Promised (The Promised Series)

wrap his hand around my neck, pulling me to him. My eyes fall closed as I feel his lips a hair breadth away from mine. And somehow, I know he’s smiling and I can’t stop myself from smiling too. But it only lasts for a moment because his lips take mine in a kiss so gentle, so sweet, that the only thing that exists anymore is his lips on mine.
    His hand at my neck slips up into my hair and I reach out and latch onto the material of his Henley. Partly to pull him closer, but mostly because I need to anchor myself to something so I know that what I’m feeling is real and not me dying and going to heaven.
    I pull back to break the kiss and I rest my forehead against his. I’m smiling as I say. “I guess that blows the only friends idea out of the water.”
    “I’ll be whatever you’ll let me be.” He rumbles.
    “Then be my Linc.”
    “You’ll be my Wyn?” He asks.
    “I can’t give you forever, but I can give you now.” I tell him, though I really wish I could give him forever because forever in this boy’s arms would be heaven.
    “What about the guy you’re suppose to…” He can’t finish the sentence. I can’t blame him and I don’t want him to bring it up while I can still taste his lips on mine.
    “They haven’t announced the engagement, yet. And when they do, I have to marry him. But until they make me, I won’t be with him like this. He may have my hand, but he won’t have me. Not like you do.” It’s the only promise I can make him. I’ve been holding out hope that Shay changed his mind, but I know that hope isn’t enough and it’s only a matter of time until they force his ring on my finger.
    “Then I’ll be your Linc and you’ll be my Wyn.” He states gently, squeezing my neck before releasing his hold to slide that hand along my jaw line. He tilts my head up so we’re looking in each other’s eyes. Then with his eyes locked on mine, he leans in and captures my lips again. Neither of us closes our eyes as we drink in the new love that’s reflecting there. And our mouths take in each other’s breath.
    ********************************
    From the driveway, I can hear the music and laughter that’s filling my parent’s house. The whole extended family has gathered to celebrate the season and it’s going to make for a long night, especially when all I want to do is hide in my room and replay that kiss in my head, over and over.
    “Come on, Wyn.” Dani calls over her shoulder. “If you don’t come in, they’ll all come out to find you. And you know the cops got called the last time we took the party into the streets.”
    “That’s the last thing we need.” I cringe at the memory of the cops showing up here on Thanksgiving, when my brothers and cousins had decided to hold a boxing match in the middle of the road. The neighbors didn’t care too much for the noise and blood spots staining their streets. They had promptly called the cops after only a few rounds. Almost half the family was hauled into jail that day, including my dad and brothers. Needless to say, Mom wasn’t too happy about her party being broken up, though she put the blame on the neighbors instead of the family. I definitely don’t want to have the blame thrown at me this time. So pouting, I stomp the rest of the way into the house.
    The house is packed with family, friends of the family, friends of the family friends, and people who heard about the party from those friends. I can only name half the people here, if that, but this is the norm when it comes to a family get together. The louder, the bigger, and the more people you don’t know, the better.
    A group of girls below me in age stand huddled together a few feet from me. All decked out in different versions of the same bright colored outfit…short, tight skirts with low-cut, tight tops and five inch heels. Not to mention, covered in glitter, sequins, fake diamonds, or some other bling; it doesn’t matter as long as it sparkles. I want to shake my head at their outrageous get-ups, but I know that’s rude. And honestly, I’m the outsider here and it’s best not to advertise it any more than I already do. So I ignore them and move further into the room to make my presence known to my actual family members.
    I find Adam first, standing with a beer tipped to his lips and his free arm around Dani. He’s deep in conversation with one of his friends so I slide in beside him and put my arm around his waist, giving him a little hug.
    He drops the