Doubt #2 (The Deception Series #1)

by Hopkins, J. D.

  I turn around, stepping away from the window display into the sunlight as I wait for Dean to call me into the store, that's even if the owner trusts him enough not to steal it. I mean, who in their right mind would allow someone to try on a $12,500 necklace?

  As I stare out at cars passing by on the road, Dean's voice rings out from behind, causing me to jolt on the spot. I turn around to face him, but his warm beaming smile calms me right down.

  "Try it on. Turn around so I can put it on you." He holds the necklace in both his hands.

  "Is the owner okay with it being out here?!" I yelp.

  "Yeah, he's 100% fine with it." Dean replies coolly while I tilt my head forward for him to attach it to me.

  With a faint click, he steps back from me. "How does it feel?"

  I swing around to face him, and begin feeling the necklace with my fingertips. "It feels beautiful!"

  "It matches the flowery summer dress that you're wearing." He complements.

  Scooting over to the reflective mirrors of the jewelry store, I gaze at the glistening sapphire crystal. Oh my God! I really, really want it! If only that check cleared in my account. Normally I receive an automated text to let me know it's cleared, and I haven't had that yet, so I'm pretty sure it is still being processed. The deflating sensation of not being able purchase this causes my shoulders to drop. I've never bought myself a necklace, ever.

  Lost in my constant gaze in the reflection, Dean grabs my left hand with his right, and begins to drag me back onto the route we were taking before he halted.

  "Dean, what are you doing?! We can't just walk away from the store." I gasp.

  "Yes we can. We're doing it right now!" He says calmly.

  I stop abruptly. "We're not stealing this!"

  He stands in front of me, this time holding both of my hands, and stares down at me with his adorable brown eyes. "Who said we're stealing it?"

  I scrunch my face up in confusion. "What do you mean? We're walking away from the jewelry store without paying for it! Dean, we could get into serious trouble for this. Let's go back, now!" I attempt to pull him back towards the store, but he stands rooted to the spot, displaying an affectionate smile.

  "We're not going to get in trouble, my lady. It's yours. I bought it." He yanks me closer to him.

  My mouth falls open. Despite trying, I cannot conjure any words.

  "Jeez, Dana. Are you trying to catch moths with your mouth?" He breaks into a laugh.

  I knock my right fist on his rock hard chest to signal my disbelief in not only what he just said, but also in what he's done.

  "This is too much! No, you've got to take it back right now! --"

  "Shh. It's too late, there's no refund policy there. Look at it as my ridiculously early anniversary present to you." He interrupts me with a scrumptious grin.

  A rise in vocal pitch forces my eyes to widen dramatically. "Dean! It was $12,500! At least let me pay you back!"

  "So?! You're my girlfriend, and business partner now. If you try to hand me over any money, I will give the necklace to a homeless person. And that I will actually do." He responds with frowning eyebrows.

  "We can either continue to debate over something you are not going to win, or we can go and enjoy a nice, light lunch together around the corner from here. Which one sounds better?" He adds.

  I take in a huge gasp and flap my hands in the air, signaling my loss for words.

  "I guess we will go with the latter then. Don't worry, you can get me a Rolex for my birthday in four months." He toys with me while holding my right hand as we begin to walk again.

  "I-I don't know what to say!" I stutter as we turn around the corner.

  "I know what to say." He glances at me with slightly parted lips. "1-1. We're even now."

  ****

  While placing my knife and fork on the plate, I finish telling Dean about almost getting caught by the police yesterday, and for some strange reason, he finds it hilarious.

  "Seriously, Dean! I could have gone to prison for it. You are going to have to come over and collect it. It scares the living crap out of me."

  He continues to try and contain his laughter behind the napkin he is using to wipe his mouth. "Oh my. What are the chances of that happening? My bad, sweetheart, my bad." He muffles.

  I glare at him with piercing eyes. "I'm glad you find it funny! I almost had a heart attack."

  "I can already see you featuring on a woman's version of Prison Break." He bursts out laughing.

  I shake my head in disappointment. I thought he would be a bit more serious than this, jeez, he looks like a rebellious teenager, just minus the well-trimmed stubble. I glance around to ensure no-one has noticed his unique laugh. Lucky for me, the place is pretty quiet. Most people are still at work at this time. I've got to hand it to Dean, he's brought us to a good place. The Caesar salad I had was delicious, and being able to sit out in the sun while eating it is a bonus. Hopefully I tan well like Dean.

  "So, have you thought anymore about this Friday? The end of the week y'know..." He asks indirectly about me leaving with him.

  "Yes, I have as a matter of fact. But, your lack of sympathy and maturity about me almost getting caught with the thing, disappoints me." I purposely avoid referencing the gun in public.

  "The thing?" Dean asks sarcastically knowing what I mean.

  "Yes, the thing!" I deepen my voice.

  "Oh... the thing!" He acts as he leans back into the chair.

  I glare at him as he continues to make fun of the situation I had to endure yesterday.

  "Jokes aside though, have you decided what you want to do? I'm cool with either decision you make." Dean leans in further to me, this time with a more serious expression on his face.

