The Lies We Tell Ourselves (A Southern Heroes Novel Book 3)

by Michelle Heard

  CHAPTER 14

  “I’m not fallin’ for him.”

  REECE

  I have a fundraiser to attend tonight. Nurse Hensley brings Mom to my room so I can get their opinion on what to wear.

  The first outfit I try on is a black cocktail dress, but the second I come out of the walk-in closet, Mom shakes her head.

  “Don’t you have something a bit more extravagant?” Nurse Hensley asks.

  “More? Okay then,” I say, and go back inside. I grab a peach dress which stops right under my knees. It’s a bit tight, but I ignore that.

  I twirl in front of them, and Nurse Hensley begins shaking her head, quickly followed by Mom.

  “It’s a little too tight,” Alec suddenly says which has me spinning around. I didn’t even notice him coming into the room.

  I duck back inside and try on a cream lace, off the shoulder dress and matching heels. Walking out, I feel a little nervous this time.

  Mom nods, followed by a smile from Nurse Hensley. My eyes stop on Alec who’s looking at me with his head slightly tilted to the side. I begin to fidget with the lace when he takes too long to tell me whether it looks okay.

  “Will you be wearin’ that to tonight's event?” he asks, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

  “Yeah?” I say, but it comes out sounding like a question.

  “As long as I’m escortin’ you,” he says, then walks out of the room.

  I stare after him wondering what just happened, and when I look back to Nurse Henley and Mom, and I see them grinning, my cheeks flush as red as my hair.

  “Y’all better stop grinnin’. He didn’t mean anythin’ by it,” I snap at them and rush over to my dressing table, so I can do my hair and put on make-up.

  By the time I’m ready to leave, Mom is flipping through the movies, looking for one while Nurse Hensley is downstairs making them some popcorn.

  I kiss Mom on her cheek and smile brightly when she looks at me with pride in her eyes.

  Alec comes in and kneels next to Mom’s chair. He places a panic button in her hand and points at the first button. “If you press this one, I’ll be able to hear what’s happenin’. If you press the second button, I’ll know you’re in danger. It’s just a precaution.”

  Mom nods and inspects the button.

  “I’ll have the receiver on me at all times. Don’t hesitate to use it,” Alec says, and it warms my heart that he cares about Mom. “Keep it tucked away, so it’s out of sight.” He takes Mom’s hand and tucks it under her blanket.

  Just then Nurse Hensley comes in with the popcorn and gets settled in the seat next to Mom.

  “Have fun,” I say, then walk out of the room. When I reach the top of the stairs, Alec falls in next to me and holds his arm for me to take. “Oh wow,” I can’t help but tease him. “Do you charge extra for this?”

  Alec chuckles and waits for me to hook my hand over his arm before leading me down the stairs.

  “For tonight, I won’t charge,” he says, opening the front door.

  Before I walk outside, I let my gaze travel over Alec. Although I’m used to seeing him in a suit, he looks a little different tonight. He’s styled his hair, and the aftershave he’s using smells really good. I wouldn’t mind if he used it every day.

  Alec’s the perfect gentlemen, but he makes me feel relaxed and nervous all at once. I feel at ease because I know he’ll be by my side, but I’m anxious because it’s beginning to feel like a date.

  When we get to the venue, Alec stays by my side as we walk to our reserved seats.

  After pulling out a chair for me, he sits down and leans closer, asking, “The fundraiser is for endangered species?”

  “Yes, it’s the one charity I’m really passionate about.”

  Two other couples, who I meet at functions quite often, join our table.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson, It’s so good to see you again,” I greet the elderly couple first.

  Gesturing to Alec, I say, “This is my friend, Alec Kyle.”

  He shakes hands with Mr. Tomlinson, and even compliments Mrs. Tomlinson on her dress.

  I don’t know the other couple well, but also make a point of greeting and introducing Alec to them.

  Soon after their arrival, the host takes to the podium and runs through the line-up of the evening. I’m relieved to hear I’ll be speaking last. It gives me time to settle my nerves because, after all the years of standing in for Mom, I still get a mild case of stage fright.

