He ran his hand along the pieces of art work she had on display and she shivered, remembering his touch and how his fingers went from gentle to hard in a flash. She watched him closely.

  He turned to look at her and eyed over her outfit. She was glad she had dressed nicely today in case any early, curious customers showed up. She hadn’t expected him.

  “You look stunning, Lacey. You’re practically glowing,” he told her, letting his eyes graze over her body.

  “You should leave, Tye. You shouldn’t be here,” she told him. Her voice nearly cracked on the last syllable, and she hoped he hadn’t noticed.

  He was closer to her now and looked at the flowers.

  “These are gorgeous and stunning. Very classy and unique, just like you,” he said and looked down at her. He was tall, almost as tall as Stone. She thought about Stone and how he was due here any moment. She had mixed emotions. She wanted him to walk through the door right now and protect her, hold her as she dealt with this asshole, but then she didn’t want him to know Tye was here and the man who hurt her years ago. Stone, Louie, and Junior would be pissed off. Stone could do something crazy. She just needed to get rid of him.

  “Do you like them, Lacey?” he asked as he touched one of the flowers then looked at her.

  “They’re lovely. Now can you please leave?”

  “I was hoping that you would like them. I haven’t forgotten your love of floral arrangements. You always seemed to have a knack for picking out such classy, sophisticated arrangements. I saw the colors on the wall and how you were decorating this place and thought it would fit. Was I right? Did I…nail it?” he asked, looking her body over with desire in his eyes. His comment insinuated that he nailed her and that he thought he knew her so well.

  “Actually, no, you didn’t nail it. You were way off.”

  “That’s not how I recall it.” He reached out and ran a finger down her bare arm. She stepped back.

  “Don’t touch me.”

  She heard the back door slam and then Stone’s voice call out her name.

  She stepped farther away from Tye and he looked so pissed off.

  “It was good seeing you, Lacey. I’ll be sure to give some positive references about you and your work. Good luck with your grand opening.” He walked toward the door and looked at the mirror, the one Stone had made. Looking over his shoulder with an expression of arrogance and knowledge of classy décor, he said, obnoxiously, “Interesting piece.” He walked out the door just as Stone came through the back.

  “Who was that? Oh, man, look at these. They’re gorgeous,” Stone told her just as she was thinking she wanted to throw those flowers in the back dumpster.

  She was still shaking as she forced a smile.

  “Did you order these or did someone send them?” he asked and reached for the card.

  She wanted to stop him. She didn’t even want him to read Tye’s words. If he knew they were from Tye, and Tye was just here, he would be angry. She didn’t want to fight. She didn’t want to think about the past and bad things. She wanted to be happy. She was happy with Stone.

  She stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. She closed her eyes and relished in the feelings of safety and security.

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  “Hey,” he said, and slowly turned toward her and took her into his arms. He caressed her hair and ran his hand along her lower waist to her ass. He gave it a squeeze. “You’re nervous, aren’t you?”

  She pulled back and nodded her head. She wouldn’t tell him the truth. Not now. Tye couldn’t hurt her anymore. She was a different woman now. Plus, she was in love with Stone, Louie, and Junior. If he came by again or tried to contact her, then she would tell them.

  * * * *

  Caroline waited in the car as she was told to do. She watched as Tye went into the new business his ex-lover Lacey owned. A truck pulled up and men were pulling out what appeared to be signs for the new business. They would probably replace the temporary banner in black and white that said Lacey’s Antiques and Interiors. She felt sick to her stomach, never mind how used and uncared-for she felt, too. Caroline wondered how Lacey had gotten out from under Tye’s control. At first, she wondered who Lacey was. Who was the woman that this man based all his sexual fantasies on and that he obviously still loved?

  She didn’t want to be a nobody, a replacement. She was just as pretty as Lacey, maybe not as smart, but still attractive, and had a similar body. Tye didn’t want to break things off with her. He just wanted her to obey his commands and be the woman in bed that turned him on. Why couldn’t she get over the fact that Tye wanted her to be Lacey, even in bed?

  She had played his sick game last week. It had hurt. She’d felt degraded and used. Her body ached from the pain he’d inflicted as he acted out some sort of fantasy. Maybe it wasn’t a fantasy. By the way he’d acted out the words and demanded her to give certain replies, it made it seem like Lacey had protested against his acts and defied his orders and he hurt her. Badly.

  Caroline thought about the social worker’s advice. She thought about the help that was out there and the secret shelters she could go to for protection from Tye. She wondered if Lacey had done that. Had she escaped to a women’s shelter? Had she hidden from him, pressed charges of abuse and rape against him?

  Her belly tightened and an instant headache formed. She rocked back and forth in the front seat.

  I can’t do that to Tye. I love him.

  The tears rolled down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away as she stared at the storefront. Did Lacey want him back? It didn’t seem that way, considering she had a boyfriend. Lacey might have more than one boyfriend. Tye was yelling about fucking three men and how he was more man and had more cock then three fucking men. If that were the case, then she didn’t deserve Tye or his obsession with her.

  She saw the dark blue pick-up truck pull along the side driveway and the back of the building. Was that one of the boyfriends now?

