Seductive Secrets

From Ethan’s aggrieved tone, this obviously bugged him, and Lia sympathized. Having been isolated from relatives all her life, she couldn’t imagine having so many people in her business. Yet there was a flip side. Ethan could also count on his family to have his back.

“And what about Paul?” she quizzed. “Surely he’s already dug up enough info on me to know I’m not your cousin.”

“Let me handle my brother.”

Lia slid sweaty palms along her jean-clad thighs. “Damn it, Ethan. You can’t deceive your grandfather this way.”

“I can if it means keeping Grady alive,” Ethan said and his voice held genuine pain.

“It’s a lie,” Lia insisted, but she could feel her determination failing beneath the weight of Ethan’s enthusiasm. “A big fat dangerous lie. And you know I wasn’t planning on sticking around Charleston much longer. Misty is fixed. I almost have enough saved to replace my truck.” While this was true, Lia didn’t have enough to buy a quality vehicle she could trust. “It’s time I got back on the road.”

“All you need to do is stay a couple weeks until Grady’s completely out of the woods and then we can reveal that a huge mistake was made with the genetic testing service.” Something in Lia’s expression must have betrayed her weakening resistance because Ethan nodded as if she’d voiced her agreement. “I’ve thought the whole thing through and I know this will work.”

If she hadn’t grown fond of the handsome Charleston businessman since he’d become her massage client six months earlier, she never would’ve agreed to hear him out, much less consider such a wild scheme, but the pain Ethan felt over his grandfather’s illness had touched her heart. Plus, he’d made the whole scheme sound so reasonable. A couple of weeks of playacting and then she’d be on her way again. A bubble of hysteria rose inside her. What were more lies on top of the ones she was already telling?

“But I’ll be lying not just to Grady, but your whole family. It’s a cruel thing to do to all of them.”

“I’ve thought about that, too, but if we do this right, they’ll be so happy that Grady is healthy again that it will make the eventual disappointment of you not being family easier to bear.” Ethan gripped her hands and hit her with a mega dose of confident charm.

Lia was rallying one last refusal when the elevator doors opened and a slender woman in an elegant suit the color of pistachios stepped off. Instead of immediately heading for the hallway that led to the hospital rooms, she glanced toward the family lounge. Her expression brightened when she spied them.

“Ethan,” she said, coming toward them. “Glad to see you here.”

“Hello, Mother.” Ethan dipped his head and kissed her cheek. “This is Lia.”

Constance Watts was every inch a genteel matriarch of the South with her blond hair styled in a long bob and her triple strand of pearls. Her keen blue eyes assessed the jeans and thrift-store T-shirt Lia wore and she braced herself for censure, but Constance only smiled warmly.

“Ethan told me all about you,” Constance said, her captivating Southern drawl knotted with emotion.

“He did?” Lia hadn’t yet agreed to the scheme and bristled at Ethan’s presumption.

“Of course.” Constance glanced from Lia to her son. “He said Paul found you through a genetic testing service.”

“I’m really—” Lia began.

“Overwhelmed,” Ethan broke in, closing his fingers around her hand and squeezing gently. He snared her gaze, his eyes reflecting both determination and apology. “And can you blame her? Finally connecting with her real family after all these years is pretty momentous.”

Ethan’s need and his mother’s elation were a patch of quicksand, trapping Lia. To her dismay, she began nodding.

“Ava’s daughter is finally home,” Constance murmured, stepping forward and embracing Lia. “You are going to make Grady so happy.”

Three

Paul was crossing the hotel lobby on his way to the first panel of the day when his phone buzzed. Incensed at Ethan for bringing a stranger into their grandfather’s hospital room, Paul had been ignoring his brother’s calls since leaving for the conference. He pulled out his phone and was on the verge of sending the call to voice mail when he spied his mother’s picture on the screen. His first reaction was dread. Had Grady’s health taken a turn for the worse? Is that why she was calling rather than checking in by text?

