by Jamie Knight
“Who would look for us here?”
“The cops for a start. It’s obvious that you don’t have a lease, or the landlord wouldn’t have been able to give such an arbitrary deadline or put your stuff out on the curb. Which also suggests that you rented your apartment under a false name.”
My heart sank. Chase was right about everything. I had more than eviction to worry about. Not only could I go to jail, but I would also lose Katie and be in an even worse situation than I already was. I decided not to say anymore not wanting to get in trouble with the law.
“The only other person who knows that you’re here is the landlord,” Chase said, seeming to sense my distress. “He won’t say anything. Not only is he shit scared of me, but he would also be as liable as you are. You gave a fake name, but he accepted it and charged well over the legal rate for rent to keep it quiet. That’s not only fraud but extortion. Did you see the look on his face when he found out I’m a real estate lawyer at Howell and Howell no less? I can help you, but I need to know a few things.”
“Like what?” I asked defensively.
“Like who you really are and why you’re really here.”
“My name is Ashlyn Tate; I told the landlord Ashlyn Brown. I came here about six months ago to get away from my abusive ex. Katie’s dad. I don’t know for sure, but I think he is still looking for us. He is not the sort to give up or take insults.”
“Sounds charming,” Chase said drily, swirling the liquor in his glass.
I sighed. “He was, at the beginning. Then I found out he was a hotshot gangster, with ties to some serious villains. He also had a coke addiction that made him really unpredictable.
We sat in silence as I remembered some bad things, and Chase stared at me.
“You’re just what I need,” he said suddenly.
“For what?” I asked, shaken out of my misery.
“My sister’s best friend is also my ex. She is going to try and get back with me because I am about to inherit half of my grandpa’s substantial estate. I want to put my ex off but don’t want to hurt my sister. A friend at work suggested I try a fake fiancée to throw her off the scent. It worked for my friend and apparently several other people at work. All of whom are married now. I wasn’t sure it would work, but this is just perfect. Not only would I have a fake fiancée but a fake family. Did you notice how Katie and I have the same hair color?”
My mouth fell open. I hardly knew what to say. “Would we have to—”
“Fuck?” Chase asked, putting it bluntly.
“Yeah,” I said, my cheeks getting hot.
He shook his head. “No, strictly business. I’ll give you a place to stay, and you help me play happy family.”
He was serious. It was crazy, but pretending to be in a relationship with the womanizer sounded better than living on the streets.
“Deal,” I said, and we shook on it.
Chapter Five
Chase
I could hardly believe my luck. The perfect woman just showing up like that. Ashlyn also didn’t seem to object to the fake fiancé idea, which was a relief. I could have been a sleaze and tried to leverage her legal situation against her, but there were limits to what even I would do, real estate lawyers in L.A. having roughly the same reputation as Beelzebub.
Not only was I getting a hot, younger fiancé but now I also had a cute little kid. One who looked a bit like me to boot. I went over it again and again in my head, but I couldn’t find a way in which this plan wouldn’t work. The only weak link might be holes in our story. If we got that down, everything would be fine.
Even if Etta was low enough to try to steal me away from what she believes was my fiancé and our daughter, I would have sound reason to turn her down and make her look like the villain. At worst, I would get rid of her without any major fallout with Whitney. At best, my sister might see what a bitch her friend was and finally cut ties — like I had long ago.
It hadn’t been easy. Etta had a way of getting to you. She gave promises of friendship or of love so earnest in their delivery it was near impossible not to believe her. Even when evidence to the contrary was presented. She was always ready with an explanation or an excuse. In my case, it wasn’t until I found out that she had four other guys going at the same time we were dating that the truth finally hit. Etta was a borderline psychopath who would do almost anything to get what she wanted.
“I should go and check on Katie,” Ashlyn said, when we had shaken hands, making our agreement official.
“Alright, sleep well,” I said.
