Page 110 of I Promise You
I’m alone, just like I wanted. I should go home. Maybe I can sneak away and call an Uber. I twirl my cross necklace, as I watch the snow continue to fall around me. Thick patches of snow lay on top of the wood. I lean on my forearm…wondering why the hell I didn’t grab my coat on the way out.
Then I hear the door open and slight music with drunken men’s chatter escape, and I know I’m not alone anymore. Someone else or another couple has also stepped outside, trying to get away from the madness.
“Aren’t you cold?”
I turn around to that familiar sunshine voice.
Kane.
I lean against the porch, palming it for balance.
I’m really drunk. This can’t be good.
“Kane,” I greet him with a soft smile before looking away. My heart sinks when I realize it’s not Danny. “I think I just need to be alone. At least for a few minutes before I go back inside.” I turn away, my open back facing him again, and I watch white clouds of air escape from my lips as I breathe.
“Is something wrong?” He steps closer, and I shake my head, closing my eyes, still not facing him. The only thing I feel is the snow that bites my fingers.
“No, I’m okay. I just need to be alone.”
“No, something’s wrong. I’m not leaving until you tell me.” His deep voice rumbles with concern.
“I’m fine!” I look at the sunshine operator to my right, crossing my arms, growing colder by the second. I force a smile at him through teary eyes.
His black hair has loose strands that fall over his forehead, and his dark eyes look for mine, but I turn away from him, not wanting him to read me so quickly.
“Ari, I know you’re not fine.”
“Okay, you win. I’m not.” I shrug aggressively, defeated. I still can’t look at him because I’m tired of people seeing me like this.
Shivers run up my spine as a gush of crisp air hits my open back.
It’s so fucking cold out here.
“I know something that might make you feel better. Maybe with the right person.”
I roll my eyes, sighing before I turn to him.
“Right person? What? What could make me feel better after this fucked up year I’ve had?”
I stare at him with doubt, and I find him with his hands deep into the pockets of his uniform.
He’s breathing fast, and his dark blue eyes soften with patience.
But he doesn’t say anything as I wait.
Then he makes a move. A move I never expected someone like him to do.
“Fuck it,” Kane closes the distance and kisses me aggressively, cupping my cheeks in both hands, forcing himself on me. My eyes bulge when I taste the vodka on his tongue as hekisses me. He must be drunk. Then he bites my lip harder than Danny ever has, cutting deep.
He’s never overstepped. He’s always been so gentlemanly. The type of man that always asks for consent.
I push him away hard. I can’t believe he did that.
“Kane, no! Stop this! What has gotten into you?” I stumble backward, creating space between us. “You’re with Meredith!” I yell, touching my bleeding lip. “This is wrong!”
“Fuck, Ari. I’m sorry. But I’m done hiding.” He grips the railing tight, looking at me with determination, rocking on his feet. “I want you. I’ve wanted you since the day we met. I can’t do this anymore. I know it’s wrong. But fuck it, I don’t care.”
“You should care, Kane! Look. I love you—” His lips curve slightly with hope.
