Alluring Temptation (Bayou Stix #3) by Skye Turner

last one he cheated with was with a barely seventeen year old fan of the band. Clove caught him. And the girl’s parents pressed charges. He also stole money and things from Jude.”
    Paw looks at me incredulously. “Seems to me that if I was that girl’s parents, I’d have beat her tail for disrespecting herself like that. And I’d have taken a club to his knees. Shame that happened to Clove. And now she’s pregnant…”
    “Yeah.”
    Paw nods and we sit in silence for a while. Then he speaks again. “I’m going to give you my take on things. I recon that’s why you came here today. You wanted my advice and you knew I’d give it to you straight.” I nod in agreement. He nods again. “You have feelings for this girl. You’re scared because you know you could hurt her, but you are also scared because she could hurt you .” I look at him sharply. “Yes, when you have feelings, you can hurt and be hurt, but that’s the beauty of it. You’re also thinking that it’s not just about her now. She’s pregnant and that means a whole other person is in the mix.” He asks me, “Are you ready for that? If you become involved with this girl, it’s not just her. You will essentially be this baby’s father. That’s nothing to play at. So, you need to think about that one. Whatever choice you make is going to affect a lot of people. You, her, the baby, the band, your friends, etc… This is not something you make a rash decision about. Mull it over and decide if you’re willing to invest in it. Because this is a life changing thing. There’s a child involved now. And children need stability. You know that more than anyone. If you aren’t in it for the long haul, then don’t start anything. But if you’re willing to take the risk and put in the work, you could have a beautiful thing that’s yours for the taking.”
    I nod. He’s right. It’s not just about me. It’s not about Clove. Whatever we do could affect everyone and there’s now a baby to think about as well. Is that something I want to do? Can I handle a baby? A baby that isn’t mine?
    He’s watching me process his words. He adds one more thing. “Liam, all this you’ve told me has been about you. What about her? Is she even open to a relationship with you? All this will be null and void if she’s not willing to take the same steps as you.”
    Yeah, what about her? In three days, she’s seen me with multiple women. Over the past few months, she’s seen me with slews of women. She hates me. Or does she? She kissed me back.
    I’m so confused.
    I look at Paw and he sees the confusion on my face. He sighs and smiles. “Why don’t you take some time to think about it? Verna will have some lunch ready in a few hours. I think it’d be a good time to go visit your brother.” My eyes widen. He smiles. “Yes, boug. I know about that too. I know a lot of things. Go on. Go talk to your brother and then come back. We’ll have some lunch.”
    He’s amazing. He’s always been so amazing. I swallow the lump that’s trying to form in my throat and follow him to the house. Grabbing my keys off the doily on the hall table, I head to my truck and out to my spot. It takes a while to get there, but it’s been too long. I need to talk to John. He never answers, but I know he hears me.
    On my way out to the water, I grab a six pack. Parking my truck next to the levee, I head out onto the pier overlooking the Basin and bring two beers. As I sit down on the edge and drape my legs over the side a breeze ruffles my hair. I smile as I pop the top off of both beers. Setting one next to me on the pier, I clink the necks of the bottles and take a swig. The breeze is nice today and the sounds of the water, the birds, and the marsh are familiar and relaxing.
    Taking another swig, I look at the water and start talking. “Hey, man. I know it’s been awhile. I’m sorry about that. I’ve been busy with touring and Jude got married. Jessie is getting married now, too.