Deceived by You

by Marilyn Williams

  Ava glanced over at Chase twirling Meghan around. “I think so, too.”

  “Did you enjoy dinner?” he asked.

  “Best crab cake I’ve ever had.”

  “I’ve entertained a few clients here, and they all raved about the food.”

  “Speaking of work and clients. You mentioned before of having ideas about my business venture, do you mind sharing those ideas now?”

  “Not tonight. You heard what Chase said, tonight is about having fun.”

  “Not even a hint?”

  “Sorry.” He rested his arm on the back of her chair and stroked her neck. “It seems having Meg here has helped your mood.”

  “I think she helped both of us.” Ava smiled at Meghan and Chase, who just returned to the table, both trying hard to catch their breaths from dancing.

  “Hey guys, we’re getting out of here,” said Chase.

  Ava focused her attention on Meghan. “Where are you going?”

  “He suggested taking a walk on the beach,” she said.

  “Are you sure?” asked Ava.

  “She’s in good hands,” said Justin.

  Chased eyed Ava. “I promise I’ll return your friend to you in one piece.”

  “He has the gate code and an emergency key,” Justin said to Ava. “You guys get out of here and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  Meghan stood and ran over to Ava, locking her arms around her. “Thanks for the hot hookup,” She whispered in her ear.

  “Call me if you need anything.”

  “Yes, mother,” she laughed.

  Ava watched as she and Chase disappeared towards the exit. “Don’t worry, she’ll be okay,” said Justin.

  “I know she’s a grown woman, but she’s in a city she doesn’t know with a guy she just met.”

  “I wouldn’t have introduced them if I didn’t trust Chase explicitly. It’s time to focus on us.” Justin stood and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

  Ava smiled and took his hand. He led her to the dance floor as the band played a slow tempo song. They made up the four couples who swayed back and forth to the mesmeric sounds. Their bodies meshed together with his arms around her waist and hers around his neck. She gazed towards him, hypnotized by his seductive blue eyes. He leaned forward and placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, allowing his lips to graze towards her ear. “Have I told you how ravishing you look tonight?”

  “No, you haven’t.”

  “I want to take you home and place my lips on every inch of your body.”

  Ava drew in a breath and bit down on her lower lip as Justin pressed her closer to him. Right away, she felt his harden desire. “What’s stopping you?”

  “Say the word, and we’ll leave.”

  “Let’s go.”

  She patiently waited as Justin paid the check. As soon as he signed his name on the dotted line, he threw the pen on the table, grabbed her hand, almost ran to the car. He hit the button on the key fob to open her door. Before she could enter the car, he whipped her around, backing her against the car. He pressed his lips against her mouth, as his hand traveled up her skirt, grazing the elastic of her panties. Their tongues intertwined into a deeper passionate kiss.

  “Let’s get you home before I rip your clothes off,” he said, breaking off their kiss. He opened her door before rushing to the driver’s side. They rode in silence as Justin drove like a madman to the house. Once they passed through the gates of their home, he parked the car right at the front entrance. They exited the car, and he fumbled with the key to the front door. Once it was open, Ava threw her purse on the chair near the door, while Justin’s keys hit the floor. He pulled her into his arms, and in unison they began ravishing each other. With their lips locked together, he backed her into the wall with both hands traveling underneath her skirt, up her thighs. She expelled a moan as his fingers massaged between her legs. He then lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs into the darkness of their bedroom. Without turning on a single light, he placed her on the bed. Ava removed her clothes as she watched Justin do the same. Within seconds, she could see the illumination of his fit, naked body in the moonlight’s glimmer. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply as his lips met the fullness of her breast. As promised, he moved his lips to trace every part of her body. She ached for him to give her what she needed. As if he read her mind, he spread her legs and entered her. With her eyes shut, her nails dug deep into his back she relished in insurmountable pleasure. “Justin,” she cried before they collapsed in each other arms.

