Page 66 of The Red-Hot Stakes

My mistake was in glancing at him and seeing the pleading in his gorgeous eyes. This was really important to him. “Fine.”

“Really? You’re the best!” He kissed my cheek. “That’s why I love you. So, um, we should probably start getting ready then.”

How long had I slept? I grabbed my phone, surprised to see over an hour had gone by. I bit back a sigh and rolled out of bed.

My crimson dress had a high neckline that looped around my throat but was open at the back. The waist tucked in just above my hips, and the hemline was higher in front than the back. The soft satiny material swooshed when I walked, the front brushing just above my knees.

When I emerged in my new outfit, Liam could hardly keep his hands off me, so I had that going for me. Which was good, because as far as confidence levels went, I was lacking in every other front. I couldn’t fathom any common ground I’d have with his family, other than knowing Liam, and it was shaking me up. My leg jiggled constantly, the nervous energy building as we drove closer.

Liam reached over to rest a hand on my thigh, stilling my bouncing and pulling me out of my head. “They’re just people, you know, like you and me. And they’re thrilled to be meeting you.”

“What if I run my mouth and offend them?”

He laughed, shaking his head. “I’ll be right there with you to turn it into some terrible joke, okay? We got this.”

The tension clenching my gut eased its grip, and I could breathe easier. I rested my hand on top of Liam’s. “Okay.” I knew he’d catch me if I fell.

Plenty of cars lined his parents’ driveway. He’d said small get-together, but maybe we had different ideas of small. The nerves rushed back, my leg jiggling once more. Once he’d parked, he opened my door, helping me out of the car.

He took a minute to pull me to him, kiss my cheek. “Take a deep breath.” He waited until I did. “Thatta girl. Let’s go show off my hot girlfriend.” He winked, and I couldn’t resist returning his teasing smile.

He offered me his elbow, but I shook my head, holding out my hand instead. I wasn’t a fancy escort, and I’d much rather have my fingers laced through his to ground me. Steadied by his firm grip, I made my way to his parents’ house.

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.”

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