Promise You: A friends to lovers romance

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Hot date tonight?” Taylor peeks into the living room where I’m sitting on the couch.

  “You know it. What are you up to?” I twirl the ends of my hair while she responds.

  “We’re staying in. Going to order dinner and talk about wedding stuff,” her smile is wide.

  “Wonderful. Then, you and I can discuss things, and I can help you. You haven’t asked yet, but I know I’m your maid-of-honor,” I wink, crossing my right leg over my left knee and twist to get a better look at her.

  “Oh yeah?” She crosses her arms, her eyebrows lifting, and leans against the wall.

  “Duh. Who would be better than me?” I wave my hands and shake my head.

  “I was thinking Patty.” Taylor doesn’t miss a beat in responding.

  I narrow my eyes in her direction. “Pffttt… I’d throw a much better bachelorette party, and I have embarrassing baby pics if you choose a friend over me.”

  Taylor laughs and walks toward me. “Of course, you’d be my maid-of-honor. You wouldn’t let me get away with choosing anyone else.”

  “I’m glad we’re on the same page,” I laugh as I stand and hold her hands. “Love you, Tay. I’m really happy for you.” I hug her tightly.

  “Are you getting soft now that you’re in a relationship?” she mocks.

  “Shut up and let me have this moment.” I squeeze her before taking a step back. Her blonde hair is up in a messy bun, but her blue eyes are shining with happiness.

  “You look pretty,” she smiles. “I’m happy for you, too. It’s about time you and Dex did something about your feelings besides staring at each other when the other wasn’t watching.”

  “You’re a pain,” I smirk. “But I’m happy we did as well,” I confess. I’ve always been the one to pretend I didn’t want a relationship. It’s made me feel vulnerable, especially after having my heart broken.

  “Looks like your date is here,” she says when the doorbell rings.

  I do a little shimmy before answering. Taylor laughs and shakes her head, moving to the side to give me space to walk toward the door.

  “Hey.” Dex’s face splits into a smile when he sees me.

  “Hi.” I grin, and Dex looks between Taylor and me.

  “What did I miss?” He arches a brow and tilts his head to look at us.

  “Nothing,” I say, innocence washing over my face.

  “She was showing me her moves. You’re one lucky guy, Dex,” Taylor teases.

  “Hell yeah, I am.” He wraps an arm around my waist and kisses me.

  “Get a room, but not here, I have plans tonight,” she winks. “Have fun!” She wiggles her fingers in our direction and leaves us alone in the living room.

  “You look beautiful. I love when you wear that color on your lips.” His eyes shift from my lips to my eyes. I wipe the red from his lips after our kiss and smile.

  I lean back to look at him in a pair jeans and a light blue Oxford shirt, top two buttons undone. “You look handsome.” I step back, our hands extended between us. Dex runs a hand through his combed hair.

  “I’m excited for what you have planned. Had to dress my best.”

  I kiss his cheek. “You always do. Ready?”

  “Let’s go.” He holds the door open for me to walk out. I lead us out of my building and to his car, excited for our date night. It’s been years since I’ve gotten this giddy feeling when going out with a man. Call them butterflies, excitement, whatever you want, but I’m welcoming them as Dex’s hand lingers over mine as he follows the directions I give him.

  When Dex pulls into the parking lot, he looks at me and says, “What did you plan?” I simply smirk and get out of the car, waiting for him in the sidewalk.

  “You’ll see.” I grab his hand and lead him into the restaurant.

  “Oh, I approve of this.” He looks around at the stations set with burners, utensils and cutting boards.

  “I thought we could put your cooking skills into good use,” I lean into him, my hands on his shoulder.

  When I read that there was a couples’ cooking class at Tennessee Kitchen, I reserved us a spot. We introduce ourselves to the chef and take our place at the station assigned to us, tying the aprons.

  “Too bad you didn’t bring your signature apron,” I tease Dex.

  “That would be fun to watch. I’m sure people would get a kick out of it.” He moves his hands to his back to tie the apron around his waist.

  “Most definitely.” I take inventory of what we have on our table. A variety of knives, tongs, bowls, and ingredients are neatly placed on the top.