  Chapter Twenty

  The morning daylight that shone through the bedroom window woke Ava from her blissful sleep. Her lips formed a delicate smile as she reminisced on the night before. Maybe it was the alcohol or the hypnotic music of the band, but something had gotten into them. Something they didn’t care to explain. She glanced over at Justin. As usual, he was sound asleep. She slipped out of bed and wrapped her white silk robe around her naked body. She slipped her feet into her fluffy white slippers that were more like boots than house shoes. She proceeded down the hall towards the stairs, halfway she heard the door to the guest bedroom that Meghan occupied open. Ava waited for her at the top of the stairs. She did a double take when Chase approached in a shirt and boxers, wiping his eyes. “Chase?”

  His hands dropped. “Oh, mornin’ Ava.”

  “You slept here?” Realizing that was a dumb question. Why else would he be in her house in nothing but his boxers?

  “Meghan invited me. I hope that’s okay.”

  “Sure. I’m going into the kitchen for coffee. Want some?”

  “I was headed there myself.”

  Ava turned on the Keurig coffee maker when they entered the kitchen.

  “That’s no better than instant,” said Chase. “If you want the good stuff you must grind the beans yourself.”

  “Who has time for that?” She laughed.

  “Watch and learn.” He grabbed a bag of coffee beans from the pantry and poured them into the grinder. She covered her ears at the irritating noise. It was too early in the morning for that ruckus. “You drink a cup every day?” asked Chase.

  “Justin and I share a cup every morning. I come down to make both cups and bring them to our bedroom, where we drink and talk.” She shrugged her shoulders. “It’s just our thing.” She watched as he transferred the now grounded beans to the coffee maker.

  “I’m still amazed by how much he’s changed.” He chuckled.

  “Really? How?”

  Chase shook his head. “You hear stories about the guy who can have any woman he wants. That’s Justin. This guy had women throwing themselves at him, and he rarely turned them down, if you know what I mean. Ultimate player. He never entertained a serious relationship with anyone.”

  “He told me the same thing. I assumed he had a bad breakup with someone, that’s why he swore off relationships.”

  Chase moved three mugs from the cabinet to counter. He then filled them each with coffee. “I shouldn’t tell you this. Back in school, Justin would date someone for about a month or two, before he abruptly began dating someone new.”

  “Did he say why?”

  “Always the same excuse, he became bored.”

  Ava scrunched her nose. “Bored? I don’t think so.”

  “All I can say is you have done the impossible. I knew this was the real deal when you left for Atlanta. I’ve never seen him that miserable.”

  Ava grabbed the creamer from the refrigerator. “He said you’d convinced him to fly down?”

  “I had to. He was moping around here like a lost puppy.”

  “Seriously?”

  “You’re good for him, Ava.”

  “Too bad his father doesn’t think so.”

  He brought his mug to his lips. “I don’t understand what any of that’s about. You know money and greed brings out the worst in people.”

  Ava placed both mugs in her hand. “Nice talking with you, Chase.”

  “Same here
. I’m hanging out for a bit, so I’ll see you later.”

  Before she exited the kitchen, she turned around. “Be a gentleman and bring Meghan a cup. Two teaspoons of sugar, just a little half and half with no creamer.” She met his grin with a smile. “You’re welcome.”

  When she reached the bedroom, Justin was up and scrolling through his phone. “Good morning, love,” she said handing him his coffee.

  “You took longer than usual,” he said reaching for his mug.

  “Chase is here. He insisted on grinding coffee beans.”

  “He spent the night with Meghan?”

  “Apparently.”

  “Wow.”

  “He said he’s hanging out for a while.”

  She took one big gulp before placing the mug down on the nightstand. “No offense, but I’m sticking to the kcups,” she said with her nose turned up in disgust.

  Justin laughed. “I never used that grinder. He bought it as a housewarming gift years ago, and I never touched it. I’m sure the beans are the same ones he gave me.”

