Deception (Ultimate Betrayal Book 1) Read online

  I blush at the thought of her being right regarding Wyatt. It would be nice if this was reciprocated. However, there is absolutely nothing that we can do about this. The attraction isn’t going to go anywhere. I’m married and he’s out of my league completely. "I... um... I don't know, O."

  I felt a presence next to me and I couldn't stop myself from recoiling from the closeness of this being. A hand reached out and touched my sweaty elbow. "She's right, you know?" A deep and velvety voice said close to my ear. "If you were mine, you wouldn't have to doubt it..."

  I looked over and was met with deep blue eyes and a man with a handsome smile. This guy is obviously pretty confident since he came out to a complete stranger and complimented her. My eyes scanned him and they are not displeased. He is tall and muscular with arms that are meant to hold someone...

  Can you tell how desperate I am?

  "Th... th... thanks..." I stutter out and feel my face heat up.

  Olivia bounces over and steps onto my machine and inserts herself into the conversation. "That is what I was trying to tell her but her husband is a dumb ass who has to be dick-less..."

  Floor, please swallow me whole! Get me out of here.

  The man looked over Olivia and then winked at her as he brazenly checked her out. "Both of you are good looking. Please tell me that your husband isn't stupid, too?" He purrs at my friend who is eating this up.

  She giggles and reaches up to adjust her pony. I'm standing in between them like a moron who is watching a tennis game. "Oh, please, I'm not married..."

  And just like that! She places her hand on the man's arm and I'm instantly forgotten. I turn to go to the sit up machine since my machine is a dating center. Olivia can stop traffic and I know this is going to be a while.

  I walk over to the machine and adjust my body to be able to fit in it. After I complete ten sloppy sit ups, another figure stops next to me. My body is laying down with my feet in the air as I stare up. Holy fuckingshit!

  "Well, well, isn't it my favorite attorney?" Wyatt bends down so he is eye level with me and he sweeps his finger into my messy bangs.

  My skin ignites from him touching me. "Hi," I manage to squeak out. Not only am I deeply attracted to him but I'm sweating from the work out! This is embarrassing. I really hope that he can't see how he makes my heart flutter around my chest cavity.

  Why is it when you look like crap you run into a hot guy? I never understood how fate could be so cruel.

  Since I am still on my back, I slowly right myself and think about how to get out of here without making a fool out of myself. This man and I need to keep our distance because he is making me think some deeply forbidden thoughts and I can't afford to be reckless.

  "Well, it's nice to see you..." I whisper and jump off the bench and run towards Olivia who is still flirting. "I need to... um... get home." I'm a freakin' lawyer and I can't even state a declarative sentence? What is wrong with me?

  Wyatt looks me over and gives me a panty-melting smile (well, if I were wearing them). "Okay. I will see you soon," he promises and places his big hand on my shoulder. He leans in and whispers in my ear: “It was really nice to see you, cupcake. Very nice.”

  I run over to Olivia and bash myself for being so stupid. Geeze, you would think I was some virgin in high school who just got asked to prom. I can feel my face heat up and I'm beginning to feel nervous. This is a feeling that I try to avoid but sometimes it just floods through me.

  Olivia is leaning against the machine and the complimenter is leaning on the other side of it. I can tell that they are in a heated discussion about something because her voice is slightly harsher than normal.

  "Don't you have to be a shark to be a lawyer?" The guy states as I approach.

  My head is already spinning from being in close proximity of Wyatt and now I'm horny and irritated. "Excuse me, and what is it that you do?" I say as I step closer to them.

  The guy looks over at me and shrugs. "Yeah, sorry, ladies, see you later."

  Olivia turns to me and has a big smile on her gorgeous face. "Oh, no you don't! I know who you were talking to!"

  I lean over and grab my bottle and towel. As I begin to walk over to the locker room, I hear her shuffle to follow me. "I don't know what you are talking about.”

