“I haven’t seen her this happy in…well maybe never.”
“Let’s just hope he doesn’t fuck her over and break her heart.”
“Ryan!”
“Look, he is used to getting whatever he wants. He’s hurt her before and honestly I don’t really like the idea of my sister being involved with some guy that almost got you both killed.”
“Please don’t ruin this for her. She really loves him.”
“I know she does and I will keep my opinion to myself…for now. God help him, if he hurts her…”
“Enough. This is his room.”
Faith knocked on the door.
Alex looked over at the door, she was wondering why someone was knocking. The nurses had been coming and going all day without a single knock. “Come in.”
Faith and Ryan walked in and Alex shook her head as she got up to greet them.
“Together again?”
Ryan hugged his sister. “You didn’t hear us having sex in the elevator, did you?”
“Ryan!” Alex punched her brother in the arm.
Faith rolled her eyes and giggled. “Nothing happened in the elevator.” Faith hugged Alex and then she walked over to Miguel. “How are you feeling?”
“Hi, Faith. I feel like a caged animal.”
“At least you’re still alive.”
“True.”
Ryan walked over and shook Miguel’s hand. “Hey. You look like you’re doing better.”
“I think the nurses are avoiding me, therefore, they haven’t come in to drug me.”
Alex laughed. “I think I may have to agree with you.”
“So how’s Dane?” As soon as Faith said his name she wished she hadn’t brought him up.
Alex looked at Faith, “He went home yesterday. The doctor said he’ll be good as new in about two weeks.”
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…”
Miguel reached over and grabbed Alex’s hand. “It’s ok. Dane is a good friend and for the record he is ok with us…this.”
Ryan shook his head. “This? You are referring to a relationship with my sister as THIS?”
Alex couldn’t believe her brother was being such a total ass. “Ryan, apologize.”
“I think we should go. Come on Ryan.” Faith put on her coat.
“Ryan, you’re right. Alex deserves better than that.”
“Miguel, don’t. Ryan needs to mind his own business.”
“Alex, you are my business.” Ryan walked out. Faith ran out after him.
Faith chased Ryan into the stairwell as he continued to stomp down the stairs and completely ignore her.
“Ryan, would you just stop.”
Ryan stopped and waited for Faith to catch up. “What now, Faith?”
“Did you see the look on Alex’s face? Miguel even tried to answer you and you took off. What gives?”
“I don’t know. Something isn’t right. I don’t trust him. Alex is going to end up hurt.”
“If Alex is happy, then isn’t that all that matters?”
“Yes, of course, but I’d like to know that she’s safe as well.”
“He’s going to take care of her.”
“I hope you’re right.” Ryan continued down the stairs.
Miguel sat there staring down at the floor. Alex poked her head out into the hallway hoping Ryan was just taking a moment to cool down but he was gone.
“He’s right you know.”
“Miguel, he had no right to say anything that he said. Frankly, I’m embarrassed.”
“In his defense, I’ve hurt you, I cost you your job, I’m responsible for you almost being killed and for yours and Dane’s break up. If you were my sibling, I’d hate me too.”
“He doesn’t hate you.”
“If you say so.”
“I say so. He just needs some time to relax. That shooting freaked us all out.”
“It won’t happen again. I promise.”
“I think you need to get back in bed now.”
“I don’t want to.”
“I know you don’t but you need to stretch out and rest those legs too.”
“Ok but if I have to pee, I’m getting up.”
“Deal.”
ALEX WAS ALMOST SAD that the doctors were releasing Miguel from the hospital. They had spent the last several days, basically alone. They talked about everything from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to their favorite movies. She didn’t want it to end.
“I can’t wait to get home.”
“I kind of wish that we could stay here forever.” Alex smiled.
“Here?” Miguel looked at Alex like she had two heads.
“It’s been nice, just us…and two dozen nurses.”
“Nothing’s going to change once we leave, Sweetheart.”
“It will. Work will happen, people will visit and you will be able to go out and do things.”
“It will, you’re right but Alex, I want you to be a part of it all.”
“And then you will be sick of me in no time.”
Miguel walked over to Alex and although it hurt to lean over he did it anyway, so that he could hug Alex. “I will never tire of you or your beautiful face.”
“You’ve never seen my face first thing in the morning, you may think differently.”
“I can’t imagine that I would.” Miguel grimaced and then clenched his teeth.
“Ok, you’ve been standing for too long. Come sit down.”
“I’m fine. I can handle it.”
“If you’re not going to take your pain medication then you shouldn’t do things that give you pain…like stand and hug.”
“I don’t like having rules and restrictions.”
“Then stop getting hurt. First that accident and now this. You and Miles must have nine lives.”
Miguel mumbled under his breath, “If you only knew.”
Ryan had just moved into his new corner office on the top floor with the other two partners in the firm. He was beyond excited but exhausted as he had spent the night researching Miguel and trying to find out everything and anything he could about him. Something just wasn’t sitting well with him.
His phone buzzed. “Ryan, just reminding you that the interviews for your replacement begin in fifteen minutes.
