The Promise Pact (Promise to Love Book 1) (24 page)

“Sorry baby, but I don’t trust this. Please stay close.” She gripped his waist tightly and snuggled near his side.

When they reached the entry door they noticed a crisp white sheet of paper, tacked to the door, with their names written in the center. They both smiled realizing they were in the right location but Max was still warily hesitant.

He turned the knob. Pushed the door. And then… Mr. Fox appeared. The intense wave of heat and a single light shining from the end of the hall welcomed them inside.

“Mr. Fox, we are so happy to see you.” Kaya stated giving him a warm hug. The older man blushed then straightened his suit and coat.

Two large gentleman, from the local security team came into focus a few seconds later. Max informed them to secure the entrance and to make sure all the other members of the security detail were surrounding the building.

“Mr. Fox, I know you want this to be a surprise but I don’t want any media surprises so I had a few folks follow us. They understand they need to be discreet.”

“No need to apologize, I do understand Mr. King. Please follow me.”

The building didn’t look like it had been used in nearly a decade. Old locker doors hung from their hinges and cobwebs decorated the walls, like they were elaborate wallpaper. A stench of rot and the evidence of mold was spotted, causing a bit of concern for the possessive Max King. His massive body was on full alert ready to protect Kaya if he needed to.

“Is this the surprise Mr. Fox? I’m a bit concerned about all of this. I don’t understand what Ms. Roy wanted us to see.” Max stated grabbing Kaya’s hand tightly.

“Just a few more steps and we will be there.” Mr. Fox stated with a hint of anticipation and laughter in his voice. Max could sense Kaya’s nervousness and crisscrossed his fingers in between hers for more comfort.

When they reached the end of the hallway where the bright light was illuminating, Mr. Fox stopped. A drawn curtain was the only thing keeping them away from Ms. Roy’s final gift. Mr. Fox reached out his hand and shook Max’s firmly and smiled at Kaya.

“Well, it’s been a pleasure getting to know the two of you. I think my job is finally done. I hope our paths cross again sometime in the future. Enjoy tonight, Ms. Roy worked extremely hard on this special gift.” And then he walked away, silently down the long hall.

They stood motionless watching him disappear and when they could no longer see his image they faced the curtain again. Kaya reached out and pulled the dark cotton fabric back and gasped at the site.

Max stood frozen.

It couldn’t be. They squinted and adjusted their eyes. There was no way, she could have remembered every detail. How had she made something like this possible? Tears ran silently down Kaya’s face as Ms. Roy’s final selfless gesture came to life. Her last gift had transported them back to Lakewood High’s Senior Dance fifteen years ago. Everything was the same yet everything was different.

“I can’t believe she did this. I can’t believe it.” Kaya uttered as she walked inside. A husky DJ, tucked in the back corner of the stage, pumped out some timeless melodious jams as they walked around.

“It must have taken her years to plan something like this!” Max uttered keeping Kaya close.

“I know it all looks the same. I feel like I am 17 years old again.”

A server walked to them and offered them a cup of punch, they washed down the contents and then Kaya spun around the room to drink in more details. Several orange and white tiger paws, that represented their school mascot was spotted on the floor along with the huge tiger banner that hung from the rafters and draped down in the middle of the room. It was a complete replica of that fateful night.

“Kaya I’ll be right back,” Max stated with a mischievous look in his eyes but Kaya hardly heard him because her mind was drifting to another time. A time when Lakewood High School didn’t accept an awkward girl with only a few pennies in her pocket. All of her sudden joy turned to pain and she was left in the middle of the gym floor trying to control her feelings.
Why in the hell did you bring me back to this place? Why would I want to relive this moment?

The Australian pop duo Savage Garden’s tune,
I knew I Loved You
, filled every corner of the gym. It was the same slow song Max had asked her to dance to years before. The sound of a familiar song jolted her out of her agony, but only for a few seconds. Kaya was caught in between two worlds, one of happiness and one of pain, she needed to decide which path to take.
Kaya it’s time to let the past go.

Max gently touched her shoulder, forcing her head around. He immediately saw the look of sadness on her face.