  “I love this idea,” Dex takes a careful look at everything on the table as well and takes hold of my hand, lacing our fingers together.

  Soon, the chef starts talking about the menu we’ll be making tonight and details about the safety in a kitchen. I bounce from side to side, excited to begin. Dex chuckles next to me, his arm wrapped loosely around my waist.

  We begin with tuna tartare as an appetizer. While Dex chops the tuna steaks into small chunks, I mix lemon, soy sauce, salt, pepper, wasabi, and a few other ingredients following the recipe on the paper and the chef’s instructions. We work together to toss all the ingredients before letting it sit in the fridge.

  Dex and I work seamlessly making chicken stir-fry with noodles, stealing kisses and wandering hands as one of us stirs what’s in the pan. Dex shows off by tossing the food in the pan like some kind of professional. His smile lights up his face the entire time we cook. We’re in our own world, moving to the same beat as if no one else was in this restaurant working alongside us.

  “Try this,” Dex holds a piece of chicken to my lips. I take it in my mouth, my lips wrapping around the tips of his fingers. The color of his eyes darkens instantly, and an eyebrow raises.

  “That’s really good,” I say after I’ve swallowed the food, licking my lips. “Try.” I give him a piece, his tongue teasing my fingers. “Behave,” I tell him with a grin.

  “I’m trying,” he pulls me to him, hands on my backside.

  We continue the instructions the chef gives us, moving onto dessert. He teaches us how to make a type of molten cake filled with a raspberry chocolate cream. I’m not too sure how it’ll turn out, but the chef’s sample looks delicious.

  I dip my finger in the cake mix and rub it against Dex’s lips. His tongue peeks out to taste it, and my eyes follow its movement. “Delicious.” His eyes sparkle.

  I stick my finger in the mix and taste the batter, keeping my gaze on Dex. He groans, and I smirk. “You’re doin’ things to me, babe.” He pulls me close, kissing me softly. “Wish we were home instead of with a bunch of strangers,” he whispers in my ear, and I shiver at the feel of his breath against my neck.

  When the chef instructs we pour the batter into the small, round pans, we break away and do as we’re told. Right now, I want to go home and lie in bed with him, feeling every part of his body.

  While the dessert bakes, we eat the food we made at a long table. We get to know the other couples a bit, some congratulating Dex on his music success when he explains what he does. I smile the entire time, holding his hand under the table.

  With dessert eaten and everything cleaned up, we thank the chef and head out.

  “Thank you,” Dex says by the passenger door. “You’re a little tease, but this was a lot of fun.”

  I wrap my arms around his neck. “What can I say? Seeing you work the kitchen got me excited.” I waggle my eyebrows.

  “We’re about to find out how excited in fifteen minutes when we get back to my place.” His lips touch mine. “I’m looking forward to our own private cooking class when I get back from the tour. I’m thinking naked cooking.”

  I raise my eyebrows and shake my head. “I have a feeling that wouldn’t be totally safe.”

  “Don’t ruin my fantasy.” He closes his eyes as if he’s holding on to it.

  “How about in our underwear? Keep our parts safe from knives and heat.” His eyes pop
open, and a naughty smile appears on his face.

  “Deal.” He kisses me quickly and slaps my ass. “In you go. I’ve got plans for you.”

  I shiver and get in the car, excited about what he has in store for me.

  Dex

  I’m in the studio today with Peyton and the band. We leave in a few days for my first tour, and I’m buzzed from excitement. The band and I have perfected the five songs I’ll be performing. Peyton explained I’ll be the first to open the show, with a forty-five minute play time. His advice has been a gift as I go into this unknown territory. There’s no room for error with a tour like this. This is my one shot to prove I’m cut out for this career and not spend my days playing small bars in the same city.

  “We’ll leave at eight in the morning. Be here by seven. I’ve got copies of your EP ready to go as well as promotional swag. I’ll be traveling with you, too.” I listen to Peyton, nodding. The rest of the band listens carefully as well. They’re more familiar with this routine since they’ve been out on the road before.

  Once they leave, Peyton asks me to stay a few more minutes to talk about something else.

