The Perfect Deception Page 6

  “You chose the perfect gifts, Jessica.” They shared a quick kiss. “I’ll unwrap your other present later.”

  Jessica smiled. Her core tightened with the promise of that secret message.

  After everyone had opened their gifts, Sherri stood. “Okay, gang. Let’s move this party down to the beach. There will be surfing, Jet Skiing, and snorkeling available, so wear swimsuits!”

  A short time later, the family converged on the sand. The kids headed straight for the Jet Skis and into the ocean, joined by their father. Sherri and Miss Elaine walked to one of two umbrella tables placed near the water. After setting a basket filled with refreshments on the table, Sherri took off her sandals.

  “Mom, aren’t you going in the water?”

  She was met with a skeptical look. “That water right there?”

  “Yes, Mom, otherwise known as the Atlantic Ocean.”

  “That’s too much water for me, child. Best be glad you got me this close.”

  “You promised the next time you came down you’d at least stick your toe in!”

  “Oh, all right.” Miss Elaine slowly took off her sandals before standing. “A toe is what I promised and likely all that you’re going to get!”

  “Go on, Mom.” Nathan wrapped both arms around Jessica. “Live a little!”

  “Don’t worry, Son. Your mama has already lived a whole lot.”

  He and Jessica watched the two women walk toward the shore and laughed as Sherri coaxed her mother to get closer to the water. After a tentative toe touch, she bravely allowed the water to cover her ankles.

  “What do you say, baby? Do you want to go in?”

  Jessica leaned against his chest. “Um, not right now. It’s been so cold and wintery in Atlanta, I’d like to take the time to soak up this sun.”

  “That’s cool.” He walked over to one of the baskets and pulled out a large beach towel. “Let’s go tan.”

  “Yeah, right.” She playfully slapped his arm as they walked to a smooth area of the beach, spread out the blanket, and started playing footsie and kissy-face.

  Nathan ran his hand along Jessica’s curves. “You know I can’t wait to unwrap the other gift you gave me.”

  She scooted closer. “Oh, really. The one mentioned on the card inside your case?”

  “Yes, that gives me full access to your body and an unlimited supply of lovemaking.” He ran a hand over her butt and moaned. “Woman, the way you’re rocking that one-piece, I’m tempted to unwrap this gift right now!”

  She slyly ran her hand between them and rubbed his hardening desire. “I want it, too. Waiting will only increase the pleasure, make you crazy with desire to make slow, sweet love.”

  “For sure, we’ll do that. All night long.”

  She brushed him again. “I love it long. In fact I—” Jessica yelped as droplets of cold water were sprayed on her and Nathan.

  The devious culprit was a water-gun-toting Aaron. “Sorry, Jessica. I was aiming for Uncle Nate!”

  With this declaration, the love fest was over and the gunfight was on.

  Jessica watched her lover frolic with the children. For her, adults and children playing together was a foreign concept. Her foster mother had been kind but stern. She couldn’t remember the woman singing a song, laughing out loud, or having simple fun. He’d make a good father. He’s such a good man. A twinge of guilt stabbed her heart, causing her to wonder about her loyalties and where they were placed.

  “They love their uncle.”

  So engrossed had she been in watching Nathan, she hadn’t seen Sherri walk up. She tried not to look as tense as she felt, flashed a smile to cover discomfort.

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “No.” She moved over to make room on the towel.

  Sherri sat down and an awkward silence settled around them. They watched the kids and Nathan, now joined by Randall, play along the beach. Miss Elaine sat under the umbrella, reading.

  Sherri removed the sunglasses from her head and covered her eyes. “I could stay here forever.”

  “It’s breathtaking,” Jessica finally replied.

  A pair of seagulls glided along in perfect synchronicity on the wind of the waves. In the distance, a sailboat bobbed. The gentle ebbing and flowing of the tide was background music to the scene.

  “Is this your first trip to the Caribbean?”

