First to Lie: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (Unraveled Book 1)

by Marie Johnston

  “She’s been trying to confront me every day since.” I gulped as he thought of pink bangs and a little tongue I was sure would’ve been all over my dick within minutes if it weren’t for the phone call.

  Laughing, Flynn adjusted his stance to putt again. “What are you waiting for, dude? Rip into her.”

  Oh, I’d rip into her all right. “Just so happens, I met her at my club.”

  Flynn’s gaze popped off the ball. “And did it get ugly?”

  My grin had to look like I’d nailed a hole in one. “No, because I told her my name was Sam.”

  “Story. Now.” Flynn straightened and waited.

  Other golfers were making their way to their hole. I didn’t care to share my private business with the world. “Make your damn shot and I’ll keep talking.”

  Flynn swung the club down and hit the ball without looking. He cocked a brow toward Wes, not caring where it landed.

  “Fine. She came in asking for me, so I went to check her out. I realized who she was and that she didn’t know it was me.” I lifted a shoulder. “So I decided to tell her my name was Sam and find out what had made my dad willing to hand over a major piece of property to her.”

  “Did you?”

  Yes. “Almost. Supposedly, she got a call that her mom was in the hospital.”

  “You don’t believe her?”

  “Maybe. It’d be a good setup.” I had thought about it while waiting for my driver. She’d mysteriously gotten a call and called it quits before we’d hit it. It wasn’t like a hookup would follow her into the ER, but she could snag my sympathy and use it to squeeze me dry.

  “So now what?”

  I pinned my friend with a determined stare. “Now I wait for her to call. I can sample the goods while getting my revenge.”

  I’d expected a fist bump from Flynn, but he wore a slight frown. “What if she plays you, too?”

  “No way. I’m in this with my eyes open. She’s the one who doesn’t know who I am.”

  “Whatever, dude. Keep me posted so I can tell you to abort the mission when she starts draining your wallet. She’s going out of business thanks to you, by the way.”

  I studied Flynn. Genuine concern emanated from him. As if Mara could get one over on me.

  We hopped into the golf cart and jetted to the next hole.

  “So, what’s she look like?” Flynn draped his arm over the wheel and flashed the dimple-baring grin that brought the girls flocking, along with the limit-free credit card.

  I blew out a breath. I wished I could say she looked like a wet mutt that’d been homeless and out in the rain for a month. “Pretty, in a simple way. Beautiful, really, and all without much makeup.” I settled back and let the images of Mara laughing and dancing run through my head. “She had her hair in ponytails, but it was cute. She’s short, too, but doesn’t seem like it because she’s not, like, meek or anything.”

  Flynn studied me, saying nothing.

  Irritation spiked. “What?”

  “I thought you’d just say she’s hot. Or she’s fugly. But I’d swear you’re going to break out in song, spout some poetry.”

  I clenched my jaw. I wasn’t enamored.

  I wasn’t.

  “I have to know my target.”

  Flynn grunted but didn’t sound convinced.

  “I know it might all be contrived. Mara’s a woman in a male-dominated business. I doubt Sam was the only one who ‘helped’ her along the way.”

  Especially after seeing her house. Had all of her money gone into the store, or had she spent it on exotic vacations? I made a note to check into it.

  A simple, bordering on rundown, house would give the effect that she had nothing and needed help.

  We climbed out of the cart and chose our next clubs. Flynn asked, “When do you see her again?”

  “After this, I’ll go to the office and get some work done. If she hasn’t called by then, I’ll text her.”

  “Maybe you should play hard to get.”

  What if that kept me from her bed? No, I wanted more than a nibble of Mara Jade.

  Mara

  I rubbed my eyes and blinked away my tiredness. It didn’t help.

  “Are you all right?” Ephraim, one of my regulars, glanced at me while he meticulously arranged the pieces of his Axis & Allies game. The light from my store danced over his dark scalp as he bent over the table. He was probably about my mom’s age, but where my mom was dependent on a wheelchair, he was trim and fit with an athletic six-foot frame.

