Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) (4 page)

I swallowed and looked around nervously. I placed my hands flat on the desk and tapped my index fingers trying to calm my nerves and think things through. If I could do this, it would look fantastic on my résumé. And if they didn’t give me my old territory back, I could find another job easily. One year. That’s it. Suck it up for one full year.

I took a deep breath and nodded my head to the rattlesnake. “Alright, I’ll take it,” I said as I let out all the air I just took in. Perry’s mouth turned up in a slow curl, making me feel like I just made a deal with the devil himself.

I spent a couple hours and a lunch meeting with Perry, going over sales figures, his ideas on why sales were declining and trying to put together a plan on how to proceed. I was given two weeks to move up here. Right after Flynn and Mel’s wedding, I would be back here. Two weeks didn’t seem like a long time at all and I knew it would fly by.

Perry asked me to be
back here by nine tomorrow to introduce me to the sales force and go over action items for my current position. I was asked to continue contact with my clients until they had someone to transition my accounts to for the rest of the year.

I called Clark, knowing I needed to get drunk tonight. I just wish I were meeting up with Kara tonight instead of tomorrow. I tried calling that Sarah girl from the other night, but she was out of town on business.

Clark and I sat at a table in front of the window at a sports bar near my hotel. I took a sip from my beer and stared out the window, shaking my head in frustration.

“It won’t be so bad, Matt. It’s actually pretty cool.” Clark was leaning forward trying to reason with me. The guy wore fake glasses half the time and coupled that with his tall, fit physique, he really resembled Clark Kent from Superman. Not to mention, he had the best opener to pick up women. “Think of all the partying we can do. Now that Z and Flynn are off getting married, they suck. Pussy whipped jerks.” He sat back and put his hands behind his head and smiled. “This is actually going to be great, Matt. We’ll get a place near all the cool bars. We can walk to Allure too. Free drinks all the time. Suck it up and smile, Matt. This is actually awesome.”

Allure is owned by my little brother, Z. Hanging out there is always a great time, not to mention a lot of women hang out there. Clark was a bouncer there, but realized he could get more action partying at the bar. He made sure to become great friends with the new bouncer and gave him thorough instructions on the types of women that were to be let in first. The thought of hanging out with Clark as my wingman was appealing, but at the same time, I have my own friends in Atlanta that I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with. The thought of leaving my life behind filled me with dread.

“Clark, how many times did you come visit and party with me in Atlanta? Atlanta is ten times the size of this city. That’s ten times as many bars. This is going to be a huge change for me,” I stressed as much as possible how different my life would change. Having a roommate again was going to be different too. At least I’d have a permanent wingman when I needed one.

One year.
One year. I kept repeating that in my head, hoping it would seem like less time until I could get back to my life in Atlanta.

My phone rang and I glanced down at the caller ID. Alex. My best friend in Atlanta. I picked up knowing he just got around to reading the text I sent him just after lunch. “Guess whose ass I’ve got my hand on right now, Matt.”

I chuckled, knowing he was at our favorite bar and his hand was on my favorite waitress’ ass. Cassie. She’s another one of my favorites I call whenever I want. Crap, I’m going to miss her. “Get your hands off her, Alex. She’s a good girl. She won’t want you,” I joked.

“Yeah, well now that you have to move, Cassie said she’ll be with me.” I heard her yell in the background, “I did NOT say that, asshole.” I groaned out loud. I’m
really
going to miss her.

She must have grabbed the phone from Alex because the next thing I knew, her sweet southern voice filled my ear as she asked me, “It’s not really true, is it Matt? Are you moving away?”

“Just a year, babe, just a year. I’ll be back down there.” I was pretty sure I was trying to convince both of us that I would be back down there.

“But I’m gonna miss you,” she whined. Most girls are annoying when they whine. Not Cassie. Her whining is pure sweetness that sounds more like begging, especially with her southern drawl. Man, this sucks so badly.

“I know. I’ll miss you too. I’ll be back this weekend to pack up my stuff. You can come over and help me.”