  “No. I went with my ex to Turks and Caicos. But that was a long time ago.”

  “How long were you married?”

  “Too long.”

  Sherri stopped unscrewing the top, her focus on Jessica. “That’s an interesting answer.”

  “I’ve had an interesting life.”

  “Do you feel my asking that question an invasion of privacy?”

  Jessica offered a half smile. “I guess I’m not good at small talk, especially with women. No offense,” she hurriedly added. “Growing up, I was a loner. Girls would normally rather dog me out or beat me up.”

  “I can understand that. You’re a gorgeous girl. Kids can be cruel.” Sherri offered the sunscreen to Jessica, who rubbed it on her legs and arms. “But you survived, thank goodness, and by the looks of it you’re doing okay.”

  “I am now.” Her smile was big and genuine as she watched Nathan and Randall coming to join them.

  Their time at the beach was followed by dinner, drinks, and conversation. After Mom Elaine, Randall, and Jessica said good night, Nathan and Sherri walked into the kitchen.

  She opened the fridge. “Water?”

  “Sure. I’m probably dehydrated after drinking in the hot sun.” He accepted the glass. “I want to thank you for making Jessica feel welcome. I saw y’all talking this afternoon.”

  “That’s a bit of a stretch, though I tried to engage her in conversation.”

  “It takes her a while to warm up to people.”

  Sherri turned and faced him directly. “How long did it take with you?”

  “That’s different.”

  “How so?”

  “You know your brother’s got skills!” Sherri rolled her eyes and left the room.

  Nathan followed her. “Come on, now, Sister. You set that up perfectly. I had to hit it out of the park.”

  “Seriously, though. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about Jessica that feels . . . I don’t know . . . uncomfortable.”

  “You’re probably just picking up on her uneasiness. In time, she’ll loosen up and you’ll see the reason why I fell in love.”

  “Ooh, the L-word. So it’s like that?”

  “Yes. It’s exactly like that.”

  Sherri turned toward the living room. Nathan kept on walking.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Upstairs to unwrap my last Christmas gift.”

  The following morning, Nathan and Jessica left for a four-day private rendezvous at the Sandals Royal Bahamian resort. Along with lots of rest and relaxation in their oceanside suite, they enjoyed windsurfing, billiards, live music, dancing, and a couples massage. During the day they’d assuage their appetites with a variety of cuisines from ten different restaurant choices. At night, they’d satisfy their appetite for each other. By the time they checked out and headed back to Château Sherri, Jessica felt relaxed and well-loved and Nathan felt like the luckiest man on the island.

  Both were ready to celebrate the New Year, but the fireworks would happen earlier than expected.

  CHAPTER 12

  “Where’s Jessica?”

  It was New Year’s Eve. Everyone was in the dining room, fixing plates from a small breakfast buffet.

  Nathan served himself a huge helping of fried conch. “Good morning, Sis. My baby is going to sleep in this morning. I’ll take a plate up when I leave.”

  “Hmph.”

  “What’s that reaction about? She can’t catch some extra z’s without you tripping?”

  Sherri bypassed the meat trays for a scoop of freshly cut fruit. “I’m sorry. I guess I can’t expect her to be fri
endly toward me just because she’s with my brother and staying in my home.”

  “She’s been unfriendly?”

  “She’s been cordial, and definitely opens up more when she’s with you. I guess I’m just used to seeing you with a different kind of woman.”

  “Here we go again. Like your girl Renee.”

  “Or your ex, Kaneka.”

  “Oh yes. You loved Kaneka, and look how that turned out.”

  “Who knew that her bubbly personality covered up a lying, cheating, conniving skank?”

  Nathan cracked up laughing.

  “Never mind. It’s probably me.”

  “Give it time, Sister. Just give it time.”

  In early afternoon, Nathan met Sherri and Randall at the beach. The family had been joined by two couples who owned properties nearby. The children were off doing their own thing and Miss Elaine was talking on the phone to her good friend Ms. Riley, before joining the group later that day.