Ashlyn got herself up and headed down the hall, leaving me alone with my tumbler. Something I hadn’t experienced in a few years. My bedmates usually stayed for breakfast at my invitation. I may have been a player, but I tried not to be a cad.
Despite myself, and against my better judgment, I watched Ashlyn as she left, walking down the long hallway, my eyes on her beautiful, young ass. She was more than a decade younger than me, but that didn’t seem to affect my libido at all. She really was pretty hot. Despite the alcohol and stress of the night, I was still rock hard, and it was all because of Ashlyn. Her suggestion that we might fuck sending my pulse pumping. I restrained myself, mostly because it seemed wrong to take advantage of her desperation but goddamn, I did want to.
Alone, I wondered why I had never noticed her much before. I had certainly seen her around, mostly in the hall while coming or going. Ashlyn seemed to keep to herself and was, therefore, something of a mystery.
Unzipping my pants, I released my big, hard cock, relief washing over me in an awesome way. I tended to wear my pants looser than was usual for my profession. I knew full well my tenancy toward arousal. My overall sex drive not having diminished much since I was younger and falling for Etta's bullshit. She would always fuck me after lying, which made the lies that much more difficult to see.
It was also why I had become a player when I got out of the army. I did pretty well in the army too, despite the fact that the guys outnumbered the women by about a hundred to one, and the fact there were pretty clear rules against fraternization. Though why such a draconian code still exited in the 21st century anyone's guess. Though even then, I could talk my way out of a tricky situation.
Ann liked to joke that the first argument I ever made in court was the time I was nearly court marshaled. It turned out one of my bed buddies had been the only daughter of a five-star general who took some exception to my actions. Fortunately for me, I had been fighting bullies like him since grade school. Huey P. Newton had once said that he had studied the law so he could be a better criminal. I had become a lawyer to help others break stupid laws more effectively and the property laws in California were some of the stupidest around.
Wetting my hand, I wrapped it my hand around my throbbing shaft and started to work it, slowly at first and then a bit faster. My mind, at first blank, focusing on the job at hand, soon enough wandered to Ashlyn. Her curvy figure, her nice ass, big firm tits, and warm smile. I had only ever seen it a few times, but even so, it was the sort of smile that tended to be remembered.
I thought about what it would be like to slowly pull down her pants and then bend her over, burying my face into her pussy and lapping at her tender pink lips until she moaned with pleasure. I would use my tongue to bring her to orgasm, her entire body shaking and shuddering in that special way. And then, when she was ready, standing up to my full height behind her and sliding my cock all the way inside her tight pussy. Taking her by the hips, I would fuck her until she screamed, her cries muffled by my hand. As I kissed the back of her neck, I would pull out just in time to deliver my load into her eager, waiting mouth.
I came hard, still thinking about fucking Ashlyn and her swallowing my cum. How good it would be if it were only possible. But I had given my word our arrangement would be just business. Though I couldn’t help but think that it was too bad that the arrangement was fake.
Chapter Six
Ashlyn
When Chase to
ok us out the next day, I wasn’t sure what exactly he had planned. I knew we would have to have some kind of discussion to get our story straight to fool his ex and his sister. Though it was difficult to tell who would need more convincing. If I was to get three guesses as to where Chase was taking us that morning, I still wouldn’t have gotten close.
My stomach was in knots on the drive as it slowly dawned on me that I really didn’t know this guy. He had seemed nice enough the night before and had helped us with the landlord, but I didn’t really know why. And I had gone and told him about my ex, giving him lots of ammo against me should he decide to use it. He was nothing if not clever. Maybe it was all some kind of elaborate trap. That was what my ex would do.
I could hear the music before we arrived. The unmistakable organ-driven joviality of a fairground. Katie bounced and clapped in the car-seat that had just so happened to be in Chase’s car when he brought it back that morning. I would have been more suspicious had the sales tags not been still stuck to the side when I buckled Katie in.
“A fair?” I asked.
