Awakening Promise

Chapter 8

During the limo ride back to their hotel, Promise noticed how Caleb only had eyes for Jasmine and was genuinely relieved. She didn't know what had created this change in his pursuit but was grateful for it nonetheless.

As she became more relaxed in the atmosphere, Antoine noticed she began to ask Jasmine several questions about the clothing line they had just witnessed on the runway.

Her questions ranged from color scheme selection to Jasmine's inspiration or muse and included the sizes. What she was hoping to do was make Jasmine realize she had to go beyond the norm in her designs in order for them to make this venture a success.

Antoine sat back and watched Promise work. And yes, he knew that was exactly what she was doing. She was searching for answers to some of the same concerns he had about the clothing line.

He silently thanked his board of directors for hiring such a thorough professional on his team. Watching her work tonight first in the ballroom and even now, he could honestly say she was the most beautiful woman he had seen.

He also felt like a dick. The concerns she was now addressing were part of her original analysis that he questioned because of his feelings.

Promise had been selected out of a candidate pool of 200 financial advisors. He should have known instantly that anything she presented was valid and needed to be discussed and further reviewed.

Her experience and achievements made seasoned professionals in this field look like interns just starting out. At thirty-two, she had accomplished what most financial analyses still needed to complete before retirement. She was an authentic diamond in the ruff. His diamond.

The show provided valuable information for the Jaz Mine proposal. Promise thought about how much pride Antoine had in a company he and Lamont had built from the ground up. A significant powerhouse who could turn away clients if they did not fit in the AJA image and if they were not ready for a profitable jointure.

She had assumed the job would go to a more experienced analysis and was honored to be offered the job. She looked at Antoine and found him studying her. She smiled, and he returned her smile with a bit of devilment in his eyes. They soon arrived at the hotel, and he helped her out of the car. They bid good night to Jasmine and Caleb and headed inside.

Once they were on their floor, Antoine turned to Promise, "Let's get this business out of the way. It's late, and we have an early morning." Promise smiled, "I am not sure you will like my new analysis any better than the first preliminary one."

They both laughed. Once they entered Antoine's suite, he headed for the table to get everything together for their meeting.

Once both laptops were set up, Antoine asked.

"Hey, do you want to go to your room and get comfortable because this will take a while?"

"Sure, I will be back in a sec."

Promise walked to the adjourning doors and entered her room. She took off her dress, took a quick shower, and put on a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. When she reentered, she stopped in her tracks. Antoine was standing at the coffee pot in jeans without a shirt. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breathing became labored, but she refused to let him know he was affecting her.

She had to remain professional. "I hope you know how to make good coffee because I love a good cup," she said. Antoine turned toward her before saying," It will keep us up for what we are trying to accomplish I guarantee," with a glint in his eyes.

"Well then, let's get down to it." Antoine only smiled, pulling his shirt over his head which was his acknowledgment of her unintentional double entendre. And then, realizing what she said, she blushed.