A Promise Kept

by Anissa Garcia

  “Watch out! Passing through.”

  Grace scrambled over as two burly men moved props on the outdoor lot of the studio where The Ending Series was filming. She had no idea when Evan had asked her out on a date that she would be meeting him there, but he had texted saying he’d be running behind. A car had picked her up and she met Zach at the entrance of the filming location. From there, he guided her to a trailer and told her to wait outside. So there she stood, shuffling her feet in uncertainty.

  Watching movie stars walk back and forth was something Grace wasn’t accustomed to, and though she tried to feel as though she belonged, everything in her body screamed that she didn’t.

  Evan hadn’t given Grace any indication of where he was taking her, and when she asked if she needed to dress up, he told her to wear something comfortable. She opted for a pair of jeans and a pinstriped blazer with a shirt underneath that said, “TEXAS, HECK YEAH!” She wore her hair down because she sensed Evan liked it. He kept trying to tangle his hands in it when they kissed, and the thought of him possibly doing that again tonight gave her a slight thrill.

  “Hi.” A girl with caramel hair and sun-kissed skin approached her. With pixie-like features and a tall stature, she could have been a model.

  “Hi.”

  “I’m Jenny. Can I help you find something?”

  “Oh, I’m waiting for Evan Matthews.” Grace smiled and stuffed her hands in her pocket after shaking the other girl’s.

  “Oh, okay. I’m one of the A.D.’s on set. Evan’s just getting showered and finished for the day.”

  “Okay.” She nodded and noticed the way the woman was surveying her with a glare. Grace tried to make conversation. “So, how are things going with the shoot?”

  “Oh, it’s great! Evan is... He’s, well, you know how he is.” Grace didn’t reply and Jenny continued. “He had interviews today, and he’s just such a flirt with all the reporters. Of course, the women eat that up. One of them practically offered him a blowjob.” She laughed as Grace inwardly grimaced. As if without a filter, the girl relentlessly yapped. “I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if he took her to his trailer after. That sort of thing happens a lot with these actors.”

  Grace was beginning to get angry. Whether it was true or not, this girl had no right to be talking about Evan that way to anyone. He didn’t deserve it. “Maybe you shouldn’t be spreading rumors like that.”

  Jenny sneered and hovered over Grace. “Look, sweetie, from one woman to another, I’ll warn you about Evan Matthews. He’s a charmer. He’ll say and do all the right things, and then he’ll dump you and move on to the next conquest. You might see this all as a fairy tale, but don’t get your hopes up for a happily-ever-after. I’ve been there and done that. Don’t think you’re the girl who can change his ways. You’d be deluding yourself.”

  “Thank you for your candor, Jenny. I’ll keep it in mind,” she responded dryly as the irritating female sauntered off.

  “Hey, Gracie!” Evan stepped out of his trailer and Grace tried to forget everything that was just revealed to her by this girl, although that would be easier said than done. Jenny could have been talking out of the same pain that had affected Grace when Kyle Erikson had hurt her. Could Evan be capable of doing that to a woman?

  Anyone was capable of anything, especially hurting those they loved. Grace had to keep that in mind as she neared the handsome man wearing a tight-ass maroon Henley, his brown leather jacket, and jeans. Was it possible for him to ever look ugly? Because his level of hotness was just ridiculous.

  “Hey, Evan.”

  He gave her a side hug, his arm resting on her shoulders, and she could smell his masculine scent mixed with soap and shaving cream. Of course he was a womanizer, what could be expected when a man was as gorgeous as he was?

  She tried not to let Jenny-the-bitch bother her, but Grace couldn’t help but wonder how much all of this was just a silly game to him. Was he trying to win her over and drop her after he got what he wanted?

  “You look scrumptious, Grace.” He leaned toward her and let his nose smell her hair. “I love your hair down,” he whispered in her ear giving her automatic goosebumps.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To the car.” He led her toward a sleek Lexus convertible with the top down and opened the door for her. She felt shivers down her spine as his hand grazed her back. He leaned over her and reached into the glovebox. “Here’s a cap.”