“Thank you, Gayle.”
Ryan hung up, grabbed his notepad and headed downstairs to grab more coffee before the interview process began.
Miles helped Miguel up to his room. Miguel was very weak and needed some sleep but he was as stubborn as an ox and wanted to talk to Miles before Alex came upstairs.
“Before Alex comes up, what’s going on? Any word on Jakey?”
“Nothing. I don’t think this is over by a long shot. Someone is out to take down our whole Team.”
“I agree.”
“I have Eric working on timelines, past missions and anyone that could have been within reach when Milton supposedly committed suicide.”
“What’s Dane up to?”
“He is working with the Team that was at the dinner.”
“So far nobody has anything…dammit!” Miguel kicked his duffle bag across the room.
Miles grabbed Miguel’s arm. “Calm down, Miguel, we always figure it out.”
“I hate being useless.”
“Right now, you need to rest and let us work on it.”
“Who’s working on investigating our Team for a mole?”
“I am. Because I don’t trust anyone but us.”
“Good, that makes me feel better.”
“Migs, I got this. In a few days you’ll be good as new.”
“I know you do.”
“Then get that ass in bed.”
Miguel toed off his shoes and sat down on the edge of the bed to undress. “Miles, watch your back.”
“Always.” Miles cracked a smile and then left.
Alex squeezed Miguel some fresh orange juice and then whipped up some French toast. She was far from lazy but loved that he had a housekee
per that kept the fridge stocked and would also clean up the dirty dishes. After Alex sliced up some fresh strawberries she arranged everything on a tray and went upstairs.
When she got to Miguel’s room she pushed the door open with her foot and walked in quietly so that if he had fallen asleep she wouldn’t startle him. Miguel was lying on the bed with his shirt unbuttoned in his undies.
“I brought you something to eat.”
Miguel looked over at Alex and smiled. “I think I fell asleep.”
Alex placed the tray down on the bed. “Here, let me help you get yourself situated and then you can eat before you go back to sleep.”
“It smells good.”
“I promise you it’s nothing special but it’s comfort food. My mom always made us French toast when we were in bed sick, unless we had a cold, then it was chicken soup.”
“I love chicken soup, especially the kind with those little meatballs.” Miguel giggled.
Alex looked at that beautiful face and combined with his cute little giggle, she fell even more in love with him. “I can make chicken soup even if you’re not sick with a cold, if you’d like?”
“You’d do that for me?”
“Of course, silly.” Alex raised her hand and placed it on Miguel’s cheek. “Miguel, I love you.”
Miguel felt overwhelmed, he was still trying to figure out how this was all going to work. He decided to end the conversation by stuffing his mouth full of food.
Ryan sat doodling on his notepad while they interviewed endless candidates for his previous position. Finally, the last candidate walked in and sat down. Ryan looked up and was taken aback to find Eden Cruz sitting across from him.
“Eden, hello.”
“Ryan.”
Ryan’s partners Zac and Ed looked between the two. “Well Ed, it looks as if Miss Cruz here is already acquainted with our man, Ryan.”
“Eden’s brother is Miguel Cruz, a friend of my sister’s.”
“They are more than friends, Ryan.”
Zac decided before Ryan and Eden got into a debate at the dating status of their siblings he would change the subject. “So why don’t you tell us, Miss Cruz, why you think you would be an asset to our firm?”
“I have attended the best schools, I am currently working for the most prestigious firm in Chicago and I’ve never lost a case. I’m dedicated and hard working.”
It was Ed’s turn, “How do you feel about relocating to New York?”
“New York is where I grew up and I miss living here. That is the main reason I would like to relocate.”
“Eden, why don’t you work for your brother, if you want to move back home and need a job?”
“First of all, let me say that I don’t need a job. I have a trust fund that I could live off of for the rest of my life. I want to work. I always wanted to be a lawyer. I enjoy winning my cases. However, I can see that my working here does not seem to be something you would approve of, Ryan.” Eden stood up, as she reached for her briefcase she turned towards Zac and Ed, “Thank you for your time, I’m sorry that I’ve wasted it.” Eden walked out.
Miles and Dane were in Miguel’s study working. Alex was standing outside the door about to knock and let them know she had baked some cookies when she overheard what they were saying.
“Dane, nobody can ever know about that or we will all end up dead.”
“If it wasn’t for Miguel getting us out the last time…” Miles looked at the door and then back to Dane. “Did you hear that?”
Alex knew she had better knock before they realized she was listening at the door. “Guys, I made cookies.”
Miles looked relieved it was Alex and walked over and opened the door. “Cookies, we like cookies.”
Alex handed Miles a plate. “Enjoy!”
Dane limped over and grabbed a cookie. “Thanks.”
“How’s the leg?”
“I’m doing ok.”
Alex still felt awkward about the way things changed so quickly with her and Dane.
“Miles, can Dane and I have a minute?”
Miles grabbed three cookies and then headed out the door.
“What’s up, Alex?”
“I know we spoke about this before but I still feel awkward about…”
Dane reached for Alex’s hand. “Don’t feel awkward. We can’t help who we fall in love with. We can only hope that the same person falls in love with us. I’m happy for you and Migs.”