  Chapter 6

  Wyatt

  Well, well, well. Imagine my surprise when I see the object of my fantasy leaning over to situate herself in the sit up machine. This world is too small.

  Ever since I came to the realization that she's married and I should not pursue her, she has to be wearing some tight as fuck workout clothes. Her shorts are so tight that I'm wondering if she is wearing underwear.

  After she manages to butcher a set of sit ups, I approach her. I loved how nervous she looked while looking at me. That look is furthering my desire to prove to her that she is beautiful.

  When we first met, I could tell that she thinks she isn't attractive and I don't see how she can't see it. That dumb ass husband of hers is about to get chin checked. How can a man say that to a beautiful woman? Hell, I don't even know her and I'm willing to bet she is just as beautiful inside as out.

  I need to get her out of my mind so I can concentrate on getting this contract signed.

  Damn right, I check her ass out as she walks past me. That innocent little sashay of her hips don't fool me. There's a wild cat in there who is begging to come out.

  I respect the institution of marriage and agree that vows are sacred. My Catholic upbringing is warring with my desire for Keeley. I can tell they aren't happy and that makes me want her even more. It's not even just sexual anymore.

  I feel this deep seeded connection to her and I want to know everything about her. I know she's married and I should leave her alone, but this tethering feeling isn't going away.

  That night, I snuggled with Luke while we watched Thomas The Tank Engine and waited for Ruth to come home. I craved a beer but I don't drink while I'm watching Luke in case something happens. I would hate for me to be too drunk to handle taking him anywhere.

  A light snoring took place and Luke laid his head on my thigh. I know this kid needs a dad. Hell, I grew up without one and it sucked. I'm going to try my best to be there for him but if he and Ruth decided to take off, I wouldn't be able to do these little things with him.

  When I got home, we took turns running around the pirate playground. It's shaped like a pirate ship and the slides are made to look like planks.

  The door opens slowly, and I see my sister poke her head into the den. "Hey, how is he?" She whispers and slips off her heels to come get Luke.

  "He's great. I swear this kid could be a work out coach!"

  Ruth picks him up and leaves to put him to bed. I turn off the video and then grab my phone from the coffee table. Normally when I'm watching Luke, I turn my ringer off so I can give him my whole attention.

  "So, how was your day? Did you sign that contract?" Ruth asks and sits next to me. We have been discussing this contract in its entirety since before we even moved here.

  I stretch out my neck and set my phone face down on the couch. "Yeah, the contract is going to be signed tomorrow..." I don’t even give a shit about the contract right now. I have the urge to go over to Keeley’s and pack all of her shit up and bring her here.

  She slides closer to me and rubs my arm. "What has you in a snit?" Ruth is in Mom-Mode, which is funny. Only recently, she started being a mom.

  I contemplate telling her and the repercussions of my actions. She’s the type of person that is quick to judge and then immediately tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. "Ruth, have you ever wanted something you can't have?"

  Ruth looks over the side of her shoulder and then back last me. "All the damn time. What's up?"

  Oh well. I offer her free babysitting- so she can give me some therapy. "You know that new lawyer of mine?" She nodded. "I cannot get her out of my mind... the part that sucks is that she's married..." And gorgeous… sexy, beautifu
l… Smart...

  My sister looks at me and rolls her eyes. "A married woman now? What happened to the models that you normally go for? You can't pursue your lawyer, Wy-wy."

  I hate that damn nickname so much. Ruth thinks she so clever when she calls me that, but it makes me pissed off. "God, I hate when you call me that!" I pick up my throw pillow and chuck it at her before she can duck. "I don't think her husband is that fucking nice to her, though."

  She gets up and hits me upside the head with the pillow. "Give it up. She's not worth it."

  I know that she is right, but for some reason I think about everything that I am missing. Sure, I have my sister and nephew, but I want my own. And for some unknown reason, I want Keeley even more. I really don't care that she's married.

  Marriage is a piece of paper and it’s easily destroyed. From what I can see, they don’t have much of a marriage to begin with.

