Finding Him: Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Finding Love Book 1), page 16
“If the shoe fits, my love. You remind me of the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. No cupcakes for you!” He even tries to mimic the guy’s accent with his last sentence, making me laugh.
I lunge at him, but he’s too quick and manages to sidestep me. Before I know what’s happening, he captures me around the waist and throws me over his shoulder. I squeal when he brings his hand down hard on my arse.
“Someone needs to be punished,” he says, heading in the direction of our bedroom.
“I made a few cupcakes for you, Chris,” I say, taking the small container from Logan, and passing it over the seat.
He smiles at me through the rear-view mirror. “That was really nice of you. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Hey! How come he gets to try a cupcake before me?”
“You’ll have plenty to eat at the party,” I say. “Stop being a baby.”
I hear Chris chuckle from the front seat. “Me, a baby?” he scoffs. “I wasn’t the one crying out half an hour ago.”
“Oh my god,” I mouth as I pinch his leg, which only makes him laugh. I can’t believe he just said that in front of Chris.
Leaning closer, Logan whispers in my ear. “Seeing you blush like that turns me on.” So, I pinch him again.
I’m a bundle of nerves by the time we arrive at Logan’s sister’s house. I see the car that’s been following us for the past few weeks pull up behind the limousine when I exit the vehicle. Security’s still tight, and for the most part, I don’t notice them. I hate that this is what’s become of my life. Will things ever go back to the way they used to be?
I push those thoughts to the back of my mind. I don’t want Jake spoiling today for me.
“What if your family hates me?” I ask, coming to stand beside Logan on the sidewalk.
“Not possible. They’ll love you.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Trust me, you’re very loveable.”
“You’re biased,” I say, nudging him with my shoulder.
Leaning forward he places a chaste kiss on my lips. “When it comes to you, I am. But I’m also telling the truth.”
“Do I look okay?” I’m wearing a white sundress I bought on my shopping expedition with Logan.
“You look good enough to eat.” He has a one-track mind, but I’m okay with that.
Logan is carrying the two large containers that hold the cupcakes, as well as Lara’s present which is balancing on top. “Let me carry something?”
“I’ve got them.”
“Always the gentleman, Mr. Cavanagh.”
“You better believe it, Miss Ryan,” he says, winking. He calls me that often now that I’ve finally gone back to my maiden name. It feels nice to be Brooke Ryan again.
Logan holds his elbow out to the side, so I link my arm through it as we walk up the long path toward the front door. My eyes take in the expansive mansion before us. His entire family must be rich.
“Grab the handle for me, babe?” he asks when we reach the door.
We only make it into the foyer before a young girl comes barrelling down the long hallway. “Uncle Logan,” she squeals.
He places what he’s holding on the hall table, before crouching down and opening his arms wide.
“Happy birthday, Princess,” he says, capturing her as he stands to full height and swings her around. It’s a beautiful sight. He places her back down before introducing me. “Lara, this is Brooke. She made you chocolate cupcakes.”
“Happy birthday, Lara.” I hold out my hand to her, but she wraps her small arms around my waist instead.
“Thank you for making cupcakes.”
“You’re very welcome.” My eyes dart to Logan, and he smiles as he watches us.
Stepping back, she looks up at me. “You’re pretty,” she says.
“Isn’t she,” Logan agrees.
Her attention moves back to him. “Did you get me a present?”
“I sure did,” he says, chuckling.
Seeing them together melts my heart. I not only see, but feel, the bond they share. Logan ended up getting her a gold necklace with a heart pendant and matching earrings. He also put some money in a card.
“Thank you,” she says when he passes her the gift bag. Turning, she starts running down the hallway from where she came. “Mum, Uncle Logan is here, and he brought his girlfriend.”
He looks at me and the smile on his face grows. “You told her to say that, didn’t you?”
“Nope.” He draws a cross over his heart with his finger. “That’s two to one. I believe you’re outvoted.”
“I’m not your girlfriend,” I say as he entwines his fingers through mine.
“I disagree.”
We find his mother and sister in the kitchen, busily preparing food. When they look up from what they’re doing, I see the same piercing green eyes as Logan, but their hair is fairer.
“My boy,” his mum says, making a beeline for him. She cups his face in her hands, before kissing both his cheeks. “You haven’t been around to the house in weeks, I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy to see your mother?”
