The Best Deception (New Edition)

by Ashley Jade

  He ignored my questions, reached for my elbow, and walked me to my car instead. “This is a terrible fucking neighborhood…you know that,” he ground out.

  “Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Moneybags. Some of us don't have it as easy as you do.”

  He narrowed his eyes at me. “Believe me, I know how it is in the world. I don't let the fact that I came from money, go unnoticed. It's something I'm very thankful for. However, I worked my ass off for every cent of my own money, trust me."

  I folded my arms across my chest. “Why are you still here?”

  “You're not going to like what I'm about to tell you, but quite frankly, I really don't give a fuck. I like to make sure that you make it to and from your car safely before and after each one of our dates—” He held up his hands and made air quotes. “I'm sorry, sessions. You didn't come down for a while tonight. So, I just waited.”

  He ran a hand through his dark hair. “You're a prime target for a mugging or something worse, Leah. You're a beautiful, innocent, professional woman. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

  I didn't know if that statement made me want him more, or scared the shit out of me.

  “Thank you—I think,” I mumbled, still in disbelief. “But, why did you beat that guy within an inch of his life? I don't get it."

  “Because he put his hands on you, Leah!” he shouted. “Around your fucking throat. God only knows if he was going to stop at just stealing your purse. I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner. I was on my phone. I'll never make that mistake again."

  He still didn't answer my direct question, but I guess that was as good as I was going to get from him.

  “Well, thank you. I appreciate it. Really, I do. I think I'm gonna go home now.”

  I dug my keys out of my purse and took a step forward.

  “Leah, wait. Let me follow you home—” He paused when he saw my reaction to that. “Just to make sure that you're okay. I'm heading in that direction anyway,” he said as he reached for my hand.

  The contact made my head spin.

  God, I need to stop wanting him. Was there an off button located anywhere on that body of a Greek god of his?

  “Okay, but that's it. I meant what I said earlier. I'm sorry, Jacob.”

  “Yeah, I know,” he said softly as he opened my car door for me.

  Chapter 6

  Danny got another letter in the mail from our father again.

  This time, he was even more persistent about him coming to visit. I decided I was going to be the one to make a trip to see him.

  Especially since I had plenty of time on my hands now.

  The prison was an 8-hour drive away, though. I didn’t want to put all the miles on my car, since I wouldn’t be purchasing another one for a very long time, so I booked my bus ticket for a week in advance.

  I figured the ride would also give me plenty of time to think.

  I hadn't seen or heard from Jacob since the night of the attempted mugging. It seemed he finally got the hint that I was serious about ending our sessions, especially since I never bothered to show up for this week's sessions.

  He didn't even call or email me anymore. It was for the best, even though he was no longer technically my client anymore.

  Luckily, I had another private client lined up to fill Jacob's spot—Mrs. Downing.

  She was a recently divorced 45-year-old, with three children. She seemed really sweet, and just needed someone to talk and vent to.

  I was more than happy to help her. This was exactly the type of client that a newbie such as myself should be taking on. I was in way over my head with Jacob, but at least I could say I tried.

  Between my nerves about seeing my father, booking my bus ticket, and all my thoughts about Jacob, I didn't even end up going for my morning run this morning.

  Sighing, I got up to go change into a pair of sweats and my running shoes. I decided to make it an afternoon run, instead.

  I put my headphones in my ear, stretched and began my jog. It felt good to feel the cool breeze along my sweat soaked body.

  It wasn't long before I made my way into the woods, and paid my daily visit to Jamie. In addition to apologizing to her, I told her what was on my mind, I even talked about Jacob. I stayed there longer than usual, but it was cleansing and I felt much better afterward.

  I made my way back to my house in a great mood. I knew Danny was supposed to be at baseball practice today and I had the rest of the afternoon to myself.

  I headed straight for the kitchen while humming along to a song on my iPod and I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

  That's when I noticed Danny's backpack on a chair in the kitchen.