She moaned into the phone, “Mmm, I’d love that. But you won’t get much packin’ done if I come over. You know that.”

One year.
Just one year.
I replayed my new mantra in my head as I pictured Cassie naked on my bed.

“I’m counting on that Cassie. I’ll fly in Friday afternoon around three. Meet me back at my place,” I ordered.

“I can’t wait. I’ll see ya then,” She said with that husky bedroom voice I love so much. She handed the phone back to Alex.

“Man, so it’s definite? You’re really moving there?” He asked completely in disbelief.

“Yep. Corporate boys ordered it, so I’m moving up here.” I recapped the conversation with Perry. I made sure to mention the perks in an effort to make sure it didn’t sound too bad – to either of us. I looked up while telling Alex what happened today and noticed Clark was already at another table chatting with three girls who were trying to eat dinner. One of the girls looked really annoyed, but the other two were pretty into him. Rooming with Clark will actually work out really nice if this is how he operates all the time. I hung up with Alex and just as I thought, Clark was the perfect wingman. I was able to work out some of my frustration that night. Yep. Living here might not be so bad.

The next day, I arrived at the office right on time. I was introduced to my sales staff in our huge conference hall, which is located on the floor below my office and sales staff. I was able to talk to a few of my sales reps afterward. Some were just doing it to brown-nose me, but there were a couple of good people that I could tell were genuine and really interested in meeting their new boss.

Afterward, Perry walked me over to meet with our human resources lady – Vanessa Hargrave. Perry briefly introduced us and then he left, closing the door behind
him.

Vanessa Hargrave was hot as hell and as bitchy as they come. I immediately noticed her gorgeous deep grey eyes, almost catlike. She also seemed as temperamental as a cat. I would think an HR lady needs to know how to smile and be personable to the staff. Nope, not Vanessa; at least she didn’t seem that way to me. She seemed to have some sort of chip on her shoulder, but damn if she wasn’t the sexiest, most feisty creature I’ve ever seen. Her body was that perfect hourglass shape, with hips I couldn’t help but imagine wrapping my hands around and pulling her towards me. Especially from behind. I was hoping she’d turn around so I could check out her ass, but she quickly took her seat after shaking my hand.

Vanessa sat behind her desk acting as if she owned the whole freaking place. With her straight posture and hands clasped and placed firmly in front of her on her desk, she was definitely trying to get her point across who was in charge here.

Lucky for me, I could tell she was uncomfortable. It seems that when feisty Vanessa gets slightly nervous, she twirls that pretty good-sized engagement ring around her finger. I continued to watch her body language, waiting for any other nervous tick she might have.

I started to wonder if her gorgeous auburn hair was pulled back way too tight into that bun to make her so bitchy. Or maybe her dark rimmed glasses that gave her the appearance of a mean librarian type, made her feel like she should be stern.

Of course thinking about librarians made me think of the strip joint when they’d walk out in a business suit, short skirt of course, and whip off the glasses and pull out their hair from the bun on their head. I bet Vanessa would look fantastic strutting down the stage, ripping her blouse open, buttons popping off. Teasing me with her skirt, slowly unzipping it and letting it fall to the floor. Just thinking about her sexy body on stage gave me a chub and I quickly adjusted myself as I tried to focus on what she was saying.

“You’ll need an administrative assistant and I’m sure a manager, since Mr. Buchanan told me that you lack managerial skills. I’ve taken the liberty of signing you up for several workshops that are required in order to assist you in your,” she paused and her eyes glanced down my body before continuing, “lack of qualifications.” I cocked my eye brow and gave her a smug smile, letting her continue. I’ll be fucking with her enough to turn her happy little world upside down, especially since she’s giving me this attitude. I’ll let her have her little moment of trying to cut me down. I sat quiet while she continued.

Go on, baby. Feel like you own the joint.

“Any questions?” She asked with a smug look on her face after she finished explaining the changes in my benefits package.

“Do you treat all transferred employees like you just did me?” I kept the smug smile on my face as I asked that.

