High Stakes

by Cheryl Douglas

  Liam had been counting down the hours until Alisa’s arrival. His family had flown in together from San Francisco, but when he offered to have the jet pick Alisa up in Nashville, she insisted on flying in on her own. She said she didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. What she didn’t realize was that life as Mrs. Liam Bryson afforded her some serious perks, and he intended to make sure she got used to enjoying them.

  “You seem nervous,” Abby said, spraying sunscreen on her legs before stretching out on the lounger beside him.

  “I guess I am.” He propped his sunglasses up on his head as he stared out at the ocean. “It’s not every day I introduce my daughter to my new wife.”

  She reached across the space between their chairs. “Don’t worry, Dad. It’ll be cool.”

  He loved that his daughter was more carefree than he’d been at her age. He must have given her a sense of peace knowing that he’d always be there to take care of her. “It means a lot to me that you’re willing to give Alisa a chance, honey.”

  “That means you’ll have to do the same when it’s my turn to start bringin’ guys home, right?”

  Liam cringed just thinking about. He knew that day would be here long before he was ready. “Don’t count on it.”

  She pouted, looking utterly adorable. No question about it, she knew she had her daddy wrapped around her little finger. “Hey, that’s not fair.”

  “Sometimes life isn’t fair, princess. As your father, I reserve the right to give your boyfriends a hard time. In fact, I consider it my job.”

  She sighed dramatically. “I kind of expected that from you.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “Control freak.”

  He picked up the bottle of water by his chair, removed the cap, and spewed a generous amount in her direction.

  “Hey!” she squealed, reaching for her towel to dab her wet face. “I just applied sunscreen.”

  “Good thing it’s waterproof, then.” He laughed at her haughty attitude, knowing she’d forgive him in a nanosecond. That’s the kind of relationship they had… She always reminded him to laugh when everything else in his life brought him down.

  “Speaking of overprotective fathers, did Trey Turner give you a hard time?”

  Liam shrugged as he watched a cruiser navigating the waves in the distance. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

  Abby frowned. “If he’s got a problem with you marrying his daughter, I’d be happy to tell him that he’s lucky you chose her. She could spend the rest of her life looking, but she’d never find a better guy than you. And I’m not just saying that because you’re my dad.”

  Moments like these, Liam realized his daughter was growing up. She wasn’t a baby who needed to be protected from the harsh realities of a cruel world anymore. His job as a parent would soon change, as he had to learn how to step back and let his little girl make her own choices. He trusted her, and he knew she was too smart to get caught in most of the common teenage traps, but he knew he’d never stop worrying about her. Just as Trey still worried about his grown daughter getting hurt.

  “Thanks for saying that, baby. Knowing you feel that way about your old man means more than anyone else’s opinion.”

  “Even Alisa’s?”

  He tipped his head to the side, trying to determine if a hint of resentment lurked beneath the surface of that question. It had always been just the two of them. Of course, he’d had women in his life, but he was careful not to bring them into his daughter’s world. “Alisa’s my wife, hon. Of course her opinion matters to me. A lot. Does that bother you?”

  “No.” She watched one of their neighbors, a sun-kissed blond teenager, command his surfboard. “I’m glad you found someone. I hate to think of you spending the rest of your life alone. It won’t be long before I’m out of the house—”

  Liam groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

  She giggled. “It would be even sooner if you let me go to that art school in New York.”

  “Abby…” Liam said, using the tone that cautioned her against pushing her luck. “You know how I feel about that. You’re too young to live in some strange city on your own.”

  She propped her oversized sunglasses up on her head and rolled her eyes. “Dad, I’d live in residence with all the other kids. They have dorm monitors to keep an eye on us, besides—”

  He held his hand up to halt her argument. “We’ve already discussed this. You’re not ready.”

  “Maybe you’re the one who’s not ready to let me go,” she said, crossing her arms.

