A Promise Kept (17 page)

“What happened?”

“We knew each other in high school, but I ran into her a few years after graduating when she was attending college in New York. I was working at a casting office and auditioning for plays and films. We started dating and eventually moved in together.”

He sniffed a moment and shook his head. “I was just over-the-moon for her. I proposed, she said yes, but things were tough. I was a struggling actor.”

“Then what?”

“I was getting more roles, started making a name for myself in the industry. I needed to move to L.A. sooner or later, and I expected her to go with me.” He sighed, giving a small laugh.

“She didn’t want to.”

“No. She hated the idea of the fame I was gaining. She wanted to come back to Cohasset. She broke it off with me. I begged her not to, but she knew better.”

“When did all that happen?”

“I was young, Grace. I focused on my career, she’s built a family and found stability. But rejection from someone you love always hurts, even if it was the right thing to happen.”

“Do you miss her?”

“I did for a long time, but not now. We weren’t right for each other.” The silence was thick as she stared at him with those mocha eyes. And he knew why he wasn’t affected by seeing Christy. It hit him so strong, a force unlike any he’d felt before. He wanted Grace. “It wasn’t meant to be, Gracie.”

Her lips parted and she held her breath as she grabbed his hand and kissed his palm. “I’m still sorry that happened to you, Evan.”

“I became numb to the idea of an intimate relationship for so long because it’s easier that way. And you know all about that, babe. You do it too.”

“No, I don’t.” She became flustered as she released his hand.

“Yeah, Gracie, you do, sweetheart. Just in a different style.”

“When did this become a therapy session about me? We were talking about your issues, not mine.”

He closed his eyes, resting his hands on the wheel in front of him. “Gracie, you’re always shutting yourself off.” He looked at her as she stared straight ahead. He wanted all of her, not just the small part she was giving, and he was trying to maintain his impatience. “Sooner or later, you’ll have to let me in.”

“We better hit the road. I’m sure your mom is waiting for this stuff.” Her phone chimed and she reached in her pocket. She took one look at the screen and rolled her eyes. He had a feeling he knew who it was.

“You can take the call if you want.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s a text.”

“Your mom?” He glanced as he began to drive. She nodded. “Isn’t it good that she keeps in touch? Let her know you’re okay at least.”

She shook her head. “I’ll text her later. I don’t need her making me feel bad about myself right now. I’m edgy enough as it is.”

He grabbed her hand and kissed it. “Gracie, don’t be worried. My family’s awesome.”

Their day had just started and they had already run into his ex and had a large discussion over a part of his past. What a hell of a revelation to have on Thanksgiving Day, but now that Evan knew what he wanted for his future, he had to make sure Grace craved it just as much as he did. If she wasn’t on the same page as he was, they would fail epically, and he wasn’t ready to let that happen.

H
e had been engaged
. He wanted to get married to that woman. Grace never took Evan to be the settling-down type. She had a new perception of him that hadn’t been expected. He was once a normal guy, who dated and fell in love with a normal girl, and in the process, had gotten his heart broken. It was a very common story with uncommon circumstances. Evan had become famous, and Christy couldn’t handle it. He kept meaningful relationships at a distance to protect himself, just like Grace did.

The road led to a gorgeous colonial house that looked out of a fairy tale. Grace gripped her hands tight trying to calm the nerves she felt. Regret panged through her and she wished she hadn’t agreed to this trip. It was bad enough she found Evan generous, funny, and handsome as hell, but now he was introducing her to his family. Letting her enter his world was something Grace had never imagined happening, and the more she was stepping in, the more she was getting caught and never wanting to leave.

“This looks like a Thomas Kinkade painting.”

“This is home,” Evan announced with a serene expression as they exited the car.

He opened the front door and let Grace enter first. The two-story home was expansive, with high ceilings and wood floors. Smells of turkey and spices filled her nostrils. The brick fireplace was burning in the large, open living room, and she felt an instant balminess that gave her comfort. It was lavish but cozy and welcoming. She loved it.

“Mom, we’re here!” Evan called out.

A woman with short, blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes emerged from the kitchen. As she approached them, Grace saw where he had gotten his attractiveness from, especially the perfect nose and sharp jawline.

“Finally. Did you bring the dinner rolls?” The attractive older woman wiped her hands on a towel that wrapped around her waist and embraced Evan tightly as he then gave her a kiss on her cheek. “I missed you, honey.”

“Missed you too, Mah.” She was the exemplification of what home meant. Her warm character showed a beautiful, open, and strong lady. Grace often wondered how things would have been if her mother had been the type to be loving and encouraging. That was a resentment she had left behind long ago, but once in a blue moon, she had pondered how different her life would be.

Before Evan had a chance to introduce her, a tall, sporty-looking blonde rammed her shoulder into Evan. “Oh, it’s
you
.” The girl’s tone was mocking as he grabbed her and put her in a headlock, mussing her hair. “Ouch, stop. You know I missed you, dork.”