“What’s wrong? I thought this song would bring you joy.”

“I’m sorry, I just remembered how trying high school was.”

“You don’t have anything to be sorry about. I know high school was rough on you and I didn’t make it any easier but I think that’s why Ms. Roy recreated this night for us. She wanted you to leave the past behind and create a new future. Our future.” His warm hands caressed hers. He continued, “Kaya, if I could go back fifteen years, I would change everything, I swear I would.” The sincerity in his eyes released her from her mental torture. They had an entire life ahead of them and there was no room for regrets and disappointment, only love and hope. It was time to let it all go. She wrapped her arms around him tightly.

“God, I love you so much Max.” The words touched him deeply.

“Kaya, don’t turn me on in here.”

She laughed but he didn’t. She could feel his manhood rising. She cleared her throat and whispered in his ear, “Excuse me, aren’t there two questions you need to ask me again?” He knew exactly what it was.

“May I have this dance and a kiss?” She pulled him close to her and kissed him passionately. When she released his eyes were wild with desire.

“Marry me, marry me tomorrow?” He stated out of breathe.

“What? I don’t think I can plan an entire wedding that quickly.”

“You have to. I don’t think I can go another day without you being my wife.” She wanted to find a reason to say no but everything in her body told her that it was the right decision. He smiled at her mischievously and then scooped her up in his arms.

“Y-Yes. I’ll marry you tomorrow!”

***

The following morning was a blur. The wedding was scheduled for 7pm to allow family and friends from far and wide to attend. The guest list was tight and security was even tighter. So far, no one had leaked a word to the media and Max was doing everything in his power to keep it that way. As much as they both wanted to tie the knot at the beach house they knew it would draw too much media attention so they settled on a quiet bed and breakfast close to the Battery. The couple who owned the property were related to Mr. Kingston and he had promised them complete discretion. Plus, with the lengthy adoption process underway they had to remain in Charleston. Neither Max nor Kaya could imagine getting hitched without their red headed princess close to their side.

“Where the hell is she,” he stated, possessively texting her once again.

Max’s stomach was in knots all day. He was anxious since he hadn’t seen Kaya since the night before, nor had he been able to contact her all day. Kyle, who had agreed to stand in as his best man, tossed him a beer from across the room.

“She’s planning your wedding. I think she’s going to be a bit busy all day. Relax bro, we have more security tailing them than the President of the United States has.”

He huffed and then slumped down in the hotel bed.

“You’re right. I’m just anxious to get this entire wedding over. I don’t like Anne and Kaya away from me too long.” He stated grabbing his phone the moment he heard a text message reply.

Love you too Max, we are all doing well. We are at the bridal store searching for gowns and I am going over the reception menu with the caterer too. Yes, the baby and I already ate. Please don’t worry so much, remember I am a nurse. I will see you sharply at 7pm. I’ll be the one walking down the aisle smiling at you. Love you, Kaya! (Don’t text me again!)

He laughed. He smiled. He felt a little better. The official countdown clock had begun.

***

The bed and breakfast had been transformed into the perfect spot to host a wedding. In less than 24 hours Kaya had arranged for a small army of wedding planners to alter the hotel’s grand ballroom into their special wedding haven.

Twenty five white resin folding chairs with huge beige bows tied to back of each chair sat elegantly near the front of the room. Tucked inside each bow were seasonal Charleston stems, flat cedar, holly, rosemary, jasmine veins and Japanese poppies. The sweet scent invigorated the room.

A long white runner sat in the center of the aisle, while fresh white garden rose petals laid sporadically on top of the runner.

The room was lit with fifty beige and white candles that were placed on each window sill, while two massive Charleston gas lanterns filled the rest of the room with light. On each seat, a single white rose lay, tied to each stem was a vile of beach sand, a reminder of their journey and love.

Two of the most attractive men in the world stood proudly side by side, while a mild mannered officiant from the local courthouse stood firmly in the center. Dancing in the air was the sounds of a small string quartet which strummed a beautiful instrumental version of “I Could Not Ask for More” by Sara Evans.