  They took off onto the freeway as the sun began to set over the horizon. Grace was sometimes grateful for the fickle Texas weather. Tonight was perfect for their outing… wherever they were headed.

  “Where are we going, Matthews?”

  “You’ll see.” He smiled wryly. “How was your day today, Gracie Lynn?”

  “Good. I wrote a little bit. I had to check into fumigation for the houses, and I did some paperwork. Kept busy. You?”

  “Well, I killed Dreydecon, my ultimate enemy, in a huge battle. Lost some soldiers, but I’m okay otherwise. Came out unscathed.”

  Grace chuckled. “Thanks for giving away the ending, loser. Now I don’t have to see the movie.”

  “You know good always wins over evil.”

  “Not always,” Grace sighed, a flash of her brother crossing her mind. She sensed Evan wanting to question so she changed the subject. “Where are we going on this date?”

  “You’ll see.”

  “Jaime posted the photos on Facebook from the party. Did you see them?”

  He nodded as music played in the background. “I did. There are some good shots in there. I’m surprised they haven’t come out in any tabloids yet.”

  “She has a good group of friends. I’m sure she told them to keep the photos private.”

  “Well, eventually they’ll leak, but my people will take care of it.”

  Being part of a franchise that people adored meant a responsibility of having a proper reputation. Grace wondered how much his people had to work on covering scandals. “Lots of skeletons in your closet, Matthews?”

  “Define ‘lots,’ Gracie.” He winked in jest.

  Laughing, she rolled her eyes as Evan led them into the downtown area. “We’re going to see the bats, aren’t we?”

  “That we are.” They found parking and walked to the bridge where people lined up along the area to see thousands of bats take flight at dusk.

  “How the hell did so many bats get here?” he asked, leaning against the concrete structure.

  “In 1980, they remodeled this bridge, and they just started hanging out here. The crevices made it an easy home for them.”

  “You said ‘crevice,’ Grace.” He nudged her elbow.

  “Why do you try to make everything sound dirty, Matthews?”

  “Come on, you know it’s endearing.” They both laughed and watched as the black cloud emerged and thousands upon thousands of bats took flight over Lady Bird Lake. “Holy shit. That was one of the weirdest things I’ve seen in years.”

  “Cool, huh?” She smiled looking out over the sunset.

  “Look, as much as I want to be as awesome as Christian Bale, I don’t think I can handle the idea of getting bitten. Rabies doesn’t suit me. Let’s get out of here.”

  Evan clasped her hand and pulled her after him as Grace chuckled. “Chicken.” They settled back in the car and he took off into traffic once more. “So where are we headed now, Matthews?”

  “You’ll see, Gracie Lynn. Stop being so impatient.”

  “Bowling?”

  “No.”

  “Torchy’s Tacos?”

  “Nope, this is a little more private.”

  Private. She got uneasy at the idea of being completely alone with him for a long amount of time. There was always someone there or something to do to keep her busy whenever she was with him. There was an excuse to leave and rescue herself from him. But alone? That was risky.

  Evan turned the car into an empty lot and Grace saw the sign and laughed. “The Blue Starlite Drive-In
. We’re watching movies?”

  “Yeah, old movies. And hopefully making out.” An attendant guided them in and let them park wherever they wanted.

  “We’re early?”

  “I rented out the entire lot.”

  Her mouth gaped open in shock. “If this is what you do on a first date, I have no idea how you’ll ever pull off the second.”

  “Don’t underestimate me, Gracie Lynn.”

  She looked damn gorgeous. Sure, she was in plain jeans, a silly Texas t-shirt, and a blazer with black Converse on her feet, but that’s what he liked. It was as if she knew he did. And her hair was down. God, she probably did that on purpose just to make him crazy. Hints of pink would rise on her cheeks when he’d joke with her, and Evan wondered how flushed they would get when he brought her to orgasm. He wanted so badly to find out.