  Guess he’s home, after all. I shrugged and began singing out loud to my music.

  I was in such an unusually happy mood, feeling so refreshed and energized from my run, I even started dancing around the kitchen.

  I was belting out one of my favorite tunes into my water bottle when I spun around and yelped.

  I quickly yanked off my headphones, Bohemian Rhapsody was now echoing in the distance as I came face to face with both Danny and Jacob.

  The embarrassment and surprise of the situation also sent my water bottle crashing to the floor.

  Because apparently, it just wasn’t enough for me to look like a sweaty mess, smell like a sweatshop, or be caught singing like a tone-deaf banshee—the universe decided to add uncoordinated klutz to the mix.

  Yup, I’m one smooth operator, alright.

  “I believe you dropped something, Dr. Adams,” Jacob said, smiling as he picked my now dented water bottle up off the floor and handed it back to me.

  I yanked it from him. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

  “Language, sis,” Danny mocked. I shot him a look of annoyance.

  “I wanted to give you your last paycheck in person. I figured it was the right thing to do,” Jacob said, handing me an envelope.

  I waved my hand away, refusing to accept it. “I don't need it. I already told you. Thanks anyway.” I nodded in the direction of the door. “You can go now.”

  “Wow, sis. If that's the way you treat your clients, no wonder you barely have any,” Danny said, shooting me a look of annoyance now.

  My gaze focused on him then. “Stay out of this, Danny. What are you doing home anyway? Don't you have practice?”

  “Both coaches came down with a bad stomach flu. Practice got canceled. I was actually playing ball out back with Jacob. He's pretty good and he even gave me a few pointers. We were going to play some more until you attempted to rudely kick him out," Danny said, aggravation in his tone.

  I sighed and focused my attention back on Jacob. I was beyond pissed at his unexpected arrival. However, I wanted Danny to be happy.

  “I'm sorry, Jacob. Go play ball with my brother.”

  Jacob flashed me a cocky smile before he and Danny headed out back again.

  I watched them through the small window above the kitchen sink as I prepared dinner. Danny really did appear to be having fun, so was Jacob for that matter.

  Hell, Danny's batting technique had even seemed to improve within a few short hours. I decided to just let it be and continue fixing up dinner.

  I was putting together the finishing touches on a salad when they walked back in.

  “Can Jacob stay for dinner? I've already invited him to my game on Sunday. Please be nice to him, Leah. He's a good guy," Danny pleaded.

  I opened my mouth to protest when Jacob cut me off. “Danny it's okay. I'll be at your game on Sunday, I wouldn't miss it,“ he said, walking toward the door. “I don't want to cause Dr. Adams. I'm sorry, Leah, to be uncomfortable. So, I think it's best that I just go."

  I smiled to myself, happy that he was finally leaving.

  That’s when I noticed the look Danny gave me.

  I'd never seen him act like this before, and I was still feeling guilty that I was still continuing to hide our father's letters from him.

  I could feel myself cave
. Jacob wasn't necessarily the best male role model for him to look up to—but he was certainly better than our father; that's for damn sure.

  “Jacob, wait,” I said, halting him. “Please stay for dinner,” I mumbled, looking down at the floor.

  Danny's face lit up and he gave me a big hug. “See? I told you she wasn't always such a pain in the ass,” Danny said, looking up at Jacob.

  Jacob smirked and his eyes met mine. I felt a rush of heat go right through me, before I cleared my throat and sat at the table.

  We sat in awkward silence for a few moments before Danny looked at me. “Did you meet with your new client yet? Monday's and Friday's right?” he asked, before shoving a forkful of chicken into his mouth.

  Jacob shot me one of his fiery looks then. I ignored it before I answered, “Nope, it begins next week.” I gave Jacob a wry smile and bit into my carrot.

  “So, why exactly are you dumping, Jacob?” Danny then asked.

