The Red-Hot Stakes

Chapter Seventeen

A maid answered the door, Liam greeting her by name. Her eyes widened when she saw me, her lips parting in shock, but she quickly schooled her face once more into a neutral expression.

Liam tugged me past her, closer to the murmuring throng. I’d been here once before, almost a year ago, while I’d still been dating Josh. Liam had been housesitting for his parents while they were on a trip, and he’d invited us over to hang out but we’d only seen the kitchen and the basement.

This time he led me through the foyer to a grander entryway and into an honest to goodness ballroom. At least fifty people milled about the room, but it wasn’t even half full. I gaped at the opulent crystal chandeliers dangling from the ceilings, the gold filigree on the arches, the detailed carvings on the columns interspersed along the wall.

“A small get-together?” I arched an eyebrow at Liam.

He just grinned. “You should see it when they really throw a party. This is nothing.”

Luckily there was enough noise from the crowd to drown out the sound of my gulp. We wove our way along the edge of the throng, Liam never letting go of my hand. He stopped before a stately couple, the man similar in build to Liam, though not nearly as muscular.

The man’s hair was longer than Liam’s and streaked with gray. The woman was petite, with Liam’s eyes and full, red lips. Her blonde hair was highlighted too perfectly to be natural, but her smile was genuine.

“Liam, you came!” She rushed to hug him, making him drop his hold on me.

I clasped my hands in front of me, feeling bereft without his steadying grip. When did I start to depend on him so much? I mentally shook myself, raising my chin and squaring my shoulders.

The man greeted Liam with a hearty handshake then smacked him on the back. “Good to see you, son.”

Liam turned, holding his hand out to me. I took it, scolding myself for being so grateful for his calming touch.

“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Gina.” He beamed at them then me, either ignoring his parents’ shocked expressions, or oblivious to them, as he continued the introduction. “Gina, this is my mom, Ilsa Davenport.”

I held out my free hand, but she shook her head. Bypassing my hand, she came in to wrap her arms around me in a gentle, welcoming embrace. I stood frozen, like a deer in the headlights, not expecting such an intimate greeting.

“Welcome to our home, dear.” She touched the corner of her eye with her knuckle.

Is she crying?I glanced at Liam in alarm, but he just grinned, as calm as ever.

His mom sniffed. “Please, call me Ilsa.”

I gave an awkward nod, and Liam gestured to his dad. “And this is the infamous John Davenport.”

Mr. Davenport shook my hand, and I was relieved not to have another hug ambush.

“Pleased to meet you, Gina.” His broad smile reminded me of Liam’s.

“You as well, Mr. Davenport.”

“None of that. Call me John. If Liam’s bringing you to meet us, we know you’re special enough to be sticking around for the long haul.”

Liam’s cheeks were a bit pink. Evidently he didn’t bring women here often. Warmth spread through my chest, and I was even more glad I’d agreed to come today.

“John, Ilsa, you have a lovely home.” I couldn’t help another sweeping glance of the room and its beauty, while they murmured their thanks.

We chatted for a few moments, me answering the usual questions about what I did, how we’d met and the like. Liam caught them up on his business ventures. Then his parents excused themselves to make the rounds of their guests, leaving us on our own.

“Liam!” A very pregnant lady waddled over to us, her arms outstretched.

Liam let go of me once more to hug her, gingerly. “Rayna! I didn’t expect you to be here.”

She glared at him. “I’m pregnant, not dead.” Her attention turned to me. “And who might this be?”

“I’m Gina, Liam’s girlfriend.”

Liam slid a hand to the small of my back as I shook hands with his sister.

“I’m Rayna, the oldest.” She glanced back at Liam. “You didn’t tell me she was so pretty.”

I hid a smile, the warmth in me amping up. He’d been talking about me.

“Desi is going to be so jealous she missed this.” Rayna’s grin was pure evil. “I’m going to text her right now and gloat. Nice meeting you.”

