“No problem, beautiful. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a man slide up to the bar next to me. “Eric, I’ll take a Blue Moon.”
My eyes lock on a set of large hands sprawled on the top of the bar until the man picks up the bottle the bartender sits in front of him. When he turns to step away, his left hand lightly brushes one of mine, sending a chill down my arm. I wait a few seconds before glancing over my shoulder, my gaze landing on the same man from the restaurant yesterday. His eyes trail up my body with an easy smile that vanishes once they meet mine. Tonight, he’s wearing a tux no tie, the collar undone. His dark hair is slicked back, his shoulders stiff, while his amber eyes—still locked on me—darken.
He brings his beer to his mouth, taking a long pull, never once looking away. He’s tall, well over six-feet. Even from a few steps away, it feels like he’s towering over me.
He continues to stare at me with a hint of interest playing in his expression. Watching him watch me, my body heats with desire. He acted like a jerk yesterday, but tonight—finding him here—feels perfectly wrong. And what are the odds in a city filled with millions of people, I’d run into the same sexy stranger two days in a row?
Lust fuels my thoughts. I want to close the distance between us, and at the very least, ask him his name.
Almost as if he knows what I’m thinking, he shakes his head with a long sigh.
Wishing I had ordered another drink after all, I twist around on the bar stool and grab my purse.
I’m friendly and outgoing. I talk to strangers with ease all the time, and this man isn’t any different—other than the fact that I’m attracted to him and single for the first time in my life.
Sucking in a deep breath, I hop off the stool and take one step in his direction then stop.
A woman with long black hair wearing a red jumper cut into a low V, showcasing her amazing breasts, walks up to him and whispers something in his ear. He keeps his eyes locked on mine while listening to whatever she says. Downing the rest of his beer, he sits the empty bottle on the table next to him, then without another glance my direction, he follows her through the red doors.
Yep, definitely a jerk.
Opening the app on my phone, I order an Uber and make my way outside. Waiting for my ride, my phone buzzes with a text.
Carter: Why aren’t you answering my calls?
Carter: I need to talk to you
Carter: It’s important
What a perfect ending to a shitty night. The only man who tried to talk to me is the one I don’t ever want to hear from again. When my ride pulls up to the curb, I sign with relief. Apparently, it’s going to take more than a sexy dress and new zip code to turn my life around.
Chapter Four
Delanie
With a groan, I roll over in bed, staring at the ceiling and listening to the voices echoing in the apartment above ours. I tossed and turned all night, my mind bouncing between the past I hated and the future I want. I’m bone tired, but with the sun shining through the window, my eyes won’t close. Giving up on sleep, I climb out of bed. On my way to the kitchen, I peek into Brenna’s room and find it empty.
Was she with two men in two days?
I wish I was half as relaxed as Brenna is when it comes to sex.
With a cup of coffee, I wander to the couch as my phone buzzes.
Unknown: Hey, it’s Dalton. Do you want to grab lunch?
I stare at my phone, thinking back to last night. I wasn’t at Stella for long, and that damn rose on my dress made it clear I couldn’t have sex, but hardly anyone looked my direction, and the one man who did left with someone else. I don’t need a man in my life to feel validated as a person but there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel desired.
Me: Sounds great. Where would you like to meet?
Another text pops up.
Brenna: My night turned into one hell of a morning. I’m not sure when I’ll be home.
I’m clueless to the rules—if there are any—about meeting members outside of the club but I hope she knows what she’s doing. She deserves to be happy, and who knows, maybe this man is the one for her.
Unknown: How about the deli on 34th and Keller around noon?
Me: I’ll be there
Reluctantly, I get up and walk to the bathroom.
This city is filled with available men. If I want to explore a quick fling…a rebound, then it needs to be with someone I don’t work with.
Lunch was perfect. Dalton asked me personal questions but not too many and nothing that required me to mention the reason I accepted a job here in LA. More than anything, we talked about work. I’ve always been good with numbers and I found listening to him talk about stocks and e-trades fascinating.
After lunch, with the sun beating down on us, we walked a couple of blocks to a park, sat on a bench, and watched kids play in the sprinklers.
“I’m happy to help you study for your broker’s test after work, if you want. The Series 7 test can be brutal if you’re not prepared.” He laughs when a little boy splashes a woman—probably his mother—with water. “I’m meeting my sister for dinner on Wednesday but I’m free any other night this week.”
“I don’t know. Seeing someone you work with doesn’t seem like a very good idea.”
I can’t stop myself from laughing when he waggles his eyebrows. “It’s a shitty idea, but sometimes the best things come from the worst ideas. Plus, you could use help studying.”
“Working and studying does seem like a lot to handle at once.”
He nudges my shoulder. “I knew I was too hard to resist.”
“Yes, very,” I say dryly, rolling my eyes with a laugh.
“How does Monday sound?”
There’s nothing wrong with a friend helping a friend… “Monday sounds perfect.”
The door barely clicks shut behind me before Brenna jumps from the couch, her face scowling with anger. “Where the hell have you been?”