  When champagne is brought to our table, I decline it and fill my glass with sparkling water. I made the mistake once of drinking with every toast all the other speakers made and had to stand tipsy in front of a room filled with wealthy people to make a speech.

  The host introduces every speaker when it’s their turn, while also announcing how much the person has contributed to the cause.

  After a couple of speakers have said their part, I smile gratefully at Alec because he must be bored out of his mind already.

  When it’s my turn, I take a deep breath as the host announces me, “Last, but not least we have Miss Nicolson from the Nicolson Foundation. Their eight-million-dollar pledge will contribute to the protection of endangered species worldwide.”

  I get up and keep my head high as I walk to the podium even though it feels like a beehive has exploded into action in my stomach.

  Smiling I thank the host and move to stand behind the microphone.

  “It’s always an honor to represent The Nicolson Foundation,” I open my speech, then the smile falls from my face. “After millions of years of existence on planet earth, 2018 saw the extinction of three bird species: Hawaii’s insect-eating forest-bird, the Po’ouli, and two Brazillian songbirds, the Cryptic Treehunter and the Alagoas Foliage-gleaner.”

  I take a breath and make eye-contact with the wealthiest people here tonight.

  “The sad reality is when a life form ceases to exist without anyone noticin’.” Turning my gaze to Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson who only have eyes for their grandchildren, I continue, “If you have children or grandchildren, there’s a good chance you’ve watched the film, Rio. Unfortunately, our future generation will only be able to see the charismatic blue parrot, the Spix’s Macaw in this film. As of 2018, they are now extinct in the wild, and only a small number of fifty are kept alive in captivity. 2019 might be the year we bid a sad farewell to this magnificent bird. Through a captive breedin’ program at several conservation organizations, this species is now fighting for their right to exist. I beg of you to open your hearts, and to help save the Spix’s Macaw.” Slightly bowing my head, I end by saying, “The Nicolson Foundation thanks you for your time.”

  Feeling emotional, I smile at the guests seated at the nearest table as I make my way to the restroom. I just need a minute to compose myself before going back out there.

  Once I feel better, I step out of the restroom, only to find Alec waiting right outside for me.

  A gentle smile forms on his face and placing his hand on my back, he leans his head close to my ear. “Are you okay?”

  Maybe it’s because I was feeling so emotional, but right now it actually looks like he cares about me.

  No way that’s possible.

  “I’m fine,” I answer automatically, but then our eyes meet, and I swear I can see the worry on his face. “I’m really okay,” I repeat.

  “Yeah?” He asks, his eyes still searching my face for any sign of distress.

  “Yeah,” I say, forcing a smile around my lips. “Let’s go grab somethin’ to eat before I have to mingle.”

  The night is exhausting, to say the least, and I’m just about to tell Alec I’m ready to go home when he holds his hand out to me. My eyes jump from his hand to his face, then back again, not sure what he wants.

  “Before we go home, you at least have to dance once,” he says, surprising me.

  “Oh,” the word pops from my lips, not wanting to draw attention to us, I place my hand in his.

  As Alec l
eads me to the dance floor, I’m highly aware of the feel of his strong fingers curling around mine. There’s a nervous fluttering in my stomach, and it’s a different feeling from when I had to give the speech. It’s filled with awareness of every solid step he takes, the manly scent filling the air around him, and the dominant aura brushing against mine.

  I’m not falling for him.

  He pulls me closer to him, and wrapping his left arm around me, he places his hand on my lower back. I put my right hand on his shoulder and glancing up, I notice he’s the perfect height to press a kiss to my forehead.

  We start to move to the slow music filling the air, and I lower my eyes to his neck.

  Crap, even his neck is attractive.

  Quickly, I drop my eyes to his broad chest, and not winning the battle, I close them.

  I can’t fall for him.

  I feel a weird sense of comfort with him which scares me.

  Alec helped you when you needed someone the most. You’re just grateful he’s here. That’s all it is.

