Pinkie Promises (A Promises Novella #1) Read Online Free Page A

liner, I then lather on a thick coat of mascara and add a peach colored blush to my cheeks. In my tiny closet, I pull out a pair of dark colored skinny jeans, and my pink sequins tank top, finishing the look with a pair of heels and then adding lipstick to my full lips. “Is this okay?” I ask, walking out to meet Jace.
    “You look gorgeous, as always. You ready?”
    “Thanks. Yeah. You driving?” He nods, and we head to his truck.
    Ten minutes later, we arrive at Sous Steakhouse. Upon entering I take in the scene, since I’ve never been here before. A waitress seats us in one of the black booths along the window. This place is very modern with silver, black, and red throughout the place. I notice booths line the outer perimeter of the restaurant, while black tables and chairs line the center. The bar lines the back wall which is mirrored giving it a more open feel. The silver bar stools have red leather cushions, and the lights hang low above the booths and tables, giving off a soft glow to the room.
    “It’s really nice in here,” I tell Jace as the waitress approaches to get our drink order.
    “What can I get you two?”
    Jace speaks up, “Two glasses of your best Moscato. Actually, bring the whole bottle.”
    My eyebrows perk up and I smile, since Moscato is my absolute favorite wine. Picking up the menu, I look it over and realize Sous specializes in steaks.
    “This is a special day, so order whatever you like. My treat,” Jace insists.
    The waitress drops off our drinks then returns a few moments later to take our order. But her eyes barely avert from Jace’s. I’m sure every woman in here has turned to look at Jace and all his gorgeousness. Yet, he doesn’t even notice, which is surprising. I decide on the skirt steak with potatoes and veggies.
    The waitress finally retreats, and Jace holds up his glass. “Cheers.”
    Holding mine up, I clink it with his. “Cheers.” I take a sip. “Thanks for this.”
    “You deserve it. After three years, you are getting noticed. It’s a good thing you asked me to go to the event, so I can fight the guys off.”
    “Ha ha,” I say.
    “And it’s a good thing you agreed to date me.”
    “This is not even real,” I state.
    The food arrives, and he doesn’t acknowledge my comment. I guess things will be interesting on Saturday. Especially with Jace. He’s unpredictable, at best. Taking the last sip of my wine, my plate is cleared away and my belly is full.
    “That’s the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”
    The waitress continues to fawn over us, more so over Jace. He only offers her a smile before turning his attention back to me. Just as he should be as we pretend to be a couple. To onlookers, I’m sure people think we’re a young couple in love.
    “I’m glad you liked it. So when did you first find out about being up for that award?”
    “Last night after I got home. I knew I was in the running, but never expected to actually win. There are other great caterers in the area. Some have done it longer than me. And I definitely don’t claim to be a pro. It was unexpected.”
    “I’m happy for you. Now you have bragging rights,” Jace says.
    I laugh. “I can put award winning caterer on my website.”
    Jace agrees then tosses his cloth napkin on the table. “You about ready?”
    “Yes, sir. Thank you, again.”
    Standing to leave, Jace puts his hand on the small of my back. And I have to take a deep breath, reminding myself to breathe. Then I start to wonder why I feel this way and blame it on the wine. Remembering this is all for show.

CHAPTER NINE
     
     
     
    PRESENT: SIMONE
    Saturday arrives, and I spend an insane amount of time getting ready for the event. Finding my little black dress in the back of my closet, I pull it out and lay it on the bed while I go shower.
    After my shower, my stomach is a ball of nerves. With a towel wrapped around my body, I open a bottle of wine and pour myself a glass to calm my nerves. Bracing one hand on the