Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) (3 page)

~Nathan~

I reach for my phone
and Gen’s name pops up on the screen, this should be interesting. “What a
surprise,” I answer.

“Is it? It shouldn’t
be. You should be calling me, planning your girlfriend’s birthday party.”

“We’re having a
party? I just thought I would take her out, you know, alone without you or
anyone.” I smirk, acknowledging to myself it’s fun to piss her off.

“Poor schmuck, do you
know anything about women?”

“If someone asked me
five minutes ago, I would have said yes.” Almost enjoying this little game she
likes to play, and is damn good at it.

“This isn’t remotely
funny, you don’t have much time to plan.”

“Plan? Jesus, Gen,
you scare me.”

“I’ve heard that
before. You know her favorite color is yellow, right?”

“Yeah, so?” Acting
dumber than I really am, or I think I am.

“Ok, so now you know
our theme.”

“Theme, yellow.”
Wanting to be a smartass. I’m seriously thinking about letting her plan the
entire thing, but that won’t win me any boyfriend points.

“What’s the gift?”

“I think I’ll keep
that to myself,” I say, firmly.

“Living dangerously,
are ya?”

I can hear the smile
in her voice. “Confidently, it’s only going to be a handful of us, she won’t
want a big fuss.”

“Fine, don’t let my
girl down, Nathan.”

“Wouldn’t dream of
it, Gen. Bye.”

Poor Walker, no
wonder her boyfriend travels so much. High maintenance
and
bossy. Then
there’s stupid, senseless Clayton, he wants to tap that? Sweet Mother of God.
Moron.

~ ~ ~

“Hey, I didn’t know
you were here, you must have stealth-like qualities,” Clayton says, walking
into the office.

Looks like I’ll be
having some fun after all.

“Who was that on the
phone?” he asks.

“Gen.” I wait 3…2…1.

“Holy shit, dude, why
is she calling you?” Jealousy written all over his face. “Doesn’t she know you
have erectile dysfunction? Doesn’t she know I’m a cock-rocket?”

Waiting for the
I’m
just kidding
that never comes. “Poor bastard, you have it bad. At least
you’re admitting it finally.”

“Finally what?”
Honestly confused by my statement.

“I just said, you’re
admitting it?” I repeat, with a snicker he has to notice.

“No, I’m not. I’m
just watching my best friend cock block me.”

“I’d never do that,
Bro.” This is comical.

“What…Did…She…Want?”
Clayton’s persistence climbing.

“You’re taking this
way too seriously, Clayton.” Resting my hand on his shoulder, watching him
squirm.

“Bryer’s birthday is coming
up, you’re invited.” I spill. Knowing he was on the verge of a melt-down.

“Oh, right.” Acting
like he’s been let down in some way.

“Can Graham come?”

That I didn’t see
coming. “Sure, as your plus one?” Smiling as I get one final dig in.

“The last thing I
want to do is hurt you, but it
is
on my list.”

And I watch him storm
off.

Hell, both Clayton
and Gen in less than an hour, I’ve had my token crazy for the day.

Note to self, yellow
everything.

~ ~ ~

Walking into M &
M Global, I meet John. He has been my Go-To guy since I lost Uncle Mac, pausing
I reflect on that. My father. Only two people know the truth, Bryer and myself,
I plan to keep it that way.

“Nathan.” Reaching to
shake my hand. The warmth in his eyes always present.

“My apologies, I know
I’m late,” I say.

“We can address your
ideas immediately. The legal department is set up in the board room. Let’s skip
the pleasantries and get to the subject at hand.” Talking as he quickly leads
me down the corridor.

I enter as a
discussion is being debated, but everyone seems to drift into silence once I’m
at the head of the table. I remain standing. “Good afternoon everyone, my
apologies, East Side Barbell had my attention this morning. So I’m juggling the
two jobs, not very well apparently.”

A small laugh escapes
them.

