Finding Him: Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Finding Love Book 1), page 10
“Did you just sniff me?” he asks.
“What? No!”
“I think you did.”
“You’re delusional if you think that.”
When I hear a chuckle from beside us, my eyes move to his chauffeur. He’s looking up at the stars as he patiently holds the door open for us, but there’s no mistaking the grin on his face.
Pulling back, Logan reluctantly lets me go. I smile at him as he steps aside, allowing me to climb into the car first.
“Thank you,” I say to his driver as I climb into the backseat of the limousine.
“You’re welcome,” he replies with a nod.
“Not a word,” I hear Logan grumble as he passes him and takes a seat beside me.
“Sure thing, Boss. The penthouse?”
“Please.”
“Maybe it’s best if I go home,” I say. I’m not entirely comfortable going to his place, and this may give him the out he needs. I don’t want to be a burden.
“Not a chance in hell. I’m not letting you go back there until we have some answers.”
“Maybe I should stay at a hotel for the night, then.”
“Nope, you’ll be safer with me.”
“What if I don’t want to stay with you?” I ask, a tad annoyed at his insistence.
“I’m not going to bite you, Brooke.”
“Maybe I’m into biting,” I retort. I’m not impressed with his forcefulness, despite his good intentions.
“Well, if that’s the case, I could possibly accommodate.”
My eyes widen, as my head snaps in his direction. “I was joking.”
“I know,” Logan says, chuckling. “Relax. I have a spare room; besides I’ve heard how loud you snore, remember?”
I gasp. “I do not snore.”
He looks over at me with a huge smile on his face. “Right.”
“I don’t,” I say, playfully elbowing him in the side.
“I’m kidding. Just humour me, okay. I won’t sleep well tonight unless I know you’re safe.”
“Fine.” Crossing my arms, I settle back into my seat as my gaze moves to the window. One-night, Hot Stuff, that’s all you get. Tomorrow, I’m going back home.
Chapter 16
Logan
Exhaustion must have taken over as I feel the weight of Brooke’s lithe body get heavier and heavier during the drive back to my penthouse. I smile openly hearing her soft snores even out. Lifting her into my arms, I breathe in her sweet scent. I don’t know why I have this overwhelming desire to protect her, but I do. When she rests her head on my shoulder, snuggling into me, my smile grows.
“Can you grab her bag?” I whisper to Chris.
Grinning smugly, he does as he’s asked. He’s probably amused because he hasn’t seen this side of me before.
I look down at her as I walk towards the lift. Yet again, I’m overcome by her beauty. The fact that she’s asleep and totally oblivious to me admiring her is even better. I was constantly reminding myself not to stare at her during dinner. She has the kind of look that I could observe endlessly and never tire. How anyone would want to hurt her is beyond me.
My eyes dart to Chris when he presses the button to bring the lift down. He’s still smirking, the prick.
“Not a word,” I mouth.
When the doors open, he places Brooke’s bag inside and pulls out his key that allows the lift to take me up to the penthouse. “Have a good night,” he says, raising his eyebrows.
“Fuck off,” I say to his retreating back.
I hear him chuckling as the doors close. If he gives me shit tomorrow, I might have to sack him. I already know that’s not going to happen, but the thought amuses me nevertheless.
Brooke stirs the moment the lift starts to move. A look of horror clouds her face when she realises I’m carrying her. “Umm … can you please put me down?” she asks, squirming in my arms.
“Sorry,” I say, removing my hand from behind her knees. When her feet are firmly on the ground, I completely let go and retreat a few steps. “You fell asleep in the car, and I didn’t want to wake you.”
“Oh, okay.” She tucks her hair behind her ear, and things suddenly feel awkward between us.
Leaning back against the wall, I watch the numbers climb, hoping to reach my floor sooner rather than later.
When the doors finally open, I scoop up her bag and extend my hand for her to exit first. Her eyes are everywhere as we walk through the foyer and into the great room. The lights are dimmed and the blinds are drawn, showcasing the magnificent view you get from up here. The floor-to-ceiling windows span the entire wall, and I’ve got to say, even after all these years, I’ve yet to tire of the city skyline, especially at night when it’s all lit up.
“Wow, you live here?” she asks, glancing at me over her shoulder.
“I do.”
“This room alone is bigger than my entire terrace house.” I stand back as she walks towards the windows. “Look at the view from up here. Oh my god, you can see the Harbour Bridge.”
“The Opera House is just to your right.”
“Wow.” She takes another step forward until she’s almost pressing up against the glass. “I’ve never seen the city from up this high before. It’s breathtaking.”
“It sure is.” But I’m not looking at the skyline or the harbour—my eyes are trained on her. I bought this place because I fell in love with the view the moment I saw it, but now that she’s here in my space, there’s no comparison. She’s far more stunning.
Brooke stares out into the night for the longest time, and I find myself smiling as I watch her. “I can’t believe you live here,” she eventually says. “Well, I can believe it, but you know what I mean. I’d probably never leave this spot if it was my home. I’d place my bed right here.”
