The Promise

The Promise by Ambrielle Kirk

Breathless Press Calgary, Alberta www.breathlesspress.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The Promise Copyright© 2010 Ambrielle Kirk ISBN: 978-1-926930-14-5 Cover Artist: Dara England Editor: Jennifer Barker All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Breathless Press www.breathlesspress.com

Chapter One

Tina trekked across the field, and her boot cleats dug into the thick snow, making indentations along the way. Rows and rows of Christmas trees covered the small area that made up Bailey’s Tree Farm. She pulled the wool cap farther down over her bobbed hair and lowered her head, shielding her face against the icy December air. If she had done this the week before like she’d planned, she wouldn’t have had to brave the snowy weather. However, she didn’t come here in vain. Tugging her wool peacoat tightly around her midsection, she strode closer to her target. Was she here for the sole intent of picking up a tree? It was one of the reasons, anyway. The other reason worked several feet away, obviously unaware that he had another customer. Craig lifted the last of the logs into the back of his truck and dusted off his gloved hands. Tina’s heart rate quickened, and she forgot about the chill and what she wanted to say to him. He looked so damn good just standing there. Her stomach fluttered nervously the instant 1

The Promise he turned around and spotted her. He focused on her for a long minute before he lifted the truck bed gate and slammed it closed. As she approached, his lips turned up into a grin—the same sly, sexy grin she glimpsed at the end of every month when he came to make deposits and do business at the bank. It was contagious, and there was nothing she could do to hold her own grin back. Tina lowered her gaze. She could’ve stopped at any of the three Christmas tree farms she passed on the way here, but she rode right past them. On purpose. What did it matter where she bought her tree from this year? Who cared that it was only two days before Christmas Day? There was still time to decorate and enjoy a tree. It was the reason she’d come out all this way. Craig seemed to be watching her like a hawk. He was known for imagining things. Naughty things. Sometimes he even voiced his wicked thoughts to her. He uncrossed his ankles and pushed himself off his truck. “Tina.” The greeting was simple yet comforting. His warm stare made her feel as if she were the most important thing in the world. Her gaze moved across his clean-shaven face, lips, and jawline, over his black jacket, jeans, and boots. Visions of this past spring when they met by the veranda came back to her in glimpses. It was a night of fun, alcohol, and confessions that she would never forget. It was his laid-back approach that piqued her interest then, and he’d managed to hold it for months. The same suave attitude might have brought her here today. She bit her lip. “Craig.” They hugged in greeting like always. Her nose brushed against the soft cloth of his jacket, and she breathed in the scent of him. Pines were the most prevalent, but she detected a hint of his cologne—the one he’d been wearing since the first evening they met. His arms encircled her waist and pulled her into his embrace. He held her a little longer than usual, and warm sensations floated up her spine. He pushed back to look at her. “I’d like to assume that you’re here to take home one of the best Christmas trees in the county.” The southern accent was unmistakable, and the tone carried throughout the atmosphere around them. His blue eyes were striking against his fair skin and blond hair. His architect career and other side jobs kept him outside. In the spring and summer, his skin tanned nicely. She’d never forget the times he’d visited her at the bank apparently to do business, but instead he elicited wicked thoughts in her. 2

