The Promise by Mahlatse Mokone (most interesting books to read TXT) 📕

“Mom and Dad did not ask us to do anything, did they?” I asked knowingly as I watched Brandon take off his Ray-Ban aviators walking towards JT’s door.

“Nope.” He said and he opened the door and got out, I watched as they shared a comradely handshake and Brandon got in replacing JT. This was the ploy all along, getting Brandon alone with me where they know I wouldn’t try to escape.

This is exactly what I didn’t want; given the chance Brandon could sweet-talk me into anything, even forgetting that he broke my heart.

“Hello princess.” He said nonchalantly, I didn’t even reply as I reached for the door handle but it was locked. I sat back on the chair, closing my eyes for a second.

“Brandon, let me out.” I said quietly, “I’m afraid I cant do that.” He said, JT walked over to my window and he rolled it down.

“Damn it JT, one of you better let me out of this damn car right now.” I said more sharply “Relax will you, you and Carter are just going for a ride, you need to talk.” He said. “Do I look like I want to talk!” I hissed.

“And if you weren’t so stubborn we wouldn’t be resorting to such extremes.” He said. He was a traitor! Not so long ago he seemed determined to protect me from Brandon, what’s changed?

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my girlfriend.” He said then he nodded towards Brandon before he walked away. Of course there was no cousin, Tess was in this too, she was a traitor too!

“Tell Tess I’m mad at her too!” I called after JT but he ignored me. He got into Brandon’s Audi and drove off. I folded my arms with a huff and groaned inwardly after taking a huge whiff of Brandon’s scent. I turned my glare on him and a small smile tugged on the corners of his lips.

“I’ve always loved your temper.” He said, “Oh Don’t.” I scoffed “So you and my brother are like friends now? You know I knew you’d get to him too.” I said and he shook him head. “No were not, your brother is very head strong. We just have an understanding, were both on the same team.” He said.

“Oh yeah? And what team is that?” I asked, still angry.

“It’s called the we-want-Katelyn-happy club, you should join.” He said his own voice clipped.

“No shit.” I retorted and his jaw clenched as he watched me with frustrated sadness in his grey eyes. I felt a twinge of guilt, I knew I was being a bitch but I was not backing down.

“You’re not going to make this easy for me, are you?” he asked with a low measured voice.

“No.” I said more softly. He nodded starting the car “I figured, but like I said, I’m not easily deterred. Besides we have all afternoon.” He said pulling out of the pathway and back onto the road.

“Alright, lets talk about what happened and what you think you saw.” He said and I snorted, “What I think I saw? I’m pretty sure I saw you sticking your tongue down Adrianna’s throat.” I said.

“Would you just shut up and listen for one second!” he shouted his eyes flashing before he turned them back on the road. I clasped my mouth shut, stunned for a second. Brandon has never shouted at me before, he never had reason to.

He took a deep breath “Unfortunately you’re not the only one who’s on edge today princess, my patience is wearing thin.” He said softly, his tone apologetic. I kept quiet causing him to briefly glance in my direction again before he continued.

“This would’ve happened way sooner, but your brother asked me to give you some space.” He said with a grimace, indicating that he hadn’t liked the idea at all. I thought back on the last two weeks, I thought he was done with me. Somehow knowing that he hadn’t given up on me gave me slight pleasure.

“But I’ve just about had it with waiting, we’re going to resolve this today.” He said

“Are we going to your house?” I finally asked and he shook his head.

“I thought we both might need mutual territory.” He said. There was a pause for a few minutes, with only music softly playing in the car.

“I’ve figured out the real root of the problem here. It’s not even about my supposed cheating.” He said, “You don’t trust me. You never did,” he added and I swallowed hard. “You just thought we both could live with that. I can’t say that I blame you…but I really hope I can change that.” He whispered.

I looked out the window; I knew he’d be able to peel off every last bit of my shell. A hot tear rolled down my cheek and I didn’t bother to wipe it away.

“Why are you doing this? Why not save yourself the trouble?” I asked, I certainly was not irreplaceable; I knew that. “Unfortunately I’m in way too deep to do that.” He said, feeling his gaze on me, I turned to look at him. I saw some of his vulnerability, which soothed my own. “I can’t let you go now princess, not when I’m falling in love you with you.” He added.

We stopped by at a recreational park in the hills; we had our first ever official date here. We had a picnic and a really unforgettable time, I realized then just how crazy I was about him.

He opened the door for me and helped me out; I was still reeling from his earlier confession. I didn’t dare inquire further though out of some stupid fear that he’d take it back. We settled into a wooden bench.

