In the Heir

by Ruth Cardello

  “You can call her whatever you want. She considers you her grandchild.”

  “Tell her she doesn’t have to. Not having her in my life will be a relief.”

  He doesn’t mean that. “Your anger is justifiable. No one should hear something like that the way you did.”

  Spencer laid his hands flat on his desk. “Why are you here, Brett? Seriously? What the fuck do you want from me?”

  “I don’t want anything. I’m here because you’re my brother.”

  “Half brother.”

  “Same thing.”

  “Are you kidding me? I thought I knew who I was. I just found out my father isn’t really my father. The man who raised me was, but apparently Mom didn’t think I needed to know that. No wonder Dad kept you and Eric with him but let me go. I always wondered why I was shipped off with the girls. I’m no longer confused about any of it. I get why he can’t be bothered to call me and why he doesn’t give a shit about my company. I’m not even his.”

  “There are things you don’t know about Dad. Things maybe you should.”

  “Dad? Spare me. I don’t want to know more about Dereck Westerly. All he ever gave me was his name.”

  Brett pinched the top of his nose and told himself Spencer would need some time to process this shock. “I’m here if you need me. I called Eric and told him to come home for a few days. He said he could be here by the weekend. You don’t have to deal with this alone.”

  Spencer stood. “There’s nothing to deal with. I appreciate you coming here, but I’m done. My real father is dead. My mother is a liar. No need to get married. Got it. I’m moving on.”

  Although he hated to admit it, the last part was a relief to hear. Brett rose to his feet. “You’re calling off the wedding? Does Alisha know?”

  “I’m sure she does.” He glared at Brett. “She was only marrying me to fulfill Gran—Delinda’s conditions for inheritance, but I’d already decided I couldn’t go through with that, anyway.” He laughed with self-deprecation. “I went there because I thought about what you said about it not being fair to Alisha to put her through this. I thought if I was honest with Delinda and told her the truth, she might waive the marriage condition. I’m such a fool. No one gives a shit about honesty.”

  “Your inheritance is still yours. You can still have that conversation.”

  “I don’t want her money.”

  Brett cleared his throat. “I’ve never seen Grandmother cry, but she did today. She does love you.”

  Spencer studied his brother’s face. “Did she send you? What do you get out of this?”

  “Nothing. I’m here because I care.”

  With a wave of his hand, Spencer said, “Don’t bother. I’m done with everyone.”

  “Even Alisha? She was upset, also.” Brett needed to know where his brother stood with her.

  “Alisha is the last thing on my mind. If she’s upset, she’ll get over it.”

  “Are you sure? She takes things harder than you think.”

  Spencer gave Brett a long look. “What is your fascination with her?”

  And this is where I step up to the plate. “Honesty is something our family hasn’t had enough of. You need to know that I have feelings for Alisha. I don’t want to add to what you’re dealing with, but I’m going from here to her unless you tell me that you have feelings for her, too.”

  Spencer’s hands fisted at his sides. “You want my fiancée?”

  “Fake fiancée. Unless you tell me differently.”

  Spencer ran a hand through his hair. “This is so fucked up. You know what, you can have her. I don’t care about her, you, or any of this shit. Do me a favor, though, and stay the hell away from me.”

  Brett felt his brother’s pain and didn’t let his words deter him from saying what he’d come to say. “You’re angry. Be angry. I would be. None of this changes the fact that you’re my brother, and I love you. I will always be there when you need me. Always.”

  Spencer’s face tightened, and he slammed a fist down on his desk. “Go. Just go.”

  Brett started out the door.

  Spencer called to him. “Brett.”

  Brett turned.

  Spencer took a step toward him, then stopped. “Alisha is the nicest person I know. Don’t hurt her.”

  At least you recognize that. Brett nodded at his brother as he left. His life had become complicated, and he’d always kept things simple. When it came to his personal life, he’d never been willing to invest much of himself.

  My grandfather chose to end his life rather than admit he’d failed.

  Dad chose the company over his family, even if he may never see it that way.

  Why didn’t Mom tell Spencer that Mark was his father? Because she would have had to admit to cheating on Dad? She’s more of a Westerly than she knows. Westerlys never lose; they admit to no weakness, no matter the cost.

  Just as he was exiting the building, Brett saw Rachelle walking toward the entrance. He stepped in front of her on the sidewalk. They’d recently started talking on the phone. He was disappointed she hadn’t called him when this storm hit their family, but what could he expect? He hadn’t been a presence in their lives. With Eric out of the country most of the time and Brett’s investment in work, Rachelle probably felt like she was the eldest child. “Rachelle.”

  She looked up, and for a split second the wall that had always been between them held strong, but then her features softened and she smiled at him sadly. “It’s true.”

  He didn’t need to ask what she was referring to. “I know.”

  “How is he?”

  “Understandably angry.”

  “I had no idea. Did you?”

  “No, but Grandmother thought we knew. She wouldn’t have said anything if she’d known he didn’t.”

  Rachelle rolled her eyes. “I’m not so sure about that, but it doesn’t matter now. The damage is done.”

  “She loves him. Dad does, too.”

