Of Love and Deception Read Free Page A

want to hear another shit story about why you shouldn’t date this guy.”
    “Jeez Lori, what do you want me to say? I mean, it’s not like he’s actually asked me out on a date.”
    Lori tapped her nails on the counter. “But you know it’s coming. Are you going to agree to go out with him when he does ask you?”
    “I’m not sure I’m ready for that, and besides—”
    “Oh, bull crap! It’s been two years, D. Don’t you think it’s time to live again, or are you going to let what happened with Blake ruin the rest of your life? Because if that’s the case, then you’ve let him win by letting him control you.”
    Man, did she hate it when Lori was right. “You think I don’t know that? Well, I do, and yes, if Mr. Canton wants to take me out, then I’ll go out with him. Now get your nosey butt back to work.”
    ~~~
    The workweek passed quickly, and by golly, Lori never let up on her. She continued to harp at her about moving on… and Lori wouldn’t be Lori if she didn’t mention something about dirty deeds and tasty treats. Sick perv!
    By Friday, Daniella’s office looked like a floral shop. The little greeting cards Cruz sent with each arrangement suggested a night out, but she didn’t call him on any of his offers. A difficult task indeed.
    “Is this the newest designer look?” Parker, her boss, asked, propping himself against the metal doorframe.
    “Designed by the one and only Cruz Canton.” She shook her head and smirked.
    “Oh, really? Well isn’t he splendid!” Parker clapped once and clasped his hands together. “I would guess you’ve sold your looks—I mean your remarkable work to him?”
    A hint of jealousy rang in his tone.
    “If it were only that simple, Parker. My guess is that a man like Cruz doesn’t keep to one woman. A heartbreaker. A player. I could be wrong. What’s your opinion?” She flashed a flirty smile, only to get rid of him quicker.
    “A ladies man of sorts, but a player? I don’t know.” He scratched his head and examined the arrangements. “He’ll be a good client though. Did he sign the contract yet?”
    “No. I’m supposed to call him. There were a few things he wanted added on, so I had to change the contract and figure in the cost. I’m sure he’ll sign if he added more work, don’t you agree?”
    Parker nodded. He smiled as he strolled out and went about being his usual morning nose-poking self.
    By noontime, Daniella had wrapped up Cruz’s layout and contract. Ah, but she knew he most likely awaited her call. Nah. She’d wait until the last dying minute to call and confirm a business deal.
    Tic, tic, tic.
    Three o’clock.
    Tic, tic, tic, tic.
    Three forty-five.
    At three fifty-two, the secretary buzzed. “You have a call on line two.” Before Daniella could ask who was calling, the secretary had already buzzed off. Man! What I wouldn’t give to clobber that old wench.
    “Hello, this is—”
    “Miss Kurtz?” The voice. His deep, sexy voice.
    Daniella’s stomach danced a nervous beat. “This is she.”
    “Cruz, here. Haven’t heard from you yet and it’s Friday. Your deadline, remember?” His words were a bit hasty.
    “Indeed, I do. Need I remind you that there are twenty-four hours in a day? Midnight is my deadline.”
    A muffled chuckle passed through the earpiece. She could tell he had his hand over the mouthpiece, maybe an attempt to hide his amusement. A brief second of silence passed before he said, “Do we have a deal?”
    “Possibly.”
    “A simple yes or no will do, but a yes is preferable. Let me simplify. My house, your designs and a contract in hand. Tomorrow, two p.m. sharp. You show up and it’s a done deal. You don’t show up... my heart will be an anchor to my ego.”
    Whoa!
    “You sure know what you want, don’t you, Mr. Canton?”
    No reply. Nada. Nothing.
    “Mr. Canton? Cruz?” The line was dead. “I’ll be damned. He’s got me up against a wall. Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.” The do part was