by Edwin Dasso
Jasper lightly clamped his jaws around her wrist and tugged––his slobbery method of letting her know he wanted her to follow.
But his excursion would have to wait today. She pulled her arm from his grasp and knelt beside him. “No, Jaz. We can’t hike through the woods right now. Deke will be at the cabin soon.” She stood and again, pulled on his collar.
Instead of complying and following Elise, he chomped down on the hem of her jacket and pulled.
She wrinkled her brow, annoyed he hadn’t acquiesced as he typically did. “I know you love to hike the forest, boy, but we can’t do that now.” She crooked a finger under his collar and tugged until he complied. “Good boy. I promise we’ll hike tomorrow.”
Once Elise broke through the woods and onto the beach, she jogged along the waterfront, hoping to tire Jasper more than exercise herself. But the run released pent-up energy that soothed her anxiety, and by the time she reached the cabin, she felt an endorphin rush that completely removed the edge and boosted her mood. She burst through the back door. “Alexa, play Elise’s romantic mix.” After removing her jacket, she hung it on a laundry room hook then stripped off her sweaty clothes as she ran upstairs toward the shower.
The hot cascade felt so good, she stood under the rainwater longer than she planned, singing along with the romantic tunes playing in the background. When she finally dragged herself from the relaxing spray, she dried and styled her hair then put on the perfect outfit for the evening––an off-the-shoulder, baby pink sweater over a black lace camisole, black high-waisted jeans, and her super cute, black ankle boots.
Makeup on and hair done, she floated down the stairs, still humming to the music. A glance at her watch told her Deke would arrive any moment. She grabbed the long-tipped lighter from the mantel and lit the kindling for the fire then went into the kitchen to pour a glass of wine and start dinner.
Busily cooking, Elise didn’t hear a knock on the front door or the bell, but Jasper’s persistent barking alerted her someone was lurking around the yard. She stepped into the great room and gazed at him, still woofing at the door. “Jaz. It’s Deke. Hush.”
A sharp tap on the glass adjacent to the farmhouse table startled her, and she spun to see Deke, holding a bouquet of white roses.
Growling, Jasper sped toward the back door. Pressing his front paws against the glass, again, he let out a low snarl. “Rrrrrrrrrrrr.”
Elise shook her head and shrugged. “It’s okay, Jaz.” She scooted past him and walked around the table to open the door.
But Deke turned the knob and walked in before she could.
He met her, placed the flowers on the table, and hugged her. “How was your day, babe?”
Again, Jasper growled. “Rrrrrrrrrrr.”
“What has gotten into you, boy? It’s just Deke.” She shifted her gaze to her doting fiancé. “Sorry about that.”
“I think he’s jealous I brought you a gift and I didn’t bring him one.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out a dog biscuit then offered the treat to Jasper. “Here you go, Jaz. I didn’t forget you, boy.”
The dog tentatively stepped closer then snatched the biscuit and retreated, leaping up the stairway to the hallway. From his favorite perch, he watched them through the banister rails and chomped on the treat.
Elise chuckled and shrugged. “He’s acted strangely all day.” Turning, she reached for the exterior alarm and flipped it on, a habit her parents taught to alert the family if someone turned onto their private driveway.
Deke drew in a long breath. “Hmmm. What smells so good in the kitchen?”
“Just the potatoes baking. I have ribeye steaks, though. Can you light the grill while I put the veggies into the oven?”
“Sure. Would you like me to do the grilling?”
“Absolutely.” Elise walked to the fireplace, grasped the lighter then handed it to Deke.
He grabbed her wrist then drew her close and kissed her.
When he stuck his hard tongue down her throat, she pulled away. “Let me get you a glass of wine.”
He released her then turned toward the door and gripped the knob.
She spun and walked into the kitchen, attempting to shake off his brashness. She much preferred the soft, sensual kisses that made her toes curl.
As Deke opened the deck door, he gazed over his shoulder. “How do you like your steak cooked?”
Elise peered around the corner and frowned. “The same way you always cook them.”
