by Jody Holford
When she’d sat down, he figured she’d recognize him, even if she wasn’t from Nashville. Baseball was America’s pastime, right? But she hadn’t.
Along with making him realize maybe he thought entirely too much of himself, it was incredibly refreshing. And she was incredibly intriguing. The way she talked, how she looked him right in the eyes and the way, despite her vulnerability, she exuded strength.
Plus, he wasn’t blind: she was stunning.
Her hands were small and fragile, but he was good at reading people, and something about this woman—Isla, what a gorgeous name—told him she wasn’t weak. She wasn’t fragile. At the moment, she clearly needed a friend, and he had no desire to withdraw his hands. In fact, he had an urge to pull her closer and promise her everything would be okay. Strange for him, since he never made promises to women.
“Cruz, I’m taking my break,” Talia said behind him. He turned and looked at his sister and knew from the look in her eyes she was curious about the hand holding.
Releasing Isla’s hands left his feeling empty. “Tal, this is Isla. Isla, this is my sister, Talia.” He couldn’t remember the last time he’d introduced a woman—any woman for any reason—to his sister or anyone else in his family. Maybe high school? Before then? Didn’t matter. The woman at his bar needed to know she wasn’t alone. Which made him wonder why the hell she was.
Talia stepped forward and, as he’d hoped, put Isla visibly at ease. “You doing okay, hon?”
Isla nodded. “I think you’re the friendliest staff I’ve ever met. I’m fine, thank you.”
Talia grinned up at him. “She has no idea how friendly you are,” she teased.
“Shut it,” he warned with a grin.
Isla smiled at both of them. “Is this a family-run business?”
Tal’s mouth dropped open. Liam sent her a look that clearly hit the mark, because she didn’t say anything about him being a baseball player.
“Mostly. Cruz here helps out when he’s not goofing off. I keep it running, though.”
Laughing, Liam gave her a small shove. “Go take your break.”
“Nice to meet you, Isla,” Talia said. “Welcome to Salvation.”
“Thank you. Nice to meet you, too,” the pretty redhead answered.
Talia moved from behind the bar, and it didn’t escape Liam’s notice that several of the guys in the room tracked her progress. He hated thinking of his sister as a grown woman who dated and…yeah. He wasn’t going there. She could take care of herself. Or so she’d told him several times.
“Cruz?”
His smile slipped. “Last name. Liam Cruz.” He waited, his pulse scrambling.
Isla smiled, picking up her hot chocolate. “You seem close.”
An unexpected rush of relief filled him. Unlike a lot of the younger guys on his team, he wasn’t all over social media or making waves in the news for all the wrong reasons. Still, this was a change of pace—the back and forth without someone thinking they already knew him. “We are. We’re twins.”
“Oh. That’s cool. I always wondered what it would be like to have close siblings,” she said. She frowned into her hot chocolate, like she hadn’t meant to say that, and then took a sip.
“Do you have siblings you’re not close to?”
The band announced a break after the next song, making the crowd complain. Liam glanced over his shoulder. Nothing the staff couldn’t handle. This new band was killing it tonight. Once again, Talia had been on the money about her hunch that they’d please the crowd.
Looking back at Isla, he saw her check her phone. Peeking at him through lowered lashes, she answered, “I have a brother. Ian. We’re not close. In fact, I’m waiting for him or my dad to text. I’m not sure if they’ve heard about my grandfather.” She shook her head and exhaled sharply. “Sorry. I don’t usually unload my life story on bartenders. Though I can see why people do. You’re a very good listener.”
Liam laughed and leaned on the bar. He wasn’t in the habit of counseling people across the bar or anywhere else, but something about this woman made it impossible to walk away. He didn’t need to be here, but he liked the atmosphere, and it was better than sitting around the house alone. His parents had nagged him about investing in real estate, so when he’d signed the contract with the Nashville Slammers, he’d finally bought a place. It was about three times bigger than he needed as a happily single man, but it made his mother content.
