Deception

by K. A. Robinson

  My needy body responded automatically to his hard thrusts, and I raised my hips to meet him. He stopped long enough to wrap my legs around his waist before plunging into me again. My nails dug into his shoulders as I felt my body’s reaction to him. I’d been so close to the edge already when he woke me up, so I felt myself crash over after only a few seconds. I cried out as an orgasm—my second ever—took control. Normally, I would be embarrassed at the volume of my scream, but I was past the point of caring. My back arched off the bed as I came, and I heard Robert grunt as he found his own release.

  After our breathing returned to normal, Robert stood and tossed the condom in the trash. He walked back over to the bed and climbed in next to me. After pulling the covers up around us, he pulled me to him.

  “I missed you,” he whispered in my ear.

  “I missed you, too. I wish you had told me you were coming home. I would’ve waited up for you.”

  “I wanted to surprise you.” He kissed the top of my head.

  “Are you home for good?”

  “Yes. Everything is back on track in Pittsburgh. I won’t have to leave you again for a while.”

  I smiled as I relaxed into his shoulder. “Good.”

  I tried not to think about what had happened since he’d left. It’d only been a few days, but I felt like everything had changed. Cooper had placed doubt in my mind, both with his actions and the photos he’d shown me, and I wasn’t sure how to get rid of it. I wanted to trust Robert again, like I had when we first met. Back then, everything had seemed so simple. The only thing I’d worried about was our age difference. Now, it felt like there were a million things between us.

  “What did you do while I was away?” Robert asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

  I told him how I’d brought Shelly to the house and how glad I was to have her back in my life. He seemed happy that I was able to spend time with her. He even laughed when I told him how much junk food I’d bought for her.

  “How was Cooper while I was away?” he asked.

  I tried to keep my voice neutral as I replied, “Typical Cooper. He was nice most of the time, but he had his moments of assholeyness.”

  Robert chuckled. “Assholeyness?”

  “Yeah, I made a new word. Don’t make fun of me,” I teased.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it. Did he give you any problems?”

  I shook my head, glad that Robert could only see the top of it. If he could see my face, I had no doubt that he would know I was lying as I said, “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. I was thinking about our situation while I was away. I’ve never given you a chance to get to know Cooper better. I won’t lie and tell you that we are your typical father and son, but you’re going to be his stepmother soon. I think it’s important that the two of you get along. I thought that all three of us could have dinner here at the house tomorrow night.”

  The thought of Robert and Cooper together made my stomach turn. “That isn’t necessary, Robert. I know you two don’t get along, and I don’t want to force either of you to spend time together when you don’t want to.”

  “Nonsense. I want you to be comfortable with him since he still lives with us. I already talked to Ellie, so she knows to make dinner for all of us tomorrow.”

  I couldn’t help but hope that she would be at dinner as well. With her as a buffer, maybe Cooper would behave himself. I always sensed that he respected her.

  “Will she be joining us as well?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “No, I want it to be just the three of us.”

  “Can’t wait,” I mumbled.

  Robert literally cornered Cooper the next morning at breakfast. He blocked the doorway as Cooper was trying to leave. From the pissed off look on Cooper’s face, I knew he didn’t appreciate it either.

  “I want you to be home by five tonight. We’re having dinner at five thirty, and I expect you to be here,” Robert said as he crossed his arms over his broad chest.

  Cooper raised an eyebrow, making his piercing that much more evident. “Who all is invited? I hate to break it to you, but I’m not much for your fancy dinner parties, Dad.”

  “It’s not a party. It’s a family dinner. Just you, Claire, and I will be here.”

  For the first time since I’d walked into the room, Cooper’s eyes found mine. I pleaded with my eyes, hoping that he would tell Robert no. I couldn’t even begin to describe the fear I felt over having those two in a room together for more than a minute or two.

  Whatever Cooper saw in my eyes made him smirk. He turned his attention back to his dad. “Sure thing, Dad. I can’t wait to hang out with you and Stepmommy over there.”

