Love, Lies and Sex Appeal: Love, Lies and More Lies, #7

1

Sheridan McVey noticed the burning skunk smell seeping from the greenhouse door. After all, she had done her fair share of partying while away at college. She recognized the odor. Even though she hadn’t smelled the stuff in eleven years, it was a scent you didn’t forget .

Upon opening the door she caught Dave Bettor, garden hose in hand, bobbing his head to something playing through his earbuds while smoking a joint. The minute he saw her standing there, he tossed it to the ground and tapped it out with his shoe. After turning off the hose he yanked the earbuds out of

his

ears

.

"What the hell do you think you’re

doing

,

Dave

?"

Um, sorry about that, Ms. McVey. He dragged a hand through his messy dark blond hair then tugged at the stud in his earlobe.

You could burn this place down. Not to mention what you are doing is against the law. She stayed firm while staring him down. Yes, she had been young and stupid once too. But this was her business, and she couldn’t afford to have it go up in flames.

Actually, I only smoke it because it helps with . . . my migraines.

A lie if she ever heard one. "Last I checked, marijuana was not legal in Kentucky, whether or not it’s for medicinal purposes. Which I highly doubt is the reason you

use

it

."

Before hiring the seventeen-year-old three months ago she’d asked him specifically if he used drugs and he’d denied it. Although at the time she would have sworn he was high. He’d said he was getting used to a new pair of contacts, and because he’d seemed like a decent kid, she’d bought into the lie. Not to mention the fact that his aunt was one of her biggest customers and had practically begged her to hire the boy. Actually, Lillian Bettor was her biggest customer. She owned a tea shop slash bookstore in town and ordered fresh floral arrangements every

few

days

.

Dave at least had the decency to hang his head in shame. Sorry. Then he jerked his head upright. Please don’t tell Aunt Lillian. It won’t happen again.

"You’re right. Because if I ever catch you again you’re fired. And I don’t care who your

aunt

is

."

Armed with three potted dahlias, Sheridan McVey left the greenhouse in a huff and walked across the path that led to the backdoor of her floral shop. Mrs. Graham had ordered two dozen of the pots for her annual luncheon. Some secret society for senior women or some such thing. Sheridan had asked about the society but apparently it was so secretive the woman said she couldn’t talk about it. Knowing her, maybe it was some type of cult. After all, Mrs. Graham was a little cock a doodle do. The woman had a toilet on her front porch that she used as a planter. Her yard was completely fenced in with signs that read Beware of Dog. Funny thing was, she didn’t have a dog although she had four birds and seven cats who she claimed were potty-trained. The cats not the birds.

After lunch the dahlias would be auctioned off as well as several pieces of art designed by local artists. At any rate, Sheridan was glad for the business. Buds and Roses was doing fine, but it never hurt to have a little extra cash flow to tide her over during the slow seasons.

She raised her face to the bright sunshine and smiled. It was turning out to be a good day in spite of her argument with Dave. She hadn’t meant to lose her temper with him but she had been serious when she told him if she caught him smoking weed in the greenhouse again he would be fired. She’d find someone else to water the plants and flowers on the weekends.

Sheridan wedged her sneakered foot to hold the door open and stepped inside the shop. Immediately, she heard voices coming from the showroom. Not just voices but shouting as well. And then a loud crash.

Just as she was about to round the corner to find out what was going on, she got mowed down by what appeared to be a large brown and white dog. Or maybe it was a horse. She didn’t know which since she was now lying flat on her back on the tile floor with paws on her chest that were pinning her in place. Yep, it was a dog alright. If it had been a horse, she’d be dead

by

now

.

Potting soil, flower petals and pieces of the broken clay pots were strewn about. The thing responsible for the disaster started licking her from the neck up. Just what she needed; dog slobber in her hair, eyelashes and mouth. Gross.