The two of them hugged before all sets of eyes landed on Grace. He placed an arm around his mother’s shoulders. “Gracie, this is my mother, Rebecca, and my baby sister, Hilary—the adopted one.” He grunted when she punched him in the stomach.

Grace’s cheeks heated as she smiled. Rebecca brushed off Evan’s arm and engulfed Grace in hers. “Hello, sweetheart, I’ve heard great things about you. Welcome to our home. If you need anything at all just let us know.”

“Thank you, Ms. Matthews.”

“Oh, no, honey. Call me Rebecca.” She reached out and placed both hands on Grace’s cheeks, examining her with flourishing affection. “You’ve been making Evan so happy. I’m just so thrilled you came with him on this trip.”

Grace gave a nervous chuckle and amiably replied, “I’m thrilled to be here and it’s lovely to meet you.”

Evan’s mother’s eyes shined as she nodded, taking the bag of groceries that hung from Evan’s wrist. “I gotta check the stuffing, but Evan, give Grace a tour of the house, be a good host and offer her a drink. Use your manners,” Rebecca stated as she walked back.

Hilary was standing with her arms crossed over her chest. She wore a heavy knit beige sweater and skinny jeans with tall brown leather boots that made her look like a gazelle. Her appearance was different from her brother’s, but she was just as gorgeous. Grace became quite curious to see what their father looked like and how it was possible for a whole family to be so beautiful. Hilary cocked her head toward Evan and said curtly, “This idiot hasn’t shut up about you for over a month. He’s got a huge crush on you.”

Hilary playfully punched her brother in the bicep. In turn, he put his arm around her neck drawing her closer to him. “Thanks for throwing me under the bus, Hil.”

“Well, I have a crush on him too, so I think it all works out okay,” Grace admitted with a lighthearted smile. She saw Evan glance down at his feet, his grin playing wide across his lips.
He was shy?
That surprised her, given she thought he was the most self-assured man she had ever met.

“Where is everyone?” Evan asked as he took his and Grace’s coats and hung them up on a hall tree much like the one she owned.

“They’re on their way. I’m shocked Zach isn’t with you,” Hilary stated in an unusual tone as they made their way to the step-down living room. “Did he go to L.A.?”

“He’s here. Just had a late night out, but he’ll be over soon.”

Hilary rolled her eyes pushing her straight honey-blonde hair over her shoulder as she plopped down on a large, plush couch. “That moron needs to calm the hell down. All he ever does is drink and get laid.”

“He’s sewing his oats.”

“Yeah, and if I said I was sewing mine, you’d kick my ass.”

“I’d lock you up in a fucking tower, Rapunzel.”

“See how he treats me, Grace? Ask me how I put up with this shit.”

“You don’t,” Evan answered.

“That’s right, I don’t. How’s your face doing, anyway, you loser?”

“It’s fine. A little sore,” Evan said as he pressed his fingers against where that asshole had punched him.

“You could’ve totally blocked that punch, but I’m glad you got yours in first. That ass deserved it.”

Grace looked at Evan questionably as Hilary explained. “The bar fight was on the TMZ website. There was a video. Grainy, of course, but there were some pictures too. The story leaked out of what happened. I’m bummed they beat me to it. I could’ve posted it on my blog,” she joked, but then turned serious. “I get you defending Grace, but you gotta be careful, big brother.”

“I did what I had to do. I’m sure Zach got it under control,” Evan attempted to dismiss it. “Grace, you want a glass of wine?” he offered as she tried to wrap her head around what was happening, then nodded.

“I’ll get you guys some. We have white or red.” Hilary observed both of them knowing they needed a moment. “Which would you like, Grace?”

“Red, please.”

“Me too,” Evan winked at Hilary as she ran off toward the kitchen.

“Were you going to tell me about this mess, Evan?” Grace asked as she stuffed her hands in the pockets of her jeans. “I was included in it?”

He closed his eyes. “I didn’t want to ruin your Thanksgiving, Gracie. I hate that tabloid shit.”

“So, I
am
in it.”

“They don’t know your name yet.” He looked down and rocked on the heels of his boots. He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m really sorry, Grace. But they won’t bother you. I won’t let them.”

“How’s that even possible? If they find out who I am…” She had wondered when this was going to take place and how it was going to affect her life. She didn’t want to be seen as one of Evan’s flings. Blasted in the media as one of the many girls he was seen with and being speculated about wasn’t something she had wanted.

He sauntered toward her and cupped her face in his hands. “I’ll be sure you’re just as protected as I am when it comes to privacy, babe. If not, more.”

“There’s no guarantee though, Evan.”

He sighed and shook his head in defeat. “No, there isn’t. I’ll do what I can though, Grace. I want you feeling secure when you’re with me. I’ll talk to my publicists after this weekend, alright? See what they suggest. I have a great team. It’s a lot more controlled than you think.”

