Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) (9 page)

Ashley’s surprised smiling face warmed my heart as she pulled me in for a hug.

“How are you?” I squeezed her tightly and asked. She was the only person here who actually spoke to me during my teenage years and one of the few who didn’t tease me about my weight.

She pulled back and told me she was doing great. She held out my arms and eyed me, smiling. “Wow! You look fabulous! And I heard you’re in human resources now. I’m so excited for you!”

The warmth from her heart could always be shown through her facial expressions. I wish she hadn’t attended boarding school or we probably would have been closer friends.

“Actually, I’m a HR Director now,” I told her proudly; happy I could share my success with an old friend.

“That’s fantastic. Has your mom finally accepted your career?” She scrunched up her nose as she asked that.

I nodded, remembering Ashley was at the country club when I first told my mom about my career choice. The entire country club heard her slam her fist down on the table and storm out of the club. She didn’t speak to me for a couple of weeks. Dad told me she would get over it, but I wasn’t sure. She came back after those two weeks and shoved marriage options in front of my face. Charles was one of them.

“How are things at the law firm?” I asked.

She smiled brightly. “It’s fantastic! I’m working with corporate law, so if you ever need any advice, feel free to call me,” she explained as she handed me her card. She leaned in, still smiling and told me, “I’m also dating someone very special.”

My eyes lit up, excited for Ashley. She had been like me, mostly a wallflower, off to the side while everyone else was always dancing at our country club gatherings. “Who? Anyone I might now?”

She shook her head and glanced to the side. “I actually met her at my boarding school and we’ve kept in touch over the years. We recently connected and she just moved to New York City.” I think my mouth popped open hearing that, as I had no idea that my old friend was interested in women. She smiled. “You had no idea, did you?” I shook my head, but still smiled, so happy for my friend. 

My eyes got wide as I laughed. “I had no idea!”

“I didn’t think you did, but since I was sent away I didn’t really have a chance to tell you.”

“What did your parents say?” Then I realized how easygoing her parents could be. I shook my head and said, “Let me guess, they were very happy for you.” She nodded her head.

“Mom was a little taken aback at first, but came around quickly.” I smiled, but then thought of my mom, knowing she wouldn’t be even remotely accepting.

Ashley noticed my expression and put her hand on my arm. “Your mom hasn’t changed at all, has she?”

I shook my head. “No, and I never expect her to. She is who she is.” I shrugged my shoulder.

Ashley glanced at her watch then told me, “I need to get going. Call me so we can catch up. I’d love to chat with you.”

We hugged and I told her the same as we walked back out of the restroom.

“What took you so long, dear?” My mom leaned over and asked as I sat back down.

“I ran into Ashley in the bathroom. We were catching up,” I told her with a smile still happy to have seen Ashley.

She scoffed, “and has she found a husband yet?” She glanced over at Charles’ mom and they shared a laugh.

“She doesn’t need one Mom. She’s doing very well at the law firm.”

“She does need a husband. Speaking of which, Charles is finally arriving.” I exhaled my breath, thankful he actually arrived and glad I wouldn’t have to finish the conversation with mom about Ashley. He kissed his Mom and shook his Dad’s and both my parents’ hands. Then he leaned in and gave me a kiss on my cheek making both our moms sigh happily.

“So, now that you’re both here, we want to pin you down for a date.” My mom started in not wanting to waste any time.

Charles and I exchanged a glance at each other and I nodded for him to tell them. “We’re going to wait another two years, so plan the date according to that,” he instructed them. Thankfully, his voice was stern so that might help convince our mothers.

“Two years?” Both moms exclaimed angrily.

“I already told you Mom, but you didn’t want to believe me.” I gave Charles a thankful smile as our food was placed in front of each of us. I pulled the napkin and placed it on my lap, not glancing at my Mom. I knew she was glaring at me. I could feel it.

Charles’ mom started in. “Well, we’ll just have to work around that little glitch.” She patted my mom’s hand and pulled out her phone. “Two years from now.
Spring or fall wedding?”

