A Borrowed Life (Carly and Liam #1)

by Stephanie Cholette

  We sit at a round table, enjoying a huge bowl of nachos with melted cheese, salsa and jalapeños. Liv and I sip on strawberry daiquiris, and the four guys split a pitcher of beer. Liam takes a sip, laughing at a joke Sean just said and I smile. It’s so good to see him so happy and light. He has no problem mixing in with my friends. Sean and Adam have accepted him right away, but Ethan remains on guard. He can be so stubborn!

  “You hit the jackpot,” Liv tells me while the guys are in the middle of a conversation.

  “I did,” I confess. “He’s just perfect.”

  “Really? Not even the slightest fault?”

  I shake my head and smile, certain of what I’m saying. No, Liam is perfect.

  “Whoa! It’s for real this time. You’re really in love, aren’t you?”

  “Head over heels!”

  “And how do you manage his entourage?”

  “You mean the servants?”

  “No, I mean his family and… well, Desiree.”

  “As for his family, they’re fantastic. His sister and I get along wonderfully. I know that his mother doesn’t like me being a waitress, but I think she’ll get used to it. And as for Desiree, fortunately I don’t have to see her too often.”

  Liv chuckles.

  “I hope you don’t, that girl is a real bitch!”

  I nod, rolling my eyes. I’m not going to argue with that statement.

  “Take care of yourself, okay?”

  “Everything is fine, I promise.”

  She glances at Liam as to ensure that he isn’t looking at us, then turns to me, twisting her lips.

  “There are rumors,” she admits.

  “You know, you really shouldn’t listen to rumors. Liam is absolutely not the guy the gossip magazines described.”

  “You’re the one who knows.”

  She takes another sip from her daiquiri as I turn to Liam, now standing next to me. He leans in to whisper in my ear.

  “We’re going to play a game. Is that fine with you?”

  “Yes, I’m okay. Have fun!”

  He presses a kiss against my cheek before joining the guys at a table. I turn to Liv who’s looking at me, smiling.

  “It’s obvious he loves you, too.”

  I smile and I know that I’m beginning to blush.

  We stay at the table, talking and laughing for awhile. The guys seem to having a lot of fun at the pool table, and it’s a great relief to see Liam get along so well with my friends. This is the first time that I can see him in my world; I’ve always been in his.

  Ethan returns to us, holding out his pool stick to Liv.

  “My brother beat you again?” she taunts him.

  He winces as she grabs the stick, rising to her feet.

  “Let me show you how the pros play,” she says.

  “My eyes are wide opened,” he retorts with a suggestive tone, a lustful gaze, and a smile.

  He sits next to me, carefully watching Liv bend over the table to hit the first ball.

  “She’s my best friend!” I chastise him, hitting his arm.

  “So?”

  “So, she’s off limits!”

  “Oh yeah? Well let’s talk about those limits.”

  I sigh. I’m not sure I like where he’s going with this.

  “Ethan, I love him.”

  “I know. And it’s obvious he loves you, too. I don’t doubt his intentions, and I know he is doing everything to protect you from Bill, and that he has him under surveillance. I’m just afraid that there are things he can’t control.”

  “Wait, what?”

  “What?”

  “He has Bill under surveillance? How?”

  “Carly, he has the resources…”

  “No!” I interrupt him. “How could he have him under surveillance, he didn’t even know his name, I never told him.”

  My brother purses his lips and looks down.

  “I did,” he confesses.

  “What!”

  “He wanted to know his name and where he was, and make sure he was away from you. You won’t see me stop someone who’s trying to protect you.”

  “Ethan! I don’t want him involved in this!”

  “But he is. It’s automatic. The minute you chose to keep him in your life and to be part of his, he was involved.”

  I sigh. Now I understand why he was so confident when the journalist wanted to take a picture, and when it was published in the newspaper. Even if Bill were to recognize me or find me, Liam would know. If Bill realizes that Liam did this, he will be furious. He’s a very prosperous and alert businessman and runs his company like his family with an iron hand. I’m afraid he is going to get back at Liam and do him harm; he’s capable of it. This is a new problem I really didn’t need.

  My brother’s arm wraps around my shoulder to hold me against him.

  “Stop worrying, Carly.”

  “You’re telling me not to worry?”

  “He’s a nice guy and cares about you. He takes care of you, and I’ve seen you smile and laugh more than ever since he’s been in your life. For me, that’s what matters.”

  “But?”

  “But your still my little sister, and if he hurts you, I can’t promise I won’t do anything.”

  “Oh, great, then I would have a beaten up boyfriend and a brother back in prison.”

  Ethan laughs. I said it jokingly, and he knows it. He promised me he’ll never go back to jail; those two months were enough to keep him on the right path. I wouldn’t be able to take it if he went back to jail.

  Sean joins us at this time, holding out his stick to me.

  “Come on, it’s your turn!” he says.

  He grabs his beer, showing a frustrated expression.

  “You were beat by Miss Sawyer!” my brother announces.

  “Do me a favor, Carly. Kick her ass!”

