Broken Promises

by Kelly Elliott

  She closed the menu and said, “Then that’s what I’m getting because this country girl doesn’t even know what half the shit on this menu is.”

  LIZA PLACED HER napkin on her plate and leaned back in the seat. “Oh my gosh, that was so good.”

  I laughed. “I told you. It may not be the country barbecue you’re used to, but it’s good.”

  The band had been playing all through dinner and we’d had to practically shout the whole time. When they took a break, we both sighed in relief.

  “Shit. I didn’t think we’d be this close to the band.” I said with a chuckle.

  The DJ tapped the mic. “Let’s take it back a few years, shall we?”

  An old George Straight song played. I stood and took Liza’s hand in mine, leading her to the little dance floor. Her smile was so beautiful, and I loved how it made my stomach feel all kinds of weird. I pulled her into my arms.

  “You look beautiful tonight,” I said, moving my lips close to her ear.

  She gripped my shirt and held on tighter. I closed my eyes and held her to me. I could feel her heart beating against mine. We didn’t have to say a word as we danced, listening as the song played.

  I pulled back and looked at her. Her eyes were glazing over with tears.

  “Liza, I want to wake up every morning to your beautiful smile.”

  Liza smiled and wiped away the single tear rolling down her cheek. She was about to say something when the DJ sped it all up. I spun her around a few times as we both laughed and made our way back to our table. Our flirtatious waitress came up behind me, placing her hand on my lower back. I took a step away from her and just stared.

  “Anything else you…need?” she asked, as if Liza wasn’t sitting right there.

  I slowly took my seat. “I think we’ll take the check so I can continue this evening with the woman I love,” I said.

  The waitress’s smiled faded. She whirled around and headed to the bar to get our check. I shook my head and looked at Liza. She was attempting to hide her giggle.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Is it always like this? Wherever you go, the women all flirt with you? Is this something I should just get used to now or should I look into branding your forehead with Bitch He’s Mine?”

  I gave Liza my sexy grin. I glanced up at an older gentleman who stood by our table.

  “Hello, I’m Ted, one of the managers here. How was your dinner?”

  Ted looked at Liza and smiled. He completely ignored me. Liza raised her eyebrows as Ted continued to stare.

  “Our dinner was amazing and everyone here is very friendly. Is that our check?” I asked, taking the check from Ted’s hand.

  Ted nodded and winked at Liza. She finally couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer. I reached for my wallet as Liza giggled.

  Ted smiled and said, “Well, enjoy your evening y’all.”

  I tossed my money onto the table and took Liza’s hand. “Come on,” I said. “It’s on to the next part of our date.”

  As we walked out, Liza was making a joke about the hostess saying goodnight to me when I spun her around and pulled her to me. Backing her up against the door, I kissed the hell out of her. It got us a few hollers from guys in the bar, but I didn’t care. I wanted everyone to know who I had eyes for.

  When I pulled away, I smiled at Liza and took a few steps back. I’d left her breathless and she was trying to regain her composure.

  “You don’t play fair,” she nearly whispered.

  I took her hand and pulled her out the door. “No ma’am I don’t.”

  WALKER HAD DONE a good job of putting me into a daze as we were leaving the restaurant with that surprise kiss. We walked arm in arm down Second Street, making our way to Congress. A cold front had come through; it was beginning to get chilly.

  “You know, it was sunny in Florida. I didn’t pack for cold weather,” I said, snuggling closer to Walker’s warm body.

  Walker chuckled and said, “We’re almost there.”

  I pulled back and looked up at him. “Almost where?”

  “It’s a surprise,” he said, a devilish smile on his face.

  “How in the world did you arrange something when I’ve been with you all evening?” I asked, snuggling back up to him. He pulled me in and ran his hand up and down my arm. The friction warmed my body instantly.

  “I have my ways, Taylor Elizabeth Morris.”

  I smiled. “You used my full name. Am I in trouble?”

  “Do you want to be in trouble?” he asked.

  We both stopped walking. When we turned to face each other, I felt my whole body light up with ideas—where was Walker going with this? I’d never really played in the bedroom before.