  “I’ve been talking to Nashville Records. They’re interested in you, especially seeing that Rebel Desire wants you to go along for this first leg. They’ll be watching closely.” His eyebrows rise, and the meaning of his words settles over me.

  “Got it. I know how important and rare an experience like this is. I’m ready to prove myself,” I give a terse nod, tension around me as a million things cross my mind at once.

  “Good.” He slaps my back. “I know you’re worth it, but a label is different.”

  “Thanks, Peyton,” I place my hand on his shoulder and smile.

  “No need to thank me. It’s my job.”

  I shake my head. “It may be your job, but you care more than any manager would.”

  “Don’t mention it,” he brushes off the compliment as if it’s no big deal. For someone like me, having dreamt for this since I was a kid, his treatment and guidance is priceless.

  At that, the door to the studio opens, and Cash Knight walks in. “Hey, guys.”

  “Hey,” I say, standing to shake his hand.

  “I wanted to come in and see how you were doing.” He takes a seat next to me, facing Peyton.

  “I’m good. Going over some last-minute details with Peyton and ready to hit the road,” I say.

  “Happy to hear that. If you have any questions or need anything, just let me know. Don’t feel as if you can’t approach one of us. We’ve all been where you are now. Fortunately, we were four. Just reach out to us and have fun. Your life’s about to change.” He smirks, crossing his ankle over his knee.

  “Thanks, Cash.”

  “Plus, you’ve got the best on your side,” he juts his chin toward Peyton, who shakes his head with a smile.

  “All right, I’m gonna head out and make sure the rest of you aren’t getting into any trouble,” Peyton stands, talking to Cash. “If you think of anything more you need, just call me,” he tells me.

  “Thanks.” I look up at him with a nod.

  “Don’t worry too much about the guys. You know we’re all married and boring now,” Cash winks and leans back on the sofa.

  Peyton laughs and leaves the room. Cash turns to me and speaks. “Seriously, if you need anything, let me know. We’ll be on our own bus, but we’ll make the same stops.”

  “I appreciate it. I can’t thank you guys enough for this opportunity.”

  “Like I said, we’ve been there. We know the struggle, no matter how much talent you have. When I heard you at Riot in the summer, I was surprised you hadn’t gotten a deal yet, especially with all the places you’ve played at. But again, I know a deal doesn’t just fall on your lap because you can sing.” He lifts a shoulder and sits up.

  “That’s the truth. It’s naïve to think so,” I run a hand through my hair, slowly breathing out the tension and stress of the last few days.

  “Nah, we’ve all been there, dreaming we’re good enough for someone to beg us to join their team. The reality is, a lot of it has to do with who you know. And the rest has to do with someone believing in you enough to take a chance.” Cash nods, pensive.

  “Thanks.” Never would’ve thought I’d be having this conversation with Cash Knight.

  “You’re welcome. Have fun, give it all you have and then some, and get ready for people to demand more,” he chuckles at the last part and pats my back.

  “Definitely,” I smile.

  We both stand, shake hands, and I grab my things to head out of the studio. In a few days, I’ll be gone for a month, and I plan to spend as much of those days with my lady.

  Reese reaches for a shirt in my closet and folds it neatly before placing it in my suitcase. She demanded she come over and help me pack tonight, stating she wouldn’t miss being a part of this experience.

  “You’re much better at folding clothes than I am,” I kiss her cheek and squeeze her ass. The faster we get this done, the sooner I have her in my arms. One thing I’m certain about is that I’m going to miss her.

  “I’m picky when it comes to folding clothes,” she shrugs. “Do you want to take these?” She holds up a pair of black slacks.

  “Yeah, I want to take a couple of nicer outfits in case I have an event to attend. I want to be prepared.” I move around the room, grabbing the essentials.

  Reese nods and adds that to my growing pile of clothes. Then, she turns to me and wraps her arms around my back. “Send me pics.”

  “Every day.” I touch my lips to hers. “I’m gonna miss you.”

  “Ditto, but I’m so happy for you.” Her eyes look up at me as if I were a king. Hell, in her arms I feel like one.

