Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2)

  Romantic Promises

  Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

  (NOT Appropriate for Younger Readers)

  by

  Janice Baker

  Romantic Promises

  Copyright © 2013 Janice Baker

  Cover Photo by ©VGStudio

  Back Cover Photo by Sergii Figurnyi

  www.123rf.com

  Cover Design by Deanna Hatmaker

  Editing by Deanna Hatmaker

  All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the US Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the author. Exceptions are reviewers who may quote short excerpts for review.

  This work is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media and other incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarities to persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Trademarks: This book identifies product names and services known to be trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of their respective holders. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of all products referenced in this work of fiction. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  Upcoming Books

  About The Author

  Chapter 1

  Matt

  “Gimme your damn phone. Actually, both of you,” I yelled above the music. I held out my hand and gestured for them to hand their phones over to me. I watched Z and Flynn both hastily type a text on their phones. “We’re at your bachelor party, Flynn. Can you at least take a look at the tits in front of you?” I yelled at him as I waved my hand toward the stage full of strippers swinging from their respective poles.

  I glanced back at the stage and noticed Misty doing her signature move. She jumped up, grabbed the pole with one hand and bent backward displaying her gorgeous fake breasts. As she wrapped her other hand around the pole, she tilted her body upside down, spread her legs fully and slid down. Her jet black hair touched the floor before she gracefully arched her back and bent her right leg so her spiked heel could touch the stage first. Fuck, that’s hot.

  “I am. I was just telling Mel to have fun,” Flynn huffed as I tore my eyes from the stage to look back at him. He rolled his eyes at me as I grabbed his phone out of his hand. He was annoying the shit out of me already. Clark was on the same page as me and grabbed Z’s phone from his hand, placing it on the small table in between us.

  I cupped a hand to each side of my mouth and yelled, “BACHELOR PARTY,” to both of them. Z shook his head, took a swig from his beer and then my little brother flipped me off.

  This weekend worked out perfectly for Flynn’s bachelor party since I was called into the corporate office to meet with my boss on Monday. They asked me to visit the office for the week, so I get to write off the entire trip. Well, minus the antics that’ll occur tonight. I know all these drinks and lap dances won’t pass through accounts payable. I’ve tried it before. It turns out “Client Entertainment” needs a little more of an explanation on your expense sheet. Mimi in accounts payable told me she tried to push it through, but Maxine, her boss, said it was a no go. Hey, you never know until you try, right?

  I looked around the room, caught the buxom bombshell’s eyes and motioned for little Ms. Candy Cane to come over so I could buy Flynn a lap dance. I watched her hips sway in her tiny black leather G-string as she sauntered toward me. My eyes grazed up her taut lean stomach and full heavy breasts before finally locking eyes with her. She licked her full crimson lips as her blonde hair flowed with her stride. She straddled me, pressing her fantastic fake breasts against my chest as I grinned at her and handed her a fifty.

  She leaned in and whispered, “Whatcha want, baby?” Her hot breath on my neck and sweet sexy voice was enough to drive me insane. I made sure to grab her hips, pulling her tight to the hardness pressing against the zipper of my jeans. Her lips curled into a seductive smile as she ground her hips into mine.

  I cupped her ass and squeezed firmly. Not wanting to let go, I reluctantly instructed her, “Give my buddy a nice lap dance. He’s getting married in two weeks.”

  She glanced over at Flynn and then looked back, giving me an agreeable smile. She gave me another rock with her hips before she stood up, slowly swinging her leg off me. She leaned back down and whispered, “I’m not finished with you yet.” The corner of my mouth curled up in agreement. She strutted over to Flynn, took his beer from his hand and placed it on the table. Then she grabbed both his hands and placed them firmly on her hips as she straddled his lap.

  God, I love this place. Touching strippers at any other place will get you tossed out on your ass. Not here. At this place, touching is encouraged so you get horned up and pay for extra time with them in the back.

  I don’t get sucked into that sales pitch — well, except for one girl here. I felt a soft hand on my shoulder and I knew it was the one girl I was thinking about. Her perfectly manicured hot pink fingernails were the first thing I noticed, then that yellow flower ring. I smiled as my eyes met her gorgeous hazel eyes. Her long straight brown hair was pulled over to one side, giving her an innocent façade. Kara. I almost let out an audible groan.

  Kara has and always will be my favorite girl. Watching her dance is my favorite perk here, although I can get my own private showing anytime I want in my hotel room. Believe me, I make sure to call her every time I’m in town. And no, if you’re thinking I have to pay for her, I don’t. She’s pretty much my friend with benefits — and I call or text to make sure those benefits are face to face whenever possible. I’ve even had her come down to Atlanta several times for friendly visits.

  I have to say, she’s also quite the chatty one. That gets her in trouble all the time at work. I feel bad for her so I pay for a lap dance while she talks. What do we talk about? Her desire to find a new job.

