Sweet Deception (Truth)

by Grace Henderson

  "Really? Do women round here actually fall for lines like that?" My chuckle was genuinely amused and his smile faltered slightly.

  "Oh, they actually do. Sorry. I just expect men to try a little harder than reeling off some cheesy chat up line." I shrugged, and turned round to catch my breath. Charming and arrogant was a dangerous combination where I was concerned. Dan had been exactly that and look how it ended. So when combined with the body of a Greek God, Blake was definitely one I would have to stay away from. I knew from the way my heart was beating and the tingle floating round my body that I was going to have to tell myself that more than once. Stay away. Stay away. Stay away. Yep, three times should do the trick.

  I pulled myself together and turned and smiled sweetly, trying to hide how he affected me. He had definitely recovered, the dimple was back. “You think I’m trying to chat you up? Well aren’t we ‘little miss thinks a lot of herself’!”

  I was taken aback, and cursing inside that I wasn’t witty enough to keep up with him, but I would try my best. “So that wasn’t you just calling me beautiful? Gosh, I think my hearing’s playing up today.” I stared at him knowingly and I could tell he was undecided as to how to proceed. Did he keep up the defense, or admit he was flirting? Either way, I needed the power to come back to me, so I steered the conversation away from the flirting. "So Mr Richards, what can I do for you anyway? I'm sure you didn't come in for a chat. Some flowers maybe?"

  He ignored my rebuttal and let go of the cocky attitude, his answer and tone were normal, if not slightly too serious. “Actually yeah, I'm collecting an order. One bouquet of white roses and a single pink gerbera.”

  “Oh yes, I was just finishing those. Gr- er...Julia said you have the same order every week?" I tried to come across as nonchalant as possible but the fact I was even asking the question obviously gave me away. He stared at me, wavering slightly as if he was trying to find a plausible answer. Then the smile slowly crept back. "Wait a minute, are you fishing?"

  I laughed, "Fishing? No, I'm flower arranging. What does it look like?" Sarcasm dripped from my words as I shook my head and rolled my eyes. A sexy smile pulled at the corner of his lips which had my insides coiling, and he nodded in my direction. "You, Cassandra, are fishing to find out whether I have a girlfriend. Admit it."

  Yes.

  "No, I wasn't. I am just trying to make conversation. It’s called good service. I actually couldn't care less whether you have a girlfriend." The disdain in my voice was real. The words that were spilling across my lips were not. He leant over my shoulder and spoke softly into my ear. His voice was low, full of sex and desire, expectation and promise. "Well babe, just so you know, I don't have a girlfriend. I'm free and single. And looking. Let me know if you want to audition. It's a very satisfying role." My eyes widened and my mind stumbled over a suitable retort. I wasn't used to any kind of banter. It had been too long since I needed it. I used my 'unimpressed' face and put my hand on my hip deciding it would be better to just ignore his comment.

  "Here is your order, how would you like to pay today?" My tone was cool and collected. Nothing like how I felt at that moment. He took the flowers from me and leant in again. "Just stick it on my tab. Julia knows. It was a pleasure Cassie. I'm looking forward to round two another day." His face was inches from mine, so close I could smell his scent over all the flowers. It was aftershave, with a hint of citrus and man. Heaven. He raised an eyebrow like he knew what I had been thinking and winked before turning and leaving. His whole presence had me weak at the knees and reaching out to grab the table before easing myself into the chair. Boy did I know how to pick the wrong men. No, wait, I hadn't picked anyone. I was just attracted to him, that’s all. It didn't mean anything. I felt the same for Matt Bomer and Ryan Reynolds; appreciation of the male form. He was exactly the type I usually went for, and exactly the type I should now stay away from. Stay away. Stay away. Stay away.

  Seconds went by, and I was groaning with frustration that I had given him the wrong impression when the bell went again. I looked up to see long tanned legs and long blonde hair. Laurel. She breezed through the store and smiled. "Well hell, don't you just look crabby. What's got up your skirt?" I laughed. She had always been that direct, even when we were young, and I was happy to know she hadn't changed.