  I want her.

  Chapter 7

  Keeley

  I woke up the next morning and stretched my body out. Ever since I have started working out more, I feel stiffer. It's strange, really. Slowly, I climb out of bed and walk into the bathroom.

  After my shower, I stand in front of the mirror and my body from side to side as I slather lotion on. It's been too long since Jerry has even made me feel pretty. I look down at the same body that I have had the past few years. Hips that have too much cushion on them. I imagine cutting the fat away and throwing it at a skinny person. Once I make it to my legs, I poke at my thighs.

  Yeah, no, I'm not one of those girls who pick at everything and want it to be removed. I like food. I like dessert. I just begin to think that Jerry wants me to be skinnier. However, if you look at my family, none of them are skinny.

  He likes to come up behind me and say things like how I should cut something in half or whatever. I guess that's part of the reasons why I don't want to get pregnant. If he thinks I eat too much now, then what would he think when I'm eating for two?

  I drive to work by myself and dance along to the music I have playing in my car. The Beach Boys are playing and I move my body to their songs. Of course, I start singing out loud and slightly tone deaf. I'm a lawyer, not a singer.

  Once my car is parked, I walk around to my trunk to get my briefcase. Since I brought home a lot of my cases and law books, I needed to upgrade my usual bag to a rolling suitcase. After I get myself situated, I walk through the parking lot and into the building.

  A random girl comes rushing at me from the corner of the office. "Keeley?" She asks me excitedly. The girl looks to be a young adult and had innocent features.

  "Yeah?" Oh, please tell me I didn't forget a new client!

  She shoves a box in my hand and smiles at me. "This is so romantic! He must really love you. Bye!" The girl dances out of my office building and leaves me bewildered.

  Jerry hasn't done anything like this for me in a long time and I don't see why he would start now. This must be a mistake.

  I take the necessary steps to my office and throw my bag on the couch. Carefully, I set the small box on my desk and slip my shoes off. Once I am seated at my desk, I open the box.

  Most definitely not something Jerry would send me!

  Inside the box is a chocolate cupcake that smells so good. Who just sends me a random dessert? Despite my better judgment, I dip my finger along the chocolate topping and stick my finger in my mouth. Holy shit! It's so good.

  I know I shouldn't eat it, but now I want it. With ease, I take it out of the box and hold it between my two hands. It's been so long since I have eaten anything like this and I'm excited to taste it. Ever so gently, I sink my teeth into it.

  If Heaven were on earth, it would be this cupcake. There is powdered sugar that surrounds it and light shavings of chocolate. The gods made this.

  My eyes roll to the back of my head and I hum my pleasure.

  "Key?" A light tapping is on my door and I notice Olivia poking her head in. "What are you eating?"

  Embarrassed, I drop the remaining little bit into the box but first I see a note. My eager fingers pick up the note and I bring it to my face.

  I bet you taste better. XoXo.

  "Did you send this to me?" I ask as I reread the note. If this is some sort of sick joke... Agh! Maybe I shouldn't have stuffed the cupcake in my face. Like a complete dumb ass, I wiped my mouth and threw the box away. Well, it's in my stomach and there is nothing I can do about it now.

  “No, I didn’t. Who would send you a cupcake? It looks delicious.”

  Cupcake… Cupcake. Wyatt sent it to me!

  For lunch, I decided to go out and eat by myself. My work day has been very busy and I need to get out of here to clear my mind. I couldn't help but think about Wyatt and it's making me feel awful. I know that I'm married and shouldn't be fantasizing over my client... I just can't help it.

  I sat at the empty restaurant and ordered myself a glass of wine to go with my salad. Now, it's time to get my mind right. I’m not one that drinks excessively, however, desperate times and all of that.

  What is it about Wyatt that has me so... intrigued with him? Yes, he's hot and his hand is so big that it can cover my whole ass. Let’s face it, that's a lot of ass. He seems so genuine and nice...