Her eyes dart to me. “This is Brooke, my girlfriend,” Logan says, stepping aside, and bringing me into full view. His mother and sister share a brief look.
When her attention comes back to me, she throws her hands in the air. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for this day?” She wraps me in her arms, before drawing back to scan my face. “Look how pretty you are.”
“Mum, stop it,” Logan’s sister chimes in. “You’re going to scare her off.”
“Well, she is—just look at her.”
Logan’s sister gently shoves their mum to the side, extending her hand to me. “I’m Michelle. It’s lovely to meet you.”
“It’s lovely to meet you too.”
“She made cupcakes,” Logan says, holding up the containers.
“You cook too?” His mum clasps her hands together. “Did you hear that, Michelle? She cooks as well? She’s a keeper.”
“Mum,” Michelle screeches, and we all laugh. “Excuse her. She’s not normally like this. I think she’s just a little overwhelmed.”
“I’m happy, that’s all,” his mum says, coming to her own defence. I think she’s cute. I like her already.
“Hey, sis.” Logan steps forward and kisses the top of his sister’s head.
“Hey, bro.” I feel a twinge of envy when she wraps her arms around him. I pined for a sibling growing up.
“Can I give you a hand with anything?” I ask.
“Yes, come.” Logan’s mum grabs my arm, pulling me further into the kitchen. “It will give us some time to get to know each other.”
I glance at Logan over my shoulder. “You okay?” he mouths, and he smiles when I nod. “I’ll go out back and see if Craig needs my help.”
Logan’s mum hands me an apron. “Here, put this on. You don’t want to spoil your lovely dress.” She runs her hand affectionately down my arm, which I find really sweet. “Look how pretty her dress is, Michelle.”
“Mum!”
“Okay. I’m sorry.” Her eyes move back to me. “Forgive me if I seem a little forward. I’m just thrilled you’re here.”
“I swear to god, Mum, if you mention marriage or grandchildren to her, I’m putting you in a taxi and sending you home.”
“Michelle,” she gasps, placing her hand on her chest. “I’d never.” I bite my lip to suppress my smile when Michelle looks at me and rolls her eyes. Pulling the apron over my head, I tie it in the back. “Can I get you a glass of wine, sweetie?”
“That would be lovely, Mrs. Cavanagh, thank you.” I was worried for nothing; his family is amazing.
“Please call me Patricia … or Mum if you like.”
“That’s it, I’m cutting you off,” Michelle says, reaching for her mother’s wine glass. I can’t help but laugh.
Chapter 28
Logan
“There’s my girl.” I place down my beer and give Brooke my undivided attention as she makes her way towards us. I can understand my family’s shock at me bringing her today; they’ve been pressuring me to find someone and settle down for years. “You okay, babe?” I ask, draping my arm over her shoulders.
“I’m great.” She looks happy. I love having her here.
“This is my brother-in-law, Craig.”
“Nice to meet you.” She extends her hand to him. “Thank you for having me here today.”
“Oh, beautiful and well-mannered,” he says, winking at her and bringing her hand towards his mouth. It immediately gets my back up. I know he’s goading me, and he succeeds. Arsehole. Jealousy is something new for me. Even when my ex cheated on me with my best friend, what I felt was more hurt, betrayal, and anger. But right now, the green-eyed monster is rearing its ugly head. Everything is different with this woman. I guess it’s because she means the world to me.
“You can let her hand go now,” I snap, and Craig throws back his head and laughs.
“Wow, this one’s got you good.”
“Fuck off,” I grumble, even though his words ring true. He’s still laughing as he leaves us, heading towards the house.
“Your family is really nice.”
“I told you they’d love you.”
“I snuck this for you,” she says, producing a cupcake from behind her back. “What kind of girlfriend would I be if I continued to deny you?”
“So, you are finally admitting it?” The smile on my face speaks volumes.
“Well, only because I was outvoted.” I brush my lips against hers. I couldn’t be happier if I tried.
“You’re the best girlfriend a guy could ask for,” I say, before taking a huge bite out of my cupcake.
“Do they taste okay?”
“Almost as delicious as you.” Because nothing in this world tastes as good as she does.
