Tangled Deceit

By Wendy Miller

“I think your mother had an affair with my business partner.”

A few simple words, and Lacey's world is blown apart. It soon becomes clear that her mother is hiding something, and Lacey becomes determined to find out what it is. As she explores her mother's past, driving a wedge between herself and the woman who gave her life, she also explores a relationship with Jon. As she begins to see that everyone around her has been keeping secrets, Jon becomes the only person she truly trusts.

Jon approached Lacey with one goal in mind: finding out if her mother had once been involved with his business partner, and if she had, what happened between them. But Lacey is beautiful, sweet, and has an innocence he hasn't seen in a woman in a long time. It's an innocence he usually avoids, but in her, it draws him. He thinks he can manage a relationship with Lacey and still accomplish his goal at the same time, but can he?

As the truth starts to break through the walls of lies, Lacey and Jon only grow closer. But what happens when Lacey finds out Jon's secret? Will she be able to forgive him and move on, or will she believe he manipulated her for his own purposes and cut him out of her life forever?

More importantly, when faced with a choice her mother once had, will she learn from her mother's mistakes or is she doomed to repeat them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wendy Miller
• Release date: Jul 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781507017265

Wendy Miller

Wendy Miller is the author of romance and romantic suspense novels. She began writing as a child, and with the encouragement of her grandmother, as well as other family and friends, she eventually independently published her first novel, Tangled Deceit. She is often working on more than one project at a time, because her brain refuses to focus on only one. Wendy is also a single mother of two sons, both of whom have ADHD. She homeschools both of them, as it allows them to be educated without being medicated. When she isn't teaching her sons, researching or writing on her latest project(s), she enjoys reading, watching television and movies, listening to a huge variety of music, swimming, camping, and even fishing now and then (though she does not bait her own hook or remove her catch from the hook. Why do you think she had sons?). You can learn more about Wendy on her website, http://www.wendy-miller.com. She also loves to hear from her readers, and you can email her through her website or at [e-mail].

Book preview

Dedication and Acknowledgements

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There are five people that I need to dedicate this book to, and to thank for the fact that this book even exists. They each played their own roles, and I don't even know where to start.

First, my sons, Lukas and Kevin. I have these two amazing young men who have very active imaginations and dream big. I mean, huge – one wants to be the next Steve Irwin, and the other thinks he is the next Steve Irwin. I tell them every day that they can achieve their dreams. One day, I realized I was telling them this, but I wasn't showing them. Now I'm showing them. Because of them, I took my dream out of the someday category and put it into the today category. Lukas and Kevin, Mom loves you and thanks you for giving me the kick in the butt that I needed to follow my own dream. Next, it's your turn.

Then there's my parents. They've always loved and supported me. They believed in me. They've always been there. I would not have been able to do this without their support. My mother telling me that she couldn't wait to read what I wrote on her Kindle was very motivating. So I have to say a huge thank you to my mom and dad, Donna and Steve. And, of course, I love you both.

Last, my grandmother. I don't remember how old I was, but I gave my grandmother some little story I'd written. I wasn't more than maybe twelve years old. She read it and told me I should be a writer. That planted the seed. I began to dream of one day being a published author. But, as it always does, life got in the way. My grandmother never gave up on me, though. While I was working a full time job and caring for my sons as a single mother, every time I talked to her, she'd ask me if I was writing. If the answer was no (as it was for several long and depressing years) she'd insist that I had the talent and the ability and that I needed to do it. So, I did it. With her words constantly echoing in the back of my mind, her unwavering support and insistence in believing in my abilities, I got to work. This is the result. So, if you like this story, while I certainly will take credit for writing it, the real person to thank is my grandmother, Mary Lou, because without her, I probably never would have done this. I love you, Grandma.

And yes, Grandma, I still insist that you must live forever.

Chapter 1

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I think your mother had an affair with my business partner.

Lacey stopped entering information into the computer, her hands poised in midair over the keyboard.

Excuse me? she asked, her voice very quiet.

She was a beautiful woman. Long, dark blond hair was restrained in a braid down her back. Her chocolate brown eyes looked at him in confusion, her slender eyebrows perfectly arched above them. There was something about her that struck him as sweet, maybe even innocent.

I think my business partner once had an affair...actually, a relationship with your mother. he repeated.

You don’t know who my mother is.

Renee Rider. And you’re Lacey Rider. Now that he was here, he realized his opening statement might not have been the best.

How do you know that and who are you? He saw wariness enter her eyes, and she pushed her chair away from her desk, her body tensing as though she was preparing to run.

I’m Jon Holland. I own Holland Construction. I know who you are because my company built this building and did the interior work. We knew who it was for. I know who your mother is because everyone knows who your mother is. How could anyone in this county, or in Florida for that matter, not know who the Reeds and the Riders are? She came from a rich family and married into an even richer one. His recitation was rapid fire, shooting off the facts as quickly and tonelessly as possible. He wanted to get down to the real reason he was here.

All right, so explain to me why you’re here? Her voice was tense, and he wondered if it was the mention of her family's wealth or just his mere presence that bothered her.

