Promises We Make
February 2011
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It’s passion at first sight…
Fast-track media buyer Niveah Evans is too busy climbing the corporate ladder to think about love. But beneath that hard-driving facade is a woman yearning to make magic with one special man. And when she spies a gorgeous hunk at a bar, she does something totally out of character…and ends up in Damien Hunter’s hotel room, sharing the most unforgettable night of her life.
Business has brought the New York playboy to Florida, but it’s pleasure that keeps him coming back for more. Especially when he discovers that he and Niveah will be working together. That blows Niveah’s mind, but Damien is determined to win her trust…and her love.
“Before the night’s over, I’m going to find you someone to dance with. Someone like…” Jeanette Miller’s gaze panned the crowd and after several seconds, she squealed. Bouncing up and down on her seat like an unruly toddler high on sugar, she clapped her hands and nodded her head. “Check out the hottie at the end of the bar. He’s a perfect ten!”
Niveah Evans didn’t bother looking up from her drink. Jeanette’s idea of good-looking was a lanky gang banger plastered in tattoos, but Niveah preferred studious, conservative types. Not a square, just someone with manners and class who’d treat her with respect. But like her ex-fiancé had so aptly proven nine months ago, looks were deceiving.
“That man is beyond fine!”Roxi Gonzalez said, licking her plump pink lips. “I’d do him in a New York minute!”
Niveah’s ears perked up. If Roxi thought the stranger was fine, then he was. Despite being divorced twice, she was in the market for husband number three, and could spot a good-looking man a block away.
Straightening in her seat, Niveah peered around the cluster of Barbie clones obscuring her view of the bar. Jeanette yanked her to the left, pointed an acrylic fingernail directly ahead, and yelled, “He’s the one in the dark, designer suit.”
Niveah’s mouth fell open.
“I told you he was perfect.”
And he was. Words couldn’t describe how truly gorgeous the stranger was. Bald, buff brothers didn’t usually catch Niveah’s eye, but this man had it seriously going on. Immaculately groomed, with clear skin, and defined features, he a one-of-a-kind look that instantly made her wet. His gaze was hungry, almost predatory, and his sexy mouth was rimmed with a neat, trim goatee. The brother owned the room, and the hearts of all the females in attendance—including hers. Her body hummed, and suddenly the grand ballroom felt hotter than a furnace. An aura of mystery surrounded the stranger, making him even more appealing. Staring at him, so intently, was bound to make Niveah go cross-eyed, but she didn’t have the strength to look away. She was drawn to him, overtaken by a blinding sexual hunger she’d never known.
“If I had a man like that at home, I’d never leave,” Roxi quipped, fanning her cheeks. “I think I’ll just go over and say hello.”
Niveah cut her eyes at Roxi. “What about Cedrick?”
“What about him? Until he ‘puts a ring on it’, I’m keeping my options wide open.”
Jeanette gripped her girlfriend’s forearm, preventing her from rising from her seat. “Sit your big butt down. I picked him out for Niveah, not you.”
“Girl, please. Ms. Thang can’t handle all that man. He’s six feet tall and over two hundred pounds. He’d probably snap her skinny body in two.” Cackling like a witch on a broom, she adjusted the neckline on her outfit. Roxi used every opportunity to show off her boobs, and her zipper-front dress served up an eyeful. “I on the other hand, specialize in turning out jocks, and that cutie’s exactly my type.”
Angry about being dissed, Niveah shot her soon-to-be ex friend a scathing look. “You think you know everything about me, Roxi, but you don’t. I’m ever bit as daring as you are. If not more.” To prove it, she stopped a passing waiter, ordered a cognac, and instructed him to deliver it to the gentleman at the end of the bar.
“Very well, ma’am. Would you care to include a message?”
Niveah shielded her mouth with the back of her hand. She spoke only loud enough for the waiter to hear, and when he departed, she couldn’t help but smile to herself.
“So, you sent him a drink. Big friggin’ deal. You’re as straight-laced as they come, and—”
“Wanna bet?”
Roxi smirked. “I’d love to.”
“Knock it off you two,” Jeanette ordered. “You sound like a couple of kids having a pissing contest on the school yard.”
Roxi ignored her, and addressed Niveah. “If I’m right about you being a goody two shoes, you’ll have to hand over your new Gucci handbag. You know, the one I watched you drop a thousand dollars on at the mall yesterday.”
“Okay, and I want your Oprah tickets.”
Her face crumpled like a piece of paper. “B-b-but they’re the tickets to her final show.”
“Those are the terms. Deal, or no deal?”