“What’s wrong?” he demanded, shifting his trajectory toward a quiet nook opposite the reception desk. “Is Grady okay?”

“He’s fine. In fact, he’s doing better than ever.” Constance Watts sounded breathless with delight. “I just wanted to update you that Grady is coming home from the hospital today.”

“That’s great news,” Paul said, stunned by the upswing in Grady’s progress. “So he’s finally rallying?”

“Thanks to Lia.”

“Lia?” Hearing that woman’s name was like touching a live wire. The jolt made his heart stop. “I don’t understand.” Paul believed in cold hard facts not instinct, but at the moment his gut was telling him something bad was happening. “How is she responsible for Grady’s improved health?”

“I can’t believe you’d have to ask,” Paul’s mother said. “Ethan told me you found her.”

“He did?” Paul responded cautiously. Obviously, his brother had neglected to mention Paul’s suspicions about the woman. “Has she been visiting Grady?”

Constance laughed. “She’s been by his side constantly for days. Having her there has made his recovery nothing short of miraculous. All the hospital staff are talking about it.”

“Grady’s getting better?” The volume of Paul’s relief almost drowned out the other tidbit his mother had dropped. Lia was visiting Grady despite being told to stay away.

Obviously Paul had underestimated just how intent she was on interfering with his family. Well, he’d send her packing as soon as he returned home.

“...Ava’s daughter back in the fold.”

Who was back? His mother had continued to prattle on while Paul had been preoccupied. He shook his head to reorient his thoughts.

“I’m sorry, Mother, it’s really loud where I am. Can you repeat what you said?”

“I said, Grady is thrilled that you found Ava’s daughter,” Constance said.

“I found...” Now Paul understood why Ethan had been working so hard to get in touch.

“When are you coming home? Grady’s been asking to see you.”

For the first time in his adult life, Paul Watts had no words. While his mother waited for his reply, Paul’s brain worked feverishly to unravel what could possibly be going on back in Charleston. What sort of crazy stunt was his brother trying to pull? And why? Lia had no more Watts blood than Eth...

Paul shut down the rest of that thought. He and Ethan might not share a biological bond, but they were brothers and Ethan was just as much a Watts as any of them. The same could not be said for a drifter like Lia Marsh.

He hadn’t been idle over the last few days of the conference. He’d taken the time to dig into her background and what he’d come up with only reinforced his suspicion that she was some sort of con artist.

“Mother, I need to go.” Paul hated to be rude, but he needed to talk to his brother immediately. “Can I call you later?”

“Of course. When are you coming home?”

He was scheduled to return home in three days’ time. “I’m going to cut my trip short and catch a flight today.”

“That’s wonderful.”

Paul hung up with his mother and immediately called Ethan. He wasn’t surprised when it rolled over to voice mail. Snarling, Paul disconnected without delivering the scathing smackdown his brother so richly deserved. He sent his personal assistant a text about his change of plans so she could organize a flight for him, and then he headed to his suite to pack.

An hour later he was on his way to the airport. A second call to Ethan went unanswered, but this time Paul left an icy message, demanding to know what was going on. The hours between liftoff and touchdown gave Paul plenty of time to check in with the rest of his family and get a feel for what had been going on in his absence.

The situation had progressed further than he’d anticipated. What really burned him was how happy and unquestioning everyone was with the arrival of a stranger claiming to be Ava’s daughter. Lia had charmed his parents, aunt and uncle as well as his three Shaw cousins. Nor would any of them listen when he pointed out that they didn’t know anything about this woman who’d abruptly appeared in their midst. All they cared about was that Ava’s daughter had come home and Grady had magically become healthy.

Eager to get the whole messy situation sorted out, once he arrived in Charleston Paul headed straight from the airport to Grady’s estate. He parked on the wide driveway at the back of the property, noting that Ethan’s car was absent. The heated lecture Paul wanted to deliver would have to wait.

