Beyond The Lie

Chapter 39: Fake or Real?

Eryx.

As I walked toward Adeline, I couldn't help but notice how stunning she looked. Her camel-colored blazer hugged her curves in all the right places, and the fitted white top beneath it pushed her chest up, making my eyes linger.

I felt a flutter down there, a stirring that I couldn't ignore. The light blue jeans clung to her legs, accentuating her toned thighs. Her dark hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, and I found myself wondering what it would be like to run my fingers through it.

Adeline's brown eyes met mine, and I felt a jolt of desire. I smiled, trying to play it cool, but my mind was already racing with thoughts of how I'd like to get closer to her.

She stood up from her chair and walked towards us. I couldn't help it - my eyes went straight to her chest. The way it moved up and down as she walked was kinda mesmerizing. I felt like a total guy, and I knew I had to snap out of it before I came across as a creep.

I forced myself to look at her face instead, and damn, she was stunning. Elegant, put-together - the whole package. She had that polished, professional look that just drew me in.

I smiled, trying to play it cool, but inside, I was just trying to keep my attraction to her in check.

I was expecting her to be pissed after what happened at the office, but instead, she smiled at me. A bright, gorgeous smile that threw me off.

She walked up and hugged me, wrapping her arms around my neck. I was caught off guard, unsure how to react. Then I remembered Ryker and Asher were watching - we were still a couple in their eyes.

But I wasn't thinking about them. I was thinking about her, about how good she felt against me. I smirked, feeling a spark of attraction. I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her closer.

Her scent was incredible, and I felt myself getting turned on. I tried to play it cool, but it was hard. She tensed up for a second, then relaxed into my arms. It felt weird, but also kind of amazing.

I leaned into her, taking in the feel of her body against mine. If we were alone, I'd have picked her up and taken her somewhere else. Anywhere else.

She pulled back from the hug, and without thinking, I leaned in and kissed her cheek. It was a gentle, soft kiss, but it seemed to catch her off guard.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly covered it up with a smile. And then, I noticed it - a faint pink blush spreading across her cheeks. Was she really blushing, or was it all part of the act?

She blinked a few times, looking up at me with a mix of surprise and happiness. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine-sounding excitement. But I couldn't shake the feeling that she might be faking it.

I glanced around the garden, taking in the bustling activity of the photoshoot. "I thought I'd drop by and see how the shoot was going. Asher and Ryker were in the area, so we decided to make a day of it."

Adeline's gaze flicked to Asher and Ryker, who were watching our exchange with interest. "That's... nice of you," she said, her voice sweet.

I glanced over at Ryker, who was watching us with an amused expression. He knew the score.

"This is Ryker," I said, nodding towards him. "We work together."

Adeline smiled and shook Ryker's hand. Ryker smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Had heard a lot about you."

I introduced Asher next. "And you know Asher."

Adeline smiled wryly. "Yeah, no need for introductions every time, Eryx."