Grace knew there wasn’t much she could do. Worrying about it wouldn’t help stop what would and wouldn’t be thought and said. She nodded and tiptoed to meet his kiss halfway. She let her fingers run over his nose and then swept her hand over the two days of stubble that grew in on his face and was sexy as hell. “I like your sister, Evan. She’s really sweet.” She smiled, missing her brother beyond words could ever express.

“Yeah, I tend to feel protective of her, too. I know she can take care of herself, but that girl sure likes to pick the stupidest guys to date.”

“Sounds like Marla.”

Evan chuckled, shaking his head as he led her to the banquet sized dining area. “She still seeing Ryan?”

“Yeah,” Grace sighed with a disapproving nod. “She’s been having some issues with him.”

“He’s an idiot. Josh hates him.” Grace wondered if Evan and Josh had discussed that whole scenario. Grace had a suspicion that Josh was interested in Marla, but she wasn’t going to meddle. “He reminds me of the douche Hilary was dating last year. I had to catch a flight home during filming of one of my movies because this guy crushed her. It took all my willpower to stop from beating him down.”

“You’re a great older brother. I’m sure she really appreciated it.” They walked toward large glass doors that led to a huge patio overlooking dense brush and trees. Grace gazed outside as small snowflakes began to float down, bringing even more of a cozy feeling to the holiday.

“I’d do anything for my family.” He looked at her with a sincere smile and clasped her hand. She believed it. She also wondered what it would be like to be a part of that. Accepted and loved in a family unit was something she lacked and was missing.

“So, is there something up with her and Zach?”

“What do you mean?” Evan looked baffled by the question which amused Grace. He scoffed at the idea as they walked slowly across the room. “Hilary and Zach? Hell, no. I’d know about it. And then I’d kill him.”

She pressed her lips together and kept quiet. She had a slight suspicion Hilary liked Zach, but there was no need to bring that to Evan’s attention. At least not now.

“This is my favorite room, Gracie.”

He opened a set of wooden doors, and her eyes widened as her body tingled with exhilaration. The library was huge, with an oak desk in the center. Shelves lined along the entire backside of the room, and an antique winged leather armchair sat near a window that overlooked the trees. “Can I live in this room?” She gasped as she searched the shelves and found an aged copy of
Little Women
. “Are you even kidding me?” She grasped it carefully and thumbed through the pages. “This house is a dream-come-true.”

“My mom is a bit of an antique collector herself. Sort of like you.”

He gazed at her as she began to look upon the walls that held family photos. “Oh, this is you, isn’t it?” She pointed to a photo of a young boy.

“That’s me,” Evan confirmed, and for the first time Grace caught him blushing.

“Look at you! You’re so cute with your bowl haircut.”

“I was rockin’ it, what can I say? And check out how I buttoned my shirt all the way up to the top.”

She looked amused as she pointed to the photograph. “And what in the world? Is that a bolo tie necklace you’re sporting?”

A laugh ripped through him as he placed his hand on his chest. “God, I had no sense of fashion. I’m lucky I survived my formative years, Gracie. It was only because of my older sister, who was much cooler, that I didn’t get picked on.”

Grace was wiping away tears as he continued to be self-deprecating. He led her to another school photo. “Here were the braces years. And I was so cool in my Hypercolor shirt and Girbaud jeans. I also wanted to be like Kris Kross.”

“Stop it, I can’t stop laughing.” She clutched her stomach and finally got a hold of her reactions.

“Oh man, you’re showing her the school photos? He was such a dork!” Hilary laughed as she joined them, handing wine glasses to the both of them. “Everyone sees him as this big time action-hero movie star, when really he was just a drama nerd who sang to musicals in our cellar.”

“What’s your favorite musical?” Grace asked with a glowing in her eyes.

“You’d think it’s like
An American in Paris
or something renowned. It’s
Newsies,”
Hilary teased.

“I can always count on my kid-sister to razz me out.”

“I’m wicked good at it too.”

“Hey,
Newsies
is fabulous. Christian Bale nailed that
Santa Fe
number,” Grace defended Evan.

“Thank you, Gracie.” He pulled her against him and placed a delicate kiss on her brow. “At least someone is on my side.”

“When it comes to you liking Christian Bale, I’ll always be on your side.”

Hilary laughed in agreement. “Hey, Evan, Mom needs your help with the turkey.”

Evan excused himself and Grace took an anxious sip on her wine. She tried to avoid the gaze from his sister’s piercing hazel eyes, nervous of what she’d see. Finally, Hilary spoke. “He doesn’t bring girls home. Ever. Especially someone he’s just met.”

“I’m really grateful to all of you for allowing me-”

“Except that Christy chick, who I told him off the bat, would break his heart.” Grace opened her mouth to intervene, but Hilary continued on her rant. “I warned him about her. He didn’t believe me, and then all that happened.”