Shades of Deception Read Online Free PDF Page A

French toast.
    “Did I miss that in the freezer?” Amber asked, her mouth watering.
    “Nope! I just made it. I made you some as well.” Caleb grinned and motioned to the top of the stove.
    “I found half a pint of cream in the fridge that was still good and we had two eggs left.”
    Amber took the plate off the warmer and sat down next to Caleb.
    “I thought all the bread was gone,” she said, slathering the toast with butter and syrup.
    “Fortunately for you, Hunter hates the end pieces from the loaves of bread. I won't let him throw them away and they get shoved to the back of the fridge.”
    Amber had a sudden inspiration.
    “Wait a second! Don't eat that last bite just yet.”
    Grabbing her phone, she scooted her own plate next to Caleb's and took a selfie highlighting the two of them with forks raised in front of the French toast.
    “What's that all about?” Caleb asked. “Can I finish now?”
    “Go ahead. I'm just sending proof to Hunter that we're not starving ourselves.”
    Caleb nodded appreciatively. “Good idea! By the way, I started on a grocery list. I'll finish it before I come by at five.”
    “Sounds good,” Amber murmured.
    She typed out her text to Hunter and attached the photo.
    Amber: Newsflash – Caleb shows survival skills and produces bountiful breakfast!
    After she finished brushing her teeth and grabbing her purse to head out the door, she noticed the return text from Hunter.
    Hunter: Newsflash – Responsible roommates do not need to rely on survival skills.
    Amber snarled at the phone. When it buzzed again, she almost didn't check.
    Hunter: I dreamed about you all last night.
    Amber softened. Ugh! She couldn't stay mad at him when he said stuff like that.
    Amber: I hate when you are not in bed when I wake up.
    Hunter: Have a great day at work!
    Amber: You too!
    Hunter: Are you in the car? I don't want you to be late.
    Amber ran out the door and hurried down the steps. Caleb was already in the driver seat of the Range Rover when she slid in the passenger side. As soon as he backed out of the driveway, she texted Hunter back.
    Amber: Caleb driving me now.
    Hunter: Hmm . . . Took you almost two minutes to respond. I take it Caleb was waiting on you?
    Amber: Don't ruin the good moment you had going.
    Hunter: Sorry. I just know you so well.
    Amber: I never said you were right.
    Hunter: Ha! Ha! But you didn't deny it.
    Amber: So I deny things?
    Hunter: I'm going to stop before I get in trouble. I have a meeting in five minutes anyway.
    Amber: Goodbye then.
    Hunter: Later, baby.
    Caleb tapped on the wheel with his fingers as he waited for a traffic light.
    “How's our friendly control freak this morning?”
    Amber laughed. “In a remarkably good mood. Apparently, the photograph of French toast brought up good memories for him. He was actually warm and fuzzy.”
    Caleb chuckled. “If that's the case, I'll be making a lot more French toast in the future. A happy Hunter means a happy Caleb.”
    Amber hopped out of the car when Caleb pulled up to the loading zone in front of the store.
    “See you this afternoon! Have fun at the camera shop.”
    Caleb waved as he drove off.
    As she walked in, Amber realized she was actually early. Remembering that she hadn't had any food to pack a lunch, she walked to the deli section to have a sandwich made. She purchased a couple of bottles of water and a box of animal crackers to go with it. See, she wanted to tell Hunter. I can be responsible.
    No one was in the break room. Amber laid out her purchases and took a photograph. She couldn't resist sending Hunter one more text message, even though she knew he was in a meeting and wouldn't be able to respond right away.
    Amber: Humble, responsible roommate purchases lunch ahead of time.
    She attached the photograph and hit send before putting everything back in the plastic bag and sticking it in the fridge. She used a store sticker to write her name and put it prominently on the bag. Anything unlabeled in the