Promise You Read online

  “I have beer in the fridge,” she points that way.

  “Thanks.” I grab one and stand in front of her. I lift my bottle in a silent toast and smirk.

  “Thank you for all your help. I’m sure you had better plans for today.”

  I shake my head. “Nah, you’re my favorite person.” I wink, and she rolls her eyes.

  One day she’ll be mine.

  Dex

  I open the door to Riot after giving the bouncer outside my name and walk into a transformed space. I pause and take it in—dim lights from chandeliers, music executives, and cocktails. Rebel Desire released their new album, with Hunter as their co-writer, and they’re celebrating tonight. From renting out Riot and inviting a few of their loyal fans and friends, this is a dream for any musician. One day. I scrub my face and look for Hunter and Mackenzie. Hearing laughter, I turn my attention to the beauty that sound came from.

  Reese looks gorgeous in a black dress that hugs her body and heels I want to be wrapped around me. She still won’t admit she feels the connection between us. I was hoping after the other day at her place, she’d see how well we work together.

  I walk toward her, her light brown hair draping in loose waves around her bare shoulders. I want to pick her up and take her to a back room, show her what she does to me.

  “Hey,” I say as I stand next to her. I’m greeted with a bright smile.

  “Hi.” Reese leans into me, bumping her shoulder with mine. “You know Taylor and her boyfriend, Mike.” She points to her sister and her boyfriend.

  “I do. It’s nice to see you again,” I spend a few minutes talking to them before I feel a hand land on my shoulder.

  “Hey, you made it,” Hunter smirks and shakes my hand.

  “I did. Hey, Mackenzie.” She stands next to him, proud as ever, as he celebrates his own milestone. Writing music with Rebel Desire is a big deal, and he worked hard to make it happen. I’m just waiting for my big break. I know it’s different performing and singing than writing music, and the industry gets more competitive each day, but hell if I don’t want to catch a wave of success. Get a chance to prove myself.

  “Let me introduce you to some people,” Hunter waves a hand out to no one in particular.

  “Nah, man. You do what you gotta do.” I refuse for him to spend the night introducing me to people at the label in hopes one of them bites like a starving fish. These people aren’t hurting for talent, they’ve got an abundance of people seeking them out already.

  “Come on, dickhead. I’ll be right back,” he kisses Mackenzie’s cheek. “Cash has been talking about you to his manager,” Hunter whispers as he leads us to a crowd of people. “He was impressed when he saw you play here a month ago.”

  “Seriously?” My eyebrows lift.

  “Yeah,” he gives me a knowing smirk.

  “Hey, Dex,” Cash Knight, lead singer of Rebel Desire, holds his hand out to shake mine.

  “Hey, congrats on the new album.” I return the smile and look between him and the other man talking to him.

  “Thanks. This is Peyton, our manager,” he signals to the man.

  “Nice to meet you,” I smile.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m glad to finally meet you.” Peyton looks at Cash with a smile.

  “Thanks,” I nod, surprised by his frankness.

  I listen as they talk about the album and watch them take photographs as a group, the rest of the band joining us. As they call Hunter over for a photo, I look around the bar, hands in my pockets. This is a big deal. You’ve got big name musicians here, performances starting soon, and drinks flowing. Hell, I’m pretty sure I saw Ronan Connolly walk in. You’ve even got A-list celebrities congratulating Rebel Desire.

  I want that.

  “Hey, buddy,” we all look at Ronan smiling at Cash.

  “Hey. What the hell are you doing here?” Cash hugs Ronan as if they’re the best of friends. For all I know, they are.

  “I was in the neighborhood?” He chuckles, and Cash introduces us to Ronan and his wife, Holliday.

  “You’re a little far from LA,” Cash points out with a smile.

  “Well, I know a guy with a plane, and I couldn’t miss the chance to congratulate you in person.” I look around, in awe of the number of people here to celebrate their album.

  I usually take life by the horns and ride the hell out of it, but the pressure of making it in this industry is starting to weigh on me. The pressure and challenges take away from the excitement, but this is a dream I’m determined to fight for.