  She felt the tears again. She should get out of this relationship. She should seek help. She thought about the woman who was with Lacey at the big gala in the city. That same woman worked at the social worker’s office downtown. She hadn’t recognized Lacey’s friend at first, but then she had. She knew Casey, the other social worker, had talked to her. Maybe Lacey’s friend would understand and guide her? Maybe she could help both her and Tye with couple’s counseling? Casey had recommended that.

  She saw Tye exiting the building, his expression angry. He got into the car.

  He put it in drive and they headed out of town, and he didn’t say a word.

  “Tye,” she whispered.

  He reached over, grabbed her by her hair and pulled her face down to his crotch.

  All she kept thinking was that he was pretending she was Lacey. She didn’t want to believe it as she did her best to make him happy and to satisfy him. His hands dug deeper, harder into her head and hair, but she knew Tye was a rough lover. She would make him forget about that woman and and focus on only her. She could please him. She could.

  A few moments later as the car pulled to the side of the road, she knew exactly who Tye was thinking of.

  “Lacey!” he cried out, and the shock and hurt brought tears to her eyes, and she knew she had to do something. She had to, or her life wasn’t worth living anymore.

  Chapter 11

  “God, she’s so freaking beautiful. I still can’t believe she’s ours,” Junior said to Louie and Stone.

  Junior had watched her talking to customers and visitors nonstop all afternoon. Suzette was helping to book appointments and Sonya was adding names to the mailing list they would work on this upcoming week. Bethany took some pictures and handed out promotional items Louie had made up with Lacey’s logo and contact information on them.

  “Those stainless travel coffee mugs look amazing. How did you come up with that?” Junior asked Louie.

  “I thought it would be a great idea, considering she decided to have Penelope’s Sweet Shop cater the event. Lacey even had me put Penelope’s business card in every mug.”

  “She’s always looking out for other people,” Stone said.

  “Hey, she even got Chancellor to come here. At first, I was a little jealous, considering he was sort of hitting on her at the gala we went to, but he knows she’s ours. He likes her work. I think he wants her to do some work in that log cabin monstrosity he built overlooking the west side of the lake.”

  “Well, you may be accompanying her on those trips. He’s always been a player with the ladies,” Stone said firmly, and Louie chuckled. “I think Chancellor found someone else he’s interested in.”

  They looked that way and saw Chancellor staring at Sonya, and Sonya seemed oblivious. The three of them chuckled.

  Miles and Nikko came over and commented on the photo album they had made.

  “That came out incredible, and it’s a big hit with the customers,” Nikko told them.

  “Thank you,” Louie said and smiled.

  “These flowers are freaking gorgeous. Must have set you guys back a bit,” Miles commented as he touched one of the pure white roses, admiring them.

  “We didn’t send them. Someone else did,” Stone told them.

  “Really? You don’t know who?” Miles asked, sounding interested.

  “Nope. The card just said ‘good luck’ and that they looked forward to working with her. They must be from someone who came in here today,” Louie said.

  “Better keep your eyes on your woman. She’s special,” Miles told them.

  “We know that. Don’t worry. Maybe you should take some of your own advice,” Stone said and nodded toward the right.

  They turned to look and Junior chuckled as he watched Miles and Nikko stare angrily at some man who had his hand on Suzette’s shoulder and was smiling as he spoke to her. When the man leaned forward and hugged Suzette and Suzette hugged him back, Stone chuckled.

  “Oh, shit, and right in front of you, Commander,” Junior teased.

  They watched the man and a young woman continue to look around the store as Suzette smiled and headed toward them.

  Miles pulled her into his arms and looked for the man she hugged.

  “Who was that?” he asked, sounding angry to Junior’s ears.

  She placed her palm against Miles’s chest and chuckled.

  “That was Mr. Miller. And his daughter,” she leaned up and whispered to them.

  “An old client,” she said then stepped back.

  “He owns a few hotels in the city and out of state. He’s looking to do some work at his personal lake home here in Wellington.”

  “You see, Miles? You and Nikko were all jealous and ready to fight the old guy,” Junior teased. He watched Miles and Nikko look shocked and Suzette crossed her arms in front of her chest and gave them an angry expression.

  “You weren’t,” she said seriously.

  Nikko brought Suzette’s hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

  “Junior is just trying to cause trouble. He’s a little grumpy because Lacey isn’t paying much attention to him.”

  Junior shook his head, then looked at Stone and Louie, who were hardly listening. They were too busy smiling at Lacey as she spoke with a few people about color schemes and new fall designs popping up in magazines and shows.

  He was impressed and truly happy for her, but he also couldn’t help but to anticipate the end of the day and think of cuddling up with Lacey on the couch and hearing all the excitement in her voice at the potential prospects and new clients she may have gained today. He was impressed with the support of the community, their friends, and their parents, who immediately took a liking to Lacey.

  In fact, Lacey and their mom were going to have lunch this Sunday while the guys did some fishing. Junior couldn’t remember being this happy before, and one look at Stone with his hands on Lacey’s shoulders as she talked to their parents, with Louie smiling, too, and Junior knew this was what they had longed for and what had been missing in their lives. A beautiful, loving, classy woman like Lacey. Nothing could come between them and their happiness. Nothing.