  I shot him a reassuring smile. “Late night for all the wrong reasons.”

  “Your mom?”

  My heart twisted. Not just at the reminder of why I’d been up late, but that my regulars had become such a mainstay of my life, not just my store. I considered many of them friends. They gave me sound business advice and recommended various items I should stock. I rarely failed to heed their advice—after much consideration, of course, thanks to therapy.

  “She’s in the hospital again. I can’t thank you enough for recommending Golden Meadows Living Center. They’ve taken such good care of her.” I thanked my lucky stars that I could afford quality care for my mom every time I walked into the clean, cheery facility.

  Ephraim’s expression crinkled with tenderness. He inspected the minute game pieces before setting each one down. “They took good care of my dad, and then Mom when she developed dementia. I’m glad it’s working out.” He straightened and clapped his hands. “So where are these players you promised me?”

  The door chimed and another frequent customer entered.

  Mara grinned. “Here’s at least one. Over here, Joe.”

  Magic players, none of them old enough to drink, were already deep into their game at the tables in the corner. More teenagers lined the monitors, comatose at the Xbox while trying various video games. Another piece of advice from my clientele. I sold many games because they were able to try them out first at my store. Or it drew them into my store, where they spent money on other items.

  Joe grinned as he approached, his features always what I’d thought of as fatherly. Probably because he had five grown kids. “Where’s this hours-long strategy game you mentioned?”

  She introduced the two men. “I think Stella said she’d be a little late, but you two go ahead and set it up since it takes forever.”

  Ephraim paused over his setup. “Have you heard from the big guy’s kid yet?”

  My shoulders stiffened. I hadn’t told my customers about the store closing. Five weeks remained before I had to shut my doors. Monday I’d put up the notice. I’d give myself today to pretend it was business as usual.

  Another day where Sam wouldn’t be strolling in with his booming laugh and Star-Trek-versus-Star-Wars mentality. He would’ve hated a game like Axis & Allies, but he’d wander the store and chat up the young players, coax their future dreams out of them and encourage their ability. More than once, I’d caught the wistful, and often remorseful, look on his face when he thought no one was looking.

  Poor guy. Money hadn’t saved him from heartbreak. Probably caused it.

  I rested back on a table. Usually, on Saturdays, I made rounds to everyone playing, manned the register, and did menial cleaning. It was early yet, so not many paying customers roamed the place.

  “Do you know anything about him?” I asked.

  If anyone knew, it’d be Ephraim. On weekdays, he’d come in for the monthly pile of comics I reserved for him and he’d be dressed in a sharp suit and tie. I’d discovered he was a lawyer and we often discussed the business goings-on in the city. He was a wealth of information. Today he was slightly dressed down in pressed slacks and a polo.

  He drummed his fingers on the back of a chair. “I heard that Wesley Robson thinks himself the next real estate tycoon. He put a bid on a stretch across the river, thinks St. Paul needs a premium outlet mall.”

  One never needed an outlet mall, but I enjoyed the one in Albertville. No one would guess by my daily choice in
clothing: jeans or leggings, simple tops, and shoes that dated back to my college days. Going into fall, I might throw on a flannel to set off whatever color I had in my hair.

  But my shopping days were limited, at least until I found another job or reopened my store somewhere else. Did I dare use any of my stored funds to do that?

  “Sam talked about him and what he did for a living, but they weren’t close when he died.” We’d gotten into long, in-depth discussions about their various family issues, but Sam’s family drama made mine minuscule in comparison.

  Joe quietly read through directions for the game, but his furtive glances hinted he was eavesdropping.

  Ephraim took a seat and frowned at the board. “I’ve heard bits here and there. He’s been buying up property in more than Minnesota. There was a kerfuffle in New York because he purchased a place that locals wanted to restore.” His brows pinched. I guessed the young Robson hadn’t restored the place.

  “Mr. Robson isn’t a people person.” Joe abandoned the instructions and picked up figures from the game to inspect them one by one.