I chuckle at her words. “I have the same view from my bedroom.” I don’t offer to show her, though. I know she’s already here under duress, and the last thing I want to do is scare her off. My intentions for bringing her here were purely honourable. “Unfortunately, you can’t see the bridge from the spare room, but there’s still glimpses of the harbour and a great view of the botanic gardens. You won’t be able to see it until morning.”
“I look forward to morning, then.”
“Can I get you anything? A drink, or something to eat?”
“No, thank you. I’m still full from dinner,” she says, glancing at me once more.
“Me too. It’s a shame I missed dessert though. I’ll have to get a rain-check on that course.”
She laughs at my comment but makes no offer for a redo. I’ll work on that one, though. “Come, let me show you to your room.”
I walk over to where I placed her bag and pick it up. She takes another glimpse of the view before following me. She only makes it a few metres before she stops in her tracks. “You have a grand piano?” she asks. “Can you play?”
“Hardly,” I scoff. “I bought it for my niece when she started piano lessons.”
“How old is she?”
“She’s seven.”
“How sweet.”
I see her fingers glide over the black gloss finish as we pass. It has me wondering what her fingers would feel like against my skin. I can’t let my mind go there. Your best behaviour, Cavanagh, I silently remind myself.
I’m acutely aware of her closeness as we climb the staircase that leads to the bedrooms. We walk down the long hallway, passing the other rooms as we go. I’m going to put her in the room closest to mine because I don’t want her too far away. I know my building is safe, but this whole situation doesn’t sit well with me. Is Jake really behind all of this? She may not even be in danger, but that’s a chance I’m not prepared to take.
Opening the door, I switch on the light. “This will be your room for the night.”
Placing her bag down, I stand just inside the doorway. Again, her eyes are everywhere. “This room is exquisite,” she says, smiling. I love how she appreciates the littlest things. Some of the spoilt brats I’ve dated over the years would have expected nothing less. I chuckle when she sits on the side of the king-size bed and bounces, testing its comfort. She has no idea how adorable she is.
“You’ll find everything you need in the en suite.” I point to the far door.
“Even your spare rooms have their own bathroom?”
I shrug. “It’s a penthouse.” I grew up with money, so I’m used to the grandeur. “If there’s anything else you need, I can have my housekeeper pick them up for you in the morning.”
“Your housekeeper?”
“Yes. Jill.”
She smirks like she finds that amusing. “Not Jeeves?”
“Jeeves?”
“Never mind, I’m being silly.” She walks over and picks up her bag before lying it on top of the bed. “Thank you for letting me stay here tonight; I really appreciate it.”
“It’s no problem. I’m happy to have you here.”
“I mean it,” she says. “I know it may not have seemed like it earlier, but I really am grateful.” Her gaze moves down to the carpet. “I probably wouldn’t have gotten much sleep at my place.”
When her eyes meet mine again, the vulnerability I see hits me straight in the chest. I take a few steps towards her, holding out my hand. As soon as her fingers grasp mine, I tug her closer and wrap her in my arms.
“Everything is going to work out. I promise you that. I won’t let any harm come to you.”
She doesn’t reply, but I feel her arms tighten around my waist. I hold her for a short while, before reluctantly letting go.
A smile forms on her face as her eyes lock with mine. “Are you always this wonderful, Mr. Cavanagh?”
“Absolutely,” I answer, dazzling her with my charming smile.
“Of course, you are,” she says, laughing.
I take a step back before I do something stupid, like kiss her. “I hope you’re comfortable in here tonight.”
“Are you kidding me? It’s going to be like staying in a luxury hotel.”
Her response makes me chuckle. She’s like a breath of fresh air. “Goodnight, Brooke,” I say, turning and walking towards the door.
“Goodnight, Logan.”
Grasping the door handle, I glance at her over my shoulder. “My room is just next door if you need anything during the night.”
When her eyes slightly widen, I quickly close the door behind me without waiting for a reply. A few seconds later, I hear the lock latch on her door.
That sounded more suggestive than intended.
Chapter 17
Brooke
When I open my eyes, the room is bathed in darkness. Looking over at the bedside clock, I see it’s nine forty-five. Shit! I hadn’t meant to sleep so late. I’ll blame it on the mattress. It was like sleeping on a fluffy cloud.
Throwing back the covers, I jump out of bed. When I draw the thick curtains, I’m blinded by the light and it takes a few seconds for my eyes to focus. When they do, the air hitches in my throat. He wasn’t joking about the view. Pushing up onto my toes, I lean forward to take it all in.
I’d love nothing more than to jog around those gardens, but under the circumstances, I don’t think that’s a good idea.
After a quick shower, I head downstairs to find Logan. It’s mid-morning, and I’m probably holding him up. I’m sure he has places to go, and I need to get home.
My eyes are glued to the view as I cross the main room. It looks different, but just as spectacular during the day.
I jump when a figure steps out of the shadows. I’m expecting to see Logan standing there, but instead, I find an attractive older lady. “Good morning, dear. I’m sorry if I frightened you. You must be Brooke. I’m Jill, Mr. Cavanagh’s housekeeper.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Jill,” I say, holding out my hand to her. “I was just looking for … umm … Logan, I mean, Mr. Cavanagh.”
