Passion & Lies Read online

  Dane closed the distance between him and Lacey. He reached for her hand. “Hey, look at me.”

  “Miguel’s waiting for his coffee.”

  “So that’s it. We’re friends who aren’t going to be friends?”

  Lacey needed a minute away from Dane so she could think. “Let me bring Miguel his coffee and then we can talk.”

  Dane took a step back. “Ok.”

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Lacey knocked, opened Miguel’s door and then closed it behind her.

  Miguel took one look at Lacey and got up. “Lacey, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m sorry. I just need a minute.”

  Miguel took the cup of coffee from Lacey. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  After Miguel put the coffee down he turned back around and placed his hand on Lacey’s arm. “Come sit down.” Miguel motioned toward the couch.

  “I’m ok, really, I should go.”

  “Have a seat. I want to talk to you about Dane.”

  “Ok.” Lacey sat down.

  “I know it’s not really my business but I care about you both. Lacey, it’s obvious that you and Dane have feelings for one another. I also know that you told Dane you couldn’t date him…”

  “I can’t, so if you’re trying to convince me otherwise…”

  “No, not at all but I do think that it would be a shame if you two can’t remain friends.”

  “Dane just suggested the same thing.”

  “Oh and that’s when you ran in here?”

  Lacey looked down in embarrassment and nodded.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Not unless you can get Dane to settle down and short of a miracle, I don’t ever think that will happen.”

  “I once thought that about myself but then I met Alex.”

  Lacey stood up. “I better get back out there, he’s waiting to talk.”

  Miguel got up. “Sit back down. I’ll send him in so that you can have some privacy.”

  “No…”

  “Lacey, I insist.” Miguel smiled at her.

  “Thank you.”

  “You bet.”

  Dane was pacing outside Miguel’s door.

  “Whoa, you’re going to wear a path in my rug.”

  “She’s not coming out is she?”

  “No, you’re going in.”

  “Wish me luck.”

  Miguel patted Dane on the shoulder. “Good luck.”

  Dane walked inside and Miguel closed the door.

  Lacey was sitting on the couch with her back to the door. Her stomach knotted up when she heard the door close.

  Dane sat down next to Lacey. “So, have you decided if we can remain friends?”

  “It’s not like we ever stopped being friends. I just realized after you kissed me that I wanted more…”

  Dane heard more and before he knew it his lips were on Lacey’s. It took a few seconds but Lacey pulled away. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Lacey stood up.

  Dane reached for her hand but she pulled away. “Lacey, I’m sorry, I heard you say that you wanted more and I…”

  “Took advantage.” Lacey walked out the door.

  Dane dropped back down onto the couch in defeat.

  LACEY LOOKED DOWN AT the floor while the masseuse massaged her back. “Relax.”

  Alex giggled. “She doesn’t know how.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Prove it.” Alex closed her eyes and enjoyed her massage.

  “I will.” Lacey tried to relax but knowing that she had to keep Alex busy up until party time was wearing on her nerves.

  “So is Molly coming to Cruz Carnival Day?”

  “Yes, she’s so excited.”

  “It’s my favorite Cruz fundraiser.”

  “Mine too. Molly can’t wait to play with Emmie and Cruz.”

  “That’s so sweet. You know, I could use a little helper from time to time. Maybe she’d be interested?”

  “Oh she’d be interested alright. All I ever hear about is how lonely she is and then she asks me if we can adopt a sister for her.”

  “Have you ever considered doing that?”

  “Honestly, I have. I hate knowing that I’m all she has…well besides her grandparents. It’s just already so hard being a single mom. Between the worrying and the financial…”

  “Lacey, if it’s a matter of money, Miguel and I would be more than happy to help out.”

  “I appreciate that, I do, but if and when I adopt a child, I need to be able to do it on my own.”

  “I understand but, Lacey, just remember that asking for help is ok, it isn’t a sign of weakness.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Miles, can you put the cake over there.”

