Love & Lies

by Michelle Iannarelli

  “You know Alex asked for travel receipts again.”

  “She asked me too. I told her you lost them.” Miguel laughed.

  “ME! You blamed me?”

  “If we had receipts, I could see you losing them.”

  “Seriously, Migs? I think we need to tell her we have travel expenses which are not related to Cruz Contracting and leave it at that.”

  “Yeah, you may be right. She’s a tough cookie.”

  “I met her best friend this morning. I’m going to go out with her sometime.”

  “You met Faith?”

  “You know Faith?”

  “I met her and Alex’s brother, Ryan, last night.”

  “Wait, were you out with Alex?”

  “No, I stopped for a drink on my way home and ran into them.”

  “Faith was out with Alex’s brother? Like on a date?”

  “I guess they were all out together but Faith ended up going home with Ryan from what I know.”

  “Oh.”

  “Hey, just because she went home with him doesn’t mean anything.”

  “Yeah, she did tell me to call her.”

  “So call her and have some fun.”

  “Maybe I will ask her to the Foundation Dinner, then she can keep Alex company.”

  “I’m not completely sure Alex is still planning on being my date.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Ever since you guys had me drugged up and we kissed…”

  “Kissed? You kissed her?”

  “Yes. Now she is cold and distant. Which, I am sure is my fault.”

  “I’m sorry. I know I’ve said a lot of things when I shouldn’t have and I’ve been relentless but it’s because I care about you and I want you to be happy.”

  “I know.”

  “So happy in fact, here’s another donut.”

  “You’re the best friend a guy could have.”

  Alex went through piles of receipts and still nothing from Miguel or Miles for the last few business trips they had been on. She called Miguel’s office to ask for receipts but he wasn’t in. She needed another cup of coffee after all she drank last night. Alex decided to go out for a walk and grab one and maybe Miguel would be back by the time she returned.

  Alex stepped into the elevator and there was a man dressed in a business suit who looked as if he jumped off the cover of GQ magazine. She may have stared just a moment too long because he smiled at her. Alex quickly looked away as she felt her face flush.

  “Do you work for Cruz Contracting?”

  “Yes. Do you?”

  “No, I’m actually a client.”

  Alex turned around and extended her hand. “Alex DiPietro.”

  “Dane Carlton.”

  “So who is your account manager?”

  “Some boring guy in a suit. Are you an account manager? I’d be willing to switch.”

  “I’m actually the CFO. I don’t handle accounts.”

  “Smart and beautiful.”

  “Handsome and a sweet talker, huh?”

  “Can I buy you a cup of coffee?”

  “I think that can be arranged, I was just on my way to grab a cup.”

  The elevator door opened and Alex and Dane stepped out.

  “Looks like we have a date then!”

  Miguel and Miles were both troubled with the news they received at their meeting. They learned that their handler had committed suicide or so it seemed. None of the guys really believed it to be true but that was the official word from the government agents who investigated the case. They were also told that there was a lot of chatter and to be on standby for their next mission.

  “Migs, I still don’t believe that Milton would off himself.”

  “I agree. I think they covered that up and we will never know the truth.”

  “Maybe we really need to think about getting out.”

  “I’m going to have our Team meet with us privately and we can all discuss what our next steps will be.”

  “I got your back, whatever you decide.”

  “We better finish our coffee and head back to the office. Lacey has been texting me all morning.”

  “Have you heard from Eden since she went back home?”

  “She texted me a few times. Why do you ask?”

  “She mentioned not renewing her contract and coming back home. I was just wondering if she made any decisions?”

  “I think she was just upset about us being hurt and felt home sick. That job is her life. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’d love to have her home. I miss her so much but her happiness is the most important thing.”

  “She’s a good kid. I miss her too.”

  FAITH SAT SIPPING TEA while she watched Alex try on her fifth dress. She was happy to see her friend so excited about her date with Dane.

  “I think this is the one.”

  “Alex, you looked great in all of them but the green really accentuates your eyes.”

  “I’m so nervous.”

  “Alex, you already had coffee with him and then he asked for a date. There isn’t any reason to be nervous.”

  “I just want to be happy.”

  “And I want you to be happy.”

  Alex hugged Faith.

  “So are you going to see Ryan again?”

  “He thought it would be best if we didn’t see each other again, well except as friends. He said he didn’t want anything serious.”

  “Oh.”

  “It’s ok. I can always hold out hope that Miles calls me.”

  “Faith!”

  “What? He’s hot.” Faith smiled.

  “Miles is Miguel’s best friend, I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “Ok, if he calls I won’t go out with him.”

  “No, I’m just being dumb. If he calls, you should go out with him.”

  “You had better get dressed. Dane will be here before you know it.”

  Miles spent the last half hour holding the phone in his hand trying to decide if he should call Faith or not. He really liked her but his heart belonged to someone else. Would it be fair to date Faith knowing that deep down he could never love her the way he loved…

  “Miles, you home?” Miguel yelled as he banged on the door.

