Awakening Promise

Chapter 4

Promise arrived around seven thirty at the Adams Hotel. The receptionist at the front desk directed her to the ballroom. She was immediately drawn to the room's ambiance when she walked in. The red and white décor gave the illusion of professionalism and romance. As she entered, she felt the heat of the room. She walked through and located a waiter with delicate glasses of wine on a tray and took herself a glass looking for Lamont or one of the other execs of AJA.

Caleb turned around and couldn't believe his eyes as he watched Promise enter the ballroom. He hadn't expected to see her in Dallas, but just as quickly as a New York minute, there was a strong urge to see her lose control. His inner possessiveness took root, and he couldn't do anything other than look at her.

He knew things had ended poorly between them, but that was her fault. All she had to do was open up and obey the rules of engagement which meant she needed to act like all the other women he had encountered.

She had always held herself apart from him, shying away from new experiences whenever they were together. But, seeing her now walking with this surprisingly newfound confidence. Captivated every man in the room's attention, and he never would have thought she possessed such sweet sensuality. And she looked like a purely decadent toothache a man would indeed welcome.

Continuing his perusal of her lustrous walk, he realized he wanted to mount her as if she was a wild horse that needed taming. Now, the only question was how to get the opportunity to do that.

As Promise walked forward into the thrones of the ball, she felt a morbid sensation move down her back and turned to find Caleb looking directly at her.

She almost dropped her glass of wine. Her hands were shaking so bad. Yet, mustering all of her business acumen and savvy, she acknowledged Caleb with a drink tip.

Caleb took that acknowledgment as an invitation to come in her direction. She placed a smile on her face as he got nearer while she was talking to a group of ladies.

"I am so not feeling this foolishness tonight," she whispered.

"Hello, Promise. Imagine my surprise seeing you here. I thought you were still in New York?" It was a question, but Promise wasn't answering; it was none of his business.

Instead, she said, "Caleb, how are you doing this evening?"

"I'm fine, and you?"

"I'm doing well, thanks for asking." Promise stated just as Lamont walked up.

"Promise, I'm so glad you made it, and you look amazing," Lamont said.

"Doesn't she? She actually looks good enough to eat." Caleb said by way of introduction.

Lamont extended his hand "Lamont Ridge."

Caleb took his hand, "Caleb Gensin, nice to meet you."

"Now tell me, how did you end up here with the most beautiful woman in the room?"

Promise knew a phishing expedition when she heard one. Before Lamont could answer, she stepped in, "Lamont, this is Caleb, an old acquaintance of mine from New York."

Turning to Caleb, she asked, "Caleb, what are you doing in Dallas? I thought New York would keep you busy with all the models needing our photographs."

Caleb knew from her barb that she was still agitated with him, but she always stopped being angry whenever he pouted and smiled. He looked at her through narrowed eyes, assessing her mood.

He shook his head, telling her, "Well, as they say, there is no place like home, Promise, no matter what opportunity might present itself." And what an opportunity this was, he thought smugly.