Sweet Deception (Truth)

by Grace Henderson

  "Oh that was nice of her. I wasn't expecting that." Even after what I put Laurel through she was willing to go out of her way to help me. I didn’t deserve a friend like her.

  "Why not? She must really care about you. She threatened to knee me in the nut sack if I did anything to hurt you. That kind of loyalty goes a long way in my books." He placed the coffee in front of me as he waited for my reply. “Yeah it's a long story but let's just say I won't be winning any awards for friend of the year. Or three. I was pretty shitty to her."

  "Well she seems to have forgiven you now. I wouldn't dwell on it. Life's too short. You don’t want to miss out on being happy because the past is still playing on your mind." For all his cockiness and bravado Blake was definitely someone who gave good advice and I'm sure there was more there. I could see it in his face, his jaw was steeled, and his eyes were lost in a past moment. But it was too early in this friendship to go spilling painful memories. That was something I knew too well.

  I took a sip of the hot coffee and worked up the courage to talk about what happened last night.

  "I'm so grateful to you for looking after me. I dread to think what might have happened if you hadn't turned up. I was so scared.” My voice was quiet with the last sentence, I wasn’t used to talking about my feelings but Blake wouldn’t judge me. I believed that. He paused, both hands leaning against the kitchen worktop, fisted. Under his tight t-shirt his muscles were tense. He turned around slowly and I noticed the pain etched in his face. "I don't think you realise how much I wanted to hurt him for what he did to you, when I came outside and saw him on top of you I just saw red. I could have killed him. Two bouncers followed me out when they heard him shouting and pulled me off him. Then they held him down. It was you that stopped me from going any further, I just had to make sure you were safe."

  I nodded and contemplated asking him how he knew I was out there. I wanted to know whether it was just luck, or if he had followed me. My heart and body were having trouble believing my brain when it told them he was a heartbreaker and nothing good could come of getting involved, but in the end brain won and I just sat silently. He walked round the kitchen island to stand beside me and leaned back against the counter with his hands crossed over his chest, “I know a guy at the station and persuaded him to let you give a statement this morning. I thought you might want some time to process it all, and after you fainted he didn't have much choice anyway."

  "Thanks. I appreciate that. I'm feeling a lot stronger now. Like I could face anything. What have you put in this coffee? It's working wonders," I joked, trying to steer us away from a heavy conversation.

  He looked at me with a serious expression, narrowing his eyes, a tight frown under his forehead. Lifting my chin with a finger and thumb he searched my face."I'm going to ask you this once more, then I'll leave it at that and get on with breakfast. Are you sure you are okay? Because it's understandable if you aren't you know?"

  Touched by his concern I flung my arms around his neck and squeezed as hard as I could. He stumbled slightly, and then wrapped his arms tightly around my back. I hardly knew him, yet I felt a connection that I had never experienced before. I pulled away and looked deep into his eyes. "Honestly I am a lot stronger than I look and if I fall apart, he wins. So I won't be doing that anytime soon. I am absolutely fine." Heat was flushing my cheeks, and my heart was racing as I pulled away and thought about that little lie I just told him. I was far from fine, but it wasn't because of last night. It was him.

  Chapter 6

  Blake drove me to the police station after breakfast and sat with me patiently whilst I recounted my version of events from last night. As I talked over some graphic moments, he grabbed my hand underneath the table and gripped it, resting both of them on my thigh. I squeezed it back to show him I appreciated the gesture. After an hour we walked out into the sunshine and I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Blake stood close to me as we walked to the car. So close that his arm and hand were brushing mine, tickling my skin. My heart rate picked up wondering if he was doing it on purpose. His voice broke through my thoughts as he spoke softly to me, "I should probably get you back home now. Your grandmother is going to be worrying."

  "Yeah she will be. Thanks for coming with me." I smiled up at him. "I feel like I've got a lot to thank you for this weekend. I'm just sorry for all the drama."

  "Don't be. I always love helping a damsel in distress. It balances out my narcissism." He grinned.

  "Ha ha, it seems to me it’s a catalyst," I shot back.

