“You’re very kind.” She shifted in her seat, finding a comfortable spot. “So, Liam, what part of Britain are you from?”
He chuckled. “And so my accent gives me away. Birmingham.”
“How did you end up here?”
“I came here to windsurf originally. And then figured I might as well do something productive, so I started painting.”
“You’re an artist?”
“I am.”
“What type of art do you do?”
“Mostly landscape pictures of the island. But I like dabbling in portraits as well.”
“Wow, that’s really neat.”
“I enjoy it.”
“You make your living as an artist?”
“More or less.”
“That’s impressive. Not many people are able to do that. You must be really good.”
“Thank you,” he said, but he seemed uncomfortable with her praise—which made her like him even more. “Tell me about you. How did you come to be engaged to Anthony?”
How did she end up in this mess? That was the billion-dollar question. “He was a friend of my dad’s, and he helped my family through a difficult time. We started out as friends and it developed into more.” If only it were that simple.
The conversation drifted to other topics. Before long, she was telling him about her dad and the heartache she felt over his death; about how her mom was really struggling, to the point where she was seriously worried about her; about Dani and how headstrong and free-spirited she was. She expressed concern that Dani had no real direction in her life, but even as she spoke those words, she felt like the biggest hypocrite—her life might look perfect from the outside, but she was the one who was truly floundering.
Liam was a good listener, and it felt good to be able to talk to someone. Even though she’d just met him, she felt like she’d known him forever—the brother she never had. She lost track of time and was startled when Anthony stepped through the patio doors. His dark eyes turned black when he saw Liam.
“Hey.” She stood as he approached and gave her a wooden peck on the cheek. “Liam and I were just catching up,” she said, feeling the need to explain.
“I can see that,” he said, disapproval written all over his face as he looked at the aluminum foil plate resting on the ledge of the grill. “You started the grill.”
She smiled through his coldness. “Yeah, I decided to make some chicken.”
“But I told you I needed to check it first—that I was afraid there was a leak.”
“It’s working perfectly.”
“I wish you would’ve waited.”
They stood there, staring each other down like gunslingers at high noon. Neither was willing to back down.
Liam stood and extended his hand. “Anthony, it’s good to see you.”
Anthony let Liam’s hand hang awkwardly in midair before finally shaking it. “Liam,” he said curtly.
Silence descended over them, until Liam spoke. “I have some things I need to take care of.” The warm smile he gave Samantha was a stark contrast to Anthony’s frosty manner. “Thanks for the conversation and the chicken. It was a pleasure getting to know you.” He nodded at Anthony and then called for Rebel.
It was only then that they realized Rebel was digging a hole smack-dab in the center of Anthony’s yard.
“Rebel, no!” Liam said, clapping his hands. “Come ’ere, girl,” he ordered.
The horrified look on Anthony’s face was almost comical as he swore under his breath. “Get that dog off my grass.”
Liam’s face paled, and he nodded. He looked at Samantha. “I’m sorry.”
She just stood there, dumbfounded, as Liam gathered Rebel in his arms and left.
Anthony’s face turned an ugly red as he began pacing back and forth across the deck. “So this is what you do all day when I’m gone? Sit around, flirting with Liam while his mangy dog destroys the yard! That’s the thanks I get, after all I’ve done for you.”
She couldn’t believe he was bringing this up again, especially after their conversation on the plane. What was he looking for? A commendation? “You’re way out of line here.”
He spun around, rage twisting over his features. “Am I?”
She rocked back, stunned he was so angry. “I was making us a nice dinner. Liam came over to say hello. We were just talking.”
His eyes turned to slits. “Dinner, huh? I wondered what that odd smell was when I stepped through the front door.”
She let out a harsh laugh. “That odd smell is baking potatoes.”
“That explains it. I hate potatoes.”
“Figures,” she muttered.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You hate everything.”
“That’s not true.” He looked perplexed. “Where’s this hostility coming from?”
She went bug-eyed, hardly believing what she was hearing. “You’re really asking that? Do you not have a clue how you come across?” She shook her head in disgust. “You know what? This isn’t working. I give up. I’m done trying to please you.”
He grabbed her arm. “Keep your voice down,” he hissed. “Do you want the neighbors to hear?”
She threw her head back, a wild look in her eyes. “I don’t care what they hear. I can’t even breathe without making you upset. We’re through!”
She jerked her arm out of his grasp and ran into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her. Tears blurred her vision as she sat down on the bed. Then she reached for her phone and called Dani.
“Hello?”
“Dani, I’m so glad you answered.”
“What’s wrong?”
She gulped, her voice choking. “I can’t do this.”
“Do what? Are you okay?”
“I can’t marry Anthony. He’s crazy and controlling and a big jerk.”
“Calm down. Take a deep breath.”
She snorted and raked her hair out of her eyes.
“Tell me what’s going on.”
Her thoughts were a mass of tangled ropes that had no ends.
“Sam,” Dani prompted, “tell me.”
She sucked in air. “Okay.”