  I grab her face and kiss her hard before finishing packing. “Come on. I want to order dinner and relax with you.” I slap her ass, and she jumps.

  “Not nice.” She wags her pointer finger from side to side. Then, she grabs her phone, and my EP starts playing.

  Reese dances around my room as she packs my clothes, shimmying her body in front of me. I laugh as I try to reach for her and she dances away. I let her have her way, admiring her body as it moves to the beat I created and sing the words I wrote. Nothing is better than a private show by her.

  When a smoother beat comes on, she moves toward me, her arms coming around my neck, and her body moving against mine. My hands land on her hips as they sway, encouraging her to keep moving.

  “Summer heat and warm kisses, making me miss the way she felt in my hands, days go by, and I wonder where she is, wonder where she is,” Reese sings into my ear, both of us dancing to a song I wrote so long ago about no one in particular. I twirl her around, dipping her back and kissing the base of her neck. Reese’s laughter fills my room, her happiness staking claim in my heart. Watching her dance around, laugh, and help me get ready for this huge opportunity leaves no doubt in my mind that she’s my number one.

  Another song comes on Spotify, and she quickly skips it, turning to me with a fake smile. I narrow my eyes, but she speaks before I can ask her if she’s okay.

  “Chop, chop. Let’s finish this. A girl’s gotta eat.” She kisses my cheek, and we finish packing.

  I brush off her reaction and let her pull me into her energy, going through my list of things I need to take. When she’s back to being herself, I assume it’s nothing to worry about.

  Reese

  My heart pounds in my chest as we finish packing. I thought I had the EP on repeat, and I wasn’t expecting one of Knox’s songs to sneak into the playlist. I don’t even have his music saved on my lists that would cause it to be played. Dex noticed something was off, it’s not like I’m a great actress and can hide my feelings. Thankfully, he dropped it.

  I don’t want anything to ruin this time we have together. He leaves in two days, and I want to soak up all that is Dex. Even if he weren’t leaving, I’d want to spend this time with him.

  I don’t feel anything for Kn
ox, but the memory of what he did still stings. It’s made me cynical when it comes to love. Dex is proving to me there’s more to it than I thought. He makes me laugh, accepts me for who I am, and kisses me as if I were the only woman who could fill his need.

  “Is pizza okay?” He brings me out of my thoughts.

  “Yes. Pepperoni?” I shake my body a little.

  “Anything you want, darlin’.” I sigh and smile.

  “You’re the best,” my head tilts and I know I have heart eyes as I stare at him.

  “Keep looking at me that way, and we won’t get to the pizza,” he teases as he grabs his phone from the top of his dresser.

  “First food, then sex,” I count off the order using my fingers. Dex chuckles and orders.

  He peeks into the room and asks, “Mind picking it up? It’s over an hour wait for delivery. Twenty minutes for pick-up.”

  “That’s perfect.” I fold one side of the shirt laying on his bed and hold the other side, repeating my actions before placing it in his suitcase. It’s quickly filling up with his belongings, including my heart.

  I walk out to the living room as he finishes talking to the person on the phone, and I sit on the couch, scrolling through the TV. Dex sits next to me a few minutes later, a glass of wine and beer in hand. He hands me the wine and touches his bottle to my glass. “Thank you for helping me.” His arm moves around my shoulder, pulling me to him.

  “You’re welcome. This is an exciting time for you. I’ll be damned if I was going to miss it.” I take a sip of the wine and relax into him. I’ll miss quiet moments like this, but I know this will be the big break I’ve been feeling in my bones. He’s about to soar.

  “What are you thinkin’?” He squeezes my shoulder.

  “About how exciting this tour is going to be.” I turn to look at him, my body relaxing when I find his green eyes.

  “I’m gonna miss you.” He kisses my forehead. “I’m kinda nervous, too,” he confesses with a sheepish grin.

  “It’s a new experience, and that can be scary, but you’re so talented. The rest of the world will now get to experience what I’ve seen since that first night I saw you on stage.” I take a sip of wine, remembering that night and how his smooth voice washed over me in a way I couldn’t deny.