Paul’s breath came in agitated bursts as he wound his way along the garden path and approached the back of the house where a set of double stairs ascended to a broad terrace. Taking the steps two at a time, Paul crossed the terrace to the glass door that led into the kitchen. The room had been remodeled a few years ago to include a massive granite island, abundant cabinets, professional appliances and an updated surround for the fireplace. Two doorways offered access to the interior of the home. Paul chose the one that led into the broad entry hall. Immediately to his left, a set of stairs led upward. Paul’s tension rose as he ascended.

The home had been designed with spacious rooms off a wide main hallway. Upstairs, the broad space between the bedrooms was utilized as a cozy lounge area for watching television from the comfortable couch or reading in one of the armchairs that overlooked the rear of the property—as his grandfather’s nurse Rosie was doing at the moment. Although Paul recognized that his grandfather didn’t require her hovering over him at all hours of the day and night, seeing her whiling her time away over a cup of tea and a novel disturbed him.

“How’s he doing?”

Rosie looked up from her book and shot him a wry grin. “Go see for yourself.”

Paul approached his grandfather’s bedroom, bracing himself for the same dimly lit, hushed space it had become since Grady’s stroke. But the scene he stepped into was the utter opposite. Stuttering to a halt just inside the door, Paul gaped in confusion and alarm. What the hell was going on here?

Someone had pulled the curtains back from the windows allowing light to fill the large space. Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up” poured from a speaker on the nightstand, almost drowning out the soothing trickle of water from a small fountain situated on the dresser. The scent of rosemary and lavender drifted toward Paul. As the aroma hit his senses, he noticed a slight boost to his energy and felt a whole lot calmer than he’d been in months. He shook off the sensations and scowled at the source of all his internal commotion.

Paul realized it was Lia who’d transformed Grady’s master suite from dark and bleak to bright and festive. And it did seem to be having a magical effect. For the first time since his stroke, Paul’s grandfather was sitting upright in bed, propped against an abundance of pillows, his bright gaze fixed on the woman standing beside him. Lia was chattering away while her hands stroked up and down Grady’s arm, working the muscles.

A bewildering swirl of emotions cascaded through him at the sight of his grandfather looking so happy and...healthy. Gladness. Relief. Annoyance. This last was due to Lia. She looked so utterly normal without all the theatrical makeup and princess clothing. Today she wore a plain gray T-shirt and black yoga leggings that showed off her lean hips and thighs. A silky ponytail of brown hair swept forward to cascade over one delicate collarbone, while long bangs framed her narrow face with its pixie chin and bright red lips. Silver hoop earrings swung against her delicate jawline.

Paul’s immediate impulse was to haul her out of the room and away from his grandfather. He didn’t trust her despite finding nothing concrete in her background to support the warning in his gut. Just because she hadn’t been caught didn’t mean she wasn’t up to no good. Nor did it help her case how swiftly she’d charmed his entire family into embracing her as one of their own.

Even as he fumed in frustration, Paul became aware of something hot and disturbing lying beneath his irritation. It was as if his anger had awakened an insistent, instinctive pulse of raw hunger. He cursed the untimely appearance of this single-minded lust for Lia Marsh. Being distracted by physical cravings was the last thing he needed.

As if alerted by his conflicting desires, Lia glanced his way. Within their frame of sooty lashes, her eyes locked on his. Pleasure roared through him as she bit down on her lower lip. Color flooded her cheeks and for a second he pondered what might happen if his awareness was reciprocated.

Paul ruthlessly swept such musing aside. What did it matter if she was attracted to him? But then he dialed back his annoyance. Could he use it to his advantage?

His thoughts must’ve shown on his face because a wary frown drew Lia’s eyebrows together. Irritated that he’d given himself away, Paul scowled in return. With a grimace she shifted her attention to Grady. Her smile brightened with what appeared to be genuine affection. Paul’s gut clenched as he took in the tableau.