  “What?” She placed her hand over her mouth.

  “I’m joking. I buy the beans for my pretentious guests. Anyway, what do you and Meg have planned for the day?”

  “Well, I thought we could spend the day shopping, but with Chase here…”

  “Listen, go shopping and later in the evening the four of us can chill by the pool. I’ll fire up the grill, make some drinks, we’ll have a party out of it.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Do you need any money for your shopping spree?”

  “If I did, you know I wouldn’t ask. I’ll continue to use my savings.”

  He shook his head and did a half eye roll. “You can so stubborn.” He reached into the nightstand and retrieved his wallet. He pulled out one of his credit cards. “Here, use this.”

  Her eyes widened. “Your American Express black card? I can’t use that.”

  He extended his hand forward. “Yes, you can. I already added you as an authorized user.”

  “Without asking me?”

  “Ava, take the card and have fun.”

  She reached for the card. “You’re too good to me.”

  After she showered and dressed for the day, she sauntered down the hall towards Meaghan’s room. She placed a soft knock on the closed door.

  “Come in!” shouted Meghan.

  Ava opened the door just enough for her voice to carry through. “I assume you’re alone.”

  “Yes, I am.” Meghan sprung open the door.

  Ava noticed the bed sheets sprawled in every direction across the mattress. Her eyes scanned the floor where shoes and clothing were thrown about.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll clean up.”

  “I didn’t say a word,” said Ava. “I was on my way to the kitchen earlier and imagine my surprise when I saw Chase barely awake outside your door.”

  Meghan smiled. “What did he tell you?”

  “Nothing, because it was obvious, he had spent the night.” Ava looked on as Meghan moved the bedsheets to a chair and one by one, she remade the bed. “So, are you seeing him again?”

  Meghan smoothed the existing wrinkles from the comforter before sitting. “After we left you guys, we walked the few blocks to the beach. We talked and laughed. He’s a funny and nice guy.”

  “But…”

  “But, nothing. It was one night of sex with a hot guy. That’s it.” She jumped off the bed and grabbed her hairbrush.

  “Justin thought you two would hit it off.”

  “It was his idea to blindside me?” She brushed her newly blonde locks into a messy bun.

  “It was mutual. You guys looked cute together on the dance floor.”

  “Don’t get any ideas.” She waved her brush towards Ava’s face. “I’m not looking for anything more with Chase.”

  “Why not?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “I need to get to know him better and then we’ll see.”

  “Good enough for me. Anyway, get dressed because you and I are going shopping.”

  “When?” Her eyes lit up.

  “Now!”

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Half the afternoon had gone by and Justin just fired up the grill. After Ava and Meghan had left, Chase went home to change and freshen up. When he returned, they spent hours in front of the television with a joystick in their hands. Chase had challenged him to a boxing match. The first match ended in a loss, in which Justin requested a rematch. Five rematches later, he declared Chase the boxing champ and moved on to something he knew he could win. Football. After winning the first game, it was enough to restore his ego.

  “What time are the girls due back?” asked Chase. He stood nursing a beer, while Justin seasoned four rib-eye steaks in his outdoor kitchen.

  “Ava texted ten minutes ago, she said they’re on their way home. Why? Are you missing Meg already?”

  He revealed a grin before lifting his bottle towards his mouth. “She’s a cool girl.”

  “Enough for you to sneak into my home and stay over without asking if it was okay.”

  “Sorry, she suggested, and I couldn’t resist.”

  Justin moved over to the grill. Placing ears of corn one by one on the iron grate. “It’s cool, man. You know you’re welcomed here any day.” He closed the grill cover and turned towards his friend. “We’ve been friends for a long time, and we never dated women who were close friends with each other, such as Ava and Meg.”

  “Your point?”

  “My point is because they are close, be careful about how you treat Meg. Whatever happens between you two could spill over to Ava and me.”

