The Promise

When worlds collide...opposites attract.

Small town race car driver Devon Mattson has never been as captivated as he is by debutante Olivia. She’s smart, witty and rich. But above all is the fact that even though they come from different worlds she understands him, his small town charm and his need for speed. He knows that to be together they’ll both have to give up a lot, but he’s promised to always be there for her. Now, in college, and afterward too. Forever.

Olivia Carrington has never felt more alive than when she’s with Devon. She no longer feels the suffocating weight of expectations—just the freedom and support to follow her secret dreams and to become the person she’s always been afraid to be. But when reality comes knocking their dream world begins to collapse. Will these two young lovers find their way back to each other or will their hearts become shattered beyond repair?

Fall in love with this prequel novella--a bonus companion story for Devon and Olivia's novel The Surprise Wedding--about opposites attracting. Grab your tissues and start reading today!

Olivia had dressed down for the party, but she’d missed the mark. Car race parties were not horse race parties. She stood out like a sore thumb and was well outside her comfort zone.

“What about me?” she asked. “You can’t leave me here alone.” Who knew how long it would take for a cab to come rescue her?

“I’ll stay with you,” Devon said.

“Awesome,” Ginger replied with a big smile. “Thanks!” She turned, disappearing into the mob of bouncing, dancing students, who were making the floor shake along with them.

“But…”

“Looks like it’s just you and me.” Olivia felt the weight of Devon’s arm across her shoulders, the low rumble of his voice setting her chest on fire. She wasn’t sure whether she should be delighted or worried to be left alone with someone as tempting as he was.

“She ditched me.”

“Ah, whatever. The whole night is ours now. We can make it whatever we want. Tabula rasa.”

A Roman wax tablet, a blank slate to write upon…

That sounded tantalizing. And perfectly dangerous.

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Nobody said you do.”

“So…you race?” she asked, turning to face him, while shifting out from under his arm.

He nodded. “Do you?”

She shook her head rapidly. Of course not.

“How come?”

She replied with a laugh, unable to come up with an answer that didn’t make her sound stuck up or chicken.

“You like the adrenaline rush?” she asked.

“Nothing has ever made me feel as alive.”

“Nothing?” she teased.

“Come with me sometime,” he said, his eyes on hers. “I’ll teach you.” He was serious.

She couldn’t imagine herself behind the wheel of a race car, but didn’t want to say no and risk shutting him down. She wanted to continue the flirtatious banter.

“I’d rather you teach me how to play pool.” She gave him a teasing glance, letting him know she was imagining his arms wrapped around her body as he helped her line up a shot.

He let out a bark of delighted laughter. “I like your style, Olivia.”

“Want to know a secret?”

He leaned closer, a wicked glint in his eyes. His aftershave was musky, intoxicating, and she inhaled it, waiting a beat before saying, “I already know how to play.”

He grinned, increasing the potent headiness of their flirting game.

“There’s a diner at the end of the block,” he stated.

“And?”

“Want to go for coffee?”

He thought she was drunk and needed to sober up? Ouch.
“It was nice meeting you.” She went to turn away, but Devon cupped her head like he was going to bring her in for a kiss, his steady gaze making her feel seen, special.

Oh.

He didn’t think she was drunk. He was interested in her.
That made her whole body feel as if a bottle of Sprite had been shaken, then let loose inside her.

“Are you going to kiss me?” she asked. “Because I’m going to kiss you.”

Instead of waiting, Olivia lifted herself onto her toes and planted one on him. His lips felt unexpectedly right as he kissed her back. Gentle. Curious. Exploratory... Her arms went around his neck and an awareness filled her. This kiss wasn’t just about her partner. It was about them. Together. An encounter powerful and sweet, full of give and take, kindness and understanding.

Her body warmed, fizzy feelings of delight working their way to her core as the kiss heated in intensity.

Olivia broke free, realizing she was in the middle of a throbbing dance party, kissing a race car driver and acting as if she was free to do whatever she wanted.

She liked it. A lot.

“Wow,” she whispered against his lips. He smiled and oh, it was glorious. As though sunshine shone down on her after a lifetime of rain.

“I think I like you, Mr. Sexy.”