Promises, Promises (Class of '85) Read online

  Kelly gulped. Before she could reply, Michael leaned in and kissed her. His lips nibbled the corners of her mouth before his tongue tested the seam of her lips. She sighed, her lips parting slightly. As if on cue, his tongue teased its way into her mouth and her tongue responded. She pressed into the kiss, her arms circling his neck. She felt him smile against her lips. She smiled back. She couldn’t resist. For the first time in over a year, a small light appeared in the dark place that was her heart and she thought life might actually turn around for her. Michael’s hands cupped her sides before one hand slid up her back and cradled her head.

  His head tilted, changing the angle and deepening their kiss. Her breasts ached to feel his hands; long-dormant muscles deep in her core squeezed and quivered in anticipation. She shifted her left leg and brushed up against his erection. An excited gasp whispered across her lips as he exhaled.

  “Careful, sweetheart,” he murmured. “Not that I’m blunt or anything, but I want you like crazy.”

  Her soft laughter bubbled up from somewhere around her heart. “You blunt? Never. You’ve always been the epitome of subtlety.”

  He snorted and pulled away from her. “Do I detect a note of sarcasm?”

  She did her best to look above suspicion. “Me?”

  He leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. “You look much too…sinnocent to pull it off.”

  “Guilty as charged, officer.” She leaned back against the threadbare couch and looked at Michael. Really looked at him. “May I ask a rather blunt question?”

  He eyed her, a wary look hovering on his face. “Sure?”

  “Why did you come over tonight?”

  “I’ve been worried about you.”

  Not sure what she’d expected him to answer, this wasn’t it. No one had worried about her for a very long time. Not her husband or her society friends. Not her parents—especially not her parents. Yet here this man she’d known in passing back in high school sat on her couch, sincerity shining in his eyes and emanating from every pore of his masculine body. The long, slow breath she inhaled hitched in her chest.

  “You really care.” She heard the wonder in her voice and blushed.

  He blinked at her and tilted his head. “Of course I do. I like you, Kelly. I always have.” His gaze slid away from hers and he cleared his throat. “Even in high school. Truth be told, I wanted to ask you out but I figured I didn’t have a chance.” One of his hands still rested on her hip and his fingers curled in a gentle squeeze. “You were one of the golden girls at school. And we lived on opposite sides of town.” That last sentence came out in a rush.

  She opened her mouth to speak then closed it. She didn’t know what to say. She finally said one word. “What?”

  Michael shifted away from her and his hand dropped away. She realized she missed his touch, the warm spot where his hand had rested rapidly cooling in the chill air of the apartment. He actually sighed as he shrugged his wide shoulders.

  “You lived here, Kelly.” He looked around and flashed her a wry grin. “Well, not here, but in your parents’ mansion. Your dad is an investment banker and lawyer. My dad…owns a pub where I worked when I wasn’t playing sports. You went to an Ivy League college. I went in the Army.”

  “Whoa, buster. Stop right there.” She sputtered, her temper rising. “Are you insinuating that I wouldn’t have gone out with you because I was a snob?”

  He shook his head. “No. I figured you wouldn’t go out with me because I wasn’t good enough.”

  “Wha’…? That’s the same thing.”

  “No, it’s not.” He held up a finger to stop the tirade she was about to unleash. “Hear me out, Kelly. We were in high school and let’s face it, most of us had weird ideas about life and the clique system was in full force. Who we ran with defined us. Right?”

  She nodded reluctantly. He reached over and took her hand. She suddenly felt small and dainty and for once, wasn’t embarrassed by her work-roughened skin. His hand engulfed hers with rugged care.

  “You ran with the Preps. The rich kids. I was a jock. And that’s the only reason I was popular. Well…that and the kids hoped I could sneak some of Dad’s product out of the pub.” He winked at her. “Not that any of us did any underage drinking or anything. But those were the facts of life back then. Our lives diverged. You were the girl I could never have and I fantasized about you. A lot.” He grinned and tossed in a one-shoulder shrug that made him look sweet and almost boyish.

