Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) (55 page)

I shoved him again, “Dammit Matt, just fucking tell me!” I screamed as I hit him again in the chest with my palm. His taunting did nothing more than start to confirm what I already knew. I just wanted to hear it from his lips, so I could hate him and move on.

He tilted his head to the side and quirked up the side of his mouth, jeering at me with his words. “Why? Are you jealous, Vanessa? What does it matter if I just fucked her?”

“It matters a lot, you asshole,” I screamed as I started to cry at the same time. I hit his chest again as I screamed, “It matters because I’m in love with you!” I finally said those words that I had practiced the whole drive down. The words that I’ve been dying to tell him since I first felt that way about him. Only when I thought about how I would finally say that to him, it was supposed to be said in a romantic and caring way, but instead I said it out of jealousy.

I swear I thought I saw something spark in his eyes, but I must have been mistaken. He seemed to grind his jaw, like he’s always done when he’s pissed. “Did you drive down here to catch me with someone else or to tell me that?” His low gruff voice annoyed me that he seemed angry. He’s the one that just fucked someone and I’m the idiot standing out here pouring my guts out to him.

I couldn’t help but stare at him, stunned that he had the nerve to ask me that. Visions of the two of them fucking flashed through my head, making my stomach drop and my anger rise. “I couldn’t wait to get down here to tell you and then I find you here — with
her
,” I cried out knowing it didn’t matter now as I realized it was over between us.

Fuck it.
Why am I still standing here when I knew this is the type of person he is? I knew that when we first got together. Shaking my head, I spun around on my heel and stormed down the hallway, brushing away my angry tears. Like a fool, I drove down here thinking that everything would be fine, that I would tell him that I loved him and he would pick me up, hugging me and telling me the same.
Stupid.

I reached the elevator and started frantically pushing the button so the damn thing would hurry up. I looked back quickly when I heard a door slam. Matt’s done with me completely. He went back inside to be with Cassie. That final message from him completely did it for me. It was over with him. I rested my head on my arm against the wall and pushed the button over and over again while my tears poured down. My heart was completely broken. The sound of the door closing wasn’t just to his apartment, but also to my heart.

I started hitting the button harder, willing the doors to hurry up and open so I could leave, when I felt a presence next to me. I sniffled and lifted my head and noticed Matt. He now had a shirt on. Hmph. So classy of him to finally cover up after fucking her.
Jerk.

Matt casually leaned his shoulder against the wall and brushed back my hair, placing it behind my ear. “Were you with Charles at all since we’ve been together?” His eyes grazed my body before returning to mine. “Sexually?”

Angry that he was just with someone and now he’s asking me that, I answered the same way he did to me. “Maybe,” I snarled as I glanced over to see the reaction I totally did not expect. He was smirking at me. As if what he just did to me was a joke. The only thing it did was piss me off even further, making me want to taunt him more. “He fucked me every time we were together. He fucked me in his car, in his apartment, we even screwed against the wall of his apartment building,” I lied avoiding his eyes and staring straight at the elevator. What the hell is taking it so long? My damn tears wouldn’t stop and it was angering me that I looked like such an emotional wreck.

The elevator finally arrived and I turned to step onto it when Matt grabbed me by my waist and spun me around, shoving me against the wall. My heart jumped practically out of my chest as the air rushed from my lungs from the force. As I looked up at him to question why he would do that, his lips were within inches of mine. He placed his hand on the wall above my head, still sporting that half smile as his eyes stared into mine. His glance down to my lips and the catch of his soul in his breath made mine hitch.

As desperate as I was to taste him again, I pressed my lips together. “No,” I whispered, admitting the truth. “I never cheated on you.”

His gorgeous blue eyes stared into mine. His face softened and his left eyebrow quirked up in that way that I both hated and loved at the same time. “Was it that tough to say?” He asked as he gave me that half smile, his adorable dimple showing.

“That I didn’t cheat on you?” I was so upset that I couldn’t figure out why he would ask that.

His lips were so close to mine, barely brushing against mine, making me want him so badly. “No. Telling me that you love me.”

I continued to stare into his eyes, trying to contain the pain I felt from knowing it’s over between us. “Does it matter now? You ran down here and screwed Cassie and I’m the one standing here like an idiot.”

He bent down, his lips grazed my ear making my breath hitch again. He whispered, “You’re not an idiot and I didn’t sleep with Cassie.” He lips ran along my neck as I my heart pounded out of my chest. “She’s renting out my condo for the year.” I stood there stunned and completely relieved that he didn’t just sleep with her. His lips so close to mine, making me want to press mine to his.

