Read Online The Heart of Lies by Debra Burroughs - Free Book Online

Isabel asked her friends.
    “No, but I think they’re about to begin,” Camille answered, fidgeting with excitement.
    Emily leaned toward Isabel and asked if she’d had any word from Jethro. Isabel looked her friend in the eyes, pursing her lips, and shook her head no. Grimacing, Emily sat up straight in her chair and turned her attention to Mayor Sullivan as he took the microphone.
    The mayor gave a few words of greeting and told how thrilled he and the other council members were to have such a spectacular resort being built so close to their community.
    As Sully was speaking, Maggie returned and took a seat on the front row, looking lovely in a chic electric-blue designer dress and heels, wearing a look of sheer bliss on her face. Emily assumed Lucas must have bought the dress for her, because it looked far more expensive than anything she’d ever seen Maggie wear.
    Sully finished his short speech and turned the microphone over to Lucas to tell about this extensive new project. Lucas strode up to the microphone, looking dashing and powerful, his smile dripping with sincerity. He offered a few words of introduction, then he asked Maggie to join him. He held his hand out to her, and every eye in the room was instantly riveted on the handsome couple.
    “I’m sure you’re all wondering what’s going on,” Lucas began his announcement. “Most of you are probably familiar with Maggie Sullivan, the mayor’s sister, and the love of my life. As a newcomer to your charming community, you have welcomed me with open arms and I am very grateful,” he said, putting a hand over his heart. “That’s why I want you all to be a part of what I’m doing here.”
    Lucas got down on one knee in front of Maggie and took her left hand. A collective gasp rose from the crowd, then a hush fell over the room. Everyone seemed to lean forward on the edge of their seats, including Emily and her friends. He pulled a diamond ring from his coat pocket, it sparkled under the spotlights, refracting the colors of the rainbow across Maggie’s smiling face.
    “Maggie, I am totally and completely in love with you. Will you do me the honor of making me the happiest man in the world? Will you marry me?”
    The whole room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for her reply.
    “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you,” she exclaimed. She offered him her ring finger and he tenderly slipped the engagement ring on it.
    He shot to his feet and took her in his arms, planting a serious kiss on her lips. The crowd applauded enthusiastically.
    Emily clapped too, though she and Isabel applauded with less enthusiasm than the rest, while they observed the newly-engaged couple. Then Emily glanced over at Fiona, trying to read her reaction. Fiona was clapping along with the rest of the people, but Emily noted the unnatural smile plastered across her face and her unenthusiastic clap.
    Was there something more that Fiona felt for Lucas that an employer-employee relationship? They had seemed rather cozy at the hotel bar the night before, but it wasn’t like they had their hands on each other.
    “Look at Fiona,” Emily whispered to Isabel.
    She shot a glance Fiona’s way. “She doesn’t look pleased, does she?” Isabel asked. “I wonder what’s up.”
    Mayor Sullivan took the mic once more and asked everyone to be seated. He offered his congratulations to his sister and his future brother-in-law, wishing them every happiness, which elicited another round of applause.
    “I wish we could go and congratulate Maggie,” Camille leaned over and whispered to Emily, who nodded her agreement.
    “Now, for the presentation we’ve all been waiting for, to get the details of the spectacular new Whitetail Ski and Golf Resort, here is the newest member of our community, Lucas Wakefield.” The mayor led the crowd in another round of applause for Lucas and took a seat on the front row beside his sister.
    “Thank you, Mayor Sullivan—one of my new favorite people in town. Not only