It all came gushing out in one long wail session as she outlined her fears and reservations about Anthony’s obsessive behavior. Dani sat quietly, letting her vent, until the words ran dry.
“What should I do?” Samantha finally said.
“The first thing you’re gonna do is stop crying. You need to get a hold of yourself.”
She nodded like Dani could see her and began wiping at her tears.
“And you need to stop letting Anthony intimidate you.”
Dani might just as well have asked her to capture the moon. Of course she was intimidated by Anthony. Who wouldn’t be? “I thought I could make this work, but Anthony’s not the man I thought he was. He’s changed since we got engaged.”
“What do you wanna do?”
She wanted to run as far away from Anthony as she could get. “I don’t know,” she moaned. “No amount of money’s worth this.”
Dani blew out a breath. “Just don’t make any hasty decisions when you’re this angry. Sleep on it, and if you still feel the same way tomorrow, then that’s your answer.” There was a long pause.
“What is it you’re not telling me?”
“It’s probably not the best time to bring this up, but Mom had an episode today with her heart. It was beating too fast and she was short of breath. I took her to the hospital. They ran a few tests and put her on a blood thinner to reduce the chance of a stroke.”
Samantha’s hands grew clammy. “Why didn’t you call me?”
“I wanted to, but Mom was worried it would freak you out.” Dani’s voice caught. “The doctor said she needs to find a way to reduce her stress level. I keep hoping she’ll pull out of the funk she’s in … but I just don’t know.”
What Dani wasn’t saying was that their mom considered her upcoming marriage to Anthony the pivot
al event that would save the family. Ending things with him now could be the shock that sent her mother over the edge. No wonder Dani suggested that she not make any hasty decisions. “Is Mom doing okay now?”
“Yeah, she’s a lot better.”
“Are you sure?”
“I promise. Trisha’s flying in tomorrow morning. She’s planning on spending at least a week. That’ll help. You know how Trisha is. She won’t leave Mom’s side until she’s sure Mom’s okay.” Trisha was her mom’s college roommate and best friend. It would do her mom a world of good to have a diversion from the grief, and Trisha could monitor the heart situation.
Samantha jumped when she heard the knock. Then the doorknob started moving back and forth. “Samantha, open the door,” Anthony said.
“I’ve gotta let you go.”
“This conversation’s not over,” Dani insisted.
“Yeah… um… we’ll talk later.”
“Wait a minute. I need your address.”
“My address here?”
“Yeah, I need to send you something.”
“Okay, I’ll text it to you.”
“Text it to me right away.”
“All right. Love you.” Hurriedly, she ended the call.
The knocking grew louder. “Samantha.”
“Go away!”
“Samantha, I’m sorry for earlier. I lost my temper and acted like a jerk.”
“Yes, you did,” she snapped, surprised he was admitting it.
“Open the door so we can talk about this like rational adults. Please.” His voice had a desperate edge to it.
She sat there, knowing she had to face him sooner or later. “Okay,” she barked, “I’m coming.” She threw open the door, scowled, turned her back on him, and sat back down on the bed. She was more than a little annoyed when he sat down beside her.
“Look,” he began, “I know things have been tense between us lately.”
She grunted. “Is that what you call it?”
He ran a hand through his short hair. “Things have been crazy with work. I keep running into roadblocks with the condo development, and then there’s the stress of trying to keep you occupied—”
“Wait a minute,” she cut in, giving him a steely look. “You haven’t done a single thing for me. I’ve been looking after myself.”
“Yeah, but I feel so guilty that you’re here … alone.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Guilty? That’s a stretch. I’d say you’re more put out than anything else.” She looked him in the eye, daring him to disagree.
His eyes clouded. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t even move without you acting like I’m going to mess something up. Everything has to be perfect all the time.”
A perplexed look came over his face. “I do like order. I thought that was a good thing.”
Either he was an incredibly good actor, or he was genuinely clueless about his dysfunctional behavior. “It is, if it’s not taken to excess.” She let out an exasperated breath, trying to figure out a way to make him understand where she was coming from. He was wound up so tight that the tension was almost visible. “Anthony, why do you want to marry me?”
“Not that again.” He shook his head.
“I really need to know. We have absolutely nothing in common, and half the time I get the feeling you don’t even like me.”
He gave her an incredulous look. “That’s absurd. I love you.”
“Why do you love me? I need to know.”
His eyes went soft around the edges. “Your dad was a mentor to me.”
“Yes, I know the two of you were good friends.”
“Elliott and I weren’t just good friends,” he said testily. “He was like a father.”
That was news to her. She knew her dad was fond of Anthony, but she hadn’t realized how close they were.
“My mother left when I was ten, and I was raised by Dad. He passed away my junior year in college. It was a few years later when I met Elliott. He was putting together the high-rise development in downtown Sacramento. I was a newcomer in the real estate arena. He took me under his wing and taught me everything I know.” A wry smile spread over his lips. “One day, he invited me to have dinner with your family. The moment I laid eyes on you, I was smitten. I thought you were the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”
“Really?” At that point in her life, Anthony was merely a business associate of her dad’s, nothing more.