“I thought Katie might like it,” Chase explained.
“I think you were right,” I said, looking back at her having a mini freakout.
Having Katie walk between us, having left the backpack at the apartment, we made it up to the entrance gate. Chase paid for all of us in cash.
“Right,” he said, when we were out of earshot of the employees, “when did we meet?”
“Well, Katie is twenty months so at least nine months before that,” I said.
“Let’s just say six months ago,” Chase said.
“Will that work with Katie?” I asked.
“It doesn’t matter if they think Katie is mine biologically,” he said.
Katie fell down, so I picked her up and carried her, her enthusiasm in no way diminished, cooing and pointing at anything that caught her attention.
“Okay, when did we get engaged?” I asked.
“Three months ago,” Chase said confidently.
“Finally decided to make it official, huh?” I teased.
“Trust me, anyone who knows me will believe it,” Chase assured me.
“Where did we meet?” I asked as we got in line for one of the kiddie rides.
“That’s tougher.”
“Where would we both be?” I asked, trying to help.
“We could just tell the truth — to a degree. You were having trouble with your landlord, and I helped out. I am a lawyer after all, and it wouldn’t be the first bit of pro bono work I’ve done.”
“That could work,” I said, thinking it over and nodding my head.
The attendant lifted the bar and we all bundled into one of the spinning teacups. I really didn’t think Chase was enjoying himself much, but Katie was over the moon. I reached out and touched his strong hand as the ride started to turn. He looked at me first with surprise then with something that resembled affection. If I didn’t know any better, I could have sworn I felt a spark.
“Donuts?” Chase asked as we got off the ride.
“Please,” I said, loving the little donuts they only seemed to have at fairgrounds.
After the donuts, we went on a few more rides. It was becoming pretty clear that Katie was getting tired, a trend that cultivated in a full-on meltdown complete with screaming and kicking. I did my best to calm her down, but she wasn’t having it.
“Katie,” Chase said firmly, getting down to her level.
Katie stopped immediately, turning to look at him. After a moment’s pause, my daughter launched herself at Chase, wrapping her little arms around his neck. He looked at me stunned. Eventually figuring out what she wanted, he picked Katie up and started carrying her back to the car.
“Looks like you have a fan,” I said, hiding my blush with one hand.
“I guess. Kids don’t usually like me. I think it’s the scar,” he replied, pointing to his cheek.
Getting Katie back into her car seat, I buckled her in, and we headed back to the apartment building. It was Katie’s nap time when we got back. Getting her into her P.J.s, there was something of a standoff when it came to the story.
“Chase!” she kept shouting with her little arms crossed.
Eventually, I was forced to take her and the book into the living room. “Did I hear my name?” Chase asked, sitting on the couch watching TV.
“Katie wants you to read her a story,” I said, apologetically.
“Really?” Chase asked, actually raising an eyebrow.
“Chase!” she shouted again.
“Alright, then.”
“Thanks,” I said, setting her down next to him along with the book.
It worked wonderfully. I don’t know what Chase did, but Katie was fast asleep, curled up on the couch before the book was even finished. I went to pick her up when Chase stopped me.
“It’s okay,” he said.
Picking Katie up with unexpected gentleness, he carried her into the room, putting her down for her nap.
“Sorry about that,” I said when he came back.
“It’s fine,” Chase said, still seeming a bit surprised. “I’m not used to dealing with kids, but Katie is really neat. I’m actually enjoying spending time with her.”
“Really?” I asked, unable to keep from smiling.
“I know, I’m surprised too, but Katie is really fun.”
Despite my initial reservations, I was beginning to warm up to the big, handsome lawyer. I had been convinced that he was at best a womanizer, working situations to his advantage but he had stepped up when he didn’t need to, and Katie really seemed to love him.
Maybe what Chase said about his ex being a gold-digger and wanting to spare his sister was true. If so, I was more than happy to help.