  CHAPTER 15

  “I’m only protective of her because it’s my nature.”

  ALEC

  I had to resist the urge to hug Reece when she came out of the restroom. She spoke with so much conviction about a cause I never even thought of, and she had me wanting to move heaven and earth to help.

  It has me wondering what’s real. Are the facts we have on Reece correct? Having spent time with her, none of it adds up to the person I’ve gotten to know.

  When we get home from the function, it’s still playing on my mind. I lock the front door behind us, then watch as Reece takes off her heels. Holding them in her hand, she looks at me with a thankful expression softening her features.

  “Thanks for tonight.” For a moment it looks like she wants to say more.

  Walking closer, I stop within touching distance from her. Our eyes lock, and I feel a sense of calm. It’s not a feeling I’m used to, especially not in my line of work. But with Reece, it doesn’t feel like work. It almost feels natural.

  She drops her gaze from mine, then turns to the stairs. “I’m gonna check on Mom. Good night.” My eyes follow her as she climbs the stairs until she disappears down the hallway.

  I head to the kitchen and take a bottle of water from the fridge. Leaning back against the counter, I begin to wonder whether Reece is actually involved in Roberts’ drug business.

  I walk to my room and put the earpiece in. I left it home for the night, not wanting to risk it being found if they searched me.

  “You there?” I ask, just holding the sunglasses in my hand.

  I sit down on the bed when Wyatt answers, “Yeah, how was the fundraiser?”

  “Okay. Can you set up a meetin’ with the team?”

  “You think that’s wise? What if you’re followed?” he asks.

  “I’ll make sure I’m not being followed. We need to reassess what we know, and where to go from here,” I explain.

  “I’ll set somethin’ up and let you know the time and place.”

  “Thanks.” Placing the glasses on the nightstand, I remove the earpiece from my ear and put it back in its holder.

  I get up and walk through the house, checking all the doors and windows before turning in for the night.

  I told Reece I was checking out a potential lead on the blackmailer to buy myself some time for the meeting. I made sure I’m not being followed as I drive to the rendezvous point. Leaving the car a couple of streets away, I jog the rest of the way.

  As I get near, I see Aiden, Zac, and Capt. Harris already waiting with Wyatt.

  “Where’s the rest of the team?” I ask when I reach the group of men.

  “Tailin’ Roberts,” Capt. Harris answers. He shakes his head, looking a little pissed off. “You were supposed to get close to Roberts, not Nicolson.” Taking a cigarette from a pack, he lights it before going on, “What the hell have you been doing? Do you want to see me lose my job?”

  I wait patiently for him to unload, then say, “Reece has proof. It will be easier to get it from her than tryin’ to win Roberts over.”

  “So, where’s this proof?” Capt. Harris asks. He doesn’t give me time to answer. “You better get your hands on it within the week.”

  I nod, and reply, “Yes, Sir.”

  “We’ve been watchin’ the camera feed Alec and Wyatt got for us,” Zac says, “I noticed somethin’.”

  Aiden glances at his partner, “I’m tellin’ you it’s nothin’.”

  “I’ll decide whether it’s nothin’,” Capt. Harris huffs disgruntled.

  “Doug Liles. He’s the local pastor here in Lyman,” Zac starts to say, but Capt. Harris waves an arm.

  “He’s an upstandin’ citizen. I’m gonna agree with Aiden.”

  “He’s Robert’s foster father right?” I ask.

  “Yeah,” Wyatt says. I’m surprised he’s been so quiet. Usually, I can’t get him to shut up.

  “He came to see Mrs. Nicolson while she was in the hospital. I got to meet him then. What did you notice?” I ask Zac. The other men’s judgment might be clouded because they’ve known Pastor Doug a long time, whereas Zac and I didn’t grow up here.

  “He went to pay Roberts a visit. They didn’t talk about the drug business, but Pastor Doug was upset because Reece moved out. He kept telling Roberts how he let a chance of a lifetime slip away, and they would never get a chance like that again.”

  “That means nothin’,” Capt. Harris says.

  “They?” I ask.

