Текст книги "Loving the White Liar"

Автор книги: Kate Stewart

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After our shift the next day, I resumed my routine at the pool in a new swimsuit I’d purchased on impulse. I tried to convince myself I hadn’t bought it in case I had another chance to ogle the hot guy who had graced the pool yesterday. But I didn’t lie to myself. I needed it, anyway. The suit fit perfectly and helped to even out my misshaped bust line. I smiled when I heard the gate open as I finished my laps. I didn’t have to look to know it was him.

“Hi,” he said from behind me as I sat at the edge of the pool.

“Hi,” I answered back, shielding my eyes with one hand as I turned my head and twisted to look at him.

Yep, he was better looking than the day before, and I was saddened by the t-shirt he was wearing, until he slid it off with one swift movement. I tried to mask my reaction, but could see a sort of satisfaction overtake his features as I appreciated him. Dark unruly hair, beautiful deep blue eyes, sharp defined features, and a hellishly built body...my reaction to him was electric.

“Beer?” He’d brought a small cooler with him this time and held out an ice-cold beer to me.

I accepted with a “thank you” then cracked the top as he made himself comfortable on the chair behind me. He truly was a work of art. His disheveled, dark brown hair perfectly suited him. Dark, thick brows groomed perfectly by nature’s hand accentuated the deep blue of his eyes. His lashes were so long and thick, it made his eye color seem to look almost purple in contrast. I was attracted to him. I knew this instantly yesterday and he seemed to catch on, taking in my body frame by frame. I pushed my shoulders back and caught his slight smirk as he tipped his beer for a sip.

Taking a sip of my own, I gave myself a few seconds to soak him in before turning back to my legs dangling in the pool. I was suddenly very aware his eyes were on me. My tingling spine and the fact that I was shivering in a hundred degree sun told me so.

“What’s your name?” His voice was smooth and playful, and I smiled at my beer.

“Hilary.” As much as my needy gaze had just robbed me of subtlety, I could still regain some edge with short answers.

“Jayden,” he offered without me asking. “But my friends call me Jay.”

Deciding it was rude to keep my back to him, I stood, beer in hand, and took a seat in the empty lounger next to him. I didn’t miss his observation of my ass just before I sat down.

“Nice to meet you, Jay,” I said, smiling at the palm trees swaying in the breeze overhead.

“How long have you lived here?”

Looking over at him, I saw he was fidgeting with his iPod, his ear buds in. I suddenly felt like he was just being polite and might not be interested in conversation at all.

“A year. We are moving out at the end of our lease. It was fun for a while, just too many parties. I’m becoming an old lady. The all-nighters are way too consistent and I’m a fan of my sleep.”

“Shame...I just moved in and so far you have improved the scenery.” He winked at me and seemed to make a decision that maybe I was worth a conversation as he unplugged his iPod and Modest Mouse started drifting through the air. I thanked him for the compliment with a smile that seemed to please him. The man was beautiful. Large, full lips curved up as I took in his broad chin and Travolta dimple in the middle of it. It wasn’t sharply defined, but it was alluring. It had been a long time since a man’s looks had impressed me this much. I wanted to keep looking at him, but knew I had already been way too obvious. I was practically screaming I wanted to lick him with my eyes, so I averted them back to the palms overhead and disciplined them to remain there.

“Love that song,” I noted as I made myself comfortable, leaning back in the seat and letting the music and beer flow through me.

“Yeah, they’re good,” he said, downing his beer until it was empty.

“On a mission to numb yourself?” I asked with a knowing smile.

“Have to drown out the noise sometimes, you know?” he answered unapologetically as he produced another beer from his cooler and immediately took a sip.

“Well, there is no lifeguard on duty, but luckily for you I can swim like a fish.”

“Good to know,” he chuckled, “but considering the pool is only four feet deep, I think I’ll manage.”

“Well, now aren’t we cocky?” I said, glancing his way. “You never know when you’ll need saving.”

“True. I could fake it just to keep you busy,” he flirted.

Glancing at my phone, I remembered I’d promised Gerri we would go to Mike’s and cursed that promise. I felt ridiculously drawn to the man by my side and didn’t want to leave just yet.

“So how old are you?”

Turning to him, I answered, “Young enough to not be offended by that question. Twenty-seven, you?”

“Same,” he said with a perfect, white smile.

“Really?”

“Yep. I turn twenty-eight in a few months.”

“Which one? Are you a Leo?”

“Yep. August.”

“Huh, mine is end of July.” I winked before spouting, “I guess I’m the wiser of us two.”

“Cool, you could be my cougar.” He was flirting shamelessly now so I stood, throwing my beer away.