Liam chuckled, happiness in every inch of his face. “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“No, but the night’s not over yet. How long are we staying?”

He checked his phone. “We don’t have to leave for dinner for another hour. Is it okay if we make the rounds? There are some people I’d like to see.”

I nodded. Although it wasn’t my first choice, I could tell it was important to him. I would allow myself to be introduced to a bunch of strangers and go through all the small talk in my repertoire for him.

He was worth it.

Half an hour later, Liam had been dragged off by some old friends. He’d left me with Rayna, who was a delight, but she had to use the bathroom. I was all out of chit chat and over the shocked looks I kept getting, so I stepped outside, onto a terrace overlooking a huge lawn. It was a warm day for October.

Shouts sounded to my right, so I peeked around the corner. Three boys threw a football back and forth, chasing each other. I’d bet they were Rayna’s kids. The oldest couldn’t have been much more than ten. I laughed as the youngest tried to tackle the older one, who didn’t budge. All three of their heads shot up as Liam appeared.

“Uncle Liam!” They were like monkeys, climbing all over him.

After he’d hugged each one to their satisfaction, he snatched up the football. “All right, go long.”

And they took off. He tossed it to their general area, a perfect spiral, high and arcing. The middle one caught it, and they raced around before throwing it back .

I’d always enjoyed a game of catch, and it was a hell of a lot better than returning to the party. I slipped off my heels, waiting for the perfect time. The older one caught the next toss, and he wound up to throw it back to Liam. I took off, arriving just in time for an interception.

“What the—?” Liam’s shocked voice was enough to send me into a fit of giggles as I raced across the lawn. “Gina!”

“Quick,” I called to the boys. “Which way’s the goal?”

Liam sounded exasperated when he yelled, “It’s called an end zone.” He finally caught me. He circled my waist with his two strong arms, swinging me around in a circle. “I’d tackle you, but I think grass stains might ruin your look.” He tossed the ball to his nephews then focused once more on me. “That was some interception.”

I raised my chin haughtily. “Just ’cause I don’t know all the details, doesn’t mean I don’t know how to catch a football.”

We walked over so he could introduce me to the boys. They all stared at me, wide-eyed and full of wonder.

The oldest said, “I’ve never seen a girl in a dress play football before.”

“Wanna see me throw one?”

He nodded eagerly, tossing it to me, then he stepped away. But only a few steps.

I shook my head. “You’d better back up more than that.” I waved him out until he was a good distance away then launched a decent spiral right to his chest. I turned to find Liam staring intently at me. “What? Never seen a girl in a dress throw a football before?”

“You keep surprising me, Red.” He trailed a hand down my bare arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake. “Sorry, boys. But we gotta go.” He offered to throw one more amidst their protests, then we left, stopping to say goodbye to his parents and sister.

Back in the car, he didn’t start the engine right away, and I turned just as he reached over to crush my mouth to his, cupping the back of my head and gripping my shoulder with his other hand.

“The things you do to me, Gina.” He swallowed, letting go and sitting back against his seat. “I sure wish we didn’t have to go to this dinner.”

The fierce kiss left me breathless, shock and delight coursing through me. Who knew throwing a football could be such a turn on?

The drive was a quiet one. We pulled into the parking lot of Maria’s, the restaurant owned by Derek’s friend, Bin. Derek and Avery were already at a table. I sat down, Liam striding right by to go to the restroom.

“Hey, guys,” I said, opening the menu.

They both smiled, and Derek asked, “Liam said you had a stop to make before coming here. What’d you end up doing?”

“Oh. He took me to a get-together at his parents’.” I focused on the menu, then realized several moments had passed and Derek hadn’t responded. I glanced up, his shocked expression identical to the one I’d seen all night as I’d been introduced at the party. I sighed. “Evidently, it’s a big deal.”

“It’s so much more than that, G. Liam introduced a girl to his parents before his football career ended, and that’s the last one he brought home.” He paused, his gaze heavy. “This is huge.”