The door swung open and a group of noisy guys came in, shaking off the rain. Liam returned his gaze to Isla. “How long are you in town?” Why did it matter?
Turning her phone over so the screen faced down, Isla shrugged. “Not long. I’m not sure about a funeral, so I’ll wait to find out about that. I guess, as long as I can get a flight, I’ll head home in a few days. ”
For some reason, his chest tightened uncomfortably at her answer. “Quick trip. Where’s home?”
“Colorado.” She lowered her lashes and stared down at her drink.
Without thinking it through, he covered one of her hands with his. “I’m really sorry about your grandfather.”
She smiled, but her eyes were watery. “Thanks. It’s silly for me to be this upset. I didn’t know him. He and my father were estranged. I feel selfish for being so upset.”
He’d bet money this woman didn’t have a selfish bone in her body. “Death is hard. You can never predict how it’ll hit you. Plus, you have the added burden of wondering about who he was if you never got a chance to know him,” Liam said.
Isla nodded. “I should find a place to stay for the night. Can you recommend somewhere?”
Confusion had him knitting his brows. “You don’t have any other family here?”
One side of her lips tipped up, drawing his attention. She had a gorgeous mouth. Full lips that, when they turned up in a full smile, stopped a man’s breath.
“No. Just my grandfather’s fourth wife, and she wasn’t keen on me sticking around. Which is understandable. She’s grieving. It’s hardly an ideal time to entertain a stranger.”
Liam’s family wasn’t perfect. Hell, his life wasn’t perfect, regardless of how the media liked to spin things. But family was everything, and he couldn’t imagine not being welcomed, no matter how removed the relation. His parents each had several siblings, and all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins were a tight-knit crew. Even spread out across the continent, they kept in touch and got together once a year for a huge reunion.
“That’s lousy. I’m sorry.” His thoughts tumbled around in his head. The idea of sending her back out into the dreary night, alone, didn’t sit right. His heart raced because it seemed to realize what he was about to do before his lips formed the words.
“Listen, you don’t know me, and this might come out as strange, but there’s an apartment over the bar. It’s fully furnished. Talia could take you up there if you’re not comfortable with me showing it to you. The last thing you need after the day you’ve already had is to start looking for hotels.”
A particularly upbeat song came on their satellite station, and several patrons headed onto the dance floor while others wove their way through the crowds, visiting or heading for the bar. Despite the volume, it was getting late, and their big rush had already hit. Talia was on until closing and wouldn’t need him. But if Isla was more comfortable with his sister, he could stay and send Talia up with her.
Isla’s eyes widened and the hint of surprise mixed with innocence snagged his heart like an uppercut to the chin.
“Why would you do that?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“You don’t know me,” she said, her voice low.
He leaned closer, across the bar, maintaining eye contact. “That doesn’t mean I can’t help. And really, it’s nothing. Just a place to stay until you figure out what you’re doing.” And maybe I can spend a little time with you.
The blonde from earlier slid into the seat beside Isla, and Liam clenched his jaw. Dammit. He hated when people
didn’t take a hint, and some of the groupies were more persistent than others.
His dating life had taken a hit once he returned to Nashville. He didn’t do relationships, because his focus was baseball. Not because he was a jerk or anything. He liked to date, just not repeat dates. In a big city like L.A., he was fairly anonymous and could go out with a woman without everyone knowing his business. But here, in his hometown, where his family lived, his sister owned a business, and he played for a professional team, it was trickier.
“How about one more drink for the road, cutie?” the woman asked, sending side-eye daggers to Isla.
Straightening, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Sorry. You’ve had enough,” he said, following through on his earlier words.
“Okay. How about a hot bartender for the road?”
Isla’s eyes widened and she bit her lip. She looked like she was trying not to laugh. Irritation warred with embarrassment, and Liam rubbed a hand over the back of his neck.
He hated being rude, but seriously, he’d been more than clear. “Nope. That’s not available, either.”