  I burst out laughing, joining the table where Liam is waiting for me with a broad smile. Liv and her brother are teaming up for this game and I’m with Liam. I lean to hit a ball and I feel Liam’s eyes on my ass, as if I could physically feel contact from them. I try to stay focused and hit the blue ball, that hits the red one, that pushes the orange ball right into the corner pocket. I stand up tall, sending a triumphant look at Liv. And it’s still my turn!

  When I miss the yellow ball, I sit up with a sigh and Liv lets out a mocking laugh.

  “You know, you’re not so bad at pool,” Liam says.

  “I’ve been playing for a long time,” I answer with a shrug.

  “Do you think you’re better than me?” Adam retorts, insulted.

  “Face the facts,” bites back Liv. “If you win, it’s only because of your partner… Meaning me!”

  She points her hands over her heart, twisting her hips excessively.

  “In that case, why don’t you both play against us?” Liam offers.

  Liv and I exchange a knowing look.

  “Fine with me!” she accepts. So it will be the guys against the girls.

  The evening passes quickly; we play, we laugh and we dance, forgetting what’s outside this bar.

  I put my apron in my locker in the staff room, and I go back to join Javen in the front. He is taking to me to get changed, and then bringing me to meet Liam for the benefit dinner.

  I walk through the front door, and Liam is upstairs. He hangs up his cell phone when he sees me and gives me a warm smile. I walk up to join him, and his arms lovingly wrap around me, expressing how much he missed me. It’s only been a day, but it feels like it was an eternity. I know, because I feel the same way. But the one who’s never had a girlfriend before is probably less familiar with this feeling.

  “Good evening, my love!” I greet him.

  “Good evening, sweetie! I have something for you.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  He twists his fingers between mine to guide me to the bedroom. On the bed, a magnificent dress lies on the sheets, its fabric a silky, soft pink color. A band serves as a belt, decorated with zirc
on stones and pearls on the left side, forming some sort of flower with pointed petals. The same jewelry crafts the only shoulder strap that slides over the opposite shoulder. The rest of the dress falls like a veil on the legs.

  “It’s beautiful!” I exclaim as I finally catch my breath.

  “I thought it would be even more beautiful on you, so I bought it today. Do you like it?”

  “I love it! It’s perfect!”

  He leans in to kiss me tenderly, pushing his fingers through my hair with breathtaking delicacy.

  “I’ll let you get ready. I’ll be waiting downstairs.”

  “Okay.”

  I jump in the shower, letting the hot water and foaming soap slide down my skin to wash away all the stress of my day. Many of the women that will be there tonight had the whole day to get ready, and I have only one hour; but it will have to be enough. I put my hair into a bun and place a few pearls in it to match with my dress. A light touch up of makeup and I’m ready to go.

  Liam gently pushes the bedroom door, then freezes before me.

  “You look incredible!” he exclaims.

  “Thank you!”

  “I’ve got something for you.”

  “Something else?”

  He shows me a small and thin rectangular box he was hiding behind his back. I approach, curious to know what it is. I open it and discover black lace fabric that is tied with a pink silk ribbon.

  “What is it?”

  “I want you to wear these tonight.”

  I unfold panties that seem to hide something.

  “Come on, put them on,” he orders.

  I obey without anymore questions. I remove the underwear I was already wearing, and then put these on. Liam pushes his hand into his pocket and suddenly, I’m surprised by a gentle vibration between my thighs. I let out a groan as a shiver spreads throughout my body. The hair on my arms stand and my nipples fight against my bra.

  I press my palm on the panties, trying to ease the tension that’s building up, but the pressure only intensifies the sensations that are devouring me slowly. I see the smile on Liam’s face and it stops. I’m still gasping, almost begging for more. He shows me the small remote control he has in his hand.

  “I will be in control of your pleasure throughout the whole evening,” he announces with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “I want you needy, pleading, and impatient.”

  “You’re so cruel!” I reply with a smile before pinching my lower lip under my teeth.

  It promises fun, since the dinner surely will be very boring. I approach him, slightly rocking my hips, and I wrap my arms around his neck to let my fingers sensually brush against his neck.

  “So if I understand correctly, I should be worried?”

  “Oh yeah!”

  I kiss him tenderly and we set off. The reception takes place in a beautiful area near the river, on a land bordered by tall, mature trees. Stars illuminate the darkness of the night, adding a touch of magic to an already beautiful setting. The planners did not hold back.

  We get out of the limo and Liam offers his arm to me to escort me inside.

  “Good evening, Mr. Walker,” the doorman greets, clearly recognizing Liam.

  We walk through massive, heavy wooden doors.

  “Good evening,” he answers politely. “Is my mother already here?”

  “She is waiting at your table.”

  “Thank you.”

  We reach a large round table where his mom, Ava and her boyfriend, his brother Karl, and his wife are already seated.

  “Father isn’t here?” Liam inquires, noticing Stephen Walker’s absence.

  “No, but he will be here shortly,” answers Aubelia.

  Ava immediately turns to me when I sit next to her.

  “I’m so glad to see you, Carly!” she says. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, fine! And you?”

  “Great! This is your first benefit dinner, right?”

  “Um, no. I was at a party organized by the Lexington’s recently.”