“Look who’s here,” she murmured, indicating Paul.

His grandfather turned his head and the warmth in his welcoming smile filled Paul with blinding joy. It was as if all the years of estrangement had been never been.

“Paul.”

At hearing his name spoken so clearly by his grandfather, a lump formed in Paul’s throat and stuck there. Because the stroke had affected Grady’s speech, he’d struggled to make himself understood these last few months. Obviously, the reports of Grady’s improvement hadn’t been exaggerated. But to credit this interloper was going too far. Lost in his circling thoughts, Paul still hovered where he’d stopped just inside the room until his grandfather tapped out some rhythms on a small drum next to him on the bed.

“That means come,” Lia explained.

Completely bewildered by what was happening, Paul crossed to his grandfather’s side and gave his arm a squeeze. “How are you feeling today?”

The routine question was completely unnecessary. This man bore no resemblance to the invalid from a week ago. At that point, with Grady growing weaker by the day, Paul would’ve moved heaven and earth to see the return of a mischievous glint to his grandfather’s green eyes, which had so recently been dull with defeat and grief. What he glimpsed in Grady’s manner was the exact change he’d longed for. But at what cost?

“Happy.” A distinct pattern of tapping accompanied Grady’s singing. While his voice was breathy and tuneless, the word came out surprisingly clear. Yet despite his joy, Paul was disturbed by how his grandfather’s gaze settled fondly on the young woman massaging his hand. “Lia home.”

“What’s with the drum?” Paul asked Lia, grappling with his shock at Grady’s rapid improvement and his attachment to the stranger who had invaded all their lives. Discomfort formed a hard knot in his chest. Although thrilled by his grandfather’s improvement, Paul could see nothing but trouble barreling down the road toward them and cursed his brother for doing something so radical and foolish.

“I did some research on stroke recovery and discovered that music and rhythm can help lift a patient’s spirts, enable them to communicate and improve their speech.” Lia smiled fondly at Grady. “Tomorrow we’re going to learn breathing rhythms and also practice meditating to music.”

“What’s all that supposed to do?”

“The medical explanation didn’t make all that much sense to me,” Lia said. “But there was something about how the brain processes information and how music can affect that in a positive way. I think that’s why Grady can’t speak, but he can sing.”

Paul’s chest tightened as hope surged and he set his jaw against a blast of raw emotion. From the way his grandfather beamed at Lia, it was obvious what everyone had been saying. Grady’s improvement had been inspired by the return of his long-lost granddaughter. Only Lia wasn’t Ava’s daughter and Paul hated the fraud she and his brother were perpetrating.

So, what was he going to do? Paul had never lied to his grandfather. Many times in the past when he was a kid growing up, he’d done something wrong and no matter how bad the punishment, he’d always told Grady the truth. It was a point of pride to Paul that his grandfather trusted him without question.

If he continued to let Grady believe his granddaughter had returned to her family, what sort of damage was he doing to his relationship with his grandfather? Yet Grady’s will to live seemed to have been restored by Lia’s arrival. Could Paul figure out a way to get rid of her without causing his grandfather harm?

“Do you have a couple minutes to talk?” he asked as she finished massaging Grady’s arm and carefully placed it back on the bed.

“Grady has a session with his physical therapist in ten minutes.”

With the number of relatives coming and going these days, Paul didn’t want his conversation with Lia interrupted or overheard. “I’ll meet you by the pool.”

On the flight back to Charleston, he’d prepared a number of ways to extricate her from his family. Now, with Grady’s improvement hanging on her continued presence, he wasn’t convinced sending her away was the best idea.

While he waited for Lia to arrive, Paul paced the concrete deck, oblivious to the tranquility offered by the turquoise rectangle of water, the lush landscaping and the peaceful twittering of the birds.

This whole situation would be more cut-and-dried if anything suspicious had appeared in her background check. But Paul had nothing concrete to prove that she might not be as transparent as she appeared. While deep in his gut he was certain that she was keeping secrets, Paul was a man who acted on facts not feelings.