  “You know him?” A surge of excitement falsely lifted my spirits. Even if Joe was besties with Wesley Robson, I didn’t have a leg to stand on. He owned the strip mall and he wanted to demolish it.

  Joe pushed up his wire-rimmed glasses and pointed across the street where an office building loomed over her store. Also Wes’s property, his main offices I’d learned when I’d gone hunting him for answers. “I work for him. Maintenance.”

  He’d mentioned what he did for a living before, but he didn’t often discuss work. But perhaps he’d be willing to fill me in. Although his somber tone didn’t encourage me that I’d get anywhere when I was finally able to track Wesley Robson down. “That bad?”

  Joe fiddled with the figures. “He’s in it for the money.”

  I realized we were talking about the man’s ultimate boss. No reason to threaten Joe’s employment, too. I changed the subject. “I didn’t know you worked so close by.”

  He bobbed his head and we fell into easy chatting that transitioned into gaming. I forgot my troubles as the store grew busier. If I’d been able to stay, I would’ve had to think about hiring someone for the weekends and even being open for a few hours on Sunday.

  But no more. My excitement and optimism that my store would grow and be successful for decades, sustaining me and my employees, were dashed.

  I had to find that man and talk to him.

  Chapter 4

  Mara

  My stomach rumbled as I sat bedside with Mom. I should’ve grabbed supper, but work had been busy and I hadn’t wanted to put off the hospital visit. By working all day, I’d missed all the doctors’ rounds and updates.

  Mom glanced away from the latest superhero movie I had brought. “Even I heard that. Go eat.”

  “I can stay a little longer.” I palmed my phone and lied to myself that I wasn’t waiting for Sam to call. But who was I kidding? He was sweet enough to drive me to the hospital, but I doubted I’d made enough of an impression to warrant him hunting me down.

  Unless he had other plans with someone else. No, I wouldn’t go down that road, being suspicious of every prospective guy.

  “Mara.” Mom sighed. “I love having you around but not when it costs you your own health. I’m going to fall asleep soon. Go grab a bite and get some rest.”

  The corner of my mouth lifted. Always a mother. “Okay, but I want to be here tomorrow to hear what the doctors have to say.”

  “They’ll probably release me. I’m feeling better and not in the middle of a flare-up.” She shifted in the bed as much as she could. Her disease had robbed much of her mobility. Some people lived decades with MS, but Mom had deteriorated rapidly.

  My phone vibrated. A ping of excitement speared me. Could it be?

  Maybe it was just Chris telling me about a new find on eBay we should purchase for the store. I dabbled in pawning collectibles, but only because he had oodles of knowledge and a passion for it. It’d made a nice income stream on top of my regular sales. Chris got a raise and permission to fully geek out over an old tin Spiderman lunch box, and the store garnered a solid reputation.

  I peeked at my screen.

  Holy moly! It read Sam. Hungry?

  I jerked my gaze back up to my mom, who watched me with interest.

  “Hot date?” Mom’s lips quirked.

  “Maybe.” I relished these moments where we could be a normal mom and daughter.

  “Good. Don’t let him break your heart.”

  I kissed Mom goodbye and rushed out of the hospital room. I texted back.

  I haven’t eaten yet. Meet at Blue Hound?

  An immediate answer. Can I get dropped off there?

  A thousand yeses! U like driving my car that much?

  Gimme ur keys.

  With a grin, I strained to keep from sprinting out of the hospital.

  Wes

  I dubiously eyed the burger joint. This was where Mara wanted to eat?

  She’d invited me and I’d half expected her to choose a place with a price tag that she’d let me pick up. After a day of golfing, I wasn’t overdressed for Blue Hound. Hell, I didn’t think there was a way to underdress.

  Instead of sleek lines, the exterior was comprised of roughened wood and cheap paneling. Whenever the door opened, rowdy laughter drifted out. The smell of meat-on-grill teased my stomach, but I doubted the cut of meat was close to any quality my personal chef used.