  He pretended to contemplate my words then laughed again. "Yeah you may be right. I think I've got a hero complex."

  "Well in that case, Blake you are my hero." I tried to keep my voice light and devoid of any serious meaning, nudging his shoulder playfully.

  "I like hearing that, can you say it again?"

  I shook my head and shrugged a shoulder, “Sorry, it was a onetime only kind of deal."

  We sat in comfortable silence most of the ten minute journey to Gran's house. I only talked to give him brief directions and I found myself gently humming along to the radio. As we pulled up the drive, Gran popped her head out the door frowning and gestured for me to hurry up before disappearing again.

  Blake stiffened next to me. "Go on in, I'll see you around Cassie."

  I raised my eyebrows at the way he just dismissed me. This man was confusing. He had just switched. I frowned, “Well if that's how you want to play it, then yeah see you around." I bent over to reach for my bag and my hair fell, covering the side of my face. Blake leaned over and lifted it back with his hand, and twirling it in his fingers. "I'm glad you're okay," he said quietly, and just like that he let it drop down my back. His lips turned up slightly in a faint smile, then turned his head back round to stare out the front of the windscreen.

  I grabbed my things and got out. As I reached the top of the steps I turned, and he was still sat there looking out the front of the car. That man was a puzzle. One that I definitely wanted to solve.

  "Cassie, dear, I'm so glad you're back home safe." She rushed over to hug me. "I was shocked when Laurel rang last night and told me what happened. I cannot believe someone would try such a thing! It’s disgraceful. Are you okay?"

  I sighed, "Yes, I'm fine, really, just eager to sleep it off and forget all about this weekend."

  "I see. Was that Blake Richard's car I saw you getting out of? Laurel told me a friend found you and you were in safe hands. I know you are a big girl now, but you need to stay away from that one. He's no good. Always has some bimbo attached to him, he buys flowers for them every week. You should find someone your own age. Plenty of strapping young men in this town. Margaret's grandson James is single. I'll put in a good word for you."

  "No you won't. I'm not being pimped out by grandmother thank you!"

  "Cassandra!" she cried, and tutted at my choice of words.

  "There's nothing wrong with Blake and he’s only a year older anyway. He was just being a friend. He saved my life for goodness sake. I owe him one, and so do you." She winced, and I knew then there was something she wasn't telling me. "What is it Gran? What have you got against him?" She looked like she wanted to say something. I could picture cogs turning in her head but she must have thought better of it. "All I am saying is that you can do better. That one will break your heart just like Daniel. Listen to your grandmother or you will regret it."

  She waved her hand as though that was the conversation over but I definitely had not agreed to anything. I flew straight upstairs and jumped into bed, deciding it was time for an afternoon nap. I ignored the little voice in my head telling me to stay away from him. I drifted off, dreaming of Blake with his arms wrapped around me. It was one of the best dreams I had in a long time.

  Blake

  Julia was her grandmother. Well fuck a duck. Why didn't I see that coming? I was going straight to hell. Why couldn't anything ever be easy?

  Because then it wouldn't be worth it.


  Well thank you Abbey. Your words are still haunting me. This little bit of crappy information just made my day.

  Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

  Yes Abbey. I am well aware of that, beautiful. I chuckled to myself. But the laughter was uneasy. Things had gone from bad to worse in the space of a week. I was in too deep with Cassie already, and it was scaring the shit out of me. I wasn’t a relationship kind of guy. I was too busy to deal with all the emotional drama they brought along with them. Just look at Amber and the way she stormed out earlier. I doubt Julia would let Cassie see me now anyway. It was for the best. But why couldn't I get that smile out of my head, the way she threw her arms around me, the way I felt when she was checking me out. Damn it! It was too late. My phone buzzed, "Richards" I snarled into it. "Well someone didn't get any last night," came the reply. I sighed with relief. James would get my mind off this now. "Beer, mate?"

  "Yes, sir. Be there in ten." I snapped my phone shut and looked back at the house. Things wouldn't work between me and Cassie. Too many people in our way. And Abbey was one of them.