“The foundation.” I
glance at the small group in front of me, “I’ve always wanted to incorporate
health awareness with the underprivileged, even kids with disabilities. I have
the perfect outlet. In conjunction with the foundation, we can give back
utilizing my gym. Giving opportunities to kids that would never have this
fortuity. I’ve put my ideas on a thumb-drive for each of you to look over.”

As I’m handing them
out, I’m stopped in my tracks by the voice at the other end.

“Mr. James, you are
aware the foundation was set up with specific intentions that have no relations
to your
ideas,
” says the man at the opposite end of the table, his hands
steepled, hiding his face, his legs causally stretched and crossed at the
ankles. “I see no benefit disturbing the principles of the original goals of
the foundation.” Seeming very protective, or possibly possessive of the
foundation.

“I don’t agree. I see
this as an opportunity to expand what is already in place, not alter it. What’s
your point?” Feeling slighted, I try to appear open and professional, but he’s
being closed minded and quite honestly a dick. “I seem to be at a disadvantage
mister…?” And as I watch him slowly, boldly rise, lean over the table, knuckles
supporting his weight, our eyes meet. Then the words that follow, change
everything, and nothing makes any fucking sense.

“Cash Harrison.”

The mounting
exasperation tightens in my throat. My eyes narrow and it takes everything to
keep my composure, I could sense everyone in the room tense, as if they were
caged animals trying to escape.

“And the point is
there may indeed be some changes occurring, but not with the foundation,” he
says his eyes challenging me.

“By all means,
enlighten me.” Trying to decipher this radical change of events. But I’m far
from done. “You have a nasty habit of showing up where you’re not wanted, Mr.
Harrison.” He must have a death wish.

“Is that right?”

He looks at me like
he knows something I don’t.

“What a shame, maybe
the foundation is a little shaky as in other areas of your life.” He continues
his assault.

Bringing personal
matters into the boardroom, stepping on my dick to make himself look important.
He sure has a pair. He’s going down, audience or not. The stubborn fool needs
to turn his sarcasm down before I get really pissed. “Was that a personal jab,
Cash? I
can
call you Cash, can’t I?” The fury obvious now.

“Mr. Harrison may be
more appropriate, considering your uncle signed over many responsibilities to
me, including the foundation.” Acting like the cat who ate the canary.

This is a bad guy, I
feel it in every part of me, Bryer was right, he’s dangerous. “Well, aren’t you
resourceful? I can see where you would be proud of swindling a man who was ill
and trusted you.” My body stiffening at his revelations. Now I have cause to
worry about all the ways he could have infiltrated this company, taking
advantage of Mac. How far he went, and how far he is willing to go.

“What kind of fucked-up game are
you playing?” I ask.

“No game, everything is
on the up and up, all legal, tied up in a nice little bow.” Smirking looking me
square in the eyes.

“Everyone is
excused,” I say, never wavering my intense stare down with Cash.

Everyone moves at the
speed of light to get out of the way, far away from the duel unfolding before
their eyes.

“Finished?” My
attention turning back to Cash.

“My work here is
done,” he says, as he prepares to leave.

“On the contrary, you
just started a war.” Needing to be clear this is far from over.

“No war, James, it’s
all in here.” Throwing a thick file across the table, spilling papers out in
the process.

I open and the very
first paper shows M & M Global Research Department on the top. Fuck if this
is just the start, I’m in trouble.

And as he leaves he
turns over his shoulder. “I have business with Bryer. Just give her one
message... Her mother.” Then leaves.

Jesus Christ, what
just happened? This fucker has gone from ex-boyfriend problem, to a person of
significant position in this company? The thought sickens me. I need answers,
sooner rather than later. This man has an agenda, and I plan to find out what
it is.

“Her mother,” I say,
shaking my head. What could he possibly have concerning her mother, and what
kind of turmoil will he inflict on Bryer?

~ ~ ~

I reach for my phone.
“Stan, I have an update, meet me at the gym as soon as possible.” I’m there in
twenty minutes, Stan follows minutes later. I fill him in on the details of what
just went down. And we both look over the file.

“Fuck, he has his
hand in several different areas, not just the foundation,” I say.

