In the Heir

by Ruth Cardello

  They laughed in unison, then quieted. Some women might have robbed the peace from the setting, but Alisha added to it. She seemed to crave the calm as much as he did. Was this what she found at her lake house retreat? Why she went there when she was upset?

  He wanted to be her sanctuary.

  But how realistic is that?

  “Do you enjoy your job?” he asked. He wasn’t sure why the answer to that question felt so important to him now. He knew which parts of her life were in disarray. He wanted to know about the parts that weren’t.

  “I do. Don’t get me wrong: there are good days and bad days. I age a little every time a parent picks up a child from school and doesn’t tell anyone. There is nothing worse than realizing a child is gone and not knowing where they went.”

  “Does that happen? Aren’t there safeguards against that?” With how often schools were in the news, he wouldn’t have thought something like that could happen.

  She didn’t seem offended by his question. “Oh, there are rules. Schools are all about rules and procedures now, but the human element always finds a way around those. It could be a parent who sees their child in line and calls to them. Or a parent who volunteers for a field trip and leaves with their child without telling anyone. It doesn’t happen often, but enough that it’s my favorite before-school-starts nightmare.”

  He ran a hand through her hair. “Would you still want to work if you didn’t have to?”

  She tensed. “You mean if I won the lottery?”

  “Or married someone who made it unnecessary for you to work.” He could have kicked himself for that comment. He wasn’t ready to promise her anything, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to hear the answer, not that he completely understood the reason why.

  She was quiet long enough that he wasn’t sure if she was going to answer, then she said, “Those are two totally different scenarios. If I won the lottery, I don’t know what I would do. I’d like to think I’d donate a good portion of it. I wouldn’t leave teaching, though, unless another job came along that I enjoyed as much. What I do gives me a good deal of satisfaction. I know I make a difference.” She wagged a finger in the air. “I definitely wouldn’t leave teaching for a man, not even one I married. I would never want to be on an allowance or give anyone that amount of control over my life.”

  He opened his mouth to say something, but she cut him off.

  “I’m not judging women who choose that life. There are plenty of people who do it and are happy, but it requires more trust than I’ve ever had in anyone.”

  He understood her thinking, but it made him sad. Alisha needed to be in control because she knew what it was like to suffer at the hands of someone else. Her childhood had made her strong, but it had also left her wary. He hated that someone so protective of those around her had trouble believing anyone would stand with her just as steadfastly.

  It would be so easy to say I’ll be there for her.

  Why can’t I?

  Because I don’t want to be the next person to disappoint her.

  “I was planning to fly back when we reach port,” he said.

  “And now?”

  “I want to stay, but we need to be clear about what we’re doing.”

  She sat up and turned so she could face him. “Clear. Okay. What are we doing?”

  She didn’t look angry or upset. It might have been easier if she had been. At least then he would have known what to say. “Enjoying a vacation together.”

  She cocked her head to one side. “Are you saying you want this to end when we get home?”

  Although part of him thought that’s what he wanted, he didn’t answer immediately because that definitely wasn’t what he was saying. His thoughts became scrambled each time she looked at him.

  A sad smile lifted one side of her mouth, and she spoke before he had a chance to. “That’s probably for the best. I haven’t even told people at work that I’m no longer engaged to Spencer. I don’t really want to go back and explain how I ended up with his brother.”

  The ease with which she accepted a time limit he hadn’t even verbalized, grated. He wasn’t okay with things ending as soon as they returned home.

  She patted his thigh. “It doesn’t have to be awkward between us when we go back. I tend to stay friends with men I’ve slept with.”

  What the hell? I’m not okay with that, either.

  Friends?

  To look but never be able to touch? Hell no.

  And who are these ex-lovers she’s friends with? No man sticks around a woman he’s had sex with unless he thinks there is a possibility of another chance.

  She gave him a funny look. “Are you seasick again? You don’t look so good all of a sudden.”