  “Hello, boys.”

  I smirk and turn around. Blue eyes wink at me with a sexy grin.

  “When is this shindig starting? I was promised live music and apps,” Reese crosses her arms and taps her toe on the floor. I can’t help looking her up and down.

  “It’s already started. Music will start soon, unless you wanna kick things off and climb on stage to sing your own song,” Cash laughs, taking a drink from his glass.

  “Hell, no. You should know better than to suggest something like that, or three drinks in I’ll embarrass all of you.” She points to the guys, all of them holding in their laughter. Curiosity grows, and I make it a point to learn more about Reese’s singing skills soon.

  “Like that time in Memphis when you sang karaoke,” Jason, Reese’s brother and Rebel Desire’s bass player, chuckles.

  She slaps his shoulder and looks at him with a stern expression. “Screw you. You fed me those tequila shots.”

  “That was hysterical. I think we have video proof, too. You want to see it?” Ryder, Rebel Desire’s guitarist, asks Hunter and me.

  “Hell, yeah,” I laugh, ready to reach out for his phone.

  Reese interrupts us. “Don’t you dare,” she points at Ryder, eyebrow arched and eyes wide. “I’m going to get a drink. Anyone want one?” Hands on her hips, she looks over at us all.

  “I’ll go with you,” I tell her.

  We find a spot at the bar, and I flag down the bartender, turning to look at Reese, my elbow resting on the bar top. “So, karaoke?” I quirk a brow.

  “Don’t try to convince me to show you that video. It’s terrible. I did not get the musical talent my brother inherited.” She grabs a napkin from the holder, tearing pieces of it away.

  “I wouldn’t mind seeing you strut your stuff on a stage,” I wink.

  “Dex Monroe, don’t start.” Reese’s pointed glare warns me to keep my distance and mouth shut, but I’ve never been one to listen to common sense.

  “Start what, darlin’?” I lean closer. Without waiting for her response, I add, “You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself,” she winks and orders a martini. “Do you want a beer?” She turns to look my way while the bartender waits.

  “I’m going with whiskey tonight.” Reese raises her eyebrows, and I chuckle. “Need something stronger than beer if I’m going to be standing next to you in that dress all night, darlin’.” The bartender bites down her smile, watching our exchange before making our drinks.

  “Dex,” she warns.

  “Yeah, I know.” I raise my arms, palms facing her. “Just friends.”

  “Yeah,” she sighs and grabs her martini. Once I have my drink, Reese links her arm with mine, and we make rounds. “Isn’t this amazing? One day you’ll have an event like this, I just know it.” Her encouragement is welcomed at a time like this when I feel like I may never get to this point in my career.

  “Yeah, maybe.” I don’t miss the defeat in my voice.

  “Hey,” she stops walking, pulling me to her by the arm she’s holding. “You’re really good. One of the best I’ve heard in a long time, and I don’t just say that because you’re one of my best friends. I mean it. I’ve been surrounded in this industry since my brother was playing in Riot, just like you. I know how hard it is, I’ve met musicians in the past. Your voice is unique.”

  “Thanks, Reese.” I lift a shoulder, wanting to drop the subjec
t in a public place.

  “I mean it, Dex.” I nod in silence and look away, pretending to take in the atmosphere.

  The live music starts, singers congratulating Rebel Desire as they perform a couple of songs. The fans go wild for all the talent spending their evening with us.

  “Dance with me,” I grab Reese’s empty glass and place it on the bar. Everyone else around us is dancing to the music, so there’s no excuse that people will talk or get the wrong idea.

  Just when I think she’s going to refuse, she puts her arm around me and begins to sway to the soft music. For a minute, all is right in the world. The worries of making it in this industry, the envy of not having the success others do, it all fades away the second Reese wraps her arms around me and moves to the beat.

  I may have fucked around a lot in my life, but after meeting Reese and spending time with her, I’m sure I’d never want anyone else but her. If only I can make her see how good we’d be together.

