The Promise Pact (Promise to Love Book 1) (17 page)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Max awoke to a small fist in his face and knee in his side. Anne was a terrible sleeper. He shifted her little body close to Kaya, who was still fast asleep and decided it was time to get it up. Rummaging through the cabinets he pulled out some cereal and managed to slice some fruit successfully. Minutes later, a small red head was staring at him delightfully.

“Good Morning King Max,” she said rushing to the table to eat breakfast. The two of them ate cereal and played swords with their spoons until the noise became too much and Kaya finally stumbled into the kitchen. She looked horrible. Max was concerned.

“What’s wrong Kaya?”

“I’m not sure. I think I am just tired. I didn’t eat much yesterday. Plus, I am sick with worry about this entire Anne situation,” she said keeping her voice low. She didn’t want to frighten the tot.

He told Kaya, “Go back to bed. I think you need to rest a bit longer. I’ll take Anne for a walk on the beach.” To Kaya, it felt more like one of his overbearing commands.

“A walk in what Max? I need to take her shopping but I don’t know the first thing about buying girl’s clothes,” she said rubbing her face. “Max I need a favor a really big favor.” She looked away, afraid to make direct eye contact.
Max could sense something was wrong. Her pale complexion forced him think she’d caught a bad cold. Plus, Kaya had never asked him for anything. Now that she was actually requesting something from him. It both startled him and piqued his interest.

“Anything,” he replied in a puzzled tone.

Kaya felt horrible. She was about to lie to Max and it was hurting.

“I need you to send the plane for Angela. I need her here at the beach house.” He really liked Angela but he didn’t understand why she needed her so badly. Any store clerk could pick out clothes for a little girl. A worried look came over her face. He could tell it was a matter or great importance to her.

“Of course Kaya, I’ll call for the plane at once.” But she wasn’t finished with her request she needed more.

She drew in a deep breath and then started talking.

“I also want Kyle Parker to come but Angela must never know it was me who arranged this. You will need to tell them both that you wanted to represent Kyle and you invited him here, without knowing she was coming at the same time. If asked, you can tell them both that this was your way of wooing him into a long term relationship with your firm. Max, you
must
convince him to come to South Carolina.”

Max didn’t like surprises, and he didn’t like secrets, but he could tell she didn’t want to discuss the matter any further. He kissed her gently letting her know that he would handle everything. She smiled but Max knew something didn’t seem right.

Kaya’s face turned a mustard green color but she shook it off and headed towards the kitchen table.

“Anne, your Aunt Angela is coming. She’s coming to town and everything will be okay when she arrives.” Anne didn’t have a clue who Angela was but a new aunt sounded very exciting.

She’s coming to town and everything will be okay when she arrives
. What was wrong? Why did she need Angela to come fix anything? And why did he need a new client? Too many questions and not enough answers had Max very worried.

***

Angela was in love with Anne the moment she stepped off of the plane. She couldn’t get enough kisses and hugs from the child. She adored her new role as auntie and Anne had her eating out of the palm of her hand within an hour after they met.

At the mall, Angela went overboard. She selected over 50 designer outfits for their temporary guest. Kaya refused to let her buy anything having made Max a promise she would spend his money after her secretive request. She hated keeping secrets from him but she had no choice.

Angela was concerned for her best friend. Something was wrong. Most of the day Kaya was in and out of the bathroom. Although Kaya was particularly queasy and looked extremely tired, she kept urging them on. She wanted Anne to enjoy an amazing girl’s day out.

After shopping, they visited Waterfront Park. They laid out a blanket for Anne to feed the small southern creatures. Then they sat close to a tree keeping a close eye on her. Angela stroked Kaya’s back gently. They’d been friends for years, each having the uncanny ability to detect when the other was down and out. Today was one of those days.

“What’s up Kaya, you would never asked me to take off a weekend from work, hop on a private jet, and play shopping goddess unless something was really wrong.” Kaya’s eyes darted to the area where Anne was sitting quietly. The five-year-old was still squatting peacefully on the grass feeding the ducks. Tears bubbled up in the corner of her eyes as she spoke, “I’m pregnant.”