  "Blake Richards, you know him?" I asked. She raised her eyebrows and then I realised the error in my words. “He’s not got up my skirt, like that!” I clamped my mouth shut before I made it worse and she chuckled.

  "Well that name is on the lips of most of the women round here. Of course I know him. What has Mr Oh-So-Sexy done now? Hit on you? He never can resist any female. And they don't resist him. Even though he treats them like shit. I think I'm the only one that has managed it."

  "And pray tell, how? Because I wanted to tear his clothes off. Although I only just resisted the urge to give him a slap. What an arrogant ass." She laughed a response and nodded in agreement. "He's out there now with a couple of girls giving them the Blake smile. One look like that and they fall at his feet." I frowned. He had flirted with me then moved straight on to the next one. I tried to convince myself I wasn’t jealous. We had only just met. It was just attraction. Jerk. Change of subject please.

  "It's so good to see you." I grinned, and Laurel grinned, and we both stood there grinning like idiots. "Yeah it really is. I have missed you so much. I ask Julia about you all the time. How are you? Really. And don't forget I could always tell when you were lying." She walked over to the empty chair and sat down, crossing her bare legs and resting her hands on the table. After what I did to her she was still interested in talking to me.

  I paused for a few moments, from both the shock that she was here and having no idea what words to use to apologise. Anything I said wouldn’t really get across how much I hated what I did, but she deserved the truth. "Before I answer, I just want to tell you how sorry I am. I never stopped thinking about you. I was just finding everything so hard to deal with and…and I know it’s not an excuse for running and pushing you away but it is a reason that I wanted to explain." I looked down and fiddled with the pen in front of me, so I would have something else to focus on. My mind was steeling itself for an onslaught of angry words and shouting because I knew that was what I deserved. But the argument never came. Her voice was gentle but there was so much emotion in it, it cracked as she spoke.

  "I know how hard it must have been for you. My dad had a heart attack and died just after you left. I still had my mum but I felt completely lost and alone. So to lose both parents...I get it. Of course I wish you had stayed and we could have helped each other, but I get it." She took my hand and I realised what a crap friend I actually was, tears started falling. Not even twenty-four hours here and I had started blubbering. At least I knew I wasn’t a complete ice-queen.

  "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. You should have had me to turn to, I can't believe I wasn't there." I was sniffing and shaking my head and swiping at the tears with my hands. I looked up at her and she was doing the same. Standing, I pulled her into a hug. "Please forgive me. I'm here now and I want us to be friends again," I mumbled into her shoulder.

  "Of course. Cassie, we never weren't friends. You were just too busy trying to deal with the shit on your own that you didn't realise." She pulled away and rubbed my arms. "We definitely need a girl’s night out. How about Friday night we head out and get a little rowdy. I haven't been out in ages." She stressed the word dramatically and stuck out her bottom lip in a cute pout. I sighed, and gave in; she knew how to win me over. "Okay, but only if you promise that you won't leave me. I remember what you used to be like."

  She squealed, clapping her hands together and jumped up and down on the spot. "Deal. I can't wait. It's going to be epic. Give me your phone." I dug it out my bag and handed it over. She put her number in it and rang her phone once. "Now we are sorted, give me a call when you finish work and we can pick a time. I'm so happy you are back!" She kissed my cheek, waved and just like that
she was gone. I had almost forgotten what a whirlwind she was, but for the first time in years, the edges of the hole inside me had inched closer. I was determined to get my life back on track while I was here. And Laurel had been the start of it all.

  Chapter 3

  The week went by quickly. The shop had me occupied during the day and I spent the evenings relaxing and helping Gran out with the housework. Friday came and I text Laurel to say that I would meet her at the bar. There was a queue outside, which was inevitable with only a couple of bars to choose from and by the time I got in I was desperate for a drink. I walked around for a while, my eyes grazing over everyone I passed, trying to make out faces in the dim light with people jumping all over the place. Laurel had always been the gorgeous one and all the boys in our class fancied her. She blossomed early and they followed her round like lost puppies, willing to do anything to cop a feel which she almost always let them do. She had a lethal combination of looks and personality to match which used to be very intimidating for the guys. I scanned the seats round the bar and found her immediately. She was flirting with the bartender, batting her eyelashes at him and he was leant over talking in her ear. Glancing down the bar I saw another girl scowling at them. Maybe this guy had a girlfriend. Oops! I made my way over and leaned in, "I think you should stop before that girl decides she's going to slap you! I know the guys would love to watch a catfight but I don't think I can handle one after the day I've had. No drama tonight, pretty please?"