  “Yeah, that caught my attention. Why did he keep sayin’ they if it were a normal relationship? I get a feelin’ Pastor Doug was more upset about the financial loss.”

  “You think he’s in on the drug traffickin’?” Wyatt asks, looking shocked.

  “The church would be a perfect front to run a drug business,” I give my two cents.

  The three local men keep quiet, and I can see them thinking about what Zac said.

  “Look into it some more,” I say to Zac. “It could lead to somethin’ useful.” Turning to Capt. Harris, I ask, “How’s the tail we have on Randall?”

  “He’s either at his mobile home or stopping by Clay’s. He’s been to visit Clay’s father in prison once. The man’s pretty quiet,” Aiden answers.

  “Mobile home?” I ask.

  “Yeah, he lives at the trailer park on Butler road.”

  Looking at Wyatt, I have to resist the urge to slap him upside the head. “What the hell have you been doing in that van? Why didn’t you notice it?”

  “I was gettin’ to it. It’s hard watching all those cameras around the clock,” Wyatt complains.

  “Eat less. Focus more,” I snap.

  “Aiden and I can take turns helpin’ Wyatt,” Zac offers. “We can’t afford to miss somethin’ vital.”

  Capt. Harris shakes his head, and grumbles, “This better pay off.”

  “What about Reece?” Zac asks.

  “Are all the facts we have on her right?” I ask, instead of answering Zac.

  “Yeah, the money’s been comin’ from her,” Zac answers.

  “But Clay had access to her account. Maybe she didn’t know?” Wyatt stands up for Reece and for some weird reason it makes me upset.

  “The fact is the funds for the drug business came from Reece Nicolson. There’s no way she didn’t know about it,” Zac confirms what we all know.

  “Maybe she didn’t know in the beginnin’? Maybe she got pulled into it?” I speak up for Reece. “She could be innocent in all of this.”

  “Then why didn’t she go to Aiden, or at least Wyatt? They grew up together,” Zac argues.

  “Fear,” I answer. “Reece wouldn’t do anythin’ to endanger her mom’s life. She might’ve kept quiet because she was scared.”

  “Well, she’s away from Clay now,” Aiden says. “Let’s see whether she’ll bring the information to either Wyatt or myself. If she doesn’t, there’s nothin’ we can do to keep her from being arrested along with
Clay.”

  And that’s what I’ve been worried about. I need to get Reece to trust me.

  Before it’s too late.

  CHAPTER 16

  “He’s an attractive man.

  Of course, I’m going to notice, but it doesn’t mean anything.”

  REECE

  I’ve just finished making dinner and prepared a tray of food for Mom. Walkin’ into her room so I can help her eat, I come to a standstill when I see Alec with her.

  Living in the new house the past few days, Alec has been doing more stuff with Mom. Watching him help her while she does exercises to strengthen her upper body, and seeing how gentle he is with her, only makes me notice him more as a man.

  He’s an attractive man. Of course, I’m going to notice, but it doesn’t mean anything.

  I’ve also been feeling guilty as hell for not breaking things off with Clay sooner. Mom has been making so much progress, which made me realize I’ve been holding her back by living in the same house as Clay.

  She could’ve been moving around on her own by now. Damn, we could’ve had conversations by now.

  Shit, I was stupid.

  Alec looks up, then asks, “Is it time for dinner?”

  “Yeah,” I reply, moving to the other side of the bed.

  He helps Mom lean back against the headboard, then places the overbed table across her lap. I put the food down and sit next to Mom.

  Handing her a fork, my eyes glide over her face while she scoops up some creamed potatoes.

  Her coloring looks better, and there’s a light in her eyes I haven’t seen in a long time.

  Forgetting about Alec, I ask Mom, “Are you happy?”

  Mom smiles at me, and it almost resembles her old smile from before the accident.

  “I am,” she answers. Hearing her pronounce the words so clearly, instantly makes me tear up with emotion. She places her hand on top of mine and gives it a squeeze. Feeling how much stronger her grip is, unleashes the tears I’m trying to hold back.