“What is your problem?”
“My problem?” she sputters. “I was about to call the fucking police and report you missing.”
“Why in the world would you do that?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she sarcastically says, placing her hands on her hips. “How about the fact that the last time I saw you was last night at Stella, and today you’re not answering any of my text.”
I didn’t reply to her text this morning, but that’s the only one I saw. Pulling my phone from my bag, I see ten missed texts, all from Brenna.
“Shit. I’m sorry. I met a friend from work for lunch and switched my phone to vibrate.”
She blows out a frustrated breath of air. “It’s okay. I’m sorry. This city is beautiful but vicious at the same time. If you’re not careful, you can end up in the wrong area. I just thought…” She waves off her comment and walks to the kitchen.
“Last night went well?”
She sits down at the table wearing a dreamy smile. The tension from seconds ago seems to be forgotten. “Last night was perfect.” She places her chin in hand. “Honestly, I never imagined I’d meet anyone like him.”
I pull the chair out across from her, taking a seat. “But wasn’t last night the first time you met him?”
“No. We hooked up a couple of weeks ago, but last night was different.”
“What was different about it?”
“The first time, there were other people involved, but last night, it felt like I lost a piece of myself with him.”
The corners of my lips twitch. “That’s deep.”
“I know what you’re thinking but I’m being serious. A man has never paid that much attention to my wants or desires. It felt like he was put on this Earth just for me.”
I’m not jaded but I’m a little cynical, especially under these circumstances. “Did he tell you anything about himself?”
“His name is Roan. He’s thirty-three and the CEO of some company.”
&
nbsp; Concern etches its way into my mind. “Well…” I shrug. “I’m glad you had a good time.”
She lifts an eyebrow. “Don’t judge me.”
“I’m not judging you, but that doesn’t mean I’m not worried. How do you know this man doesn’t have a wife and a house full of kids waiting for him at home?”
She tilts her head to the side. Her eyes dart around the room before they finally stop on mine. “He’s married, but they’re separated. He’s already filed for a divorce. That’s actually the reason he got a membership. I guess he’s friends with the owner and decided to see what the club had to offer.”
Shit… What is she thinking?
“What if he’s lying?”
“Then I’ll cross that bridge if it happens.”
I hated the fact that everyone in my life was invested in my relationship with Carter like it was their own. Always telling me what to do, how to act, and most importantly, how to feel.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. Forgive me.”
She gives me a weak smile “You’re already forgiven.”
“Good. When do you plan to see him again?”
“Tomorrow. He’s taking me out to dinner then to Stella. Speaking of the club, what did you think?”
“I don’t know,” I reply coolly. “I’m not sure it’s for me.”
“Sex with a stranger still tripping you up?”
“No. Yes. Maybe?” I groan. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter. No one other than bartender spoke to me after you left.”
“A lot of members feel guests have nothing to lose by being there and are hesitant to engage, especially when it’s their first visit.”
“I was expecting it to be the opposite. Why would someone sign up when no one bothered to talk to them?”
“People go there to fulfill a fantasy or a need. Being a member means you want similar things, but that’s not always true about a guest. If the wrong person approached you, they might open a door they can’t close. But like any decent business, they rely on word of mouth advertising.”
My phone vibrates in my hand. “I’ll think about going back. In the meantime, I have a test I need to study for.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.”
Once I’m in my room with the door shut, I slide my phone on.
Carter: Goddamnit, D. Call me. I fucked up. You’ve made your point, but enough is enough. You better call me back.
I made my point?
From a very early age, my mother programmed me to eat shit like it’s five-star cuisine, but even the most passive person in the world will finally reach their breaking point. I wasted ten years on a man who started sleeping with his receptionist the day he hired her. She’s the only one I know about, but the warning signs were there for years.
Like the perfect girlfriend, I choose to ignore them. With anger blinding my thoughts, I scroll to the bottom of his messages and hit block caller for the second time in my life. I’m over the days of following him around like a lost dog hoping for attention. He ruined our relationship, something I’ll be forever grateful for, but he’s flipping crazy if he thinks I’m going to sign back up for a lifetime of misery.
Chapter Five
Delanie
I’m an over-thinker, which by nature makes me a worrier. I worry about everything. I even worry about worrying too much. I’m not sure if it’s a trait I was born with or something that developed after years of trying to please my mother. Either way, my mind stays in overdrive during my Monday morning commute.
I’m working side by side—literally—with a man who I believe is expressing interest in me. Dating him in any capacity is a bad idea, yet I didn’t turn him down. I like the idea of going out with someone. Dating is a stage of life I skipped over. I didn’t know what I was missing until I fought the urge to bat my eyelashes and giggle like a girl when Dalton practically demanded I let him help me study for my broker’s exam. But here’s where the problem lies. I like Dalton; I think he’s attractive but I’m not exactly relishing in the idea of being anything more than friends. At the same time, I don’t want to lead him on, which I’m afraid is exactly what I’m doing.