Then the moment they all were waiting for was finally there, fifteen years in the making, the wedding of Max and Kaya.

A small push. A tiny giggle. And then the back door opened and Anne came tumbling down. She wore a simple white Versace eyelet dress and a small silver tiara that she kept fidgeting with to ensure it was there.

Max smiled proudly.

Next, Angela appeared in a stunning red strapless bridesmaid dress, showing off her flawless figure. Small blonde tendrils bounced against her face as she made her way down the center. Her baby blue eyes were bloodshot red, obviously overjoyed at the nuptials. Kyle felt a lump in his throat and eyed her cautiously as she approached.

Her eyes never met his.

The music changed and the crowd of twenty five stood. Celine Dion, “Because You Loved Me,” forced almost every dry eye in the room to tears. Max scanned the quaint setting and recognized his business partners, Mr. Fox, Mr. Kingston, Ms. Thomas and few a folks from Kaya’s old job sprinkled around the room. His father and mother, and estranged siblings, sat near the front and he smiled at them all. The past was truly the past.

The door opened.

His heart dropped.

Her eyes misted over.

Their moment had finally come. Kaya was stunning in her Vera Wang exclusive cap sleeved gown that was overlaid in lace and trimmed in off-white satin beads. The long train trailed several yards behind her, while the short tight sleeves nestled tightly against her arms. Her dark hair was tucked in a bun, emphasizing each beautiful feature on her glowing face. She was the perfect bride.

Kaya’s loving eyes immediately locked into Max’s, as she walked down the aisle. She stumbled and paused, in between her tears, down the aisle. Finally, she understood why most brides had someone usher them on their special day.

She was a nervous wreck.

Max stepped forward to go after her but Kyle reached out and stopped him.

“Let me Max, please!” The gesture was humbling.

“Kaya, may I have this honor?” Kyle stated when he reached her. She never said a word just dove into his arms.

Angela was pissed. She could feel the scorching anger boil up in her gut but remained still for the sake of her best friend.

When Kaya finally made it down the aisle Max grabbed his bride, hugged her tightly, then dipped her back and kissed her passionately. She laughed hysterically as the audience applauded.

“That’s at the end silly,” she stated looking into his tearful eyes.

“I needed my kiss now.” Max gushed, then urged the officiating officer to hurry it along, he couldn’t wait another minute to be husband and wife.

The rest of their wedding night was a dream. They ate. They danced. They laughed and cried, all surrounded by family and friends toasting to their happiness.

When everyone had finally retired for the evening and they had settled into their B&B rooms, Kaya called Angela one final time to check on Anne who was now fast asleep.

“You were a beautiful bride Kaya, I hope one day I can find a man who loves me as much as Max loves you. Now rest, and enjoy your night with your husband. Anne and I will be fine.” Angela stated lovingly on the phone.

“I love you too!”
But Angela had the man of her dreams she just didn’t know it yet.

***

Kaya kicked her stiletto pumps off and slumped down on their wedding night bed exhausted. While her husband tossed his tuxedo jacket on the floor and moved in close.

It was the first time in nearly 24 hours that he had her completely to himself.
And he wanted her
.

“Hi Mrs. King,” he moaned.

“Hi my sweet husband,” she stated biting on her lower lip seductively sending waves of ecstasy to ricochet through both their bodies.

“Damn, you looked beautiful today,” he stated keeping his eyes firmly focused on the insane plunging neckline of her wedding dress.

Her bridal panties went moist the moment she caught his sexual gaze. “Oh Max,” she gasped.

“I want to make love to my wife,” he stated in a low raspy moan.

“And your wife needs you.”

Her wicked words lit his member on fire. Forcing him to reach back and zip her free. His eyes quickly zoned over her flesh and he dove in like he was an Olympic swimmer, fast, strong and swift. She fell back on the bed and wrapped her arms around his neck, enjoying each sensual touch. It was going to be a long night of passionate lovemaking.

It was the perfect ending to their long story and somewhere far away they knew Ms. Roy was smiling down. A simple promise was finally complete.

Kyle’s back to claim Angela forever…