  He stood up and growled, “I don’t get seasick.”

  She put her hands up in mock surrender as she followed suit. “Whatever you say.”

  He was done talking. The more he tried to verbalize how he was feeling, the worse he was making things. He decided to return to when things were going well. “I’ll take you up on that.” He advanced on her.

  She laughed. “Oh, will you?”

  “I will, and you’ll like it.” He ran his hands up the back of her legs and forcibly grasped her bare ass, pulling her roughly against his instantly hard cock. “I’ll make sure you do.”

  Her eyes half closed, and she purred, “Is that a promise?”

  “It is.”

  He might still be untangling his feelings for her, but he wasn’t at all confused about this. He wanted to fuck her until she was calling out his name as she came, until she couldn’t remember anyone before him. He picked her up, slung her over his shoulder, and carried her through the suite and up the stairs. He tossed her onto the bed and stood over her. He’d never seen anything more beautiful than her on his bed, smiling in his shirt, with her wet pussy naked and ready for him.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The next morning, after eating breakfast in their suite and sharing a leisurely shower together, Alisha and Brett chose a morning walk instead of a run. Even if the ship hadn’t been moving back and forth more than it had the day before, Alisha wasn’t in the mood for a workout. She was thoroughly, happily relaxed.

  Every once in while a question born from old insecurities would pop into her head, but she was far too de-stressed to worry about much of anything. The sky was dark gray, but on the inside she was all sunshine and daisies. She knew she was sporting a perma-smile, but it was Brett’s fault. A night of orgasms had left her in a sexually sated daze.

  They walked hand in hand, talking about nothing in particular. The topic didn’t matter. His deep voice was a caress of its own. She asked him questions about his life simply to hear him speak.

  During the walk, they passed a woman alone, leaning over the railing, with tears running down her cheeks. It took a moment for Alisha to downshift into reality. “I know her,” she whispered to Brett. “I met her my first day on board. She’s here with her husband and family for a vow renewal. They do it every year.”

  Brett pressed his lips in a flat line before answering. “Do you want to see how she is?”

  Alisha bit her lip. “She looks pretty upset.” She and Brett came to a stop a few feet away. They had a choice of walking by and stopping to ask her how she was, or turning around and going the other way. “I should at least see if she’s okay.”

  Brett kissed her briefly. “I agree. If she needs to talk, I’ll grab a coffee and meet you at a table over there.”

  Raising a hand to his cheek, Alisha said, “You’re a good man.”

  He smiled, then walked toward the coffee bar.

  As she approached, Alisha asked, “Nadine?”

  Nadine straightened and quickly brushed away her tears before turning to face her. “Oh, hi.”

  When she didn’t say her name, Alisha provided it. “Alisha. We met at the buffet on the first day. I gave Ethan a ride to your table.”

  A smile spread across Nadine’s face, and
she sniffed. “I remember. Sorry I didn’t recognize you at first. I have a lot on my mind right now.”

  Alisha joined her by the railing. “Are you okay?”

  Tears filled Nadine’s eyes again. “I will be. I just didn’t want to lay this on anyone I’m traveling with. Everyone is having a great vacation.”

  “Except you.”

  “I was, then—” She sniffed. “You don’t want to hear this.”

  “I wouldn’t be standing here if I didn’t care.”

  Nadine nodded and wiped the corner of her eye. “I received some news today that I just need to process. I was hoping to cry it out before anyone woke up.”

  Moved by the woman’s pain, Alisha laid a hand on her arm. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Are you a psychologist?” the woman asked with a sad laugh.

  “Kindergarten teacher, remember?” Alisha joked gently. “Practically the same thing. If you need an ear, I’m here.”

  “I just have to get out of the funk I’m in and pull myself together before I talk to my family.”

  Alisha nodded in quiet encouragement.