  I got to the pub and sat down at an empty table outside. Picking up my glass, I took a swig of the cold liquid hoping it would take the edge off, but I was wrong. I bent my head over and wiped my hands over my face, trying to get a certain woman off my mind, and ended up growling in frustration.

  “Oh does someone need a massage?” A familiar voice purred and hands crept round my shoulders. “You’re so tense, darling.” Her long fingers kneaded the muscles by my neck and I could feel her body pressed up against my back. She was persistent, I’d give her that. “Amber, stop.” I shrugged out of her grip to let her know I wasn’t in the mood.

  She pouted and her hand flew to her hip. “Is this because of that Wilson girl? Do you like her?” She levelled her eyes at mine and stood waiting for my answer. I took another sip of my drink, “No. It’s nothing to do with her. I’ve just had a bad day and I’m not in the mood.”

  She narrowed her eyes but after a few seconds seemed to give in and change tack, “Oh well in that case, let me make it better.” She adjusted herself onto my lap and began to kiss my neck and whisper in my ear. I was only human, and the things she was saying were hot.

  “Don’t mind me.” A loud cough interrupted her dirty words and brought me back to reality. I looked up to see James and smiled my relief, “Amber, I’ll talk to you later.” I half pushed her off my lap and gestured to James to sit down opposite, not bothering to say goodbye or check Amber had gone.

  “What’s with you and her? You still sleeping together?”

  I shook my head. “No we haven’t in a while. She was just trying her best to persuade me.”

  James laughed loudly and slapped his hand against his thigh. “You’re telling me you need persuading? What’s happened to you? I’m disappointed, man.”

  “This week happened to me. It’s been a shitty one.”

  James leaned forward and looked sympathetic. “What’s up?”

  “You seen the new girl that works in the florist?” I asked.

  “Nah but Adam said she’s hot. Why, did you try to get with her and she turn you down?” He looked like he was desperate for me to say yes so he could laugh about it for weeks. “No, she got attacked last night. I found her and pulled him off.”

  He blew out his breath in a whistle and raised his eyebrows, “Shit, poor girl. Who was he?”

  I shrugged a reply, “I don’t know. I didn’t recognise him. But she fainted and I took her back to mine. Then I drove her to the station this morning to give her statement.”

  “Wow, you’ve been busy then.” He watched me, whilst picking up his glass to drink. His head tilted to the side, “You like her.” It wasn’t a question.

  I frowned but didn’t reply. He knew me better than I knew myself.

  “Well I never. Blake is pussy-whipped! Never thought I’d see the day.” He leant back in the chair and smirked at me.

  “You can wipe that grin off your face for a start. I am not. And will never be. We’re going out tonight and I’ll prove it.” I needed to go out and let off some steam. And if Amber was there for some release at the end of it then even better. I had to get Cassie off my mind. And quickly.

  Chapter 7

  Cassie

  I didn't hear from Blake on Sunday. I didn't really expect it. But a part of me had hoped. The way his mood had suddenly changed left me reeling and I spent the day going back and forth trying to make sense of my feelings for him. He was sweet, funny, charming but had an ego bigger than I'd ever come across before, and those guys were trouble. If I had any sense I wouldn't want him. But it wasn't that easy. He was already creeping around my head, looking for a way to settle and I was letting it happen. I didn't want to resist. Tomorrow, he would probably be in for his floozy flowers. I rolled my eyes at my decision to pursue someone who was clearly emotionally unavailable for a serious relationship. Oh well. I needed a bit of fun. And I knew Blake was up to the challenge.

  Monday came round quickly and I took an extra half an hour getting ready. The morning went slowly. It was quiet so I just fulfilled some telephone orders ready for the delivery boy to pick up, and cleared the place up. From lunch onwards I was actually rushed off my feet, the sound of the bell had my pulse racing the majority of the day. But I was always met with disappointment when it wasn't him. I had to get a grip on my emotions. Maybe it was just because he saved me and I felt I owed him. Maybe the feelings weren't real.