“After you went to the bathroom and didn’t come back I went after you.” He continued his side of the story “I ran into Adrianna and she told me you were still in there, she dragged me down the corridor with the excuse that she wanted to talk to me,” he said then he shook his head. “She spent a couple of minutes blabbing about trivia things, I wanted to ditch her but she wouldn’t let me leave.” He added and I listened silently.

“Soon thereafter she received a text, which no doubt was from a friend, her entire demeanor changed. I didn’t understand why that was until she came onto me and you appeared seconds later.” He said and I gasped, suddenly everything made sense.

“Brea. Brea sent that text.” I whispered, still shocked, but it made perfect sense. Her confidence, she knew I’d find them at the right place at the right time because they both orchestrated it perfectly. Brandon raised an eyebrow in confusion and I realized that we were both played.

“I was with her in the bathroom, that’s why I took so long.” I said “She told me that you and Adrianna have been seeing each other behind my back and that she saw you two kissing.” I said. His brows furrowed, as it dawned on him too.

“Adrianna kept me distracted while Brea planted a seed of doubt in your head.” He said “Then she sent you to me knowing very well that what you’d find will confirm what she’s been telling you.” He added and I could hear the disgust and anger in his tone.

“I didn’t know what to believe…I was so heartbroken.” I said and my voice broke and he took me into his arms. I leaned my head against his shoulder and he gently swept my hair out of my face.

“I know; I don’t blame you. It all comes back to what I’ve been saying; you didn’t trust me. If you did, you would’ve went to look for me back in the auditorium.” He said “Honest to God Katelyn, where would I find the time to see Adrianna when I’m constantly following you around like a lovesick puppy?” he said.

I sniffed back the tears that where threatening to spill, “I know, that was my initial thought too.” I said and he gave me a look “Was it now?” he asked in mock offense. I punched his arm playfully “You know that’s not what I meant.” I said and he shrugged “Actually everybody knows I’m crazy about you, except you.” He said and I nodded sadly to myself.

“What do we do now?” I asked and he looked forward.

“Well for one I’d like my princess back.” He said with a measured and careful voice, I smiled realizing that I’m not the only one with moments of doubt. I went back into his arms and he held me tighter.

“I’m not going to ask you to trust me, I realize that I have to earn that and I’m willing to do that.” He said softly.

We sat at the park for a while and the sun was starting to go down “Lets get out of here.” I said and he looked at me questioningly “And go where? Should I take you home?” he asked and I shook my head, “Your house.” I said; I didn’t know why I wanted to go there, I guess I missed the place, just like I missed the person living in it. After a moment of apprehension he agreed and we stood up.

CHAPTER 19

His house was empty when we got there, except for a housekeeper; who welcomed us at the entrance hall before walking away after a parting smile.

“Where’s your family?” I asked as we went into the great room, “They went away to a ski resort for the weekend.” He said, “They wanted me to come with but I refused, I wasn’t up for it.” He said and I frowned.

“You’re here alone?” I asked, even though that was quite obvious, he must’ve caught what I meant because he chuckled warily.

“I’m used to it.” He said with a shrug “When I was younger I used to remain with the staff whenever Dad went on a business trip.” He added; I shook my head, imagining how that must’ve felt like.

“You must’ve been lonely sometimes.” I said and he dismissed it with his hand “Would you like something?” he asked walking over to the kitchen island.

“That mean milkshake you make, I miss it.” I said and he chuckled, “Coming right up, I’ll be right back okay?” he asked “Sure.” I said then he disappeared into what I presumed was the pantry.

I stood up and walked around the great room then found myself going up the staircase towards his bedroom. I opened the door and walked inside, for a moment I felt like I was intruding then remembered that I’d been in here a couple of times before.

I walked over to his queen-sized bed where his jacket lay, I picked it up and pressed it to my face and inhaled. I smiled at the thought that I looked like a stalker; I put it down and sank to the edge of the bed. I ran my hand over the soft duvet remembering all the make-out sessions we’ve had on this very bed. There’s no denying that I want Brandon physically or is that my raging hormones talking? Once again I thought back to that night in his tent.

The door opened and I saw Brandon come in with a glass of milkshake, I smiled “I thought you bailed out on me,” he teased as he walked over to me. He crouched down in front of me and gave me the glass; I took it and placed it on the nightstand. His brows furrowed in confusion, I took a deep breath.

“Remember that night you said you’d wait for me?” I asked and he cocked his head to the side “I’m ready.” I whispered and I watched his grey eyes widen then blink a few times. For once I took Brandon Carter off guard, hell I even