Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
D ani was exhausted—but the good kind. The kind that came from a hard day of work on a project that meant a lot to her, from a lot of progress made.
They still had a long way to go, but they’d begun the process of creating something new. To really get into a groove, to finally get on the same page. Which was wonderful for the project…
…and terrible for her heart.
It had been complete torture working alongside Liam, a guy she was having the hardest time not falling for more every day. Especially after his inspired idea to blend their ideas.
Which was why she probably should have said no when he’d insisted on making her dinner. But she’d been too tired from their all-day work session to argue. Now she was paying the price for that lapse in judgment, because the man was already attractive enough. But in the kitchen, making her a pizza?
Um, yeah. It’d be a miracle if she made it through the night without confessing her undying love for the food—maybe the man too.
“I know we still aren’t finished, but I think we did good work today.” Dani peeked into her oven and saw the pizza Liam had assembled after a quick stop at Doug’s Market. Her stomach growled at the sight of the bubbling cheese, the crisping pepperoni, the crust starting to turn a golden brown. It smelled heavenly.
“I was really pleased with the headway we made too.” Liam removed the apron she’d loaned him. It was dusted with flour and splatters of homemade sauce. “Our plans are really starting to shape up into something presentable.”
“I agree.” She yawned. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. You worked hard. Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll bring dinner to you in a few.”
This man. “I’m not going to let you—” Dani’s phone buzzed on the counter before she could finish her thought.
She picked it up and found James’s name on the screen. “It’s my brother. Mind if I take this?”
“Not at all.” Sliding on a pair of oven mitts, Liam turned to deal with the pizza in the oven.
Dani slid her thumb across her phone and raised it to her ear. “Hi, James.” She hadn’t spoken with her brother in weeks—not since before Liam had shown up.
“How could you do this?” His voice, normally so staid and constant, grated against her ear with a hardened edge.
“W-what?” She glanced at Liam, who had pulled the pizza out of the oven. Steam rose from it, and bubbles of cheese popped.
But instead of being focused on his work of art, Liam’s attention was turned to her. His eyebrows knit together, and he mouthed “You okay?” to her.
“Dani.” James’s angry voice cut into her thoughts, and she jumped.
Turning, she walked to the couch and plopped down. Across from her, the television flickered the latest Travel Channel show on mute. “What’s wrong?”
“Seriously? You have the gall to ask me that?”
Oh, her head hurt. This was her oldest brother, and he’d never been angry with her a day in his life. Not that he’d shown, anyway. “I…” Her voice shook. “I’m not sure what’s going on.”
He huffed. “What’s going on is that Dad tells me you got him to sell the hotel.”
“Not exactly. You see?—”
“Oh, I see, all right.”
Tears prodded the backs of her eyes, burning. “You don’t understand?—”
“He explained the terms of the deal to me, Dani, so I understand that.” He plowed on, unaware, or uncaring, about what his words were doing to her. “What I don’t understand is how you could trust Mom’s side of the family not to screw us over.”
She shut her eyes and rubbed her temple. Breathed in. Breathed out. “Uncle Seb wouldn’t do that.”
“Wouldn’t he? He shares Mom’s blood.”
“Oh, come on. That’s a poor argument. Don’t you know the man at all? And we all share Mom’s blood—including me. Don’t you trust me ?”
“Honestly, Dani? I don’t know anymore.”
The words slapped her. Never had her big brother been this unkind. Then again, the hotel had always meant the most to him. He’d planned to stay on Jonathon Island forever, to take over the hotel when Dad retired.
But then, Mom had cheated.
Dad had burned the hotel to the ground.
And Dani had made a mess of everything—effectively setting into motion the final dissolution of her family.
“You still blame me,” she whispered. Somehow, after all of these years, she’d hoped that her siblings had forgiven her lapse in judgment.
But James’s tirade was proof that all was not forgiven.
“Don’t make this about that .” He sighed. “I just don’t understand why you’d do it.”