Ambrielle Kirk Hot fantasies ran in excess each time they were alone together. Like now. She wanted to do things to him to make his body respond in the same way hers did when he whispered in her ear. Tina laughed softly. “You’ve been raving about them for two years, so I thought I’d see exactly what you meant.” She looked around, then raised an eyebrow in appreciation. “Very impressive. Bigger and better than the ones I passed on the way.” “And so you have your proof.” “Looks that way.” She turned and started off toward a bundle of trees. “I’m looking for something small. My home’s not that big.” Craig fell in step beside her with a tree saw. “Yes, I know.” He’d helped her numerous times with odd projects around her condo. There was the new filter she’d installed under her kitchen sink and the marble countertops he’d swapped out in her bathroom. Tina was a fan of his work and recommended him to anybody who needed a good builder or repairman, but their flirting had never gone beyond the friendship stage. Even then, it had been difficult not to give in to her desires and have sex with him. No one should ever be attracted to one man as much as she was to Craig. No man should have that much power over a woman. She’d never been the type to jump into someone’s bed without getting to know them first. Tina was ready now... and tired of playing innocent. “You caught me just in the nick of time.” Craig kept in pace as they walked side by side. “I was just about to close the gates and leave. I’m glad I stayed.” “Plans for the night?” Did she stop him at a bad time? Tina knew he had a huge family, unlike her small family and relatives, who lived hundreds of miles away. He often talked about the big Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners he’d been invited to year after year. “Nope, no plans for me. The blizzard headed this way is worse than they predicted. I’m concerned about your drive back into the city.” “I’ll be fine.” He stopped and turned toward her. “What about you?” “I...I don’t have any tonight. This week and next are vacation weeks for me.” His eyes widened in surprise. “The workaholic bank operations manager is taking a break.” He laughed. “I don’t believe it!” She giggled. It was just like him to start teasing her about working so much. “Look who’s talking, Mr. Farmer-turned-architect. Have you rested a day in your life?” 3

The Promise “Only the dead rest, Tina.” He retrieved a pair of work gloves from his back pocket and pulled them on over the others. “I never got a chance to show off my cooking skills to you. If you haven’t had dinner yet, I’d like to be your chef tonight.” Her cheeks heated and she shook her head. “I don’t know...” “I have no company, Tina. I get bored without someone like you to talk to. That’s why I work so hard—to keep from going insane from the silence.” Tina felt sorry for him. But why should she? She was well aware of the number of women in the area who would shave their heads to date Craig Bailey, the most sought-after bachelor in the little town of Pine Grove. He could have his pick of the single women around here, so why should she believe lack of company was an issue for him? The only thing she was sure of was that she wanted Craig too. She was no different than the other women. Was she? Lusting after men had never been an option for her. Neither did she take a liking to men trailing after women like they were fresh meat. Craig had never done that to her. His approach was different, and that caught her off guard. “Just dinner?” Tina asked. He nodded. This man had already made it clear in the past that he wanted her...and in more ways than one. He’d never been obsessive or overly pushy in his pursuit, but he made a point to discuss his business at the bank with her and only her. His attitude about everything was refined and patient. If people only knew what was going on in Mr. Bailey’s mind under his businesslike exterior. She was sure he paid visits to her just to tease her about knowing that she wanted him. It was no mystery to her that he was interested in dating her as well. The flowers, trinkets, and chocolates he’d sent to her home and office were the norm. “Okay, I’ll have dinner with you.” She smiled and crossed her arms over her chest. “But first...my tree.” “Of course.” He smiled back. “After all, it is the reason you came out all this way...” Tina narrowed her eyes at him for the teasing remark. “Oh, it is, isn’t it? Then maybe we can wait another night to have din—” “No. Tonight is the perfect night for the dinner I have in mind. I promise to make it worth your while.” He lifted his saw from the snow where he’d thrown it earlier. The heated blush didn’t disappear when he hacked at the tree. The tingling in her belly increased, and all she could do was stand there and 4

Ambrielle Kirk look at the man who’d once whispered in her ear the many positions he thought about taking her in...and promised her that she would enjoy every last second of it.

5

Chapter Two

Tina closed her eyes as the smooth, sweet champagne flowed down her throat. The taste of it complemented the dinner Craig prepared for the evening. She had no problems taking credit for the chocolate brownies she baked. Craig was already on his third piece. Aware that he still gazed at her from across the table, she licked her lips and took another sip. When she opened her eyes again, he grinned. “Very nice, Craig. What I wouldn’t give to have meals cooked for me like that more often.” He raised an eyebrow. “What would you give?” Tina set the champagne glass down and rose from her seat. “My company.” She smoothed her hands down her side to straighten her sweater over her jeans. The small fireplace in the den crackled and sparked with flames as she paused in front of it. Lifting her arms, she warmed her fingers in the heat. “We should make dates like this more often.” He joined her at the fireplace and slipped his hands into hers. 6