  “Maybe you’re right,” he said quietly. He drew a deep breath. “I know you’ll be going off to college in a few years, baby, and I want you to have that experience. Those years were some of the best of my life. But we only have a short time left before that day comes, and I’m just not ready to let you go. I’m sorry if that sounds selfish or you think I’m being unfair, but as your father, I’m the one who has to decide what’s best for you.”

  “You think you’ll have any more kids with her?”

  Liam was still getting used to the idea of being married. The thought of having more children hadn’t even entered his mind. “I don’t know. Would it bother you if we did?”

  “No.” She waved a hand to the boy who’d captured her attention, and Liam realized she probably had a crush on the boy she used to build sand castles with. He’d have to keep a closer eye on them to make sure it didn’t evolve into something neither one of them was ready for. “I think it would be good for you.” She smiled. “Maybe if you had another kid, you’d give me a little breathing room.”

  “You think I smother you?”

  “I’m just teasing,” she said, reaching for his hand. “Listen, I’ve wanted you to find someone for a long time now.” She shrugged. “Having another girl around the house sometimes will be nice. I mean, you’re great, don’t get me wrong, and I love Nana and Mrs. Foster, but sometimes it would be cool to have someone younger to talk to. Someone who wasn’t a teenager when Elvis was the king.”

  Liam laughed. “Elvis will always be the king.”

  “Dad, I’m serious.”

  “What about your Aunt Tracey? You know you can always go to her if you have a problem.”

  “I know, but she’s Mel’s mom, and sometimes Melanie’s part of the problem.”

  “What do you mean? I thought you and your cousin got along great.”

  “We do, but…”

  This was the first Liam had heard about animosity between the girls, and he couldn’t help but wonder if he was missing out on other things because his business took him away from home so much. “But what?” When she hesitated, he said, “You know you can tell me anything, honey.”

  “Melanie’s pretty interested in boys. I mean… really interested, and she’s gone a lot further than I have. Sometimes I feel like such a baby compared to her.”

  Liam felt the hard fist of shock hit him in the stomach. His baby was suddenly interested in pursuing a physical relationship with boys? He was so not ready for this, and he didn’t know what to say to ensure she wouldn’t even consider taking the next step until she was much, much older.

  “Hi there.”

  Liam looked up and a wave of relief washed over him when he saw his wife. He would talk to Alisa and get her take on this. It wasn’t so long ago she’d been a teen, and he was anxious to know how her parents handled this delicate issue with her. “Hey, sweetheart,” he said, getting up off his lounge chair. “It’s great to see you.”

  She reached out to give him a hug before casting a glance at Abby. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything?”

  “No, of course not. We were just catching up.” In fact, she couldn’t have come at a better time. If ever he’d needed to be rescued, now was the time. “How was your flight?”

  “Good.”

  “I wish you’d let me send the plane. It was crazy for you to fly commercial when you didn’t have to.”

  She laughed. “I’ve been flying commercial all my life. It’s no bi
g deal.”

  “Um, Alisa, this is my daughter Abigail,” he said, gesturing toward the teen.

  She rolled her eyes as she eased forward on the lounger to offer Alisa her hand. “It’s Abby, not Abigail.”

  Alisa laughed as she shook Abby’s hand. “I’ll remember that.” She reached into the oversized handbag she was carrying over her shoulder. “I brought something for you, Abby.” She extracted a small white box and handed it to the girl. “One of the jewelry designers whose merchandise I carry in my store brought it in yesterday, and I thought it would look fabulous with your coloring.”

  Abby opened the box and gasped when she saw the handmade amethyst and aqua pendant hanging from the delicate white gold chain. “Oh wow, this is amazing.” She ran a hand over the gemstones before looking up at Alisa. “Seriously, that was really nice of you. Thanks.”

  “My pleasure. I’m glad you like it.” Alisa gestured to her bag. “Actually, I was hoping you could do me a favor… if you have some time this weekend?”

  “Sure. What is it?”