“This took some time,
Nathan. He’s been working your uncle Mac since he started. I think you need to
have your lawyers look at this.” Shaking his head in frustration.

“Mac was always so
trusting, and look where it got him. It’s an unlikely coincidence that this is
all coming to surface now. What’s his scam?” On edge, unsure of my actions.

“Still think it’s
Bryer?” Stan asks.

“Yes, how can we
protect her?” Squeezing the tension from my furrowed eyebrows.

“We can protect her,
Nathan. Your job is convincing her she needs protection.” Stan knows her well.

“Yeah, right, it just
so happens I have a woman who does exactly what she wants.”

“Evidently, but the
game just changed, and Harrison is in the lead. Stan’s concern obvious.

“He doesn’t know the
depths I’ll go to protecting what’s mine.” My voice plunging into a dark tone
while my whole body quivers with intense hatred towards this man.

“Game fucking on, Mr.
Harrison.” As the rage is throbbing painfully in my head.

~Bryer~

I leisurely raise my
toe to play with the water falling from the faucet. The bubbles surround me,
and the glass of wine sits within reach. I can hear the security code notes,
and that’s my queue Nathan is home. I wait, knowing he’s searching for me.

“Hello, sexy”

As he peeks in, I
give him the come-here motion with my finger.

“Tempting.” As he
approaches his eyes slithering over my body slowly.

“Self-pleasuring?” he
asks.

A small giggle
escapes me. “I was hoping you would be getting intimately acquainted, so I
wouldn’t have to.” A dimple appears.

“Sounds inviting.” As
I watch him unbutton his shirt. His eyes never leaving mine as the bubbles
dance around my naked body. His physique, the ripples of his muscles, causing
my own temperature to rise. “Just dropping in?” I tease, and there go the
pants. Jesus.

“You could say that.”
Climbing in as I make room, water spilling over the sides as he sits.

“You’re a total
fucking turn on, baby.”

As I watch him
catalog every curve and dip in my body, causing me to almost hyperventilate.
“Me? Have you looked in the mirror?” I say, noticing my new breathy voice.

“Climb on.”

My body stirs to life
as I do. He reaches for my face and pulls me in for a scorching kiss, as if
he’s releasing the stress of his entire day. I moan in his sexy mouth, aligning
myself with his hard cock and slowly press his body into mine. We both moan,
fused together.

“When I look at you
everything else disappears,” he whispers.

My thighs clenching
as I start to move. Buried deep in my heat his eager hands roam my body,
closing on my tits, nipples pebble in response. His firm grip letting me know
just how urgent his need is. I watch his head fall back, his desire evident as
my speed increases. His fingers gripping my hips in a feverish pace. Forcing me
down in a punishing rhythm.

“You can have me
anyway you want me.”

His eyes open to meet
mine. “I want to be so deep inside you, I’m piercing your heart.” Thrusting
with each word.

As my knees clamp his
naked hips. There’s no chasing my orgasm, it’s chasing me, taking me higher as
my body climbs in ecstasy. “I’m so close, Nathan, take me there.” I whimper
with a need that defies reason. “Fuck, baby, come with me.” My body consuming
him whole, as my spasms tighten around his hard shaft.

“Yes, don’t stop.”

As my body hums
through my orgasm. Nathan throaty sounds are sexy as hell as he stills,
spilling everything into me. My name raining from his lips. Our breathing finds
its rhythm and his smile is contagious.

“Hummm, do you think
you are thoroughly fucked?” he teases, still penetrating my body.

“I think I’m
thoroughly fucked.” As my body trembles in a state of bliss.

“You think? Because
if you’re not sure, give me five,” he says though his panty-drenching smile and
double whammy dimples. I thread my fingers through his waves and grab hold.
“Wicked man, can you be ready in three?” Smiling, unable to match his allure.

“Don’t test my
stamina, you’ll lose.” He smiles, and kisses me senseless.

“Let me get back to
you on that.” As I gently pull away. “The water is cold. Funny how I didn’t
notice before.” Smiling as I lift myself up and grab the towel, wrapping myself
in a cocoon.

