Read Online Beautiful Liar by Tara Bond - Free Book Online Page B

how much of it I wanted to reveal. “What do you mean by that?”
    His mouth turned up at the corners, as if to say, You can’t fool me . “From what I understand, my father hadn’t heard from you in years, and then you suddenly turn up out of the blue. And what—you expect me to believe you just decidedone day that it would be nice to get in touch? Please. Give me more credit than that.”
    He was right—and also far more observant than I’d imagined.
    â€œI lost my job. I needed another quickly, and so I got in touch with your dad. He’d said once that he’d help me if I ever needed him to, and I decided to take him up on his offer.” I shrugged. “So . . . now you know. That’s my story.”
    â€œNot all of it.” His eyes were shrewd. “I’m guessing there’s more to it than that.”
    I didn’t say anything, just sipped my beer.
    After a moment, Alex gave a soft laugh. “Fair enough. Keep your secrets.” He settled back in his chair. “But just tell me one thing—what did my big brother say about me today? Did he tell you to stay away from me?”
    The question took me by surprise. I thought of trying to be evasive, but I’d already used up all of my moves. “What if he did?” I said.
    He grinned. “Then I’d tell you to make up your own mind.”
    Fortunately, before the conversation could go any further, Tori, the bitchy blonde I’d come across earlier, stepped outside. I never thought I’d be so relieved to see her again.
    â€œWhat on earth are you doing out here, darling?” She walked over, pouting at Alex while ignoring me. “It’s absolutely freezing! Come back inside and warm me up.”
    It was little wonder she felt cold. In that silver sequinned backless dress and matching heels, she wasn’t exactly dressed for outside. Her long blonde hair swished around her delicate shoulders as she grabbed Alex’s hand and tried to drag him up.
    â€œI’m fine out here for the moment.” He pulled his hand gently away. “But you should go back inside. I’d hate you to catch your death of cold.”
    It was said so charmingly that she had no choice but to do as he suggested. But she didn’t look too happy about it.
    â€œFine,” she snapped. “But just to let you know, I’ll probably head off soon.”
    It was obviously a threat to see if she could get him to follow her in, but Alex appeared unmoved. When he didn’t react the way she’d hoped, I watched her flounce back inside.
    â€œI don’t think your girlfriend’s too keen on you staying out here with me,” I said.
    â€œShe’s not my girlfriend. We’re just friends.”
    â€œFriends who sleep together?” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I cared about his love life.
    â€œSomething like that.” He waited a beat. “You don’t approve?”
    I tried to look nonchalant. “It’s really none of my business.” I should have left it there, but my curiosity got thebetter of me. “I just don’t understand why you’d rather sit out here with me, when you could be inside with her.”
    â€œI would’ve thought it was obvious.” He leaned forward and stared at me intently. “I’ve never met anyone quite like you before. I find you intriguing.”
    I swallowed, hard. It was difficult to know what to say to that. Alex’s eyes were so fixed on mine that it was unnerving. I sat back, trying to create a distance between us, and forced a smile in an attempt to lighten the mood.
    â€œAnd here I was thinking you were just slumming.”
    He smiled at that, but his eyes were shrewd as he said, “Oh, I think you know there’s far more to it than that. As much as I like Destination, I rarely go there twice in a week. I was