My business partner. I think he once had an affair with your mother, he repeated slowly. He’s looking for her now.

I’m sorry? You think he had an affair with my mother? Lacey was gracious enough not to laugh, but he could tell she found the idea outrageous. You must be mistaken.

She sat back down, intending it to be a dismissal.

I could very well be. However, he says that she’s the reason he left Lake View, and went to New York. He claims to have been in love with her and that she used him.

Impossible. My mother would never use anyone She’s a very loving, generous woman.

Lacey’s loyalty was admirable. He hoped it wasn’t misplaced.

I’m sure she is. I just want to find out if it’s true that they were involved and see if I can arrange for him to see her again.

Why do you care? He’s just your business partner.

Because he’s not just my business partner. He’s a very good friend. Really, my best friend. He is miserable and depressed and it’s not only dragging me down, it’s affecting our business. He hasn’t made much of an effort lately to bring in new business. While I’m pretty good at it myself, I prefer to be on the labor end of our operation.

So, this is really to help you, not him.

Helping him helps me. Helping him is my priority. Are you willing to help me or not? He tried to keep his frustration out of his tone, but it wasn't easy.

What am I supposed to help you do exactly? It was clear she didn't know what he wanted, and was rapidly getting exasperated with him.

Well, do you know if she had an affair with him? Jon asked jokingly, raising an eyebrow. The question was blunt, and he knew it had to shock her. He also knew she probably didn’t know the answer. Though he meant it as a joke, he also figured it didn't hurt to just put it out there. Sometimes people surprised you with what they knew.

Well, first you have to tell me his name, she drawled, raising an eyebrow at him. He smiled sheepishly. He should have thought this through more carefully.

Oh. Sorry. His name is James Murphy. Everyone calls him Jim.

The name means nothing to me. If she ever was involved with him, she apparently never thought it important enough to say anything to anyone about it. But, I doubt very much that she was ever involved with him. She married my father at seventeen. She never cheated on my dad, at least not that I’m aware of.

Well, most mothers don’t tell their little girls they're cheating on Daddy, he commented wryly. She blushed, which added to the already pink tinge on her pale skin. It was a cute look on her. It also added to that innocent air he sensed.

I simply meant that she never acted suspiciously, Lacey told him haughtily, looking down her nose at him.

Okay, he said, laughing. Would you be willing to talk to her about it? Ask her if she remembers him, at least?

Look, my mother’s past isn’t my business. I don’t think she’d like me asking about it, she responded. Besides, most children don’t ask their mother who they dated before they got married.

You aren’t the slightest bit curious? he inquired, his eyebrows raised. Just a tiny little bit? He held up his thumb and forefinger, barely separated.

No, she answered, but he knew she lied.

Okay. So, you don’t care if a fellow businessman loses everything over a hidden affair that may or may not have happened. That’s fine. He sighed dramatically, pretending the whole world was ending. She rolled her eyes.

I don’t really think you're going to lose everything just because your business partner is pining over a woman he claims to have had a relationship with several years ago, if not a few decades ago.

Look, Lacey, I’m asking for a little help. If you don’t want to give it, that’s fine. But, don’t be a bitch about it. I just thought that you might be willing to smooth the way a bit. But it won't stop me if you don't. His voice was harsh, his eyes were hard. He'd hoped to use her to get to her mother, but he would just approach Renee Rider himself, if need be. Lacey was just a means to an end, and if she wouldn't help him, he'd find another way to get what he wanted.

Lacey stared at him for a moment, anger glimmering deep in her own eyes. He knew that anger would be a force to be reckoned with if he inspired her to unleash it on him. He was beginning not to care.

Are you threatening my mother? Or me? she asked quietly. He sighed. He knew the wrong word would unleash the storm in her eyes.

No, Lacey, I am not threatening your mother or you. I am simply informing you that like it or not, I plan to approach your mother and ask her about Jim. I came to you, hoping you might want to help, or at least facilitate a meeting between her and I. It doesn't really matter to me if you get involved or not. I'm going to talk to her. Your presence is optional, and your approval is not required.

Fine. Since you insist on harassing my mother, I will be there to protect her from you, Lacey finally said. He rolled his eyes this time.

I’m not going to harass her. I’m just going to talk to her. That’s all, just talk.

Fine. Call it what you want. I say it’s harassment, but I’ll call my mother and arrange a meeting. Leave me your phone number and I’ll call you after I talk to her.

Couldn’t you call her now? Jon pressed. She looked at him with her eyes narrowed. That fierce anger glinted again in the depths of those chocolate eyes. It made her even more attractive.

I said I would call her, and I will. But not right now. Leave me your phone number and I will call you. You don’t need to worry that I’m going to try to pull a fast one on you. I stick to my word, she replied, and he knew she was implying that he wouldn’t.

Fine. He pulled out a business card that contained his business office and cell phone numbers, and scrawled his home phone number on the back of it. He tossed it on her desk, where it skidded on the slick surface to come to rest in front of her.

Fine. You’ll probably hear from me tomorrow. She looked directly at him, ignoring the creamy white rectangle in front of her.