  A car engine turned my head. Mara and her reliable sedan were pulling in. I tracked her progress like a guard dog, ignoring the thrill at her arrival.

  She killed the engine and got out, but I still couldn’t see her. Darkness set in Minnesota well before nine p.m. this time of year. Light glowing from street lamps scattered around the parking lot highlighted the messy style she’d thrown her hair up in. When she cleared the cars, she looked just as adorable and doable as when she’d changed out of her clubbing clothes. Black and red leggings—was that an Iron Man design?—and an oversized red sweater with a lightning bolt.

  Mixing Marvel and DC. Equal opportunity fangirl?

  And the fact that I knew the difference… I mentally shook my head.

  I frowned. She’d said she hadn’t eaten yet, but I hadn’t thought about why. Arcadia closed at six on Saturdays. I knew, I’d done my research on the place.

  What had she been doing?

  She faltered when she noticed my expression.

  I smiled, purposely infusing warmth into my expression. “There she is.”

  “I didn’t think you’d beat me here.” She crossed her arms to ward off the chill in the air.

  I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a Wookie coat stashed away.

  “Traffic was light.” I’d been in the area. My office was close by. So was Arcadia. Must be how she knew about this place. I opened the door for her.

  Stepping in, I cringed when my running shoes crunched on peanut shells. Good thing I hadn’t changed clothes before I’d spent the evening working. Crunching my Paul Andrews through shells and burger grease would get my account at Barneys New York suspended.

  The dull roar in the restaurant wasn’t unlike my club, but it was more boisterous. Odd, since there wasn’t a dance floor. Booths and tables and peanut shells as far as I could see.

  Mara slid her hand into mine and pulled me toward the bar. “They have the best food here. I thought about stopping at the hospital cafeteria, but I got out of work late and by the time I got there, they’d shut down the grill. I wanted real food.”

  I dropped her hand like it was hot when I realized I didn’t want to let go of it to sit. We settled at a table and a young woman took our order. I didn’t fail to notice the special smile she gave me. As long as the girl didn’t know who I really was, I wouldn’t give her a second thought.

  I caught Mara’s smirk.

  “That must happen to you everywhere.” No jealousy tinged her words.

  She was right
. It did. I rolled a shoulder and sipped my water. “It must to you, too.”

  She barked out a laugh and then paused when she saw I wasn’t chuckling. “Oh, you’re serious. Not really, no.”

  Either she was playing coy or she was truly oblivious. When my bartender had called, he’d labeled her a “hot chick.” The young host of this joint had damn near wet himself to greet her when they’d walked in. Her girl-next-door appeal must be what caught the men. And those damn leggings showing off her curves.

  I decided it was time to dig for info. “How’s your mom?”

  She pursed her lips and stirred her soda. “She’s better than last night. Meds are working.”

  I waited. She didn’t offer more. As far as cons go, it wasn’t an elaborate one. How often had her mom been “in the hospital” when she’d been with Sam? “That’s good then. Must be a relief.”

  She nodded and I thought back to when Sam had been in the hospital after his first heart attack. I hadn’t found out until after my dad’s double bypass when his assistant had called to request me to take over some of the daily affairs that Sam couldn’t attend to. Didn’t want to worry you, kid, Sam had roughly growled over the phone.

  Sam hadn’t been concerned about what worried me since I was fourteen.

  “So, what do you do again?” She brushed her hair out of her eyes.

  Why’d I think it was cuter than hell when she did that?

  I picked a career that wasn’t really a lie but that would call to her greedy instincts. “I’m in sales.”

  She brightened. “Really? Like what?”

  My grin turned a little smug. Knew she’d take the bait. “Mergers and acquisitions, mostly. Nothing exciting, really. I just finished the purchase of some property in New York.”

  Disgust flickered through her features.

  Not the reaction I’d been expecting. “That bad?”

  “Oh no. Sorry.” She gave me a sheepish grin. “At work today, one of my customers told me about how the guy who’s putting me out of business just purchased a possible landmark and remodeled it, destroying any historical value it might’ve had.”