“Right. Burnt, as usual.” He stepped outside.
Gasping, Elise rushed to the door. “Don’t you dare burn them. Medium-rare to medium.”
He chuckled. “Just kidding.”
She shook her head and ducked inside. After placing the prepared Brussels sprouts in the oven, she switched the dial to roast and set the timer, then sprinkled the steaks with Montreal Steak Seasoning. She poured a glass of wine for Deke, topped off hers then carried them outside. “Here, I hope you like the wine. The sommelier highly recommended a Bordeaux to pair with steak. This one is a blend, full-bodied with notes of smoke, plum, black currant, and tobacco.” She chuckled.
He took the glass and sniffed. “Nice bouquet.” After taking a small sip, he swished the liquid then swallowed. “Good choice. I think the sommelier was spot on.”
She smiled. “The steaks are ready. Is the grill hot enough?”
“Not yet.” He took a long swig of his wine and strolled toward the spa. “What do you say we sit in the hot tub after dinner?”
“I’d say that’s exactly what I planned.”
He scanned the backyard. “Damn. This property must have set your folks back a pretty penny. How much do you think this place is worth?”
She squinted…as if in doing so she might understand why he asked. “I told you my granddad bought this tract of land before the lake was built. Besides, it doesn’t matter how much it’s worth. My parents have already gifted the land to me, and I’ll never sell the property. It’s my home.”
“I know, babe. I was just speculating.” He returned to the grill. “Why don’t you grab those steaks for me, hun?”
Elise turned and walked inside. Lately, every time she started to feel good about Deke, he blurted out something that rubbed her the wrong way. Not that his comment was awful, but it just felt odd. She checked the sprouts. Deke liked them brown and crispy, so she’d leave them in a bit longer.
She picked up the steaks and brought them to Deke then stared at the lake. The full moon reflecting off the water cast a glimmer across the surface that sparkled with the current. Taking another sip of wine, she shifted her gaze toward Deke. She loved him so much. Why couldn’t she shake her angst? She couldn’t wait to cuddle next to him by the fireside…or get passionate in the spa under the shimmering moonlight. She wanted so badly to have a perfect weekend.
“Steaks are ready, sweet pea. Let’s chow down.”
“I’ll get the potatoes and veggies. Do you need more wine?”
“Absolutely.”
She shot a gaze his way. Deke never drank more than one glass…but football was over…and the Combine behind him. Maybe having a few more drinks would relax both of them.
She slipped on an Ov-Glove and pulled the vegetables from the oven then placed them on the table and sat.
Deke brought in the steaks and served one to Elise and put the other on his plate then set the dish aside and sat next to her. “Great dinner, hun…dig in.” He cut a slice of steak and jammed it into his mouth. “Delicious, if I do say so myself…but it looks like you burnt the vegetables.” His gaze narrowed. “What was that dish, anyway?”
Elise frowned. “Brussels sprouts.”
“Not a fan. But I’ll try anything once.”
A knot fisted in her stomach. She lowered her fork and stared at Deke then swallowed hard. Who was this man sitting next to her?
12
Pinching together her eyebrows, Elise glared, remembering countless times Deke told her roasted Brussels sprout
s were his favorite vegetable.
“Just kidding.” Deke laughed. “Lighten up, babe.” He clasped a hand over hers and softly squeezed. “Ever since the incident in your neighborhood, you’ve been jumpy and stressed. This weekend, we both need to relax and block out the rest of the world.”
Uncomfortable with his apparent joke, she bit the corner of her lip. “You’re right.” Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, she smiled. “I really want us to have a wonderful weekend…I don’t know why that poor woman’s murder has me so on edge.” Elise took another sip of wine then carved a bite of steak and slipped it into her mouth. The slice of perfectly grilled ribeye almost melted as the flavor swirled over her tongue. “Mmmm. Perfect. Kudos Chef Madigan…my steak is delicious.”
