Dancing with Deception

by Kadi Dillon

  She could see Gideon and his brother in that line of work. Not only did it explain his powerful frame and muscles, but also his creativity. He’d have to be pretty intelligent to design and build boats, not to mention strong.

  “Are you ready to go back down?”

  Rebecca nodded and followed Jess out of the room.

  “This is my room,” she said as they passed the door across from the guest room. She indicated the door beside hers. “And this is Gideon’s. Colin lives in the little cabin out back.”

  “So Gideon stays here, in the house.” It wasn’t a question, but Jess nodded. Rebecca couldn’t say why that made her uneasy. And there would be no escaping him now. Gideon had trapped her the best way possible, surrounded by water.

  “He’s going to build a house this year. He’s got the plans and everything for it finished. He just needs to hire the labor.” Something flashed in Jess’s eyes, uneasiness and maybe a little fear. Before Rebecca could comment, Jess was walking down the stairs. “You’re going to love Mom’s cooking. It’s incredible.”

  Rebecca smiled, easy again. “If it tastes anything like it smells, I may just eat the spoon with it.”

  Chapter Five

  When Gideon woke the next morning, it was raining. The sun had yet to rise so he stared out into the twilight while his thoughts were in turmoil. Rebecca had been so quiet the night before while she sat at his mother’s table and ate dinner that he thought she may have been planning something. He knew she couldn’t go anywhere. All the keys to the boats were safely locked away in the office so the only other way to the mainland was to swim.

  He had come to the realization at about three o’clock that morning that swimming twenty miles probably wouldn’t stop Rebecca from escaping. She had all but begged him to let her jump off hit boat in order to get away from him. Then she had escaped him by slipping out of a hotel room when he was just down the hall. Remembering those situations, Gideon had gotten out of bed and checked on her.

  She’d been sleeping very soundly when he’d slipped through the darkness into her room. He remembered the way the pale moonlight illuminated her features and the way her hair spread out over the pillow. She was a vision, all right and would be even more so without the bruises. He’d checked and rechecked the window and was finally satisfied enough to return to his room.

  He’d still put a call through to Colin telling him to pay attention to the automatic light sensors if they were switched on in the boatyard. Sleep had come, but in snatches.

  And now he was ready to face the day. Jefferson, the client he had gotten up early to meet, would be waiting on the mainland at nine sharp, so Gideon needed to get a move on. When he slipped downstairs for coffee, he was surprised when the smell of freshly ground beans filled his senses before he reached the stairs. He saw his sister sitting at the table staring into her cup.

  “You’re up early.”

  She didn’t jump out of her skin as she would have only a couple years ago. Instead, she looked up slowly and smiled. “So are you.”

  “Meeting a client.”

  “Bad dream.” She lifted her cup. “Coffee’s fresh. I just made it.”

  Gideon poured him a cup and sat across from Jess. “It doesn’t bother you that Rebecca’s here, does it?” He hoped it wouldn’t. Jess was afraid of men, other than her father and brothers but he had never seen her uncomfortable with another woman. Something was bothering her now, however. He had a right to pry.

  “No, not at all. I like her.”

  “That’s good. So what’s wrong?”

  She stared into her cup a few seconds before draining it. “It’s awkward for you to have to bring her here. To Mom and Dad’s house.”

  “It’s not like I’m bringing home a girlfriend or anything, Jess. I thought Mom told you what was going on.”

  “She did. But I also saw for myself how you feel about her.”

  His mouth didn’t quite drop open, but it was close. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  Jess regarded him seriously. “I may be a freak but I’m not blind.”

  Gideon sat his cup down with a snap. “You’re not a freak,” he told her in a hard tone. “Don’t ever call yourself that again, Jess.”

  “It doesn’t matter. We were talking about your feelings for Rebecca.”

  “Yeah, annoyance and obligation.” But it didn’t quite ring true to his own ears.

  “No, Gideon. You care about her. You’re worried for her. I get that. It’s the kind of man you are. You like to help people and fix their problems. But it’s more than that. You like her, too.” She smiled as she spoke but her eyes were still serious. “Do you want me to tell you how she feels about you?”