  "Oh hun, you know I can't help it, it's in my blood and he is positively yummy!" she said, nodding over to the bartender and giving him a wink!

  "So chick, how has your week been?" She swung her legs round on the stool to face me.

  "Actually it's been great. It's so relaxing being back here. The exact opposite to London. I'm finding time to cook, which I hardly ever did 'cause I was always working. And I've read a book this week. I haven't read a whole one in years."

  She laughed at my enthusiasm, "You definitely know how to live it up Cassie."

  I snorted, "Yeah I guess it is boring, but I just haven't had much time to myself for a while. It's kinda nice. So what about you, what do you do now? I can't believe I don't know." I cringed inside with embarrassment that I had to even ask the question. What kind of friend was I? I was struggling with how easily Laurel had let me back in her life, she treated me as though I had never been away. "I actually have my own Bridal boutique. It's on the high street. I set it up after college and there isn't much competition so I am making a pretty good living out of it."

  "Wow, I'm impressed! You actually did it. That's amazing." I replied, proudly. Knowing she had achieved her dream made me the happiest I had been in a long time and selfishly eased some of the guilt I was feeling inside.

  Time passed quickly as we talked and drank and I shouted over the music to the hot bartender for another round of shots. There was a freedom I hadn't known for a long time. Some of it was down to finally being over Dan. I no longer felt like crying at just the memory of him. I think the rest of it was down to Laurel. She was different to the girls I socialised with in London. They were all Champagne, Prada and Polo, but Laurel was down to earth, passionate and hell of a lot more fun.

  "So what about boyfriends?" I yelled, as we threw back our third shot of Sambuca. I winced at the taste and slammed the glass back on the bar. "Well a few have been and gone, but seriously, what would I want to be tied down for? Guys are just after one thing. Definitely can't beat them so I prefer to join 'em! I leave them before they leave me and I'm fine with that. Never say never though, I guess I haven't met that one person that I want to settle down with, y' know? How's your love life then Cass? Your Gran mentioned that it was pretty serious with a guy, thought there was going to be wedding bells and everything so spill."

  I waved it off feeling slightly embarrassed. "Oh the usual happened; he goes and cheats on me with his secretary. My friend. She was gorgeous and sexy, and had plenty of time to give him attention, whereas I had just started at the law firm and was working all hours I could to impress my boss. Didn't get me very far did it?” I sighed deeply, but shrugged it off when I saw pity in her eyes. “I’m fine now Laurel. Anyway, this definitely isn't the conversation for a night out, we should be having fun. So Laur, are you going home with Mr Bartender over there tonight?” I wiggled my eyebrows and she laughed but dismissed the idea.

  "Nah, I don't think so. I want to find a man, not a boy. Someone who knows how to please a woman. And he looks so young!" I watched as her gaze flew across the room and assessed all the males in the bar. Her eyes darted back to focus on someone in particular and I wanted to find out what he looked like. She always had good taste at school, most of the guys she dated were hot. "What is it?" I asked, wondering why she was just staring so blatantly.

  "There's a guy over there looking this way, and I know it isn't me he’s watching. Take a look." I rolled my eyes because there wasn't a man in this place who hadn't taken a peek at Laurel as we were sat talking. I knew I was fairly attractive, but I had long wavy brown hair, short, slim, and deep chocolate brown eyes. Laurel on the other hand was all tan and blonde and long legs and curves, the stuff wet dreams were made of. I couldn't compete at all.

