Read Online The Perfect Deception by Lutishia Lovely - Free Book Online

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