  She straddled my lap and bit her lip while she put her hands all over me, grinding herself on my hard dick. “I sent out my résumé to fifty places and I got two callbacks, Matty.” She gave a little jiggle bounce that felt fantastic on my cock. “I’ve got an interview at both of them. Aren’t you excited for me?”

  I rubbed my arms up and down her back. God, her skin is so fucking smooth and sexy. “That’s fantastic, Kara. I’m so happy for you. When’s your first interview?” I asked pretending to really care. Actually, I do care a little. I like Kara. I like her a lot. I also like the fact that my “niceness” will most likely get me some head.

>   “Thursday.” Then she tilted her head to the side and gave me a sheepish look. “Do you think you can help me practice for the interview?” Her hazel eyes silently begged me while her long lashes fluttered in a teasing way. How could I say no to that?

  “Sure. Are you off Tuesday or Wednesday night?” I asked as I pulled her close and nuzzled her neck, smelling her sweet scent. I gave her a quick kiss on her neck before looking back into her eyes.

  She licked her lips and shook her head briefly, tossing her hair out of her eyes, “Both nights.” Her chest rose as the corner of her mouth turned up slightly while pulling in that full bottom lip between her teeth. The manner in which she replied led me to believe she really wanted to prepare.

  My eyes grazed down to her breasts and I watched her nipples harden to tight peaks, anticipating my reply. My tongue ran over my bottom lip as I remembered the last time I had my mouth covering her breasts while I sucked on her hard tight pink buds.

  My eyes flicked back to hers as I replied, “Well then maybe you should come over both nights to practice.” Two nights in a row with her would really be nice. The last time I helped her with her résumé, she was very grateful. I thoroughly enjoy her gratitude.

  Her eyes lit up and her face showed relief that I was going to help her out again. “Perfect. I’ll be over at six again like last time?” She asked as she leaned over and ran her tongue along my ear lobe. I nodded, agreeing to the time and what she was doing to me. “Come with me to the back room,” she whispered huskily. Damn straight I will.

  I leaned over to Clark and yelled above the music, “Hey, I’ll be right back. Make sure these idiots don’t do anything stupid.”

  Clark nodded his head as Serena straddled his lap. Without taking his eyes off Serena’s eyes, he replied, “Yep. Got it.” Clark ran his hands along the outside of Serena’s thighs.

  Kara took my hand and led me around the stage. It was leather night, so all the girls were dressed up like naughty biker chicks. They were all decked out in leather with whips and spiked bands on their wrists. I prefer lingerie night, but I can get into this too. Kara looked back at me knowing I was checking out the chicks on stage. She gave me a knowing grin.

  “How come you’re not up there? I thought with your long dark hair, they’d want you up there for this.” I know she prefers to be up on stage dancing.

  “They wanted me out here for lap dances,” she replied with a small eye roll. I nodded my head as I glanced down at her smooth sexy ass. Man, I can’t wait to get my hands on her again. I glanced back up to her eyes and she smiled sweetly at me while she squeezed my hand again. She led me to the small office off to the side that the girls use during their breaks to make private phone calls.

  I nodded at Eddie, the bouncer with the largest guns I’ve ever seen. His muscles were so huge, any guy would be an idiot to try something stupid. He always stands guard just outside the door and he also has a key to the door, just in case.

  He reached out for a hand shake. “Hey Matt. How ya doin?” He asked with a broad smile as I shook his hand.

  “I’m doing really well. Thanks for asking,” I exclaimed. He clapped my back and told me to have fun with Kara. “I always do, Eddie.” He gave me a knowing smile while nodding his head.

  I followed Kara into the small room and sat down while she straddled my lap and kissed my neck. “I always love being with you, Matty,” she whispered into my ear and then nibbled on it.

  I gave a small groan as I quirked up my left eyebrow and smiled, “Oh yeah? Why is that, Kara?”

  She kissed my neck softly and then whispered, “Because you’re hot; your voice is so deep and sexy, and you’re always so sweet to me.” She ran one hand under my t-shirt sleeve and her other one went under my shirt along my abs. “I love how tall you are, how blue your eyes are and your fucking muscles are insane.” She pulled back to look me in the eyes and licked her lips. “I may even have a thing for you,” she said with the sexiest lilt to her voice.

  “Yeah? Well, I’ve got something for you, Kara,” I teased back as I grabbed her ass and ground my hard cock into her.

  I know she likes me as a friend and nothing more than that. We discussed it every time I’m in town and we’re together. Kara is really a good girl, I mean besides being a stripper. She doesn’t sleep around and has been busting her ass to get herself through college during the day. I know most strippers say that so they get more tips, but I’ve actually met Kara on campus to take her out to lunch. Kara is basically my “go to” girl if I don’t pick up anyone else at the bars while I’m in town. She’s always available for me and always more than willing. We have a great time together. Every. Single. Time.

