If I forgot something, I guess I don’t need it.”

She slid
into the car and cast a look back at the small suitcase next to hers. “What are you going to be wearing?” She didn’t wish to knock his customary jeans because she knew he couldn’t afford a suit, but she couldn’t help but wonder what his plan was. When she’d first fetched it up, he’d flashed one of his wicked, secret grins.

“
I told you, don’t worry. I won’t put you to shame,” he teased as he leaned over and pulled the safety belt across her ample chest. He couldn’t resist the opportunity to snatch a quick kiss.

“Sol, if you think that
then you can get out of this car now!” she snapped, infuriated that he should find her so shallow.

“Well
, first of all, it’s my car, and secondly, I was teasing.” He tilted her chin so she was forced to look at him, his face completely serious. Only worry creased his features.

“Sorry
.” She looked down at her hands. “It’s just that I’d never think that of you. I’m not into that scene of people with too much money with heads so far up their own asses that they think they’re better than us.” She sucked in a sigh, knowing her mother’s obsession with money. It was the only thing that had moved her on after her dad’s death. Alex had suffered and tolerated a lifetime’s worth of snobbery, of lectures about who they were. Even her brother was fixated on his job and climbing the social ladder, egged on by Val. It made her sick; she couldn’t understand the mentality of people with money, who thought they were above anyone else.

“I know
, honey. I guess we’d better make a move. We can settle in and have a bit of fun time.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “When do we need to get to your mother’s house?”

“After lunch will be fine.
The wedding isn’t till six—plenty of time to listen to her go on about my biological clock and babies,” she sighed.

“So we’ve got all of today and tomorrow morning to ourselves?”
The car rumbled to life and he groaned at the loud back-firing.

“Don’t even think of it.
I need to be able to walk down that aisle.” Alex burst out laughing. It was a nice thought.

She rolled
the window down, the Beetle’s only air-conditioning. “Where is this mysterious B and B? I hope it’s not a tent up on some mountain.” Peeking over at him, she thought he looked very pleased with himself. “It is, isn’t it?” She dissolved into giggles.

“It’s a surprise
. You’ll have to wait till we get there.” Continuing on through the leafy lanes, they left the crisp sea air behind.

“How much is it costing
? We’ll split the difference.” She slipped her sandals off and flexed her toes. It was a good two hour drive so she’d just as well opt for comfort.

Solomon
shook his head and tapped her gently on the knee while his other hand rested lightly on the wheel, steering them easily through the myriad of lanes they were driving through. “It’s on me. You can pay the next time.”

“You’re talking as if this, well
us
, is going long term. Like … a relationship?” She turned to study him, her heart lurching in her chest.

“I’d like to think so
,” he said quietly, casually resting his hand on her thigh. He grinned when her smaller one covered it.

Alex breathed out a shaky sigh.
“So would I, Sol,” she replied after a soul-searching pause. Bringing his hand to her lips, she kissed his knuckles softly.

“Will you behave
? Or I’ll have your knickers off, down some side lane,” he warned, the glint in his eye showing he meant it.

“You already o
we me for one pair. Don’t forget I’m keeping count.” Even though she was enjoying their banter, she was still shocked that he was willing to give it a try. A relationship. Something she’d never had in her life. And she was looking forward to the experience.

* * *

Solomon glanced over at her, sleeping. Her head rested to the side, and the sun glaring through the windscreen made her hair look as if it were on fire. He was glad he’d finally admitted what he wanted.

Her.

And he was so relieved that she’d agreed.

H
e wasn’t sure how he’d cope if she still wanted ‘friends with benefits.’ They’d transcended that a long time ago, and now they were moving forward. Getting to know each other, experiencing what couples did before sex, except they were doing it ass about face.

Checking
the road signs, he realized they were almost at their destination. He shook her gently. “Come on, honey, we’re there.” He grinned at the way she rubbed her eyes, blinking in the light. She stifled a yawn before stretching, and he just wished to Christ she’d stop thrusting her tits out.

“Sorry
, Sol, you shouldn’t have let me sleep.” She wound the window down for fresh air to wake her up. She glanced around the countryside, which was devoid of buildings. Not a Travelodge in sight.