  Robert frowned. “Cut the shit, Cooper. I want you two to get along. If you continue to give her a hard time, I won’t think twice about kicking you out on your ass despite what your mother wanted.”

  Cooper laughed. “Is that what Claire told you? That I’ve been giving her a hard time?”

  “She didn’t have to. I know you, Cooper. Claire was nice enough not to say anything though, so don’t try to attack her.”

  “Whatever. Can you move? I have things to do today before I have to come home for dinner,” Cooper said, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his tone.

  “Five o’clock, Cooper. I’m not messing around.” Robert moved to the side.

  Cooper was out of the kitchen in a matter of seconds.

  Robert turned to me. “What are your plans for today?”

  I shrugged. “Nothing at the moment.”

  “I have to go to the office to take care of something, but I’ll be home later this afternoon. If you need anything, call me.”

  He walked over to where I was leaning against the counter and kissed me. I watched as he turned and disappeared from sight. I couldn’t help but feel a total sense of dread over what would happen tonight. My gut instinct told me that whatever happened, it wouldn’t be good.

  I spent most of my day with Ellie, helping her around the house and then finally helping her with dinner. Robert wanted something simple, she’d told me, so we’d decided on lasagna. I wasn’t the greatest cook out there, but under her watchful eye, I did most of it myself. Once it was in the oven, I helped Ellie set the table and clean up the kitchen. She shooed me away after that, telling me to go shower and get dressed.

  My stomach churned with nerves as I climbed into the shower. I’d hoped that Cooper would make it home before Robert so that I could talk to him, but I’d had no such luck. I would just have to hope that Cooper would have the common sense to keep his mouth shut.

  Robert had promised to be home early, but it was almost five now, and he still wasn’t home. I almost hoped that something had come up at work, so he’d have to miss dinner.

  I showered quickly and found an outfit for dinner. I decided on a cream-colored button-up shirt with tiny beaded flowers throughout and a pair of dress slacks. I had no idea if my outfit was what Robert had in mind for our dinner, but it would have to do.

  I dried my hair and left it down, letting it hang down my back in golden waves. I applied minimal makeup, only putting on foundation, a pale pink gloss to my lips, and eyeliner. Once I was finished, I headed downstairs to wait for Robert and Cooper. Five minutes before five, Cooper came through the door. He stopped short when he saw me sitting on the living room couch.

  The heat in his gaze made me swallow. I allowed my eyes to roam over him, unable to stop myself. He looked amazing. His hair looked wild, probably from driving around town with his car windows down. He was wearing a pair of shorts and a black sleeveless shirt that showed off every muscle he had. My eyes finally moved back to his face. He smirked at me, aware of the fact that I’d just been staring at him.

  He glanced around the room. “Where’s my father?”

  I looked down at my hands. “He’s not home yet.”

  He laughed as he walked closer to me. I looked up when he sat down next to me.

  “Typical. He d
emands I come home, but he can’t be bothered to show up himself.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” I looked at the doorway, almost expecting Robert to be standing there. “Cooper, we need to talk. I know you don’t like your father, and I know you don’t like the fact that I’m with him, but please, please don’t do anything tonight that will cost me everything.”

  He frowned at me. “Despite what you think, I’m not out to hurt you, Claire. I’m only trying to protect you.” He took my hand in his and gently squeezed it. “I want to tell him to fuck off, but I won’t.” He glanced down at our hands. “I want you, but it’s clear you’ve made your choice. I won’t do anything to hurt you tonight. Our secret is safe.”

  My body sagged in relief. “Thank you, Cooper. That means a lot.”

  He nodded. “I heard you last night.”

  I gave him a confused look. “Heard me?”

  “You know, when my father was fucking you,” he said, no emotion in his voice at all.

  The blood drained from my face. “Oh my God. Cooper…”

  “And here I offered to give him some pointers. After that scream you let out last night, it’s obvious he doesn’t need any. I probably heard you because he didn’t bother to close the door. I wonder why.”