  I remember the first time I saw her, weeks before I actually met her. She was at Riot, laughing and drinking with friends. Her laugh reached me through the crowd, drawing my attention to her. Her confidence danced to the rhythm of the song I was performing. After that, she’d come in on her own some nights, and I’d watch her while I sang songs she could’ve inspired.

  Women like Reese, hell, there are no other women like Reese. She’s in a league of her own—gorgeous, funny, and independent.

  When I finally met her, I acted like my usual asshole self. She walked up to Hunter one night while I was on stage here at Riot, and I wanted to jump off and push him far away from her. The only thing that stopped me from ruining an amazing performance was that I knew Hunter only has eyes for his runaway girl.

  Ever since that night, I’ve kept her close by, trying to make my way into her life. She wants to be friends, but I want more.

  “One night,” I whisper into her ear as the song comes to an end.

  She shakes her head as she walks away, leaving me standing there, a seriousness I’ve never seen on her before. I notice Jason staring at me when I make my way to the bar. Fuck.

  Reese

  I almost caved last night.

  I wanted nothing more than to strip Dex’s suit from his body and let him show me exactly how good we could be together. I value his friendship too much to let our attraction get in the way, so I just couldn’t do it. I’ve already been through that once.

  I shift my focus back to the blue paint I’m coating on my nails, locking away thoughts of Dex that make me drift further away from the strict friendship policy I’ve implemented.

  I’m adding the final coat when my doorbell rings. I check my phone in case I missed a call, then look through the peephole.

  “Well, look what the cat dragged in,” I smile as I open the door, cocking my hip.

  Dex pecks my cheek and walks in, his hands in his pockets, a bright smile showcasing his dimples and lighting up his green eyes. Fucking dimples. “I was going to ask if you were busy, but by the look of your clothes, I’d guess you were not going out tonight.”

  “I was painting my nails.” I hold my hands up, facing him and wiggling my fingers.

  “Taylor isn’t here?” He tilts his head and looks around the living room, my nail polish, remover, and a glass of wine sitting on the coffee table.

  “Nope. She’s out with Mike, doing boring couple-y things.” I glance at my nails, proud of my handiwork.

  “Says the woman in her PJs, painting her own nails on a Saturday night.” I glance up at Dex and purse my lips.

  “Shush. What are you doing here?” It’s not out of the norm for him to pass by and hang out, but he mentioned he was playing at a bar tonight.

  “I finished early and was bored,” he shrugs and walks further into my home.

  “So, you use me to entertain you?” I cross my arms and tilt my head, eyes narrowed as I look at him.

  He quirks a brow, and I roll my eyes. Wrong choice of words. “I was going to watch a movie on Netflix now that my nails are done. You’re welcome to stay.” I motion to the couch.

  “A chick flick?” He turns to look at me with wide eyes.

  “Duh.” My head shakes rapidly, emphasizing the obvious.

  “Sweet.” He settles on my couch, stretching his legs out.

  The first time Dex told me he enjoyed chick flicks, I didn’t believe him. I thought it was his way into getting women to sleep with him. Then, we watched She’s All That, and he quoted Freddie Prince Jr. I about died laughing as I made fun of him, but I also fell a little for him that day. I can’t deny a man with a sensitive side, especially someone like Dex that acts all tough.

  “So, what is it tonight?” He leans back, comfortable in my space, in my life. I allow myself a second to imagine what it would be like if he were here as more than a friend. I know all I have to do is say the word, and that could happen, but at what cost?

  I grin and take a seat, careful not to ruin my nails, and press play on my Netflix. “Sweet Home Alabama,” I reply with a wink.

  “You’re killin’ me, Smalls,” Dex chuckles, tossing his head back slightly.

  “Who would’ve guessed Dex Monroe got hard-ons for chick flicks?” I tease as I scoot back on the couch, and bringing my legs up beside me.

  “It’s not the only thing that gives me hard-ons,” he murmurs.

  I ignore him and watch the movie I love. I don’t need to be thinking about his dick right now.