  “Sure, since you have it all figured out.”

  She smirked at his sulky tone and plunged ahead. “She wants to like you but she’s a little afraid of you.”

  Now Gideon smirked. “Yeah, right. That’s why she spits and scratches at me every chance she gets. Oh, and let’s not forget she tried to kick my ass.”

  “That’s exactly why.”

  Gideon thought about it then sighed. “All right, I haven’t exactly been Prince Charming to her. The situation’s a little strained, Jess.”

  “Can you imagine what it’s like for her? She’s the one they’re wanting, after all.”

  Gideon rinsed his cup out in the sink and placed it in the dishwasher. “Yeah, I know. I’m trying to be patient. I’m not a very patient man.”

  “You don’t have to tell me,” Jess replied dryly.

  “Come here, brat.” Gideon yanked her into his arms and squeezed.

  “Aren’t you going to have some breakfast? Mom will be mad.” Jess said when he shook his head and raised his mug indicating he was only having coffee.

  “I’ll be back by lunch. If she asks, cover for me. And thanks for the pep talk.” He walked out into the morning and chuckled when he heard Jess reply, “Anytime.”

  He didn’t feel quite right leaving Rebecca this way. True, he’d only be gone for a few hours but something nagged him as he made his way down to the dock. Blaming his reluctance to leave on his mistrustful feelings toward the woman, Gideon pulled his phone out of his pocket to shoot a quick text to Colin.

  Keep your eye on Rebecca.

  He grinned when the reply came back. Yeah, yeah.

  After jumping into his speedboat, he started her up. He’d much rather be driving Avery but the speedboat would do. The air was cool against his face as he drove toward the mainland. He would get this meeting with Jefferson out of the way, he thought watching the sun rise over the water. Then, when business was done, he would worry about Rebecca.

  She smelled pancakes. That was the first clue she wasn’t in her bed at the house she and Lilah shared. Her room was too far away from the kitchen to be able to savor the aromas. Her mouth watered before she had the chance to fully awake, causing hunger pains she’d trained her stomach to hinder. She doubted a fruit bar and yogurt would satisfy her this morning.

  Rebecca dressed in a pair of short and a t-shirt that Jess had left for her and used the tooth brush Rose had given her before venturing downstairs. She still had no shoes but was comfortable barefoot. It wasn’t pancakes, however. She walked into the kitchen as Rose was pouring batter in the waffle maker.

  “Good morning.”

  “Morning.” Rebecca stayed in the doorway. Even though she wasn’t a breakfast person, she could still appreciate the heavenly aromas. She wished she had a memory to compare the smell too but she couldn’t ever remember her mother stepping foot into the kitchen. Odd that now that made her feel as though she was missing out on something.

  “Have a seat. Breakfast will be ready in a minute.”

  Rebecca took the chair across from Jess who was reading through a newspaper. “I don’t usually eat breakfast.”

  “Oh, all right. I’ll be sure to only give you one then,” Rose smiled while she buttered a waffle.

  Rebecca’s lips twitche
d at the sweetly delivered command. Maybe she could just this once.

  Jess looked up from her paper. “Is that because you’re in ballet?”

  “Partly. I also don’t cook very well so I just don’t bother.”

  Rose’s eyes widened in dismay. “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After we eat, I’ll show you how to make pancakes. They’re simple and nutritious. As long as you flip them before they burn, they’re pretty much a sure thing.”

  Down for anything, she agreed as if she had a choice. However calm and quiet Rose may have been, she struck Rebecca as a steam roller.

  “Jess, did your brother take something with him to eat before he left this morning?”

  “No, just coffee. I told him you’d be angry. He actually thought I would cover for him.” Jess folded her newspaper up and laid it on the table. “He should know by now I’m a snitch.”

  “Gideon left?”

  Jess looked at Rebecca. “He had to meet a client.”

  “For the boat business?”