  But more than that, Evan wanted to find out why she seemed uncomfortable being alone with him. He wanted to show her he could put in an effort, be a great date. He longed to make her feel safe around him, but she seemed so adamant to keep him at a distance. He was determined to find out why.

  Grace took the cap off her head and ran her hands through her hair, the rich brown waves tumbling down her back and shoulders. He stirred as his jeans tightened against him. Gazing at her face wasn’t helping him calm down, especially when her lips parted. Those lips were desired on his body, he ached for them on his skin. He appreciatively studied her face, the way her hair fell, her expressive espresso-colored eyes focusing on his.

  “What movies are we watching?”

  “The Philadelphia Story and Casablanca,” Evan replied, taking off his cap and setting it aside.

  “Both great films. And from the 1940’s, I noticed.” She smiled.

  “Yeah, I told them I wanted it 40’s themed. Your favorite era.”

  “You listened.” The twilight had fallen into night and the cityscape could be seen behind the big screen in front of them. “This is so amazing, Evan. I can’t believe you rented out the whole place.”

  “Well, I have a picnic basket here with some wine, cheese, crackers, and sandwiches. And then we have all the concessions we want—popcorn, soda, candy.”

  And all the NDAs in place. He made sure Zach had the employees fill out the proper paperwork as needed. He hated that part of his job, but he had to protect himself and the woman he was with. Privacy meant a huge deal to him, and he had a feeling Grace was on the same page.

  The screen lit up and old sounds and photographs of the Glenn Miller Band played before the film began. Grace sighed, closing her eyes and taking in the music. “Wow, this must be heaven.”

  “You want to make a s’more?”

  “We can make s’mores? I really am in heaven.” They both exited the car and walked over near the concession stand where a small fire was set up. They were given a kit with everything needed and they both fixed their snack and ate.

  Evan watched as chocolate dripped on her chin. He reached over and wiped it off of her, then licked his thumb. She laughed and cleaned herself with a napkin, then finished off her graham cracker. “That was awesomely delicious.”

  “Will you dance with me, Grace?” He saw the confusion that played on her mind as if she battled with her thoughts.

  He held out his hand and led her back toward the car. He clutched her in his arms as she held on to his shoulders, her eyes reluctant to meet his. He hadn’t seen it before, but a shyness crept over her, a naivety, as if she didn’t know what she was doing. He let his index finger and thumb grasp her chin and pulled it up to look into his eyes.

  “Hi, doll.” He smiled at her as “Moonlight Serenade” filled their ears.

  She gave a hint of a smile as they swayed, their bodies pressed close. The essence of strawberries on her skin mixed with a vanilla musk and chocolate called to him. “Hey,” she whispered softly.

  His heart leapt up at the gentle sound and he bent lower, letting his cheek rest on her head as she placed hers on his heart. The song took them to a heightened state of euphoria. He could feel her chest breathing against him, her heart synching with his, and he felt like it was two souls finding harmony in one another.

  The song switched to Nat King Cole’s “Stardust” and Grace tried to part from him, but he held onto her, cradling her face with both his hands and staring at her with the yearning of feeling her lips on his again. “You’re so beautiful, Gracie.”

  His eyes shut and his mouth lowered, eager to taste the hint of chocolate and marshmallow on hers. In an instant, their lips melded and he leaned onto the side of the car, pulling her to him in between his open legs. His arms encapsulated her, his hand holding her head in place as his forearm drew her against him.

  Grace ardently clasped the back of his neck, her hands roaming through his hair as she tugged at him deeper. When his tongue browsed her top lip slowly, she moaned, insistent and wanting more. However, Evan kept control over his reaction and stayed tender as his hands journeyed down her spine to her waist. Before it went further, she parted from him, looking down and shaking her head. “I’m…I’m sorry.”

  The color had vanished from her face, and lust had been replaced with doubt and fright. He wondered what had happened to make her change the momentum that had been gathering the past month-and-a-half. “What’s wrong?”

  “Look, Evan, I appreciate all of this…but…shit.” Her back now faced him and he knew what was coming.

