Promise Me Always Read Online Free Page B

foot tall frame was visibly tense as he sat on the couch. He was leaning forward, resting his arms on his knees. His muscles were showing through his shirt as it stretched over the delectable curves of his biceps and chest. His dark brown, almost black hair, which was usually cut short and spiked up, was being covered by a white hat. That only made his deeply tanned skin and the tattoos on his right forearm more prominent. I could tell he had added to his impressive tattoo collection—I saw new art work peeking out from under the sleeve of his t-shirt. His big, chocolate brown, beautiful eyes were watching me intently, taking in my every move. He had that sexy smile on his face that made me think very un-lady like thoughts.
    I had to control myself; all I wanted to do was run over to him and bury myself in his arms. The day in his truck kept flashing back into my mind and I had to start walking before the ache between my legs got unbearable. Prying my eyes away from the man candy that was Blake, I walked over to the kitchen and sat down at one of the bar stools.
    “Hey, Tess! Do you want a shot? We have Patron, your favorite,” Cole asked, sliding a shot in my direction.
    “Oh, my God! Yes, thanks, Cole.”
    “Come on, douche-bags! Get over here and let’s toast to Tess!” Cole yelled across the apartment. All the guys got up and headed over to the kitchen. With everyone raising their glasses to me, he continued. “Here’s to Tess! Hopefully she has the balls to chop off Jared’s dick and shove it down his throat!”
    “Cole!” I laughed. “I would never do that,” I said with a smile. These guys always knew how to make me laugh. We all tossed back the shots and sucked the limes dry.
    All the guys came up to me at some point during the next few minutes, giving me hugs and telling me that anytime I needed them, they would personally make sure Jared could never cheat on another woman. I didn’t bother asking them to expand on that—I personally didn’t need to hear the details. Blake was the only one that didn’t say anything to me. I didn’t understand. Usually he was the first to greet me when I arrived.
    After a couple more shots, Shane pulled me out onto the balcony to talk. Shane was one of Cole’s best friends and I had known him since Palmer and Cole started dating six years ago. We almost got together a few years back, but it never really worked out. We, well I, decided that it just wouldn’t work between us and we would be better off as friends. He took it really well, though, and nothing ever changed between us.
    “Tess, you doing okay?” he asked me with concern in his voice. “I know how much you liked Jared. I can’t believe that fucker would do this to you again. The offer is still there if you change your mind about us teaching him a lesson.”
    I started to laugh and playfully swatted his chest. What was it with all these guys and fighting? Was that always their solution to a problem? “I am actually doing better than expected, Shane. I guess I always thought it would happen again,” I said honestly. “I mean, if he really loved me that much he never would have done it the first time. And no—you all don’t need to go to prison just for me. I can handle it.” I sat down in one of the lawn chairs on the balcony. Shane took a seat beside me and we sat in silence for a while before the tension between us shifted.
    Shane looked at me with his big blue eyes and ran his hand through his blonde hair. “Well, if you ever change your mind, you know we’re all willing. It’s been a while since we’ve gotten into a fight. I think we’re about due,” he laughed. “Seriously, though. Tess, you know I will always be there for you, Sweetheart. I care about you more than you think I do.” He put his hand on my leg just above my knee. Things were starting to get awkward. I had been down this road with Shane already and I really didn’t need to go back there. I decided I should probably get