The Certainty of Deception Read Online Free PDF

on instinct, I sat there like a fool, listening to her breathe.
    Click . 
    The phone went silent.
    For several seconds I stood, unmoving.  She had spoken to me.  To hear her call me by name was an answer to my prayers.  It only solidified my decision to get off of my ass and fly to Texas.  I’d waited like Jared and Gavin demanded.  Two long, miserable months, I’d waited.  Not a single drop of liquor had touched my lips since that night, no matter how bad I wanted a drink.  I’d been patient, keeping my distance, well, in a way.  Sure, the flowers didn’t equate to distance, but she hadn’t told Jared about them as far as I knew.  I was sure if she had, I’d never hear the end of it.  So, to me, that was a signal that she wasn’t over me any more than I was her.  They were lucky I’d lasted this long.  Patience was not one of my virtues.  The time had come, and I was getting my girl back. 
    My mind released me from its temporary prison, allowing my heart to say what it needed to say.  “I miss you,” I whispered, breathless.  I sucked in some air, fighting back the tears.
    I pulled the phone from my ear.  The screen showed the call had ended.  I locked the screen and tucked my phone back into my pocket.  The rain fell harder from the sky.  Huge drops of water splatter down on me, but I didn’t mind.  My heart was soaring and my legs were strengthened again.  I dashed toward my bike, ready to start my day.  Somehow, I had a feeling, today was going to be a good day after all.

Chapter Two

    For the most part, my day continued to get better and better which was unusual for a Monday.  Actually it was unusual for any day since McKenzie left, but hearing her call my name lifted my spirit in a way I couldn’t explain.
    I rested my head against the back wall of the elevator, crossing my arms over my chest.  My thumb traced the lavender pinstripe of my vest.  It had been two months since I’d worn the suit that Mickie bought to replace the one we ruined during our romp in the Gulf.  I loved the suit she chose.  It was unlike anything I usually wore, but since it came from her it was my most valued possession.  At the same time, since it had come from her, I found it nearly impossible to wear due to all the memories it evoked.  However, today was a new day, a better day.  Things were about to change, and this suit brought me luck.
    The elevator doors opened.  I lifted my head and shoved off the wall, only to see that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be.  At the door, Gavin stood, staring at me in the most peculiar way.  He stepped into the elevator, glanced at the number panel and nodded. 
    “I guess you had a good day in court?” he noted as the doors closed.
    I chuckled, pushing my black framed glasses up my nose, as I returned to my former position.  “You could say that.”
    “I could say that?” Gavin repeated in a condescending tone.
    My smile broadened.  “That’s what I said.”
    “You do realize I already know you won the case.”
    “I do.”
    “Mhm.”
    I tilted my head toward my brother.  His eyes scanned me, analyzing me as any good lawyer would.  “What?”  My smile grew to the point it almost hurt.  I couldn’t remember the last time I smiled like that.
    “Nothing.  Nothing at all.  Congratulations on another great job.”
    “Thank you.”
    “Are we still on for tonight?”
    “Um,” I stalled.  I wasn’t interested in dealing with Jared tonight.  I was in too good of a mood to deal with my brother’s new best friend. 
    “Oh, c’mon.  Olivia has Morgan doing some wedding shit tonight, and I don’t want to be sucked into it.”
    I laughed, reaching over and patting Gavin on the shoulder.  “Fine.  We’re still on, but I will punch Jared in the jaw if he plays on his damn phone all night.”
    Gavin rolled his eyes, shaking his head.  “He doesn’t play on his phone all the time.”
    “Bull shit.  The last time he came to the beach