This I Promise You

by Smith, Maureen

“Hell, no.”

  “Then I won’t.” Lexi held up a hand. “Scout’s honor.”

  Summer snorted. “You were never a Girl Scout.”

  Lexi grinned deviously. “I know.”

  They ate dinner in the formal dining room. Quentin and Lexi sat on one side of the large table while Percy and Summer were seated across from them.

  Over dinner they kept up a steady stream of conversation, discussing and debating current events, politics, the latest movies, and any other topic that sprang up. Frequent bursts of laughter drowned out the soft strains of music piped through from the home’s sound system. Candles flickered invitingly along the length of the table, and wine flowed as freely as the warm camaraderie between the four diners.

  For dessert Lexi served a spiced pear compote with fresh cream, which everyone enjoyed as much as the main course.

  After lingering over espressos, they adjourned downstairs to the well-appointed media room. While Lexi curled up in Quentin’s arms on the love seat, Percy and Summer made themselves comfortable on the plush leather sectional. The foursome was enjoying one another’s company so much, no thought was given to turning on the flatscreen television that dominated one wall.

  “There’s a film festival at the High Museum of Art this weekend,” Summer announced. “If I fly back on Friday, maybe we could all go together.”

  “That sounds like fun,” Lexi said warmly. “But Quentin and I are going out of town this weekend.”

  “Yeah? Where?” Summer asked.

  Lexi glanced back at Quentin. This was his news to share.

  “We’re going to Savannah to meet my mother’s family,” he explained.

  Percy and Summer stared at him in surprise. “Really?”

  He nodded.

  “Wait. Is this the same family that disowned your mom when she married your father?” Percy probed. “The family you never talk about or even mention by name?”

  A muscle ticked in Quentin’s jaw. “Yes.”

  “What changed?” Summer asked curiously.

  Quentin told them about his uncle’s surprise visit and the invitation to Savannah. When he’d finished speaking, Percy and Summer stared at each other and murmured, “Wow.”

  “I know,” Quentin said with a grim chuckle. “It’s a lot to digest.”

  “So much time has passed,” Summer marveled. “I wonder what really motivated your uncle to reach out after all these years.”

  “I don’t know,” Quentin said darkly.

  “Your grandfather isn’t dying, is he?” Percy asked.

  “Nah.”

  “What about your uncle?” Summer speculated. “Do you think he’s sick?”

  Lexi looked back and met Quentin’s gaze. The thought hadn’t occurred to either of them.

  “I don’t think he’s sick,” Quentin said. “But I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

  Three heads nodded in solemn agreement.

  After several moments, seeking to lighten the mood, Lexi said teasingly, “Hey, Percy. Remember back in college when you and Jagger used to swear up and down that Q was supposed to be a Kappa?”

  Percy grinned. “Yeah, I remember.”

  “Well, turns out you guys may have been right.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Lex,” Quentin warned.

  She ignored him. “All the men in Quentin’s mother’s family are Kappas. It’s an old family tradition.”

  Percy stared at her. “Are you serious?”

  She grinned. “Yup.”

  Percy let out a shout of laughter and pointed triumphantly at Quentin. “I knew it!” he crowed. “I knew your pretty ass shoulda pledged with us!”

  “Man, please,” Quentin scoffed, flagging him off. “I could never be anything but an Omega. Besides, Q the Que has a much better ring to it.”

  “I don’t know, bruh. Q the Kappa sounds just fine to me.” Percy grinned broadly, wagging his head. “Wait till I tell Jagger.”

  “Aw, hell.” Quentin pulled Lexi back against his chest so he could glare down at her. “Now why’d you have to tell him about that? I’m never gonna hear the end of it. I shared that conversation with you in private. Whatever happened to husband–wife confidentiality?”

  She blinked innocently. “Is that like attorney–client privilege?”

  “It’s even more binding than that. You know, because of that whole ‘till death do us part’ thing?”