  “Time to ’fess up then. I had a bit of a crush on you, too. I even asked my best friend to talk to you.” Color rose in her cheeks. “She told me there was no way you’d ever go out with me. I realize now that she probably believed I shouldn’t date you for just the reasons you’ve outlined.” She glanced up and held his gaze. “We…my clique not you and me…We were stupid. Okay. I was stupid. Those were the first people to drop me when the truth about Geoff finally came out.” She blinked rapidly. “My own father couldn’t be arsed to pick me up at the train station but you and your dad were right there and you both insisted on taking care of me.”

  “It’s a Doogan family trait, I’m afraid.” He gave her hand another squeeze.

  “Yeah. Both of you are mother hens.” She leaned toward him and when he moved to meet her, her lips brushed across his. “And this is one chick who is very happy you are.” His arms circled her waist and pulled her into his lap.

  “I think the pizza is cold.”

  “Yeah…good thing I’m not hungry, huh?” She kissed him, deeper this time. Her tongue went exploring and met his.

  “Yeah,” he murmured through the kiss. “But I am. Hungry for you.”

  Kelly laughed and then gulped as he stood up, easily cradling her in his arms. “Wish to hell we were at my place. I have a king-sized bed.” He eyed the sleeper couch with uncertainly. “We’ll make do, though.”

  Stretched out on her cramped bed, she curled into the warmth of him. His hand cupping her breast felt every bit as good as she imagined. His erection throbbed a little against her thigh and she almost purred. “I hope you know what to do with that,” she teased. His mouth replaced his hand and she arched up off the bed.

  “In time, woman. I have other plans first.”

  “Far be it for me to interrupt.”

  Chapter Four

  Like clockwork, Michael called every week, asking her out. Like a broken record, she turned him down. She had no time for fun, for…what did her mother call it? Getting on with her life. She couldn’t step back into her former life. She didn’t have the resources or the desire. Like so many of the people Geoff had defrauded, she didn’t have much paycheck left at the end of the month, especially since so much of her funds went into the trust the court set up to deal with the claims of her ex’s former clients. If Lighthouse hadn’t given her a cell phone to carry, she wouldn’t have contact with the outside world. No Internet—she didn’t need it since she didn’t have a computer any longer. No cable. She didn’t have a TV. She’d reactivated her library card and rediscovered the joy of reading.

  But like clockwork, Michael ignored her reticence. He would show up after a long day, pizza box or fish and chips in a greasy bag in hand, and give her a ride home. Despite her best intentions, he always broke through her resolve. Sometimes they made love on the narrow confines of her bed. More often than not, he would feed her, cuddle her, kiss her goodnight and send her off to a hot bath. Alone. He obviously wasn’t using her for sex. And he obviously wasn’t dating anyone else.

  Her parents ignored her at Christmas time, not that it mattered much. She had a party to work Christmas Eve. After the cleanup, several of her single coworkers suggested a stop at Doogan’s to celebrate the season. Hesitant to go at first, she eventually relented, especially since her ride home insisted.

  The six of them burst through the front door, laughing and eager. The warm air enveloped her and the mingled scents of cinnamon, pine, fried fish, and beer, provided a sense of home like she’d never felt. She al
most staggered from the weight of the sensation. Her eyes sought out Michael and found him behind the bar filling a mug from the beer tap. He looked startled for a minute as their gazes met and then he smiled and winked.

  Her five coworkers took over a large table near the Christmas tree and Maggie Carpenter was already there taking orders. Shrugging out of her thin coat, she hung it on a peg by the door and joined them.

  “I’ve got yours, Kelly,” Maggie called as the older woman sailed toward the bar.

  A bit later, her stomach full of fish and chips, and a second foaming glass of Guinness in front of her, Kelly finally relaxed. Christmas carols wafted from the speakers, but not so loud people had to shout to be heard. The pleasant hum of conversation faded into the background as she closed her eyes. In moments, she’d dozed off.