  I almost choked on my food. That's when I shot a fiery look of my own back at Jacob.

  He gave me a sardonic smile in return, but I didn’t miss the hint of lust in his eyes. God, he's so sexy. Dangerously sexy.

  I didn't even realize that I was staring at him until Danny waved his hand in front of my face. “Hello—”

  “Sorry. We're just not a good match for one another,” I mumbled, staring down at my plate.

  “Why not? What's wrong with him?”

  I intended to give him a vague and general answer, but he cut me off. “He's much better than that fucker Alan was, that's for sure.”

  My face turned the color of a tomato.

  Jacob looked at me curiously, but I looked down at my plate again.

  Between Danny's outbursts and Jacob's blatant sex appeal, I was starting to feel more than a little uncomfortable.

  “Can you believe that asshole cheated on her, with her friend? She even walked in on them, on her fucking birthday for crying out loud,” Danny snarled.

  “Danny, language,” I snapped, causing him to look at me funny.

  Jacob glanced at me then, his eyes were soft and kind now.

  Great, he was giving me a look of pity. Well, I sure as hell didn't need his pity, that’s for sure.

  I was about to excuse myself from the table when Danny narrowed his eyes and pointed his fork at Jacob.

  What the heck was it with this kid tonight?

  “I like you, Jacob, but I'm gonna put this out there. If you ever hurt my sister, I will kick your ass. I might not be as big as you, but I pack a pretty mean punch.”

  He rubbed his forehead and looked up at the ceiling. “She's a pain in my ass. Hell, if I’m being honest, she's a pain in everyone's ass—but she's been through way too much shit in her life. So don't hurt her, comprende?"

  I wanted to crawl under a fucking rock. Danny's words were sweet, but they were certainly misdirected.

  Plus, I didn't need or want Jacob knowing any more about me than he already did.

  Jacob wiped the corners of his mouth with his napkin. “I understand, Danny.” He dropped the napkin and looked me right in the eyes. “But, I have no intention of hurting your sister. You have my word.”

  Good grief, this was becoming too much.

  “Okay,” I said, changing the topic. “I think you have some studying to do, Danny. You have another English test tomorrow. I expect a B- or better. No excuses.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll see what I can do. I'll see you on Sunday, Jacob. Thanks for everything,” he said while giving him a pound before leaving the kitchen to head upstairs.

  I shook my head, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that point.

  I decided to get up and clear the table instead.

  “Thank you for dinner. It was really good—” Jacob began.

  “You're an asshole,” I said sharply, before I turned around and started washing dishes.

  “Excuse me, Dr. Adams?”

  “Using my little brother to get to me? Telling him you were going to attend one of his games? What the hell is wrong with you?”

  He got up from the table. “I am going to his game. I wasn't using him to get to you, Leah. Jesus. Are you always so much of an uptight and high-strung pain in the ass, even when you're out of the office?"

  I turned my head and gave him one of the dirtiest looks I could muster. “Look. Do whatever you want to me, just don't hurt my brother, okay?”

  He gave me a cocky smile. “Is that an invitation?”

  “Yes—I mean no,” I growled, which only caused his smile to grow bigger.

  “Leah, can you please take the envelope? That is the real reason I came by,” he said as he put the envelope down on the counter.

  “No. I told you. I wouldn't feel right about it.”

  “You really should have read the fine print on the contract. You're entitled to the money, either way. For the entire duration of the term."

  “You're crazy. There's no way I'm accepting that.”

  “Number one—I'm not crazy. Even though I did seek you out for therapy. Number two—it's too late, you already signed.” He lowered his voice. “Number three—I really want to ask you to go to dinner with me."

  I spun around to face him. “I can't—you already know why.”

  He leaned in, pressing my lower back against the sink. “I'm not a client of yours anymore. If it makes you feel better, you can think of it as a therapy session. Let me show you that you have helped me and that I'm able to take a woman out on a proper date."

