Lying for Love Read online

  “Well, Gina invited me.”

  Davey rolled his eyes. “Oh, big surprise.”

  Miles picked at an invisible piece of fuzz on his pants leg. “I’m going to tell her then.”

  Davey’s eyes bugged. “Get outta here. Really? Finally?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, dish on the plan.” Davey rubbed his hands together dramatically, the excitement in his voice unmistakable.

  Miles’ shoulders sagged as he slumped in the chair. “That’s where it gets complicated. I don’t really have a plan.”

  “Well then, damn good thing you came over tonight. We have work to do.”

  * * * *

  Miles awoke the next morning on Davey’s couch, not nearly as hung over as he thought he’d be. He remembered Davey forcing some homeopathic concoction—that had tasted like rancid ass—down his throat, claiming it would keep him from feeling shitty the next morning. He’d been skeptical, but now he’d definitely be asking for the name of the product and buying it in bulk.

  Davey was still sleeping, so Miles exited the house quietly and drove home. Once inside, he threw his keys in the hand-carved wooden dish that Gina had given him for their one-month-of-friendship anniversary and headed for the shower. He’d laughed that she’d bought a gift to commemorate one month of friendship, but he’d also felt bad he hadn’t thought to do the same, especially because he felt as if every day with her was a gift-worthy occasion.

  After showering, he ate a quick breakfast—scrambled eggs and toast—then checked his phone. No message from Gina.

  Even though he and Davey had planned, there still wasn’t much of a plan. Davey had basically advised him to look his sexiest, to be romantic, to outshine every other man at the party and only when he had her eating out of his hand to then lay it on her. Yeah, no problem.

  Trying to keep busy, he took care of a few mundane things like getting his car detailed, polishing his dress shoes, picking up his suit from the dry cleaner. On a whim, he’d stopped by the florist and gotten a bouquet of Gina’s favorite flowers—red stargazer lilies. He’d give them to her when he picked her up tonight. Seemed like a good way to start the evening.

  He checked the time on his phone. Three o’clock and still no word from Gina. Not being able to stand it any longer, he fired off a text to her.

  “Hey. You alive?”

  *

  Gina stared at the text from Miles. It was stupid to avoid him because of her horny subconscious, and she knew it. They’d only been apart for a day, and she missed him terribly. She needed to act normally toward him before he sensed something was wrong and asked her about it because she sure as shit wasn’t going to tell him what her problem was.

  It really was time to get laid. Straight up one-night stand. She definitely wasn’t ready for a relationship but just sex…maybe. It wasn’t her usual style, but desperate times called for…well…sex in this instance.

  There were usually at least a few available men at the company parties, and yeah, decision made, she was going to take advantage of it, get it out of her system, and hopefully it would put her in better control around her sexy-as-hell best friend.

  Miles wouldn’t mind if she disappeared from the party a little early. He’d probably be happy for her and want to hear all the dirty details the next day. Or not. Come to think of it, he never pointed out hot guys to her like she did to him. Nor did he discuss his past relationships as openly as she discussed hers. No, he was always…vague.

  She texted him back. “Alive. Wanna come over now? Get ready for party here?”

  He replied. “Sure thing. See ya in thirty.”

  Right on time, thirty minutes later, there was a knock at the door. When she opened it, a gorgeous bouquet of her favorite flowers greeted her. That was another thing she loved about Miles. He actually listened to her, remembered little details like that, unlike the last two jerk-liars she’d dated.

  “For me?” she squealed.

  “Well, they’re not for the cat.”

  Taking the bouquet, she waved him in, found a vase, and filled it with water then looked around for the perfect place for them. She decided on the coffee table in her living room.

  “You like?” he asked.

  She threw her arms around him and gave him a peck on the cheek. “You know I do.”

  His smile heated her blood. He was by far the most handsome, sexy man she’d ever laid eyes on, and he felt unbelievably good in her arms. Visions of the dream flashed in her mind. Suppressing a sigh, she released him before making a fool of herself.

