“Welcome to Bella Interiors,” said Lindsey, as she unlocked the door and flicked on the lights.
“Thanks for agreeing to meet with me,” said Ava, entering behind her.
The mid-size office space had a small sitting area with plush seating for clients. The back wall had racks of fabric swatches and rug samples that extended from one end to the opposite end of the wall. Bookshelves held several trades and design books. French doors separated her client meeting space from her private office.
“Please have a seat,” said Lindsey. “Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?”
“No, thank you. I rather get to why I’m here,” said Ava.
Lindsey placed her purse on a table and sat facing her opposition. She’s surprised Ava would be the one to change Justin into the unrecognizable person he’s become. The two women were complete opposites, and she was unlike anyone she’d seen Justin with. Ava was a slim woman whose breast barely filled out the white button-down shirt she wore. Unlike Lindsey, who had a problem finding a bra that fits her D-cups comfortably. Ava’s long silky black hair trailed down her back, and Lindsey had regular salon appointments to ensure her brown roots didn’t emerge through her blonde tresses. Ava’s an equally impeccable dresser, but the one standout was her natural beauty. Lindsey could spot a procedure a mile away. Ava’s face wasn’t full of injections and fillers. Naturally, long eyelashes framed her brown doe eyes, her smooth dewy skin possessed a natural glow, and her full lips displayed a natural pout.
“I’m surprised you asked to meet considering your parting words the last time we spoke,” said Lindsey.
She relaxed her pursed lips. “For a reason, I can’t understand, Justin prefers to maintain friendships with women he once shared a bed. I’m sure you understand how that can be problematic.”
“Have you considered he knows an excellent business opportunity when he sees it?”
Ava crossed her legs and clasped her French manicured hands together. “Lindsey, for us to consider your prospective offer, you must convince me I can trust you.”
She took a moment to gather her thoughts while Ava glared in her direction. Her palms rubbed together as she took a breath. “First, I would like you to know, I am not a threat to your relationship. What Justin and I had ended long ago.”
“You being a threat is not my issue. It’s the lies that’s hard to get over.”
“And you have every right to feel that way. But Chris was the mastermind behind it all, and I paid the ultimate price for my stupidity.”
For the first time, Ava’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through.”
Lindsey reached into her purse and grabbed a tissue. She wiped her damp eyes. “Thank you. It’s been difficult, but life goes on in light of a tragedy.”
“I won’t pretend to relate to what the loss of a baby feels like, but I don’t believe vengeance is the answer.”
“Vengeance?” She shifted in her chair. Stay cool. She doesn’t know a thing. “What are you talking about?”
“I heard from someone you were out for Chris’ blood for his treatment of you. Is that true?”
Lindsey released a breath and met Ava’s blank face. “Chris ended our relationship and broke my heart. But what hurt the most was his absence after I miscarried his child. That, I can’t forgive.”
“Lindsey, I’m not excusing his behavior, but he was recovering from a stroke when you miscarried.”
“I called to tell him, and he didn’t bother to pick up the phone.”
“I’m sure it had more to do with his inability to speak. He just begun using full sentences several months ago.”
“So, he doesn’t know?”
Ava’s mouth formed a thin line, and her gaze shifted towards the tiled floor. “He knows. Justin told him.”
Lindsey’s body tensed as she held on to Ava’s next words. “How did he respond?”
“Don’t know. Justin didn’t say, and I never asked.”
She dismissively flicked her hand as she rolled her eyes. “Enough about that man. Can we get back to why we’re here?”
“Sure.”
“I believe a collaboration between Bella Interiors and JTH would benefit both brands. But you and I must put aside our differences and work together. I mean, not only are you his fiancée, but you oversee the project’s budget as CFO.”
Ava nodded her head as if she agreed.
“Justin mentioned you were searching for someone to assist with completing the interior design of your home.”
“True.”
“I will tell you the same thing I told him. That is the perfect opportunity for us to test if we can work together.”
“How so?” Her face revealed not a hint of an emotion.
“Well, I feel you and I share similar design aesthetics. Remember the blue chair you drooled over when we first met?”
“I do. I still would love to have it.” Her stoic face relaxed and her lips formed a hint of a smile.
“Yeah?” Lindsey returned her smile and nodded her head. “I can come by to see what you’ve done so far and brainstorm ideas.”
“I’ll admit the pieces you had that day were everything I would’ve chosen for myself. I’ve tried furnishing our home myself, and I believe I’ve done a decent job so far. However, it’s much easier when you have a small three-bedroom home.” Ava paused, and the corner of her lips turned downward as if she struggled with the idea of collaborating. “What’s important is my comfort level. I must feel at ease with the person I’m working with. What if you come by next week, and we’ll take it from there?”
“Sure, that works for me.”
Ava stood and wrapped her hand around the handle of her purse. “I’ll review my schedule and text you with a date and time that works.”
“I look forward to hearing from you.” Lindsey smiled to herself as Ava saw herself out. In a matter of days, she and Brandon will begin to tear Justin and Ava apart, then she’ll move on to her biggest target.