I said “spring” at the same time as Charles said “fall.” We both chuckled at each other for saying the opposite season. He patted my leg, “Spring, if that’s what you want, hon.” I smiled at him as both moms swooned.

“Okay, now that’s settled, we can look at reserving the club for an April or May date.” They continued their planning as Charles and I listened. Then our dads caught his attention to discuss medicine and golf and I was pulled back into the wedding planning discussion.

Finally, the torturous brunch was over and we said our goodbyes to our parents. I kissed Charles and wrapped my arms around his neck as he slipped his around my waist. “Mind if I come over?” I whispered in his ear, feeling a little lascivious.

Unfortunately, Charles seemed to have to think about it. He gave me a brief smile and pecked my lips. “Nope. Why don’t you follow me to my place.” Relief warmed me that he didn’t turn me down this time.

The entire drive over I continually thought about the reality show; the one where she stripped for her boyfriend. By the time we arrived at his apartment, I had decided I would seduce Charles by stripping, like I saw on my show last night.
Sexy.
I tried to tell myself. I can do this. My heart was pounding and my palms started sweating as I thought about what I’m going to do.

Charles walked to the kitchen and I heard him opening the cabinets, clinking a glass against something. I glanced down at my outfit quickly, my heart coursed with excitement as I adjusted my wrap dress to show more cleavage. I sauntered towards the kitchen and leaned against the wall in a sensual pose as I pouted my lips.

Charles looked at me with disgust. “What the hell’s wrong with you?” He chuckled. “You feeling okay?”

My heart dropped, but I still felt determined that I could do this. I can seduce Charles. He’s going to be my husband for God’s sake. I took a deep breath, giving him a seductive smile, and then I placed my hand on his chest. I watched his eyes spark with knowing what I was about to do and his mouth curled into a grin.

“What are you doing?” He asked with a lowered teasing voice. His facial expression told me he already knew as I watched him grin at me.

I took his hand and led him over to the couch, grabbing the remote and turning off the TV. I swung around slowly and gently pushed him onto the couch.

I realized at that point I forgot to turn on some music. I grabbed my phone from my purse and quickly searched for a song, my heart in my throat and nerves fluttering angrily in my stomach. I couldn’t find a song quick enough so I just pressed the first one I could find. “Bubbly” came on. Not exactly stripping music, but I decided to go with it.

I shimmied my shoulders back and forth as I started to try to undo the knot on my belt, but faltered untying it. I couldn’t get the knot undone. When I finally managed, it was nowhere near sexy.

Charles started laughing and pulled me into his lap. “You’re so cute sometimes. You’re just not stripper material, baby,” he teased me.

I tried to laugh it off even though I was a bit hurt inside. I guess I can’t pull it off. He kissed me softly as he grabbed my phone and turned off the music. Maybe it was the music? I gave him a small pout as he took my cheeks in his hands and pulled me in, his lips meeting mine. I parted my lips, taking his mouth into mine letting him kiss me with the passion that swept me off my feet when we first kissed. I sat up a little and straddled him, hiking up my skirt slightly and wrapped my arms around his neck for more of his sweet lips. I started to grind my hips onto his hardness I could feel through his jeans.

He pulled back, chuckling. “Whoa. What’s gotten into you?”

My smile dropped and I swallowed, feeling a bit defeated. “I…just thought it would be fun to try something different.” I shrugged. “That’s all.”

He pulled me toward him again. “Honey, we’ve talked about this. I enjoy how we are in the bedroom. You don’t need to be slutty or kinky with me. I love you just the way you are.” He gave a small nibble on my bottom lip and kissed me again. He leaned forward, coaxing me to stand as he stood too. He took my hand and led me to the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

As he closed the door and I started toward the bed, all I could think about is how perfectly boring my life will always be. Especially in the bedroom.