  “I’m glad.” He held up the suit draped over his arm.

  “Oh. Go ahead. Hang it in my room. You know the drill.”

  After hanging the suit, he rejoined her in the living area. “So, we have a few hours to kill. What to do?”

  God, if he played for her team, she could come up with some very hot, very naked ways to kill a few hours. Stop it, Gina. Geez. Yep. A one-nighter was definitely top priority.

  She shrugged. “Chill out, watch a movie on Netflix?” That was always fun, and one bonus of watching movies together was kicking her feet up onto his lap where’d he’d end up rubbing her feet. Not much was better than a good foot massage by his strong hands. Although, lately it led her wishing those hands would work their way to her shins, her thighs, and…

  “That’ll work.”

  He followed her to the couch and just as he was about to sit next to her, Mewz jumped up and stole his spot. She laughed as Miles play-glared at the cat and readjusted. She wanted to glare too but for real. There’d be no foot massage with Mewz in the way. Although, with her overactive libido, it was probably a good thing. Saved by the cat.

  She turned her attention to the remote control and flicked through the movie choices. “Stop me if you see anything interesting.”

  After a few seconds, he said, “There.”

  A picture of a zombie about to chow down on a clueless person showed on the screen. “No way. No zombies.”

  “What? Why not? Zombies are fun.”

  “Rotting corpses eating brains are not fun. Too scary.”

  He smirked. “For a twenty-seven-year-old woman, you’re such a wuss.”

  Even though she knew he was teasing her, she leaned over Mewz and smacked Miles on the shoulder. “Okay, when I have nightmares for the next week, you’re gonna have to hold me while I sleep.” Her body tingled at the thought.

  Miles looked at her oddly for a moment before grabbing the remote from her hand and selecting a movie. “How about this?”

  “The Chihuahua movie?” When he gave her a why-not shrug, she burst out laughing. Even though she knew him well, he still managed to surprise her. “Okay. I’m game.” They kicked their feet up on the coffee table, and within minutes the little dogs’ antics had them both laughing. At first, Mewz’s ears twitched at the barking, but he soon rolled over, fat belly toward the ceiling while he snored.

  An hour and a half later, she had a huge smile on her face as she turned to Miles. “Good choice. Didn’t know I’d like that movie so much. Now I want one.”

  He rolled his eyes. “That movie was terrible and fat boy there”—he pointed at Mewz—“would eat one of those dogs for breakfast.”

  She covered Mewz’s ears and whispered, “Don’t call him fat. You’ll hurt his feelings.” Miles’ lips twisted. He always thought it was hilarious when she mentioned hurting Mewz’s feelings, but she knew her kitty was smart and was convinced he understood more than anyone else gave him credit for. “And, admit it. You liked the movie.”

  He looked around the room as if making sure no one else was listening. “Fine, I liked it, but if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it.”

  “Goof. Come on, we need to get ready.”

  “Go ahead. It’ll only take me a few minutes. Mewz can keep me company until you’re finished.”

  “Okay.” She was actually relieved. Being half naked in front of him never bothered her much before, but the more she wanted him, th
e more self-conscious she became. Hopefully she’d be able to find a suitable distraction at the party. Hopefully.

  * * * *

  Gina looked delicious. Yeah, she’d modeled that dress for him two days ago, but tonight, her hair was piled atop her head, emphasizing her neckline. He salivated at the idea of licking every inch of her exposed skin, stripping her out of that dress, and kissing his way around until he learned each of her sweet spots.

  Delicate tendrils of hair, pulled from the up-do, framed her minimally made-up but beautiful face. The diamond heart earrings he’d bought her for their four-month friendship anniversary dangled from her ears. He’d never forget the shock on her face when he’d given them to her. At first, he’d kicked himself, thinking he’d given himself away by seriously overdoing it in the gift department, but then she’d teared up, thrown her arms around him, and told him how much she loved them.

  “Absolutely stunning,” he said, hoping his eyes showed appreciation but not the desire burning inside him.

