The Certainty of Deception Read Free Page B

forth from me to Gavin. “Look.  Here’s what we’re going to do.  You’re going to let McKenzie go back to Texas for now.  Olivia has always used her loyal nature against her.  This will prevent Olivia from manipulating McKenzie.  Besides, you both need some time and space.”
    “But-” I tried to protest.
    “Hear him out,” Gavin suggested.
    “Fine,” I huffed.  “And?”
    “And,” Jared continued, “you’re going to follow through with your promise to Olivia.  McKenzie is already beating herself up enough for being a bad friend.  She doesn’t need another reason to martyr herself.”
    There was something in Jared’s eyes that made me believe he wasn’t playing me for a fool.  He truly wanted to help.  This shouldn’t have surprised me.  Mickie loved this man like a brother.  If she trusted him, then I could as well.  My tongue slipped over my lips, wetting the coarse, dry skin.  “I’ll agree to your terms on one condition.”  The lawyer in me decided to rear its ugly head.  Negotiate.  It was the only way to settle any dispute.
    With a chuckle, Jared balanced himself on the balls of toes.  “What’s your condition, counselor?”
    Ah, so he caught on to my professional side.  Good for him.  I straightened up, staring him in the eyes.  “I know you’ll be in constant contact with her.  All I ask is that you keep me informed.  I have to know that she’s doing okay.  If you don’t agree, my ass is on a flight to Amarillo tomorrow.”
    The determination in my voice must have spoken volumes, because Jared bounced momentarily on the balls of feet and then shot straight up.  He offered me his hand, pulling me up from the ground.  An agreeing smile curved the corners of his mouth, as he took my hand in his and shook it hard.
    “Agreed.  Now, get your ass home and clean yourself up.  You look like shit.”
    Gavin laughed heartily, and extended his hand to Jared.  “Hi, I’m Gavin.”
    Jared accepted his hand, providing a firm shake.  “Jared Christopher.”
    “Good to meet you, Jared,” Gavin said.  “I wish it were under better circumstances though.”
    “Same here.”
    My stomach gurgled, reminding me of all the alcohol I’d consumed.  “Sorry to break up this little party but...”  I pushed myself away from them and rushed to the bushes, expunging the contents of my stomach. 
    Yep, I’ll feel this in the morning.

Chapter One

    “I love you, Andy,” her warm breath whispered with such tenderness in my ear. 
    My eyes shot open.  Sweat speckled my brow and tickled down my back.  Deep in my chest, my heart thundered, rumbling all the way to my ears.  Cotton sheets stuck to my skin.  I swallowed back the tears that fought to pour down my cheeks.  I’m a fucking man.  I couldn’t let my heart get the better of me. 
    I rubbed my hands over my scalp.  Since she’d left, I’d buzzed my hair off.  It was easier to tend to, but at times like this, I missed it.  I had nothing to pull when frustrated.  Each beat of my heart stabbed with the pain of loss. But it was only a dream.  A sweet, wonderful dream.  One I didn’t deserve. 
    “Fuck this shit!” I screamed, beating my hands against the mattress.  “This is torture!”
    I sat up, tossing my feet over the side of the bed.  The covers tangled around my legs, forcing me to kick them off with limited success.  Leaning forward, I clutched the mattress, balancing my weight on the edge of the bed while wiggling my toes into the soft area rug beneath my feet.  I tilted my head to the side, glancing toward the open doors of the balcony.  The moon still dominated the sky, but only by a sliver.  Shimmering light dangled over the water’s edge, beckoning me.
    Out of habit, I cut my gaze to the alarm clock next to my bed.  Five-thirty blinked back at me in neon green.  I rubbed my hands over my face.  “Is it too much to ask for a decent night’s sleep?” I asked Mr. Sandman, knowing that