  Just as I resigned myself to him not showing up today, the bell went off once again and the door opened. "Sorry, we are closing now," I said as I spun around from the worktable. I stopped still mid spin as my eyes reached and focussed on him. He wore a dark grey suit but no tie, and his top button was undone. Those feelings were definitely real. He was hot. He cocked his head to the side. "Sorry, meeting ran over. Do you have time to make up one more order? Please?" His smile widened. How could I resist that?

  I busied myself wrapping his flowers, "Oh of course, I didn't realise it was you. I think I can stay open a few more minutes for the man who saved my life! "

  He chuckled. “Well I think that might be a little exaggerated but if you feel indebted to me I'm not going to pretend I don't like the idea of it." He made his way over to the back of the store where I was working.

  "So who do I have the pleasure of speaking with today? Jekyll or Hyde?"

  "Hmm?" Great, he was pretending like he didn't know what I was talking about. I wasn’t going to let him get away with it though, I wanted to know what caused it. My head shook with impatience. "Don't act dumb, you know what I mean."

  "You're right. I acted like a jerk. I was just annoyed with myself. Not you. And I shouldn't have played it the way I did." I stopped cutting the cellophane to look up at him, frowning. I hesitated, wanting to ask the question but afraid of the answer. I squashed the little voice in my head telling me not to bother. That it would be a bad idea to get involved with Blake. That I would only end up getting hurt because I wasn’t his type of girl. I just went for it. "Why were you annoyed at yourself?" My back straightened and my body squared against his as though it was drawn to it.

  He took a step forward and my heart went into overdrive. It was sending the blood round my body faster than a freight train. "Because I'm no good for you…I don’t do this.” He gestured in between the two of us and I knew he was talking about relationships. My heart lurched suddenly and I fought hard to keep my balance. “Why not?” I asked curiously, not really expecting a serious answer.

  “Relationships are messy. Complicated. So much work. I’ve never wanted it before.”

  “Before?” I repeated. “But you do now?” I spoke slowly wondering whether I had just misinterpreted what he was saying.

  “Well that’s a loaded question. I guess I’m just a bit confused because it’s so new to me. It’s just not how I’ve lived my life. But I want to get to know you, Cassie.” He brushed a few strands of hair behind my ear and I re
sisted the urge to lean into his touch.

  "Well in that case, why don't we start with dinner?" Was that too forward? I held my breath. The little voice was now repeating my mantra to me. Stay away, stay away, Stay away.

  "Dinner? Like a date?"

  I swallowed hard. "Yes, dinner, like a date. Just two people out for the evening, having fun. No pressure."

  He lifted his head as if to think about it before smiling. "Hmm dinner I can do. I haven't been on a proper date in years. I think the last time I was 16. We went to the cinema and ended up making out in the back row." He wiggled his eyebrows. I rolled my eyes.

  "You do that a lot you know."

  "Yes I know, it's because you are so exasperating." Smiling back at him, I took my apron off and handed him his flowers.

  "So how about tomorrow night? I can pick you up at 7?" He asked.

  "That sounds good. I'm spending the day with Laurel, it's my day off, so you can pick me up from hers."

  After giving him directions, I looked out the window to watch his sexy behind leave. I was relieved I thought quickly enough to include Laurel in my day tomorrow, I was definitely going to need her help to get ready. What she didn't know about makeovers wasn't worth knowing. I sent her a quick text about the date and she jumped at the chance to help me out. I took a deep breath to calm myself. I was going out on a date with Blake Richards. What had I just done? But one last look at him from the window had me smiling to myself.

  Blake

  I didn't have to turn around to know she was watching me leave. I felt her eyes on me. Piercing. Penetrating. I should have stayed away today. Got my secretary to pick up the flowers. But I did it myself every week and to be honest, I wanted an excuse to see her. I was just drawn to her. I didn't know what it was. There were plenty of girls that I could fuck, so I knew it wasn't that. They lined themselves up last night just waiting for a chance but I wasn’t interested in any of them. It was so shallow. They were all talking about Cassie’s attack Friday, thinking I was some kind of hero. I knew the truth. I was far from it.