Not that she didn’t like dogs. She liked all animals. But that didn’t mean she wanted to be mauled and bathed by one. Not to mention he’d just destroyed three of the dahlias promised to Mrs. Graham. Holy guacamole!

Well, she couldn’t just lie there so she tried to push him off. But he wouldn’t budge. Okay, so maybe it wasn’t going to be such a good day after all. Two strikes already this morning smelled disaster. Somebody, get this thing off me! she shouted loud enough to be heard half a

mile

away

.

Sheridan! Honey, are you okay? Donna Petroff, her assistant manager, came to her rescue and was about to bend over to help, only to be knocked down herself. The poor woman started screaming for help as the beast showed her

some

love

.

Since the dog was now covering Donna with his drool and spit, Sheridan was finally able to sit upright. She tried to pull the dog off her assistant manager but he was too strong and obviously determined. Plus the hallway was so narrow, she and Donna were trapped.

Oh, God, he’s humping my leg! Donna screamed. "Make

him

stop

!"

Sheridan didn’t know what to do. Go away! Scat! Get! The dog that looked like a boxer ignored her. How had that thing gotten inside her shop anyway? And where was his owner?

Rudy Theobald came around the corner next. Oh crap! I told that guy dogs weren’t allowed in the shop. He took hold of the dog’s collar and gave it a yank but her delivery guy was a lightweight at five-six and one hundred thirty-five pounds. His efforts only managed to have him fall down next when the dog retaliated by head butting Rudy in the groin.

Rudy, groaning in pain, lay sprawled across Donna, his head resting on her breast.

Are you seriously using my boob as a pillow? Donna complained, shoving at him. Get off me, Rudy! I honestly think I prefer that beast to hump my leg rather than have you touching my boobs. With her sleeve, she wiped drool from

her

face

.

Sheridan didn’t have the heart to tell Donna there was more of the slimy stuff in her brown, chin-length hair. Sheridan’s hands went to her own hair to check for slime. Thankfully, she

was

safe

.

Have a little pity, woman, Rudy moaned as he rolled onto his side. His hand went to his crotch to

massage

it

.

The dog, obviously not the tiniest bit sorry for the havoc he had caused, wagged his short stub of a tail. He had a cute face if you didn’t mind the thick slimy drool that hung from his jowls as he looked at them with coal

black

eyes

.

Sheridan pushed to her knees and prayed the beast wouldn’t knock her down again. She locked eyes with the dog and raised a finger. "Stay.

Good

boy

."

"I told that guy not to bring that dog

in

here

."

What guy, Rudy? From the hall she only had a narrow view of the showroom and didn’t see anyone. When she’d gone out to the greenhouse just minutes earlier there hadn’t been any customers.

That guy. Rudy pointed to a man working his way toward them but all Sheridan could see from her position were jean clad legs and a pair of expensive looking leather boots. Do you see what happened? Rudy said accusingly. "Do you see what your

dog

did

?"

I’m sorry. Freeman gets a little excited around strangers sometimes. The man quickly fastened a leash onto the dog’s collar. "

Everyone

okay

?"

At their nods and groans the man led the dog away a few feet. In the crowded space she shared with her co-workers Sheridan hadn’t gotten a good look at the man’s face but something seemed familiar

about

him

.

Now that the dog was gone, Sheridan and Donna scrambled to their feet then helped Rudy to stand. Sheridan surveyed the mess on the floor. The nerve of some customers. She’d never had anyone bring an animal into her shop. Although she’d certainly had her share of unruly toddlers over the years. Some parents didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with their children running wild, knocking over display items or plucking petals from the fresh floral arrangements. In fact, some thought it was cute. Kids will be kids, they’d say. Her two nieces and her nephew had never behaved

like

that

.

Sheridan brushed potting soil and debris from the knees of her jeans then headed into the showroom. As she looked over at the man holding his dog at bay, her breath caught in her throat. No wonder he’d seemed familiar. Wyatt Dempsey, who she hadn’t seen in nearly seventeen years, was standing in her showroom. If one didn’t know any better, he or she would probably think he was Keith Urban’s twin. Only Wyatt was taller and a little more pronounced with his massive shoulders and height. Not to mention he didn’t have Keith’s sexy accent.