  “Oh.” She smiled sweetly. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

  Everyone laughed.

  Quentin kissed the top of her head as she snuggled back against him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. Percy and Summer smiled at them, then looked at each other.

  Catching the exchange of glances, Lexi inwardly smiled as she stroked the dark hair sprinkled across Quentin’s muscled forearm. Like Percy, he’d removed his tie and cuff links, loosened the top three buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves. While his wedding band glinted on his left ring finger, both he and Percy wore their gold Morehouse class rings on their right hand.

  “You know,” Lexi said casually, “just because Quentin and I will be out of town doesn’t mean the two of you can’t go to the film festival together.”

  “That’s true,” Percy agreed, smiling at Summer. “I’m still down if you are.”

  Summer hesitated, biting her lip. “I don’t know. I’m on a budget—”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Percy told her. “I got you.”

  She shook her head vigorously. “Thanks, but I can’t let you pay for my plane ticket.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because.”

  Percy’s eyes glinted with amused indulgence. “That’s not an answer.”

  Summer gave an exasperated laugh. “I can’t take your money, Percy. Tell him, Lexi.”

  “Hey, I’m staying out of this,” Lexi joked, holding up her hands. “What Percy does with his money is none of my business.”

  Percy and Quentin laughed as Summer shot her an aggrieved look. “Way to have my back, sis.”

  Lexi blew her a kiss, giggling when Summer rolled her eyes at her.

  Sobering, Percy reached over and put his hand on Summer’s knee. Even from where she sat, Lexi could see her sister shiver at the contact.

  “Listen, shorty,” he drawled. “I’m not trying to offend you or anything. I know you’re an independent woman and I respect that. But you threw a suggestion out there and I’d like to take you up on it. If I have to buy your plane ticket to get you back here this weekend, I’m happy to do that. All right?”

  Summer fought not to smile. “I’ll think about it.”

  “Fair enough.” Percy winked, and she blushed.

  As Quentin and Lexi exchanged a knowing look, Percy’s phone rang. He removed his hand from Summer’s knee to take the phone out of his pocket, barely glancing at the screen before he silenced it and put it away.

  “So, Summer,” he said conversationally, “now that both of your siblings are here, would you ever consider moving back to Atlanta?”

  “Um…no.”

  “Damn.” He laughed. “Why not?”

  “Apart from the fact that I have a good job in New York, I really enjoy living there. It’s a great city.”

  “It’s cool,” Percy conceded with a slow nod. “But there’s nothing in New York you can’t get right here in Atlanta.”

  Summer laughed. “Listen to you. Do you own shares in the Convention and Visitors Bureau or something?”

  “Nah. I just think you should consider coming back to Atlanta. This is your home.” Percy’s tone was mild, but Lexi wasn’t fooled. Where Summer lived mattered to him. A lot.

  Summer heaved a sigh. “I hear what you’re saying, Percy. But I honestly don’t think I could ever move back home.”

  Percy gave her a slow, enigmatic smile. “If that’s how you really feel, I guess I’ll just have to find a way to change your mind.”

  Summer’s laugh was breathy. “Okay. W
hy did that sound like a threat?”

  His eyes gleamed. “I don’t make threats, Summer. Only promises. Remember that.”

  Lexi knew her sister would.

  15

  After dropping Summer off at the airport the next afternoon, Lexi stopped by Whole Foods to pick up a few things. She was in the kitchen unpacking the groceries when Quentin got home from work.

  “Hey, baby,” she called out as he came through the garage door, set down his briefcase and crossed the room to greet her. “How was your day?”

  “Good.” Towering over her in her flats, he bent his head and brushed his warm mouth over hers. “How was yours?”

  “Good.” She smiled into his eyes. “It just got even better.”

  “Mine too.” He slid his hand down her back and gently squeezed her ass. When she giggled, he kissed her again and grinned before moving away to pour himself a glass of water.

  Loosening his silk tie, he leaned back against the counter and took a sip of his drink. “Junior asleep?”

