I Promise by Adrianne Byrd Page A

whispered.
    â€œI’d love to,” Christian relented, then allowed her dance partner to escort her onto the floor. She immediately regretted her decision, when her partner busted out with the Funky Chicken, then slid into the Mashed Potato.
    Wide-eyed, she glared over her shoulder at Alex, who had doubled over with laughter.
    At the end of the dance, Christian returned to her table. “Now that was an experience.” She laughed until tears filled her eyes.
    â€œLet’s make a toast.” Alex held up her glass.
    Christian followed suit.
    â€œTo us. May we always be the best of friends.”
    â€œTo us.”
    They clinked their glasses together. Before Christian batted an eye, Alex drained her drink.
    â€œExcuse me, ladies. A gentleman at the bar has bought you a round of drinks.”
    They turned and a gentleman moved from the bar and made his way over to them. “Hello, ladies. Mind if I join you?”
    â€œPlease do,” Alex invited, indicating the chair next to Christian.
    â€œThe name is Tanner,” he said, offering his hand to Christian.
    â€œChristian, and this is my best friend, Alex.”
    â€œIt’s nice to meet you both. But mind if I ask why the two most beautiful women in the club are sitting alone?”
    â€œGood question,” Alex said, jumping to her feet. “I’m ready to party.” She swayed her hips to the music, and a swarm of men surrounded the tall beauty, all of them asking her to dance.
    â€œShall we?” Tanner stood, once again offering his hand to Christian.
    Throwing caution to the wind, she accepted. Janet Jackson’s latest hit grooved the crowd as men swarmed the dance floor.
    Christian’s troubles faded away as she moved to the beat. A thin layer of perspiration cooled her while her blouse molded against her body and the next song’s beat picked up the pace. She forgot how many songs she danced to and she didn’t care. The night was still young.
    Â 
    Malcolm lowered his gaze to his drink. He’d hoped the alcohol would dull his pain, but after his fifth round, he’d given up hope.
    There was no sense in trying to be angry with Jordan. He never could stay mad at Jordan, but Malcolm was tired of playing second fiddle. Since his broken engagement, he had taken time to reflect over his past mistakes. He didn’t like what he saw.
    At twenty-eight, he had no ambitions and still lived at home. Jordan knew what he wanted and never hesitated to go after it. That was the one quality Malcolm had always admired about his brother.
    His gaze shifted to the dance floor as he welcomed the dulling effects of alcohol over his senses. No one understood him. No one, but Alex.
    He smiled then frowned at his empty glass. “Bartender,” he barked. “Hit me again.”
    â€œHey, man. I think you’ve had enough.”
    Malcolm grinned. “I’ll decide when I’ve had enough.”
    â€œMal,” his buddy, Daniel, cut in, “be cool.”
    Shrugging his friend’s hand from his shoulder, Malcolm set his glass down with a thump. “Hit me.”
    The bartender grudgingly complied. “This is your last one.”
    â€œThank you.” Malcolm’s words slurred.
    â€œDog, you need to ease up.” Daniel shook his head.
    â€œWhat? Are you my doctor now?”
    â€œWhatever, man.” Daniel dropped money on the bar for his tab. “But you’re going to have to catch a cab home.” He draped his arm around the slinky dressed woman beside him. “I have a hot date here with…”
    â€œKim,” she supplied her name slightly irritated.
    â€œOf course. Kim.” Daniel kissed her and erased the sour look from her face.
    Malcolm’s attention returned to the dance floor. He caught a glimpse of a familiar face. He blinked but the vision remained the same.
    Christian glided across the floor. She laughed as if enchanted by the man who smiled down at