“Like what?” She asked pretending not to know what I was talking about. She began to twirl her ring again as she swallowed really hard, bringing my attention to her gorgeous long neck. Thoughts of running my lips along it and grazing my tongue over it ran through my mind.

“As if you’re above them.”

Her slight smile dropped and a worried expression over took her as she stuttered, “I…wasn’t trying to…”

I interrupted her immediately. “I know what you’re trying to do. You don’t have to worry about being above me or anything. I’m not trying to win some upper management competition. I’m just here to do what I’m supposed to do, so
don’t worry that pretty little head of yours,” I finished as I stood up, taking the folder of information she presented to me during her speech.

“I…you must have misunderstood me, Mr. Williams.” She stood from her chair, nervously glancing away from me.

“I didn’t misunderstand. I’ll keep to my side of the building and you can keep to yours. We won’t have any problems.” I gave her a sweet smile and added, “Unless you want to come visit me; of course, you’re more than welcome to.”

Her mouth dropped open and I noticed her gorgeous long lashes flutter as she fumbled for words to say. I grabbed the door handle
and started to walk out, but turned back to her before I left. “Oh and call me Matt, I’m not big on formalities.” I left her office not looking back. I wasn’t sure what she thought of me, but I’m sure she was going to let me know pretty soon.

My day finally ended and it was Kara time. Thank goodness. I grabbed some champagne on the way back, her favorite kind, and decided we’d just order room service —
if
we ever got around to ordering food.

Kara arrived at my place and we ran through her interview questions. Well, when she first got there, she was dressed in clothes that would
warrant being hired by a male who wanted her just for sex. So, we had to have a full discussion on clothing. I showed her how much her clothing options turned me on. I let her know how I would handle her interview on the desk in the hotel. Too bad I couldn’t sprawl her over the huge desk in my new office. I think I might just have to sneak her in there one night for an amazing time.

I called Perry the next day and told him I had some personal stuff to take care of. Technically, I should be back in Atlanta packing anyway and he basically told me that. I decided I’d try to take off the rest of the week to look for a place to live. I had wanted to organize a little more at the office and tackle some projects I wanted to start, but I realized I would worry about that stuff later.

The next morning, I took Kara shopping and made sure she bought some tasteful shirts and skirts that were of respectable lengths that covered up what she needed to cover. I also suggested she pull her hair back and pretend she was doing the librarian thing at the strip joint. Minus the glasses, although she’s hotter than hell when she wears those and rips them off. She’s got a great routine and really knows how to work the pole. I’m really going to miss watching her on stage.

She had some things to take care of in the afternoon, so we decided to meet back up later at the hotel. I decided to check on a couple places Clark told me about. I found one place to rent that would be perfect for both of us, right in the heart of downtown and not too far from Allure and the rest of the bars. It may not be my place in Atlanta, but it would definitely work out nicely.

The place was a newer apartment in a high rise building that Flynn told us about. Since he’s an architect at his dad’s firm, he gets inside information on all the new buildings. He insisted this one would be perfect for Clark and me. Two master bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, a huge kitchen with bar area, nice-sized living room and a view of the downtown skyline. There was even a gym and a small bar downstairs. Needless to say, I was pretty impressed. It was the ideal place for two bachelors. I signed a lease agreement immediately and was thrilled to know we could move in anytime we wanted. I set up all the utilities and finalized my moving arrangements. I love when a plan comes together so quickly.

My move to Atlanta was not like this at all. It was actually the total opposite and the most frustrating process I’ve ever been through. I was in shock a little after everything was arranged to move into my new place and I kept feeling like I had something else that needed to be done.

I arrived back at the hotel and was waiting for the elevator when I turned around and saw a gorgeous businesswoman striding confidently toward me. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, her white button up blouse and navy knee-length skirt created the perfect, respectable look needed to ace an interview. I smiled at Kara who was trying to give me a serious, thoughtful look. She finally broke into a smile as she neared me, giggling happily.

“You look amazing, Kara,” I told her with total honesty.

“Really? This is okay? This is what I should wear?” She asked with a bright smile and her eyes lit up from excitement.