Ambrielle Kirk “We should.” She accepted the gesture, linking her fingers with his. “Thank you for this one.” He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to it in a kiss. Her insides warmed and any guards she might have put up left her. In his presence, she had always been happy. Cherished and admired. Why had it taken her so long to realize that this was what she needed all the time and not just every once in a while? After momentarily forgetting to breathe, she inhaled slowly. “The date’s not over yet, Craig.” “I don’t want it to be.” And neither did she. She separated from him and moved further into the living area. His cabin was cozy and small, just the way she enjoyed living. The atmosphere here was different from the elaborate, posh mansion he’d bought just outside the city limits. The extravagant home he’d purchased from the bank was for business entertainment, according to him. She’d gotten to know him well over their discussions about his business plans. He was the type of man who didn’t need to flaunt his material assets to feel good about his accomplishments. From what she knew about him, Craig had come a long way. Once known as the town’s primary tree farmer, he worked his way up the social ladder with the degree he earned in architectural engineering. Unique craftsmanship and stellar reputation developed his startup construction company into a profitable business venture. His success was not handed to him on a platter, and Tina found this to be an outstanding trait in a man. Tina glanced out of the window at the snowflakes as they fell heavily across the wooded landscape. The tires and underbody of her car were buried under nearly three feet of snow. “Doesn’t look like my little sports car will make it out of your driveway.” She pulled the curtains closed. “What’s wrong? Aren’t I entertaining enough?” He followed her into his den, watching as she ran her fingers over his work binders. “You’re the perfect host.” She picked up the knight piece on his chess table and held it up to inspection. “Did you carve these?” He nodded. “Five years ago. The chess table I told you that no one’s ever beat me on. Would you like to be my next victim like we talked about?” She laughed. Craig may have been humble businessman, but he still had a competitive nature. “Hold on to your winning streak while you can.” 7

The Promise He joined her in laughter. “All right. I have a collection of mystery movies I think you might like. Only thing is the television is in my bedroom.” The room fell silent as she contemplated his offers. Tina was no fool. She knew where this was going. It was no surprise when her body responded in the positive. Her nipples hardened at the thought of his mouth on hers once again. How long had it been? Eight—no, nine months. She would remember the one kiss that sparked the everburning flame between them. They’d both had three too many cocktails at the wedding that fateful night, but blaming attraction on the alcohol would be unfair. Especially when she still lusted for him. “I don’t want to watch movies in your bedroom.” The smile faded from his face. She grinned. “I want to test out the hot tub you told me about.” “What a naughty idea.” *** Warm steam floated toward Tina as she opened the door to the porch. From his seat in the hot tub, Craig looked up and smiled in greeting. She stepped from the hardwood floors onto the heated tiles of the outdoor living area. Light airy scents reminded her of the cozy spa she’d frequented to get her routine pampering. The room was spacious with little clutter, just like the interior. Tall hedges lined the floor-to-ceiling windows on the outside, giving a sense of privacy. When she reached the hot tub, she accepted another glass of champagne from Craig. “No wonder you prefer living out here rather instead of the city. You’ve got everything you need here.” “I haven’t used this hot tub in so long. I forgot how relaxing it could be.” Tina took a sip of the champagne, set the glass on a nearby stand, and then swallowed nervously as she ran her gaze over his sculpted body. The muscles in his chest were nicely toned from heavy-duty work. The water slid down over his skin, some into the soft curls peeking from his boxers. Her gaze focused on the outline of his cock as the wet fabric clung to it, and her heart quickened and pussy clenched. She’d felt the strong outline of his arousal so many times from the hugs they shared, but always through clothes. What would it feel like to hold it in her hands, run over the soft flesh with her tongue, and accept him into her body? “I...” She shook her head and grabbed his hand to prevent from swooning and slipping on the floor. 8

