The Promise Pact (Promise to Love Book 1) (5 page)

“I thought you were sick,” he stated mockingly, observing the bottle of wine in her hand. Max ran his hand across his face, trying to temper the anger that was brewing up in his system. He walked towards her, but she pushed him back, and closed her apartment door behind them. She wasn’t going to allow him in her personal space.

“Why are you here?”

“Why did you lie?” he stated eyeing each delicious part of her round breasts. His ego and manhood were both suffering, as he searched her blood shot eyes for an explanation. He could tell she had been crying, and the realization tore into him unexpectedly.

“Go home Max, I don’t owe you an explanation. I told you I wasn’t feeling well and that’s the end of it.” She pointed her finger towards the staircase and lowered her gaze, afraid he had already seen too much of her vulnerability.

Kaya had sobbed nonstop since she had left Grand Central Station, replaying the day’s events in her mind countless times. Years ago, she had partially come to terms with his rejection and washed the memories from her mind. But now that he was back, up close and personal, she was forced to relive the past again.

“May, we speak for just a few minutes?” He asked.

“Fine, you have two minutes,” she snapped. He could tell she wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries, just business.
But business was the last thing he had on his mind.

“First of all, I wasn’t stalking you. I received all your information earlier when I had my assistant pull together an entire file on Brooklyn Cares. I don’t donate funds without pertinent information on the company I am providing money to, that includes employees.” He shifted his weight. “Did I use it to my advantage? Hell yes I did! And I would do it again,” he stated looking directly into her eyes.

“Whatever Max! Look, I’m tired and I don’t have time for a lot of useless chatter. What do you want to discuss?”

“For starters, today! Don’t you have questions?”

“I do, but is it really going to make a difference. The reality is I’m stuck with you for two months. I’m sorry, but I didn’t think we needed to break bread over that.” Her words were cruel and dug into his gut.

“Look, I didn’t plan this. I just want us to move past everything so we can finish the garden.”

“A truce, is that what you want Max, really?” she stated sarcastically.

“Look, it’s obvious you are still angry with me, but I’m a different person now. I’m sure you aren’t the same person you were years ago either.”

“Nope, I’m not simple and naïve,” she quipped.

“No, just beautiful and rude,” he snapped back obviously tired of the barrage of insults.

A furious Kaya rolled her eyes and slipped back into her apartment slamming and locking the door behind her. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes and wiped them away as she slid down the door. She then gulped down the last few drops of wine floating in the bottle and rolled the empty glass container across the floor.

“My God Kaya, are you really going to act like a child,” he screamed as he knocked furiously on her door.

She didn’t respond.

He knocked again.

Then again.

Finally she swung the door open and met his dark stern eyes.

“What do you want?” she screamed.

Afraid she would slam the door again, he stepped into the center of the frame, placing both of his hands on the edges of the structure. Her sweet jasmine scent drifted into his nostrils, forcing his heart rate to accelerate. His eyes immediately narrowed into hers. She froze knowing Max was no longer a seventeen year old kid, instead he was grown man standing before her with
growing
needs.

He cleared his throat, then spoke, “Kaya, so many emotions came bubbling to the surface today. Honestly, I just want to do what’s right by Ms. Roy and
you
.” His voice was low and thoughtful. “Please, just try to see this whole situation from Ms. Roy’s point of view and I think it will make it easier on both of us, make sense?”

She sighed. His nearness was driving Kaya mad with desire and for some reason she couldn’t keep her eyes off the expanse of his chest, his muscular shoulders, or those incredible lips. She could feel her traitorous nipples poking out of her flimsy tank top. Max eyed each ripe nipple closely, and licked his lips instinctively.

He leaned in more.

She faltered in her step.

He placed his hand on her shoulder to steady her. Kaya felt a wave of desire course through her veins. She was hot and getting…
moist
.

“Can I come in?” He asked with a low sexy drawl.

Oh, hell, no.

The unexpected question forced her back into reality. Flushed with embarrassment, she stepped into her apartment.

“Max, leave
now
.”