  “Sure, Migs.” Miles gently placed the cake down onto the table. “Where’s Dane?”

  “He landed about two hours ago. He said he’d be here within the hour.”

  “Migs, you ok?”

  “Yeah, I’m just a little nervous about how Alex will react when we surprise her.”

  “I bet she gives you some hot sex tonight to thank you.”

  “I sure hope so.”

  “Trust me, she’s going to kiss you and tell you how sweet you are and all that.”

  “Well if she decides to yell at me then I’m blaming you.” Miguel laughed.

  “Go ahead I’ll be holding Emmie.” Miles belted out a laugh.

  Dane came in holding four dozen balloons and two huge bags of decorations. “What’s so funny?”

  “Dane, hey!”

  Miguel grabbed the balloons from Dane. “Thanks for picking these up.”

  “No problem.”

  Miles grabbed the bags. “So what’s going on?”

  “Simmons’ stepson lost one of our targets. I’m telling you that kid is going to get us killed.”

  “Do you think it would help any if I talk to Simmons?”

  “I doubt it. He’s been made aware of Smitts’ negligence but the kid is still there.”

  “Doesn’t sound like Simmons. Maybe there’s something more to this?”

  “If that’s what you really believe then be my guest and have a talk with him.”

  “It can’t hurt, right.”

  “Enough with the chit chat, I could use some help over here!”

  “Stop being such a whiner, Miles.” Miguel winked at Dane.

  Dane walked over to where Miles was standing. “I’ll hang the decorations. You work with the floral arrangements.”

  “Migs, how are we doing these flowers?”

  “I guess one on each table?”

  “I don’t get it, you have more money than God and we’re trying to pull this off. Why didn’t you just hire someone?”

  “I chose not to because I know Alex will appreciate this more. She’s all about the thought that counts.”

  “Lacey said that to me once. It must be a chick thing.”

  “Well, if it is, then you must have spoiled Eden because she’s all for hiring someone unless it has to do with Cruz, then she is all hands on.”

  “I may have spoiled my sister, but just a little.” Miguel laughed.

  “How’s this?” Dane hung up the birthday banner and climbed down from the ladder.

  “A little to the left.”

  “No, Miles, a little to the right.”

  “No, definitely the left.”

  “Seriously!”

  “Nah, we’re just fucking with you, Dane.” Miles laughed.

  “You guys are dicks!”

  Miguel and Miles laughed.

  Alex was so relaxed when she came home from lunch and the spa that she fell asleep while Emmie was napping.

  Miguel came home expecting to see Alex ready for their big date night, or so he led her to believe, only to find her asleep and nowhere near ready. “Alex!”

  Alex jumped up in a panic. “Oh my God, Miguel, you scared the hell out of me!”

  Miguel
exhaled. “I’m sorry, I guess I got into a panic when I saw you…”

  Alex got up. “Oh Honey, did you think I was…dead?”

  Miguel hugged Alex. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “Maybe you should think about joining me in the shower.” Alex winked.

  “Eden and Miles will be here any minute to watch Emmie so that we can enjoy our date night.”

  “Alright, I’ll go take a quick shower and be downstairs in twenty minutes.”

  Miguel was hoping it was a fast twenty minutes since they were already running late.

  Lacey was up on a ladder helping Faith hang the photo collage they made for Alex. Ryan offered to climb up but the girls insisted they do it so Ryan took a few steps back and he navigated. “A little to the left. No, to the right. Yeah. Up a little more on the right. Perfect.”

  Faith held the ladder while Lacey climbed down. “Faith, are you alright?”

  “I’m just tired. I haven’t been sleeping.”

  “Usually you would have barked at Ryan.” Lacey giggled.

  “True. I’ll just have to spank him later.” Faith winked.

  “Spank me. We have about ten minutes before guests start to arrive.” Ryan waggled his eye brows.

  “I’ll handle the guests if you want to…”

  Ryan picked up Faith and carried her away while Lacey was still talking.