“Because.” Eyes still closed, she felt the weight of Liam as he lowered himself onto the couch beside her. “I just want to fix all of this.”
“I don’t think you can.” Then the line went dead.
Dani dropped the phone into her lap. All of her senses buzzed.
“Dani?” Liam slid onto the couch beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“I…” Her eyes started to fill, but she blinked rapidly. “I don’t think he’s ever going to forgive me, Liam.”
“Forgive you for what?”
“For…” She choked on the words, and a tear fell despite her best efforts.
“Hey, come here.” Before she knew what was happening, Liam’s arms gathered her close. She buried her head in his chest, inhaling the hints of bergamot and saffron emitted by his expensive-smelling cologne. “I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
She couldn’t answer him for a few long moments—she just let him hold her. Let him be still with her in this moment. Finally, she drew back, laying her head against the couch cushion behind her, facing him. Her body was still angled toward Liam’s, and his hand cupped her elbow. “I’m so sorry about that.”
“Hey.” He placed his head against the cushion back too. “You never have to be sorry.”
“Thanks,” she whispered. Her eyes lifted briefly to the ceiling then back to Liam’s handsome face. What was this guy doing here with her? She was such a plain Jane, small-town girl. He was Los Angeles. But he’d known pain too, and that connected them. If anyone would understand loss, it would be him.
Not that he’d understand her sense of shame—her guilt—but maybe he wouldn’t judge her too harshly for that either.
“We were happy once. My family.”
He squeezed her elbow.
“My parents used to be so completely in love. Like, they’d dance in the kitchen—and my dad isn’t the dancing-in-the-kitchen type, you know? But he did it for her.” Until it changed. “Somewhere along the way, I guess they grew apart. Maybe when Dad took over management of the hotel from my grandparents and they moved away. Maybe when Mom got so busy running kids from activity to activity. Who knows how these things happen. They just do. And then Ryan came back to town.”
She shuddered at the memory.
“Ryan?”
“Ryan MacBride. You met his older brother Mac—Stuart—at the bonfire.” At Liam’s nod of acknowledgment, she continued. “Anyway, Ryan was my mom’s high school sweetheart until he moved away to Chicago to become a lawyer. He came back years later wearing suits and talking fancy and swept Mom off her feet.”
Liam’s eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t say anything more.
“When Dad found out about the affair, they separated. All of my siblings were old enough to be living on their own. A few had already gone off to college. Others were here, working at the hotel. I was forced to go back and forth between Mom and Dad’s houses. Mom eventually married Ryan. That was the last straw for Dad.”
She was quiet for so long that Liam finally asked in that gentle way of his, “What happened?”
Dani fiddled with the small ring on the first knuckle of her forefinger. “One night, I found him drunk, walking up and down the lower balcony of the hotel—a huge bottle of vodka in one hand, a lighter in the other. Dad always smoked when he got stressed, and this particular night…”
She inhaled sharply at the memory of his bloodshot eyes. Of the utter despondency in them. At his words, repeated over and over. “He just kept saying, ‘She left me, she left me.’ I don’t know. Maybe he expected her to come back to him. But then she got remarried. That must have been the thing he needed to realize it was never happening, even though they’d been separated for four years.” Dani cleared her throat. “That night, he set that bottle on the floor and reached into his pocket, pulled out his pack of cigarettes, and stumbled into his vodka. It spilled everywhere. Soaked the old wooden floor. And when he lit the cigarette and accidentally dropped it…”
“Oh, no,” Liam breathed.
“Oh, yes. Thankfully he wasn’t standing right over the puddle, but then it caught fire right in front of him. I shouted at Dad to stomp it out, but it was too late. It was the perfect storm. Didn’t help that the wind blew that night, but thankfully we got everyone out. Afterward, the insurance company had assumed it was an accident. Had been ready to pay. Nobody else saw what had happened. Nobody except me.”
“That must have been a huge burden.”