Nathan soon follows,
and we are both in the bedroom looking for comfy clothes.

“Gen called,” he
throws out.

“Called you?”
Surprised.

“You sound like
Clayton, yes about your birthday.” He winks, playfully.

“Oh, no thank you.” I
quietly answer, knowing I hate this idea.

“That’s not exactly
the reaction I was going for.” His hands on his hips.

As if that would
change anything. “Sorry, no can-do. You know I hate being the center of
attention.”

“Hush, it will only
be a few people, friends. We’ll have it here—I’ll buy you a cake, you blow out
the candles. Done.” He seems very pleased with himself.

“Have it your way.”
I’ll give him this. “I’m hungry, let’s order in.” Knowing I’m changing the
subject.

“Bryer.” Taking my
face in his hands. “You are the very first woman in my life that I’ve wanted to
give something as innocent as a birthday party for.”

My hearts melts a
little. “I’ll have you know, you’re the very first man I’ve let give me a
birthday party.” Kissing him quickly.

“Okay then, party on.
I’m starving too. And we need to run over a few things over dinner.” He throws
out there as he walks away,

I get the distinct
impression this isn’t about Chinese or pizza. I follow him downstairs, as he’s
rummaging through menus. “Thai?” I crinkle my nose.

“So, that’s a no.” He
continues to search.

“Okay, woman,
Italian?”

I smile. “And we have
a winner.”

After he places the
order, we snuggle on the couch, I know it’s coming, or something’s coming.

“Chocolate or
vanilla?” he asks.

“Yes, go on.” Waiting
for some clue to exactly what he’s talking about.

“Your cake.” Taking
his finger and tickling my side.

“Ah…Lemon.”

“You don’t say?”
Looking totally thrown. “Glad I asked.”

“Anything else?”
Knowing there is, studying his mood, scanning his face. I notice he jiggles his
knee when he’s nervous.

“I met your ex
today.” Our eyes meet with confusion, full of disbelief.

I don’t know what to
ask first. How, when, why, what? Fuck!

“He’s a lawyer from
Austin, right?” Asking too casually for Nathan.

Red flags are flying
up all around me. “As far as I know, yes. Why did you meet?” Nathan’s face says
it all, he can’t hide he’s hurt, angry, surprised, the same exact feeling I’m
experiencing at this very moment.

“He’s infiltrated M
& M Global, somehow. And now has control over,” he pauses, shaking his
head. “I’m not entirely sure, I’m having my lawyer look over it to see how far
he’s gone, but the situation doesn’t look good.”

I see the effort he’s
making to stay calm, but he is anything but calm. I see the alarm going off,
and he has every right to feel that way. “He worked for Uncle Mac?” Attempting
to digest this information.

“Works.” Nathan
clarifies.

“That’s horrible,
Nathan. Feeling a gentle hand on my chin, lifting it so our eyes meet

“That’s not all,
babe.”

Rubbing his thumb up
and down my jaw, comforting me for the blow to come. I feel the pressure build,
offset by extreme nausea.

“He gave me a message
to give you. But the prick didn’t explain, I only know that it has to do with
your mother.”

I see his concern,
he’s conflicted, my lost little boy not knowing how to tell me. “My mother?”
Contemplating what this could possibly mean. A small part of me wants to
contact Cash for answers, but that’s exactly what he wants me to do. “Cash’s
firm handled my mother’s will. There wasn’t much, it was mostly just paper
work, and because I was an employee, it was Pro Bono. There shouldn’t be
anything left.”

Who does Cash think
he is? I don’t appreciate anyone bringing up the subject of my mother, knowing
the pain I went through, this is sacred ground.

“So there may be some
truth to what he said?” Understanding my struggle.

“It’s possible,” I
say, eager to know, fearing the cat-and-mouse game Cash is known for.

The doorbell rings, and
I watch as Nathan leaves to answer it.

He comes back with
our dinner, the dinner I couldn’t possible eat now.

“I’ll put it away for
later, baby.” As we sit in silence, not knowing exactly what to say. Only
knowing that being here, together close, is the only comfort I want.