  Dane stopped at the bar down the street from the party to have a drink. If it wasn’t that he really cared about Alex, he would be skipping the party altogether to avoid Lacey. He couldn’t understand why Lacey couldn’t be his friend. They’d been friends before they kissed.

  “Hey, Sexy!”

  Dane looked to his left and a beautiful blonde was sitting there beside him. “Hello!”

  “Can I buy you a drink?”

  “I actually have to get going. I’m supposed to be at a surprise party a few doors down.”

  “Why don’t you surprise them and not show up. Stay here with me. I’ll make it worth your while.” The blonde leaned over and kissed Dane.

  Dane pulled back. He knew that if he didn’t get up and go now he would end up missing Alex’s party. “You’re gorgeous and all but I have to go.” Dane tossed some money down onto the bar. “Have a few drinks on me.” Dane turned and headed for the door.

  “Miguel, you didn’t have to stop and buy me flowers on the way. We were already late for our reservation.”

  “You deserved them and besides you looked like you needed something to make you smile.” Miguel didn’t mention the part about stalling so that Eden and Miles could arrive before them.

  “I’m ok. Just a little worried about Emmie, she seemed fussy tonight.”

  “I think that you just don’t like leaving her.”

  “I love her so much.”

  “I love you both but tonight is about us. We need to unwind.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Alex giggled.

  Miguel opened the door to the restaurant and motioned for Alex to walk inside. She barely made it all the way through the doorway when the room erupted with her friends and family yelling out to her. “SURPRISE!” and “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”

  Alex jumped back and then she covered her face with her hands and turned to Miguel. “You did this?”

  Miguel nodded. He wasn’t sure if he was about to be hugged or punched in the stomach. “Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!”

  “Oh, Miguel, thank you.” Alex hugged Miguel.

  “You had better greet your family and friends.”

  Alex walked around the room until she had kissed and hugged everyone. Then she reached out her arms and took Emmie from Faith. “My little Sweet Pea. I thought Auntie Eden and Uncle Miles were keeping you for the night.”

  “She is so beautiful.”

  Alex could see the underlying sadness in Faith’s expression. “Faith, you’ll get pregnant soon.”

  “I know. Enough about me, let’s get this party started!”

  Dane and Ryan grabbed a bottle of Tequila and started doing shots. Faith dragged Lacey over to do shots, had they not already been drinking Lacey never would have allowed Faith to literally drag her over. Faith sat next to Ryan and shoved Lacey over so she’d end up sitting next to Dane.

  Dane hadn’t spoken to Lacey since she walked out on him so he wasn’t sure if she was even speaking to him. He picked up a shot glass and handed it to her. “Here, you go.”

  Lacey stared at his big brown eyes for a minute and then realized she was staring. She took the shot. “Thank you.”

  Ryan looked around for his sister. “Alex, come over and have a shot.”

  Faith hopped onto Ryan’s lap to make room for Alex. “Sit.”

  Alex smiled and sat down. “I haven’t had this much fun in years.”

  Dane raised his glass. “Happy Birthday, Beautiful.”

  “Happy Birthday, Sis!”

  “Happy Birthday, Alex!”

  “Alex, you will always be my best friend, I love you, Happy Birthday!”

  “Aww, Faith, I love you too!”

  Once the glasses were placed back down onto the table Dane refilled them…again and again.

  Alex blew out her candles and then she reached for Miguel’s hand. “I’d like to thank my husband for this amazing party. I’ve had a wonderful night. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with me. Now, let’s eat cake!”

  Miguel kissed Alex and handed her a piece of cake. “For the gorgeous birthday girl.”

  “Have you seen Lacey or Dane?”

  Miguel looked around. “Not for a while now.”

  “Maybe they finally worked things out.”

  “Alex, I know that you want everyone to have a happy ending but Dane’s not going to leave the Agency. He’s tried before and it’s his life.”

