Page 61 of The Deception: Hercules Valentine and I

“It’s the way you touched her.”

Hercules continues focusing on the road as we head uptown. “I touched her?”

“More than once. You don’t remember?”

“No,” he says with an adamant shake of his head.

I can hardly believe he’s saying this. I study him, looking for a break in his unfaltering demeanor.

“What?” he asks while balancing looking at me and at the road.

“You’re telling me nothing’s ever happened between you and Lilith? She seemed really comfortable with your hand on her back.”

“I’ve taken her out on a few of dates.”

I point at him. “Ah-ha. Then there is something going on between the two of you. Like you and me, right?” I want to take that last part back as soon as I say it. I don’t want to hear how unspecial I am to him.

“Certainly not like you and me. But full disclosure—I was interested in her until I saw you.”

“Really?”

He manages to look at me and the road. “You doubt me?”

“No, never.” I put my whole heart and soul into my answer.

Again, he’s frowning. Maybe he thinks I’m falling in love with him too soon. I do love him. I've always loved him.

“I mean, you’ve been open and honest with me this far,” I say, cleaning up my last response by sounding more levelheaded.

Hercules stares straight ahead, frowning thoughtfully. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that either. In the future, he can use it as a statement against me. He’s been honest, and I haven’t.

Finally, he reaches out toward me with his palm open, gesturing for me to take his hand. Our skin connects. I’ve never felt so at home in my body as I do now.

I swallow, relishing the overwhelming moment. God is giving me another opportunity to come clean. I’m less than a moment away from telling him the truth, but then his console rings.Mothercomes up on the screen in front of us.

Hercules sighs tiredly before letting go of my hand to answer the call.

“Mother, what can I do for you?”

She’s silent for a beat. “How are you?”

He readjusts out of the stiff posture he was in. “I’m fine. Is there an emergency?”

“No.”

“Then why are you calling this late?

“What’s going on with you?” she insists.

I’m staring at him, and he winks at me.

“Nothing. It’s late, that’s all. What can I do for you?”

“Are you alone?”

“Mother, how about I call you in the morning?”

“You’re not alone, then?”