I shifted in my seat, uncomfortable with such a big responsibility being shoved on me. “Oh.”

Avery was quick to pick up on my feelings, giving me an out. “How’d it go?”

I lifted a shoulder. “Fine. His parents are really nice, and I got to meet his older sister, Rayna. She’s a sweetie.” The pressure inside me threatened to choke the air out of my lungs, but I forced myself to breathe.

Liam sat next to me. “Then she won over the nephews by intercepting a pass, dressed like that.”

Derek’s eyebrows shot up. “You play football?”

Mouth twitching, Liam said, “Well, she kind of ruined the effect by asking where the goal was.”

Everyone chuckled, laughing even harder when I glared.

Liam slung an arm behind my chair. “I think Aiden almost fell over when she threw him a perfect spiral.”

Avery reached across the table, fist extended, and I bumped mine into hers.

Derek just shook his head. “And you made it to dinner on time? I would’ve had Avery on her back—”

Avery shoved her elbow into Derek’s side, hard enough to cut him off. “That’s enough of that, Captain.”

“Yes, Cupcake.” The heated look he shot her was anything but obedient.

Liam’s lips tickled my ear. “You’ll just have to make it up to me later.”

I turned to him, desire coursing through me. “We’ll see about that.”

“Yeah, we will.”

When the server came for our orders, I got a mai tai, wanting alcohol after Derek’s revelation about the enormity of Liam bringing me home. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Somehow it was bigger than calling his apartment home, bigger even than saying I love you.

The waiter brought our round of drinks, and Avery raised her glass. “Let the celebrating begin! Cheers to Gina for finishing midterms and becoming a manager! Cheers to Liam for becoming owner of The High Five! Cheers to Derek for his latest shipping app, just as brilliant as the first!”

Derek’s newest app could triangulate the location of a ship accurately to within a ten feet of its current location, another huge breakthrough in the shipping world. Previously, tracking had been within half a mile, and with currents or storms blowing up, that difference could save lives.

Derek took over the toast, being sure to include Avery. “And cheers to Avery, who earned her bachelor’s degree!”

We all clinked our glasses together, shouting out, “Cheers!”

It was a fun, easy dinner. Between the alcohol, the delicious food and the steady, laughter-filled conversation, I started to relax. These are my people. This is where I belong. If going home with Liam is what it takes to be with him, so be it.

After our food was gone, I finally got to meet Bin. I liked his easy smile and sharp wit immediately.

He came over, clasping forearms with Derek. “Any line dancing tonight?”

“No, that is so far off the table, it’s in a whole other building.” Avery laughed.

Bin chuckled then shook hands with Liam. “Good to see you.”

“You too.” Liam quickly introduced me, and Avery got all indignant.

“See, Derek, Liam didn’t make her stand up and twirl for him.”

Derek just shrugged. I waited for an explanation, but none came, so I made sure to tell Bin how delicious everything was. He disappeared into the kitchen not long after.

Then reappeared with a tray of desserts. “You can’t celebrate without dessert.” He grinned as we all hemmed and hawed over our choices.

Avery snatched a piece of cheesecake then glared at Derek. “Hands off, bub. This is all mine.”

“What’s your second choice?” At her confused frown, he wrapped an arm over her shoulders. “So you can have the last bite, and I can make up for stealing yours last time.”

She practically melted against him and chose a piece of tiramisu. I selected a wedge of flourless chocolate torte that looked amazing, while Liam also got tiramisu. We shared both desserts, moaning over every bite. We thanked Bin once more when he poked his head out of the kitchen to say goodbye.

We walked out together. Derek and Avery waited for their limo as we headed for Liam’s Porsche. His arm circled my waist, and I was happy for his warmth in the chilly evening air.

His grip tightened on my hip, warning me something was off. I glanced over to see his jaw clenched as he stared at his car. I gasped when I realized the driver’s side window was completely smashed, glass everywhere. Both brake lights were broken. Dents and dings littered the body of the once sleek car as if someone had taken a baseball bat to it.

