Promised (The Promised Series)

comes up to look in my eyes. I know if I just lean in, I could share my first kiss with him. And I want to so bad, but I’m afraid to move. To take that step that’ll lead me away from the path my parents have set for me. And somehow I know that out of respect for me, he won’t make the first move. If this is to go somewhere, I have to start it.
    I suck my bottom lip in between my teeth. Releasing it, I draw in a deep breath. This is it. I want to take this step. I want to share this with him. I take one more deep breath and release it to gather my courage; then I close my eyes and lean forward. I feel the warmth of his breath on my lips, only a little closer and our lips will be touching.
    Headlights shining across the front of the car cause us to jump apart. The moment’s gone and I’ve lost that little bit of courage I worked up. I look out the window at the car that halted us and see that it’s Dani.
    “That’s my ride.” I say on a shaky sigh.
    Instead of answering, he gives me a nod. The air in the car is still thick with the memory of what almost happened and I know he’s too busy processing it to say anything.
    “I’ll see you tomorrow, Linc.” I whisper. I’m out of his car and crossing the parking lot to hop into Dani’s car before he can respond.
    “Who is that?” Dani asks as I fasten my seat belt. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop myself. I look over and see Linc’s car still sitting there.
    “That’s the new guy at school.” I know I don’t need to lie to Dani. I know she’ll keep my secrets, just like I always kept hers.
    “Spill.” She says though she isn’t watching me. Her eyes are still locked on the classic car that has yet to move. If one of us doesn’t leave, I’m going to end up going back over there to finish what I almost started.
    “I will, once you get us out of here.” I tell her.
    She pulls her eyes off the car and looks me over. Taking in my flushed face and the rush of adrenaline that’s causing my hands to shake, she asks. “Did he cross a line he shouldn’t have?”
    “No.” I grip my hands together and place them in my lap to hide the shaking that hasn’t stopped.
    “Wyn, I’m not kidding, tell me now. Did that Gorger cross the line?” Her tiny, pregnant frame is radiating anger. I’m not sure what she thinks she’d be able to do to defend my honor if he had crossed the line.
    “No, Dani. I swear he didn’t do a thing, but I almost did. So please drive. I swear I’ll tell you everything as soon as you get us away from here.” I turn in my seat to look her in the eyes.
    She looks me over once more. Then with a nod, she turns and shifts the car into gear, taking me away from the scene of my weaknesses.
    With the children’s center firmly behind us, Dani finally speaks. “Are you rebelling because of what I told you about Shay?”
    “No. Yes. Maybe. Heck, Dani, I don’t know.” I admit honestly, laying my head back against the head rest. Is the eminent end of my single life the reason I’m gravitating towards Linc, or am I honestly falling for him? Only time will tell and I’m not sure I’ll have that luxury long enough to find out.
    “Okay. Well, tell me about him.” I knew Dani wouldn’t judge me. She may want the gypsy happily ever after, but she’s always respected the fact that I don’t.
    “His eyes are like liquid gold. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful.” I turn my head and smile at her.
    She returns my smile, but doesn’t say anything. I take that as my cue to continue.
    “He’s tall, easily taller than Adam.” I pause to nibble on my lower lip and then I continue. “He’s delicious. He’s built with arms I want wrapped around me and his hair is cropped. And to top it all off, he’s the sweetest guy I’ve ever met.”
    To prove my point, I pull the small Tupperware container out of my bag and hold it up for her to see.
    “What’s that?” She asks, her brow furrowed in confusion.
    “A sprinkle cupcake with sprinkles in the icing.”
    “He bought you a sprinkle cupcake.”
    “He made me a sprinkle cupcake when he was helping his mom make cupcakes.” I correct her.
    “Wow!” She stares at the container like it holds precious gems. “I love your brother and he’s bought me and our future child tons of stuff, but he’s never made me something.”
    “Yeah, I know.” I state as I stare at the container too.
    “Dang it!” She yells and slams her fist against the steering wheel.
    “Um,