He was going to leave, but he stopped. She was gorgeous. He found himself wanting her, in spite of her haughty attitude. Or maybe because of it, he reflected. She was very different from the women he usually dated, yet he found himself wanting to get to know her anyway. He decided to follow his impulse, even if this was horrible timing.

Would you like to go out sometime?

Excuse me? You come in, inform me that you think my mother and your business partner once had a torrid affair and you want me to help you harass my mother into thinking of her possible past indiscretions and then you ask me out to dinner? I think that’s a little... odd, don’t you? Her words said she did, but her eyes said something different. So, he pushed it a little.

No. I think you’re attractive. I want to get to know you. Is that so horrible? Besides, I like an argumentative woman, he said. He winked to soften the statement.

I’m not argumentative! she cried. He smiled and looked at her. I’m not!

Okay, he said, laughing. Would you like to have dinner with me?

She didn't answer right away, staring at him through narrowed brown eyes. Her lips pursed, and he felt the urge to kiss those lips until they melted under his.

Oh, fine. I guess I have to eat, and I might as well let you pay for it, she finally said wearily. Where should I meet you?

How about your place? he suggested. I’ll bring some sandwiches. Tonight. Before you can back out on me. His eyes glinted with humor. She narrowed hers.

Not my place. No.

Okay. How about here then? After you close? He supposed he could seduce her just as easily in her office as in her home.

Fine, she replied.

Subs from Bobby’s okay? he asked, naming a popular pizza place. She nodded.

Knock when you get here. The door will be locked and I’ll be in my office, she told him, already refocusing on her computer screen.

All right, he said. See you at seven.

**

Lacey sat in her office, doing some calculations, and getting frustrated with the results she kept getting, when she heard the hard knock on the glass door. He knocked hard enough to make the bells jingle. She shook her head as she stood to let him in.

She'd spent most of the afternoon pondering Jon's accusations against her mother. She'd even found herself wondering at one point if her grandmother might know something, before reminding herself it was none of her business. But knowing it was none of her business couldn't stop her curiosity. She was dying to know if there was any truth to what Jon said. Her mother was a very loving, giving woman, the chairperson of several committees devoted to helping children, the homeless, and military veterans, among others. Lacey simply couldn't picture her mother using anyone for her own selfish gains. Besides, what could her mother possibly have gained from having an affair?

When she went to the front, she saw him through the door, silhouetted by the setting Florida sun’s orange, pink and red rays. He was wearing all black, right down to his black boots. He had sunglasses perched on the bridge of his nose, hiding the deep green eyes that she had found so mesmerizing that afternoon. He looked like he was still wet from a shower, drops of water glistening in the sunlight that lit his dark curly hair. He was smiling at her through the door, his lush lips forming a nearly perfect horseshoe shape. She found herself smiling back, even though she didn’t want to, as she unlocked the front door to let him in. She locked it again once he had entered.

Hi, he said. Italian subs from Bobby’s, including chips, pickles, and two root beers. He held up the brown paper bag and the drink carrier he was holding in his hands.

Did you get Italian dressing? she asked, hoping to find fault with him. She wasn't sure why she'd accepted this date with him. Considering the situation, it seemed very weird to be here like this with him. But something in his dark brown eyes had seemed to beckon her and she hadn't been able to say no. 

Sure did. And mayo and mustard. I wasn’t sure what you’d want, so I got it all, he said proudly. She couldn't fault him for that.

Good, she said. Let’s sit at one of the desks.

Why not in your office?

Because I'd rather stay out here. My office is... my sanctuary. Which you've already invaded once.

So, is it okay to ask you about yourself, or is that an invasion? he teased.

What do you want to know about me? she asked.

Oh, just the basics: age, marital status, want to hook up? he joked.

Twenty-seven, never married, and most definitely not. There was barely a hint of humor in her answer as she stared him down so seriously. She had the feeling he was the type that never committed, and she had no interest in that. So why was she here, she wondered.

Oh, come on, Lacey. Will you lighten up? I’m teasing you and you’re acting like you’re on trial for something.

Well, excuse me, but you come in here asking personal questions about my mother and coercing me into helping you dig into things that are none of my business or yours. You can’t very well expect me to treat you like my best friend.

No, but you could stop treating me like I’m a cow patty that you’ve swept up that just won’t stay in the trash. I’m a decent guy, just trying to make a living and help out a friend. You can't tell me you've never done that? Tried to help a friend with a difficult problem? He stared at her, and for a moment, she felt a little sympathy.

She quickly shoved it away. She had enough conflicting emotions when it came to him, she didn't need to add sympathy to the mix.

Yes. But not one involving someone else’s past. She looked away.

Oh, would you stop with the high and mighty crap? he demanded, his exasperation finally showing through. You know as well as I do that you’re curious. You're dying to know if your mother has some secret history. Some slutty past, maybe. You want her to have that past, so you can identify with her.

Are you saying I’m slutty? she asked. Was that what he thought of her? Was that why he'd asked her out? Did he think she was going to just fall into bed with him?

I'll have you know I don't sleep around, and I don't date multiple men at a time. There's nothing slutty about me.

"No. I’m saying you’re a healthy, modern woman who I’m sure has seen