Chapter Five
After a pampered filled day that included a hot-stone couples massage, sauna, and facials, Ava and Justin ended their evening on the terrace watching the sunset. They each sat on a wooden Adirondack chair with a table nestled between them. Justin removed the cork from a bottle of red wine and poured a swallow in each of their glass. He placed the bottle on the table and handed Ava a glass.
“The perfect end to a relaxing day.” She brought the aromatic liquid to her lips.
“You needed it more than me.”
“My massage released a ton of stress.”
“What about the trial? How are you feeling about your testimony?”
She took a swallow of her wine. “I feel better prepared after going over it with Terry.”
“Good. Just remember you won’t be alone.”
She rubbed her bare shoulders with her hands. The sun had fallen, and so had the temperature.
“Would you like a shawl? I can get it for you.”
“Sure.” While Justin ran inside, Ava checked her phone for any messages. There was one from Tess asking her to call right away. She closed out the text message and dialed Tess’ number. Voicemail picked up. It wasn’t until after Ava left the message that she noticed the time. It was after midnight in Georgia, and Tess was probably fast asleep.
“Let’s go for a walk.”
Ava turned her gaze upward, and Justin stood over her with a gray blanket folded over his arm. “What’s with the blanket?” she asked.
“Are you in the mood for a walk on the beach?”
“Sure. That’s the advantage of living only steps away.”
She removed her shoes and held on to Justin’s hand as he led her down the walkway to the beach. Once her bare feet touched the sand, Justin placed the blanket over her shoulder. It provided a welcome warmth to the chilly night. As they walked hand in hand beneath the stars, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore played in the background. No one
was around, besides one couple too far in the distance to count.
“I have a question about the wedding, and I promise it has nothing to do with a date.”
Ava gave him a doubtful look. “What is it?”
“Have you thought about where you want to have the wedding?”
She turned towards him. “Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought.”
“Plenty has happened since I proposed. We started working together, the trial, my dad is still recovering. But, let’s put all that aside for a moment, and pretend our schedules are clear.”
“I would have our wedding here. It’s practical, and everyone can fly in without a problem.”
He chuckled. “Ava, if you could marry anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
“Anywhere?”
“Yes, anywhere, no matter how exotic?”
“Paris.”
“Really?” He gave her a look of surprise and shrugged his shoulders. “If that’s what you want, I’ll make it happen.”
Her smile grew. “That’ll take more than a year to plan.”
He halted his stride and looked at her. “As we discussed before, don’t feel pressured by a date. If we must wait longer for you to have the perfect day, I’ll learn to be patient.”
“You? Patient?”
“Yes.” He removed the blanket from her shoulders and placed it on the sand. “Let’s sit for a minute.”
Ava sat beside him, close to the shoreline. “I don’t want a big wedding with tons of people I don’t know. I rather have something small with our family and friends.”
“What about the honeymoon?” He huddled closer to her with his arms draped across her shoulders.
“I’ll allow you to choose the destination. I’m in charge of the wedding, and you’ll take the honeymoon.”
His eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Deal.”
As she stared into the darkened ocean, he placed his hand underneath her chin and turned her face towards his. He stared at her as if he were about to express a thought. Instead, he leaned in for a kiss. Ava parted her lips as their tongues explored and intertwined. “I love you,” he said when he pulled away.
“Love you, too.”
Justin pulled her into another kiss and guided her back onto the blanket. She gripped his hair as their bodies meshed together. As they continued to kiss, he moved his hand up towards the waistband of her shorts. She squeezed his fingers. “What are you doing?”
“What do you think?”
“Here?” she asked, turning her head into each direction.
“Why not?” He unbuttoned her shorts and pulled down the zipper.
She bit on her lower lip and panted as his fingers stroked between her legs.
“It’s called being spontaneous.” His fingers pushed the elastic of her panties aside, and he inserted two of his fingers inside of her.
She closed her eyes and expelled breathless pants as his fingers massaged her in the perfect spot. He leaned closer to her ear. “Would you like me to stop?” he asked. The heat from his breath radiated in her ear.
She licked her lips. “Please… don’t,” she whispered.
Ava’s body stiffened as he continued to pleasure her with his fingers. He lifted her shirt with his free hand and pushed aside the cup of her bra. When his tongue met her nipple, it drove her insides into overdrive. Her body bucked, and with each audible pant she released a waterfall of pleasure. A smile grew upon her face as her eyes fell to the bulge in Justin’s shorts. Without uttering a word, she removed the blanket from underneath them and put it over her shoulders like a cape. Ava studied their surroundings. Once she saw there wasn’t a soul in sight, she slid down her shorts and straddled his lap. Their eyes locked as she mounted his cock. She bounced up and down, determined to give him an equally satisfying finish. His hands slid up her back and unfastened her bra. He played with her breast, kneading her nipples. “Slow down,” he murmured. He pulled her close with his arms locked around her waist.
“Justin,” she moaned.
His eyes closed as his body stiffened. Seconds later, he expelled a pleasurable moan.
“Whoa, that was…” Ava could hardly contain her smile as they held onto each other.
