Mendacious by Beth Ashworth Read Free Book Online Page A

bottoms and T-shirt. They’re Sean’s statement gym clothes, just like my own basketball shorts.
    For me and Sean, the gym was our time to let off steam. We usually liked to go together. It was just a chance for us to forget about work for an hour or so and just chat about whatever drama or shit was going on in life.
    “Connor kicked my arse on the mat. Don’t ask me why I agreed to spar with him. I should have guessed a battering was on the cards. But how did dinner at your mum’s go? Any prospects invited again?”
    Using my shoulder, I nudge open the door to my office and flick on the light. “That’s why you should avoid the mats at the gym,” I laugh, setting down my laptop on my desk and taking a seat.
    Sean comes in behind and sits opposite. He’s still typing away on his phone, but looks up and snorts. “Nice. Way to avoid the question. So I take it mummy invited a future wife for you to vet?”
    My eyes roll of their own accord. “Of course she did.”
    “So, who was it tonight?”
    “Susan’s daughter.”
    Sean scoffs. “How many has that woman got for God’s sake?”
    “This was the last. She wasn’t anything special. Actually, she was kind of annoying,” I reply, lifting the lid on my laptop. “I’m sure my mum will find someone else with plenty of daughters to reject.”
    “Your mum’s persistent, I’ll give her that.”
    He’s bloody right. My mum is like a dog with a bone when it comes to matchmaking. She’s not satisfied unless everyone—except her—is in a happy relationship.
    It’s tiring.
    Frustrating.
    I’m starting to get annoyed with it.
    “We’ve just been copied into an e-mail from Benedict.” Sean’s voice pulls me back from the thoughts in my head, reminding me of the reason why I’m sat at my desk on a Friday night. “He got it,” he cheers, slamming his hand on my desk and getting to his feet. “This is bloody fantastic, Alex!”
    I move my cursor over the e-mail, a slow grin creeping over my lips as I take in Benedict’s words for myself.
    “You seem happy?” Sean beams.
    He’s right. I’m absolutely buzzing. The deal may have cost me more, but at least we closed it before the other bastard dipped his hands in.
    I dial Benedict’s number and slip on my Bluetooth headset. Getting up from my desk, I make my way over to the window and heave a deep breath.
    He did it.
    The fucker pulled through at the right time.
    “Alex?” Benedict answers after a couple of rings.
    “Well, I’ve got to say that I’m impressed. You nailed it this time round. Good job.” I cross my arms over my chest and turn to face Sean. “We’re both in the office. Pop over and we’ll crack open a bottle of champagne.”
    “Sounds good. Give me twenty minutes.” He snatches me up on my offer quickly, knowing this type of opportunity doesn’t happen often. I’m not one for dishing out praise, but I think Benedict deserves something for cracking this deal at least.
    Pulling the headset from my ear, I throw it on the desk and rub my hands together. “So when do you reckon we can get in there?”
    “If her signature is on that contract, you can go in whenever you damn well want. She’s agreed that we can have full control over the expansion. I’d say to get in there next week so you can start the groundwork,” Sean replies, his attention drawn back to his phone.
    Monday?
    It’s sooner than I thought.
    “Are you nervous about seeing her again?” Sean’s eyes lift and study me closely. “You seem jittery all of a sudden.”
    The back of my neck feels clammy and I realise I’m tapping my foot, but immediately I switch off any emotions I’m feeling. I don’t show signs of weakness. Ever. I need to stay rock solid, despite the nausea swirling in the pit of my stomach.
    Libby.
    Damn.
    Libby.
    Shit.
    Libby.
    Fuck.
    I’m going to see my ex-wife after almost seven years. I have a million questions plaguing my already overwhelmed mind. What does she look like? Is she still the