“Well, Jay, thanks for the beer. I have somewhere to be.”

He shot up in the lounger and looked at me in question. “Did I offend you? I didn’t mean to, really.”

“Of course not. I just really have to be somewhere.” His face relaxed, but only slightly. For some reason, I felt the need to reassure him. “I’ll see you around. Maybe I’ll bring the beer next time.”

“How about tomorrow, same time?” I felt a warmth spread through me as he asked, his face transparently hopeful. I nodded with a “sure.”

“Cool, see you tomorrow.” I gave him a little wave as I gathered my bag then walked out just as I heard a “Yo, Jay.” A group of guys dragging larger coolers were on their way to meet him from the other side of the fence.

His eyes were still on me as he answered, “Sup.” He winked at me again, and keeping my eyes on him, I ran into the fence, banging my knee loudly.

“Ouch. You okay?” I looked up to see the guys entering, one of them stopped to check out my throbbing knee. My eyes were watering from the pain, but I brushed it off quickly to avoid further embarrassment.

“I’m cool, thanks.” I looked up into a set of deep green eyes and felt my body sigh. Gorgeous Jay had gorgeous friends. If Gerri needed an intervention from her obsession with Mike, I decided our meeting would take place at the pool.

He gave me a smile and picked up his heavy cooler, his muscles accentuated by the weight of it as I held the gate open for him. “Thanks, beautiful.”

Wow.

“Welcome,” I replied, knee still pulsing. I was tempted to look back at Jay but decided against it, knowing I would have my chance tomorrow. I made it down the stone path a few feet before I heard, “Forget it, Randy. I’ve got dibs.” I smiled broadly. That voice belonged to Jayden.

“Did you see that perfect ass? Damn,” the voice that belonged to Randy bellowed. I stood still, chuckling as they assessed my looks. I felt the pride in my step as I crept along, hoping for more.

The last guy, who I didn’t get a good look at, added his two cents, but I was too far away to hear it. I decided I’d heard enough of the confidence boost and made my way home. I burst through the door calling for Gerri. She walked out of the bathroom smiling and completely beautiful. Her pixie-like, spiky hair done perfectly as well as her makeup as her eyes measured my mood. She was so nervous, I instantly wanted to put her at ease.

“I love you for doing this, Hil. Seriously.”

“It’s nothing, Gerri. Just promise me you won’t get mad if I keep it honest, okay?”

“Promise,” she said, shooting me a scout’s salute.

“I just met the hottest guy at the pool. We are meeting tomorrow.” I beamed with my announcement as she gave me a look that screamed finally!.

“I know it’s been a while,” I said, “and I’m almost certain this guy wants nothing but ass. But I’ll tell you right now, I might be willing to be used by this one.”

“That’s even bigger than you having a date. Ms. Romance having casual sex, that’d be a miracle. Do tell.”

I filled her in as I showered. For the first time in a long time, I dressed up. I was feeling beautiful from the comments of the guys at the pool. I could have been offended at the way they ogled me and practically rated my looks, but honestly, I was flattered.

I took my time dressing in a tube top that showcased my newly browned shoulders and curled my auburn hair to make it thick and wavy. I put on a full face of makeup that included bronzer, blush, and thickly lined lids, and practically danced to the door. It had been way too long since I’d had a man’s attention. I didn’t know Jayden well enough to truly be happy about my impromptu date, but what I did know was I liked what I saw. I liked his name. And I hoped that tomorrow I’d be as at ease as I was with him today.

Mike’s was unusually busy, so I bided my time playing a couple of games of pool with Gerri until I could casually strike up a conversation with him at the bar.

Upon our arrival, I did notice his eyes light up and directed at Gerri when we walked in. Maybe she was right. Maybe something had shifted since last night, but the protective friend in me was determined to assess the situation.

Gerri had been burned badly by her last boyfriend, Blake. He’d drug her through the mud in the years they had dated. Gerri had realized too late, after she’d given him two years of her unwavering love, that he was worthless. He’d bled her heart, letting her down time after time when she’d needed him most. He’d proven his status as the world’s biggest piece of shit by dumping her on Thanksgiving Day in lieu of finally meeting her family.

Weeks later, she discovered he’d been screwing a much older woman for the last six months of their relationship. He’d pulled up to their favorite restaurant in his new girlfriend’s Mercedes with her in tow. Gerri, still torn to shreds from the loss of what she thought was love, approached them mid–dining, asking point blank how long they’d been dating. The woman thinking it was an innocent enough question had clung to his arm, boasting proudly and clueing her in.