  “They suck at showing it.”

  “Mom was just as wrong.”

  Rachelle tensed and looked about to defend her, then hugged her purse to her stomach. “I don’t understand any of it. When I tried to talk to her, she started crying. She said she’d tried to make the best choice for everyone. But how could she lie to all of us for so long? How was that for the best?”

  “I don’t know. I called Eric and told him what’s going on.”

  “You did?” She looked sad yet hopeful. “I almost did, but I didn’t want to interrupt his shoot. Is he coming back?”

  “He said he would. Some things are more important than work.”

  She looked up at him in shock. “Wait. Who are you? You do not sound like my brother Brett.”

  He shrugged. “People change.”

  She looked him over and nodded knowingly. “You met someone, didn’t you?”

  He neither acknowledged nor denied her claim. There would be time to tell her after he figured out what he and Alisha would be to each other.

  “You did; I can see it in your eyes.”

  Instead of admitting anything, he nodded toward the office building behind him. “Do you want me to go back in with you?”

  She took the hint and changed the subject. “Not if you’ve already talked it out. I’m glad you did, though. He needs to know that this doesn’t change anything.”

  “That’s not how he sees it, and he may not for a while.”

  Rachelle squared her shoulders. “I hope I say the right thing. It doesn’t feel real. What did you say?”

  A month ago Brett would have never left work to talk to his siblings. He certainly wouldn’t have had this conversation or known what to say to Spencer. His first responsibility to the family had always been to take care of the company. Everything else came second. Did they need more from him? They don’t know how I’ve always watched over them. Did keeping my influence behind the scenes hurt them as much as it helped? “I told him I love him, and I’ll always be there when he needs m
e.”

  Her eyes bright with tears, Rachelle hugged him. “Whoever you’re seeing, don’t you dare break up with her. I like this new you.”

  He hugged her back. “Me, too. Call me later.”

  “I will.”

  Brett cleared his throat. “Have you talked to Alisha?”

  “Briefly. She’s the one who told me what happened.”

  “How was she?”

  Rachelle shrugged. “Apologetic.”

  “She did nothing wrong.”

  Nodding, Rachelle hugged her purse again. “I know. I did. I suggested she marry Spencer. If I hadn’t done that, she would have never even met Grandmother and none of this would have happened.”

  Brett understood guilt. He’d mentally flogged himself many times for staying with his father instead of going with his siblings. Not one good thing had sprung from his regret. He was beginning to see that, as in business, intention didn’t matter as much as action. “Was she upset?”

  Cocking her head to one side, Rachelle studied her brother’s face before answering. “Why the sudden interest in my friend?”

  Unblinking, Brett held her gaze. He didn’t have to tell her.

  “Alisha? But she’s . . .” Her mouth rounded. “Not anymore. Of course she’s not marrying Spencer anymore.” She frowned. “You didn’t tell Spencer, did you?”

  “It’s the only thing Spencer was fine with.”

  “You don’t even know her.”

  “That’s what I intend to change.”

  Rachelle’s mouth opened and closed a few times. “I don’t know what to say.”

  A corner of Brett’s mouth lifted in a half smile. “How about good luck?”

  Shaking her head, Rachelle turned and walked into the office building. She glanced back at him with an unhappy expression on her face, before disappearing into the foyer.

  He wouldn’t have chosen to meet Alisha the way he had or when he had, but that didn’t change how he felt about her. He was going to her, and nothing would stop him from making her his.

  Chapter Ten

  Dangling her feet into the water off the edge of the dock, Alisha watched the sun set on the lake. The peace of the location was broken by laughter from a group of people gathered around a fire pit two houses down. Voices rang out from the other direction as someone playfully threw someone else in the water. It was impossible to begrudge families for having fun simply because she wasn’t. In a way, their happiness comforted her. Someday, someday I’ll feel like that again.

  Just not today.

  Rachelle hadn’t called her back. Not even a text. Alisha was tempted to call her and apologize again, but Rachelle had asked for time.

  Spencer hadn’t called, but Alisha hadn’t expected him to. He was dealing with his own issues.

  Does he blame me, too?

  Does it matter?

  Nothing will ever be the same.

  She lay back on the dock and watched the stars as they began to appear in the sky. I should go somewhere. Somewhere far away.

  Is that running away?

  What’s the alternative? Stay here and feel sorry for myself?

  There’s an upside to having no one in my life. I don’t have to ask anyone for permission to do whatever the hell I want to do.

  She sat up, took her phone out of her pocket, and began to search for last-minute vacation destinations. She wanted to go somewhere easy. No planning. No thinking. Just take me away.

  A cruise?

  She searched for ships that left from somewhere on the East Coast within driving distance. A seven-night cruise to Grand Turk and the Bahamas? She clicked through an itinerary and its accompanying photos. The reviews were positive. “Walk off the boat onto the beach. Escape to paradise.”

  That sounds pretty damn good right about now.

  She clicked through the website.

  “Number of passengers?” Alisha blinked back tears and entered, “1.”

  “Inside. Balcony. Suite.” She read about each and chose the middle option. A few more thousand dollars just to have a butler? Balcony is fine.