  Through my sleep-induced daze, I hear someone whisper, “So I can kiss you anytime I want,” quoting Sweet Home Alabama. I blink my eyes open and am met with Dex’s chest, his eyes looking down at me.

  “Sorry,” I lean away from him, his arm still wrapped around my shoulder as I rub my eyes. “I guess I was tired.”

  “It’s okay.” His gaze remains on mine, intense and soft at the same time. His lips are so close to mine, I feel his soft breath fan against my skin. I pull away from him as he whispers my name.

  “No, Dex.” I shake my head and frown.

  “Just—”

  “Well, isn’t this cute?” Taylor walks in with Mike, startling the both of us. I jump on the couch and scoot further away from Dex as she stares at us, Mike grinning widely.

  “We were watching a movie, and I fell asleep,” I rush out an explanation. I’m not even sure why.

  “I should get going. It’s late.” Dex stands, shoulders tight with tension, and grabs his phone and keys from the coffee table.

  “Don’t leave because of us. We’re going to bed.” Taylor winks and I roll my eyes. Why do I live with her?

  “Brunch tomorrow?” I ask Dex.

  “Sure.” I notice his locked jaw.

  I walk him to the door, feeling the trail of his frustration. I can’t go down this road with him.

  “Thanks for hanging out with me. I’m sure you rather have been at a bar, having some drinks.” I attempt to lighten the mood, bring back the fun banter we’re accustomed to as I lean against the open door.

  “Nah,” he shakes his head. “I came because I wanted to. Goodnight.” His lips brush my cheek, lingering a second longer than usual, causing my skin to break into goosebumps. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he squeezes my fingers softly and disappears down the stairs.

  I close the door and lean against it, questioning how long I can pretend I don’t have feelings for Dex.

  “You should just tell him how you feel.” My hand lands on my chest. Damn it, Taylor. She’s always sneaking up on me. I take a deep breath to gain control of my heartbeat.

  My head snaps toward her, and I glare, causing her to laugh. “We’re just friends. I can’t ruin that.”

  “Reese, since the first time I saw you with him at Riot, I could tell there was something between the two of you.”

  “Guys like Dex…” I shake my head. “I enjoy my life, going out with friends and coming home whenever I want. Besides, Dex doesn’t exactly have the squeakiest reputation.”

  “So, he�
�s single and enjoying that. What person wouldn’t?” She arches a brow. I roll my eyes. Yeah, yeah, I’ve enjoyed my single life.

  Truth is, Dex has quickly become one of my best friends, and I’d hate to ruin that. I know the music industry, too well, and when he gets signed things will change. I rather save myself the heartbreak.

  “I want you to be happy, and I know you well enough to see that Dex could make you happy.” Taylor hugs me, her voice cracking a bit. She’s always so emotional.

  “I am happy.” I pull back and reassure her.

  “Happy for real. You know what I mean, it’s time you let go and open up.” I shake my head and walk around her, grabbing the nail polish. She has no idea what she’s talking about.

  “Goodnight,” I walk away before she can continue to lecture me on how I should stop holding back and open my heart to someone.

  I check the clock on my phone for the millionth time before ordering a second mimosa.

  Reese: where r u?

  I send Dex a text, wondering why he’s running so late. He’s usually the one waiting for me when we meet for brunch.

  “Hey,” Mackenzie smiles when she approaches me at the bar.

  “You guys made it.” I hop off the stool and hug her. Then, I smile at Hunter.

  “You know I love brunch, and I haven’t had a chance to see you, besides the album release, since we got back from the holidays.” Mackenzie and Hunter spent the holidays in their hometown in Alabama since she’s a teacher and had the break. She’s been living here with Hunter for over seven months, and we’ve developed a great friendship in that time.

  “Where’s Dex?” Hunter looks around.

  “I don’t know. I just sent him a text.” I sit back down on the stool and hold on to the cool glass.

  “I’m sure he’ll get here soon. Do you want a drink?” he asks Mackenzie.

  “Mimosa, please.” They join me at the bar while we wait for Dex to arrive so we can grab a table.

  My phone pings with a notification before my hunger turns into full-blown hanger.