Hello, Sheridan. He greeted her with a smile that showed off a row of perfectly straight white teeth. What happened to the boy with the slightly crooked front tooth? He must have had it fixed. Maybe with a veneer. Or perhaps he’d worn braces for

a

time

.

The golden streaks in his long brown hair had obviously come from a salon. Same deep blue eyes though. The color of the sea. The sea monster tattoo—or sea serpent as he had called it back in high school—graced his forearm. His designer shades hung from the t-shirt that hugged his chest and shoulders, and the jeans that sat low on his lean hips were a turn-on. Sex appeal was written all over him. If she didn’t hate him so much, she could actually fall for a guy like that. Actually, she had once, but that had only lasted about a minute.

Sheridan didn’t answer Wyatt. Couldn’t answer him was more like it. It felt as if there was a tennis ball stuck in her throat. She could pretend she didn’t remember him. But was it really possible for a woman to forget the man, or boy rather, who took her virginity? Probably not. And who was she kidding? Wyatt would never buy that for a minute. It hadn’t worked the last time she’d tried it and it wouldn’t

work

now

.

Maybe she should just throw him out. After all, his dog had managed to not only ruin three potted dahlias, but from the looks of the showroom, he’d damaged quite a few more items

as

well

.

Wyatt had obviously read her mind. His blue eyes darted around the shop. I’ll pay for all the damages, of course.

Of course he would. And he could certainly afford to do so. Hadn’t she read that he’d recently sold his video game company for somewhere in the billions? Jeez! Not that she was impressed.

Not interested in exchanging pleasantries with the man, she firmed her shoulders and said, I’m afraid you’ll have to take your dog outdoors.

He raised his brows until they disappeared beneath the chunks of long hair that covered his forehead. I assumed service dogs were allowed.

Sheridan narrowed her eyes at Wyatt just as Rudy tapped her on the shoulder and whispered, I don’t think that guy is blind.

No kidding. Although she knew people used service dogs for more reasons than to guide the blind, she still wasn’t buying it. That beast is no service dog and you know it. He’s a menace.

Please don’t talk about Freeman like that, Wyatt said with a frown. You’ll hurt his feelings. He doesn’t like being rejected. He ran a hand over the dog’s head. Do you, boy? Raising his head to meet Sheridan’s eyes once again, Wyatt smiled sadly. "Freeman was a rescue dog and I have a feeling he worries that he’ll be dumped the way his original owner had done with him. He has anxiety issues, and when he gets worked up his stomach . . . well, I don’t think I need to explain how unpleasant that can be. That’s why I try to take him with me wherever

I

go

."

Oh, my! Donna said, interrupting them. "I know who you are. You’re Wyatt Dempsey! I read the story of how you found that dog in a dumpster. You named him Freeman for free man. And then when no one came forward to adopt him, you did. The poor thing."

Rudy’s whole demeanor suddenly changed after Donna’s announcement. Jeez, Mr. Dempsey, I’m really sorry. I didn’t recognize you. He turned his face toward Sheridan. That’s Wyatt Dempsey. You know . . . the guy that created Millennium Sea Serpents like umpteen years ago. It’s a video game. It’s still one of my favorites.

Sheridan fought the urge to roll her eyes. Yes, I know that, Rudy. Wyatt used to live in Red Ridge.

You two know each other? Rudy asked with a scrunched face. He straightened his shoulders and brushed a lock of curly whitish blond hair from his forehead. Hard to believe he was forty-four. With his slight build and baby face, he looked more like a fourteen-

year

-

old

.

We go way back, Wyatt said with a wink and a knowing smile that she wanted to slap off his smug face. Don’t we, Sheridan?