“Yeah, baby. You look like you’re there for the job and I don’t want to fuck you right off the bat.” She gave me a small pout, so I wrapped my arms around her and told her, “I still want to fuck you, but I’ll interview you first this time.” She gave me a soft laugh and pulled back. I glanced down and noticed she had that damn yellow flower ring on. “Hey, you need to take that off for the interview. You don’t want them to look at that during the interview instead of what you’re saying. It’s too distracting.”

“Really? But it’s an heirloom. It was my grandmother’s and she gave it to me before she passed away.”

“Just for the interview. Take it off for the interview and then after you get the job, you can wear it again.” She nodded in agreement with a slight pout.

We got back up to my penthouse and ran through some tough interview questions. I corrected her responses and made her repeat the answers until she knew them cold. I could tell she was less nervous now and had the confidence she needed to really smoke the interview.

After running through a fluid interview, she showed me how thankful she really
was that I helped her out. Fuck, I’m really glad I’m moving up here now. I’m going to make sure I see Kara weekly…or more.

Since my moving plans were arranged, I decided to head to the office and get a jump-start on my work plans. I sent Kara a quick text wishing her luck on her interview. Perry stopped me before I reached my office and asked me if I had time to go over some numbers and projection plans with him.

After our meeting I decided to run out and grab something to eat. I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to being in an office. Working from home allowed me to wake up whenever I wanted to and set my own schedule. Running on someone else’s time was going to be tough to get used to.

I reached the lobby and saw Kara sitting there. She looked beautiful in her navy knee length skirt and white blouse with blazer. Her hair was tied back in a simple ponytail that still showed her soft curls down her back. She was seated with perfect posture and her legs in that elegant simple cross at her ankles. My heart picked up just seeing her sitting there and I watched her eyes light up when she saw me. I was so glad that she stopped by my office for a pep talk, not to mention that I was the one she came to see.

“Baby, what are you doing here?” I asked, trying to keep my voice lowered, although I know I couldn’t keep the excitement of seeing her out of it.

“Matty, how did you know I have my interview here?” She asked in a hushed tone, barely audible.

I know I looked stunned for a moment as I tried to process what she just asked me. I couldn’t contain my surprise that I never thought to ask her what companies she had interviews with; I just made sure she knew the responses to questions relating to certain positions which she was applying for. “You’re…you’re interviewing here?”

“Yes, Matty. Just sending a text to wish me good luck was fine. You didn’t need to come wish me luck in person.” Her eyes were wide and beautiful and she touched my arm, giving me a small squeeze. She was so excited and I felt bad that she thought I came here to wish her luck in person.

I gave a small hand gesture, waving to the office. “Baby, I work here. This is my company.”

Her jaw dropped open and a look of complete and utter shock swept over her face. I started to realize this could be a really good thing and I could help her out, making sure she got the job.

Her smile dropped and her disposition changed completely. She squared off her shoulders and held her head high. In a voice that was full of conviction as if she could read my mind, she stated, “Matty, I want to get this job on my own. Please. Please don’t try to help out. I can do this interview. I know I can.” There was a slight panic to her voice as if I were going to ruin her chances or something.

“What? Kara, I know you can do this on your own. I won’t do anything. Promise. This is all you, okay?” She nodded her head and relief washed over her expression. I looked down and noticed she was wearing that yellow flower ring.

Just then, Vanessa Hargrave opened the door to the reception room. I tried to signal to Kara to remove the ring by wringing the same finger she was wearing the yellow ring. Vanessa quickly eyed me before turning her gaze to Kara and held out her hand introducing herself to Kara.

In a bitchy tone, one I was sure could only be deemed as contempt, Vanessa said, “You
must
be Kara Leonard. I’m Vanessa Hargrave, Human Resources Director. Come with me, please.”

I glanced at Kara and noticed fear glaze over her eyes from the witch’s tone. I’ll be pissed as hell if Vanessa takes away that proud determined look Kara had before. Vanessa has a fight on her hands if she fucks this up.