  Sherri walked over. “Still no sleeping beauty?”

  “Jessica’s not down here?” Nathan looked around.

  “Haven’t seen her.”

  “She left the room. I assumed this is where she was headed. No doubt she’ll be here soon.” Nathan looked over to the umbrella-covered tables set up near the water and up to the cloudless sky. “Man, this is the life!”

  Sherri linked her arm through his. “Yes, it’s pretty amazing. Come on over. I want to introduce you to my neighbors. Good people. One couple is from Canada and the other lives in Michigan.” They reached the table just as drinks were being poured. “Everybody, this is my brother, Nathan.”

  “How’s everybody doing?” They all exchanged greetings. “Now, where is my drink?”

  Jessica studied herself in the mirror, believing that she’d finally achieved the right look.After catching a side view of herself in the one-piece with matching wrap, she’d decided it didn’t have the right amount of wow and had gone back upstairs to change into the other one she’d brought. It was the end of one year and the start of another. She was with a wonderful family and the best man she’d ever met. She wanted to please him, be the sexiest woman on the beach, and do him proud.

  Donning her cover-up and slipping into low-heeled mules, she made her way down the rocky path that led to the home’s private piece of paradise. Quickly spotting the group beneath the colorful umbrellas, she slipped out of the heels and relished the feel of warm sand beneath her pedicured feet. The view was as pretty as a postcard. A warm breeze tossed her shoulder-length curls. Looking up, she saw Nathan’s gaze fixed on her. She offered a shy wave. He gave a nod. Her heart skipped a beat.

  She looked like a goddess, or a nymph, coming toward him in dazzling white. Against her sun-kissed bronze-toned flesh the contrast was amazing. The cover-up she wore was long and sheer, so he could glimpse just enough of her juicy cleavage to make him want to forego the afternoon activities and return to the room. A sideways glance confirmed what he’d imagined: all eyes were on his girl.

  She walked straight to him. “Hey.”

  “Hello, beautiful. I thought you’d beat me down here.”

  “At the last minute, I decided to change my outfit.”

  “Baby, I don’t know what you had on before, but this right here is exceptional.” He gave her a hug.

  She whispered in his ear. “I hoped you’d like it.”

  “Everyone, this is my lady, Jessica.” Everyone offered a hello. “I’ve been waiting on you, baby. I want to get in the water. Would you like a drink first? We’ve got a nonalcoholic fruit punch and another mix with a kick.”

  “No, I’m good. The water looks amazing, though. Let’s go in.”

  “All right, y’all. We’ll be back.”

  “Should I leave my cover-up here?”

  “Sure.”

  She shimmied out of the see-through material and placed it on a lawn chair. Reaching for Nathan’s outstretched hand, they turned toward the beach.

  A gasp stopped him.

  Nathan turned around. “What happened?” He watched his sister snatch up Jessica’s throw and hurry toward them at the same time he witnessed the wives divert their husbands’ pointed stares.

  He followed their gaze to . . . Jessica’s big bare ass.

  “I can’t believe you came out here like that,” Sherri quietly hissed between clenched teeth. She moved them farther away from the group. This needed to be a private conversation. “That suit is not appropriate!”

  “We’re on a private island!” Jessica looked from Sherri to Nathan. “Babe?”

  He took another peek at the round orb now competing with the sun for showiness. “She looks fine to me, Sis. The kids aren’t here and we are on a private stretch of beach.”

  “With company.” Sherri enunciated each consonant and vowel. “Women and their husbands.”

  Jessica shrugged, moving closer to Nathan. “And I’m here with my man. What’s the problem?”

  “If you don’t know, I don’t have time to tell you. Not right now. Just go change.”

  “We didn’t know there’d be company, Sherri.”

  “Nathan’s okay with it and that’s all that matters.” Jessica reached for Nathan’s hand. “Come on, babe. Let’s go swimming.” She turned to leave.