  Nadine turned back toward the railing. “This trip is not only to celebrate our ten-year wedding anniversary, but it’s also my five-year anniversary of being cancer-free. Josh and I were dating when I was first diagnosed. He married me knowing that and stayed by my side through all of my treatments. I beat it five years ago. They say the longer it’s gone, the less likely it is to come back. I was told I might not be able to have children, though Ethan had other plans. After all the medicine I had taken, we worried he wouldn’t be healthy, but he’s my little miracle baby. I am grateful every single day. Grateful to have Josh, my family, and now a son. Our vow renewals are more about saying thank you than needing to promise forever to each other again.” She covered her eyes with one hand. “It should be enough that my family is here to celebrate this with us, but we had planned our renewal for tomorrow in Grand Turk. The captain announced bad weather might mean that we skip that port. The wedding coordinator doesn’t know if she can get our deposits back from the venue before we arrive in Nassau. We put all of our money into helping our family afford this trip. We can’t swing paying for another place.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Alisha said, fighting back tears of her own. Nadine’s story was beautiful and touching at the same time.

  Nadine shrugged one shoulder. “It’s not about the venue. It’s just that every other renewal went without a hitch. We never had one fall apart like this one is. It scares me. I know it doesn’t mean anything, but I can’t help but worry that it’s a sign. Maybe I’ve reached the end of my luck.” Her shoulders shook as she wiped away fresh tears.

  “It’s not. Things like this happen. They mean nothing. I’m sure the coordinator will figure something out before we reach Nassau. It’s a glitch, that’s all.”

  Finding her composure again, the woman smiled sadly. “My head knows that, but I have so much to live for now. I get scared. I’m so sorry to burden you with this. I just don’t want to say this to Josh. He’s been so good to me. There is no reason for me to make a big deal out of not having a venue for the renewal. If I can’t afford another venue, we’ll do something on the ship. Like you said, it means nothing. Right?”

  “Right.”

  Nadine turned and gently squeezed Alisha’s hand before dropping it. “It’s too bad it didn’t work out. I was going to invite you to it if I saw you. I pointed you out to my cousin Henry, and he thought you were beautiful. He’s single again. Or almost single. I could find out more about his situation if you’re interested.”

  “Oh, thank you, but not necessary.”

  “He’s a good guy, who would be on his best behavior because his parents are on the trip.”

  “Wow, I appreciate the offer, but I met someone.”

  Her eyes perked up, and she smiled. “You did? That’s fantastic. And you’re sure he’s not married?”

  “I am.”

  “Do you know anyone who knows him? Sorry. I worry. I can’t help myself. You said you just broke off an engagement. I don’t want to see anyone take advantage of your fragile state.”

  Her concern was genuine, which made it impossible not to like Nadine. “It’s all good. I know him.”

  “Oh my God. Imagine the coincidence of that. You come on a cruise by yourself and you meet a single man you know. It was meant to be.”

  Feeling a little uncomfortable with where the conversation was going, Alisha said, “I should get going. He’s waiting for me.”

  Nadine scanned the area. “Is that him? Oh my, he’s a hottie. Don’t waste another moment with me. I wouldn’t if he were waiting for me.”

  Alisha chuckled as her eyes met Brett’s across the open pool area. “He is pretty amazing.”

  “Well, get back to him, then.”

  Alisha studied Nadine’s expression. “It’s not a sign.”

  Nadine smiled, even though her eyes still looked glassy from emotion. “I know. Thank you for stopping to talk to me. I feel better already.”

  Giving in to an impulse, Alisha leaned forward and hugged her.

  Nadine returned the hug with force, then let go. “If I find a place, do you want an invite?”

  Day one, Alisha would have said no, but a vow renewal focused on simply being grateful sounded like a celebration she didn’t want to miss. She told Nadine her room number and said she would love to go.

  As soon as Brett saw her walking toward him, he stood and met her halfway. “That looked like an emotional conversation.”

