Authors: Cheryl Douglas
He dressed quickly and brushed his teeth, opting to shave later. His time with Nikki was running out and he wanted to make the most of the time they had left.
She was sitting at a bar stool at the breakfast counter, nibbling on a fresh blueberry muffin as she scrolled the messages on her Blackberry.
“Morning, beautiful, sleep well?” He poured a cup of coffee from the pot his housekeeper had left for him.
She giggled. “I slept like a baby. That bed is way too comfortable.”
“Didn’t keep you from hauling your butt outta bed at the crack of dawn though, did it?”
A subtle pink glow suffused her cheeks. “I didn’t wake you, did I? I had an idea for a song, and I wanted to work it out. I’m sorry if I...”
Luc took a fortifying sip of coffee and sighed, knowing he would need at least another cup or two before he faced Marisa’s wrath. “You write your own music?”
She lowered her head and concentrated on eating her muffin. “It’s no big deal. I don’t know if I’m any good at it. I mean, my boyfriend thinks I am, but...”
“Your boyfriend? You have a boyfriend?” Luc immediately went into over-protective father mode, remembering the sex-crazed teenage boy he’d once been.
She smiled, oblivious to his concern. “Yeah, his name’s Evan. He’s a great guy, sweet, smart, funny.” She scanned the images on her phone until she found one of the two of them together. “Here he is.”
Luc set his cup down and took the phone from her. He looked at the image and suppressed the impulse to tell her he was not only too old for her, but she was too young to have a boyfriend. “How old is Evan?”
“He’s eighteen, a senior. How cool is that?”
Luc clenched his teeth. “No offense, honey, but when I was in high school, eighteen year-old boys didn’t have time for fifteen year-old girls.”
She snatched the phone back. “Yeah well, I guess times have changed.”
He took a deep breath. “How does your mother feel about this?”
“Mom’s cool with it. She’d rather I go out with Evan than some of the other losers who’ve been after me.”
Luc didn’t even want to delve into the pool of dating rejects if a boy three years her senior was her best option. It just solidified his decision to ensure she spend more time in Nashville, working on her singing career. That would allow him to keep an eye on her. “How will Evan feel about you spending so much time here?”
She shrugged. “He’ll be cool with it. He’s gonna be going off to college soon anyways.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s not that serious, Dad. I’m not gonna make decisions that could affect the rest of my life based on some guy.”
Luc breathed a sigh of relief. He realized she was not only smart, but mature beyond her years. “I’m glad to hear you say that, sweetie. I don’t wanna come off as this over-protective dad, but...”
She reached across the counter to cover his hand with hers. “Dad, it’s cool. I like that you care so much.”
He was taken aback by her reaction. He expected her to be angry, defiant, but she seemed genuinely touched by his show of emotion. “I’m glad you feel that way, Nik. I’m new to this whole parenting thing, and I sure as hell don’t wanna piss you off by overstepping, but I have this strong urge to protect you.” He smiled. “Crazy, right?”
She grinned. “No, I’m cool with that. In fact, I think it’s kinda sweet.”
“Really?” He threw his head back and chuckled. “You don’t know how glad I am to hear you say that.”
“Dad, it’s okay. We’re both gonna make mistakes. I’m not gonna cut you outta my life just because you screw up, okay?”
He stepped around the counter and stood in front of her. He braced his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye. “I love you, Nik. I know you probably think that sounds a little out there since we just met, but I’ve thought about you every single day since I left. I feel like I know you...”
“I feel the same way,” she whispered. She stepped off the stool and slipped into his arms, laying her head on his chest. “I’m glad I finally got to meet you, and I’m really stoked that you’re gonna be a part of my life now.”
Luc was too overwhelmed to say anything. He kissed the top of her head, hiding a smile.
Marisa checked her call display and answered when she realized it wasn’t Luc calling for the umpteenth time. “Hey, Sierra, what’s up?”
“Are you in Panama yet?”
“Yeah, my plane just landed a little while ago. Thank God I have cell reception, I wasn’t sure I would.”
“How are you?”
Marisa paused, not sure how to answer. Physically, she was fine. Emotionally, she was a wreck. “I’m hangin’ in there. You didn’t tell Trey I was coming here, did you?”
