Read Online I Promise by Adrianne Byrd - Free Book Online Page B

want to talk,” she replied, wanting to kick herself.
    â€œI don’t want to drag you into the middle of this. You’re Christian’s best friend.”
    They fell silent again. When he failed to make a move to get out of the car, Alex concluded that he did want to talk.
    â€œYou know I was really surprised when you proposed last night.” Alex forced the words out of her mouth.
    Malcolm laughed and shook his head. “Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part. I don’t know. She’s beautiful, independent, strong, but at the same time, there is such fragility to her. Something about her makes you want to just…take care of her. I don’t know how to explain it.”
    Alex concluded that she must be a glutton for punishment tonight. There was no other way to explain her line of questioning.
    â€œShe wouldn’t let me, though,” he added, reflectively. “She never would let me get too close. Why is that?” He looked at Alex.
    She shrugged. Christian had her reasons, but Alex would never tell.
    â€œI had everything planned. I was prepared to join my dad at Opulence, look for a starter home, and just settle down.”
    â€œI would have never figured you for the settling-down type.”
    â€œAt one time, I would have agreed with you. But now…I want…more. What about you? Don’t you ever just want more?”
    Definitely a glutton for punishment . “I know I want a successful career, a home like this.” She swept her hand in front of her to indicate the Williams’ estate.
    â€œNo, I don’t mean something as shallow as material things.”
    Alex laughed. “It’s real easy for someone who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth to say something like that.” She shook her head and became serious. “I fought against the odds to make it here. To attend GSU. My whole family is waiting on me to make something of my life, to achieve something no one else has. You don’t know what that kind of pressure is like.”
    â€œYou know, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I may have been born with a silver spoon in my mouth, but that spoon has a price. I didn’t realize that until recently.” He paused as if in deep thought. “All the men in my family have gone on to achieve great success. My brother will no doubt be another one. Can you imagine trying to compete with doctors, congressmen, and presidents of corporations?” “No.”
    â€œBut maybe you’re right.” Malcolm announced with conviction. “Maybe, I’m not the settling-down type. It’s time I start looking out for number one. Focused on a career.”
    There I go, putting my foot in my mouth again . “What will you do?”
    â€œOpulence. I have a few ideas. Someone needs to help the company prepare for the twenty-first century.”
    â€œWell, I’m sure you’re the one who can do it.”
    â€œThanks, Alex.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I know what I have to do now.”
    â€œDon’t mention it,” she mumbled as he turned and got out of the car.

Chapter 8
    C hristian gazed out of the car window. Atlanta was beautiful at night. The city came alive with the hustle and bustle of the weekend crowd.
    Jazz played soft and low over the car stereo while a gentle breeze from the air conditioner mellowed her mood. At this point, she wanted to crawl into bed, and forget that this night had ever happened.
    Home. At least by this time tomorrow, she’d be home. A light drizzle of rain spotted the windshield. She hoped that they would make it back to the dormitory before a potential downpour.
    â€œWhich building?” Jordan broke into her thoughts.
    â€œThe last one on the right.” She stole a glance at him and shook her head. She marveled at the differences between the brothers.
    Her thoughts returned to Alex’s confession tonight. Why hadn’t she