  Always willing to brag about her boys’ accomplishments, Rose put breakfast on the table and sat down beside Rebecca. “The client’s name is Henry Jefferson. He called late last night and is in desperate need for a boat. Gideon went to meet with him. It sounds like a big job.”

  “Why didn’t he just go buy a boat from a dealership?”

  “Avery Boats are the best,” Jess said proudly. “Colin and Gideon customize them down to the last cup holder. They even installed a beer bottle opener in one of the boats for a client. They do wonderful work.”

  Rebecca found herself fascinated with the Avery brother’s. “Just the two of them?”

  “Charles helps but he’s out of town. He’ll be home tonight.” Rose scooped syrup out of the bowl and drizzled it on her waffle. She looked pointedly at Rebecca’s empty plate. When Rebecca forked up a waffle, Rose nodded and continued. “You’ll love Charles. He goes on an annual fishing tournament and usually does well. He wasn’t having any luck when we talked last night,” she said to Jess.

  “Anyway,” Rose continued. “Charles helps the boys with the labor. Gideon ropes in the clients, and Colin designs the boats. Jess keeps the books.”

  “And Mom keeps us all fed.”

  Rebecca smiled and ate another bite of waffle, almost sighing in delight. She wished it wasn’t so delicious. She made a mental note to run an extra mile or so this morning. And she would go running whether she had to sneak out and take off alone to do it. She couldn’t miss a workout. Her muscles were still screaming from the extra time at ballet the previous night.

  Colin sauntered in a few minutes later and loaded up a plate. Easily picking up the thread of their conversation, he began telling Rebecca about some of the process to boat building. He told her how they cut and shaped their own wood, sanded and painted the body of the boat. He explained the difference between the types of boats and their different functions.

  “Of course,” he concluded as he polished off his plate of waffles, “I’m a sailboat man, myself. I like a leisurely sail on a clear day just fine. Gideon likes the speed.”

  “You get plenty of speed when you race.”

  “Well, now that’s different.” He grinned over at his sister. “There’s more to a race than speed. You have to know what you’re about.”

  “And how to kick some ass,” Rebecca blurted without thinking. She covered her mouth quickly and shot a mortified look at Rose. “Excuse me.”

  Rose waved that away. “I’ve been married to a sailor for thirty-four years and raised two of them.” Rose stood from the table and began to gather plates. “I’ve got this,” she told Rebecca when she had rose to help her. “Do you have any plans for today?”

  Rebecca glanced at Colin who was reclining back in his chair with an amused expression on his handsome face. “I’m going on a run. If you want to babysit me, you’ll have to keep up.”

  Tongue in cheek, Colin said, “I’d love to go for a run.”

  “I have a pair of tennis shoes if you’d like to borrow them.”

  “Oh, thank you. It beats running barefoot.” Rebecca followed Jess upstairs, recognizing the silent signal that she needed to speak with her in private.

  “I’m size six.”

  “I’m a seven but my feet are used to bending. Thank you,” she said again when Jess handed her a pair of worn running shoes.

  “No problem. I’d come with you but I don’t think I could keep up. Rebecca,” Jess sat down on the edge of her bed and invited Rebecca to take a seat next to her. When she sat, Jess continued. “Gideon’s a good man. He’s a little intense and a lot stubborn, but I’m sure he just asked Colin to keep you close to make sure you’re safe.”

  “I’m sure he is a good man.”

  “But?”

  Rebecca wondered how much she could confide in Gideon’s sister. So far, Jess had been nothing but friendly. There was something that was a little reserved about her, but Rebecca understood shyness and respected it all the same. She took a chance and trusted that Jess wouldn’t be angry with her. “But I don’t think Gideon likes me very much. And I don’t blame him. I caused a lot of problems for him.”

  She watched Jess digest this and was relieved when she didn’t sense anger from her. “I guess I misunderstood. I thought Gideon all but dragged you here.”

  “He did. But he was angry and I don’t think he knows how he wants to handle those problems yet.” She wondered how much Jess actually knew and asked her.