  “Oh yes, I remember! I didn’t know you were there, too?”

  “Yes. It was a bit special.”

  “Really? Why is that?”

  I hesitate for a second. I still don’t know if I want to tell her that Richard is my biological father. For me, he never acted as a father to me and he never will be, but technically speaking, he is. If one day she found out, one way or another, I don’t want her to be mad at me for hiding something like that. However, given the threats he made, it would probably be better to keep him out of my life as much as possible.

  “It was my first one,” I answer with a smile.

  “Ah! So it was special. You must have met that bitch, Liora?”

  “Yes,” I respond showing a confused expression.

  She doesn’t like her? Why is that?

  “A year ago, she had an affair with Liam. I can only assure you that these are people to avoid.”

  Yes, I knew that already.

  “You see,” she continues, “Liora was nothing more than a one night stand for Liam, but I think she was expecting a lot more.”

  “Really?”

  “She called all the time, even my parent’s house, to find out where Liam was, who he was with, and if he had told me anything. Apparently, Liam was forced to threaten her father by calling the police if she continued to monitor his residence and follow him.”

  “What, really?”

  I’m surprised by my half-sister’s behavior. She seemed quite normal when I met her. Now she seems even crazier than her father.

  “Half true,” corrects Liam, leaning toward us as he overhears his sister. “Liora and I never slept together. It was only a kiss.”

  He sends a disapproving glance to Ava. Suddenly, I wonder who’s telling the truth. Did Ava tell me more than she should have? Or is it simply that she wasn’t aware that there had been nothing serious between him and Liora? Liam’s mother smiles hypocritically and leans over her daughter’s shoulder to whisper a reprimand that I probably wasn’t meant to hear.

  “Ava, dear, don’t feed the little people with gossip. We’ve had this discussion already, I think.”

  The little people? That’s what I am to her? I know she doesn’t like the fact that I’m not from a wealthy family, but really? I’m starting to believe I’ll never be her ‘son’s girlfriend’ in her eyes, only a parasite to worry about.

  I’m about to give her a piece of my mind, but just then, the hostess of the evening takes his place behind the microphone to thank the guests for coming in such large numbers and contributing so generously to the fundraiser. I stop myself, choosing to shut up; it’s probably better. It’s not really the place to make a scene.

  The hostess makes a brief speech before inviting Liam on stage to speak. I look at him walk toward the stage with enthusiasm. I can’t wait to hear him and what he has to say. He’s got such a great energy in front of all these people who expect nothing less than excellence from him.

  “Hello everyone!” he begins. “As with every year, we are gathered here for a cause dear to us all. Every day, men, women, and children die of hunger, thirst, or disease, or are killed by the rebels who control their country. There are enough injustices in the lives of these people to mark us forever. Money, food, drinkable water; these are necessities to them. But I always believed in the saying, give food to the beggar and you feed him for the day, but teach him to fish and you feed him for life. Yes, we can send food, clothing, money, water, and medication, but what they actually need is help developing. They need institutions to educate them, adequate homes to protect them from devastating weather, and doctors and qualified researchers to fight diseases. This vision is perhaps a little ambitious, but I believe in it. With your help last year, a school was built in an underdeveloped region of Africa, a hospital was completed in Haiti, and tribes avoided extinction and hunger by improving their productivity and modernization of their facilities. All of that is thanks to you. Changing the world is within our
reach, we just have to believe it is possible. In the hallway to your left, you can take a look at the projects currently in development and if you want, you can also be part of those dreams as well. Thank you!”

  The crowd warmly applauds and Liam comes down from the podium. His eyes settle on mine that are shining with pride. I didn’t know Liam could be so touching. He’s really good at giving speeches! I saw in the hallway all the building models he mentioned; all buildings designed by his company. Donation envelopes were placed next to a safe where they could be deposited. I couldn’t be more pleased to be the woman who stands alongside such a man!

  I tenderly kiss him as he sits at our table and congratulate him. The first course is served, snails marinated in red wine. Then, a dinner of basil glazed lamb paired with vegetables and couscous. Suddenly, a vibration between my legs makes me jump. I pull myself together, trying to show an expression as neutral as possible.

  Liam studies me with a mischievous look and an irresistible grin on his face. I breathe in deeply, attempting to hide the interruptions in my breathing. I reposition myself on my chair, although the slightest movement of my hips enhances the pleasure. My breasts swell and my nipples harden. My toes are twisted in my shoes while I show an unwavering smile.

  “So you see,” continues Karl’s wife, and I set my attention on the conversation. “It was sand and not taupe, and it didn’t fit with the paint in my living room. We had to send back the sofas and wait for them to deliver the right ones.”

  “You have to forgive them,” replies Mrs. Walker, “these people don’t have the skills to understand the difference between those two colors. I told you to deal with Melody.”

  “I should have listened to you.”

  I squeeze my thighs and purse my lips together, focusing on my breathing as the pleasure inside me rises dangerously. I could care less about Aubelia’s remarks.

  “Are you all right, Carly?” she inquires.

  I smile and nod when finally, the vibration stops. I keep my calm.