Honestly, I was starting to feel happy about our little arrangement, but that was when the intercom buzzed.
Chapter Seven
Chase
It never failed, just when I started to feel good, the shit storm would start up all over again, turning my life into a dark, raging sea. I could only imagine what terrors the fickle gods of fate had in store for me down at the main entrance to the building.
“Yeah?” I said, hitting the button on the buzzer.
“Here!” Whitney sang.
“Come on up,” I said, hoping to all that was holy it was just her.
“That them?” Ashlyn asked, a worried look crossing her young face.
“Yep, prepare yourself,” I said, heading to the minibar to steady my nerves.
I decided to go light, opting for half a tumbler of scotch with plenty of ice. I had to keep my wits about me after all. All too soon, the knock came on the door. Going by the rhythm, I knew it was Whitney. While not exactly thundering, it was enough to wake Katie, who started crying.
“I’ll get her,” Ashlyn said, going off to the guest bedroom.
“Right,” I said to myself.
Plucking up my courage, I went over to the door, repeating calmness mantras that helped keep me alive in the desert. The second round of knocks had just started when I grabbed the knob and turned, letting the chaos in.
“Hey!” Whitney said, throwing her arms around my neck.
“Hey, kiddo,” I said, returning her embrace.
“Hey, honey,” Etta said, sexily, going in for a passionate kiss I narrowly dodged.
“Slow your roll, she-devil,” I said, gently pushing her away.
“She-devil?” Whitney asked, clearly hurt.
“Sorry, force of habit,” I said, staring daggers at Etta who shifted her hips and blew kisses my way. I rolled my eyes at her.
“Where can we put our luggage?” Etta asked, unphased.
I was about to suggest somewhere as uncomfortable as it was unlikely when Ashlyn came back with Katie. Seizing the opportunity, I went over to Ashlyn. “Woke up, did she?” I asked putting an arm around her waist and kissing her on the cheek.
“What the fuck?” Etta steamed.
“Watch you
r language,” I snarled.
“Chase, what’s going on?” Whitney asked, stepping forward into the living room.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, as though I hadn’t realized, “this is Ashlyn, my fiancé.”
“And you have a baby?” Whitney asked, stunned.
“I do, her name is Katie,” Ashlyn said.
As though on cue, Katie started reaching out of me, saying my name over and over again. Reluctantly, Ashlyn passed her over, and I took her gently, holding her close, gently swaying back and forth in the way she liked.
“A fiancé and a step-daughter,” Whitney said, as though trying to figure it out.
“Yes, isn’t it wonderful?” I sang, thoroughly enjoying Etta’s scowl.
“I never knew you had it in you,” Whitney said, though not unkindly. She started to smile.
“People will surprise you. Remember Uncle Mitch?”
“Fair point,” Whitney said with a nod.
“You can leave your luggage in the front hall for now,” Ashlyn said, feeling far more charitable than I was. At least to Etta.
After bringing in their baggage, in more ways than one, Whitney and Etta joined us in the living room. Etta tried to sit next to me, but Ashlyn ran interference, taking Katie back. She had fallen asleep again, so she didn’t raise any objections. A refreshing change from our present company.
“Why didn’t anyone tell me you were engaged, Chase?” Etta demanded, focused on herself as usual.
“I just did,” I pointed out.
“I mean—”
“You mean before you bothered to come all the way here?” I finished.
Etta had nothing to say to this and just folded her arms and fumed, a maneuver I had seen hundreds of times before. While it once had the power to make me change my mind, I just found it funny at that point.
“Would you like a drink?” I asked Whitney.
“Sure, a Brown Cow, please.”
“I would like a vodka on the rocks if anyone cares,” Etta announced unprovoked.
I went to the bar to make the drinks, pouring a double Glenfiddich for myself. There being too many glasses to carry myself, I put them on a tray to carry them over, choosing the silver one just to rub it in to Etta how much money I had that she wasn’t getting.