  “I’m considering a teen line for my store, and I brought along pictures of some of the things I like. I was hoping you could give me your opinion. Your cousin Melanie, too. I mean, I think I know what teens like, but having your input would give me a lot more confidence in my buying decisions.”

  “Hey, that’d be cool.” She smiled. “My dad’ll tell you how much I love clothes.”

  Liam chuckled. “I’ve had to knock out a wall so we could enlarge her closet.”

  Alisa propped a hand on her hip. “Liam, a girl can never have too much closet space.” She winked at Abby. “Isn’t that right?”

  Abby grinned as she stood up. “Oh, I’m gonna like her, Dad.” She took the necklace out of the box and handed it to her stepmother. “Would you mind putting this on for me? My dad’s kinda clumsy when it comes to stuff like this.”

  Alisa giggled. “Most men are.” She fastened the clasp with practiced ease and set Abby’s long dark hair over her shoulders. “Let me see.”

  Abby turned to face her, proudly showing off her new jewelry. “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s perfect.”

  “Thanks, I think so, too.” She surprised Liam by giving Alisa a quick hug before turning her attention to him. “Dad, can I go say hi to Colin?”

  Colin was their neighbors’ son. The boy trying to show off on his surfboard, no doubt to impress Abby. “Um, I don’t know. I thought we’d eat in a bit.”

  Alisa reached for his hand. “I’d love to take a walk on the beach. If that’s okay with you?”

  Liam realized his wife was trying to form an alliance with his daughter, and he appreciated her effort. “Sure, but no more than half an hour, Abby. And stay outside, please.”

  “Sure,” she said, grabbing her towel before running down the length of the private beach toward their neighbors’ house.

  “God help me,” Liam said, tilting his head back to look up at the sky. “I’m so not ready for this.”

  “You’re not ready for what?” Alisa asked, winding her arms around his waist.

  “I’m not ready for my little girl to grow up.”

  Alisa laughed. “I’m twenty-six tomorrow and my dad’s still not ready to let me grow up.”

  Liam frowned. “Your birthday’s tomorrow?” He cursed himself for not knowing such an important fact. But they had yet to learn so many things about each other.

  She shrugged. “Yeah, but it’s no big deal. I don’t want you to—”

  He spared a glance down the beach to make sure his daughter was preoccupied before he skimmed his wife’s lips with his tongue. Groaning, he drew her closer before ravishing her mouth. “You better believe it’s a big deal, Mrs. Bryson. I intend to make sure this will be one birthday you never forget.”

  Alisa hadn’t intended to tell Liam about her birthday because she knew he’d never let it pass without fanfare, but being here with him and his family was the only thing she needed to make her birthday memorable. She’d had the fancy parties and lavish gifts before. What she’d never had was the opportunity to watch a stunning sunset over the ocean with the love of her life by her side. That was the part she was most looking forward to.

  Day stretched into evening as Alisa got to know her new brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew. It was easier than she’d expected, and they welcomed her into the fold as though she was always a part of their lives. The best part was watching her stepdaughter crushing on the boy next door. Liam reluctantly invited Colin to dinner, after Abby invested half an hour begging him, but he kept one eye on them and the other on the grill most of the evening.

  Alisa laughed as she watched Liam refill her wine glass. “You can relax now. Colin’s gone home and Abby’s in her bedroom listening to music.”

  “Thank God,” he muttered, sinking into the chair beside her.

  They were alone, everyone had gone off in their own direction after dinner, and it was their first opportunity to talk about what was obviously bothering him. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked, reaching for his hand.

  Liam propped his feet up on the footrest and tipped his head back to watch the stars that were beginning to dot the night sky. “My little girl’s growing up. I don’t think I realized that until today.” He sighed. “Seeing the way she embraced you and watching her with that boy…” He shuddered. “God, I expected to have more time to figure things out, you know?”

  She squeezed his hand. “Obviously, I’m not a parent, but I don’t think you’re ever ready to let your baby go.”