  Miles put down the phone and ran to open the door.

  “I rang the doorbell twice, are you ok?”

  “Yeah, I was, a, just about to make a phone call.”

  “Make your call, I’ll grab us some drinks.”

  “It can wait.”

  Miguel poured them each a drink and they sat down.

  “Miles, did Eden mention anything to you about having a boyfriend?”

  “No. Why?”

  “She purchased a Louis Moinet watch. Then it looks as if she went on a shopping spree at Victoria’s Secret, is why.”

  “I’d say then, yeah she probably does have a guy.”

  “Thought so. You’d think if she cared enough about a man to buy him a twenty thousand-dollar watch that maybe she should have mentioned him to me?”

  Miles saw Miguel becoming visibly upset. He decided to play devil’s advocate.

  “Migs, she probably wants to introduce you to him or at least tell you in person. You weren’t in any condition to hold a serious conversation with her when she was here. Besides she was probably afraid that you’d flip out and upset yourself. Calm down. Give her a call and talk to her. Speaking of calls, give me a minute.”

  Miles grabbed the phone and called Faith.

  “Hello.”

  “Faith, it’s Miles.”

  “Miles, hi.”

  “Are you free for dinner?”

  “Yeah sure.”

  “What’s a good time to pick you up?”

  “Well, I’m at Alex’s house helping her get ready for her date right now but she should be leaving in about twenty minutes and then I am all yours.”

  “Cool. Text me the address and I will swing by Alex’s and pick you up.”

  “See you
soon.”

  “Bye Faith.”

  Miles had barely hung up the phone and Miguel was already asking questions.

  “She’s with Alex?”

  “Uh, yeah.”

  “Uh, yeah what?”

  “What, what?”

  “Miles, you know what. Now tell me what you’re not telling me?”

  “She said she was at Alex’s helping her get ready for her date.”

  Miguel downed the rest of his drink.

  “I don’t care if Alex has a date.”

  “Look you can lie to yourself but you can’t lie to me. I know damn well you’re jealous, I saw the expression on your face. Why can’t you just accept the fact that you have feelings for her dammit?”

  Miguel stood up. He didn’t respond to Miles’ question, instead he walked to the door and as he closed it he mumbled, “Have a good time with Faith.”

  Dane took Alex to a Japanese restaurant for dinner. They sat and ate and laughed as the cook entertained them.

  “I can’t remember when I had such a good time.”

  “I don’t remember the last time I had such a beautiful woman share dinner with me.”

  Alex blushed. “Thank you.”

  “So Alex, have you always lived here or did you move here for work?”

  “I’ve always lived here. How about you?”

  “I don’t really have a hometown. I was born in Texas. My dad was in the military so we moved every few years. Then when I was old enough I joined the Marines and did my own share of traveling the world.”

  “Wow! Are you still in?”

  “No, I put in a few tours and when my last contract was up I moved on.”

  “Moved on? So what type of work do you do now?”

  “If I tell you, I will have to kill you.” Dane laughed.

  “That wouldn’t be very polite to kill me on our first date.” Alex laughed.

  “Ok, I will go easy on you then. I’m a contractor.”

  “Do you have your own business?”

  “I work with a few friends. Enough about business though, let’s enjoy our time together.”

  Alex smiled and reached across the table for Dane’s hand. “What do you like to do for fun?”

  “I like to wrestle naked.” Dane winked and then let out a laugh. Alex laughed too.

  “So I see we have one thing in common.” Alex raised her eyebrow and then took a gulp of her wine. She couldn’t believe what she had just said.

  “Maybe we should enter into a friendly little competition after dinner?”

  Miles pulled up in front of Alex’s house and Faith came bouncing down the front steps and over to the car and got in.

  “Hi!”

  “You look great.”

  “I looked a sight when you called but luckily Alex and I are the same size so I borrowed this dress.” Faith chuckled.

  “I hardly doubt you looked as you said, a sight.”

  “Some of us don’t just wake up looking handsome, like you.”

  “You think I’m handsome?”

  “I do, especially when you smile.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “So how long have you known Alex?”

  “Since college.”

  “How long have you known Miguel?”

  “Miguel and I have been friends since the days of living on the streets.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. Miguel, Eden and I all took care of each other and I think we all turned out pretty well.”

  “I don’t really know Miguel, only what I’ve read or seen on the news.”

  “He’s a good guy.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I know so. Why do you sound skeptical?”

  “I guess it’s because I see how miserable he has made my best friend.”

  “I’ll let you in on a little secret, he is just as miserable.”

  “What?”

  “He cares about Alex but he doesn’t know how to handle his feelings.”

  “To be honest, I hope Alex falls in love with her date tonight and forgets all about Miguel.”

  “I understand.”

  “But you don’t agree?”

  “I’ve seen them together and if Miguel could get his shit together, they’d be perfect for one another.”

  “Well if he can do that and Alex is happy then that’s all that matters to me.”

  “What about your happiness?”

  “Mine? I’d have to say that I’m pretty happy. What about you?”