It was Thursday morning and I decided to head into the office for a little while. I wanted to set up my office before Monday. Flynn and Mel
’s wedding rehearsal was tomorrow and the wedding was Saturday. I knew I would probably be too tired on Monday and wouldn’t want to set up my office. The movers had unpacked all my stuff at the apartment already since it was mainly clothes and stuff I couldn’t live without.

I left my furniture for Cassie. Yeah. Turns out she’s always had a thing for my condo and I figured since I was moving back in a year anyway, I could rent my condo out to her, leaving my furniture and just packing up my personal belongings. Clark was buying all new furniture for his room anyway and the living room, so he has it when I move out or he gets a new roommate. I decided I would just buy some new bedroom furniture, which was being delivered early tomorrow morning. Staying in the hotel another night wouldn’t bother me.

I strolled over to my new office. Kara’s desk was an “L” shaped cubicle without walls, facing out towards the rest of the sales staff. Her computer was facing away from my office windows, but directly in front of them. She was already sitting behind her desk and typing something into her computer. What she was working on, I had no idea since I haven’t given her any work to do just yet.

“Good morning, Kara.” I greeted her with my best smile. I tried to make sure it wasn’t sexual because I know she really wants to portray a business relationship.

“Good morning, Mr. Williams,” she replied in a professional manner. I shot her a quizzical look.

Chuckling, I said, “You can call me Matt, Kara. We’re not going to overdo the professional thing.” She gave a soft giggle and nodded her head. I glanced at her attire — a nice, grey silk blouse with a navy skirt. I noticed the skirt had a small slit, but it was still respectable and just enough to give me a glimpse of her creamy thighs. Thighs I couldn’t wait to be back in between. She also had amazing heels that showed off her incredible calves. Flashes of her on stage stripping in just heels and tiny thong flipped through my head.

I leaned over and told her I’d need to see her in my office to go over our plan for the week. No, I really didn’t have a plan. I just wanted her in my office. The sight of her fucking thighs was killing me.

I walked in and put my laptop bag down behind my desk. Kara walked in with a pad and pen in hand. She glanced around unsure where to sit. She was nervously looking at the couch, so I walked towards her and shut the door behind her.

I pulled her back towards the corner behind the door and slammed her against the wall. “Oh, God Kara, I’ve missed you,” I moaned. I grabbed her behind her neck and pulled her mouth towards mine and pressed my lips to hers; my other hand slipping to the small of her back, where I gave her a caressing pulling massage. She resisted at first, but then opened her mouth to me and kissed me with the fire we’ve always had. Suddenly, she pulled back breathlessly.

“Matty, we can’t do this.” She tried to protest with a slight pout. I smiled because it was such a faint protest it made me just want her even more. I moved my lips down her neck and kissed her right at that spot she needs to get her going, I haven’t had to do it that often; she’s usually ready to go immediately. “Ohh, Ohh God, Matty. We…we caann’t,” she groaned. I smiled against her neck. Her protests weren’t very strong and the way she couldn’t get her words out was even more enticing.

“Come on, baby. No one can see us. I checked my window when my blinds are closed. No one can see in.” I grabbed her hips tight against my hard cock and kissed her more roughly. She gave in again and her lips vigorously pushed into mine after a small whimper.

“It’s not that, Matty.” I brushed my lips against her spot again and swear her eyes rolled back in pure pleasure.

“What’s the matter, baby,” I whispered as I kissed her neck again. Then I thought about it for a second. “Is it that time of the month? Is that the problem? ‘Cause, baby, I’ll make sure you still get off. Nothing would make me happier than to make sure you still come.”

She gave a soft giggle before replying, “No, that’s not the problem, Matty.” She pulled back and gave a coy smile. “That’s never been our problem.” I smiled back at her remembering how we’ve gotten around that small issue.

I leaned in again to press my lips to hers, only to be stopped by her turning her head. Not a problem for me, I went in for that hot spot again. She moaned and I was pretty sure she would cave soon. “Matty, we can’t have sex anymore,” she blurted out.