Angela bounced with delight but she could tell Kaya wasn’t as happy about the news.

“What, that’s wonderful Kaya. What did Max say?” she probed.

Kaya started crying and rested her head in Angela’s lap.

“He doesn’t know. It wasn’t planned it just happened. I feel so stupid not being more cautious. I’m a registered nurse who knows antibiotics weaken your birth control pills. I’ve instructed hundreds of patients on this fact, why in the hell wasn’t I thinking? I don’t know what to do…” Her words trailed off in between her sobs.

“Kaya, you were under an enormous amount of stress after the attack, who could possibly think about dotting the, I’s and crossing the medical T’s. Stop it! This is a blessing honey. You and I both dreamed of having big families one day so we wouldn’t be alone. Maybe it’s God’s way of trying to tell you something.” She stated rubbing Kaya’s belly and looking out at Anne.

Kaya quickly sat up.

“You don’t understand Angie, he doesn’t want kids. His parents did a number on him. I’m surprised he even agreed to temporary custody,” she stated with panic in her voice.

“But he did agree to it Kaya and it sounds like it was all his call not yours. Sometimes everyone needs a gentle nudge in the right direction. Max loves you. He loves Anne and he will love this new baby.” Angela shifted on the blanket and looked her squarely in her eyes, she needed to know the truth. “The night you were attacked I didn’t know what to say to him. He looked like his whole world had come to an end. Be patient with him and he’ll come around. I secretly want what you both have…love.”

They hugged tightly.

“You sound like Ms. Roy. I’m just afraid,” she said releasing from their embrace.

“The truth is, I’m about to have two children. There’s no way that I am going to let someone who reminds me so much of myself back into the system. Anne needs a stable home and someone who loves her.” She wiped her eyes and tried to gain some semblance of control. “She’s my responsibility now. I’ll quit the clinic and go back to the hospital, if I have to. I can take care of her and this baby, if he doesn’t want us.”

Angela spoke again, “He loves you! Now we just need to make him understand this is what he always wanted.” Kaya stood and brushed the wet grass off of her.

“I hope you’re right Angela, otherwise I am going to need you more than ever before.” They hugged again, “I’m always going to be there for you. That’s what sisters do for one another.” It was getting dark so Kaya called out to Anne. She ran to them and jumped into Kaya’s arms. She was going to have her own family, either three or four, but she would have her own.

***

The sing-alongs in the car came to sudden stop when Angela caught a familiar face getting out of a cab in front of the house.

“What the H-E-double hockey sticks is he doing here?” Angela yelled as they pulled into the driveway. Anne was amazed at her spelling abilities and tried to repeat the words she had just heard.

“No. No. No Anne. Auntie Angie didn’t mean to say that,” she barked sternly. Kaya belted out “London Bridge” immediately to distract everyone in the car. But Angela meant exactly what she said, as a matter fact she wanted to say so much more.

With aggravation in her voice, Angela scolded, “Kaya I know
you
had something to do with this!”

“I’m sure there is some sort of explanation Angie. I am not sure why he’s here.” She hated lying to her friend but someone had to push their situation forward. The chemistry and attraction could blind anyone but Angela couldn’t find it in her heart to forgive.

“He can’t stay here tonight Kaya. No way. No how.” Anne immediately repeated, “No way. No how!” Kaya rolled her eyes. She knew it was going to be a long weekend.

Kyle was standing next to Max when they walked through the front door. Anne couldn’t contain her excitement about the adventures of the day and pulled and tugged on Max until he finally excused himself from Kyle and found a soft spot on the floor for her to sit down and explain everything. Kaya’s heart melted.
You can do this. He loves you all and he will love his baby, our baby.

***

The tension was thick. Angela’s heart began beating rapidly the moment she laid eyes on Kyle.
Hell, did this man ever have a bad day?
He donned a special edition Ralph Lauren, tailored navy blue suit with a crisp, burnt orange tie, by Gucci. His picture perfect ass cupped the crease of the material, like he was born to wear that suit. His dreamy, deep-set eyes ripped into Angela’s baby blues immediately, captivating her every thought. She tried to force herself not enjoy his rich tanned skin and chiseled body, but he was like a fine painting. You had to take in each sensual line one blink at a time.