  “I have a good life. I’d like to settle down and have some children one day though.”

  “Me too.” Faith smiled.

  Miguel slammed down the phone, Eden wasn’t picking up. It burned him up to know she was keeping some guy a secret from him. How was he supposed to care for her and protect her if she kept secrets from him? His phone hadn’t finished its first ring before he answered.

  “Eden.”

  “Hey, I saw four missed calls. Is everything alright?”

  “Why don’t you tell me?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Is there something you want to tell me, Eden?”

  “I couldn’t answer the phone because I was in court?”

  “Eden!”

  “Look, I have to pack up and get out of here, why don’t you just come out and tell me what it is you think I’m not telling you?”

  “Are you seeing someone?”

  “Why?”

  “Eden, I saw the charges…”

  “Miguel, calm down. I bought the watch for you.”

  “Me?”

  “I thought you’d like it.”

  “I’m sorry. I saw the charge for the watch and then the lingerie and…”

  “And you jumped to conclusions?”

  “I worry about you, Sis.”

  “I am a big girl now and I can take care of myself. And so you know, I’ve been wearing Victoria’s Secret bras and panties for years.”

  “Ok, enough!”

  “I love you and I appreciate you caring so much about me but it’s time you worry about yourself.”

  “I’m fine now.”

  “I know that but I wish you would find someone who loves you and settle down. I worry about you too.”

  “I’m not the settling down type of guy.”

  “Not even with Alex?”

  “There’s nothing between Alex and I, she’s an employee.”

  “Whatever you say. I will call you in a few days. Give Miles a hug for me.”

  “I think Miles is going to get a lot more than a hug tonight. He’s out on a date.”

  “Good for him.”

  “I love you, Eden.”

  “I love you too.”

  Miguel hung up and walked over to the couch and sat down. He wanted to go out and look for Alex and see who the hell she was with. The green monster was rearing his ugly head. Miguel decided he would go work out and try to relieve some frustration.

  ALEX WOKE UP IN Dane’s arms…where she had fallen asleep hours before while watching a movie.

  “I guess we had too much wine and fell asleep?”

  Alex looked up and smiled. “Oops!”

  “Even though we fell asleep before our naked wrestling tournament, I had a good time last night.”

  Alex looked at Dane and even though he wasn’t Miguel he was still a very sexy man. She decided to take a chance, that maybe, just maybe, Dane could replace the void Allan and Miguel had left.

  “If you’re up for it, I think maybe we should still hold that tournament.”

  “Oh, I’m definitely up for it.”

  Alex sat up and pulled down the zipper on her dress and slid it off. Dane leaned forward and started kissing her neck. He grabbed her bra and opened it as Alex opened his pants and grabbed his already stiff cock.

  “Stand up so I can undress you.”

  Dane stood and Alex peeled off his clothes. Dane dropped to his knees
as he pulled Alex’s panties off. He started kissing Alex all over, then he lifted her up and sat her on the edge of the couch and nuzzled his face between her legs. Alex wriggled around until she finally got free and then she kissed Dane and pushed him down and climbed on top of him.

  “One, Two, Three…Ding! Ding! Ding! I win!”

  Dane started to laugh. He grabbed Alex by her waist and lifted her up and then impaled her with his cock. Dane bumped Alex up and down. “And that would be your prize!”

  “Works for me.” Alex smiled down at Dane as she rocked back and forth claiming her prize.

  Miles showed up at Miguel’s house with coffee. He found Miguel in his office on the phone. As he entered the office Miguel looked up and directed him to sit down. Then he covered the phone with his hand, “I’m only going to be a minute.”

  Miles nodded and began to drink his coffee while he thought about Faith and their date last night. They both had a really good time but at the end of the night his heart wasn’t really in it and he didn’t want to be that creep that has sex and says he will call and then doesn’t, so he gave Faith a quick kiss good night and left. Now he needed to decide how he would handle things if she called him for a second date.

  Miguel hung up and took note of Miles staring at a blank wall sipping his coffee. He waited for a moment and then decided to drop a book onto the floor to startle Miles.

  Miles jumped from his seat, “WHAT THE FUCK?”

  Miguel sat in his chair laughing hysterically, while Miles gave him an icy stare.

  “Just trying to bring you back to reality, you seemed to have wandered off somewhere.”

  Miles exhaled and rubbed his hand over his face and sat back down.

  “Yeah, I was thinking about Faith.”

  “So she’s that good in bed that you can’t stop thinking about her?”

  “I wouldn’t know.”

  “You two didn’t hit it off?”

  “We did but I didn’t want to be a douche and sleep with her and then never call her again. Especially since she is Alex’s best friend.”

  “If you didn’t sleep with her then how do you know that you would never call her again?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Miles, I know you said there was someone that…”

  “It’s too late for us.”

  “How do you know if you…”

  “Migs, I don’t want to talk about her.”

  “Maybe I can help?”

  “You…help me? You can’t handle a relationship of your own even when the woman is clearly throwing herself at you.”