Page 118 of House of Deceit

Our story started all thanks to a drunken night with my best friend and ended with my soul mate in my arms. The House of Deceit turned out to be the best game I’ve ever played.

I sit on the daybed outside overlooking our patio. The house is finally finished after about a year of building. There are many little nods to Charlie and Parker’s time inside the mansion. From the outdoor decorating and pool layout to the fountain that stands in the front of the house, she wanted to memorialize the things she loved about that time under the summer sun.

When Charlie and I decided to build a house, Parker was the only one we trusted with the job. He left everything he knew, including his business, and started a new construction company in California, where he’s now thriving. Luckily, his right-hand man decided he was ready for a new start too and followed him. Between the two of them, they hustled hard to gain contacts and build their reputation in the new state.

Around the time his company began to take off, Charlie’s manuscript was completed. The many sleepless nights as her deadline neared were worth every bit of stress they caused me while watching her. Samantha ensured there was an auction and Charlie received a mid-six figure deal which she quickly earned out. She’s been on every bestseller list as well as every talk show. This time, you can tell she is enjoying the experience, unlike on House of Deceit.

I took my opportunity to learn as much about the directing process as I could under Tom Cochran. After being scouted by another network, I was able to gain an assistant director position. During filming, there are many nights I’m not home until late. But Charlie always waits up for me now that she doesn’thave to work an office job.

Through everything, Charlie and Parker’s friendship has deepened. When I saw how he cared for her, how he became the brother she never had, I couldn’t do anything but befriend him. When Parker first moved to California, I offered to let him stay with us until he was on his feet. Within about six months of steady work coming in, he was able to find his own place. Charlie, Lorelei, and Courtney went on a shopping spree and fitted out Parker’s new apartment. His credit card hasn’trecovered, but his place looks amazing.

Only two weeks from the house being done, Parker and Charlie are finishing up the last touches while I take a break from filming. They love the work and relegated me to relaxing after a particularly grueling schedule this year. My phone rings and I pick up with a smile on my face.

“Samantha Conn, how’s it going?”

“It’s going well, Alec King. Is Charlie around? I can’t get ahold of her and I have news.”

“Yeah, she’s unpacking the library. Let me grab her.” I stand up from the daybed and begin moving through the house. “Has Charlie invited you down next month for the housewarming slash anniversary of her and Parker being on the show?”

“Yes! Brian and I are really looking forward to it. We have enlisted my in-laws to babysit while we enjoy a parents’ weekend away.”

“That’s so great, we look forward to seeing you both. Hold on one moment.”

Charlie unpacks all of her books into her library. That was the only thing she required of our new house. Parker made sure the house had everything my love wanted, butdidn’t know she needed. I watch her slide the ladder down and climb back up with a new armful of books. She refuses to let me or Parker help her, saying she doesn’t want our boy cooties in her sanctuary.

“Hey, babe? Samantha is on the phone.”

“Oh, great!” She sets all the books in her arm on the shelf she was putting them on, climbs down, and bounds over to me. She gives me a firm kiss as she takes the phone from my hands. “Hey, Samantha. What’s up?” Her smile widens and I feel my face answer her happiness. “Hold on.” She presses the speaker button as she calls for Parker who comes bounding in from the officehe’s finishing for me next door.

“Can you say that again, Sam?” Charlie asks as Parker slides up next to us.

“Cost Communications called. They have agreed to let House of Deceit be used so the movie based on your book has, officially, been green lit. Congratulations!”

Tears fill Charlie’s eyes as she thanks Samantha and hangs up the phone.

“That’s amazing!” Parker says, sweeping her up into his arms. I give her a deep kiss once he stops spinning her around.

“This calls for a lot of champagne,” I say, holding the love of my life in my arms.

The night air is thick with the smell of rain. Thunder rumbles, but I don’t mind. It’s my favorite weather. Alec arranged for us to have the House of Deceit mansion for a private viewing party of the movie based on my book. I stand on the gravel driveway, alone just like I did four years ago.

I always knew this house would change my life, but I never could have fathomed how much.

Footsteps crunch on the gravel behind me.

“Are you ready?” Parker asks.

“How was filming? I didn’t think you’d be here!” I exclaim as he wraps me up into a hug.

“Filming was fine. I got in last night. We taped the last talk show spot instead of doing it live. Something came up for the interviewer.”

I never expected for the relationship I have with Parker to bloom so much once we left the house. Watching him and Alec bond and become friends has brought me a deep joy. Parker has gradually become friends with Tank as well, joining him and Alec on guy’s’ nights while Courtney, Molly, and I have fallen deeply in love with Lorelei. Twice a year, we girls all get together and enjoy a relaxing long weekend while Alec bunks at Tank’s.

I pull back from him, searching his eyes.

“I’m here to talk.You’ve barely answered my texts since you stopped filming. Alec was willing to kidnap you to get you here tonight for me,” I say.

“I don’t want to talk about it. Plus, tonight is about you. Are you ready? Alec is waiting.”

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