Free Pinkie Promises (A Promises Novella #1) by Renea Porter Page A

pillow as he faces me.
    “Yeah. You were fast asleep by the time I got out of the shower.”
    “I was a bit tipsy, and it was a long day. But we have the rest of today, and then we’ll leave tomorrow morning.”
    “Sounds good.”
    “I’m going to grab a shower, and then we can go downstairs and tell Jane and the gang goodbye.”
    When Jace goes to shower, I quickly change into my black bathing suit and throw on a pair of white shorts and a red, one-shoulder tank top. I leave my hair in a bun on top of my head from the night before, but adjust it a little. And I leave my face in its natural state. Normally, I wouldn’t leave the house without at least a coating of mascara on my lashes. But who needs makeup when you have the beach? Once I dress, I head downstairs.
    “Well, hello, party people,” Jane teases. “You and Jace got in late.”
    “I think we were one of the last ones to leave. It was fun, though. Where’s your Mom?” I fill up a mug with coffee and grab a muffin that Janice has out for us. I sit on the barstool next to Jane.
    “Mom and Dad went antiquing.”
    Moments later, Jace joins us.
    “There is the life of the party,” Jane announces.
    “Yeah. You guys left early.”
    “The kids were getting cranky.”
    “Mmmm hmmm.” Jace and I share a look. I think she and Roger wanted some alone time. It seems Jace and I share the same thought.
    Roger comes in from loading their luggage in the car. “We should get going.”
    Jace and I hug them all goodbye, and wave as they pull out of the driveway. Then it’s just us two.
    “Do you want to go for a walk along the beach before it gets crowded?”
    “Yeah, sure.” I follow Jace out as he slides the glass doors open. I close it behind us. We walk close to water’s edge, where it rushes in to touch our toes. I can tell Jace has something on his mind. I give him time to sort out his thoughts while we walk. The beach isn’t crowded yet, and I take in the serenity as silence envelopes us. The surprising thing is Jace is holding my hand. This time it’s not for show.
    Jace finally starts to speak. “I am just going to come out and say I’m in love with someone.”
    My heart drops.
    “And she’s my best friend. I made it clear last night I’m nothing like my brother. I’d never hurt you in any way. I’ve only ever loved you. I chose you when I was sixteen. But I was afraid we were too young to know what love was, or that I’d fuck it up somehow. And I’d never want to lose our friendship. It’s always been me and you. I love you. I never have wanted anyone else.”
    My heart stops.
    He continues. “Whether you feel the same or not, I had to let my feelings known because I can’t keep it inside anymore. No matter what, we’ll always be friends. But I’d really like to be more than friends. You are the only one I see a future with, and you already fit into the family.”
    I wait a few beats before speaking. My thoughts are trying to catch up to everything he said.
    “Since you were so brutally honest, I am going to confess that I’m in love with you, too. Head over heels in love, as stupid and cliché as it sounds. It took me a little longer to realize you are the one I want. The one that’s been right there all along. I want to be with you. And those lips…geez...they freaking branded me. This weekend really opened my eyes to the possibility of us. I was playing the part, but it was real. It feels real.”
    “Come here.” Jace pulls me into him, and kisses me passionately this time. The water swooshes in and licks our feet. “God. I love kissing you.”
    I try to catch my breath as I say, “I don’t mind it at all.” I laugh, and we turn and head back toward the house.
    Jace asks, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
    “In five years, I hope my career continues growing. I hope to be married, have a toddler, and a baby on the way. Do you want kids?”
    “Of course. Hey. Why don’t we get married?”
    At first, I think