“You needed it after last night
.” He winked at her. “I thought we might have a repeat performance tonight?”

“As long as you’re up
for it.” She slipped her hand along the inside of his thigh and snuck a cheeky path across his crotch. Then she glanced up at the route they were taking.

“Just
where are we going?” Suddenly sitting up, she stared in shock at the stately home sitting majestically amid lush, rolling fields. A hedge of tall trees furnished privacy, ensconcing it in a mass of green foliage.

“Our room for the night.
” His mouth curved into a grin at the astonishment that lit up her face.

H
er eyes were huge as she stared at the impressive building.

“
I was owed a favour.”

“What did you do, kill someone
? This has got to cost some serious money.” Her eyes wide, she continued to stare at the impressive hotel. “Glad I’ve got the next one,” she muttered, ignoring Sol’s deep baritone laugh. “Just don’t expect it to match this place.” She gazed up at the huge hotel.

Parking
the battered, colourful Beetle between opulent, overpriced cars, Sol hopped out and pulled their bags onto the kerb.

“Come on
.” He held his hand out to Alex, surprised at her childlike gaze taking in every detail. For once in her life she was silent, content to let herself be led forward. Until they reached the door.

Alex baulked, nerves overtaking her.
“Are you sure about this?” A gust of anxiety blew over her. She gripped his hand, speaking her thoughts out loud. “I’m not comfortable. It’s too posh. I’ve never been to a place like this before.” Then she stopped and glanced up at him. “And what am I going to wear for dinner? Because this place looks seriously high maintenance.”

“Come on, trust me
.” He was amused to see her doubts.

She nodded her head
and walked close to him, ignoring the stares as they stood waiting at the reception desk. Then she stole a glance at Sol, who appeared to be in total control, relaxed and confident. “Remember the last hotel we were in?” she whispered to him, and a wide grin appeared on his face.

“Your keys
, sir.”

“Thanks, catch you later
.” He pulled Alex towards the lift. She looked across at two ultra lean women who appeared to be eating him with their eyes and shot them a glare of pure loathing, her one brow arched inquisitively.

“What’s up with you?”
Sol asked, noticing her heated looks.

“Those women, that’s what’s wrong
! They were all over you with their eyes!” she muttered. She continued to toss heated glares over her shoulder.

“Jealous?”
he asked, sliding a hand around her waist. He nuzzled her neck as they waited for the lift.

“Yep
,” she replied honestly as the door opened.

The
couple in the lift moved forward, the woman overdressed and glittering with diamonds. The man gave them a scornful glare and spoke aloud, “Didn’t know they allowed that type in here. I’ll have to speak to the manager.” He pressed his arm against the small of his wife’s back. “White trash is what that’s called, my dear.”

Sol,
overhearing, flexed his muscles. His face was a mask of fury as he spun on the man. His arm lashed out and gripped him by the arm, spinning him round. “I suggest you apologise to the lady. And as to the manager, forget it, or I’ll see you out on your sorry ass!”

“Sol, no!”
Alex tugged worriedly at his arm. “Don’t!” she urged, her face pale with shock at his overreaction.

“Apologise!” he hissed
, shaking the terrified man like a rat.

“Sorry
, lady!” muttered the man, adjusting his tie once he was released, giving a throaty cough. “Come on, Margaret.” Keeping his head bent, he hurried quickly away.

“Sol, you can’t go
around doing that!” She rounded on him, her hands on her hips and her face still pale. She studied him warily and could see the anger in the rigidness of his stance. She reached out to him, touching his arm, grounding him. “Are you okay now?”

“I won’t
have anyone talking about you like that.” He ran a shaky hand through his hair. The insult had cut him like a knife.

“Look,
at this rate we’ll be kicked out before we get to our room,” she whispered, a grin forming on her lips as her sense of humour kicked in. “Should have told him my charges.”

“Witch
,” he chuckled, his temper abating once they were alone in the lift.

Alex followed him down the short hallway and paused outside the impressive double doors, looking up at him
with a hint of suspicion. “Have you been here before? You seem to know your way around.”

“Nope
. Most hotels are much the same. It’s not rocket science,” he lied with ease, inserting the key and listening to it click before pushing it open. “Your room, my lady.” He let her walk in first.