The rest of the meal, they continued their small talk, primarily questions from Deke about Elise’s week. He wanted a play-by-play of every game she covered. When he finished his steak and baked potato, he shoved the sprouts around the plate then wiped his mouth with a napkin and pushed away from the table. “I have a great idea. Why don’t we move over in front of the fire and have another glass of wine? I’ve had a rough week, and I really would like to sit back, put my feet up, and wrap my arms around you.” He stood and patted his stomach. “Damn good meal, babe. By the way, did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?”
“I think you mentioned it a couple of times, but I never get tired of hearing you tell me.” She stood and began clearing the dishes. “I’ll just throw these in the dishwasher and join you in a few minutes.” She stared at the empty bottle of wine and shook her head. Having only brought one bottle to the lake house, she’d have to raid her dad’s wine cellar to select another. Not that he’d mind her taking whatever she wanted, but she felt odd over Deke indulging in more than one alcoholic beverage.
Again, she reminded herself that Deke’s brutal football schedule just ended, and they both needed to unwind. “Hey, babe, I have to run downstairs for another bottle of wine. Do you have a preference?”
Raising his brows, he tilted his head and ogled her from head to toe. “How about some champagne? I have a lot to celebrate.”
His tone made her skin crawl…and his stare…she felt like he physically undressed her with his gaze. “I…I don’t know what Dad has in his cellar, but I’ll look for champagne.” She opened the cellar door and stepped downstairs, rationalizing the eerie sensation triggered by his request. She wanted Deke to be attracted to her…so why did his sexual gaze tonight make her feel creepy?
Scanning the wine cooler for some bubbly, she spotted a Crémant de Loire sparkling Sancerre. She snatched the bottle. Maybe she was having second thoughts about marrying Deke…the love of her life…the man who made her toes curl the first time they kissed…no. She loved him. Her anxious thoughts had nothing to do with him.
She turned and marched up the steps then closed the cellar door behind her. Determined to overcome her anxiety once and for all, she grabbed two flutes from the cabinet then strolled into the great room and sat next to Deke. She handed him the wine and set the flutes on the table. “I think this Sancerre will do the trick.”
Deke took the bottle and peeled off the foil. After popping the cork, he filled the flutes and handed one to Elise. He held up his glass and tipped it toward hers. “To us. May we have the life I’ve dreamed of.”
Elise clinked his glass. “To us.” She took a long sip then set her wine on the coffee table and stared at the roaring fire.
After downing half of his drink, Deke set aside the flute then twisted toward Elise. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her close. After pushing a chunk of hair behind her ear, he clutched his hand around the bulk of her mop, yanked back her head, and began kissing and licking around her ear. Nuzzling her hairline, he ran his moist, hot tongue and lips all over her neck and bare shoulder.
The yank surprised her, and for a moment, she stiffened, but when he kissed along her neck, she began to relax.
With his teeth, he tugged at her camisole until it fell down her arm. He slid a hand under the lace. Releasing her hair, he slipped his fingers beneath her sweater and yanked both fabrics down to her waist. He cupped her breasts, burying his face between her supple bosoms. His hot breath against her cool skin hardened her nipples.
Eyes closed and head still tilted backward, Elise savored the heat swirling down to her core. She envisioned the first time she kissed Deke and how just being close to him kicked up her pulse. Those passionate thoughts merged with Deke’s physical touch, igniting an eruption about to explode between her thighs.
Deke unzipped her jeans and slid a hand inside her panties, his tongue still licking a hot path down her chest and stomach.
At the worst moment possible, her phone whirred…and whirred…and whirred, until she knew whoever was on the other end needed to talk immediately. “Deke. Let me turn off my phone…I’ll remove my sweater, too.”
He sighed and pushed away. “What a buzzkill. But, now that you mention it, both of us are wearing way too much clothing.” He grabbed his wine and downed the rest of the contents.
Elise stood and dug her phone from her pocket then glanced at the screen.
Britt sent four texts, each with a similar message. I know you’re with Deke. Go somewhere private and call me…now.
Heart pounding, Elise knew something was very wrong. Britt realized how important this weekend was. And why did she want to talk to Elise in private? Nonchalantly, so she wouldn’t alert Deke, she tugged her camisole and sweater on instead of off. “Now that I’m up, I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll change into something a little easier to manipulate, too.”