  Sherri grabbed her arm. Jessica snatched it back. Undeterred, Sherri took a step and got right in her face. “I’m not okay with it and this is my property. So you can either change or leave—your choice.”

  “Nathan?”

  “It’s not worth the drama, baby. Go change.”

  Jessica crossed her arms. “You’re going to side with your sister?”

  “This is her place and we are here at her invitation.”

  “Which doesn’t excuse you from not having my back.”

  “Or backside,” Sherri sarcastically quipped.

  “This is just the type of bullshit that keeps me from having female friends. If I’d come down naked, you’d have a reason to be upset. But for showing just a little skin, you are seriously overreacting.”

  Had Sherri been a piñata, this is when she would have burst. “Do. Not. Tell me how to react. Coming down here with your ass out is not cute. So like I said, you have two choices. You can go change, or you can go pack.”

  Sherri won the ten-second stare-down.

  Nathan sighed. “Jessica, go put on something different.”

  “Okay,” was Jessica’s eventual reply. She took the cover-up that Sherri held, placed it over her arm, and started toward the path to the house. Nathan walked with her. Grumbling followed them both, no doubt the wives telling their husbands to place eyeballs back in sockets.

  Nathan increased his pace to keep up with a fast-walking Jessica. “Sorry about that, babe. My sister is all about appearances.” Silence, punctuated by huffing breaths and crunching sand. “I liked the one-piece you wore a few days ago.”

  They reached the top of the steps. Jessica whirled around. “I can’t believe you!”

  “What?” Nathan threw his hands up in surrender.

  “Really? Your sister jumps down my throat, you jump on her bandwagon, and now you want to act like you don’t know what’s wrong?” She slipped on her heels and continued toward the house.

  “That wasn’t about taking sides. It was about keeping the peace.”

  Another stop.Another quip. “Do I look peaceful right now?”

  Nathan stepped up and opened the door. Jessica stepped through and headed straight for the stairs and to their guest room, immediately stripping off the offensive thong swimsuit. After throwing on a pair of skinny jeans and a bright pink halter, she rolled out her suitcase, slammed it on the bench at the end of the bed, and then walked back into the closet to yank clothes from hangers.

  Nathan looked on with mouth agape. “What in the hell are you doing?”

  “What does it look like?”

  “Jessica, baby, you need to calm down. This has gotten out of hand.”

  “No, what’s out of h
and was your sister being disrespectful. I’m not a child to be snatched and grabbed and told what to do.”

  “I’ll talk to her about that. She shouldn’t have put her hands on you, but—”

  “For almost eight years I was controlled: what to wear, what to eat, where to go and how I should behave once I got there. Disobey and I’d get a black eye or fat lip for my trouble. Those days are over!”

  She jerked open the dresser drawer to retrieve her lingerie.

  “Don’t you dare compare me to that monster you married. I’m not him, okay? But neither am I the man who’s going to condone something that’s wrong just to make you feel good!”

  “When you saw me you said I looked amazing!”

  “I believe the word was exceptional.”

  “However you felt changed as soon as your sister came over with her judgmental attitude. She was probably just mad because her husband saw something he wanted.”

  She marched into the en suite bathroom with Nathan close behind.

  “And that makes you feel good? To get the attention of my brother-in-law?”

  “There’s nothing wrong with being appreciated.”

  “You can’t be serious right now! After the way my family has welcomed you into our—”

  A knock interrupted their increasingly loud tirade.

  Nathan walked to the door. “Hello, Mom.”

  “What’s going on in here, Nathan? I was headed to the stairway and could hear your voices all the way down the hall.”

  “Sorry about that. I didn’t know we were so loud.”

  Miss Elaine removed her oversized floppy straw hat. “Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, we’re fine.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is Jessica with you?”

  “Yes. We’re, uh, getting dressed.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you two down at the beach.”

  By the time he turned around, Jessica was finished packing and had closed her bag. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  “To the airport.”