  “Thanks.” She eyed him up and down. “You too. Wow. I almost forgot how great you make that suit look.”

  He walked around her, eyeing her from head to toe. “Wait. Something’s missing.”

  “Missing?” She frowned and checked herself out in the mirror.

  “Where is it? I know you didn’t forget.” During football season, she always wore something to represent the Dallas Cowboys. For good luck, she said.

  It only took her a few more seconds to get his meaning, and she brightened, a sly smile curving her lips. “Oh. Check this out.” She raised the side of her dress all the way to her waist.

  With all that leg and the bare curve of her ass showing, Miles almost missed them. The band of her bikini panties sported the Cowboys’ star. He forced his eyes upward to meet her gaze, hoping his semi-erection wouldn’t become full-blown. That sexy image would be burned into his brain until the day he died. Clearing his throat, all he could manage was, “Nice.”

  She let the dress drop and smoothed it out. “Gotta support the team.”

  Figuring it best to change the direction of his thoughts, he smiled and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”

  “We shall.” She took his arm as they walked to the car. He held the car door open for her, waited until she was settled and buckled in, and then closed it. He got in the driver’s seat, started the car, and took off.

  She leaned forward to fiddle with the radio. “Whatcha feel like listening to?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  “Okey dokey.”

  Her devious smirk let him know she was about to play something atrocious. And, yep, there it was. She cranked up the volume and blared some awful head-banging crap. He enjoyed most types of music, but that wasn’t one of them.

  Thankfully, she only banged her head for a couple seconds before turning down the volume, laughing, and changing the station.

  “Geez, Gina. Seriously, how do you listen to that crap?”

  She shrugged. “I told you. It gets my blood pumping. One day, I’ll get you to like at least one song.”

  He shook his head and chuckled. With the power she held over him, he didn’t doubt it one bit.

  They arrived at the upscale hotel. The company had rented one of the banquet rooms for the party. They made their way through the lobby to the elevators and rode it up to the tenth floor.

  When the doors opened, Gina said, “Wow.”

  Wow was right. Her company had outdone themselves on this one. The hotel’s ballroom was impressive enough with several shimmering chandeliers, gold-etched archways, and shiny marble floor. But her company had added what must have been thousands of metallic gold and green balloons that danced around the ceiling, the light from the chandeliers making them twinkle.

  Several well-dressed people were admiring the birthday cake that was at least five feet tall, a champagne fountain flowing next to it. Next to that, two chocolate fountains—one white, one black—flowed with chocolaty goodness. The CEO certainly knew how to celebrate his birthday.

  “Let’s get a drink,” she said and pulled him along past the champagne fountain toward the bar.

  “No champagne?”

  She crinkled her nose. “Too uppity for my palate.”

  He laughed and let her lead him, loving the feel of her hand gripping his. It would be a good night, a great night. Everything was going to work out. He could feel it. At least, that’s what he kept telling himself.

  The cute blonde bartender ignored Gina, who was standing directly in front of the bar, and shot Miles a seductive smile before asking what he wanted. Miles sure the hell wasn’t opposed to women flirting with him, but it annoyed him that she was inadvertently being rude to Gina. He was about to call her on it when Gina waved her hand in front of the woman.

  “Hey, I know he’s hot, but I was here first. Besides, you’re not his type. I’ll take a vodka cranberry.” She turned to Miles. “Whiskey sour?”

  He shook his head. “Water. I’m driving.”

  “What? Screw that.” She turned back to the bartender. “He’ll take a whiskey sour.”

  Blondie reluctantly dragged her gaze from him and put together their drinks.

  “We’re at a hotel. We’ll get a room or two if the need arises.”

  Stay in a fancy hotel room with Gina? Yes please, but no, he didn’t want to reveal himself to her in a hotel room. If she freaked out and hated him afterward, she’d want to be home, not stuck in a hotel room dependent on him for a ride home. And wait. What’d she mean or two? Please, let her not try to hook him up with some male coworker. She hadn’t tried that in a while, but the times she had, it’d been extremely awkward for him.