The sudden rejection forced Max to stand upright and his clear his throat. But it was too late, something wild and sexual had been unleashed. And believe it or not, it was something they both felt.

“Good night Kaya,” he stated smoothing out his jacket and flashing a wicked satisfied smile her way. “It was good seeing you today. I’ll be here at 6pm sharp tomorrow for the gala.”

And with that, he disappeared down the long stairwell. Kaya immediately slammed the door and fell to the floor.

Damn him. Damn, Max King.

CHAPTER FOUR

Everything seemed to be going wrong. Kaya woke up with a throbbing headache. She felt like someone had hit her head with a massive hammer. After Max had left, the night before, she had drowned her sorrows away in several bottles of cheap, corner store wine, before drifting into a restless sleep. This morning she was paying the consequences. It was Friday morning, the day of the gala, and the day before she was set to leave for Charleston. Her life was a mess.

The only good news she had was that her boss, Dr. Ross, hadn’t pressured her to reveal the name of the generous anonymous donor. Eight weeks without the clinic was going to be difficult. Other than occasional dinners with Angela, all her free time revolved around the patients.

Kaya had planned to show up for her last day of work, to keep her mind off the gala. But Dr. Ross adamantly declined the offer, stating she needed to give the new nurse the opportunity to prove her chops. Secretly, she knew it was a reward of sorts, for orchestrating the entire donor gift.
If only she knew the real truth.

Kaya curled up on the couch with a tinge of resentment pumping through her veins, knowing someone else had successfully filled her shoes. Yeah, it was a going to be a real bad day.

The sound of the doorbell startled her. Her head began to spin, causing each of the tiny little men with hammers in her head to pound at her temple harder.

“Ouch.”

She tossed on her favorite tattered robe and slowly opened the door. A nicely dressed woman stood in front of her with several boxes stacked high, each one appearing larger than the one before it. She was trying to remain polite but her throbbing headache was testing her usually excellent manners.

“Hi, I think you have the wrong address,” Kaya said while looking at the young woman puzzled.

“Are you Kaya Hanson?”

“Yes, how can I help you?”

“These are for you. Where would you like them?” she asked while pushing herself inside the apartment. The boxes wobbled and tilted a bit, then settled. Finally, the petite framed woman placed them on Kaya’s coffee table and moved towards the door.

“I don’t understand. There must be some mistake. I didn’t order anything.”

“No mistake. These are from Mr. King, Mr. Max King.” The woman stated politely before exiting.

Confusion flashed over her face. This couldn’t be happening. Kaya was pissed. She tossed her robe off then allowed her nimble fingers to tear into the first box.

“Ah, stunning,” the words fell helplessly from her lips.

The black, strapless Versace cocktail dress was simple yet striking. The delicate, rich fabric felt like pure silk against her skin. The color wasn’t just black, it had sparkles of blue, which shimmered when she held it up to the light. Kaya carefully examined the cut, hem and the exquisite lines of the masterpiece. It was breathtaking. The size was perfect. The length was short, but not distasteful. It was just above the knee and its plunging neckline appeared to have the right dip, just low enough to accentuate her full breasts. Max’s taste was impeccable. Box number two lured her in with the same enthusiasm as the first had. A pair of Anouk-studded pointy black leather Jimmy Choo’s nearly leapt into her hands. The rich aroma of 100% Italian leather tickled her nose. Tucked underneath the stylish pumps was a small, alligator, designer clutch. The final box was tiny, her sprightly fingers opened it delicately. Kaya’s eyes widened as she drank in a pair of round cut diamond studs that danced in her midnight eyes. She carefully examined the earring box and noticed a small note attached to back of the package. She opened, unfolded then read its contents.

Dear Kaya,

I know this wasn’t a part of the original proposition but please accept this small gift.

Max

Shit, the hammer was back, this time pounding her temples harder. Kaya was visibly angry, this wasn’t a part of their deal and she wasn’t for sale. She searched frantically for her wallet and finally retrieved his business card that was tucked away in the inner pocket.

She dialed. He answered. She launched in.