Ignoring Wyatt’s comment, and her burning cheeks, she turned back to Rudy. "Don’t you have some deliveries

to

make

?"

Uh, sure. I’ll get right on that. With slumped shoulders he began walking away then stopped and turned around. Nice meeting you, Mr. Dempsey. Stop in again.

Sheridan didn’t bother telling Rudy he was more than ten years older than Wyatt. No need to call him Mister. Next she turned to Donna, who was staring at Wyatt and looking all starry-eyed. Why people were impressed with business tycoons was beyond her. They were still just people.

Donna caught Sheridan looking at her and shrugged her shoulders. "I’ll just get a broom and dustpan to clean up the hall. Then I’ll find something to keep me busy in the greenhouse. Holler if you

need

me

."

Thank you, Donna. I appreciate that. And lunch is on me today. Donna had worked for Sheridan ever since she’d first opened Buds and Roses six years ago. Although there was a significant age difference—Donna was nearing fifty while Sheridan was only thirty-three—the two had become very close friends.

Once Donna rushed off to the back room, Sheridan decided it was time to deal with Wyatt. "Why are

you

here

?"

"Why the hostility, Sheridan? I thought maybe you’d be happy to

see

me

."

Was he serious? Why on earth would she be happy to see him? He’d moved away almost seventeen years ago without so much as a goodbye. Not that he owed her anything. But still. What kind of guy had sex with a girl one night and took off for California the next morning without a word or without bothering to look back? A sleazy one.

That’s

who

.

Just because she’d been stupid enough to have sex with him in high school didn’t mean it was anything more than just that. Sex. And nothing more. She’d certainly learned a hard lesson. But why had he taken advantage of her in the first place? He could have slept with anyone. And he’d never said one word about his mom and him going out west. What a creep.

She’d thought maybe what she and Wyatt had done that night had meant something to him. But apparently not. Even so, he was the last person she would ever imagine would walk into her shop today. In fact, she’d thought she would never see him again.

Noticing her hands were trembling she readjusted the ties to her apron and walked behind the sales counter. Distance would certainly help. The farther away from that lean, toned body the better. Away from those penetrating blue eyes she remembered all

too

well

.

Wyatt, I’m trying to run a business that you’ve managed to disrupt this morning. So, if you stopped by thinking I’d be happy to see you, you’re wrong.

Since that only managed to get an eye roll out of him she said, "If you have something to say, please say it and then be on

your

way

."

He made his way toward the counter and reached out to touch her cheek. "You have a little dirt on

your

face

."

Sheridan couldn’t have him touching her. She jerked away from his reach and scrubbed at her cheek with her fingers. How humiliating.

Reaching inside his jeans pocket Wyatt pulled out his wallet. He rifled through it, took out several large bills and laid them down. This should cover the damages.

It would more than cover them but she didn’t bother to argue as she scooped up the bills and pressed them into her apron pocket. "Thank you. Well, it was nice

seeing

you

."

He stared at her long and hard. What is your problem?

Nothing.

Well, something’s bothering you. Is it the dog? Without waiting for an answer he spun toward the picture window and nodded to someone outside. "My driver is coming in to

get

him

."

Your driver? She didn’t bother trying to hide the sarcasm in her voice. "It must

be

nice

."

It is, actually. A moment later a young man who appeared to be in his early twenties, with a wiry build and short dark hair, came waltzing through the door. "This is Ms. Sheridan McVey. Sheridan, meet . . . uh, sorry, kid, I forgot

your

name

."

Darren Cosgrove, the young man said then turned toward Sheridan. Nice to meet you, ma’am.

You as well, she said. "Call me Sheridan, please. Have you worked for Wyatt

for

long

?"

You mean Mr. Dempsey?

Sheridan cut a glance at Wyatt and glowered at him before turning her attention back to Darren, who seemed like a nice kid. Yes. Mr. Dempsey.