“I’m not ready to
call him.” Not until I gather my wits, I’ll need to be on high-alert to go
toe-to-toe with the devil.

“Whatever you want,
baby, I love you.”

I sit in the spa
wrapped in a towel. I watch Gen stumble over her own two feet, wearing the
disposable flip flops.

“You have the best
boyfriend in the world.” Her excitement contagious.

“I know.” A slightly
smug smile on my face.

“And this is just
part
of your birthday present?” Gen asks.

“That’s what he
said.”

“Well, aren’t you
even curious what else he has planned?”

“I’m just enjoying
the spa day for now.” The city atmosphere with its understated elegance is such
a contrast to the hidden home nestled in the woods. I notice the leaves are
falling. Winter will be here soon, the cold. I hate the cold.

“I would be to the
point of madness by now, Bryer.”

I laugh at her
impatience. And breaking me out of my spell.

“Oh my God, did you
see that hot guy
lurking
around the fountain? Look. NO, Don’t. Look.
Okay Look. NO. Wait.”

I look.

“I told you not to
look.”

“I’m still processing
the
lurking
part.” I’m ready to bust a gut laughing. This, right here,
is why we’re best friends. “Yeah, he’s kinda’ handsome,” I say.

She looks at me as if
I’ve lost my mind.

“Eh.” I twist the
rubber knife.

We both compare toes,
I went French, Gen red. No surprise there, my flashy, not trashy BFF marches to
a different drum. “That felt amazing.” A sigh that is potent enough to be
considered inappropriate.

Gen smiles at me with
humor reading my mind.

“You know we have
massages after mani-pedis, don’t you?” I ask.

“How could I forget?
A gorgeous man running his hands all over my body with oil. I bet Nathan didn’t
think that one through.” She laughs.

“I think not.”
Laughing with her.

“If the situation arose
where you were single.” She ponders.

“BITE YOUR TONGUE,” I
interrupt.

“I’m just saying, IF,
would you go for that guy?”

Pfft, not in a
second. “I’m not playing this game, you can have him.” I continue her stupid
game.

“Fine, you do have a
sex-god at home.”

“Lucky me.” And I do
feel lucky, with all the outside noise surrounding us, this still feels steady,
real, and dependable. Our love, our future. That is if he lives through this
damn birthday party, he promised low-key.

“Mrs. James?” One of
the attendants approaches.

“It’s Miss Reid.”

“Oh, my apologies,
the gentleman who made the appointment made a point to schedule all services in
that name.”

“Did he now?”
Smiling.
Game Set. Match.

“Miss Reid, a boutique
open for the both of you, after your services, and a credit card on file.”

“Both of us?” Gen
asks.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I was wrong, don’t
even consider leaving this man.”

“Don’t worry.”
Rolling my eyes at the notion.

After a relaxing
ninety-minute massage, we walk over to the boutique in our white fluffy robes.
Gen still challenged with the flip-flops, I notice she takes them off and
throws them in the next available trash can. And now she’s barefoot. We reach
the shop

“Oh my.” Pretty,
momentarily blinded by its extraordinary luxury.

“You have to try this
one, Bryer, it’s beautiful, and your favorite color.”

“A girl after my own
heart.” Comes a voice from behind the counter.

A thin cute
well-dressed man who looks like he may indeed know fashion approaches. The next
thing I know I’m twirling in a full- length mirror feeling pretty.

“It’s perfect, the
short flirty soft yellow fabric is so you.” Gen gushes.

“The delicate beading
with the sweetheart neckline flatters your figure.” The man says, now standing
less than a foot away, touching the fabric as if it was his baby blanket.

“Here, try the
shoes.” Handing me silver beaded strappy heels.

“Happy Birthday to
you, Bryer.” Gen air kisses me.

“Okay, sold, let me
change.” Painless, and much easier than I thought. Gen’s turn, I wait, and
wait. “What are you doing in there?” I ask, not surprised by the time factor
required for perfection. My nerves are getting the better of me.

“What do you think
I’m doing? I
am
alone.” She giggles.