  Robert didn’t close the door? I tried to think back to the night before, but I couldn’t remember if the door had been closed or not. I’d been asleep when he came in.

  “I’m so sorry you had to hear that,” I finally said.

  He shrugged. “It’s no big deal.”

  We jumped apart when we heard the garage door opening and closing. Seconds later, Robert strode into the room. He seemed surprised to see Cooper and me sitting together, but he said nothing.

  Robert shot a warning glare at Cooper before turning his attention to me. “Sorry I’m late. Things at work took more time than I’d thought they would.”

  I shrugged. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.” I tried to smile, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I stole one last glance at Cooper before standing and walking toward the kitchen. “Dinner’s ready.”

  I’d thought I would feel nothing but relief after I talked to Cooper, but I was wrong. Another emotion, one I couldn’t quite come to terms with, was plaguing me. I knew what it was, but if I let myself admit that, I’d open my heart to even more hurt.

  Sadness—that was what it was. I was sad because Cooper had given up on me so easily. I’d expected him to argue with me, to demand that I forget his father and come to him. Cooper had said over and over that he wanted me. Maybe it was a lie. Maybe all he’d wanted was to get me to want him, so he could leave me hanging, all to prove to himself that he could best his father.

  I felt a single tear roll down my cheek. I wiped it away before either of them could see it. I was being ridiculous. Cooper was doing exactly what I’d asked of him. I was with Robert. Cooper…well, Cooper would soon be my stepson. That was all he could be.

  I picked up the lasagna and carried it to the table. I placed it in the center before going back to grab the garlic bread Ellie had helped me make. I was surprised to see Cooper grabbing drinks for all of us. I gave him a tentative smile as we passed each other. The softness in his eyes as he smiled back shocked me.

  Once everything was on the table, I sat down in my usual seat next to Robert. Cooper and Robert sat across from each other, so that left Cooper on the opposite side of the table by himself.

  “Ellie helped me some, but I made most of the dinner by myself,” I said too brightly.

  Robert smiled as he took a bite. I expected him to praise me even if he might be lying, but he said nothing. I frowned as I took a bite of my own. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that the food did taste good.

  Go me.

  “Damn, Claire. This is almost as good as Ellie’s cooking,” Cooper said as he smiled over at me. He glanced at his father. “Don’t you agree?”

  “Yes,” Robert said as he stared at his son.

  No one spoke again as we ate dinner. I caught Robert staring at Cooper, and surprisingly enough, he also glanced at me with a calculating look in his eyes a few times. Cooper didn’t seem to notice as he cleared his plate—not once, but twice. Coop really did like it, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride over my cooking.

  “There are a few reasons I wanted us to have dinner together tonight,” Robert said once we’d finished our food.

  Cooper raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t say anything. I kept my attention on Robert.

  “First of all, I want you two to get to know each other better. Cooper, you’re not the easiest person to get along with. I expect you to show Claire nothing but respect from this moment on. If you give her any trouble, I won’t hesitate to kick you out on your ass.”

  Cooper rolled his eyes. I wanted to beat my head off the table.

  “This isn’t a joke, Cooper. Claire isn’t going anywhere, so I expect you to treat her as part of this family.”

  He laughed humorlessly. “The last thing Claire wants is to be treated like the rest of the family. Wouldn’t you agree, Dad?”

  Robert’s face turned red with anger. I looked back and forth between them, confused over what on earth Cooper was trying to say.

  “She thinks she knows you. If she had any clue what—” Cooper started, but he was quickly cut off.

  “This isn’t up for debate, Cooper. Claire and I are going to be married very soon. There’s nothing you can do to stop it from happening. I know how you like to tell those lies of yours, but they won’t work.”

  I looked back and forth between them, still confused. “What is going on?”

  Robert took a deep breath before looking at me. “Nothing, Claire. Just a debate between Cooper and me. Anyway, I have more news.”