“You have no idea.” She sniffed. “I was so upset in the following weeks, and in a moment of weakness, Mom finally got me to open up. She held me. I thought she cared. And when I told her Dad had done it…”
“She told someone?”
Dani nodded. “Ryan. And he told the insurance company, who then refused to pay for the damages. Dad couldn’t afford to rebuild. Uncle Seb offered to pay him what the hotel was worth—which wasn’t much, in the shape it was in—but Dad refused, saying he’d rather see the property rot then allow Uncle Seb to demolish it and rebuild something else on the property my uncle and Mom rightfully owned. He was just so angry with my mom.”
“I can’t imagine how tough that must have been to be in the middle like that.”
“Don’t you get it? I wasn’t just in the middle. I am the reason my siblings all left. Why Dad left—found investors in Florida and started over with a new hotel.” She straightened. “If I’d just kept my mouth shut, they’d all still be here right now. We might have figured out a way to make this rebuild happen much sooner. I might not be so…” She held back another sob.
“Alone?”
Her eyes watered again. Oh, nonsense. When had crying ever helped? And yet, finally sharing this load with someone—with Liam—somehow did.
“The thing you’re not realizing here is that you told the truth. If you hadn’t, your dad might have gone to jail for insurance fraud.”
“I mean, maybe.”
“There’s no maybe about it. You did the right thing and probably saved your family even more heartache in the end.” Liam reached for her again and pulled her close. She went willingly, and oh, how safe she felt, tucked in his embrace. “And I’m sorry that you feel so alone, but you’re actually not. I’m here.”
Oh, her heart. “Thank you, Liam.”
“Always.” His breath fanned against her cheek. “But wait. Your brother blames you for all of this? That’s ridiculous.”
She opened her mouth to protest.
But Liam only held her tighter. “No, Dani. Listen. You were just a kid torn between two warring sides. You trusted your mom to have your best interests at heart, and she failed you. That’s not on you. It’s on her. And it’s on your dad, who let himself get so far gone that he burned down the place he loved best. The place you loved best.”
“He was hurting.”
“And it’s understandable. But what’s not understandable is how all of them left you alone here to pick up the pieces.”
She knew they all had their reasons. But his words still hurt. Rather, the truth in them did.
“You know, one of the things I love most about you is your passion for this place. Your forgiving heart. The way you really see people and their faults and love them anyway. But you can’t control what other people do, and you can’t keep them from hurting you again, no matter how hard you try to protect your heart by taking the blame on yourself.”
Her breath shuddered in and out. “Is that really what I’m doing?”
“I just want you to see how amazing you are. And if your family doesn’t see it, that’s on them.”
“You’re good for my ego, you know that?” She snuggled up against him, her arms tangled in his.
He chuckled, and the sound rumbled in his chest. “Hey, I’ve got an idea. The last two days have been really exhausting. How about we take a breather tomorrow? You could show me more of the island.”
“I don’t know. We only have four more days until the meeting.”
“True, but I find that sometimes when my brain is too tired—when I’ve been noodling on a project too long—the best thing I can do is change up my scenery. Get outside, into nature. And maybe being here on the island, seeing the sights, will inspire something in us both.”
“I like that idea.”
“Good. Me too.” He slowly pulled away. “Now, I also find that food is helpful in restoring balance after a nice, good cry.”
“And how about some Travel Channel to go with it?” Dani picked up the remote and waved it in the air.
“Sounds like the perfect way to unwind.”
She couldn’t agree more—and that was the problem.
But apparently, it was a problem for another day. Because right now, Dani didn’t want to be alone.
More than that—she didn’t want Liam to go.
* * *
Liam inserted his hotel key card into his door and shoved his way inside. He set his briefcase down on the side table and then sank onto the edge of the bed, groaning.
He was in so much trouble.
Because he’d just spent the last two hours eating pizza and watching travel documentaries on the couch with Dani—pointing at the screen, laughing, and sharing—and he was fairly certain he was crazier about her than ever.
Especially after the way she’d spilled her heart to him, let him hold her.