With my mind shifting between my past problems and current ones, I make it to work with enough time to stop for coffee across the street. With a tall Macchiato and muffin in hand, I step toward the door ready to leave when I see him. Mr. Jerk walks in with his phone to his ear. His eyes flash when he spots me, but unlike how I was feeling Saturday night, I’m not about to make a fool of myself. I walk past him and out the door, ready to start another week.
Dalton arrived almost twenty minutes after me, and to my surprise, he didn’t act any different than he did last week. I stayed by his side most of the morning while he pitched a few new ideas to clients, hoping to catch on as quickly as possible. By the time we break for lunch, he yawns with his hands over his head. “I’m beat, and we still have half the day left.” He stands and walks to the door. “I was going to help you study tonight but I’m not sure I’ll be much help. How does tomorrow sound?”
“Tomorrow is fine.”
“It’s a date then.” He nods his head toward the door. “I have a few reports I have to review with Paula. I should be back in…” He glances at his watch. “Two hours tops.”
“Go do your thing. Don’t worry about me.”
“You’re the best, Delanie.”
I debate eating a granola bar I stuck in my purse, but since I already owe the elliptical a date, I figured I might as well make it worth it. I grab my phone and purse and make my way down the hall. Pushing the button for the elevator, my stomach grumbles with the promise of lunch. When the doors slide open, I step inside, politely smiling at two men in the middle of a conversation, but my step falters when I notice a third man—Mr. Jerk himself—whose dark eyes are burning a hole into me.
Quickly stepping inside and turning around, I do my best to appear unfazed. My body, however, is acutely aware of his presence. He’s wearing dark jeans paired with a maroon polo that hugs his toned arms.
Five floors down, the doors open, and three more men, all in suits, get on. Instead of stepping away from me, Mr. Jerk steps in my direction, caging me into the corner. I bite down on my lip when his cologne invades my senses.
Oh, God. He smells unbelievable.
The thought of having sex with this man has me fighting back a groan. I attempt to shake my thoughts off, remembering he didn’t give me the time of day the other night, but jerk or not, my body seems very in tuned to him.
Thornton has a strict dress code. Jeans are not allowed. Unless he’s a rebel, which wouldn’t surprise me in the least, his choice of clothing means one of two things. He either works for another company in the building or he’s a client of Thornton’s.
Are we allowed to sleep with clients?
I’m guessing that’s frowned upon, but he’s not my client—I haven’t been assigned any while I’m still training. That counts, right?
He lightly bumps his shoulder into mine seconds before the warmth of his breath brushes next to my ear. “You think too much.”
His husky voice wraps around me like a blanket, leaving me hot and bothered.
The doors thankfully open. Keeping my gaze pointed straight ahead, I do my best to shuffle off the elevator and into the lobby. Once I’m out the main doors and standing on the sidewalk, I’m ready to celebrate my victory. I managed to escape the man without completely making an ass out of myself. I walk to the end of the sidewalk, ready to cross the street when a strong hand wraps around my upper arm.
“Where are you taking off to so fast?”
Oh, shit.
My legs stop moving, but the people around us do not. With a slight tug, he pulls me against the building and out of the crowd of people waiting for the light to turn green.
I tilt my head back, looking up at him. When our eyes collide, the same strange needy feeling that overcame me the other night returns. “Are you following me?”
He
stares at my mouth before shaking his head. “We need to talk.” Waving his hand toward the herd of people crossing the street, he says, “Come on. I’m buying.”
I’m not sure if he’s expecting me to run, which I probably should, but he slides his hand around mine. My eyes move to his while his lock on our hands before he shakes his head in what appears to be frustration.
Surrounded by horns blaring and mumbled conversations, we silently cross the street and go into the same restaurant I saw him at last week. He avoids the line, moving us to a booth in the corner, where he brushes his dark hair off his forehead. “Have a seat. We’ll talk, then I’ll buy lunch.”
“I’m not hungry.” My appetite vanished the second I stepped on the elevator.
“You were leaving for lunch, am I wrong?”
I square my shoulders. “Is there a reason we’re sitting here? And if there is, would you mind getting to that reason?”
He studies me for a second before his mouth slowly turns up in a seductive smile. I practically jump when he extends his hand across the table. “I’m Kase Cole.”
I count to thirty, debating my options. I should get up and leave. I have no idea what this man is up to but I’ve already spent years coasting through life on a ride I couldn’t get off. But
jerk or not, my good manners win out. I slide my hand into his. “Delanie Charles.”
His thumb circles over the top of my hand. “It’s a pleasure to officially meet you. Now that I have, I think we need to discuss Saturday night.”
My heart plummets to my stomach.
Holy shit. He doesn’t want to date me… He’s worried I’m going to out his secret.
Kase
I’m a down to earth person until you make me mad, then it’s no hold barred. Especially when livelihoods are on the line. I have a meticulous plan in place, which means I shouldn’t be here, especially with her, but my conscience got the best of me.
I should walk away…
Kase Of Deception Page 3