“You two look very happy,” she told them as she looked directly at Blake.

He refused to meet her eyes, motioning for his unsuspecting replacement to keep quiet. He’d never once messaged her after that to apologize, or attempted to make contact in any way. I’d had to pry her off the floor of our apartment that night as she sobbed. The carefree girl I’d met had taken a hit, and though her smile was still breathtaking and her personality still had the same bounce, after that she’d never really been the same. He’d taken a piece of her and it was evident she might not get it back.

And that’s why after a few games of pool I scrutinized the new object of her affection while he mixed drinks for a group of girls a few seats down from us.

“Mike, how you been?” I asked as he delivered Gerri and me fresh beers in his next round around the bar.

“Good, Hilary. You?”

“Never better. So, how is ...oh, I forgot her name.”

“So did I.” He winked at Gerri as I leaned in. “Tabitha. We broke up last night.” I felt Gerri stiffen next to me, her hand going from the bar to my leg to give it a painful squeeze of excitement.

“I’m sorry,” I offered.

“Don’t be.” He gestured with his chin toward Gerri. “I got some good advice from a beautiful girl and I couldn’t pass it up.” He leaned over the bar, kissing Gerri’s cheek before addressing me. “This one’s on me, ladies.”

“Must have been some advice,” I said, feeling the elation rolling off my best friend sitting next to me.

“Yeah, it was.” He never took his eyes off Gerri as I secretly celebrated with her. Mike was good looking with short, dirty blond hair, and soft brown eyes, but most of his allure was in his confidence and I could see his appeal. He walked to the end of the bar, motioning for Gerri to join him for a private conversation. She all but leapt from her stool to round the bar. They talked animatedly for a few minutes before Gerri walked confidently back to her stool.

“Wow, Gerri,” I said, feeling the happiness as it radiated off of her.

“We have to go, like right now,” she clipped out. My fluttering and happy heart nosedived as I looked over at her, unable to read her expression, thinking maybe I’d read the situation wrong. I thanked Mike who smiled at Gerri. She plastered a smile on her face and turned to the door quickly. When we got closer to the car, she began to chant over and over. “Oh my God, oh my God, OH MY GOD!” My heart resumed beating and I knew when we were safely seated in the car the scream was coming.

“AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! He asked me out. Oh God, Hil, it happened!” I chuckled as she pumped her fist in the air a number of times before leaping into my seat and hugging me. “Perseverance, woman! I worked for that fine ass man, and now I shall have him!”

“It’s a date, not nuptials.”

“Don’t.” She pleaded with her eyes. “Don’t do that. You saw it, the connection is real.”

“I promise not to go all Negative Nancy on you, but please, Gerri be careful. He’s barely a day out of a relationship.”

“She wasn’t me,” Gerri said confidently.

“Fucking A she wasn’t,” I agreed. Why was I so fearful he wouldn’t return her affection? I needed to be building her up, not shooting her dreams down with my selfish fear for her. I reached over and grabbed her hand. “And just wait until he knows exactly what he’s getting, babe. He’ll be a goner.”

We celebrated by picking up some Chinese and more beer and discussing down to the detail what she would wear on their first date. That night, I saw a small piece of what was stolen from her resurface in her demeanor: a little extra sparkle in her eyes and the return of some much-needed confidence.

Before I went to sleep that night, I reminded myself of the dangers of investing too much into one person.

The absolute truth was and would always be that love giveth, and love taketh away, and that...sometimes love has the power redeem itself in reputation.

I wanted that for Gerri, and more than anything, I wanted that for myself. I was ready.

I only hoped I didn’t have to wait forever for my redeemer. Then my thoughts drifted to Jayden and suddenly I was even more excited about my own possibilities.

 

 

I got through the lunch shift determined to give myself enough time to primp in my new suit before I met Jay at the pool. I’d never had a date where swimwear was required. And I didn’t even know if I could technically call it that since we’d agreed to simply meet and have a beer.

I bought a twelve pack of the beer we shared the day before then painted my nails. I’d even taken the time to blow dry my long hair perfectly straight. It looked silky and touchable. I dusted my body in a shimmery bronzer and plumped my lips with gloss. It was about as much as I could do considering I couldn’t put on a face of makeup.

When I was satisfied, I grabbed my mini cooler and headed for the pool. Gerri was working a double so I had no one for the pre-date pep talk. Regardless, Gerri sent me a text.

Gerri: Remember, if he’s a total dumbass then abuse him for his looks. I’ll be praying he has a decent IQ, good heart, and a large penis. But please for the love of God get some ass this year.

