Promises, Promises

by Sandy Loyd

  “No,” Mac snorted. “But I think I might like to try,” he added, before heading back inside.

  Chapter 2

  Judith couldn’t keep her hands steady while sticking the gold post into her ear. She took a deep breath and tried again.

  All afternoon, she’d obsessed over tonight.

  The idea of going out with Mac…no, not Mac, Dev…was terrifying, but deep down, if she was honest with herself, it also thrilled her. There was something above and beyond Dev’s good looks that grabbed her and made her take notice, exactly as it had that night so long ago.

  Etched into her memory, those few hours had made her even more wary of men. If only she hadn’t accompanied her best friend, Kate Winters, now Kate Morrison, to James Morrison’s graduation party and tried to pretend to be something she wasn’t. She’d never fit in with cool, popular guys like Dev or James, and after that night, she realized why.

  “Yeah!” she muttered, as she padded to her closet. “I was too inexperienced for that coeds-gone-wild crowd.” A gazelle in the midst of cheetahs came to mind. She definitely should have paid more attention to the signs.

  She reached for the new sea-blue dress that enhanced the color of her eyes, then stepped into it and pulled up the zipper.

  Thank God for Paul Morrison’s intervention. If he hadn’t come looking for her… A flush of embarrassment crept up her face and she closed her eyes, unwilling to think about the alternative.

  Her only defense? She hadn’t wanted to believe Mac could be like the guys in high school, those conniving little weasels who’d placed bets on ‘nailing her’ as their leader, Tommy Ridgeway, had so aptly phrased it. He’d had a hard time accepting the word no, but he certainly didn’t have any power over her now. He was just a bad memory of an ill-mannered jerk.

  Unfortunately, Dev was another unforgettable matter entirely.

  She gave a disgusted snort and pulled a brush through her hair, chiding herself for being such an easy target. An idiot. She should have known better than to trust his promise. And to think he’d gotten so close to her, so quickly.

  That he’d considered her a conquest back then had pierced deeply into her soul. In order to avoid similar pain, she’d made a conscious choice to avoid involvement. She’d already proven she wasn’t the best judge of character, leaving her with only one conclusion. Men, and the quest for happily-ever-after, simply weren’t worth the price.

  How upsetting to realize that after one brief meeting with Dev, the door she’d barred years ago had reopened an inch. She’d forgotten how thrilling just talking to him had been, before things had gotten out of hand.

  She checked herself out in the mirror, indulged in a satisfied smile, and determined then and there her past would not intrude on tonight. In fact, now, after thinking on it, she rather liked the idea of a dinner meeting.

  Remember, this is work. Nothing else.

  Despite the reminder, she couldn’t quite quell the excitement sizzling inside of her at the thought of spending time with him again, even if it was work.

  He was so gorgeous and she still found him attractive. Just like the first time she saw him strutting in her direction. He was such a hunk, Dr. McSteamy and Dr. McDreamy rolled into one, so how could she not be attracted when he took her hand? She was just an inexperienced seventeen-year-old trying to act cool, whose only wish was to fit in. It was scary, yet exhilarating at the same time.

  Judith headed out her front door, refusing to dwell on her stupidity. Why berate herself over one mistake in judgment? After all, she’d been a child on the verge of adulthood, so it was pointless.

  She crossed the road and walked toward Union Street with resolve. This dinner was long overdue. It was time to quit running. She needed to put that night in the past where it belonged and quit being a scared, naïve girl.

  It was time to meet the man as a mature woman.

  She neared Vincente’s and glanced at her watch, pushing the memories aside.

  Six fifty-seven. Perfect timing.

  “Has Mr. McAllister arrived?” she asked the maître d’ after entering.

  “Yes, right this way.” He led her through a maze of tables to a dark corner in the back.

  Mac stood at their approach. Good grief, I really need to think of him as Dev now. He pulled out a chair and had her seated in a smooth, sleek move, reminding her of the same sexy hunk she first met ten years ago.

  Whoa! Don’t even go there. She had to focus on the building, not on him.

  “I’ve ordered a bottle of cabernet. What will you have?” he asked, while catching the waiter’s attention.

  “Cabernet’s fine. I love red wine.”

  She surreptitiously watched Dev tell the waiter to hold their dinner orders so they could discuss business. The man was simply too attractive for his own good. Though he’d dressed casually, in Dockers and a maroon sports shirt that complemented his blue eyes and black hair, power emanated from him. He was a hard man to ignore, even for someone who’d spent her life ignoring men.

  She made eye contact with him once the waiter sped away and quickly wished she hadn’t.

  More memories of their heated encounter all those years ago rushed back. Instantly, she realized the girl of her youth had never stood a chance against his dynamic charm and killer looks. She wasn’t entirely sure of his motives, but one thing she did know. If she was his intended target, she couldn’t delude herself into thinking he wouldn’t hit a bull’s-eye. Heck, just look at him. Who wouldn’t want to be his target? The idea of a relationship with him held a certain appeal, but such chumminess and business seldom mixed well.

  She had no intention of allowing anything to muck up this project.