  I started chewing on my lower lip. “What happens if I say ‘yes?’”

  Walker closed his eyes and then opened them. “I get to live out a fantasy of mine.”

  My cheeks instantly flushed. I needed to know more. “Fantasy, huh? Who did you have this fantasy about?”

  The corner of his mouth twitched into the sexiest damn smile I’d ever seen. I could feel myself getting wetter by the second.

  Walker tilted his head and chuckled. “Oh Liza. My fantasies have always been about you and only you.”

  Sucking in a small breath, I said, “I’ve been bad. Really…really….really bad.”

  Walker raised his eyebrows in thought. “That bad, huh?”

  Swallowing hard, I blushed, barely getting the words out. “O—oh, you have no idea.”

  Walker put his arm around me again, pulling me back to him as we began walking again. “Then, Ms. Morris, you’ll have to be punished for this bad behavior.”

  I smiled, my cheeks flushing again. “H—how?” My voice shook just thinking of the things I wanted Walker to do to me.

  Walker stopped and pointed straight ahead. I looked up to see a giant Clydesdale and a huge white carriage. I immediately went up to the horse and began loving on him. Walker laughed and shook his head.

  The driver jumped down and opened the side door as Walker held out his hand to me.

  “My lady,” he said, “would you do me the honor of joining me for a carriage ride?”

  The driver was a bit older with graying hair tucked behind a Texas Longhorn baseball cap. He was grinning from ear to ear.

  I looked back to Walker. “Why, sir, do you think it’s proper for a lady like myself to be seen with such a handsome bachelor?”

  Walker smirked and rolled his eyes. But then he met my gaze and something changed. I was drawn to him as I placed my hand in his.

  “You’re in luck, my lady, for I am no longer a bachelor. I am very much taken by your eyes, your touch, and, most importantly, your love.”

  This boy could make a girl swoon. Walker helped me up into the carriage. He sat next to me and pulled me closer. The driver reached for a giant wool blanket and placed it over us. I pulled it up under my chin. The warmth of our bodies under the blanket took the chill away almost immediately.

  The driver jumped up and Walker called, “Could you possibly stop by a Starbucks?”

  I giggled as the driver turned and smiled. “Let’s see what we can do.”

  I sat up. “Was that a yes? Oh my gosh! If he does, we are so tipping him big time!”

  The horse began to take off onto Congress, making his way up toward the capitol. I smiled, knowing that there was a Starbucks a few blocks up.

  Walker pulled my leg up and placed it over his leg. The clattering sound of the horse’s hooves hitting the pavement was relaxing.

  When Walker slipped his hand up under my dress, I whispered, “What are you doing?”

  He replied with a wink and a smile, whispering in my ear, “I’m going to make you come, baby.”

  “Wh—what?”

  He slowly moved his hand up more, leaving a trail of heat as I spread my legs apart and moaned. Walker turned his body and gently kissed me. He slipped his hand down my panties and I bucked my hips involuntarily as h
e moved his fingers in and out. I pulled my lips away from his and looked at the back of the driver’s head.

  “Walker…we—”

  He rubbed on the spot and I was quickly losing control. I looked around at the cars passing us, people on the streets just walking along like we weren’t even there.

  The driver called back, “Here you go. Just what a young couple in love needs.”

  The lights on the carriage lit up and I closed my eyes as Walker snickered but didn’t stop his relentless finger-fucking. I grabbed his arm as he continued to work his magic.

  “Let it go, baby. Just let it go,” Walker said, looking into my eyes.

  The light from the carriage reflected in his eyes as I excitedly whispered, “Kiss me!”

  Walker pressed his lips to mine as I came hard and fast on his fingers. He absorbed my moans with moans of his own as I felt the carriage come to a stop. Walker pulled his fingers from me and faced forward. I was panting like we’d just had hot and heavy sex. I tried to control my breathing as I looked at Walker. He sat there with a smile on his face.

  The driver turned around and asked, “Starbucks run?”

  Somehow I pulled my dress down as Walker pushed away the blanket and turned to kiss me on the lips. “Be right back, sweetheart. Just sit here and…relax.”