I pulled back and almost laughed until I saw the distress in her face. “What? You’re talking crazy, baby. Of course we can have sex.” I turned up the corner of my mouth, giving her my sexy smile. “Anytime, anywhere,” I whispered hoarsely.

I ran my hand down to her ass and cupped it firmly. “Being in between your fucking amazing thighs is the only place I ever want to be.” I started wondering if there was another problem, so I pulled back slightly. I gave her a kiss on her cheek and asked, “You want to be exclusive? I can do that.” I can try it out for a week or so and see if I can manage that. For time with Kara, I’d say anything to have my cock buried inside her.

She pulled her brows together and gave a soft pout as she smacked my shoulder. “No, but I wish you’d have said that before I was hired.”

I gave a soft chuckle. “Then what’s the problem, Kara?” I rubbed her arms softly trying to be the caring type of guy she’s probably hoping for. I licked my lips drawing her attention to them. I know how she likes that. I turned up the corner of my mouth when I watched her eyes dart to my lips just as I had planned. I went in for another kiss hoping to change her mind. God, I want to be inside her so bad.

She pushed on my chest and gave me a worried look. “The handbook. The rules. Didn’t you read them? We can’t have sex anymore now that I work here. Sex between employees isn’t allowed and it’s even worse since you’re my boss.”

Fuck. I held her by her waist and looked into her eyes. Her hands were rubbing up and down my chest, so I knew she really wanted me. “Baby, they’ll never find out. It’s just between us.”

She softly pushed me away. “Yes, they will. That HR lady has it out for both of us. I know it. I can’t lose my first real job. I want this too bad, Matty.”

“Do you honestly expect me to see you every single second of the work day and not touch you?” I asked her purely frustrated that she was even considering this a problem.

We had a small standoff. I was giving her my frustrated look and she was giving me this adorable pout, making me feel shitty. I gave in. “Okay, for you, Kara, I’ll do that. If it means that much to you.” I pulled her into me again and grabbed her ass. “So what time will you be over tonight after work?” I can try to wait. I may have to go whack off in the bathroom so my blue balls stop aching so fucking bad, but to sink my cock into her again; I’d hold off.

“No, Matty. You don’t understand.” She motioned her hands in between us. “
We
can’t be anything anymore. We have to go by the rules. I’m not losing this job for you or anyone else for that matter,” she proclaimed pulling her chin up proudly.

Fuck. I dropped my hands and let out a deep breath.

Fuck
.

Vanessa.

I put my hands on my hips, frustrated as hell. She’s fucking doing this on purpose to mess with me. She probably pointed out the fucking rule to Kara. I went ahead and asked Kara that same question. Her nod confirmed that Vanessa had shown her.

I almost whined, “Honey, no one will know what we do after hours. No one can dictate what we do after we get out of here.” My last ditch effort, which I was praying would work.

She pouted and shook her head. “I’m sorry, Matty. I can’t risk it. I really can’t.” She straightened her posture and held her head high. “We have to adhere to the corporate policy.” Great, she’s a fucking spokesperson for HR now.

I decided to go with what she was saying and see if maybe this will pass. She’ll start wanting her Matty fix again soon. I sure hope it’s before my balls ache too much. I’ll have to pull out all the stops and see if that might break her.

She reluctantly opened the door and went back to her desk. I sat down and decided I’d try to concentrate on work and see if I could relieve my sexual frustration and accomplish something. Around ten o’clock, I decided I needed to speak with my sales team.

“Kara,” I called out.

She came running in and told me, “I think there’s an intercom system we’re supposed to use.”

“Huh?” I gave her a look letting her know I had no idea what she was talking about.

“On your phone.” She pointed towards the office phone on my desk as she came closer, still on the other side. She tapped her pen against a button on my phone. “That button says ‘intercom.’ We should use it so we’re not screaming back and forth. All the other officers and admins use it,” she informed me.