“I hope you find someone…”
“Alex, I’m happy. I’m not ready to settle down and to be honest I don’t know if I ever will be.”
“I guess all that matters is that you’re happy then.”
“Yes, and you know what makes me happy?”
“No.”
“Cookies!” Dane grabbed one in each hand and stuffed them in his mouth as he laughed.
Alex shook her head and laughed too. She felt much better now.
TWO DAYS HAD PASSED. Alex spent most of the time either cooking, baking or watching Miguel sleep. Thoughts of her and Miguel married with a houseful of children ran through her head.
“Hey Beautiful.”
Alex jumped up from her chair. “How are you feeling today?”
Miguel sat up in bed and extended his hand to Alex. “Stronger.”
Alex sat on the end of the bed. “That’s good. Are you hungry?”
“All you do is feed me. I think I’ve gained twenty pounds in the last few days.”
“I’m sorry.”
Miguel leaned forward and kissed Alex. “Don’t be sorry. It’s kind of nice. Nobody’s ever taken care of me before.”
Alex felt sad thinking about how awful it must be not to have anyone to love you or care for you. “Well, I’m here now.”
“About that…”
Alex pulled her hand away and stood up. “You want me to leave, don’t you…I knew it; I never should have stayed…”
“Alex, Sweetheart.” Miguel stood up and wrapped his arms around Alex. “I don’t want you to leave…ever.”
Alex looked up. “You don’t?”
Miguel shook his head. “I don’t. What I want is for you to stay.”
Alex gently hugged Miguel. “Of course I will stay and take care of you until you’re feeling better.”
Miguel pulled away and looked at Alex. “Alex, what I’m trying to say is that, I want you to move in…permanently.”
Alex blinked a few times and then she stepped back. “Oh.”
“Oh? You don’t…”
“I’d love to move in. I’m just afraid that if we go too fast that…”
“That, I will regret it?”
“It still seems so unbelievable that I’m even standing here right now with you. I don’t want to do anything that could…”
“Sweetheart, it took me longer than it should have and maybe it would have taken even longer if I didn’t almost die but I know what I want and it’s you.”
Alex walked back into Miguel’s arms. He held her and kissed the top of her head. “I want you too, Miguel.”
“Come sit down.”
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. I feel a little tired and I don’t want to have you yelling at me.”
“Ahh, I see you’re learning already.” Alex chuckled.
They sat down on the bed and Miguel kissed Alex. They kissed for a few minutes before Miguel pulled away.
“You drive my body crazy. I want you so bad, Alex.”
“I want you too but you’re not in any condition to have sex.”
“Will you lie down with me, so I can hold you?”
“I’d like that.”
Miguel laid down on the bed and Alex snuggled in his arms.
Ryan arrived at Miguel’s house at the same time that Eden did. They both got out of their cars and headed to the front door.
“Eden, can we talk?”
Eden stopped and turned around to look at Ryan. “Ok.”
“I want to apologize for my beh
avior at your interview.”
“You were a bit of a jerk.”
“I was actually coming here to apologize and see if you would consider accepting the position?”
“Really?”
“You are the best candidate.”
“I’m not sure it’s a great idea.”
“Can I take you for dinner and we can talk about it?”
“Hey, Eden, Ryan!”
“Hey, Miles!”
“How’s my brother doing?”
“I just checked in on Miguel before I walked out and Alex is doing a fine job taking care of him.”
“That’s my sister. Always, taking care of everyone but herself.”
“So, what are you two up to? Are you here to see your siblings?”
“I’m here to see my brother.”
“I came here in hopes of finding Eden to apologize and…”
“Apologize?” Miles got very defensive when he heard the word apologize. Him and Miguel had been caring for Eden for a very long time now and the idea of someone hurting her did not sit well with him.
“It’s all good now. In fact, we are going to have dinner tonight.” Eden smiled.
“Well, I need to get going.” Miles took off.
“He’s a bit over protective of you.”
“He practically raised me with my brother. They are both over protective of me.”
“I get that. Alex means the world to me and if anyone ever hurt her I’d…”
“My brother is trying to right his wrongs.”
“I know and that’s why I’m trying to keep my mouth shut and give him a chance to redeem himself.”
“My brother is far from perfect but he’s come a long way and I’m proud of him. He loves Alex.”
“She loves him too.”
“Let’s go see how they are doing, shall we?”
“Yeah, sure.”
Ryan and Eden continued on into the house.
Miles decided to call Faith to see if she wanted to go out for dinner. He needed to do something to get his mind off that damn woman that possessed his heart and soul. He couldn’t go on like this. It wasn’t fair to either of them. They needed to make a commitment, once and for all, or they needed to move on. Not that he knew how he could ever move on without her.
Faith saw Miles walk into the restaurant. He was so damn handsome. Why was it that all the guys she met already had someone else in their lives or didn’t want to settle down? She just wanted to find someone to share her life with, why did it have to be so hard?
Love & Lies Page 12