  “I’ve gone over your proposal and I’m very impressed.” Dev’s rich voice broke into her thoughts and she gave him her full attention, as he added, “I’m not well-schooled in design, but I can see why you’re considered fresh, creative, and innovative. I suspected your plans would be good, but they’re the best I’ve seen. They show the building the way it should be.” The edges of his lips curled into a warm smile. “I don’t give praise lightly, Judith, but I do give it where it’s due.”

  His praise shocked her. She glanced down at her hands as a hint of heat slid up her face. She certainly hadn’t expected to see such approval shining from his eyes. No matter how good their work is, every artist is vulnerable to how other people see it. She took a deep breath and met his gaze without letting him perceive how much his opinion meant.

  “Okay, so you like my plans. Now what? Where do we go from here?”

  He proceeded to tell her, and they spent the next hour engrossed in business.

  One thing Judith learned about Dev during that time, he was thorough where his business was concerned. She let him know early on she was a savvy negotiator with a quick mind who didn’t miss any details.

  They drank their first glass of wine. He promptly poured a second and they ordered in between the negotiations. Just as dinner was served, they came to an agreement.

  “So, now that we’ve got that out of the way, how about telling me more about yourself?”

  She threw him a wary look and he shrugged. “I like to get to know the people I work closely with, and this project qualifies since we are going to be spending a considerable amount of time together.”

  Judith took a long sip of wine and set the glass back on the table, keeping her hand on the stem. She cleared her throat. “What would you like to know?”

  “Personal stuff. I already know you relocated from San Jose to San Francisco a little over a year ago to start your own business. I also know that you’ve struggled more than your fair share because a lot of fools in the building industry are chauvinists who don’t like working for a company run by a woman.”

  “Good grief. I didn’t realize you were that interested.”

  “I do background checks on all of my prospective business associates. What’s lacking is the personal.”

  “I see.” His an
swer made sense. Hadn’t she done her own investigating? The only difference was that her life was pretty much an open book, while his was hidden from the public eye. Dev had offered a ton of information that night, though. She probably knew more about him after their time in that gazebo than most people who’d known him for years, considering what little was available about his past. Yeah, but don’t forget, he had ulterior motives for opening up.

  She hadn’t wanted to believe his interest in her hadn’t been real, but what other explanation was there when Paul told her Mac was a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy. In a pained instant, their kiss and how quickly it spun out of control came hurling back. What hurt her pride, more than being thought of as a notch on his bedpost, was that she’d totally misread him. She thought she’d found a soul mate. Someone like her who understood her loneliness.

  Looking at him now, she wondered how she’d ever come to that conclusion. “Before I answer, I have one question.” She hesitated, then added, “Since we’re getting so personal.”

  He smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

  “So tell me, Dev. How did you happen to pick that building?”

  His forehead furrowed. “That building?”

  “Yes. I want to know why you bought it.”

  ~

  “Why?” Dev struggled to sound nonchalant, but it was damned hard considering the question. He certainly hadn’t expected her to ask about anything that alluded to their shared past. He glanced at her, noting how much she appeared like the woman he originally perceived her to be. But he knew better. She was a viper of the most vicious kind, dangerous because she came across as all innocent and sweet. “Funny you should ask that.”

  He expected attraction, especially since his first glimpse of her was one of those unforgettable moments. Physically, she hadn’t changed one bit, except maybe to grow more beautiful.

  “Well?” she asked, her voice pulling him back to her question. “I’m waiting for an answer.”

  He shrugged and went for honesty, or as much as he could allow considering his plans. “Let’s just say those few hours swayed me enough to check it out. Once I did, I took a closer look at what appeared to be a pile of rubble and was able to see what you’d described.” He picked up his wineglass. Before taking a drink, he added, “It was a good investment. Nothing more. And who better to refurbish it than the person who brought it to my attention in the first place?”

  She didn’t have to know the whole truth. The memory of her story had touched him, so much so that he’d wanted to please her and had leased the building she’d told him about with an option to buy. Imagine him thinking they could join forces and take on the world together. He’d buy run-down properties and she could help renovate them. What a wasted effort, when she wouldn’t even take his phone calls. Yet, when it came time to give up the lease, he couldn’t. Instead, he bought the building and bided his time.

  He’d kept up with Judith over the years through his best friend James, hoping for an opportunity to make his move. Many times he’d stayed away from events to avoid a chance meeting. His connection to James and his family had created several close calls.

  He’d almost given up his quest since she and Paul Morrison had remained an item. Rumors even floated about that they were close to being engaged. Then one day James came by his office and told him everything was off. Even more surprising, James and Kate had broken up too, and within months, Paul married Kate Winters.

  The news of the breakup had been a stroke of luck for Dev. Judith Reid and that night were still etched in his brain and he had to find a way to erase them from his mind forever.

  Nothing would stop him now.

  Nothing but the cool smile she offered him, the same one he remembered. Damn if he didn’t feel as if she were issuing a challenge all over again.

  He needed to do something to knock her off balance. Otherwise, she could throw him off course. “So, back to the personal. What happened between you and Paul? Why didn’t you marry him?”

  She opened her mouth as if shocked. “That’s personal.”