Sierra laughed. “No, I just told him you needed to get away for a couple of weeks. I think he’s hoping you’ll have cooled off by the time you get back.”
She sighed. She’d already cooled off where her brother was concerned. Luc’s secret wasn’t his to share. Tell him he’s off the hook. I’m not mad at him anymore.”
“I’m glad to hear that, honey. You know how much he loves you; we both do. We just want what’s best for you.”
“I know. Listen, I gotta go. The car’s here to take me to the condo.”
“Okay, well, you know it’s part of a five-star resort, so you have access to the pools, bars, restaurants, spa, everything. You just need to relax and enjoy, okay?”
Marisa smiled. “I can’t thank you enough for this, Sierra. This is exactly what I need to get over Luc.”
Sierra chuckled. “I think getting over him may take longer than a couple of weeks, but it’s a step in the right direction. Love you, be safe.”
“I love you, too. I’ll touch base with you later.”
Luc had tried everything short of using his key to access Marisa’s apartment. He’d thought about it, but decided that would only count as another strike against him. With no other recourse, Trey was his last resort.
He tapped on the door to Trey’s studio before turning the knob. “Trey, you here, man?”
Trey came out of the back room with sheet music in his hand. “Hey, Luc, what’s up, buddy?”
“Sierra told me I’d find you down here. You got a minute?”
“Sure.” He pointed to the leather sofa. “Take a load off. You want anything? You look like you could use a drink.”
Luc shook his head. Alcohol wouldn’t numb his pain. He needed to see Marisa and make things right.
Trey chuckled. “Okay, you look like shit. Why don’t you tell me what’s goin’ on, man?”
Luc tipped his head back and covered his face with his hands. “Do you know where your sister is, Trey? I really need to see her.”
Trey sighed and sank into the chair across from him. “She left town for a while.”
Luc felt his pulse begin to race. If Marisa was willing to leave town just to get away from him, that didn’t bode well. “What do you mean she left town? Where the hell did she go?”
Trey shrugged. “Don’t know. My wife won’t tell me.”
Luc jumped up and reached for the door. “She may not tell you, but she’s sure as hell gonna tell me.”
Trey grabbed his arm. “No, she’s not, ‘cause you’re not gonna ask her.”
Luc shook him off, wishing he could release some of his frustration. “Like hell I’m not. I need to find Marisa before...”
“Before what, Luc? The damage is already done.” Trey sighed. “Marisa’s done with you, man.”
Luc felt panic gripping him. Trey obviously had information he wasn’t privy to, but he wasn’t ready to hear it. He’d rather live in denial than admit that Marisa had written him off. “No, she’s not. She’s just pissed at me for not telling her about Nikki. I’ll talk to her, I’ll explain...”
Trey grabbed his arm. “Sit down, Luc. We need to get some things straight.”
He knew that look; his friend wasn’t asking him, he was telling him. “I don’t have time for this bullshit, Trey.” Even as he said it, he sat down on the couch. “I need to talk to Marisa, not you.”
“Yeah, well, you’re gonna have to go through me to get to her this time, Spencer.” Trey sat on the edge of the chair and glared at him, his arms crossed.
“What the hell are you talking about? You tryin’ to keep me away from your sister?”
“I think it’s about time I stepped up, don’t you?”
Luc leaned forward, poised to strike. He and Trey had never come to blows before, but he had a feeling that was about to change. No one was going to keep him from seeing Marisa. He was going to find her, and God help anyone stupid enough to stand in his way. “Look, your sister is a grown woman, and what happens between us is our business, not yours.”
“I beg to differ. My sister has already made her position clear. She doesn’t want anything more to do with you. I’m gonna respect her decision, and so are you, man.”
“Screw you, asshole. I don’t take orders from you.”
Both men stood up and faced each other, toe to toe.
“I’m not gonna stand by and let you tear her to shreds again. It’s not gonna happen. You get me?” Trey asked through clenched teeth.
Luc shoved him hard, causing him to stumble back. “You think that’s what I wanna do, dumbass? I wanna ask her, hell, I wanna beg her, to marry me.”
Trey’s mouth dropped open. “Seriously? You’re finally gonna propose to her?”