  Alisha linked arms with him. “It was. Funny how impressions of people can change when you learn more about them. I thought she was one of those brides who couldn’t let go of their wedding day. Now, more than anything else, I wish there were a way to help her have her vow renewal.”

  They fell into step, continuing their walk around the ship. “Tell me about her.”

  Alisha told him how she’d met Ethan first. Then Nadine, her husband Josh, Brandi, and a group of their family. She laughed as she recounted her fear that they’d changed her dinner seat to be with them. Then she told Brett what Nadine had said. She was dabbing the tears from her eyes when she finished. “I understand her fear. She can’t control the cancer, and it has the power to take her away from everything she loves.”

  Brett stopped and pulled Alisha into his arms. He tucked her beneath his chin and held her. Against her hair, he murmured, “Have I mentioned that I’m filthy rich?”

  She raised her head and arched an eyebrow at him.

  “Money can be its own burden, but there are perks to having a lot of it. Would you like to get that venue for her? Anonymously, of course.”

  “You would do that?”

  “No. We would.”

  It was right then that Alisha knew that despite what she’d told herself and him, Brett already owned her heart. He was a very complex man, and she loved every new layer she uncovered. Loving him didn’t mean he’d stay with her. Love couldn’t stop whatever was meant to happen. Nadine might face cancer again, although Alisha prayed that if she did, it was only when her son was much, much older. She wasn’t ready yet to articulate her feelings, and she didn’t think he was ready to hear them, so she simply hugged him tighter. “Yes, Brett. Yes, please.”

  “Then let’s go find that wedding coordinator.”

  Later that night, Brett told Alisha he needed to make a few phone calls before dinner. She went to her room to shower and change, and he took a moment to reflect on the day. He was both pleased with how quickly the coordinator had been able to find a perfect beach location for Nadine, and surprised at how right it felt. Alisha had the potential of being a true partner. He could imagine her talking him into and out of all sorts of escapades. He wouldn’t be able to say no to her because her heart was in the right place. Her caring wasn’t confined to what would also benefit her. Like him, the people she loved would always come first. Even virtual strangers roused her unreserved thoughtf
ulness.

  He didn’t want to be slotted into a friendship role when the cruise ended, because he didn’t want their romance to end. Not when they got back. Not ever.

  He was a man who trusted his instincts, and they were telling him that Alisha was the one, even though he’d ardently refused the notion that there would be a one. No other woman had stolen his heart the way she had. It was no longer a matter of figuring out how he felt, but what the hell to do now that he knew.

  He called the person he knew would be most affected by it. Spencer answered in the impatient tone Brett had expected.

  “What do you want, Brett?”

  “How are you holding up?”

  Spencer angrily expelled a breath. “You didn’t call to see how I’m doing. You want to tell me something. What is it? Is Mom not my biological mother? If so, I have to say I’m not sure I give a shit. And before you tell me not to be angry, put yourself in my fucking shoes. I don’t know who I can trust anymore. Did you know about Mark?”

  “I didn’t. I would have told you if I did. You had a right to know.” Spencer’s confusion was understandable. He’d been lied to for a long time. That was another reason Brett knew he needed to hear about Alisha from him. “We need to talk about Alisha.”

  “You like her. I know. You told me.”

  Brett gripped the phone tighter and plowed forward. “I love her, and I’m reasonably certain she loves me. She’s afraid you’ll be hurt by this. Rachelle is, too. I know you won’t be, not if you remove this from everything else that’s going on. Your engagement was fake. She agreed to it because she wanted to help you. Don’t stand in the way of her having a chance at something real.”

  Spencer snorted. “Wouldn’t you like that? Then you can sleep with her guilt-free.”

  “I’m serious about her.”

  The line was quiet while Spencer processed that. “What does that mean?”

  “I don’t know, but I want her by my side while I figure it out.”

  “And you want my blessing? You’re not going to get it. I can’t imagine a worse person for her. She’s all about family and you’re—”