  “Which is exactly why I want to know. We have mutual friends. I’m just curious, especially since Paul was one of those who recommended you highly.”

  Judith focused on her plate. “We came to a mutual understanding.” She stirred the food around, hesitating. “We weren’t meant to be together.”

  It took her long enough to realize the fact. Too bad she never gave him a chance. They would have been good together. For a few hours there, he’d believed in love at first sight.

  The thought stopped him. Is that why he’d never forgotten her? He shook it off. No way. He was simply collecting on a long-standing debt.

  Dev no longer believed in love. Judith was the woman who completely obliterated his faith in the stupid emotion. He’d foolishly let his guard down by thinking she was something special.

  He’d just have to be careful. Wouldn’t do to slip up now.

  They ate their meal in silence, then ordered dessert.

  “Would you like another glass of wine?” Dev asked, once the waiter was out of earshot.

  She nodded and he finished off the bottle.

  He knew damned well he shouldn’t prolong this meeting, but he found himself lingering.

  ~

  Judith dug into her tiramisu, developing an unforeseen respect for D.A. McAllister. Glimpses of the Dev she remembered emerged during their meal. She couldn’t help liking him all over again, or noting the same sincerity she’d sensed that night so long ago when he’d told her of his plans to make it big someday with his own company.

  It was probably an act, she thought, remembering Paul’s warning. Just like back then, when she’d prayed he was different from those jerks from high school. Men like him didn’t change their stripes. Thank God hindsight was twenty-twenty.

  She took another bite of the custard and savored the flavor. She willed herself to not be taken in again, but the task was nearly impossible. She swallowed hard, wishing her experience tonight hadn’t opened her memory’s floodgates. His absorbed interest throughout their meal reminded her too much of those few hours when he’d flattered her….had made her feel beautiful, special even…like what she said mattered, which was something Judith had never forgotten. Especially for someone who’d spent her early teen years as a gangly adolescent whose facial features were in place long before her growth spurts had a chance to catch up. Though her looks had improved with age, she still felt like an awkward, funny-looking kid at times. But not then. Not while talking to Mac. And not tonight. Not while talking to Dev.

  Judith set her spoon down and pushed the bowl aside. Needing to place distance between them, she said, “It’s getting late.”

  Dev nodded. “This has been a productive dinner. I’m pleased with the results.” He pushed away from the table and stood. “I’ll get in touch with you about the contract as soon as my board convenes tomorrow.”

  He was beside her quickly and offered a hand.

  Dev’s charming business persona was back as he held her elbow and led her out of the now empty restaurant.

  “Can I walk you to your car?”

  “I walked.” Now that their time together was actually coming to an end, she suddenly wanted more time with him. “My house isn’t far.”

  “Then I’ll walk you home.”

  “Okay.” Judith offered him a warm smile. She shouldn’t encourage him, but what harm could there be in walking? “That would be nice.”

  Traffic noise died as they headed away from Union Street, ambling up the hill to quieter blocks where storefronts gave way to residential houses. Both were lost in their thoughts. The mood was mellow, aided by the good food and wine they’d imbibed.

  “This is it,” she said, when they neared her house. “Thanks for a nice evening.”

  She had her keys in her hand. He took them from her, and continued up the walkway. After unlocking and opening her door, he bent to drop a quick kiss on her cheek before handing back
her keys.

  Dev turned and bounded down the porch steps, saying over his shoulder, “You’ll hear from me, Judith. Good night.”

  Judith stood inside, slightly dazed by the speed at which he’d put her completely at ease. She hadn’t expected it, but should have. At this point, she’d totally revised her opinion of Dev ‘Mac’ McAllister. Oh, he was charming, all right, and she loved his quick, challenging mind. And she had to admit, he was damned sexy. Yet, despite his easygoing manner, at dinner she’d detected an underlying tension behind his smile and conversation. Suddenly, she felt much like a mouse caught under a cat’s paw, while the cat waits motionless for the mouse to respond so it can move in for the kill.

  Was Dev a cat on the prowl?

  She snorted. Who knew? She only knew that she enjoyed dinner and she was going to enjoy refurbishing his building.

  Shaking her head, she started for her bedroom. She could handle her attraction. Right now, sleep beckoned. Things always looked better by daylight. She was a pro at figuring ways to put up her guard to keep guys at bay. She would merely stay ten steps ahead of Dev. If she could manage that, she might survive this project intact.

  Chapter 3

  Dev took the steps two at a time before ringing Judith’s doorbell. He glanced around, taking a closer look at her house by daylight. He’d always known Judith had money, but this two-story, well-maintained Victorian shouted megabucks, the kind that came from earned interest, not earned income.

  He waited. When nothing happened after a full minute, he pressed again, this time keeping his finger on the buzzer.

  He caught movement through the bay window, open at the top, and the sound of Judith’s annoyed voice floated down.

  “Stupid neighborhood kids.”

  The door jerked open and he took his finger off the button.

  The warnings she was about to yell died a quick death when she saw him leaning against the jamb. She swallowed hard and threw him a suspicious glance.

  “What are you doing here at…” Judith turned back to glance at a clock on the hall table, “…7:30 a.m. and why are you laying on my doorbell?”