  He turned his head to look at her. “Would you like to be a parent someday?” He kissed her hand when she didn’t respond right away. “It’s something we haven’t talked about before. Either way, I won’t be disappointed. I’ve had the experience of being a parent, and I wouldn’t have traded my time alone with Abby for anything, but…”

  Alisa’s breath hitched at the hesitation she heard in his voice. She hadn’t thought about children since she and Nick got engaged, but she definitely wanted a family of her own someday. Liam was older, and he’d already lived through that experience. There was no guarantee he would be motivated to do it all over again. “But?”

  “But it would be nice to share that experience with someone. To have a partner to help me through the rough times. Like now, when I feel like I’m in so far over my head that I might make a mistake that screws my daughter up forever.”

  Alisa released the breath she hadn’t realized she’d held. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. I want a baby, Liam. Your baby.”

  He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to her hand before opening his eyes to look at her. “Nothing would make me happier.” He flicked his tongue over her wrist and smiled when she wiggled in her seat. “But sooner rather than later, okay?”

  “Definitely,” she whispered, feeling breathless. It still amazed her that he could turn her on with so little effort. It usually took Nick the better part of an hour to convince her to have sex with him, which should have been enough to convince her their relationship had bigger problems. But she didn’t want to waste any more time thinking about him. Nick was her past. Liam was her future.

  “So, what’s Abby done to make you doubt yourself?”

  “You saw her with that boy tonight.” Liam raked a hand through his hair. “And it’s not just that. She told me her cousin’s interested in boys and she feels like she’s being left behind.”

  “I see.” Alisa moved her chair closer, hoping the physical proximity would help to ease some of the tension she felt radiating from him. “What did you say to that?”

  “Nothing really. I didn’t know what the hell to say.” He glanced at her, looking helpless and forlorn, not at all like the business mogul who seemed able to manage any crisis. “How am I supposed to handle this? She’s too young to even think about getting involved with boys.”

  Alisa smiled, grateful the cloak of darkness prevented him from seeing her amus
ement. “I’m sure every father feels that way, but you have to accept the fact that your little girl’s growing up. I agree she’s way too young to be sexually active—” She laughed when Liam winced. “But it’s perfectly normal for her to be attracted to boys at this age. No matter how much you might like to pretend it isn’t happening, it is. So, it’s just a question of how you intend to handle it.”

  He stared out at the waves splashing against the white sand beach for a long time before he asked, “How do you think I should handle it?”

  She was flattered that her opinion seemed to mean so much to him. “I think you need to keep doing what you’re doing. Keep an eye on her; be aware of what she’s doing, where she’s going, and who she’s with. Keep the lines of communication open and invite her to talk to you about any problem she may be having, even if it’s uncomfortable for you to hear.”

  “Maybe you can help me with that part,” he said, smiling. “I don’t think I could hear about my baby falling for some little punk and remain objective.”

  Alisa laughed. “How do you know he won’t be a nice, normal kid, like Colin?”

  “They’re all gonna be little punks to me; you need to know that.” He smiled. “Besides, doesn’t every girl have to go through her fair share of losers before she finds the real deal?” His smile got wider when he gestured to himself. “Case in point. You got engaged to that piece of—”

  She held her hand up. “I don’t want to talk about him tonight.”

  “Did you hear from him this week?”

  When she didn’t respond right away, he muttered a curse.

  They’d spoken on the phone every night, but she didn’t want to waste precious time telling Liam about Nick’s phone calls, flowers, or impromptu visit to her store when she was locking up last night. “It doesn’t matter, I—”

  “It matters to me,” he said through clenched teeth. “I want details.” He dropped her hand and leaned forward. “I’m waiting.”

  She knew he had a right to know, but knowing how he was going to react made it difficult to get the words out. “He, uh, called a few times.” She cleared her throat. “And sent flowers.” She felt nauseous when she thought of the birthday present he’d hand-delivered yesterday. “He gave me diamond earrings yesterday.”