  “How so?” he asked, confused.

  “Come on, I don’t have to tell you how women are. If you blow off Meg, she’ll cry to Ava, then she’ll have a problem with you, pitting me in the middle. Understand?”

  “I think you’re confusing me with your former self.” He finished his beer and placed the glass in the recycle bin. “You were the one who played games with the hearts of women, not I.”

  Justin laughed. “Does Tamara ring a bell? That poor girl thought she was the only one until she realized you were sleeping with two other girls. Do you recall how she flattened your tires and keyed your car?”

  Chase shook his head. “Justin, we’re both in our thirties, and you had to reach all the way back to college for an example. Since then, I’ve had several committed relationships while you’ve just embarked on your first.”

  Justin tried hard not to grin. He expelled a soft chuckle and nodded his head. “Touché.”

  “Now that’s out of the way. Do you need any help with anything?”

  “Remove the corn from the grill. Then strip the kernels from the cob and into a bowl. I’ll place the steaks on the grill when the ladies return.”

  “Anything else, Chef?”

  “No, I’ll begin on the potatoes.” Justin began cutting the potatoes into slices while Chase ran inside and returned with a glass bowl.

  “Not trying to turn this into a serious moment or anything. But, how has Ava been since that stunt Chris and Lindsey pulled?”

  “Better. Her one insecurity about moving here was everyone in my life would question her motives for being with me. It’s been hard enough to get her used to a lifestyle change. Then my father comes along and brings all her insecurities to surface.”

  “She really is different, huh? Most women wouldn’t need to get used to living with someone who has millions of dollars and access to a private jet. That doesn’t include what you stand to inherit from your family. Most women plot around the clock to get a guy with deep pockets.”

  Justin placed his knife down and rested against the stack stone counter with his arms crossed. “I know. I had to force her to take my credit card to go shopping. All I want to do is make her life easier, and she throws constant resistance my way.”

  Chase turned to face him. “Speaking from experience, because I am the most experienced when it comes
to relationships.”

  “Just get on with it,” laughed Justin.

  “Hold on to that one. She’s with you because of you and not what you can do for her. We both know that’s hard to find.”

  “I agree. Finish up the corn, while I get the bottle of olive oil.” Justin entered the kitchen and went straight into the walk-in pantry for an unopened bottle of olive oil. Unfortunately, he had to sift through four jam-packed unorganized shelves. One day he would spend the weekend organizing the entire pantry. Who was he kidding? His lack of time was the reason for its disorder in the first place. Maybe he should hire a permanent housekeeping staff as Ava suggested. He continued to search through the shelves when a pair of soft hands covered his eyes into complete darkness. “Guess who?” asked the familiar voice. He reached for the coconut scented hands that covered his eyes and turned around. “Hi, beautiful,” he smiled and kissed her.

  “Is the food ready? I’m starving.”

  “Almost. Trying to find the olive oil.”

  She reached above to the third shelf and grabbed the dark green bottle. “There you go.”

  “I would’ve been in here all night. Thanks. Did you find anything you like?”

  “You would be happy to know I bought several outfits and a special one for your eyes only.”

  “Oh yeah, when are you going to model it?”

  “If you’re good. Maybe tonight.”

  After Justin completed dinner, the group gathered around the outdoor table where they dug into perfectly cooked steaks with a variety of sides to choose from and plenty of alcohol to consume. It was the most relax Justin had felt since the feud with his father had begun. While Chase entertained Ava and Meghan with his travels abroad, he took the time to scroll through his text messages. Two were from Becky, with updates concerning the construction progress. She sent pictures of the foundation slab. Finally, progress had been made. His lips formed a faint smile as he viewed the images. Although he has a number of properties in various cities, the erection of a new hotel gave him the same sense of pride as the first. He swiped back to the main menu and his eyes fell on the third text message received. His smile fell as the words on the screen caused a bead of sweat to form on his forehead.