The blonde turned to Isla, her lips forming a sneer. “Guess your Sad Sally routine worked out for you.”
Liam started to shut the blonde down—Isla didn’t deserve that—but stopped himself when he saw the look on her face.
Isla had squared her shoulders and met the blonde’s gaze straight on. “I don’t have a routine. I favor a genuine approach. As do most people. But if you’re asking if he’ll be ending the night with me instead of you, the answer is yes. So maybe you should rethink your routine.”
The other woman’s mouth dropped all the way open right before she huffed out a breath and slid off the stool, stalking away. Liam started to laugh, but when he looked back at Isla, she’d covered her face with her hands. He pulled them away, smiling at her, ridiculously charmed. And a little alarmed at the zap of heat and awareness that zipped up his arms from just touching her innocently.
“That was out of line. I hate mean girls, and it just came out. I’m sorry.”
“Do not apologize. And for the record, I’m looking very forward to ending the night with you, Isla.” He didn’t mean to lower his voice or lace it with seduction, but he wasn’t sure he’d ever been so attracted to a woman without so much as a damn kiss.
Isla gave him a shy, sweet smile, her pale skin flushing in a way that caused Liam’s stomach to tighten.
“I didn’t mean it like that. But if you were serious about the place to stay, I’ll take you up on it. Just for the night.”
He nodded. From the corner of his eye, he saw Talia had come out of the back and was headed toward one of the band members. She caught his eye on the way, sending him a questioning glance. He tilted his head, calling her over.
When she came, she smiled at Isla again, like they were old friends. His sister was good at putting people at ease and making them feel welcome. It was a small part of what made her so good at running the bar.
“You heading out?” Talia asked. He didn’t miss the note of surprise.
“Sort of. Isla needs a place to stay. Thought maybe you could walk her upstairs with me, show her the apartment. She’s in town for only a night or so, and it seems like a waste of time and energy for her to look for a hotel.”
His sister regarded him far too carefully. Liam didn’t break the eye contact. Their twin thing came in handy at times. She could read him better than most people, and he didn’t doubt she was picking up the vibe that whatever was going on with Isla was not the norm.
She nodded, sending Isla a soft smile. “You must be tired. Come on. I’ll show you upstairs. Liam, why don’t you grab some sodas and a few waters? The apartment’s fridge isn’t stocked.”
“Sure. Meet you up there.”
“I don’t want to put you guys on the spot like this,” Isla said.
Liam smiled at her, hoping to put her at ease. “You’re not. At all. The apartment isn’t being used, and we’re happy to help.”
Isla pursed her lips, and he got caught for another second, thinking how kissable they looked.
“You really don’t have to do this,” she said, but there was no conviction in the statement.
“Sure we do,” Talia said. “Liam hasn’t looked at a girl the way he’s looking at you in pretty much forever. If I let you go before I grill you, my parents will be mad.”
“Talia,” Liam growled.
Isla laughed, looking back and forth between them. “You two are funny. You’ve turned my evening around. Thank you.”
His heart flipped over in his chest, and Talia must have felt something too, because as Isla stood, she slipped an arm around her and said with a big smile, “That’s Nashville for you. Humor, hospitality, and country music.”
Liam watched them go to the other end of the bar, where there were stairs to the apartment through the kitchen. James, one of the bartenders, came up beside Liam, his gaze following the two women.
“She’s a looker. Not like you to need your sister’s help hooking up. You slipping?”
Liam laughed. “Shut up, man. Get back to work.”
“You out of here?” James grinned, waggling his eyebrows.
“I am.” But not for the reason James assumed. “She needs a friend. That’s all. So, get that look off your face.”
James nodded, not hiding his smirk. “Sure thing, boss.”
They were more than boss and employee. James had been a friend since they were teenagers.
“She doesn’t know who I am,” Liam muttered, still surprised, even if that made him seem arrogant.