How was he ever going to leave Jonathon Island?
And yet, how could he stay? He was needed back in Los Angeles—if not by Dad, then by Travis, who had been blowing up his phone all weekend.
And Liam had nothing to show him because he hadn’t spent a lick of time on the Bertram proposal.
Speaking of Dad and work, he owed his father an update. They hadn’t spoken since Seb had agreed to move the date of the council meeting back a few days. He checked his watch. With the time difference, it was only about six-thirty p.m. for Dad. Kicking off his shoes, Liam settled back against the bed’s headboard and grabbed his phone, opening it to a video call. Then he dialed.
After a few rings, his father’s face appeared on the screen. “Liam! Good to see you, son.”
“Hi, Dad. You have a minute to talk?”
“I always have time for you.” His father swiveled in his office chair. Instead of being “home” in their hotel room or out at a restaurant, Dad was working. On a Sunday night. Liam shouldn’t be surprised.
“Just wanted to let you know that I’ll be here an extra few days. I hope that doesn’t throw our schedule off.”
“Everything all right?”
“Yeah, just some differences in opinion we’re working through.”
“Is old Seb giving you trouble?” His dad laughed, but it turned into a hacking cough. Dad lifted an extra-large Styrofoam cup from their local bodega and took a sip. It was likely filled with his favorite soda.
Liam held back a sigh. He needed to get back there soon. Or at the very least, text Marianne to beg her interference with Dad’s diet. Make sure he was eating more than takeout junk.
“No, Seb’s not giving me trouble.” He couldn’t help the smile that inched on to his face. “His niece, actually.”
“Is that so?” Dad raised an eyebrow, and amusement filled his features.
Not him too. “Nothing like that.” Not that he didn’t want it to be something like that. He did. But as much as Dani fit perfectly in his arms, she didn’t fit into his life. And he still couldn’t figure out a way not to break her heart—or his own—at the end of all this.
“So, is that okay? If I stay a bit longer?”
“If that’s what the client requires. I know you must be itching to get out of there though. You haven’t spent time in a small town. Have we ever had a project in any place smaller than a million people?”
“Don’t think so. But I haven’t minded being here. It’s a great place, actually.” A place a guy could put down roots—if he didn’t have other obligations.
But Dad wasn’t just an obligation. It was Liam’s privilege to help him. To make sure he had a nice long life after retirement. He’d promised Mom, after all.
His dad’s mouth twitched the way it did when he was surprised by something. “I’ve got another project starting next month in Chicago that I was going to put you on, but other than that, you’ve got nothing else that’s pressing, time-wise.”
Wait. “You’re sending me out again? But Travis and I are still planning to pitch our project to you.”
“And I’m still planning to hear you out. But these things take time, and in the meanwhile, we have other projects on the docket.”
“But Dad…” Liam sat up straighter on the bed. “It’s not just about the Bertram project. I thought we’d talked about…well, one reason I want to stay in LA more is so you could start backing off. You know, begin to really think about retirement?”
His dad waved him off. “I’ve got time, son. Lots of time.”
Seriously? “Maybe. Maybe not.”
“Now what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that…I don’t know.” Liam ran a hand through his hair. “Your doctor said you needed to reduce your stress. To take better care of yourself. And that was two years ago. Tell me. What’s changed since then?”
“Now, son?—”
“Nothing. That’s what.” Blowing out a frustrated breath, Liam turned his face toward the window. From here, he could see the streetlamps illuminated along Blueberry Boulevard and the harbor. There weren’t any people out at this time of night, not that he could see, anyway. Most everyone was tucked away in their cozy homes. Their fireplaces were probably lit. Maybe they were eating pizza and watching travel documentaries with the people they loved.
Whoa. Loved?
He didn’t love Dani.
But you could. If you’d only let yourself.
He blinked against the soul whisper.
“Liam.” His dad’s gentle voice filled the room. The same voice that had told him his mother and baby sister had died. The same one that had told him everything was going to be okay, all of those nights when nightmares had awakened him. The same voice that had cheered at every football game, that had cried out “That’s my son!” when he’d walked across the stage to receive his college degrees.