Ambrielle Kirk “Why are you so nervous, Tina?” He squeezed her hand in his. “You know me.” She laughed softly. “That’s like asking me why I’m hungry.” “How can I make you at ease, then? “Kiss me.” “What?” What was she saying? Oh, but she was so tired of holding back her feelings for him. Tired of wanting and not having him. “I said kiss me.” Craig stroked his fingers over her bangs, then traced the smooth brown skin on her cheek, as if admiring the texture of his roughened hands against her delicate face. Tilting her chin up, he brought her lips to meet his. His lack of hesitation did not surprise her, and she reached up to grasp the back of his neck with her fingers in acceptance. He tasted of sweet champagne and she wanted more of it. Their mouths parted and tongues flirted, and her body shivered in response, but not from the cold. Butterflies awakened in her stomach as their lips swept and roamed over each other’s like a never-ending caress. She’d forgotten how gentle his kiss could be. Calloused, demanding hands. Soft, caring kisses. She loved every minute of it. They separated, and he bent even lower to graze his nose across her neck. Her breath hitched, and her heartbeat vibrated in her eardrum. Craig inhaled deeply and moaned. “Damn, I want you so much.” She shuddered. “I want you too.” He sipped at and tasted the skin on her neck and she arched her back, wanting more. He must have read her mind, as he stopped his slow torture long enough to lead her to the small steps and into the heated water. A curse left his lips when she shed the robe from her body. She loved the way he looked in adoration at her. Tina sat on the edge of the tub and swung her legs inside. He massaged her legs as his gaze swept across her naked body, now glowing from the hot steam. Her breath caught in her throat when he kissed the insides of her thighs. His hair and cheeks rubbed against her skin, and the contrast drove her near the edge. She looked down at his fingers gripping into her flesh. It resembled the whipped cream on the milk-chocolate brownies they ate for dessert. He looked up at her, arousal evident on his face. “Let’s not stop this time, Tina. I don’t think I could bear not having you any longer.” “I can’t wait anymore either. I need you now.” 9

The Promise He gripped her waist in his hands and pressed his forehead to her stomach. When he dipped his tongue into the crevice of her navel, she hissed. Her pussy creamed with her arousal, wanting more than a tease. His tongue worked figure eights on her belly and then moved lower to kiss her already sensitive mound. Her clit throbbed and ached between her legs and she silently wished for him to soothe her. Drawing her legs up onto his shoulders, he blew cool breaths near her wet opening. Her legs trembled as her body reveled in the excitement. She tried to draw her legs together to soothe her aching need, but he drew his body closer into hers to part them again, exposing her to the steam and his gaze. Craig brought a finger up to caress her dewy lips, and she threw her head back and moaned in pleasure. Her body seemed to tighten at every nerve ending, preparing for the release she desperately needed. He continued to tease, stroking up and down her moist slit, neglecting her bud of desire. He drew a nipple into his mouth and slid a finger into her canal. “You’re so wet and tight.” As he stroked in and out, her insides squeezed involuntarily around his thick digit. He pulled and nipped gently at each hardened nipple, then sucked with his eager mouth. Another finger joined the first inside her, as if testing her accommodations. He licked his lips as his eyes darted from her face to his fingers pumping inside her pussy. She thrust her hips forward and dug her heels into his back. The pad of his thumb stroked upward at her clit. She was almost there and he knew it. Tina could see determination to take her over the edge on his face. Removing his fingers, he knelt before her and replaced them with his tongue. Heat sliced through her core, searing her inside. The pleasure built around every muscle in her body, every fiber of her being. Tina cried out when he tugged gently on her clit with his lips. Her warm juices flowed freely, and he lapped at her pussy like it was a treat. Zoning in on her bud, he teased it with the tip of his tongue. He lovingly thrashed her clit until her legs quaked in intensity, her heart pulsed in frenzy, and her body convulsed in orgasm. Craig didn’t relent until the last of her pleasure poured through her. When he lifted his head to look at her, his face glowed in contentment. “That was so good.” “Oh yeah?” Tina grinned and slid the rest of the way into the hot tub, letting the warm water envelop her body. She helped him out of 10