Good enough, Gerri. I smiled as I walked to the pool. I was a little early so I wasn’t disheartened to see Jayden wasn’t there yet. I smiled shyly at the guy who was sunbathing who noticed me walk in with the slamming of the gate behind me.

Taking a seat in the lounger, I stripped off my cover up and rested against the chair. I popped my first beer nervously then took a long drink before closing my eyes, listening to the human noise and the traffic in the distance. The feeling of eyes on me hit me before the sound of the gate slamming closed. I knew it was Jayden and made no attempt to open my eyes, even as I was covered in his shadow.

“Um...hi.”

I smiled, keeping my eyes closed. “Hi.”

“Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it. Your nipple is in full view, babe.” My eyes popped open as I looked down to see that yes indeed my entire nipple was in view. Somehow when I’d taken off my cover up the curtain on the top of my bikini had spread wide open. I jumped back as if he’d shot me, covering myself immediately as I let out a string of curses.

Jay chuckled as he reached down to grab a beer from my cooler. “That’s the first time I’ve ever gotten to second base without laying a hand on a girl.”

“Not funny. Jesus, I’ve been laying here for twenty minutes.”

“And once again, you’ve improved the scenery tenfold,” he egged-on as he pulled off his shirt. “And I’m going to have a hell of a hard time ignoring what I just saw.”

I blew out a hard breath. “I’m so embarrassed.”

“Don’t be.” I looked up at him, shielding my eyes with my hand. He grabbed my hand, his lips touching the skin on the back. “Everything I’ve seen so far is beautiful.”

“What a line,” I snorted, sure I looked anything but graceful. He still had my hand, and I felt more than the warmth from the sun heating me.

“Oh, but, man, if it works,” he said, kissing my hand again. It was quick, but I swore I felt a hint of tongue. My thighs stiffened as my sex clenched. I was already turned on and had no choice but to look away from him.

“So far so good, Jay,” I said softly.

He smiled down at me and for the first time I was able to fully take him in. His eyes were heated, but his smile was full of tenderness. If I didn’t have much of his attention before, my oxygen hungry nipple ensured I had it all now. I was suddenly thankful for my wardrobe malfunction.

“So, how was your day, Hilary?” he asked as he joined me, taking a seat on the chair beside me.

“The usual, work, life altering decisions I can’t make, and now I’m here with you pretending they will answer themselves.”

He quirked a brow. “Life altering decisions?”

“Career path. I’ve been undecided since...forever.”

“Bummer. You’ll figure it out,” he said, sounding indifferent. I laughed at his obvious need for more interesting conversation. I didn’t need him to be my couch doctor, anyway. His purpose was to distract me from my catastrophe.

“What’s so funny?” he asked with a smile.

“Nothing.”

“Ah, so you laugh for no reason. So you’re obviously nuts. Tell me more.”

“What exactly do you want to know?” I gave him a sideways glance, soaking up the ridges and bumps of muscle that made up his abdomen and slowly letting my eyes drift up, giving myself an afternoon snack. It was only fair; he’d had his fill.

“Attached?” he asked, glancing my way before closing his eyes.

“No, you?”

“No, I’m bad at the boy/girl stuff,” he admitted under his breath, but loud enough so I could hear.

“Oh,” I said, immediately disheartened. I was sure the no strings speech was coming and chose to ignore it. Our little rendezvous didn’t have to mean anything, but for some reason I remained hopeful. Maybe it was his six pack or the blue of his eyes, but I knew it was my attraction that kept my fingers clinging to the proverbial ledge.

Sensing my hesitation, he quickly added, “What I mean is, I’ve been told I’m a horrible boyfriend.”

“Really?” I asked, alarmed. “How so?”

“Let’s start with beer and work our way up to our flaws.” He pulled out his iPod then hit play. I listened to his mix for a few minutes while sipping my beer. I actually enjoyed the comfortable silence with him, but after a longer time my curiosity won out. I looked over at him, ready to resume conversation and saw that he had fallen asleep. I let out a low “what the hell” in exasperation and then glared as his perfect, stupid, sleeping body.

Why, lord, why?

Resigned that my date—non-date—was already a disaster, I quickly covered myself and made my way to the gate, giving one last fleeting look back. He was sleeping peacefully and I felt a sad tug at the loss of the excitement I’d had the day before. I pried my fingers off of the ledge into a free fall of ‘damn it to hell’ and landed into my pity party.

Shitty boyfriend was right. If our date was any indication of what to expect, I understood clearly. I left angry, even though I knew I really had no right to be. Jayden lay poolside with the rest of my beer and a large amount of my pride.