When Lia arrived, Paul wasted no time making his position clear. “When I told you to stay away from my grandfather, I had no idea things would get this out of control. I don’t know what you and my brother were thinking, but this can’t go on.”

Because his entire family had embraced her, it fell to Paul to remain detached and keep his guard up. That would be easier if she didn’t stir his body and incite his emotions. And if she hadn’t worked miracles with his grandfather.

“You’re right,” she agreed. “I shouldn’t have let Ethan talk me into lying to everyone. I’m sorry. It’s just Ethan was so desperate to help your grandfather. And believing that I’m his granddaughter has made him better.”

Paul watched her expression, determined to see past her guileless facade to the truth. “You’ve done a good job making sure everyone is attached to you.”

Her lashes flickered at his deliberate accusation. “That’s to be expected. They all think I’m their long-lost cousin.” She crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her chin. “Have you decided how you’re going to break the news about me being an imposter?”

Paul forced air through his teeth in a soft hiss. “I’m not sure I can. The truth would crush Grady.”

Her eyebrows went up in surprise. “What are you going to do then?”

“I don’t know.” He needed to discuss the situation with Ethan.

She narrowed her eyes in confusion. “So why did you want to talk to me?”

Why had he wanted to talk to her?

“I...”

What could he say? That she’d been on his mind the entire time he was gone? That he found her fascinating despite his mistrust? He wanted to know everything about her. And not just because her mysterious background and limited digital footprint awakened his curiosity. Some of her behavior didn’t fall into easily explainable patterns. For example, why did she dress up and visit children in the hospital? Something so altruistic was contrary to how an opportunist would behave. Unless she played on the sympathies of parents with sick children to some end. He’d never know unless he got to know her better.

And then there was the pesky physical attraction she inspired in him. Even now, as his thoughts took him down a somber path, he caught himself admiring her long lashes and wondering if her full lips could possibly be as soft as they looked. Her casual outfit showed off a toned body with soft curves. He imagined framing her slim hips with his hands and pulling her close. Dipping his head and running his lips down her neck to the place where it met her shoulder. Hearing her groan in pleasure as he lifted her against his growing erection and plunged his tongue into her mouth...

“Paul?” she said. “Are you okay?”

His name on her lips shocked him out of his lusty daydream. “No, I’m not okay. You and Ethan have put me in the untenable position of having to lie to Grady.” A slight breeze flowed toward them from the garden, bringing the sweet scent of honeysuckle and cooling the heat beneath his skin.

“I know and I’m sorry.” She put her hand on his arm and the contact seared him through two layers of fabric. “But you won’t have to worry about that for too long. In a couple weeks, as soon as Grady is firmly on the road to a full recovery, we’ll explain that the genetic testing place made a huge mistake and I’ll be gone.”

That she and his brother thought they could just snap their fingers and undo the whole situation showed just how impulsive they’d been.

“Why are you doing this?” he demanded, badly needing to understand. “What do you get out of it?”

Something flickered in her eyes briefly before she composed her features into an expression of benign innocence. “Nothing.”

Nothing? Paul’s muscles bunched as wariness returned. That didn’t ring true. Because what he’d glimpsed in that microsecond was all the confirmation that he needed that Lia Marsh was up to no good.

Lia could tell Paul wasn’t believing her claim and decided she’d better elaborate. “I really don’t want anything from your grandfather or any of your family. I just want to help.” She infused this last statement with all her passion, wondering if anything she said would quiet Paul’s suspicions.

Earlier when she’d looked up and spied Paul standing in his grandfather’s bedroom, her first reaction hadn’t been panic, but vivid, undeniable lust. The guy was just so gorgeous. For someone who made his living thwarting cybercriminals he had an amazing physique. His broad shoulders and imposing height sent her heartbeat racing while his smoldering looks drove her desires into dangerous territory.

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