  “What is it?” I asked, thinking that maybe he had to return to Pittsburgh after all.

  “The case I’m working on is going very well. The lawyer I handed it over to when I had to leave for Pittsburgh has done an amazing job with it. I have decided to give him full control over it.”

  “Isn’t that case really important to you?” I asked.

  “It is, but you’re far more important, sweet Claire.” He paused. “Once I handed the case over, I made a few calls. We have an appointment at the courthouse tomorrow at nine.”

  “An appointment?” I asked, completely confused.

  “We’re getting married tomorrow, Claire.”

  My mouth dropped open in shock. “But I thought we were going to wait.”

  “I did, too. But now that the case isn’t in the way, what’s the point? I love you, and you love me. We have no reason to wait. I want to make you mine.”

  I couldn’t bring myself to speak. This wasn’t supposed to be happening so soon. He’d told me that we would slow down. I couldn’t marry him when I was so confused about how I felt for Cooper. It wouldn’t be wasn’t fair to either of them or me.

  Cooper laughed. I turned to look at him. Despite his laughter, there was nothing humorous about him. Every single muscle in his body was tensed as if he was about to spring out of his chair and attack someone.

  “Something funny, son?” Robert asked.

  Cooper laughed again. “Yeah, there is. Look at her face, Dad. Do you really think she wants to marry you?” He paused. “But that doesn’t matter, does it? You couldn’t care less about what she wants. All you’re worried about is trapping her here, so she can be your little trophy wife.”

  “You’re being arrogant, Cooper,” Robert said, his voice tight with tension.

  “And you’re not? Let me ask you this, Dad—do you love her? I mean, really love her.”

  “Of course I do! I wouldn’t marry her if I didn’t.”

  Cooper grinned. “You’re lying. You don’t give a damn about her. She’s just too perfect to pass up though, isn’t she? Young, beautiful, polite—she would be the perfect trophy wife. Plus, she’s also naive and trusting, so you know you can bend her ho
wever you want. You can train her to be the wife you expect.”

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to stake a claim on her, son,” Robert said, his voice deathly quiet. He looked over at me. “Claire, can you give us a moment?”

  I looked back and forth between them. They might act nothing alike, but the look of calculated rage on both of their faces made them look more alike now than they ever had.

  “Sure,” I whispered. I stood and walked away from the table.

  Once I was out of the room, I pushed the door closed, but I stopped at the last second and left a tiny opening. I knew listening to them was wrong, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. They were talking about me, so I had a right to know what was being said.

  After a few minutes, Robert spoke again, “Is that what this is about?”

  “What are you talking about?” Cooper asked.

  His voice was so quiet that I had to lean forward to hear him.

  “You want her, too, don’t you?” Robert asked.

  Cooper chuckled. “Don’t be absurd, Father.”

  There was a pregnant pause before Robert spoke again, “You’re avoiding, Cooper. I know the truth, I can see it in your eyes. You’re not as contained as you think you are.”

  I could imagine that Cooper was rolling his eyes.

  “What do you want me to say? Claire’s a hot piece of ass. I’m sure I’m not the only guy who has looked at her and wanted to fuck her. But if you’re implying that I want to steal her from you, don’t hold your breath. Everything about her that makes you want her is what makes me want nothing to do with her. She’s nice to look at, but I’m not into needy, naive chicks. Have no fear, Father. I’m not trying to steal your newest toy. You can have her.”

  Cooper’s words stung, but I’d needed to hear them. All along, I’d wondered what exactly he wanted from me, and now, I knew. He only wanted to use me for sex and to hurt his father. I closed my eyes, fighting the tears away. I hated how much his confession had hurt me.

  Before Robert could reply, I turned and made my way to the stairs, careful not to make a sound. Once I was out of their hearing, I ran up the stairs at full speed and went to Robert’s room. Tears poured from my eyes as I dropped down onto the bed.