  Hell, no, this wasn’t happening. He wasn’t ready to be rejected, and he’d to fight to win her over. “Talk to me, Gracie. What is it?”

  She stayed quiet until he moved toward her, grasping her arm and pulling her around. “Grace, what?”

  “Evan, I’m not up for whatever we’re doing here.”

  “What do you think we’re doing here?”

  “Look, you seem great, but I’m just not your type.”

  His eyes flashed with anger, he tried controlling an urge to grab her and kiss her to her senses, but by the look on her face he’d scare her off even more. “So, you know what my type is, Grace? You think you know everything about me?”

  “You want something I’m not ready to give.”

  He stopped, his brow furrowing as he put his hands on his hips. He wasn’t looking forward to the next answer to his question. “And what’s that?”

  “Casual sex, friends with benefits, whatever you want to call it, Evan. It’s just…you’re a womanizer.”

  His scowl deepened. “That’s what you think of me. Why?”

  “Because, you’re so charming. You say all the right things, do all the right things. Look at all this? How could I not think this was a way to end up seducing me?”

  “Thanks for judging me, princess.”

  “I’m not your type.”

  “Stop fucking saying that, Grace!”

  “I’ve seen the magazines talking about all the girls you date. Then, Jenny just reiterated what I already knew.”

  “Wait, what?” Azure eyes burned into hers, watching as she dragged in her breath. “What the hell did she say to you?”

  “That I was basically the flavor of the month. That she’d been there and done that.”

  “I never slept with her, Grace!” he exclaimed, shoving his fingers through his hair in frustration. “She’s been trying to hit on me since she started working on the movie. I don’t want her. I want you. And why the fuck are you believing tabloids and a random woman instead of talking to me?”

  They were both silent a moment, their breathing labored. Grace’s shaky voice continued. “The whole point of this is that I don’t give myself easily, Evan. Especially when it comes to sex. I’ve been hurt before, I don’t want to end up-”

  “Who hurt you?” He watched her body stiffen as he approached her.

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “Gracie…” His face paled as he carefully spoke, “Please tell me you weren’t raped. Tell me some asshole never hurt you like that.”

  “No, Evan, nothing like t
hat. I just have to be cautious.”

  His body relaxed in relief, despite the fact that he wanted answers, and he wanted them all instantly, even if she wasn’t ready to provide them. “When did this happen?”

  “A while ago.” She tried to keep her eyes off of his, but he was getting a sense of her uncertainties. She was fearful of making herself vulnerable. It wasn’t about him; it was about her choosing the wrong guy.

  He moved toward her and cupped her face in his hands. “How long since you’ve been in a relationship?” She tried to keep her eyes off of him, as if she wanted to run and hide.

  “Long,” she whispered it so softly he barely heard.

  Realization dawned on him. “I get it now. This is all scaring you.”

  “I’m not scared.” She gave a defiant tip of her chin, finally meeting his gaze, but giving herself away with subtext.

  “Look, Grace, you already know this, but I’m not one for bullshit. And I wouldn’t have done this for you if I just wanted to get you into bed. Sex is easy.”

  “But…isn’t that what you want?”

  “Any straight, red-blooded man would want that with you, but that’s not my first goal with you.” He leaned toward her and kissed the side of her jaw where her pulse raced, thrumming hard as her breathing picked up. “Come to Boston with me, Grace. For Thanksgiving. Let’s spend time getting to know each other.”

  She shivered as he trailed his lips down to her collarbone. “The sex will get in the way, Evan. Even not having it will get in the way. It’ll get too complicated.”

  “We won’t let it.”

  She backed away and looked at him with a skeptical glare. “You’re saying you’re okay getting to know me, even if it means we don’t have sex right away?”

  “How long we talking?” He laughed, and then grunted as she punched him in the stomach playfully. “I was only joking, Gracie.” His hand clasped around the base of her neck, his fingers digging into her hair. “I’ll wait on you. We’ll court like in your books.” He bent low and kissed the tip of her nose. A look of fear crossed her eyes and he lifted his head. “What is it?”