She smiles. “I’m afraid you’ve missed him by about three hours. He had to go into the office this morning.”
“Oh,” I say. I was hoping to at least say goodbye before I leave.
“Come.” She reaches out and grabs hold of my arm. “I’ll make you some breakfast. There’s a package for you on the counter. Mr. Cavanagh’s assistant dropped it off about an hour ago.
“A package? For me?”
“Yes, dear.” I smile when she calls me dear for the second time. My mother used to call me that often.
As I take a seat at the breakfast bar, she slides a small package towards me. The box is wrapped in white paper and tied with a red bow. I open the card pinned to it.
Brooke,
I’m sorry I missed you this morning. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve taken the liberty of buying you a new phone. It has a new number. I’ve transferred all the contacts from your old phone to this one.
See you this afternoon.
Logan.
P.S. I was touched to find you had my number saved under Hot Stuff.
I gasp when I read the last line.
“Is something wrong?” Jill asks.
“Umm … no,” I reply as I feel my cheeks heat.
“Can I get you a coffee?”
“Please.”
“Milk and sugar?”
“Yes, please. One sugar.”
Unwrapping the box, I find a new iPhone inside. The one I had was almost five years old, but I’m not sure how I feel about him buying me this. My first thought is how he got a hold of my old phone, and then I remember the officer handing it to him at the police station last night after Logan gave him his business card. Buying a new phone wasn’t an option for me. It’s money I don’t have, and it will take me one step further away from my dream.
Removing the lid, I take it out and turn it on. I open the messenger app and search through my contacts. I die a little inside when I see his number is still under Hot Stuff. I’m mortified that he now knows my secret name for him.
“Here you go, dear,” Jill says, sliding the mug of coffee towards me.
“Thank you.”
Raising the cup to my mouth, I take a sip before typing my message.
Brooke: Morning, Thank you for the phone. It was very thoughtful of you. Please let me know what it cost so I can reimburse you.
I was tempted to write Hot Stuff, but I don’t want him getting the wrong idea. A friendship is all we’ll ever have.
Placing the phone down on the counter, I reach for my coffee once more.
“What would you like for breakfast?” Jill asks.
“You don’t need to wait on me.”
“It’s my job. Besides, Mr. Cavanagh left me with strict instructions to look after you. It’s not often he has house guests. Apart from family, you’re the first.”
That surprises me. I assumed women would be beating down his door. “Just a piece of toast will be fine,” I say.
My eyes move around the room. The kitchen is just as magnificent as the rest of the place. And though he appears to live an opulent life, it’s nothing like I imagined.
Butterflies churn in my stomach when the phone chimes with a reply.
Hot Stuff: Good morning, beautiful. It’s a gift, so there’s no need to repay me. I’m looking forward to seeing you this afternoon. We can go somewhere nice for dinner if you like.
I ponder his message for the longest time. As much as I’m flattered that he called me beautiful, I’m not comfortable with where this is heading. My heart is at risk here, and my best bet is to cut all ties.
Brooke: I plan on heading back to my place this morning, so I won’t be here when you get home. Thanks for letting me stay last night though, and please let me know what I owe you for the phone. I insist!
I read over my reply numerous times before finally pressing send. It feels abrupt, and for that, I feel bad. He’s been nothing but nice to me, and if it wasn’t for his occupation, I might even entertain the idea of something more, but my track record with lawyers is less than stellar.
Only seconds pass before the phone starts ringing. Looking down at the screen I see Hot Stuff. I blow out a long breath before answering.
“Hey.”
There’s a brief pause before he replies. “Please don’t go.”
“I can’t stay here, Logan.”
“But it’s not safe for you to return to your place.”
“I can stay at a hotel, but I need to go home and get some things. I have to work.”
I hear him sigh through the phone. “I have a few meetings this morning that I can’t get out of. I don’t want you going back there on your own. Promise me you’ll wait for me. If I shuffle a few things around, I should be able to get home around three.”
“Okay, I’ll wait,” I say, although it’s against my better judgment. But after everything he’s done for me, I at least owe him a proper goodbye.
Chapter 18
Logan
My head hasn’t been in the game all day, probably because my thoughts have been consumed by Brooke. I’ve called Jill twice just to check she hasn’t left, which is pathetic. I’m not usually so needy, but this one has got under my skin. I know my reasons run much deeper than my attraction though. I feel for her in so many ways. Brooke told me down in Melbourne she had no family, which means she has nobody to turn to. I hate that. I desperately want to be that person for her, but I can’t be if she won’t allow it.
“It’s unusual to see you this time of day, Mr. Cavanagh,” the doorman says as he holds the door open for me. He’s right, I’ve never left the office this early before, but what’s going on upstairs in my apartment is far more important. Who knows what’s awaiting her back at her place. There’s no way I’d let her face that alone, especially after another text came through on her old phone this morning. This one included a threat. I contacted the police, but I’ve yet to tell Brooke. I’m not sure I want to.