  As usual, the alluring scent of him—along with his body pressed flush against mine, was making my head go dizzy.

  “Okay. Fine,” I said without thinking.

  He grinned down at me. “Thank you. I'll pick you up tomorrow night at 8pm.”

  He searched my eyes as he skimmed his finger along my cheek. His touch was sending little pleasure spasms up and down my body. I was about two seconds away from panting like an animal in heat.

  “No. I'll meet you there. Also, I'm not having sex with you, ever. So just get that through your brain once and for all.”

  His lips brushed over my ear. “No sex, I promise.”

  How the hell could he make the thought of not having sex with him sound so fucking sexy?

  He reached for my hand. “I'll see you tomorrow, Dr. Adams,” he said, planting a kiss on my knuckle.

  “Mhhh—” I mumbled as I watched him walk out the door.

  I rushed upstairs after that.

  I needed a shower, a cold one.

  Chapter 7

  Dr. Adams

  I look forward to our date tonight. Look outside on the porch, you should be receiving a package from me momentarily. I hope you enjoy it.

  -J. Sand

  I tried not to let my mind think about exactly what kind of package I really wanted to be receiving from him as I walked outside to retrieve the item in question.

  Or rather, the two items in question.

  I cursed under my breath as I brought them inside. A beautiful bouquet of roses were waiting for me, along with what looked to be a clothing box. From a very expensive boutique.

  “I'm not a damn prostitute,” I mumbled to myself.

  I opened the box and had to catch my breath. It was undoubtedly, one of the sexiest, yet stunning, dresses I'd ever laid my eyes on.

  A dress that was way past my budget.

  I eyed the beautiful, long, red satin dress. It had a high cut neckline, but a very low open back. Almost too low. It would have reminded me of lingerie if the front wasn't so modest.

  Taking another deep breath, I took a shower and got ready for our date.

  Session, I harshly reminded myself.

  The dress fit my slender body like a glove, and the deep red tone brought out the golden highlights in my long, light brown hair and eyes.

  It made me feel confident, powerful, and sexy.

  All traits that Jacob exuded with such ease.

  I felt out of my element, but not in a bad way, this
time.

  I walked down the stairs and watched my brother do a double take, before whistling. “Make sure he has you home by curfew,” he teased.

  I laughed and gave him a quick hug goodbye before heading out.

  ***

  I noticed Jacob before he noticed me. The sight of him almost caused me to run right out of the damn restaurant.

  Now, I knew why he didn't wear suits. Just the sight of him in one, practically caused me to orgasm right then and there.

  It was downright sinful. His three-piece gray suit and dark green tie made his gorgeous green eyes stand out even more.

  I couldn't help myself, I just stood there and stared at him. He was so goddamn hypnotizing.

  “Well, you certainly know how to take a man's breath away, Dr. Adams,” Jacob said as he made his way over to greet me.

  I smiled, a genuine smile this time. I didn't know what kind of spell he was trying to cast over me, but it was starting to work.

  Every woman’s eyes practically popped right out of their heads as he passed them and led us to a private, but large, corner booth located in the back of the elegant restaurant.

  The ambiance was breathtaking.

  When he sat down next to me, he moved close, almost too close. Like he was purposely making it known to everyone around that this was more than just a business dinner at a fancy restaurant. “So, what would you like to drink?” he asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

  The truth was, I usually avoided alcohol like the plague, seeing as how both my parents were addicts. In fact, I hadn't even had a sip of alcohol in almost three years. However, being on a date with Jacob, made me nervous and I needed something to take the edge off.

  “Apple Martini,” I quickly replied, hoping he wouldn't laugh at me. The waiter came over and he ordered our drinks and appetizers.

  “So, how's everything going for you at work?” I asked, trying my hardest not to let my nerves get the best of me.

  “Much better now. How are you, Leah?”

  I looked down. “I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be? I'm only breaking every cardinal rule of my profession right now.”