  I take in a deep breath. "I want to come with you. Only if you are going to drop this stupid high-school boy thing you got going on."

  He laughs tamely while biting his bottom lip. "That's a deal. I can't tell you how happy I am that you're coming with me."

  He starts playing with his napkin on the table, clearly shy about revealing his true feelings for me. My heart starts to hammer against my chest as his affectionate words soak in. It doesn't help that his loving eyes look so adorable right now.

  "I'm so happy, too! You said earlier that we are business partners now. Does that mean Steve is okay with me, or?" I ask with a squinting eye.

  He stops playing with the napkin and locks his eyes with mine. "He's cool with you now. I've managed to talk him into it. He might still act a little frosty with you at the beginning, but he will soon come around. Especially as we will be selling the shares tomorrow."

  The bombardment of good news sends multiple tingling sensations throughout me, causing my limbs to weaken.

  "Omg! I'm so relieved. I still feel so embarrassed about what happened a couple of days ago." I place both my hands on my face to hide behind.

  Dean pulls them away gently. "Don't worry about it. I've already told you, what's done is done."

  I gaze into his welcoming eyes, and break out a faint smile, allowing silence to flow among us both.

  "That's what I also needed to tell you." He comes out with. "The share price is looking real good at the moment! If we were to sell up now, we would be doubling our initial investment. However, Steve, and his nerdy team are 100% convinced the prices will rise three-fold tomorrow afternoon. So, I don't want to get you too excited, but, tomorrow is going to be one hell of a day!" He finishes with the biggest grin I have perhaps ever seen him omit.

  All of a sudden, excited energies shoot throughout my body, causing me to become increasingly fidgety.

  "So you're saying, give or take, my return on investment will be around $240,000?!" I add up on the spot roughly.

  He nods his head in agreement to my approximation.

  In the process of sucking in a huge gasp of air, my mouth falls wide open.

  "You're at it again, aren't you? At this rate, moths are going to be an endangered species the way you're g
oing." He jokes among the euphoric atmosphere.

  "I actually want to cry!" I blurt out with a high pitch voice, while rubbing the sapphire on my newly bought necklace.

  "Don't do that now, everyone will think I've said something mean to you." He jokes some more.

  "Stop it!" I tap him on the hand.

  He sips a glass of his orange juice, then places it back down. "Have you told anyone that you're leaving with me?"

  "Only, Amy." I sigh, now back on planet earth, dreading the fact that I still need to tell Jess.

  "What about your sister?" Dean asks.

  "No, I haven't yet. Jess has hardly been in this last week. I think she will be back later today though, so I will tell her then. I know for a fact that she's going to question my sanity."

  "It won't be no biggie. She's only looking out for you." He reassures me with his deep voice.

  "Yeah but, Dean. She doesn't even know about you! She's been too wrapped up in her case at work." I elaborate.

  He takes another sip of his drink. "Well, if you run into any problems then just call my line, and I would be more than happy to speak to her."

  I laugh. "No way! How awkward would that be? Don't worry about it, she'll accept it at some point, plus, I'm 23 years old. I'm not a minor."

  Dean tilts his head to one side, accepting my decline to his suggestion. "Alright, you know your sister more than I would ever know her."

  He looks at the watch on his wrist and lets out a gentle sigh before rolling his eyes. "Damn. I've only got a couple of hours till I'm meant to be at a meeting with those clients and Steve. Are you alright with picking this up tomorrow or something?"

  I smile in response, happily satisfied with what he needs to do. "Don't be silly. Business is business. Tomorrow sounds fine. Shall we leave now?" I ask.

  His grateful smile beams even brighter than the sunlight shining directly on us. "Yeah, let's get going, my little lady."

  With one last moment of silence, we both stand to brush ourselves down before Dean leaves a $50 bill tip on the table. He puts his wallet back in his shorts, and proceeds to hold my hand as we exit the outdoor restaurant.

  ****

  "Remember to keep your phone on tomorrow, the good news could come at any time." Dean reaffirms to me while leaning on my car door as I turn on the engine.

  "Don't worry, it will be fully charged for the whole day! I'm not missing it for anything!" I reply joyfully.

  He breaks out a subtle grin. "Alright, cool. Well, I really enjoyed our little date. I'm so glad you're coming with me at the end of the week, we've got an exciting future heading our way." He leans in, to give me a kiss.

  His warm, succulent lips make me want to make out with him right here.

  "I loved it. Thank you for the necklace, it's absolutely beautiful. I'm going to wear it all the time!" I reiterate my gratitude to him as we pull our lips away from each other.

  "It's my pleasure, my lady. Let me know how it goes with your sister later though, yeah?"

  "Will do, speak to you then." I respond full of happiness.

  Dean slings his black helmet over his head, matching his vest top. "Cool. Speak real soon." He adds before tightening the strap around his chin.

  With a swift wave goodbye to me, he makes his way over to his parked bike, and jumps on it. Moments after hopping onto his bike, a thunderous raw bellows out from the engine, the same one that startled me when we met.

  Dean turns around, and blows a kiss at me before swinging himself back around to drive off. I stare at the back of him in admiration. His glowing skin, bulging muscles and fearless attitude captivates me entirely.