“Say it again,” He demanded with a deep growl.
God, that’s hot.

I swallowed again as my breath picked up, my heart beating with hope. I watched his eyes glance down to my lip as I realized that Aubrey was right. Matt needed to hear it from me. He needed to know that I was going to take a chance with him. I looked deep into his eyes as I repeated what was truly in my heart. “I love you,” I said it more slowly this time and making sure my voice matched how I felt.

The corner of his mouth turned up into a half smile and that eyebrow shot up as he commanded again, “One more time, just to make sure you mean it.”

I bit my lip and looked up to the ceiling wanting to laugh with relief before returning my eyes to his. I stared at him and told him with pure honesty, “I’ve never loved anyone more than I will ever love you, Matt Williams.”

“I’m going to make you say that to me every single day Vanessa Hargrave.” He took his hand off the wall and cupped my face, caressing me with his fingers. “And I’m going to say the same thing back to you, every single day. I love you Vanessa.” He pressed me hard up against the wall and smiled. “I love you. I love you so fucking much.”

“Do you?” I teased him, smiling and completely relieved that he was saying those words to me again and this time, not in the heat of making love, but because he really truly felt it.

His soft lips pressing against mine roughly, as if he couldn’t get enough of me. I pulled him closer to me, wanting our kiss to seal everything we just said to each other. He pulled back, smiling, making me wonder if he was going to take back his words. “Only if you promise, you’ll always be my dirty little whore in the bedroom,” he taunted me as he pressed his forehead against mine.

I laughed as I pulled him close to me, “And you keep trying to tell me you’re not romantic.”

He smiled and pecked my lips again as he teased, “I’ll keep giving you romantic promises like that, if that’s your definition.” I kissed him hard letting him know that his idea of romance was definitely something I could work with.

“Let me grab some clothes out of here and then the place is all yours,” I told Alex as I grabbed my duffel bag out of my closet. He was here visiting, staying in my room for the party we were having to celebrate my decision to permanently move here. The party was my idea so I could get everyone together in one place and I could propose to Vanessa. My nerves were shot the more I thought about it. I wasn’t sure if proposing in front of everyone was the best idea. I was questioning the way I was about to propose to her, not about asking her to marry me. Asking Vanessa to be my wife was something I’ve never been so sure of in my life.

I started packing up some clothes as Alex brought his stuff into my bathroom. I was trying to picture the scenario of proposing to her in front of everyone. The shocked look on her face. I hoped I was going to be able to surprise her, at least.

“Uh. Hey, Matt?” Alex called from the bathroom. “I think you’ve got a problem here,” he sounded pretty worried. I couldn’t think of what it would be since the maid had been here just yesterday. I knew the place was clean, considering I always stay at Vanessa’s. As I walked around the corner to my bathroom Alex was standing there, his arms folded across his chest and his jade eyes were laden with concern. I followed his glance over to the counter and noticed a white stick lying up against the back splash.

“What is that?” I asked as I leaned in a little closer inspecting the stick.

“Pregnancy stick. One of the top things you never want to see on your counter,” he huffed. His voice wasn’t joking; he was darn serious. I walked towards the counter knowing Vanessa is the only other girl in here. I don’t think Tina would come use my bathroom, unless she was trying to hide it from Clark. Maybe it was Tina’s and she used my bathroom?

I picked up the stick and analyzed it. A plus sign was clear as day and I wasn’t stupid enough to try to question what that meant.
Pregnant
. Either Tina or Vanessa. I looked at Alex as I continued to hold the stick in my hand as my mind tried to process the whole situation. “Do you think Tina would use this bathroom and take a test in here?”

Alex shrugged and asked, “Why would she take a test in here?”

“Why would Vanessa take the test in here?” That one didn’t make sense to me either. I whipped out my phone and shot a text to Clark.

Me:
When’s Tina’s period?
I realized how weird that is to ask, but hell since he keeps track of that, I might as well use that to my advantage.

Clark:
She’s got it right now. Why the hell are you asking?

Me:
I’ll explain later.

I looked over to Alex as I watched him lean over the side of the counter. “The box is in the trash too. It’s like she wanted it to be found.”

We both looked at each other knowing what the other was thinking. I smiled, “You think she’s trying to play a prank on us?”

“She told you she wanted to get you back. How long has she been saying that?” Alex asked with an all-knowing smirk.

“A very long time, too long. She’s dragged it out to the point I thought she just wants to keep me guessing and will never pull one,” I told Alex.