  Walker opened the door and jumped out. He asked the driver if he wanted anything, and they both ended up walking into Starbucks as I sat in the beautiful white carriage lit up by sparkling, white lights, trying to get my senses back.

  I glanced at the Starbucks window only to find Walker looking out at me, smiling.

  “Bastard,” I whispered as I smiled and shook my head.

  I leaned back against the velvet seat and sighed. Would life with Walker always be like this? Would his touch always drive me so insane? His kisses seemed to render me stupid. I placed my fingers against my kiss-swollen lips.

  I’ve never in my life been so happy. Nothing would ever top this night. Giggling, I looked around as the people of Austin just drove right on by, not giving a damn that my boyfriend had just given me the most amazing orgasm ever.

  I was fantasizing about what tonight would be like when my phone buzzed. I pulled it out of my purse and saw a text from my mother.

  Mom: I don’t mean to interrupt and I know you’re a grown woman. BUT, are you still with Walker?

  Me: Oh, Mom! I’m having the most amazing night of my life. Walker has taken me canoeing, out to dinner, and now for a carriage ride. I don’t think life could get any better.

  Mom: Oh, honey, I’m so happy for you both. Will you be home tomorrow? Your daddy and I miss you.

  Me: We’ll be home tomorrow, late morning or early afternoon.

  Mom: Enjoy your evening, sweetheart.

  Me: I will, Mom. I love you and Daddy.

  Mom: We love you, too!

  I heard Walker’s laugh and I turned to see both the driver and Walker coming out of Starbucks. Walker hopped into the carriage and smiled as he handed me my drink.

  “One hot chocolate for my lady.”

  I giggled and took it quickly, inhaling the wonderful chocolate smell. “Mmm,” I said as I brought it up to my lips and took a sip.

  The driver turned around and said, “Shall we continue?”

  Walker and I looked each other in the eyes. I knew what I wanted to continue. But, for right now, this felt right.

  We both nodded and said, “Yes, let’s,” at the same time.

  I snuggled up into Walker and drank my hot chocolate.

  “Thank you for making this such an amazing day, Walker.”

  Walker lifted my chin with his finger until we were eye-to-eye. “It’s not over yet.”

  MY INSIDES HAD been complete mush since the carriage ride. My mind was spinning with the possibilities of what Walker might do to me when we got back to the hotel room.

  As we walked through the lobby of the Omni, I had the strangest feeling we were being watched. The hairs on my neck stood up straight. I looked around quickly before we stepped into the elevator, but I saw nothing.

  The elevator doors closed and, as Walker pushed me against the side and kissed me, all my worry melted away. The doors opened and he picked me up. I ran my fingers through his hair as he walked us to our room. Walker held me while he skillfully managed to open the door and carry me into the room. When he slid me down and my feet touched the ground, I felt like the earth was rocking. I closed my eyes and sighed. “Walker, your kisses leave me breathless. I want more every time your lips touch mine.”

  He lifted his hand and pushed my hair behind my ear. He cupped my face with his hands and searched my face intently. “Liza, I can’t even begin to tell you the feelings that your kisses evoke in me. Your touch drives me insane with desire. Your smile makes my stomach feel like I’m on a crazy roller coaster. Your laugh moves through my body and fills it with such amazing warmth I can’t put it into words. You’re my world, Liza. I’m afraid I’m addicted to these things. I’m going to need you with me all the time.”

  I swallowed as Walker slowly sank to one knee. My heart dropped and I was brought back to that day in the barn. The day Walker kissed me for the first time and a promise was made.

  Walker took my hands in his. He looked up at me, and my breath caught. His stubble had grown longer, and I wanted nothing more than to feel it against my skin. His blue eyes were burning with passion.

  “Taylor Elizabeth Morris, will you do me the honor of being mine forever?”

  I covered my mouth and dropped to the floor, wrapping my arms around his neck. My lips found his and we got lost in our desire. When we finally pulled back, I smiled as Walker used his thumb to wipe a tear away from my face.

  “I feel like all I’ve done is cried today. I’m an emotional mess,” I sobbed.