Deke looked up then stood. He drew her into an embrace. “I think you should just take everything off right here…right now.” He slid her hand over the bulge in his pants.
“I really have to go, Deke.” She pulled away. “I’ll be right back. I promise.” She turned and ran up the stairs and into the master bathroom. Locking the door, she scrolled her phone to Britt’s name then pushed Call and quickly turned down the volume.
“Thank God.” Britt’s voice was laced with distress. “You’re not near Deke, right?”
Elise turned on the faucet to create white noise. “He’s downstairs. Why? What’s so important?”
“I’m sending you a video. Don’t hang up. Just watch it…and keep the volume down so he can’t hear.”
“Britt, I hear your concern, but can’t this wait until tomorrow? Deke and I were…uh…really busy.”
“Yeah, Deke’s busy all right. Look at the clip I just sent.”
“Okay…okay.” She flipped to her texts and opened Britt’s post. The background music sounded like a party. Elise turned the volume lower and watched. Whoever recorded the clip must have been nervous. The shaky image and low lighting made the recording difficult to view with any certainty––until she saw Deke peer around the edge of the door. Her heart raced. Clearly inebriated, he was with a woman Elise didn’t recognize, sucking her face. He kicked the door closed then lifted her onto the bed. The session appeared to be consensual, because the woman lifted her skirt and pulled him close, then the video abruptly ended.
Elise felt sick to her stomach. She pushed the phone against her ear. “Where did you get this?”
“Remember Jade Seymore––the UGA cheerleader? She was a freshman when we were seniors, but her sister, Kayla––”
Trembling, Elise cut off Britt. “I remember Kayla…was that Jade in the video?”
“No, hon. Jade was at a fraternity party last weekend and went upstairs to use the bathroom when she heard a couple outside the bedroom door. Realizing she’d have to walk right by them to return to the party, she peeked into the adjoining bedroom. That’s when she saw Deke pressing the girl against the jamb. She knew he was engaged to you, so she recorded the incident then sent the video to Kayla, who––”
“Who sent the recording to you, knowing you’d show it to me. Got it.” A rush of adrenaline flushed over Elise.
How could Deke do that to her? She sensed something was off, but this…this was beyond the pale. Damn. When it feels too good to be true...
“Sorry to dump this on you, hon…but, I had to tell you before your romantic weekend. Your instincts were spot on when you felt something was wrong between you and Deke. It pissed me off he’d cheat on you and I had to let you know.”
Bile swirled in Elise’s stomach and stung as it choked into her throat. “That son of a––”
“For what it’s worth, Elise, he fooled everyone.”
“I guess…but that doesn’t make his actions any easier to accept.”
“Maybe now that he’s set to be a big NFL star, he decided to play the role.” Britt paused a long beat. “Are you okay? I mean, of course, you aren’t okay…but…what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know…I’m still numb.” A strong surge of fiery heat burned a path down her arms and legs. “I’ve got to go, Britt. Please, don’t let anyone else see that video and ask Kayla and Jade to delete it. I’ll call you later.”
“Don’t do anything crazy, Elise. He’s not worth the trouble.”
“Don’t worry about me. We’ll talk later.” Elise ended the call. Still trembling, she splashed some water on her face then patted it dry. Her thoughts spun, firing emotions that jumped from anger to betrayal to sadness to a hollow emptiness of complete and utter loss. If Deke could do what she saw with her own eyes, how could she ever trust him, or her own judgment, again?
She stuffed her phone into her back pocket then turned off the faucet. As she approached the staircase, she had no idea what to say, but whatever she decided, she’d look him square in the eyes. He wasn’t a drinker, and yet he’d had so much wine. She wanted him to leave, but she couldn’t let him drive in that inebriated condition. One thing was for sure, she’d never let him touch her again. What she really needed was time to think.
Elise edged down three steps before she saw Deke standing in the open doorway, hands on his hips, buck-naked. “Deke.” She darted down the steps toward him.
