Free I Promise by Adrianne Byrd

confessed her feelings toward Malcolm sooner? Why hadn’t Christian noticed it for herself?
    Jordan parked in front of her building, then cut the engine. An awkward silence spanned between them.
    â€œWell, here we are.”
    Christian laughed at the cliché line. “So we are.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” he said, shaking his head.
    They laughed, then fell silent again.
    â€œIt seems we keep saying goodbye,” she commented.
    He nodded. “Are you still leaving tomorrow?”
    â€œYeah. I have a nine o’clock flight.”
    â€œI don’t know you, yet, I have a feeling that I’m going to miss you.”
    Her heart fluttered as her gaze met his. The intensity in his eyes stripped her defenses. She would never confuse the brothers again.
    â€œThanks for bringing me home.” She positioned her purse strap over her shoulder and reached for the door handle.
    â€œIt was my pleasure. Again, I apologize for my brother’s behavior tonight.” He reached for his door handle. “Let me walk you to your door.”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary.” She got out of the car, then shut the door.
    Glancing up to her window, she wasn’t looking forward to being alone.
    Jordan started the car.
    The rain picked up its pace.
    And still, she hesitated.
    This was crazy. She turned back toward the car and reopened the door.
    â€œWould you like to come up for a nightcap?”
    Â 
    Alex wiped the few tears she’d allowed herself as she drove off the Williams’ estate. When it came to hiding her emotions, she was an expert. Lately, she didn’t understand her own emotions. Her feelings for Malcolm didn’t make sense.
    Most of what Christian had said was true. Malcolm was a relentless womanizer. She had no doubts that the only reason he wanted Christian was because she didn’t fall for his charms. In fact, she was probably the only woman who had ever told him “no.”
    Alex laughed. It didn’t make sense. He was completely wrong for her. He was temperamental, obnoxious, and just plain spoiled. Yet, her heart ignored all of that, and convinced her that there was more to this man. And at times, she caught a glimpse of his other side.
    Highway 285’s dark lanes stretched before her. She set the car on cruise control while her thoughts traveled to the past, to the first time she’d ever laid eyes on Malcolm.
    In truth, she’d heard about him through the rumor mill at Opulence. He’d dated all the other models the company had ever hired. He was an equal-opportunity womanizer. Black, white, yellow, it made no difference to him.
    She believed he loved the idea of being in love. He worked his magic with women with his devilishly handsome looks. He could be angelically charming and sweep most women off their feet.
    Women often fell in love with the die-hard bachelor. His womanizing also caused friction among the Opulence models whenever one learned about the other. At best, it was a soap opera, and he loved the attention.
    Alex had laughed at the women’s antics. She often found herself chastising Malcolm for playing the women. He, of course, accused her of being a player-hater. That was the beginning of their friendship.
    When exactly had she fallen in love with him? She didn’t know. Malcolm had often joked that he could never ask her out because it would be like dating a sister, which was fine with her…in the beginning. She didn’t want to be another notch on his bedpost. She did want something more. Until last night, she didn’t believe he was capable of giving it.
    It hurt like hell, when after she’d introduced Malcolm to Christian, he’d fallen hard and fast. She didn’t blame him really. Chris was a beautiful woman; however, she was unable and unwilling to commit emotionally. For that, Alex was grateful.
    Â 
    Christian opened the door to the dormitory and flipped on the light switch. The