I Promise Read Free Page B

to talk.”
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    The party was in full swing. Every other minute, someone it seemed, made a toast to the newly engaged couple. The guest list was a Who’s Who of Atlanta. Many of them seized this opportunity for networking.
    Jordan plastered on an artificial smile for the guests. As usual, most of them confused him with his brother, and congratulated him on his engagement. He corrected some, but grew tired, and occasionally nodded his thanks to others. He looked toward the balcony and out to the gardens. How would his brother take the news?
    â€œHow are you holding up?” An angelic voice asked from behind.
    Jordan turned to face a striking woman with almond-shaped eyes and an hourglass figure. What astounded him was the fact that the statuesque woman nearly stood eye level with him. She was a stranger, yet she seemed familiar. Curious, he arched his brow. “I’ve had better days.”
    The beauty pushed her hair back and started to say something, then paused. “You’re not Malcolm, are you?”
    Jordan smiled. “You’re very observant.”
    She held out her hand. “I’m Alexandria Cheney.”
    â€œJordan Williams.”
    Alex nodded as he accepted her hand. “The infamous twin brother. I’ve heard so much about you.”
    â€œIt seems I’m at a disadvantage.”
    â€œI’m sorry. Actually, I met your brother while doing some part-time modeling for Opulence.”
    â€œAh, so that’s where I’ve seen you before. Well, it’s truly a pleasure.”
    They smiled as their hands fell apart.
    Jordan retrieved two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter. He winked as he handed her one. “Let’s make a toast.”
    She lifted her glass.
    â€œTo new friends,” Jordan saluted, then clinked their glasses together.
    As she sipped her wine, Jordan watched Alex’s gaze shift toward the balcony. “So how do you know the happy couple?” He masked his interest by a casual shrug of his shoulder.
    She smiled. “Christian is my best friend and roommate over at UGGA.”
    Christian. He rolled the name over in his mind and liked the sound of it.
    â€œHave you had the chance to meet her?” Alex asked.
    â€œOnly briefly. I ran into her outside in the gardens.”
    Alex’s interest piqued. “Oh? When was that?”
    â€œJust a few minutes ago.” He took another sip of his drink. Jordan paused when his companion’s musical laughter caught and drew a few casual glances their way.
    â€œWhat’s so amusing?” he asked, smiling.
    â€œYou,” she answered, sobering, but her eyes still sparkled. “Did she know who you were?”
    Jordan flushed with embarrassment.
    â€œI wish I could have witnessed the scene between you and Chris.”
    He shifted uncomfortably for a moment. Alex’s contagious hilarity soon had him laughing along with her.
    A hand pressed against his arm, drawing his attention away from his companion.
    Rosa gave her son a withering smile. “May I borrow you for a moment?” she asked, then nodded an apology to Alexandria.
    â€œSure.” Jordan turned back to excuse himself. “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
    â€œLikewise. I’m sure we’ll meet again.”
    Jordan offered his arm to his mother and escorted her out of the parlor.
    â€œDear me, dear me. I can’t believe this. This is a nightmare. I can’t believe your brother has done this to the family.” Rosa’s hand fluttered like a fan in front of her face.
    Jordan smiled and shook his head. He, of course, knew what she was rambling about, having finally met Christian the “dreadful girl” his mother had referred to earlier. “Calm down, Mama. It’s not as bad as you think.”
    â€œHow can you say that? He’s trying to ruin this family, I tell you.”
    Their butler rounded the corner.
    â€œClarence,” Rosa called out, “please