  Walker grinned. “My lady still hasn’t given me a firm ‘yes.’ I realize I have no ring, but an answer would be pretty nice.”

  I laughed as I nodded. “Yes! A million times over. It was always yes for you.”

  Walker’s eyes surveyed my face before landing on my lips. “Liza, I want to make love to you. Your punishment will have to be another night. Right now I just want to be inside your body.”

  I bit my lip. Walker pulled my dress up and over my head. We moved slowly this time, taking in every single movement, sound, and look. I pulled Walker’s T-shirt off and stared at his amazing broad chest and abs. I just wanted to take my tongue and trace along every muscle. Walker unbuttoned his pants as we both stood up. I kicked my dress to the side and stood before him in a tan lace bra and matching thong. Walker took in my body like he was seeing it for the first time. My stomach fluttered and my pulse raced.

  He took my hand and brought me over to the bed, stopping when my legs bumped against it. He set a condom on the side table, then focused on me. Walker unclasped my bra, letting it fall to the ground. He ran his finger between my breasts and down my stomach to the edge of my panties. Walker placed both hands on my hips and slowly lowered his body down, taking my panties with him. I closed my eyes and tried to keep my breathing steady.

  “Lay on the bed, Liza, and spread your legs open for me.”

  I swallowed and moved onto the bed. If I was trying to be graceful, I failed big time. I turned and flopped onto the bed, my chest heaving as Walker pushed his pants off, letting his long, thick shaft spring free. My core clenched in anticipation. Walker crawled onto the bed and began kissing the inside of my thigh.

  “Oh…oh…Walker,” I mumbled as he moved his lips to my stomach.

  One hand moved ahead of his lips and he twisted my nipple. I arched my back and moaned. Walker’s lips continued to make their way up as he sucked on my other nipple. I wrapped my legs around him, trying to gain some friction.

  When his lips found my neck, I was beyond worked up. I needed to feel him inside of me before I combusted. “Walker, please,” I begged, pulling him closer to my body.

  “I want to take you all in baby. I prom
ise, it will be worth the wait.”

  “Oh God,” I panted. “How do…you do …this…to…me?”

  Walker’s lips found mine. He took my hands and pushed them above my head as he teased my entrance with his tip. He kissed me, whispering how much he loved me.

  “I love you…I’ll love you…forever…Liza…you’re mine.”

  It was relentless and I was about to come. I could feel it building. I’d never had an orgasm with so little touching. His tip was barely pushed in as he whispered against my lips, “You’re so wet for me.”

  “Yes,” I panted.

  Between gentle kisses, he spoke. “I’m going to… bury myself…deep…inside you.”

  “Oh God, Walker, I’m going to come! Walker…ahh.”

  I arched my body and he pushed his dick inside me just enough to throw me into an orgasm. I could feel myself clamping down as the feeling rushed through my body. I called out Walker’s name over and over.

  I was finally coming back to my senses when I felt Walker reach for the condom. I opened my eyes and watched him slide it down his shaft. He took my hands again and placed them over my head as he pushed into me fast and hard.

  We both gasped, then laid still, feeling each other as one. Soon, Walker was moving in and out of me again, in slow, beautiful movements. Our lips found each other and I was lost again in a world that existed for just the two of us.

  “Forever, Liza,” Walker whispered in my ear.

  Wrapping my arms and legs tightly around him I whispered back, “Forever.”

  IT HAD BEEN a week since Liza and I had returned from Austin. We hadn’t told either of our parents that I’d asked her to marry me. I wanted to wait until we had a ring on her finger. Plus, I wanted to ask Layton for permission first.

  Walking into the barn, I checked out all the horses. My heart beat like crazy and I was instantly sweating. I closed my eyes and prayed that I’d get over this crazy fear of getting on a horse. I’d almost lost it all in one fall. I couldn’t stand the thought of not running this ranch. But I also knew that I needed to be able to ride. Pulling out my phone, I thought about texting Jase. He and Ava had both headed back to UT about a month ago. Ava was the only one I’d told about my fear, though I was pretty sure Liza knew as well.