Dad had always been there for him. How could Liam turn his back on him? He couldn’t.
Not even for the possibility of love.
“Sorry, Dad.” He turned his attention back to the screen, where his father leaned in, concern etched into every crevice of his face. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. I just worry. I…I can’t lose you too.”
“Aw, son.” Dad started to lift his drink then paused and set it back down. Pushed it away, out of the camera’s view. “I promise I’ll do better. Maybe you’re right.”
Liam perked up. “Right about what?”
“I’ll think about it, okay? I just hate the idea of retirement. What am I going to do with myself all day, huh? Sit around alone and watch Jeopardy in my underwear?”
Liam snorted at the vision. “Or, you know, find a hobby. Golfing. Fishing. Reading.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Going on dates again.”
“Pshaw. It’s too late for that.” He patted his belly. “Besides, I’m too much of an old fuddy-duddy for anyone to be interested in me like that.”
“Whatever, Dad. You’re a caring, generous guy, and any lady would be lucky to have you.”
“He’s right, you know.” A female voice intruded on their conversation, and before Liam knew it, Marianne was pushing Dad out of the way and waving at the screen. “Hi, shoogs. Good to see you.”
Dad pushed right back against her. “Move out the way, woman. Can’t you see I’m talking to my son?”
She smacked his shoulder and laughed. “Charles Stone, you just have a little patience.” Marianne held up a plastic bag by its handle, a local restaurant’s logo across the front in bright scrolling font. “I came all the way down here to bring you some dinner, so you’d best be nice to me.”
His dad reached for the bag. “Have I mentioned lately how highly I value you?”
She held it out of reach. “Enough to give me a raise?” Her eyes sparkled behind her glasses.
“Don’t push it.” Lunging, he grabbed the bag from her and brought it greedily to his chest.
She just laughed.
Liam’s jaw went slack. What. Was. Happening? Were his dad and Marianne flirting?
How had he never seen this? Holy cow. They were perfect for each other. But if his dad’s words were true, he hadn’t even dared think about dating.
Wow.
Marianne blew a kiss at the screen. “Would love to stay and chat, but I’ve got to get to bingo. I invited your father, but he claims he’s got some all-important business to attend to.” Marianne’s eye roll told Liam exactly what she thought of that.
“Bye, Mare. Good to talk to you. See you soon.”
“Bye, hon.” Then the secretary hustled out of the room, and the click of the door said she was gone.
Dad started pulling containers out of the bag. “All right, where were we?”
“You were telling me that it’s too late for you to ever fall in love again. But I don’t think Mom would agree with you.”
His dad’s hand paused half inside the bag, and he lifted his head. “Don’t bring your mother into this.”
“Why not? Isn’t she the one who taught us that love always wins?”
Love always wins, my boy. He remembered the soothing tone of her voice as she’d stroked his head one day when he was young, comforting him over something. He couldn’t even remember what. He only remembered her words and the love with which she gave them. “Remember, Dad? ‘Love is patient, it is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.’”
“She did always love those verses, didn’t she?” Dad pushed aside the bag of food and steepled his fingers, placing them against his closed lips. His forehead scrunched. Then he nodded. “And she used to say that love would find a way. That God would provide a path even when we couldn’t see one. And that His paths always lead to love—often love we didn’t see coming.” His dad’s eyes grew misty. “So maybe you’re right. Maybe I shouldn’t give up on love just yet.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t,” Liam said. “Dad?”
“Yes, son?”
“I think maybe you’ve got a bingo game to get to.”
Dad sat up straighter. Blinked. “I think maybe you’re right.”
“Win one for me, all right?”
“Will do. Love you, son.”
“Love you back.” Hanging up, Liam set his phone on the bed beside him. Huh. Imagine that. Dad was going to take a chance on love after all.
And if he could do it, maybe Liam could too.