“Your first time?” He asked between heavy breaths.
“Sex in public? Yes.” She pulled her shorts up around her waist while Justin covered her. She left the blanket over him while he got himself together.
He stood and brushed the sand from his legs.
“I need a shower,” said Ava.
“Want company?” he asked.
She grinned. “Race you!” Ava took off in front of him, and within seconds he grabbed her from behind by her waist. He turned her towards him and swooped her up into his arms. Ava locked her arms around his neck. She leaned in and kissed his lips. “I can’t image my life without you.”
“That’s something you won’t ever have to worry about.”
Chapter Six
“A Bentley?” asked Brandon, his face contorted into confusion.
“What’s the problem?” Lindsey handed him the keys to the luxury car.
“Do you know the meaning of inconspicuous?”
“I’m not an idiot. It was either this or the low-end Beemer the housekeeper uses to run errands.”
“That would have been better than a car worth six-figures and draws attention.”
She scrunched her nose. “Everyone knows I wouldn’t be caught dead in that.”
“Where’s your Porsche?”
“At my office. I got a ride after Ava left.”
“Did you convince her?”
“I did,” she said with a hint of smugness in her voice. “Anyway, get in.” She opened the driver’s side door. “I need a ride to pick up my car.”
Brandon made himself comfortable behind the wheel, running his hand over the hand-stitched Italian leather. She watched as his eyes wandered over every gadget on the dashboard and center console. Movement in her peripheral caused Lindsey’s eyes to veer over her shoulder. A familiar car had pulled up alongside the curb.
“Go in the house,” she whispered to Brandon before rushing over to the black Range Rover. “Mom, what are you doing here?”
Elizabeth exited the car. “Your father said you ran off with my car without an explanation. Since you refuse to answer my calls, I came over to check on you.”
“You have three cars. I’m sure it isn’t an inconvenience to be without one.”
“Where’s yours?”
“It wouldn’t start. It’s being towed to the mechanic as we speak.”
Her mother’s eyes narrowed. It was as if she were determining if what she heard were true. “Let’s go inside to talk.”
Lindsey jumped into her mother’s path. “Can we do this another time?”
“What’s wrong? Are you hiding your male friend from me? I saw him rush inside.” Elizabeth brushed past Lindsey and headed straight for the front door. Before she could stop her, Brandon appeared in the doorway.
“Well, hello?” Elizabeth eyeballed him from head to toe.
Brandon’s sleepy eyes gave her a once-over. “Hi, I’m Scott. A friend of Lindsey’s.”
“Nice to meet you, Scott. I’m Elizabeth.” She extended her hand.
He returned her handshake. “If you’ll excuse me. I would like to take advantage of the daylight and go for a walk.”
Lindsey stood frozen during their exchange, hoping her mother wouldn’t recognize him. When he stepped outside, she asked her to wait in the house and shut the door behind her.
“Scott?” she questioned, as she walked beside Brandon down the walkway.
He shrugged. “It’s the first name that came to mind.”
“Okay, but where are you going? I still need a ride to get my car.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back.” He hit the sidewalk and proceeded down the street. At least he had sense enough to wear a cap and sunglasses.
Lindsey took a deep breath and gathered h
er thoughts as she entered her home. She found her mother waiting in the kitchen nursing a glass of iced tea.
“So, Scott… he’s cute.”
“It’s not what you think.”
“I’m ecstatic you’re moving on from Chris. I don’t know what you were thinking of getting involved with him.”
“Please, not another lecture about that man.” She moved into her bedroom where her mother followed.
“Lindsey, I’m not trying to upset you…”
“But you are! Chris and I didn’t work out, and it’s over.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips together as if she were choosing her next words carefully. “I want you to reflect on what drove you to be with him. He’s almost three times your age, and then there’s Justin. He’s his son for Pete’s sake.”
She fell onto her bed. “I didn’t date Justin. It was a mutual sexual relationship, nothing more.”
“Is Scott someone you’re interested in?”
“No, mom! He’s just a friend.”
“The same sort of friend as Justin?”
Lindsey grabbed her pillow, placed it over her face, and belted out a scream. She tossed the white furry pillow aside and glared at Elizabeth. “My God! Why are you here?” she asked.
“Always the drama queen. Have been since you were a little girl.” She patted Lindsey’s leg. “You and I should do a girls’ trip. We can go anywhere you like. A week full of pampering, shopping, and whatever else you need.”
“I’ll think about it. Anything else?”
“No, dear.” She rose and placed her Chanel handbag on her shoulder. “I must leave to meet your father for dinner. Call if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Elizabeth gave her a kiss on the cheek followed by a hug. She hated how her parents smothered and treated her as if she were a child instead of a grown woman in her mid-twenties. They’re too focused on their image and who she chose to date. That was the two reasons she left the family home the moment she received her trust fund at twenty-one. She used a portion to start her interior design business, invested some, and put the rest in a high-yielding savings account. She hasn’t needed to touch any of it until circumstance forced her to bail Brandon out, and it was money well spent.
Conned by You Page 3