  Chapter 12

  It had been a crazy week and Lacey was looking forward to some downtime and doing lunch with Cass Slane. Cass, Ray, and Logan had been so supportive of her new business, putting out flyers, sending customers Lacey’s way, and making her feel like part of the family. That was something she never felt like with her own family. She never felt appreciated, cared for, or loved. It was proven those years back when she needed her father’s help and business came before her.

  She swallowed hard as she parked her car alongside the parking lot behind the stretch of businesses by the boardwalk. She could see Cass Slane standing by the railing that overlooked the lake. It was a gorgeous day. Lacey got out of the car, locked the doors after she grabbed her purse and headed down the sidewalk. She wore a pair of tan capris, her white tennis sneakers, and a baby-blue tank top covered with a sheer, beige blouse. They had planned to eat at a casual little seafood place down by the docks.

  When she approached, Cass hadn’t seen her yet and Lacey took the opportunity to look at the men’s mom. She had short, dark brown hair like Junior’s and a nice figure, as well as green eyes just like Stone.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Slane,” Lacey called out and the older woman turned around, smiling. She immediately gave Lacey a big hello.

  “You look beautiful. How are you?”

  “I’m doing well, thanks.”

  “Busy week?” Cass asked.

  “It sure was. I can’t believe the phone calls and the appointments. I’m very excited about it all.”

  “I’m certain you are. I know my boys are thrilled for you. Stone told me you went out on some estimates already and landed a few small jobs.”

  “I did. I think it’s great if I can do a bunch of these smaller ones first and then get a little bigger. I’ll need an assistant if my business takes off.”

  “That’s great. Do you have anyone in mind?” Cass asked as they began walking down the sidewalk.

  “I was talking with Sonya. She thinks she’s going to get laid off from her job in the city. The business isn’t doing too well and there’s a new manager, and she rubs Sonya the wrong way. I told her to consider working with me.”

  “That would be great. She was very professional and friendly at the grand opening. In fact, I thought she was already working for you,” Cass said and chuckled.

  “She’s a great friend and more like family, Suzette and Bethany included.”

  “Do you have any family, any siblings?” Cass asked.

  Lacey shook her head.

  “My parents and I don’t really get along too well. I haven’t seen them in several years.”

  “Oh, how terrible. It’s nothing that you all couldn’t work out?” she asked her.

  “Unfortunately, no. I was in a bit of a situation and, well, without getting into all the depressing details, my parents, especially my father, chose business over me and my wellbeing. So, I guess I don’t have any family.”

  Cass placed her arm over Lacey’s shoulder and hugged her to her side.

  “Nonsense, you’ve got all of us. We can be your family.”

  Lacey was taken aback by the kind comment and suddenly she felt funny and immediately thought about being with Stone, Louie, and Junior forever. Perhaps marrying them, having children with them, and giving Cass, Logan and Ray grandchildren like they joked about at dinner two weeks ago.

  “That’s so kind of you. You and your husbands have been so caring and supportive of me and you hardly know me.”

  “Well, that’s what days like today are for. Getting to know one another.”

  Lacey smiled and knew that this was going to be a fun afternoon. She wondered if the guys were having any luck at fishing. By the time they sat down in the restaurant and ordered their lunch, Cass and Lacey were laughing and enjoying their time together as if they had known one another for years. It wasn’t the least bit strange when Cass talked about meeting her husbands, fighting, falling in love with them, and ultimately getting married and having their three sons.

  As Cass talked about her husbands with love in her eyes and joy in her expression, and Lacey talked about her men and the things she wondered about them, she wondered if she showed such love in her own eyes.

  “Stone, Louie, and Junior have changed my life for the better. They made this transition in my life go a lot more smoothly.” She smiled. “They showed up when I least expected, and to think I tried blowing them off.”

  “Oh, that must have been something else. My boys can be quite stubborn. Usually, it’s Louie who keeps Stone and Junior levelheaded,” Cass told her, then took a sip of her iced tea.

  “That’s funny. I met each of them at different times, and initially I wasn’t sure what to think of them, but once we started talking, they were so nice and respectful. I think in the beginning I was so afraid of getting hurt again or being used, I lumped them into one category with all men. Sorry,” Lacey said and cringed.

  “Don’t be sorry. They’re my sons, but they are men, too. I’m sure when you first met Stone he was tough as nails, had an angry expression, and wasn’t even approachable. Junior was flirtier but still tough and made you feel unsure of his intentions, and Louie, well, he’s a character and a half. Seems to know what to say to engage in conversation and initiate a connection. He’s a flirt, too, though, so I’m sure meeting him was interesting.”

  Lacey chuckled. “He eased his way into being in some of the same places I was. He also gave me great advice and guidance when starting this business.” She looked out toward the lake in the distance. The soft breeze felt good against her skin. “Your sons are the most wonderful, caring men I’ve ever met. In fact, sometimes I don’t think they’re real,” Lacey admitted, then chuckled, feeling the tears reach her eyes.

  “That’s very sweet of you to say so, but I think that you bring out those qualities in them.”