  “Yeah. Summer and I wore him out today. We took him to Gymboree this morning, then dragged him around the mall before we went over to Reese’s house to let him play with MJ while we had lunch.”

  Quentin grinned. “And you still got Summer to the airport on time?”

  “Yup. She’s on her way back to New York. But not for long, if Percy has anything to say about it.” Lexi grinned. “Your boy is really feeling Summer. Did you see the way he was staring at her last night? He couldn’t take his eyes off her, and he clearly didn’t want to leave.”

  “I know,” Quentin said with a chuckle. “I thought I’d have to put his ass out.”

  Lexi laughed. “I’ve never seen him like that before. I didn’t even think it was possible.”

  “Anything’s possible.” Quentin smiled. “I should have known something was up when he asked about Summer at the game on Sunday.”

  “Yeah? What’d he ask?”

  “He wanted to know if she was coming home for Christmas.”

  “Did he now?” Lexi grinned, tapping her manicured fingernails on the granite counter. “Don’t you guys still have that bet going about who’s getting hitched next?”

  “Sure do.”

  “So who’s next?”

  A slow grin curved Quentin’s lips. “Guess.”

  Lexi stared at him. “Are you serious? Percy?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Well, well, well. Things just got even more interesting.”

  “You think?”

  They both laughed.

  Sobering after another moment, Lexi sighed and shook her head. “Summer hasn’t had the best luck with guys—”

  “I know,” Quentin murmured.

  “You do, don’t you?” Lexi smiled faintly, folding her arms across her chest. “Colby and I have always been very protective of her. When we were younger, we did everything we could to shield her from Mom’s vicious temper. When she followed Colby to New York for college and decided to stay, he convinced her to move in with him just so he could keep a close eye on her. I know she’s a grown woman, but she’ll always be our baby sister.” Lexi paused. “As much as I love Percy, if he hurts her—”

  “He won’t.” Quentin’s voice was flat and hard. “Believe me, Percy knows better than to treat Summer like some ho off the street. But just in case he needs a reminder, I’m more than happy to give him one.”

  Lexi offered him a grateful smile. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

  “You don’t have to thank me. Summer’s family, and you know I don’t play when it comes to family.”

  Lexi’s smile softened. “You certainly don’t. And I love that about you.”

  Quentin winked at her before taking another sip of his water. “You ready for the trip?”

  She sighed. “I’m all packed, but I don’t know how ready I am.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve been doing a little research and looking up pictures of your mom’s family, and I couldn’t help noticing that…”

  “What?”

  “Well, they’re all light skinned.”

  “So?”

  She picked up a Whole Foods bag and held it up to her cheek. “In case you haven’t noticed, I don’t exactly pass the brown paper bag test. I’m a few shades too dark.”

  Quentin went perfectly still. Beneath the furrowed slash of his brows, his eyes narrowed on hers.

  He clearly wasn’t amused.

  Realizing that her joke had fallen flat, Lexi bit down on her lip. “Ah, maybe that wasn’t—”

  Quentin set his glass down with a sharp thud and stalked over to her. Before she could react, he snatched the grocery bag out of her hand and tore it into shreds. “Here’s what I think of the brown paper bag test.”

  “Quentin—”

  “And here’s what I think of anyone who buys into that ridiculous ass shit.” He scooped up the torn pieces and turned to dump them in the sink.

  As Lexi watched in disbelief, he grabbed the lighter from a drawer, flicked it on and set fire to one of the shredded pieces of paper. When it went up in flames, he tossed it onto the pile in the sink, letting the whole thing burn.

  Lexi laughed, shaking her head as he turned back to her. “I can’t believe you just did that! You’d better be glad that stainless steel is nonflamm—”

  Quentin put his hands around her waist and lifted her onto the island, then reached under her maxi skirt to grasp the waistband of her boy shorts. She lifted her hips so he could pull the underwear off her legs, exposing her buttocks to the cool surface of the countertop.