  The constant state of uncertainty and fear in her childhood made Alisha avoid anything resembling irresponsibility. She’d worked hard to put herself through school. She’d saved diligently and bought her own home a few years ago. Although she was far from rich, she had a decent rainy-day savings account. She also had a current passport.

  I’m doing this.

  She chose the earliest available cruise, filled out her personal and credit card information, and then hesitated.

  What do I have to lose?

  I don’t have anything left here.

  She confirmed the purchase and tucked her phone back into her pocket.

  Paradise, here I come.

  Brett pulled into the small driveway of Alisha’s lake house and parked behind her car. He’d guessed she would be there, and seeing her validated what his gut was telling him. They might not have had much time together, but he knew her. Their connection was real.

  He saw her outline on the dock, illuminated by lights from the neighboring house, and walked down to where she was. Before stepping onto the dock, he slipped off his Louis Vuitton loafers and socks and rolled his pants up. She was deep in thought and didn’t realize he was there until he sat down on her left side.

  She bounced a foot into the air and screamed before realizing it was him, then she punched him in the arm—hard. “Stop sneaking up on me.”

  He laughed and rubbed his arm. “Ouch.”

  She settled back down beside him. “Seriously, don’t do that again. I aged about five years.”

  He frowned. “You shouldn’t be out here alone. I could have been anyone.”

  She turned to look back over the water. “I can take care of myself.”

  The way she said it made him realize how often she probably had, and it saddened him. “You shouldn’t have to.”

  She folded her arms in front of herself. “When has life ever been about what should be?”

  He wanted to put an arm around her, to comfort her, but he knew she wasn’t ready. “Most of my family would agree with you today.”

  She sighed and her voice softened. “Sorry. I know it wasn’t an easy day for any of you.”

  “Or you.”

  “Or me,” she agreed.

  “There was no way you could have known.”

  She laughed sadly and covered her face with one hand. “You don’t have to sugarcoat it for me. I should have stayed out of it.”

  That wasn’t how he saw it, but what mattered was that she did. “Maybe, but you went to see my grandmother because you care about my family.” He took her left hand in his and ran his thumb over her now-bare ring finger. “I’ve never known anyone like you.”

  Her hand went cold and stiff beneath his touch. “Brett, just because I’m not marrying your brother doesn’t mean . . .” Her voice trailed off, then she said, “The only way I could possibly screw this situation up more is if I sleep with you.”

  He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “I’m flattered that your mind went there, but we could start with dinner.” She went to pull her hand away, but he held on to it, brought it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles. “Before you throw me in the lake, this is a new suit.”

  She laughed and their fingers laced. “I’m serious.”

  “So am I.”

  Her smile faded. “I can’t, Brett.”

  “But you want to.”

  She gave him a look so full of yearning he almost kissed her, but then she said, “All I want right now is to get as far away from here as I can.”

  “Where would you go?” Wherever it was, he’d take her there.

  “Oh, I’m going. I already bought my ticket. I leave on Sunday for a week.”

  His hand tightened on hers. “Where?”

  “On a cruise.”

  “Alone?”

  She pressed her lips and slid her hand away from his. “Yes, alone. I want to sit on a
beach, sip frozen drinks, get a tan, and forget about everything else.”

  “I have a two-hundred-fifty-foot yacht.”

  “Good for you.”

  She wasn’t making it easy for him, and that was a novel experience. Too many women offered themselves to him before he had a chance to learn their names. Alisha was going to make him work to be with her, and he liked it. “There’s no need to suffer through being shuttled like cattle when you could go there on a private craft with a crew dedicated to anticipating your every need.”

  “Quick, say something plebeian, your entitlement is showing.”

  He thought about what he’d said and grunted. Like his father and grandmother, he’d been raised with money. He generally didn’t think much about it, but lately he was aware of how it had shaped him. Seeing himself through Alisha’s eyes was often uncomfortable, but in an honest way that left him feeling invigorated. “The cattle reference was too much?”

  With her finger and thumb she measured an inch. “Just a little.”

  He was tempted to smile, but held it back. She was serious and adorable all at once. “Where does this perfectly wonderful cruise go?”

  “Now you’re being sarcastic.”

  He felt like a young man trying desperately to impress his first crush. “But in a humble, everyman kind of way.”

  Her answering smile was reluctant, but it was there. “Fine.” She took out her phone and opened a photo of one of the cruise’s excursions. “Grand Turk. Look at that beach. Doesn’t it look amazing?”

  All he saw was a herd of drunk college students, a hundred screaming children, and their sweaty parents all crammed onto a very crowded beach, but he wasn’t about to say it. “Hmm . . .”

  She pointed to a lounge chair beneath an umbrella. “That’s where I’m going to be. Right there. Hopefully with a nice buzz.”

  It would take a few drinks to make the setting appealing to Brett, but if she wanted to be on that beach, he wanted to be beside her. “And you already bought your ticket?”

  She put her phone away. “I did. I never do anything wild or crazy, but I’m doing this. I leave this Sunday. I can’t wait.”