Luc forced himself to take a step back and a deep breath to calm his nerves. Coming to blows with Marisa’s brother wasn’t going to help his cause. “Look, I get why you want to protect her. I’ve been as thick as a brick about her, but I just wanna make things right, man.” He looked his best friend in the eye. “Please, can you help me do that?”
Trey grabbed his shoulder. “Luc, I would if I could, but I can’t. Not because I don’t want to, but because I honestly don’t know where she is.”
Luc raked his hands through his hair and barely suppressed the urge to bellow in frustration. “Let me talk to Sierra. She knows where Marisa is. I know I can convince her to tell me.”
Trey picked up the phone. “I doubt that very much, but you’re welcome to try.”
Sierra sat with her arms folded, looking unimpressed by his plea. “Sorry, Luc, I promised Marisa I wouldn’t tell anyone where she went.”
He looked to his friend for support, but Trey just threw his hands up in the air. Luc pulled out the only weapon he had left in his arsenal. He handed Sierra the small, black velvet box. “I wanted to give her this.”
Sierra looked skeptical, but she took the box and opened it. She covered her mouth when she saw the huge marquis cut diamond flanked by triangular cut side stones. “Ohmigod, is this what I think it is? You’re going to ask Marisa to marry you?”
He shook his head. He asked his jeweler to make the ring after his first inept proposal. The next time he asked her to be his wife, he intended to do it right, with a diamond ring, flowers, candlelight, champagne, and soft music. Given everything he’d put her through, he wanted to give her a night she would never forget. “Yeah, so will you help me or what?”
Sierra snapped the box closed and thrust it at him. “Not so fast, buddy. What about the rest of it?”
He was tired, frustrated, and panic-stricken. The last thing he wanted was to play twenty questions with his well-meaning friends. “What’re you talking about, Sierra?”
“Marriage is only part of the equation. What about kids?”
“I already have a kid, remember?”
Sierra shoved him. “I’m serious. Do you or do you not want to have a family with Marisa?”
“Yes, yes, yes.” He growled. “What do I have to do to get through to you people, write an oath in blood? I love her. I want marry her. I want us to have a dozen babies. Okay, are you happy now?”
Sierra grinned. “I don’t think she wants a dozen babies. Two or three will probably be enough.”
Trey nudged her from behind. “Will you just put the guy out of his misery already? Tell him where she is.”
She crossed the room and opened a desk drawer, withdrawing a pen and slip of paper. She scribbled something on the paper before removing a gold key from a key ring. “So what changed your mind? About having kids, I mean?”
“Nikki changed my mind. She made me realize I’m not the same guy now that I was at twenty-five. I may have screwed up back then, but she thinks I’ve got what it takes to be a good dad.” He shrugged, feeling self-conscious. “If she believes in me, maybe...”
Sierra laughed and hugged him. “I have no doubt you’re gonna be a fantastic father, Luc.”
He kissed her cheek. “Thanks, for everything.”
Trey reached out to offer his hand. “Don’t screw this up, buddy. You’re not gonna get another chance.”
“I won’t.” Luc glanced at the piece of paper Sierra handed him. “Panama, huh?”
“She’s staying at the condo?” Trey asked.
Luc grinned. “Don’t make any plans over the next week. You may have to fly out there for a wedding.”
Marisa had read the same sentence at least a dozen times, but she couldn’t concentrate. No matter how hard she tried to banish Luc from her mind, he remained front and center.
She looked out at the ocean, marveling at the beauty of the sun’s reflection off the rippling waves. She had positioned her lounge chair in the sand close enough to feel the water brush her feet when the tide came in. It was a spectacular day, but everywhere she looked were couples and families spending quality time together. She was the only person pitiful enough to travel to a tropical paradise alone.
“Hi there. Beautiful day, isn’t it?”
She looked up to see a man blocking the sun’s rays. He had a lean swimmer’s physique, sun-kissed blonde hair, and an enticing British accent. “It is,” she said, lowering her sunglasses.
He knelt down so they were face to face. “I hope you don’t think I’m being too bold, but I noticed you were alone. You are alone, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
He grinned, revealing straight white teeth. “That’s great. I mean...”
She laughed, extending her hand. “I know what you meant. I’m Marisa.”
He accepted her outstretched hand. “My mother would be appalled at my manners. My name’s Iain. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marisa. Mind if I pull up a chair?”