  Today has been the best day ever, like seriously. Money, trust and Ryan will never be a problem again. Dean has completely changed my life over the last few weeks. In a strange way, I'm going to miss Vegas. Things have been getting better and better the longer I've stayed here. Yes there's been some ups and downs, but this is a roller coaster that is only going up. I just hope it continues that way when we both leave, together.

  Chapter 12

  As I lay on my bed playing around with my new sapphire blue necklace, I think about what to pack and how I am going to break the news to Jess. She is definitely going to ask 101 questions, I guess that's the inner detective within her. I enjoy the blissful silence while it still lasts, Jess should be back later tonight. I glance at my phone. It's only 3:40pm!

  Jess doesn't normally get back till around 9 o'clock. Well I guess it will mean I have enough time to come up with an elaborate explanation to why I'm leaving so suddenly with a guy she hasn't even met, nor known about. As I let out a light sigh, my phone goes off in my hand. Out of shock, I turn to glance at it. It's a text message from Dean.

  "Hey, I know I've already said this, but, I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed today. I'm glad that you're my woman! Be ready for tomorrow, great things are just round the corner. :) X" The message reads.

  While reading the text, I find myself smiling at the screen with a racing heart that just wants to sing. I drop the phone and jump off my bed to do the happy dance. I'm in love. I can officially say I am totally in love with Dean and life right now! Nothing or no-one can destroy this. I'm speechless! All the drama that led up to this point was so worth it.

  With my flush skin and racing pulse, I begin to drag out the same gym bag that I used to flee Colorado, and begin throwing what little clothes I've got into it. Yes, I know we're not leaving for another two more days, but, in my mind I'm already gone!

  As I pace throughout the room, opening and shutting drawers for things to grab, I speed over to my small side table and open the top drawer. I am startled by the gun that Dean gave me yesterday, and shocked about how I forgot that I put it there. He's got to take this back, I for one am not leaving this house with it, especially after my close call with the police. Gently placing it back in the drawer, I shut it and continue to search for things I'm going to take with me.

  In the midst of this unplanned packing, my phone goes off again on the bed. Surely that can't be Dean again? I scoot over to the bed in hope rather than expectation to see what the text says. Great, it's the bank! I click to open the message, optimistic that the check has cleared.

  "Automated Text Message Alert: Hello Miss. Yates. Unfortunately, your recent check has been declined, we request that you come into your local bank to speak to an advisor. Thank you."

  My heart sinks and my face scrunches up in confusion to why the check would have bounced. It could be the fact that it's such a large chunk of money, or it could be something to do with the IRS. Who knows, I'm sure it's something that can be easily fixed.

  As I slowly lean up off the bed in slight disappointment, the urge to have a shower and listen to music lures me much more than the idea of packing or worrying about sorting the check out right now. I stare down at the gym bag on the floor with multiple items of clothing hanging out of it, and I let out an "I can't be bothered to deal with you" sigh. With a pull from the bathroom, I grab a towel, some fresh underwear, and my iPad before heading to the shower.

  ****

  Strolling out of the bathroom with the skimpy white towel that is covering me up, I praise Jess's decision to buy this house. Everything is so lush and homely. I could have easily stayed in that shower for another hour if it wasn't for my fingers and hands going all wrinkly. The draft of walking to my bedroom hits my body, causing goose bumps to appear all over me. I have to admit, the electric sensation goose bumps give is addictive!

  Now back in my room, I leap over the gym bag to grab some fresh clothes from the closet, while laughing at my pathetic attempt to pack. I pause to drop my towel for a millisecond, while I put on some fresh underwear. As I continue to fumble through the closet, I notice my butt in the reflection of the mirror. It actually looks pretty hot in these dark purple panties!

  Proud of my plump cheeks, I pull out some denim hot pants and put them on before searching for my favorite white top. As I search more and more agg
ressively, I notice it's not there. It's got to be here! I haven't worn it in like two weeks. I look some more, but fail to find it. Rushing over to the gym bag on the floor semi-naked, I turn the bag upside down and let my short-lived packing tumble out of it. Nothing.

  Where the hell can it be?

  As I ponder and rule out places it could be, a quick-fire thought surfaces. Jess! It has to be her! She always steals my clothes, despite the fact that I hardly have many. I growl in frustration over the possibility it could have been her that is forcing me to not only freeze, but to waste time trying to find it. I yank out a plain top from my closet to help shield me from the draft, and proceed to rummage under my bed for the spare key Jess gave me to her room.

  As I rummage underneath the bed, I can't help but criticize my lack of vacuuming and cleaning under here. It's so dusty! What a waste of hot water. I now have dust glued all over me! With an eager pull of a box, I sling myself back away from the bed and open the container to grab the key. Why can't she be like most normal people and not have a lock on her door? Well, I suppose it's to prevent anyone being able to see classified documents. The amount of time that girl spends on work in there when she is back from work is unreal! Does she ever sleep?

  I get up off from the floor and brush myself down. Thank goodness she isn't here! She would blow up if she caught me going into her room. As I walk to her door, I yell for Jess to make sure she definitely is not in the house. Content she is not here, I twist the key and push the door open.