Page 4 of Just a Little Promise

She managed to stifle the initial jolt of panic that shot through her at being grabbed so unexpectedly—PTSD at its finest, thanks to Jack—and blurted out an apology while staring at the man’s throat.

“I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying attention—”

“Skye.”

The man said just one word—her name—and his deep, husky voice stirred something intimately familiar inside of her. She jerked her head back and looked into seductive green eyes she’d never believed she’d see again.

As if her thoughts had conjured him, Tripp Daniels stood in front of her, a sexy smile quirking up the corners of his lips. Her breath left her lungs in a rush as she stared at his handsome face in wide-eyed shock, which quickly gave way to something she hadn’t felt in a very long time. Years, in fact.

Undeniable desire.

Instantaneous attraction.

It all came flooding back, nearly overwhelming her, as if they’d never parted ways. The heat of his hands on her arms spread through her and the gentle sweep of his thumbs on her bare skin made her shiver with pleasure.

It was all she could do to keep her composure.

Still stunned and flustered at their unexpected run-in, all she could manage was a squeaky, high-pitched, awkward, “Hi!”

So much for being cool, calm, and collected.

Chapter Two

Light, female laughtergrabbed Tripp’s attention and made him turn his head, but it was the woman’s familiar profile that kept him riveted. Silky blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft waves as she chatted with the woman seated next to her, revealing a delicate silhouette he’d memorized years ago as she’d slept peacefully beside him. Right before he’d made the decision to break things off with her.

The slightly upturned nose, elegant cheekbones, and the sensual curve of her full lips. Yeah, those features were still emblazoned in his mind, no matter how hard he’d tried to forget her.

Or maybe he was just projecting what hewantedto see.

Was it Skye? Doubtful. Last he knew, she was living in Boston with her husband, probably with the three kids she’d wanted, and living a charmed life. Because seriously, what were the chances that they’d end up crossing paths in one of the hundreds of bars in New York City after five long years?

But the more he looked and watched her, he caught little quirks that were uniquely Skye’s. He recognized the way she dipped her head when she laughed, and those cute, fluttering hand gestures she made when she was trying to describe something.

Holy shit,it was her.

“You keep staring at that woman at the bar like you want to eat her for dessert,” Tripp’s friend said, his tone both amused and intrigued. “Maybe you should before I do.”

Tripp finally looked away from Skye and glanced back at Hudson, who was also his business partner. They’d decided to come here for drinks and appetizers after a long day at the Children’s Community Clinic, where they’d spent the afternoon giving much needed vaccinations to children of low income families. It was something they did every other month—along with their other partner, Brett—donating their time and the cost of the various immunizations to help families without health insurance.

Tripp didn’t miss the interest in Hudson’s eyes. Even at forty-eight, he was still a good-looking guy. He had that whole distinguished, graying at the temples thing going for him, at least according to Amy, their receptionist. Hudson worked out daily and he was also charming and charismatic when he wanted to be. Now that he was divorced, Hudson didn’t hesitate to play the field and he seemed to have an eye for the younger ladies. Blondes, especially. Which was why he was not-so-subtly expressing interest in Skye.

Tripp found himself bristling, which was ridiculous considering he had no right to be possessive of a long ago ex. Besides, as far as he knew, Skye wasn’t single or available.

“Actually, I know her,” he admitted to his friend.

Hudson’s brows raised high. “And you’re still sitting here with me when you could be with someone likeherfor the night?” he asked incredulously. “I mean, if you’re not interested—”

“She’s married,” Tripp said pointedly, knowing that was one line his friend would never cross.

Hudson glanced back at Skye and stared at her for a moment before saying, “Are you sure about that? I don’t see a ring on her finger.”

Tripp turned his head back to Skye so quickly, he almost gave himself whiplash. He watched and waited for her to lift her left hand, and sure enough, it was completely bare, which really didn’t prove or disprove her marital status. But if Skye wasTripp’swife, he knew for damn sure he’d make certain she wore her wedding ring while out at a bar without him so guys would think twice before hitting on her. So every man in the place would know she was his.

But she hadn’t been his in years. And now, at the age of thirty-six, he could honestly say that letting her go was one of the biggest regrets of his adult life—even if he believed he’d been doing the right thing at the time.

“So,howdo you know her?” Hudson asked curiously.

He drank the last of his bourbon before replying. “We met while I was living in Boston and attending BU Med, and we dated for a few months.”

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