James’s eyes widened. “Wow. She must live in a cave. You should get up there, then, before Talia tells her. She doesn’t look like a groupie. Underneath that sadness, she looks like she’s used to handling the weight of the world with ease. That sort of woman is more likely to flee than flirt if she figures out you’re a sports star.”
That was his read, too. And damn if that didn’t make him want to know more about her. And fast.
Chapter Three
Isla wasn’t naïve, and she didn’t typically rely on the kindness of strangers. Probably because most didn’t offer it as freely as Liam and his sister. It was an unfamiliar, though welcomed, feeling. Texting Addie that she was going to stay above the bar, along with its location, made her feel better. Seeing that her brother and father still hadn’t texted did not. If she was contacted, they had to have been as well.
Talia had flipped on the lights, showing Isla the wide-open space with a living room and kitchen combo. Two doorways led off the main square. One to a bathroom and the other to a small bedroom. It was clean and cozy.
“You’re not staying long. Are you here on business?”
It was clear from her gaze that Liam’s sister had more questions, and Isla figured she deserved the truth. “My grandfather died. I’d hoped to get here before he passed but didn’t make it.” If she’d known he was sick, she’d have come earlier. If you’d known he existed, you could have been part of his life.
As if she’d been connected to him herself, Talia’s face scrunched up with grief. She closed the distance and pulled Isla into a hug. “I’m so sorry.”
Guilt bubbled below the surface. Why did it feel like a loss? Because unlike your father, he actually wanted you there. Even if it was only in his very last moments on this earth.
Pulling away, Talia firmed her lips and nodded, stepping back. “I’m glad you took Liam up on his offer. You’ve been through enough. There are towels in the bathroom if you want to shower. You sure you’re okay? It would be understandable if you didn’t want to be alone,” Talia said.
She’d kept her emotions securely wound, but this unexpected kindness might unravel all the knots. Isla let her carry-on slip down her arm until it settled on the floor. She smiled.
While grief was unfamiliar, being alone was as common to her as breathing. At home, she worked long days, and the people in her department tended to keep things surface-leve
l due to her being the boss’s daughter. Other than Addie, Isla wasn’t used to having people in her personal life. She didn’t date much, because she was so busy proving herself. So, alone, she could do.
She didn’t have to like it to excel at it.
“I’m okay, really. It’s been a long day. I appreciate this. You guys could rent this space,” she said, looking around. With a few pictures, some throw pillows, it could be charming. It certainly met her needs at the moment. She didn’t want to face the rain again, and she didn’t want to check into a hotel. She just wanted to fall into bed and forget today. Tomorrow, she’d figure out what to do next.
Liam’s sister regarded her carefully, as if she was making a decision about something. “We used to, but Liam has lots of friends who come to the bar. He likes to make sure he has a place for them to stay if they’ve had too much to drink.”
Isla looked at the gorgeous dark-haired woman and noted the similarities between her and her brother. Same eyes—dark and intense. Same raven-black hair and similar jaw structure. Talia was all generous curves that she clearly knew how to accentuate with great colors and style through her wardrobe. Her brother, with his sharp angles and wide chest, more resembled a Gucci model in nothing more than a T-shirt and jeans.
“He’s thoughtful. You both are.” Obviously being that way was second nature to them and something that was sorely lacking in her life. Funny how a person could go without something easily when they didn’t know it was an option.
“Takes nothing to offer someone a hand when they need it,” Talia said, still studying her as if she were waiting for another shoe to drop.
Speaking of shoes, Isla desperately wanted to take hers off and was just about to when Liam came through the door with a few bottles of water and a couple cans of soda.
“Hey. Will this work okay for the night?” he asked.
Isla nodded, unable to speak. She couldn’t help but stare. He was really good-looking. Movie star hot, but real. So sweet it made her insides feel like mush, and that initial burst of attraction had nearly knocked her off her stool. But he had an edge, too. She’d seen it with the blonde. Talia took the drinks from her brother and went to the fridge.