  “That’s okay. I’ll just have the one drink. We’ll eat soon, and then I’ll be good.”

  Pouting—and looking damn sexy doing so—she sighed and sipped her drink. “Okay, party pooper. You can make it up to me by dancing with me all night.”

  “No problem. Only slow dances though. You know I don’t have any rhythm.”

  “You’re on.” She cupped her hand to her ear. “Oh, what’s that I hear?”

  A slow song played. He set his drink on a nearby table and escorted her onto the dance floor. She wrapped one arm around his waist and held his hand with the other. He marveled at the softness of her hand in his, the delicate curve of her waist in his embrace. Leaning closer, he breathed in her fresh scent that reminded him of a spring breeze blowing through orange blossoms.

  “Why so tense?” she asked, her breath tickling his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

  He hadn’t realized it until she mentioned it, but his muscles were tensed to the point of cramping, and his teeth clenched so hard he feared he’d need a trip to the dentist if he didn’t loosen them up. The mission of the night and her nearness put him on edge when what he needed was to be relaxed and charming. Dancing as if you had a stick up your ass definitely didn’t smack of charm.

  Unclenching his teeth, he inhaled deeply and let it out slowly, willing his body into compliance. “Sorry. My mind is working overtime. Rough day at the office yesterday.” Another lie. Shit. Well, he’d rectify everything before the night ended. “But”—he dipped her and loved the little squeal-laugh she let out—“I hereby declare myself over it.”

  “Good.”

  “Hey, girl.” Davey and another woman he didn’t recognize appeared beside them.

  Miles almost growled when Gina pulled out of his arms to greet them. “Hey. You two look great.”

  “Thanks,” the woman said. “You too.” She ogled Miles from head to toe. “Who’s the hottie?”

  “The hottie is my friend, Miles. Miles, this is Tammy, a new coworker.”

  Tammy’s eyes lit up. “Friend? Then you don’t mind if we switch partners, right?”

  Before Gina could answer, the woman insinuated herself between them. Was Gina glaring? He couldn’t imagine why unless she simply didn’t like the woman. She mouthed “sorry” at him, turned to Davey, and fin
ished dancing the song with him.

  Having a woman other than Gina in his arms didn’t feel right, and he heaved a sigh of relief when the song ended. Tammy continued hanging on to his arm as they joined Davey and Gina at the table where they’d left their drinks. He shot a look at Davey, who was grinning ear to ear. He was obviously enjoying Miles’ annoyance. Thankfully, after chatting for a few minutes, Davey took pity on him and dragged the woman back to the dance floor.

  “What the hell was that?” he asked Gina.

  “Oh, she’s nice and all, but she has no boundaries. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made extra trips to the bathroom at work so I could get away from her. I don’t know how she gets anything done with all the flitting around and chatting she does at the office.” Finishing her drink, she moved to the seat next to Miles. “She sure did like you.”

  “Really? I didn’t notice.”

  She laughed at his sarcasm. “If you didn’t like her attention, all you had to do was tell her you’re gay.”

  Once again, guilt shot through him. Trying a risky tactic, he said, “Maybe I’m considering expanding my options.”

  “Expand—” Her eyes widened to saucer size before she burst out laughing and smacked him on the arm. “You had me for a second. Good one.”

  Disappointed he’d played his lie so well, for so long, that she couldn’t consider the possibility of him being hetero for more than a second before laughing, he knew he needed to step it up.

  She stood and flashed a brilliant smile at him. “C’mon. Let’s grab some snacks. I saw a couple waiters carrying trays with yummy-looking…stuff.”

  Miles laughed. “Stuff, huh? Wouldn’t want to miss out on the stuff.”

  She held out her hand to him. He took it and followed her around, snagging bite-sized yummy stuff from the wandering waiters. Gina introduced him to several of her coworkers that he didn’t already know, and he chatted with those he’d met at other functions.

  Thirty minutes later, Gina tugged his hand. “Let’s go back to our table and sit for a minute.”