Ambrielle Kirk his boxers, directed him to the seat, and pushed on his chest until he was seated. His cock protruded out of the water. It looked perfect, hard as a rock with the veins pushing against the delicate skin from his arousal. She licked her lips as she ran her fingertips over the mushroomshaped head. She wrapped her fingers around his thickness like she’d imagined doing so many times. He clenched his teeth, and his shaft throbbed against her palm. Tina knelt down before him as he’d done her and dipped her tongue between the slit and laved up the pre-cum. She moaned in appreciation of Craig’s milky, salty flavor. “Tina.” She griped the base of his dick and took the head into her mouth, sucking on the tip and stroking the underside with her tongue. He grew more rigid than before against her tongue. Inch by inch, she took more of him between her lips. Craig pumped upward, meeting the back of her throat. He hissed and groaned and tugged at her hair. His cock seemed to swell while she teased him, and the blood in his veins thrummed against her stroking palm. He caught her off guard by lifting her into his embrace to kiss her. Their tongues mated hungrily, sharing in the taste of each other. Tina brought her knees on either side of him, while he remained seated. His mouth and tongue were busy teasing her sensitive nipples. Aftershocks of her powerful orgasm still ran through her, and at this rate he might very well take her over the edge again. Craig’s cock brushed against her pussy, and he caressed her ass, digging his fingers into the fleshy part of her. “This is good, Tina.” He brushed his lips against hers. “I want to see your face and your pretty brown eyes when you come.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and adjusted her hips so that he found her opening. He bit his lips in anticipation but held his hand steady on her waist. Placing her lips against his ear, she whispered, “Something tells me you love to be ridden hard.” “Yes,” he groaned and thrust upward until his head penetrated just past her opening. “Me too.” Tina settled over him, and her pussy enveloped him with ease. His fingertips gripped her waist as his meaty cock sliced her neglected sheath. She ached from pleasure and felt bliss from the pain. Arching 11

The Promise her hips, she covered him to the hilt. That last movement started firecrackers in her belly. “Oh, damn,” he mumbled under his breath. She lifted her hips and rocked against him until she could milk him with ease. He assisted her, raising her up and down over his broad, hard dick. Before long they had established a tempo. Hard and slow. Intense and fast. His pelvis rocked up to meet hers. When she thought he couldn’t go any deeper, he tilted her, and his thrusting became relentless, taking her into oblivion. Steam beaded with their sweat and rolled off their skin. Water spilled in waves over the top of the tub as she rode him. Their breathing became frantic, just like her heart. Moans unified like a chorus. Even the snowstorm outside couldn’t put out the flames. His name slipped from her lips. “Craig.” “Oh, yes, say my name, baby.” He traced the outline of her jaw with his lips. “It will not be the last.” Lifting her chin, he grazed the side of her neck with his tongue. “This is too good.” Her body shook as liquid heat coursed through her spine and another climax tore through her. He looked into her eyes with a look of elation, and then followed her into peak. He trembled against her as hot cum shot into her. Tina collapse against him, her cheek rested on his shoulder, and his head leaned back against the rest. Why had they waited so long to do this? Then again, maybe if it wasn’t for the endless months of teasing cat-and-mouse games, this night would not have been so rewarding. No. She’d always known Craig had it in him to please. She giggled. “Why are you laughing? At me?” “No, not at you. At us.” “What about?” His chest heaved as he fought to catch his breath. “Why did this take so long? Us, together...like this.” Craig shrugged. “You played hard to get.” “No, I did not!” “S’kay, you were worth the wait.” She snuggled up closer to him. “And so were you.” He lifted her up to look at her. “Promise me this won’t be the last,” he whispered. “Promise me.” Tina grinned. He’d made and kept his promise. She’d enjoyed every second of this night. Without a doubt, she knew this could not be the last night. “The first, the best...but not the last. I promise.” 12

Ambrielle Kirk He smiled. “I must’ve been on Santa’s good list this year.” Tina ran her fingers across the soft blond curls on his chest. “How do you know that?” “I have the best gift in the world right here.”

13

Biography Ambrielle Kirk is an author of romantic fiction ranging from contemporary erotic to dark paranormal romance. She likes to bring flair and edge to anything she writes. She was inspired to create stories in her preteen years from a very vivid imagination. Now, over a decade later, that inspiration has never left her. Please visit her website at www.ambriellekirk.com for more information on current and future book releases.

Other Books by Ambrielle Kirk

A Player’s Agenda Special Client Soul Bond Book One: Liaison Hard Drive The Promise