  She shivered. “Baby—”

  “I wish a motherfucker would try to tell me my wife is too dark.” He unbuckled his belt and shoved down his pants along with his briefs. His heavy erection bobbed from between his long shirttails.

  Lexi licked her lips as warm moisture trickled from her sex.

  “You’re mine,” Quentin growled, “and that’s the only damn thing that matters.”

  Hazel eyes glittering fiercely, he wrenched her hips to his, causing her to gasp at the feel of his hot, hard cock. Pulse quickening with arousal, she hooked her legs around his hips and planted her palms on the counter to anchor herself.

  And then he plunged inside her, capturing her wild cry in his mouth as she threw back her head.

  Sipping at her parted lips, he began thrusting deeply into her…

  …and there was no more talk of paper bag tests or anything else.

  16

  The Harringtons of Savannah were one of the oldest families in Georgia. They were members of the elite old guard, a bastion of the black aristocracy that took great pride in upholding traditions that kept them largely insulated from the rest of society. They belonged to the right social clubs, attended the right churches, earned the right degrees and held the right occupations. They married into the right families, sent their children to the right private schools and camps, and presented their daughters at the right debutante cotillions. They owned successful businesses and summered in Martha’s Vineyard and Sag Harbor.

  Such was the life of privilege and prestige that Georgina Harrington had been born into. Had she not strayed from the path of her birthright, her life would have been filled with country club luncheons, cocktail soirees, charity balls, art auctions and lavish dinner parties hosted for her husband’s wealthy friends and clients.

  But she’d been expelled from this world, excommunicated for the unpardonable sin of heeding the desires of her heart rather than the dictates of her pedigree. Shunned by her family, she’d returned to Atlanta to defiantly forge a new path for herself, far from the only world she’d ever known.

  The narrative of his mother’s life dominated Quentin’s thoughts on the way to her family home that afternoon. As they neared their destination, he glanced over at Lexi. She was staring raptly out the window, her nose nearly pressed to the glass. He could feel her growing excitement, and wished he shared it.

  When he r
eached over and gently touched her cheek, she turned to smile at him. Her eyes glowed with a softness that told him she understood just how difficult this trip was for him and his mother.

  As he stared at her, she took his hand and curled her fingers around his, then tenderly kissed his knuckles.

  His chest swelled, and in that moment, he was powerfully reminded of all the reasons he loved her so damn much.

  Lifting his eyes to the rearview mirror, he studied his mother. She, too, was staring out the window, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She was a thousand miles away, lost in memories that were beyond his reach.

  Soon he was steering the Escalade down a winding country road flanked by an alley of live oaks. A large gatehouse guarded the entrance to the Harrington family estate. He slowed as he drove through tall wrought-iron gates, following the curve of the road.

  The centerpiece of the property was a sprawling antebellum mansion that dominated the landscape. It had four white columns and a generous front porch adorned with white wicker chairs and a matching wicker love seat. Majestic moss-draped oaks that had presided over the land for generations surrounded the grand house. Although it was winter and the branches were bare, Quentin could imagine them thick and leafy, swaying in the sultry summer breeze with gracious indolence.

  “Wow,” he heard Lexi whisper in awe.

  He parked in the circular drive directly in front of the mansion. Then he stared up at it for several moments, feeling no connection to the house or its inhabitants.

  Lexi touched his arm. “Are you ready?”

  He nodded, his mouth set grimly. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  He glanced in the backseat at his mother. She was still staring out the window. “You ready, Ma?”

  She didn’t respond.

  He and Lexi looked at each other, then nodded wordlessly and climbed out of the Escalade. Quentin opened the back door, took their sleeping son out of his car seat and cradled him against his shoulder.

  When his mother still hadn’t moved, he and Lexi exchanged concerned glances.

  “Maybe she’s not ready,” Lexi whispered.

  Quentin clenched his jaw. He was more than willing to get right back in the car and head back to Atlanta.