“You think she would really joke about something like this?” Alex asked. As I studied his face, I could tell he was concerned this might not be a prank. What if she really is pregnant? It’s not that I don’t want kids, I just didn’t think it would happen right now. I had no idea why, but the thought of her being pregnant actually made me smile and my heart picked up. In a good way. “You’re kidding me…” Alex smacked my chest, “You’d actually be happy, if she were?”

“Well, I wouldn’t be ticked off. It’s gonna happen at some point. I guess this would just hurry things along for us,” I shrugged as I told him. I started inspecting the gadget in my hand a little closer. It just seemed too obvious that she would take the test in my bathroom. Then again, when would she take one in ours since I’m over there all the time? “Girls do this type of shit together, don’t they?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, if she were worried about something like this, why wouldn’t she just use Aubrey’s bathroom? Why use mine?” I shook my head laughing. “This doesn’t make sense at all. This has to be a prank,” I told him.

“We’ll just have to watch her tonight and see if she drinks,” Alex said as he set his toiletry bag on the counter and started to walk out.

I smiled as I followed him out. “Good thinkin’. Let’s try to get her drunk tonight and see if she bites.” I missed Alex. We always worked really well together for these types of jokes. This prank was either going to be a great time teasing Vanessa or I’d find out if I’m going to be a dad. Either way would be fine for me.

“Late again for your own party, asshole,” Z exclaimed, laughing as he came towards me and shook my hand. “Hey, Alex!” He turned to shake Alex’s hand too.

“Yeah, I had to stand outside their door knocking for like ten minutes,” Alex grumbled, laughing at the same time. I watched Vanessa’s face turn bright red as she took off to say hello to all of her friends. Alex threw me a nod as he watched Vanessa walk toward everyone at the bar. He was going to keep his eyes on her and be relentless if she took a drink. The thought was making me laugh and nothing even happened yet.

“What’s so funny, brother?” Z asked as we started walking toward the bar.

Alex chimed in, probably a little t
oo excited about this whole situation. “We think Vanessa might be trying to play a prank on Matt, but we’re not sure.”

Z pulled his brows in, but smiled at the same time as he looked at me questioningly. He might as well have fun with this too, right? I went ahead and explained what happened.

“Whoa,” his face fell as he chuckled. “That’s pretty serious to joke about. Do you really think Vanessa would pull something like that?”

Alex nodded. “She’s been wanting to get back at Matt for a very long time now. I wouldn’t put it past her to try something serious like this.” My buddy was way too excited about this. I knew he was hoping she wasn’t pregnant so he could try to get back at her somehow and his wheels were turning. I glanced over to the bar as I watched her step up there.

The girls all took their seats and drinks were being passed across the bar from Sandy. Everyone was taking a glass and when one was placed in front of Vanessa, Aubrey covered it with her hand and shook her head at Vanessa. I watched my girl’s shoulders slump as if she were disappointed she couldn’t have her drink.

Wow. Either she’s going to play this up or she’s really pregnant.

“What’s another sign your girl would be pregnant?” I asked both guys as Clark came walking up.

“Pregnant? Who the fuck is pregnant?” He asked, his face completely concerned.

I shook my head as I explained everything to him. I watched his shoulders relax as he realized this didn’t affect him. “Shit, that scared me. I thought Aubrey was pregnant or something,” he exhaled as he looked over at the bar. “Good. Aub is drinking.”

We all stood there staring at the girls at the bar, analyzing the situation. Each one of us watched the woman to see if they were drinking or not. Izzy took a drink from her beer, Aubrey was drinking whatever it was she was drinking and Vanessa, we all noted, looked like she wanted to drink, but Aubrey kept covering up the glass.

I smirked over at Alex knowing exactly how to play this. I nodded my head towards the bar, knowing he’d follow my lead.

I snuck up behind her, wrapped my arm around her neck and kissed her cheek. She jumped in surprise and I watched her exchange an odd glance with Aubrey. I wasn’t sure if she really was pregnant or not, but I couldn’t wait to find out. I reached over and grabbed her glass and took a drink from it. Cosmo.

“Mmm. Wow, Sandy really made that strong. How’d that taste to you, Vanessa?” I asked keeping my poker face on.

“Oh, I haven’t had a taste of it. My stomach’s not feeling so great,” she told me as she made a sour face.

I leaned down and whispered, “Pretty sure it’s not good for our baby anyway.” Her head whipped around to mine, her face totally surprised. Hmm, maybe she really is pregnant and forgot to put away the pregnancy test?

“You know?” She whispered back to me with a concerned expression. She was worried.