“Hello.”

“What is all of this? This was not a part of our arrangement. I don’t need your charity.”

“Good morning to you too Kaya.” He grunted on the line.

“Max, I can’t accept these items. I am sure this cost a fortune and I don’t have the money to pay you back.” She waited for him to say something but he remained quiet.

“Max?”

“Yes, I’m still here.” His tone changed. He sounded apologetic.

“Look, I never expected you to pay me back. I-I just didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable tonight at the gala. I apologize if I overstepped my boundaries, I promise it wasn’t my intentions. If you don’t like the dress and other items I’ll have someone pick them up immediately.”

Her words clipped. “No.”

“No?”

“No, I’ll wear it but please don’t buy me anything else, okay?” She muttered softly, still aggravated. The reality was that she needed the dress. She didn’t have anything else to wear.

“Okay. Understood.”

Then she immediately hung up the phone.

No, this day wasn’t getting any better and neither was her excruciating headache. It was time for another nap. Her couch welcomed her with open arms and she fell comfortably in its embrace. She took a swig of her cheap wine, grabbed a bottle of extra strength ibuprofen, popped three pills and swigged again. Then Kaya closed her heavy-lidded eyes. Maybe when she woke from her nap she would feel better.

***

The sound of Kaya’s doorbell startled her awake.
Who could be ringing the doorbell she thought as she rolled over. Thank goodness her headache was gone. She quickly dragged herself up from the couch. Walked towards the door.

Unlocked the door.

And then she gasped.

Oh shit, he was gorgeous!

Max stood before her in a designer tux that was obviously tailored for him. His shimmering short black locks and towering height made her feel weak at first sight. His muscular frame and rock tight abs peeked through his open jacket. Her drowsy eyes locked into his and then…reality.

“Oh no! Please tell me I’m dreaming Max. What time is it?” She managed to mutter during her panic attack.

He chuckled.

“Why are you laughing? And what time is it?”

“It’s 6:00 pm sharp. The time I told you I would be here.”

“I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry Max. I had a headache earlier and I fell asleep.” Her words leaped over one another. She motioned for him to stay put, then scrambled back to her couch to gather the items he had purchased for her.

Kaya tried to slow her breathing but she was in the middle of a full panic attack.

“Give me a few minutes, just a few minutes,” she stated while making her way back to the door. She quickly tossed the designer dress over her lean shoulder. Then instinctively Max’s strong hands reached out.

“Calm down. Calm down Kaya. We have all the time in the world. There is no need to rush. I will wait for you in the car!”

Why in the hell did he seem so calm? And where in the hell was her robe
?
She could feel his eyes on every inch of her body. She removed the pins from her hair, allowing her curls to fall effortlessly on her shoulders. Her thin, worn t-shirt, clearly outlined her perky breasts, each point piercing through the material. Fully exposing her beauty. Her sheer night bottoms unveiled her dirty secret that she didn’t sleep with panties. A small patch of dark curls shinned brightly at the front entry point. That’s where she met Max’s eyes. He licked his lips hungrily. A sudden ache deep below overwhelmed her, and she wondered if he could see the wet puddle already dripping down her legs. She hated him so much but her body was responding in a different manner.

“I-I’m going to take a quick shower and then toss on my clothes.” She managed to mumble.

He didn’t speak. His eyes were doing all of the talking.

She pushed him back. Towards the door. Then out of the door.

“I promise. I will be ready soon.”

Max’s arousal stood strong and tall outside of her apartment. He blinked his eyes rapidly then cracked his neck, trying to gain control of the situation. The sweet images of her body were still sharply in focus in his head. Wow, had he just seen the most beautiful body known to man? From head to toe she was flawless, with curves deeper than the Euphrates River. Oh, how he wanted to explore. But it was her voluptuous breasts and ripe, pointy nipples that had him thinking seriously about breaking down the door and having an appetizer before the gala. Leaning now against her doorframe, Max clinched his fist tightly. He was in trouble. His aching wood was on fire and he needed relief. “Fuck!”