  Strumming chords on a guitar brought a smile to her face but she didn’t open her eyes. A sweet soprano sang the first line of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.” As the singer began the second line, “Let nothing you dismay,” a voice as rich and sweet as any Irish tenor sang the first line over again. She sat up. Michael and Maggie stood in front of the Christmas tree singing the familiar carol as a round. Without missing a beat, they launched into a duet of “What Child is This” that had the crowd blinking tears. Before they could catch their breaths, Maggie launched into “The Christmas Song” and by the time she was finished, Kelly was convinced she could smell those chestnuts roasting on an open fire and for the first time in months, she was homesick for New York City.

  Before she could feel too maudlin, Michael took over and sang a breath-taking rendition of “White Christmas.” At the end of the song, he strummed a few chords and the whole place erupted, singing “Jingle Bells” and then “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Everyone clapped and cheered but soon quieted as the lights dimmed and Michael slipped the guitar strap over his head and set the instrument aside. Maggie stepped into the shadows, leaving him standing in front of the tree. A soft glow surrounded him as the first clear notes of “Silent Night” filled the hushed room.

  He finished the song to silence. Big Mike joined his son and put his arm around the younger Doogan’s shoulders. “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” the Doogan men proclaimed together.

  Amid happy calls of “Merry Christmas,” the last of the customers headed out into the cold, crisp air. Snow crunched underfoot and Kelly was about halfway to her ride’s car when the bell above the door jangled and Michael called her name. She turned around.

  “Uhm…” He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and looked a little shy. She halfway expected him to dig his toe into the floor. “I’ll give you a ride home, Kelly. Would you come back inside for a bit? I mean…if you don’t have plans? Unless you have someplace else to be?”

  She tilted her head. “The only plan I had was to take a hot bath and collapse into bed. I’m off tomorrow so I get to sleep late.”

  “Doogan’s is closed tomorrow. I get to sleep late, too.”

  Was he blushing? Kelly stepped closer. Perhaps it was just the cold but Michael’s cheeks were definitely rosy. Big Mike’s bulk shouldered into the doorway.

  “C’mon back inside, m’girl. It’s colder than brass…ooof.” Whatever he’d been about to say was cut off by a whoosh of air escaping his lungs, no doubt aided by the elbow his son shoved into his abdomen.

  She laughed and turned to her co-worker. “Louise, I’m going to stay. Michael will make sure I get home.”

  Louise called something back as she climbed into her car. The only word Kelly understood was, “Lucky!”

  Ensconced in the warmth of the pub once more, a cup of hot chocolate with real whipped cream on the table in front of her, Kelly relaxed. Big Mike and Maggie flirted without actually flirting. Michael was a comforting presence at her side. Somewhere in the distance, a clock chimed midnight.

  “’Tis Christmas,” Big Mike pronounced. “Time for presents.” He hunkered down next to the tree.

  Kelly stilled. For the first time, she realized there were presents under the tree. She felt out of place in what was obviously a tradition in the pub. Michael’s arm slipped around her shoulders and he kissed her temple.

  “Hush. I know what you’re thinking. Your presence here tonight is gift enough.”

  Playing Santa, Big Mike handed out packages. There were two for Maggie, two for Big Mike and two for Michael. Three packages rested next to her mug on the table. She stared at the three people sitting around her, eyes wide. “How did you know I’d be here?”

  Big Mike grinned. “If you weren’t we’d’ve been knockin’ on your door at the crack of dawn.” He winked and picked up the biggest box with his name on it. He made a show of shaking it next to his ear. “And have ya been practicin’ your knittin’ again, Maggie?”

  The older woman laughed. “You wish! That sweater was the warmest thing you owned last year. And I don’t care what you say, it fit perfectly.”

  Ripping through the paper, Big Mike got the box open but had to dig through piles of tissue to get to the present—a homemade CD. Moisture glistened in his eyes as he beamed at Maggie. “You and Little Mike finally went and did it.” He stood and pulled Maggie to her feet so he could hug her and he managed a smooching kiss on her lips.

  Breathless, Maggie beamed at him. “All your favorite songs, Mike.”

  “Open the one from me,” he ordered the petite woman. He allowed her to sit but he pushed a small box toward her.