I nodded my head and gave her a small smile and leaned in again. “I’m thrilled. I just wish you would have told me instead of leaving a test on my counter.” I pulled back and watched her start to fidget with her grandmother’s ring. My heart picked up at the thought that I’m going to be a dad. Wow. Either that or she’s pretty good at this game.

Alex picked his moment to chime in. He leaned in and whispered, “Congratulations.” He threw her his most charming smile. I gotta hand it to him, best wingman in the world. Not only for picking up chicks, but for playing pranks too. If she’s faking this, we’ll find out soon enough. If she’s not, he’ll still look like a good guy.

Vanessa looked like she’d seen a ghost as she swallowed and glanced at Aubrey.

“Everything okay?” Aubrey asked.

Alex leaned in; his jet-black hair matched her hair color flawlessly as he lowered his voice. “We found the test in Matt’s bathroom earlier. I can’t believe they’re gonna have a baby. I was just about to tell her how glad I am she’s not the type to fake something like that.”

Aubrey’s eyes widened and snapped to Vanessa’s.

“What makes you say something like that?” Aubrey carefully asked Alex.

“I had a girl who faked a pregnancy,” he remarked as he took his beer from Sandy, throwing her a wink and mouthing a thank you. Sandy was all too happy to shoot her best smile back at him. He turned back to the girls who were listening intently. I could tell he was going to milk this story for everything it had. “Yeah. She was just a skank looking to get married. She faked a test and told me that I needed to man up and marry her,” he shook his head, pressing his lips together, looking pissed.

Vanessa leaned in, listening closely to his story and asked, “How soon did you find out she was faking it?” I wanted to laugh because I still couldn’t tell if she really was or not. But I know for sure if she faked that test she was nervous as hell right now.

Alex shrugged. “I went with her to the doctor’s office and demanded a test. I was going to have a paternity test done too, actually. You never know how many partners a girl who lies about something like that would have.”

I choked on my beer and wanted to laugh. Vanessa’s head whipped around. “Are you alright?” She asked as she watched my face carefully. I threw my poker face back on, making sure to contain my laughter.

“Yeah. I just…Wow. I can’t imagine anyone lying about something like that. That’s pretty bad, you know?”

“You know the worst part about that?” Alex asked as he brought the attention back to himself. “She thought I’d be happy about it, happy to become a father.” He shook his head and then threw his arm around my neck, laying it on even thicker. “Not like Matt here. Shit. The guy can’t wait to become a dad. Damn, Vanessa. You’re really making all his dreams come true.” He looked back at me and I wanted to laugh so hard, but fought to keep a straight face as he shook his head. “Matt Williams…Finds the woman of his dreams who sleeps naked every night and now will finally make him a father.” He looked back at Vanessa and threw his arms around her, giving her a huge hug. “You’re the best, Vanessa,” he told her.

Clark snorted and tried to ruin it. “What the fuck is wrong with you, Matt? Now you’re trapped for life.”

Aubrey whipped her head. “Hey asshole! How do you even know?”

Clark’s surprised face probably gave it away, but he quickly recovered. “Matt shot me a text asking if it was Tina’s. He scared the shit out of me.”

Aubrey stared at him a second longer, but finally looked like she believed him as she nodded her head. I sprang into action. I started rubbing my hands together excitedly and asked, “So when’s our first appointment? When do I get to hear my baby’s heartbeat?”

Vanessa’s eyes said it all and my heart dropped just a little. This was a prank and I watched her start to stutter as she swallowed nervously.

Aubrey tried to save her friend as she chimed in, “I don’t think you hear the heartbeat for a long time.” She glanced at Vanessa as if to prompt her. I decided to dig in a little more, especially now that I know Aubrey’s in on it.

“No, actually you get to hear it around ten weeks in. How far along do you think you might be, Vanessa?” I asked anxiously. I had looked this shit up on my phone while Vanessa was in the shower. You gotta have the data to back up a good prank sometimes, you know?

Vanessa’s face went white. “How…how would you know something like that?”

“I told you he can’t wait to become a dad. The guy’s been looking shit like that up since he found the test earlier today,” Alex chimed in using all his charm.

I repeated my question. “How far in do you think you are, babe?” I watched her swallow nervously and then look back at me. She jumped up and sprinted toward the bathroom.

Aubrey stood quickly and couldn’t look us in the eye as she mumbled, “Must be morning sickness. At night or something.” She took off after Vanessa.

Alex and Clark started laughing as I chuckled. I still wasn’t sure where I stood. Am I a dad or not? I was pretty I wasn’t, but who knows by what just took place. I glanced over to Z and knew he was telling Izzy what was going on.
Shit.
Now I’d get in trouble or something. As predicted, I watched her jaw drop as she glared at me.