  This wouldn't be the first time I thought about cheating on Jerry. I have never actually slept with another man while we were married but I have thought about it. Truth be told, I loved the feeling of being out of control of my body from my past lovers. It felt liberating for those few hours that I wrapped my body around a different man and I love it.

  My impulsivity has always been a problem in my daily life but there isn’t much I can do in order to control it. I am fighting against my natural urges to make a move on Wyatt and it’s dangerous. I already know that Jerry would leave me in a heartbeat and take our practice away from me if I did anything like that.

  I’m not saying I wouldn’t cheat on him, I’m just saying that I know it’s wrong and it’s immoral.

  Damnit. I’m so screwed up.

  After seeing the same psychologist for so many years, I have started to take the right medicine that was needed to control my impulsive behavior. I don't agree that there is something wrong with me though. When I am on the medicine... I feel as if I am stuck in my own head and body and can't do anything about it. When I'm off the medicine... I feel free.

  I long to feel free.

  My salad comes and I look at the empty looking salad. I'm so tired of eating like a rabbit. I like to eat real food with real taste to it.

  "Is this seat taken?" A velvety voice asks close to my ear.

  I look up and am face to face with the catalyst of my obsession. "No, go ahead." I gesture to the seat across from me and watch as he moves it closer to me.

  Wyatt looks fucking hot in his basketball shorts and warm up jersey. His shoes are shiny and his muscles glitter in the lights from sweat. This man looks like a god.

  He adjusts himself in his seat better and leans over to look at my salad. "If you don't like it, why did you order it?" He asks me as he carefully takes the fork out of my hand.

  "Yeah... um... Jerry..." How embarrassing? I'm so not going to tell him that my husband thinks I'm fat and I need to diet in order to make him happy.

  "What about Jerry?" Wyatt sets the fork down again and looks at me intently.

  "He's just Jerry..." I pick up my fork and begin eating. “Did you send me something?”

  “What was sent, exactly?”

  “Uh, okay…”

  Wyatt watches me as I feed myself and he reaches over once to brush my hair out of my eye. I look up at him as he touches my skin. "Uh..."

  His finger traps a few strands of my hair and he spins in it around said finger. “How long have you been married?”

  “A few years,” I say. It’s something I don’t like to talk about. I’m already feeling guilty for wanting to fuck this man, and now he wants to talk about my marriage?

  His hand drops from my face and I
instantly miss his touch. His fingers were soft for an athlete. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep my boundaries."

  “What about you…? Do you have a wife or girlfriend?” Please say no. Please say no!

  Wyatt shrugs and touches my cheek. My skin burns a little from the touch, but I love it. I love how he acts like you can’t just stop touching me. “No. I don’t.”

  It’s my turn to shrug and sigh, but I do it against his hand. His fingers cup my cheek and his palm rests under the apple of my cheeks. I feel adored and cherished. Something I haven’t felt in a long time. “Do you ever think about it?” For some reason, unknown to me, I have the sudden craving to know if he’s interested in marriage. Why? Uh, I don’t know.

  Actually, I do know. I’m just not ready to admit it.

  “I haven’t found someone that interests me. I need someone who is ride or die and will hold shit down. Someone that I can trust.”

  “Oh, that makes sense.” It does make sense. He’s talking about the exact opposite of me.

  “Yeah.” The pad of his thumb touches my lip and I shiver from the contact. I jerk out of his hand because I can’t believe that I’m allowing him to touch me like this. “I haven’t found anyone. Until recently.”

  I blush thoroughly and let the conversation go. His hand drops from my face and he’s eating his own food. Our conversation becomes clinical and less personal. While I appreciated the private conversation that we were having, it makes me nervous. I’m worried that I’m going to get attached to him and that’s not good. I’m married and everything.

  Damn it. I’m a hot mess.

  I eat and listen to him talk about basketball and how he got into it. "My sister and I just moved here and so far we like it. How long have you been here?" Wyatt asks as he takes a bite of his burger.