  After Kara did an amazing job of working her magic, I stood up and she gave me a hug. “Tuesday, right?”

  I kissed her hard showing my appreciation of how fantastic she is every time we get together. “Absolutely. I’m in the penthouse this time,” I told her with a huge smile on my face. Kara is really such a great time.

  “Penthouse?” Her eyes lit up as she smiled brightly. “Does it have a huge shower and bathtub?” She asked with excitement in her voice.

  I nodded my head knowing all too well what she was asking. “Yeah, bring that same bubble bath you had that one time. We can definitely take a swim.” I’m really looking forward to Tuesday and Wednesday with her even more now.

  “I’d love that. Thanks again, Matty, for helping me get another job.” She ran her hand along my chest while smiling shyly.

  I grabbed her hand and gave her a charming smile, then I pulled her closer to me and whispered in her ear, “For you Kara baby, anything.”

  I returned back to our group and noticed everyone was having a great time, except for the bachelor and his best friend. Clark was even looking a little sullen himself.

  “What the hell is going on out here?” I yelled at Clark. He’s usually able to keep the party alive and going. I was pissed. I was only gone for a short while and he couldn’t get the guys wound up.

  He shrugged as he rolled his eyes. “They’re being shitheads. Flynn practically pushed Candy off his lap when she started grinding and then she got pissed and stormed off.” There goes my fifty.

  I looked over at Flynn and Z. Whipped. Both of them. How any man can let a woman do that to him is beyond me. They’ve got this amazing showcase of hot girls and you’d think they’re looking at dog shit.

  “Did your women tell you to act like idiots tonight, or did you two decide to be like this on your own?” I asked as I stood in front of both of them.

  Z’s arms were crossed in front of his chest and he shrugged as he looked up at me. “I’d just rather be home with Izzy, that’s all. She’s hotter and has better moves than most of these girls.” The left side of my mouth quirked up in total disgust. He’s so freaking whipped and he hasn’t even been married a year.

  “Yeah, listen Matt, why don’t we just go back to Z’s place since the girls are staying at mine tonight? We can just hang out, get drunk and play cards,” Flynn suggested, not really looking me in the eyes. I was pretty sure Mel had a fit about the bachelor party, especially since I’m hosting it. She probably gave him the riot act about girls rubbing themselves all over him. Now that they finally hooked up, she wasn’t about to let anything tear them apart.

  I sighed and ran my hand through my hair, frustrated that might actually be what he wants. It’s his bachelor party and if that’s what he’d rather be doing, then I have to compromise — especially since I remember how Z’s bachelor party ended. We all wound up in jail from a bar fight. Plus, I didn’t feel like having to explain another black eye to everyone at the office on Monday.

  “Alright. Everyone up. Let’s get out of here, if that’s really what you want, Flynn.” His brown eyes lit up as he smiled and stood up.

  “Yep. That’s what I want,” he said as he grabbed his phone off my table. Z immediately did the same and both idiots checked their text messages. I shook my head, disgusted at how
they could be so wrapped around their women’s fingers.

  Clark huffed as he gave Serena a kiss on her cheek and told her he’d call her soon. Derek, Mark, Alex and Ricky all looked pissed off as they finished their beers and we headed out the door to grab a couple of cabs.

  “We’ll head over to the hotel since I’ve got a suite this time. There’s plenty of room at the penthouse to play cards and drink.” And maybe I’ll hire several strippers to entertain us while we’re there. The gang still looked disappointed, but nodded in agreement. Most of them were married, except Mark and Clark, and were really looking forward to this night. It should have been a wild night like all the other bachelor parties, but this bachelor party was looking like it was turning into a drag really quick. I couldn’t let that happen.

  I told the guys to wait for me while I ran back into the strip joint. I talked to the owner, asking him to send over several girls. Hey, if Flynn and Z don’t want to look, at least the rest of the guys can. I wasn’t going to be part of a shitty bachelor party. I’m known for throwing the best bachelor parties. My reputation was on the line.

  After agreeing on a price and time frame, I ran back out to the cabs everyone had already piled into. I tried to get Kara, but the owner wanted to call strippers who weren’t already working tonight and he said he needed Kara in there. I wasn’t pleased, but I’ll take one for the team. It didn’t take us long before we were back at my penthouse with more liquor than we knew what to do with.

  We ordered pizzas, started drinking and playing cards. After a couple of hands, I noticed Z and Flynn kept exchanging nervous glances so I decided to call them out on it. “What’s with the looks you two are giving each other? You worried about something? Izzy and Mel aren’t here and we left the strip joint. What’s the problem now?” I gruffly asked.

  Flynn swallowed and then nervously glanced around the room. “Umm, well, I wasn’t sure if I should tell you or not, but I don’t want you to be surprised in a couple of weeks at the wedding.

  “Surprised by what?” I asked as I took a drink of my beer.