Liam listened to Brian’s every word. He was right. Liam was just so used to cleaning up Brian’s messes that he’d made a habit of doing what needed to be done. And, in this case, the stakes were high. One wrong move, and Brian could end up dead. Hell, they both could be dead. Liam had to give credit where credit was due. Brian had been impressive with every decision he’d made since the initial one. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” Brian said.
“Was Lila the reason for the bet with Luccesse?”
Brian dropped his chin to his chest then slowly lifted it, running a hand down the back of his head. “If I’m honest, every decision I’ve made since college has, in some way, had to do with Lila.”
Liam watched Brian intently. “You loved her that much?”
Brian exhaled. “Yeah, I did.”
Liam pondered Brian’s words. “I don’t think I’ve ever been in love,” he said thoughtfully.
Brian sat up straight. It wasn’t like Liam to talk about his feelings. He wasn’t exactly surprised that Liam hadn’t ever been in love. It was Liam, after all, but at the same time, Brian was kind of surprised. “You mean like never? In your entire thirty-seven-year existence, you’ve never been in love with anyone?”
Liam frowned as he racked his brain. “I don’t think so. I’ve always been too busy building my company. I didn’t have time.”
“Believe me. You would know if you’ve ever been in love. It’s a feeling unlike any other, and sometimes, it just kind of falls on you. You don’t really have a choice in the matter. I mean, you get to choose whether you act on it or not, but you don’t get to choose who you love. It can be maddening. But man, when it’s good. It’s damn good.”
“Is that how you felt with Lila?” Liam asked, genuinely curious.
Brian was slow to respond. “In the beginning, yes. In the end, it was like a death—probably more like a murder.”
“Why would anyone want to experience that?” Liam asked.
“Like I said, when it’s good, there is nothing else like it,” Brian said. “It’s more than worth the risk. You’re a gambling man, so I know that you can understand that concept. When you win in love, there is no bigger high.”
“Interesting,” Liam said.
“It is. You should try it. You’re not getting any younger old man.” Brian glanced at his watch. “Speaking of, I’m about to head over to Georgia’s. Colby will probably be there. Are you coming?”
Liam tried to conceal his reaction to hearing her name. “Why would I care if Colby was going to be there or not?”
“Because I have a feeling that you’re into her but too stubborn to admit it.”
“What you are feeling is probably indigestion.” Liam laughed. “You need to take something for that.”
“Yeah. Okaaay.” Brian was skeptical.
“I might head over a little later.” Liam wouldn’t make eye contact. Instead, he focused on his monitor. “I need to finish reviewing this report, and then I have an important video conference call.”
Brian wasn’t going to push. “We drove in together, so I’ll just hitch a ride with one of the guys.”
Liam waved him off. “No. Take the car. I’ll call the driver when I’m ready. Georgia’s is not too far for him to swing back around.”
“About that?” Brian rubbed the back of his neck.
“What now?”
“Dude, it’s crazy to be riding around in this small town with a driver. It screams we’re outsiders. We really need to rent a couple of cars.”
Liam conceded. “True, but our driver doubles as a bodyguard.”
“You have an entire army of security here and at the hotel. Knowing you, there is probably somebody secretly assigned to me too.”
Liam wouldn’t confirm or deny. “I won’t apologize for trying to keep the only family I have safe.”
If Anthony Luccesse weren’t the death of Brian, Liam would be. Liam meant well, but if Brian had any intention of developing a good relationship with his team, he needed to get over to Georgia’s. He would have to save this fight for another day. “Whatever, man. I’m out. I’ll see you at the restaurant.”
Once Liam was alone, he leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers together. Have I really never been in love? He thought long and hard. There were a couple of women he’d dated over the years that he really liked but love? No one made him feel the way Brian described.
His phone chirped. Liam glanced down at the screen. It was a message from one of his VPs. It was then that Liam realized that his business had been his greatest love.
Liam typed out a message then continued to review the report he’d been reading earlier.
*****
It was more than two hours after Brian left when Liam finally wrapped up his video conference call. He figured everyone at Georgia’s would be heading home soon. His presence wasn’t really needed anyway. Brian was right. Liam’s role should have been to provide a little backup support. Lockwood Racing belonged to his brother.
Just as Liam was getting up to leave, he received another text.
You left yet? Most everyone is here. Can’t work all day.
Liam checked the time on his phone. It was only 2:30 p.m. Saying he’d been working all day was a stretch even for Brian, especially when he usually worked well into the evening.
I wonder if she is there. “Damn it.” The desire to see her was strong, and Liam couldn’t seem to control it. That was reason enough for him to go to the hotel instead of Georgia’s. It was most definitely for the best. Two things Liam hated—being out of his element and not being in control. There was no need to complicate further an already complicated situation.
Liam packed up his belongings. On his way out, he locked and closed the door to Brian’s office. For the most part, the garage was quiet as he walked down the