  Maggie opened her present with more delicacy. Inside, a velvet jewelry box waited for her nervous hands to snap open the lid. A Celtic cross, carved from wood, nestled in what looked like a pile of wooden beads.

  “I made it myself, Maggie.”

  “Oh, Mike. It’s lovely!” She leaned across to give him a kiss on his cheek.

  “Dad’s been carving that rosary for months.” Michael’s breath teased her ear as he leaned over to whisper to her.

  The rest of the presents were opened in short order. Maggie gave her knitted mittens and a matching scarf and Big Mike beamed as she tried on the goose-down parka he’d bought her.

  “You sure the color’s okay?”

  A bright cardinal red, she’d stick out against the winter snow like a stop light. “It’s perfect, Big Mike. Thank you!”

  She’d saved Michael’s gift for last and she was a bit hesitant to open the small box. A silver Celtic knot winked up at her, shining like moonlight under the glow of the Christmas tree. It formed a vague triangle with curlicue spirals on the three sides. She looked at Mike for clarification.

  “There’s a triple spiral embedded in the eternity knot. The spiral represents the power of a woman and the promise of the eternity knot…” His voice trailed off and he cleared his throat. “Well…”

  Kelly stared at him. “I know what an eternity knot promises.”

  Big Mike chose that moment to push back from the table. The chair legs scraped across the wooden floors. “Maggie, may I see you home? Be sure to lock up, Michael.”

  She continued staring at her gift as the other two bustled around gathering up their presents and coats. Michael stood to follow them to the door. Maggie hugged him and then Big Mike followed suit.

  “Merry Christmas, son.”

  “Merry Christmas, Dad. Merry Christmas, Maggie”

  The couple slipped through the door. Michael closed it, turned the lock, and returned to the table.

  “Is this the way you always celebrate Christmas?” Kelly simply wanted to change the subject. The heartbreaking sadness that emanated from Michael caught her completely off guard.

  “Yeah. At least since Mom died. And after Deke left home, we started including Maggie. There’s nothing worse than being alone at Christmas.”

  Kelly fingered the necklace still nestled in its box. Making a decision, she picked it up and held it out to Michael. “Help me put it on?”

  Chapter Five

  Kelly stretched without opening her eyes. She’d slept like a rock. A
half-smile formed on her lips. After being well and truly loved by Michael, she’d curled to his side and drifted off feeling warm and safe. And sexy. Very, very sexy.

  “Merry Christmas.”

  Her smile broadened at the satisfied voice beside her. “A very Merry Christmas.” She snuggled in closer. “Thank you for making it so.”

  Michael chuckled. “I thought that was my line.” He turned onto his side and his erection poked her tummy. He didn’t even blush as he took her mouth for a deep kiss.

  Her body responded immediately—breasts aching, and twinges in the muscles surrounding her core. She lifted a knee and what was rapidly becoming a favorite part of his anatomy slid along her damp sex. Kelly shifted her hips and sighed when Michael entered her. She smiled again as his contented murmurs tickled the hollow of her throat. Their mating was sweet, hips meeting in slow rolls, her nipples brushing across the fine sprinkling of dark hair on his chest.

  Their love-making didn’t stay slow for long, though. Michael shifted her onto her back and followed without missing a beat. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he surged into her now. She arched to meet his strokes, her insides winding tighter as she reached for that sweet spot when she could let everything go and tumble into a sparkling place of pure bliss. Their rhythm quickened and her breathing matched—happy gasps as her body started to unravel.

  “Yes, oh yeah, baby. Come for me.”

  Michael’s breath tickled her ear. She tightened her arms around his back and fought the urge to use her nails to grab hold and hang on. She arched one last time, her whole body tense and then her muscles relaxed as delicious little shudders rocked her. Moments later, he joined her in release. She turned loose long enough to cup his cheeks in her palms so she could kiss him.

  Once his breathing returned to somewhat normal levels, he broke the kiss and murmured against her lips. “That’s the best gift I’ve ever gotten, sweetheart.”

  Kelly pushed back against the pillow so she could see his expression. He looked absolutely serious. She felt heat rise in her cheeks. “Yeah. It was, wasn’t it!”