  “I know and you’re probably right but I also know how much you changed and I’m not giving up on him just yet.” Alex smiled.

  “Ok, Cupid.” Miguel leaned down and kissed her nose.

  “I think we forgot to say goodbye to Alex.”

  “We didn’t say goodbye?”

  “I don’t remember now, maybe.” Lacey shrugged her shoulders.

  “Thank you for hanging out with me tonight.”

  Lacey looked away from Dane. “Oh, there’s my house.”

  The car came to a stop and Dane got out, opened the car door and extended his hand to Lacey. “Let me help you.”

  Lacey looked up at Dane and smiled. “Ok, but only because I can barely stand up.” Lacey giggled.

  “Yeah, we may have consumed a few too many Tequila shots.”

  Lacey took Dane’s hand and climbed out of the car. Dane leaned over to close the car door and Lacey’s knees buckled causing her to grab onto Dane. “Oops, I almost went down.” Lacey started laughing.

  Dane shook his head and chuckled as he scooped her up into his arms. “I’ve got you.”

  Lacey leaned her head against Dane’s chest. “I wish I could stay like this all night.”

  Dane looked down at Lacey’s plump red lips. He didn’t know what he wanted more…to kiss those lips or have them wrapped around his cock? Dane swallowed hard. “Lacey, I can make your wish come true…if you let me?”

  “I can’t.”

  “Well, at least let me get you to the door.” Dane carried Lacey to her door and then gently stood her back on her feet.

  Lacey pulled the key from her purse and opened the door. “Thank you.”

  Dane stepped back. He wanted so badly to grab Lacey and ravish her right there on the porch. “Good night.” Dane turned to walk away.

  “WAIT!” Lacey grabbed his hand.

  Dane looked down at Lacey. “What is it?”

  “Don’t leave.”

  “Are you feeling sick?”

  “No.”

  “Lacey…”

  “Tell your driver to go. I want you to stay.”

  “Stay?”

  “I can’t let you go. I want you so bad, Dane, you’re all I think about.�
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  Dane signaled for his driver to leave. Then he grabbed Lacey and kissed her. “I want you too.” He picked Lacey up, she wrapped her legs around him and he kicked the door closed behind them.

  Lacey and Dane kissed for a long time before Dane started to undress Lacey. He knew she asked this time but he moved cautiously expecting her to change her mind at any moment. He sucked her nipple into his mouth. “Mmmm.”

  Lacey let out a gasp. She reached out and opened Dane’s pants so she could stroke his cock.

  Dane began pushing his fingers inside her one at a time. “Oh, Lacey, I’ve wanted to be with you like this for so long.”

  “Make love to me.”

  “Stand up.”

  Lacey stood up and Dane finished removing her clothes. Then he removed his. He wrapped Lacey in his big, strong arms and kissed her.

  “Dane, I…”

  Dane silenced Lacey with a kiss. He didn’t want to take the chance with the rest of that sentence. He lifted Lacey up, gently placed her down onto the bed and then he looked up at her. “Are you sure?”

  “No, but I want you anyway.”

  Dane kissed her whole body, he wanted to make her feel loved…no he didn’t love her…special, yeah…he shook that thought from his head before he slid himself deep inside her. “Baby, my God, you’re so…”

  Lacey let out a long moan. “Ohhhhhh…God!”

  Dane waited for Lacey’s body to accommodate him before he started really pounding away. If he didn’t know better he’d have thought she was a virgin she was so tight. It felt so good, in fact, he was having a hard time holding off from cumming. He didn’t know if this was a one-time thing and he didn’t want it to end. Lacey started wriggling beneath him and digging her nails into his ass in an attempt to pull him closer and that did it. Once Dane felt Lacey cumming on him, he came and then dropped down beside Lacey and pulled her into his arms. “That was amazing.”

  Lacey didn’t say anything, she didn’t have any words for the emotions she was feeling, so she just closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep in Dane’s arms.