I closed my eyes slightly and briefly shook my head, not giving a shit about the fucking button on my phone. Yes, I’m still sexually frustrated just staring at her fucking body. The way her shirt was resting on the swell of her breasts was nothing short of astounding. Her hair was pulled back softly into a gathering that I knew I could free with a simple tug on the holder. “Whatever, Kara. I need you to book the conference room downstairs for me. I need you to set up a meeting with my sales force in an hour. Can you do that?”

She swallowed and with wide eyes replied, “Okay. I, uh, I’ll try to figure that out.”

I shrugged and directed her, “Ask one of the other admins to help you out.” She looked around nervously and responded, “Umm, okay.”

“Kara, have you made friends with any of the other admins yet?” I know she started to get her familiar with the computer system and phone system on Monday, not to mention all the HR bullshit videos she probably had to watch.

She looked sheepishly and swallowed nervously. She placed an invisible piece of hair behind her ear. “Uh, no,” she replied as she looked at the floor.

I gave her a small coaxing smile. Time to jump in, baby. “Then now’s your time to start, Kara.” I gave her an encouraging smile. She nodded nervously and gave me a slight smile before turning to head out the door.

I started going over what I was going to say to the sales staff. It was my own personal way of jumping in head-first. Whenever anything makes me nervous, I schedule something that’s going to force me into the situation as quickly as possible. I heard Kara make a call to another admin and then as I looked up through my doorframe, I noticed her walk away from her desk quickly.

Shortly after, a giggly full-sized woman came bounding over with Kara by her side, excited to help Kara out. I smiled to myself and hoped that Kara made a new friend. The other admin clearly helped her out and showed her how to do what she needed to do. I overheard Kara thank her profusely before she started to leave Kara’s desk. I glanced up to see the admin peer into my office and giggle before leaving.

My office phone rang and I picked it up answering, “Matt Williams.”

“It’s Kara,” she giggled into the phone. “You’re all set. Susan helped me out.”

“That’s great, Kara.” Then I was annoyed we were talking on the phone. I hung up and called out, “Kara!” She came running into my office with an excited look on her face. “Why didn’t you just pop your head in and tell me that?”

“Because I wanted to use the intercom button. Susan told me how to use it.” She was so proud of herself. Amused, I gave her an encouraging smile. Then I couldn’t help but peruse her body. God, this was going to be a long day.

An hour later, I headed down to the conference room, which is more like a large auditorium with a stage. I walked in and everyone was waiting in there, chatting nervously. Kara followed me in and stayed off to the side. I guess she needed to look like she was taking notes or something.

I jumped up on stage and looked out. The room was mostly empty since it fits three hundred and we only have a staff of one hundred. I stood behind the lectern and felt like an idiot. This wasn’t me. I’m much better person-to-person. Everyone quieted down and stared at me, wondering what the hell I was going to say. I was kind of curious too, but knew what my purpose for this meeting was.

I looked over at Kara, who gave me an encouraging but worried smile. I glanced back to my new sales team and realized I hated being up here. I jumped off the stage and then leaned up against it. Remembering how badly Z, Flynn and I used to want to have a rock band and how badly I wanted to be in front of a crowd, I summoned every ounce of that desire so I could speak confidently.

I probably didn’t start off sounding like a vice president, since I yelled out, “How’s everyone doing this fine morning?” I watched the confusion sweep over all my employees and realized it wasn’t the best way to go. I gave a small chuckle and said, “Now that I have your attention, I’ll tell you why you’re all here.”

I proceeded to let them know how I was going to divide them out into teams by territory and I was going to meet with each team on a weekly basis to go over their plan of attack. I also let them know about the vendors that were going to come in and train them on new products for us to sell and the bonuses they could earn by selling those products.

By the end of the meeting, I had everyone’s attention and they were not only happy employees, but were also excited about their new boss. Several of them even came up to me and told me how pleased they were. I walked back to my office with Kara following behind, chatting with some of the other employees. I was glad a couple of them were my female sales force and hoped she would make more friends.