It had been months since she last saw him, up close and personal. Of course, every night, she would somehow find her fingers gently roaming over her soft body, while she watched their exclusive news package, which had the world over talking. She shook her head swiftly to shake off the inappropriate thoughts but his sweet, rich, cedar scent had already filled her nostrils with passion, forcing her aching core to tremble.

“Hi Angie,” his welcome was warm but she refused to greet him. Her cold rejection caused a strange look to cross his face. He shifted his body and spoke again, “How are you? It’s been a minute since we last saw one another,” he stated drinking in her gaze.

His voice was like butter melting deep into her, causing her rational emotions and thoughts to slip away. Before she knew it, her eyes had drifted to his mid-section and she feasted on his massive bulge.
Don’t do it, don’t look
! She quickly looked away and swallowed but it was too late, Kyle had seen the passion and lust in her eyes.

“Cocky bastard,” she stated underneath her breath.

Angrily, she dropped her purse to the floor and then wildly swung the front door open then slammed it shut. The sudden noise startled Kaya, breaking her focus from Anne and Max.

Kaya gave Kyle a brief hug, making sure it was short, so Max wouldn’t attack him and then she asked if he would help Angie retrieve the shopping bags from the car. He graciously agreed.

Angela was sitting in the vehicle with the windows down when he approached.

“I thought you were grabbing the shopping bags. Kaya asked me to help you,” he quipped with a sly smirk on his face.

“I don’t need your help,” she hissed.

“Well, I plan on helping you anyway,” he stated opening the passenger door and climbing inside.

I want to be alone Kyle. I didn’t ask for company, especially yours,” she said while rolling the windows up. She kept her eyes firmly glued to the steering wheel. She had already discovered too much of him already tonight.

Angela was breathtaking, especially in the moonlight. Her shimmering blonde hair was tucked away in a high loose bun, fully exposing her neckline. A few unruly strands cradled her face. Her figure hugging, scooped-neck yellow cashmere top hugged her full sized breasts tightly, causing his manhood to rise.

Kyle was intrigued.

When Max had called Kyle earlier in the day, requesting a private meeting in South Carolina to discuss representing him in all legal matters, he was a little taken back. Of course, his firm was well-known and respected, by almost anyone, but Max hadn’t ever spoken to him about business before. When he realized that Max wouldn’t take no for answer, Kyle found it odd. He pressed him further to reveal his true intentions. Max insisted it was about signing him exclusively with his firm, especially with all the new press coverage he had received. Still, Kyle hesitated. Finally, Max told him that if he didn’t like what he was offering at least he would have shared dinner in a charming city with his two long lost friends, Angie and Kaya.

Angie?
The moment he mentioned Angela being in South Carolina, Kyle agreed.

Kaya’s secretive request had been completed.

Kyle cancelled all his meetings, had his assistant pack his bag and he jumped on his private plane, destination Charleston.

Max had also filled him in about their temporary house guest in case he didn’t like kids. But Kyle loved children. Having raised his three brothers, he was excited to meet little Anne.

“I saw your eyes in the beach house,” he said with deep yearning in his voice.

“I don’t know what you are talking about Kyle,” she flatly replied, keeping her eyes on the wheel.

“Look, there is an attraction between the two of us, I know you feel it, and before the weekend is out I will kiss you properly.” Her eyes darted to his. He met her gaze with equal need.

“You arrogant fool. I don’t know what you’re talking about but I don’t want you nor will you be touching any part of my...” her words trailed off. She couldn’t say the word because he had already leaned over near her, too close for her to breathe or move. His eyes locked with hers, he slowly soaked up all the years of pain he had with his rejection.
He was sorry
.

Kyle placed a sweet, sensual kiss on her forehead, just like the one he had given her at the hospital the night of Kaya’s attack. The sweetness of the kiss overwhelmed her. He whispered to her, just a hair’s breadth away from her lips, “Angie, you will be mine!”

Mine
.

Could she ever really be his? Her head was spinning. He was too close. But Angie was lonely, lonely for his touch.