  “Everything. Gideon told us all so we would now how to help you. That’s what he’s decided to do, Rebecca. Help you. He may be rude, but he isn’t cruel.”

  “If you say so.” She said it with such affliction that Jess smiled. “Did he tell you how we met?”

  “On his boat?”

  “Yes. I jumped off the pier and landed in his boat while he was driving it. How stupid was that?”

  “It sounded pretty brave to me. I wouldn’t have been able to do that no matter who was chasing me.”

  “Believe me. I never dreamed I would be getting chased all over Ohio for a stupid painting.” Especially one that I painted myself.

  “Is it signed?”

  Rebecca didn’t blink in fear she would give something away. “Not that I know of.”

  “Maybe I could take a look at it. I’m not a professional but I may be able to tell something about the paint.”

  Rebecca stood and tested the shoes. Her toes were a little snug, but it wasn’t any different from wearing ballet shoes. “I think I’ll take that run now. I feel flabby if I don’t get a good work out in the morning.”

  Jess was only trying to help, but fear balled tightly in her belly. If they found out that she had painted The Dance some twenty years ago, would they believe her to be a criminal?

  “Flabby,” she snorted. “I can look at it when you get back. I’ll be here.” Again, there was a glimpse of something in her tone. Some sort of sadness that sliced Rebecca’s heart.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to run with us?”

  “I’m sure. I have some homework I need to get done.” She walked with Rebecca out of her room and down the stairs. “Thanks, though.”

  “Ready?” Colin was still sitting at the table looking relaxed and- damn him- still amused.

  “Yes.”

  They set out at a brisk warm-up pace. Rebecca’s long ponytail whipped in the wind as they rounded the side of the house and jogged toward the beached area.

  “Its solid ground about ten feet up from the water so we won’t slip on the sand.”

  “Kay.” Rebecca subtly increased her speed and smirked when Colin did the same. So he was competitive. Worked for her. She needed to burn off the calories from the waffle.

  Even while she was running, Rebecca took in her surroundings. They were completely surrounded by the big blue lake. She should have felt isolated but she didn’t. She felt secure and safe while they ran along the beautiful beach. They kicked up the little bits of
sand beneath their feet as they rounded a sharp corner where the lake came up onto the land.

  She wanted to swim, she thought as her feet splashed through a shallow puddle. It had been so long since she had been swimming for any reason other than working out and the water felt deliciously cool on her bare legs.

  When Rebecca heard Colin’s breathing begin to strain, she grinned and kicked up to the next speed. She wanted to throw her head back and laugh when he managed to keep pace with her but she just kept increasing her speed. She would make him pay for making fun of her, she decided.

  “Do you run often?”

  He shot her a look that told her he didn’t want to talk and run but complied. “No.”

  Rebecca changed directions and headed back to the house. Colin kept pace but was beginning to grit his teeth. He wasn’t as built as Gideon was but he also had a smaller frame. He still had amazing muscles that were obviously worked out regularly, but Rebecca knew they were built from hammering and lifting more than from cardio.

  “Want to race?”

  Rebecca started. Maybe he had more stamina than she thought. “Sure.”

  “All right.” They were still jogging but he counted to three and Rebecca took off at full speed. She had enough breath left to growl at him when he kept pace with her still. He looked as though he would collapse at any minute, but he held his own.

  They rounded the corner that would lead them back to the house and Rebecca gave it all she had. Belatedly, they both realized they hadn’t sat a finish line, so Rebecca called out, “the fence!” And they plunged ahead.

  Rebecca beat him by a foot and they both collapsed on the ground laughing.

  “Son-of-a-bitch,” Colin wheezed. “I didn’t know ballerinas could run so fast.”

  “Neither did I.”

  They looked at each other again before dissolving in another fit of laughter. A shadow fell over them and an angry voice startled Rebecca out of her mirth.

  “Where the hell have you been?”

  Colin looked over idly at his brother. Rebecca all but jumped out of her skin as the laughter died out of her. “We were running,” was Colin’s lazy reply.