Deceived by Thayer King Read Free Book Online Page A

eyes dropped to her flat belly. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. He gave her his business card. “Call me when you know either way.” Hoping this wasn’t the last time he saw her, but knowing that it very well could be, he hugged her. He breathed in the sweet smell of her hair. Her body fit his perfectly. “You are a wonderful woman, Janelle. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You deserve so much better than this. I’m sorry.” He kissed the top of her head and released her.
    It was Saturday. Since he wasn’t working, he hadn’t asked anyone to be in the office today. Though he was chomping at the bit to handle Jerome, he would have to wait until Monday morning.
    * * * *
    Janelle watched Aidan leave with a heavy heart. She disagreed with him. She did have a reason to be ashamed. Because even before she’d known it was him making love to her, she’d wanted it to be him, had found her pleasure at the thought that it was him.
    She called Jerome again, though she knew it was a waste of time. As she’d anticipated, the coward didn’t answer. She was antsy, but the last thing she wanted to do was confront him while she was this wound up.
    She thought of calling Dionne, but she was too embarrassed at how easily Jerome had duped her. He couldn’t possibly care for her at all if he would do this to her. Despite the signs to the contrary, she had believed in him and in their relationship. She felt incredibly stupid.
    By Sunday afternoon, she was tired of being in her own head. She called Dionne and spilled her guts about the entire sordid mess. Then she’d spent the next thirty minutes convincing Dionne that going to his house and kicking some ass wasn’t going to help matters.
    “So how was he?”
    Feigning ignorance, she asked, “How was who?”
    “You know what I’m talking about.”
    “I haven’t a clue.”
    Dionne’s sigh seemed to go on for a full minute. “How was Aidan in bed?”
    “I can’t believe you’re asking me that.”
    “You’re avoiding the question.”
    Janelle sighed. Dionne wouldn’t give up until she had her answer. “Amazing,” she whispered.
    “Thank God. I’d hate to have to add bad sex to the other injustices you’ve suffered.”
    “No. Aidan was really sweet to me.” She’d appreciated his kindness. In a way, he was just as much a victim as she was. At first, she’d been angry that Aidan would believe that she’d be willing to have sex with him while she was dating another man. But then she’d calmed down and come to realize that he’d been lied to and deceived also.
    * * * *
    The commotion outside his closed office door had Aidan clicking out of his e-mail. The door burst open just as he stood. Jerome came in, followed by a harried-looking Margaret. “I told him that you were occupied, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer.” She glared up at the young man.
    “It’s okay, Margaret. I’ll talk to Mr. Wilson. Give us five minutes and then call security to escort him from the building.” Margaret left, closing the door behind her. Aidan resumed his seat to keep this from becoming a physical confrontation.
    “Mr. Clark, I went to my office and Miles from HR told me I was fired. I told them it must be some mistake, but they said that the orders came from you.”
    “They did.”
    Jerome frowned. “I don’t understand. I thought we were becoming friends. I mean, I did you that favor.”
    “You mean the favor of opening me up to a lawsuit from your girlfriend who had no notion of what was going to happen to her? I considered it prudent that we sever our relationship as your judgment and morals have proven to be lacking.”
    His mouth opened and closed several times. “Janelle wanted you.”
    “Have you talked with her?”
    “No, but I don’t need to. Okay, so maybe I left out a few details—”
    “Jerome, you’d be better saving this speech for someone you stand a chance in hell of swaying. All I hear, see, and smell when you’re