"Almost two years now. At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but it’s fun, actually. I just drive around and then I have time to study while I wait for Mr. Dempsey. The pay is great. And sometimes Freeman keeps me company.

Huh

,

boy

?"

Well, that does sound like a lot of fun, she said. Where do you go to school?

"I’m just taking some classes online for now. Once I save a little more money I’d like to go to school full time. Although I have no idea what I want

to

do

."

Well, at least you’re working toward a goal, she said, thinking the boy sounded smart and practical.

Wyatt cleared his throat and glared at Darren.

The kid got the hint, took the leash from Wyatt and led Freeman out the door and into a black town car parked in front of

her

shop

.

Sheridan couldn’t believe Wyatt didn’t remember his driver’s name. She knew every one of her employee’s first and last names, their spouses and/or significant others’ names and the names of their children. But he obviously thought he was way too important to be bothered by something

like

that

.

Okay, now that we’re alone, maybe you can tell me what has you so uptight, Wyatt said. I figured after all these years you would have mellowed some but I guess I was wrong. You’re still strung pretty tight.

He had a lot of nerve. Look, Wyatt, I didn’t like you back in high school, and I still don’t.

"And yet you climbed into the backseat of my

car

and

—

"

Sheridan was not about to let him finish that sentence. She raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. And she didn’t feel the least bit of remorse for her actions. Actually, it felt pretty good. She had been waiting a long time to

do

that

.

Wyatt ran a hand over his cheek covered with about two days-worth of beard stubble. I guess I had that coming.

I guess you did. She folded her arms in front of her so he wouldn’t see her trembling hands. "So, is that why you’re here? To gloat? To let everyone in town know that the famous Wyatt Dempsey was the first guy to get in my pants. Is

that

it

?"

No.

She sucked in a shaky breath. "Okay, so we’re done then. I’d like for you to

leave

now

."

His brows scrunched together in a tight line. "Aren’t you even going to ask me why

I’m

here

?"

She shook her head. She didn’t want to know. Didn’t care to know. She just wanted him to leave and never

come

back

.

He nodded and backed away from the counter. Are you sure you don’t want to hear why I came into your shop today?

She sighed with impatience because obviously he was not going to leave until he told her his reason for coming. Shifting her weight to the opposite leg, she said, Since you’re so insistent on telling me, go ahead.

I wanted to talk to you about your niece.

Her knees went weak. She didn’t need to ask him which niece. He was obviously talking about Mia. But how had he known? She stood there with her mouth open but didn’t say anything. What could she say? She couldn’t meet his gaze, so she looked down at her sneakers instead, for fear she would give

something

away

.

I understand she’s waiting to hear about a clinical trial for a new drug that could help her with her cystic fibrosis.

Slowly, Sheridan raised her head and stared at him. How the hell did he know about that? Of course with his money and resources he could probably find out just about anything. But why Mia after all these years? And what else did

he

know

?

She chose her words carefully, not wanting to offer any information he didn’t already have. "Why is that of interest

to

you

?"

Let’s just say I might be able to help her get into that trial.

"Mia doesn’t need any help. We feel pretty confident she’ll

get

in

."

This study is pretty challenging. They’re being very selective. And even if she were to get in on her own, once the study is complete and the drug approved by the FDA, it’s going to be extremely expensive. Maybe thousands of dollars per month. Can her parents afford that? He stared at her for a moment. "Because I

certainly

can

."

Sheridan’s confidence sunk a little. Of course she would help with the expense, no matter the cost. The way she had the last time. "So what makes you think you can influence the panel of decision makers? Surely you don’t think you can just buy her way in,

do

you

?"

"I wouldn’t put it that way exactly. But I’m willing to do whatever it will take to make sure that it happens. I mean, if that’s what

you

want

."

Sheridan shook her head. No. This was not happening. She had to remain positive. Mia’s chances of getting into the trial were very good she’d been told. They were just waiting for the awesome news. And once the trial was