“I never had any hope you might come to feel the same way about me, until that day in the attorney’s office. You were so devastated when you realized the state of Elliott’s affairs. You looked at me with such hope.” Pride simmered in his eyes. “And I realized that I had the power to help. I could save you and your family.” He gave her a tender look. “And perhaps earn your love in the process.” His eyes grew misty. “I’m sorry I’ve been such a bear.”
“You’ve got to lighten up. I can’t spend the rest of my life, walking on eggshells. I need to feel comfortable in our home.”
“I want us to build a life together,” he said earnestly. “I want that more than anything.”
There was such sincerity in his eyes that she got the feeling he meant everything he said. But there was more they needed to discuss. “Why did you tear into Liam like that? Do you not like dogs?”
“Of course I like dogs. I donate thousands of dollars every year to the Sacramento SPCA.”
“Okay. What’s that?”
“The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.” His jaw hardened. “What happened earlier had to do with Liam. I’ve had several pointed conversations where I’ve specifically asked him to keep his dog out of my yard. I’m sure he thought I wouldn’t say anything in front of you, but I wanted him to know that I mean business.”
She processed this. It seemed a plausible explanation, especially if they’d had previous conversations about it. “Okay, but surely you must see that you overreacted.”
“Yeah,” he admitted. “Not one of my finer moments.”
“And what about Koa?”
“What do you mean?”
“Koa said you accused him of making advances at me.”
“I did no such thing,” he said hotly.
She rolled this around in her head, trying to make sense of what he was saying. “But you did talk to him today.”
“Yes, I spoke to him. I told him you were considering getting a massage, and to make sure and put it on my account. I didn’t want you to run into any problems. That’s why I took the time to run by there before I headed out.”
“So you’re telling me that you didn’t tell Koa to stay away from me.”
“Yes, that’s precisely what I’m telling you. Why would I do that?”
“Hmm… it’s strange that Koa would tell me that.”
“Yeah, it is strange, but we don’t know him. Who’s to say what he was thinking?”
One of the two was lying. “Are you sure you’re telling me the truth?”
He didn’t even blink. “I swear it.”
“Okay,” she finally said.
He relaxed. “So, are we good?”
“I-I’m not sure. I want to believe we can make it work, but I’m just not sure.” It was the most honest answer she could give. It was wrong to agree to marry him for the money, but she was so desperate. And she’d been fond of him … before she realized who he was. Maybe it was for the best to end this here and now. It was never going to work anyway.
He touched her arm. “This is probably not the best time to bring this up, but the numbers came back on your mother’s business. It’s looking like I am going to be able to invest in it.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Is this your way of trying to convince me to marry you?”
“Goodness, no.” He laughed nervously. “I just thought you needed to know.”
She gave him a hard look. “And yet you chose to tell me now.”
“I was going to tell you the minute I got home, but then
Liam was here…” He gestured vaguely. “… and all of this happened.” His eyes pled with hers. “I know we can make this work. As a matter of fact, I’m so convinced that I’m going to do the unthinkable.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, half-dreading the answer.
“I’m not even going to ask you to sign a pre-nup.”
She stiffened. “I didn’t realize you were going to make me sign a pre-nup.” This just kept getting better and better.
“Well… naturally. But I’m not going to now. I believe in us. We can make this work.” He gathered her hands in his. “Give me another chance.” His voice caught. “Please.”
He’d used that same phrase on the plane. How many chances was she prepared to give him? “I’ll try,” she said, even as she wondered whether it was worth it.
7
“You look beautiful.” Anthony’s dark eyes flickered over Samantha as they stepped through the doors and into the lobby at Turtle Bay.
“Thank you,” she said, her gaze taking in the reflection of the soft flames glimmering in the tiki torches outside. It was the first time she’d been in the lobby at night. The lighting was dim, creating a mellow atmosphere that was conducive for intimate conversation and relaxation. She looked through the floor-to-ceiling windows to the ocean and the sky beyond, which were awash in deep blues with the occasional ribbon of white from the breaking surf.
“Julie’s meeting us here in the lobby. Let’s have a seat.” He placed a hand on the small of her back and maneuvered her toward the sofa and chairs.
After their heart-to-heart conversation, Anthony had taken her downstairs and showed her a beautiful bouquet of flowers he’d brought home for her, making her question if she was being too hard on him. Then he informed her that he’d arranged for them to have dinner with his interior designer at the restaurant inside the hotel. It certainly would’ve been nice if he’d told her that before she went to the trouble of preparing dinner. Then again, he had no way of knowing she was going to hop on a bus and go to the grocery store. She almost told him to go without her, but she didn’t want to cause another argument. It was easier to just go.
He chatted her ear off like nothing had happened. They appeared to be the happy couple, but for her, things were far from settled. She was so dang confused about everything. She had no idea Anthony had intended to make her sign a pre-nuptial agreement. And was he lying about confronting Koa? More doubts to add to the growing list.
Everything to Lose (Destination Billionaire Romance) Page 5