  I swung round on the barstool and found those piercing blue eyes watching me. Blake was standing by the jukebox with one blonde haired female attached to each arm. My eyes flitted around and I noticed a few other women hanging round the edges of the bar, all ready to replace the blondes when he gave the word. He brought his glass up and tipped it my way in acknowledgement, and his eyes never left mine. The girls that were with him both snapped their heads my way and narrowed their beady eyes. I laughed and tipped my glass right back. Their reaction was to flick their hair and push their boobs into his side, both competing for his attention. It was quite pathetic to watch. I shook my head and turned back round to Laurel.

  "They look ready to pounce on you. Better be careful, their claws are sharp," she warned.

  "Are they really that desperate for him? Don't get me wrong, he's a total hottie but they must know what they’re getting into, right? And he comes on a bit too strong don't you think?" I asked.

  "Well he doesn't usually need to come on strong. They seriously trip over their six inch stilettos to get close to him. And the fact that his attention is still on you probably pisses them right off."

  "Did you know he has a tab? Who has a tab in a florist? He must have a ridiculous number of girls if he buys that many flowers." I picked up our next shot and downed it, enjoying the familiar burn at the back of my throat. Laurel paused mid drink and watched me out of the corner of her eye. "You seem awfully bothered by it- do I detect more than an attraction there? He obviously feels something, because he hasn't taken his eyes off you." I turned once again, and once again he was looking back at me. It gave me some satisfaction that I had turned his head, if only for a few minutes. However, deep down I knew I was, and never would be, the type of girl Blake Richards went for.

  "For goodness sake Laur, I don't even know him. Sure he's hot and all that, but he's also arrogant and cocky and a bit of a dickhead. So that's the extent of the feelings I have for him. Now, I'm off to the dance floor, are you coming?"

  Laurel tipped her head back and chuckled, "Oo I definitely hope so, but I need to find a worthy man first." I laughed and elbowed her in the side. "You have a dirty, dirty mind."

  Blake

  It had been a fucking long day and I needed a drink immediately. I was out of the office as much as possible visiting the properties I looked after in the hopes that someone knew something about that girl in the florists, but nothing. People had even changed the subject when I tried mentioning it, and I definitely didn’t want them to think I was bothered by it, so I didn’t get very far. But she was cute. So fucking cute. A little feisty too. I always had women that would do whatever I wanted so it was actually refreshing that a girl hadn’t been impressed. How pathetic is that? I was impressed because she wasn
’t going to be easy. Although her eyes contradicted everything that came out of that cute little mouth. I saw her checking me out, she wanted me; but she wasn’t going to act on it. Probably a good thing anyway. But I did like a challenge. And now, she had thrown down the gauntlet.

  I arrived at the bar and said hello to a few of the guys from football before getting a drink. There were so many girls in here tonight but as I looked around I realised my subconscious was trying to seek her out. And each girl that was batting her eyelids, or making those come-to-bed eyes at me was being compared to her. Too skinny, too tall, too slutty, too prim and proper, eyes too close together, nose too big, boobs too small. You get the idea. And it was frustrating as hell. I knocked back a drink before getting another and headed over to the jukebox to put a better song on. I felt a tug on my arm and some fingernails digging in to my bicep.

  Turning abruptly I looked down and smiled slyly as I saw Amber. Blonde, big boobs, tight little dress that showed way too much. But my nights with her were hot and I definitely didn’t mind repeating them a few times as long as she didn’t get the wrong impression. “Hey baby,” she said seductively as she ran her hands up my arms. “You gonna get a girl a drink?”

  Her mouth pouted, her eyes raked over my chest and she bit her lip. Game on.

  “Of course. What would you like?”

  See, I could be a gentleman.

  My eyes for some unknown reason drifted to the bar behind her and my breath was cut short. Cassie was sitting at the bar with another girl. The blonde, I recognised, some of the guys on the team had got with her which was why I stayed away. But Cassie looked gorgeous. She’d been frowning a lot when we first met but now her smile was wide, it lit up her eyes and was making me smile just watching her. God, what was I talking about? Idiot. Frustrated, I brought my eyes back down to Amber and realised Candy was now there too. I tried to focus on anything but the brown-haired beauty sitting within pouncing distance of me.