“Liam!” I gasped, appalled at the damage.

“Come on, let’s catch Derek and Avery before they leave. You can go home with them while I talk to the police.”

Unease trickled through me at the thought of leaving him to deal with this himself, but I knew he was capable. And Bin was still here.

Sensing my hesitation, he reached up to rub my bare arm. “You’re already cold, Gina. Please?”

I nodded, doing as he asked. After Derek ran in to inform Bin, Liam called the police. I left with Derek and Avery, watching Liam pace as the furrow in his brow deepened. And I wasn’t there to smooth it.

We got into the elevator, and Avery asked, “Do you want to come up? Hang out with us?”

“Nah.” I shook my head, wanting to be alone with my jumbled thoughts and tangled stomach. “Thanks, but I’m okay.” I gave them both hugs before going to our apartment to wait for Liam there.

I changed into comfier clothes and spent my time waiting cleaning the apartment. Not that there was much to clean. When I ran out of things to do, I sat down on the couch to play on my phone.

It was a good hour before he came in, appearing drained. I jumped up to wrap my arms around him. He sighed, returning my embrace and holding me tight for several moments.

I held my questions as long as I could, but I finally burst. “What’d they say? Was anything missing?”

He shook his head. “The restaurant footage didn’t extend that far, unfortunately. I guess that’s what we get for parking on the street.” A weary sigh escaped his lips. “We got the car down to the shop. Hopefully they can give me an estimate tomorrow, and we’ll go from there. The police will keep an ear out for more info, ask around if anyone saw anything, but it’s doubtful anything will come of it.”

I placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry.” He needed a distraction, so I said, “Do you happen to have a football around here? I could put on my dress, and we could play catch.”

One corner of his mouth tipped up. “Gina, I can’t tell you how much it meant today, having you come with me. Then, watching you play with us, with my nephews. You’re so beautiful.” He stepped closer, eliminating the distance between us, and cupped my cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I took a deep breath, then dropped my gaze. “I’m glad I went, but I was a bit blindsided by how shocked everyone was that you brought me. You should have told me, Liam.” I met his stare. “You should have told me what a big deal it was to be bringing me home.”

It was his turn to look away. “I know, but I was afraid you wouldn’t come.” His raw, vulnerable side was showing again.

“That should have been my choice.” When he nodded, chagrined, I reached out to touch his chin. “I would have chosen you, you know.”

His gaze searched mine, and relief trickled in, replacing any doubt. “Yeah?”

I nodded, unable to speak around the depth of emotion welling up in me. I touched my forehead to his. The love I felt for this man was all encompassing, so great I could hardly bear it. And he understood. He grabbed my hand, leading me to the bedroom, where our bodies said everything our mouths couldn’t.

Neither of us had any commitments first thing the next day, so we slept in, enjoying a lazy morning in bed. After making love, we got up, because I needed my cup of coffee. We cuddled together on the couch, sipping from our steaming mugs.

“What else do you have going on today?” he asked.

I racked my brain and sighed a happy sigh. “Nothing.” I grinned, loving the sound of that word. “Why? Did you have something in mind?”

“Besides more of this?” He nuzzled my neck, making me squirm with the ticklish stubble on my sensitive skin. “I thought we could pay Derek and Avery a visit. Bring down the rest of your things…make your move here official.” The last few words came out in hesitant bits.

Heady warmth blossomed in my chest along with the feeling that I belonged, that I was wanted. I could hardly wrap my head around it as I snuggled into his embrace. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.”

We spent the rest of the morning trekking between our apartments. Liam cleared out half the closet in his room for me, and I got all choked up seeing our things side by side. I didn’t remember feeling like this with Josh. He’d pressured me to move in, saying it was the next step, and so I had. But with Liam, I wanted it. I wanted every second of it.

And that scared the hell out of me if I thought about it too hard. Because I worried that sooner or later the pretty rug we were standing on would get yanked out from under us.

It always did. It was just how my luck worked.