The next day, I was still reeling from the nerve of the hot ass man who apparently couldn’t handle a conversation with me. I’d bored him to sleep within five sentences. Deciding not to dwell on my first semi-date in months being a complete disaster, I instead focused on finding a new job.

I rummaged through the city paper while eating a salad on break, searching for anything I knew would be a welcome change. I’d had enough of running my ass off for a shit wage. I was a smart resourceful woman, I could do this.

I circled a couple of ads and got back to work, more determined than ever.

Maybe love had other plans for me.

Sure I had the upper hand, and Jay wouldn’t dare show his face at the pool after what he’d done, I resumed my routine in my crappy one-piece, not giving a damn about my appearance. In the water I let it all go. I was so single minded when it came to swimming. It was just me and my body and the calming water. In life, I was far less graceful, in the water, I was movement. This I was good at. But unfortunately, it couldn’t pay the bills. Stopping at the edge of the pool after twenty laps, I took large breaths as the burn in my muscles coursed through me.

“Wow, you really are a fish.” I looked up to see Jay directly in front of me. He had on khaki pants and a long sleeved, light blue shirt. I turned away from him, rejecting the greedy slut who didn’t seem to understand the man had humiliated me yesterday. She would just have to get over it. Still, I remained civil.

“Thanks, getting back to it.” I did more laps until I was sure he would get bored and leave. He wasn’t dressed for the pool. I was sure he was there to talk to me, but I didn’t want his apology. The man was a bag of mixed signals already and we hadn’t even had a full-fledged conversation. When I emerged, again I heard, “Are you going to drown yourself just to avoid talking to me?” His voice was pained and that’s when I looked up and gasped. His face was clearly sunburnt. “I’m dying here, fish. Please put me out of my misery.”

I scrambled to get out of the water and he quickly started to apologize. “I’m so sorry. I was exhausted yesterday when I got home from work and I really wanted to hang out with you so I came. I didn’t have your number to...you know, to...reschedule.” I saw him wince as he covered his eyes to shield them from the sun. “I was out here until my roommate came looking for me at midnight. I haven’t slept that hard in years. Please let me make it up to you.”

“Look, it’s cool. It’s not like it was a date or anything,” I offered, seeing the poor guy become more and more battered by the sun.

“It was for me, and I wanted it to be for you, too. I...don’t sleep well. And when I do...God, have you always been this beautiful? Anyway, please give me your number. I would really like another chance.”

He seemed sincere, and because he was incinerating himself for another date, I nodded.

“Thank, Christ. I need you to give me your number quickly so I can make a run for it before I start crying like a bitch in front of you.”

I spouted off my number as he stood, ready to type it in. I chuckled as he dashed for the gate to rid himself of his pain.

“Noxzema or aloe!” I yelled loudly.

“What?” he yelled back.

“It takes out the sting!”

“Thanks,” he said, smiling and then frowning at the pain it caused him as he dashed away.

And he called me crazy.

Later that night, I lay in bed with TV Land on and a lap full of electronics when my phone buzzed.

2 a.m.

Are you awake?

I stared at my phone, certain the message was from Jayden. I was in fact awake but thought it odd that he’d text me so late.

Me: Yes, Jay?

Yep. I just wanted to say I was sorry again.

Me: I’m beginning to believe you. Can’t sleep? Sunburn keeping you awake?

I quickly programmed his number.

Jay: Yes and no.

Me: Ah, well, that answers it.

Jay: I was asleep and my roommate came home with a screamer.

I laughed at that.

Me: So you decided that I didn’t deserve any sleep, either.

Jay: You’re right. I’m sorry it’s late. I’ll text tomorrow.

Me: It’s cool. I was just browsing the web for a job.

Jay: Unemployed?

Me: Soon. I’m working my notice and need a replacement.

Jay: I have a few friends who own businesses. What are you looking for?

Me: Honestly, anything at this point.

Jay: I’ll make some calls in the morning just to see if any of them have something.

Me: I can’t ask you to do that.

Jay: It’s not a problem.

Me: That’s kind of you. Thanks.

Jay: So Saturday, I’ll come by and scoop you up and take you out.

Me: Okay, I’m in apartment 4J.

Jay: Seven?

Me: Seven.

Jay: Goodnight, fishnipple.

I burst out laughing as I typed.

Me: What...in...the hell?

Jay: I’ll explain later?

Me: Is that a question?

Jay: I’m really fucking this up, aren’t I?

Me: You are entertaining so far.

Jay: Back at ya. See you Sat.

Me: It’s a date.

Jay: :)

What a strange man. I chuckled as I rid my lap of my PC, sank into bed, and let a small amount of excitement seep back in.