I eye John as he steps out onto the back patio. I’m excited for Brooke to meet him. Although he’s only my uncle through marriage, I love him like a father. He’s the complete opposite to my old man, who can be a ruthless bastard at times. I’ve turned to John for advice on many occasions throughout my life. He gets me because he’s married to my father’s sister. Those two are like peas in a pod. Actually, my aunt is a lot worse, which says so much. Never in my life have I met such a selfish, materialistic, nasty, cold-hearted bitch as her.
“Come. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes,” John jokes as he approaches us. I’m guessing my mum has already filled him in on my girlfriend status.
“It’s good to see you,” I say, pulling him in for a hug.
“You too, kiddo,” he replies, patting my back. He’s called me kiddo since I was a young boy, and many times throughout my life, I wished I was his kid. Not taking anything away from my mother, of course; she’s always been wonderful, but my father not so much. I don’t know if it’s because I’m his son, but he was always a lot harder on me than he was on my sister.
I slide my arm around Brooke’s waist, pulling her into my side. “John, I’d like you to meet Brooke.”
The smile on his face is huge as his eyes move to her. But before he speaks, he stumbles back a few steps as all the colour drains from his face. When he clutches his chest, my heart drops into the pit of my stomach.
I remove my arm from Brooke, reaching for him. “Jesus, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he says, placing his hand on my shoulder to maintain his balance.
“Come, sit.” I walk him back into the house.
“John,” my mum says, the moment she notices me helping him through the door. “What happened?”
“I don’t know,” I reply. “He had a turn out back.”
“Are you unwell?”
“I’m fine, stop fussing.”
He’s not fine. Enough is enough. The way my aunt treats him infuriates me, and the constant stress she puts him through can’t be good for his health. It’s time she set him free. I want him to find happiness in his life, while he’s still young enough to enjoy it.
I can’t stop grinning as I watch Brooke. She’s totally enthralled by the magician as he performs for Lara and her little friends. “Are you having a good time?” I ask, reaching for her hand.
“The best.” Her eyes move to me briefly, before focusing back on the magic show. “I never had parties growing up, so I’m living vicariously through your niece.”
“You’ve never had a birthday party?”
“Nope. I knew my mum couldn’t afford it, so I always told her I didn’t want one.” That both warms and breaks my heart all at once. Things will be different for her from now on, I’ll make sure of it.
Leaning forward, I place a kiss on the side of Brooke’s head. “I’m just going to grab another beer,” I say. “Can I get you anything?”
“I’m good,” she replies, her eyes never once leaving the magician. He’s not bad, but I’ve seen better.
“So, you two are pretty serious,” Craig says, joining me at the fridge.
“Want one?” I ask, holding up a beer.
“Sure. But you didn’t answer my question.”
“Yeah … yeah, we are.”
“Where did you meet her?”
“I met her in Melbourne late last year.”
“You’ve been seeing her that long, and we’re only finding out about it now? You better keep that information from your mother.” His words make me chuckle.
“I’ve only been dating her for a month.”
“You seem pretty smitten.”
“I think I’m in love with her,” I admit.
“Wow. Have you told her that yet?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t want to scare her off.”
“She feels the exact same about you.”
“How do you know that?” I ask, frowning.
“I can see it. She looks at you the same way your sister looks at me.”
“You think?”
“I’d put money on it,” he says, slapping my back as he walks away.
“I’m not ready to go home,” Brooke says, as we settle into the back of the limousine. I love that she referred to my penthouse as home. Hopefully one day it will be her home permanently. I can’t even contemplate the thought of her leaving, which I know is on the horizon. I just want to hold her tight and never let go, but with each passing day, I feel her slipping through my fingers.
“There will be other parties.”
“And dinner at your parents during the week,” she says. Now, that I’m not looking forward to. I inwardly cringed when my mother insisted we join them for dinner Wednesday night. I know Brooke thinks the world of my mum and sister, but she’s in for a rude shock when she meets my father. “How come your dad wasn’t there today?”
The same reason my aunt didn’t show up. “He hates children.”
“What?” she says as her head snaps in my direction.
“True story. He eats them for breakfast.”
“He does not,” she says, slapping my chest.
“Okay, maybe that was a slight exaggeration. He loves Lara—she’s his only grandchild—but he can only handle her in small doses. He was the same with Michelle and me growing up, probably worse. He’s mellowed with age, but I think it’s only fair to warn you, he pales in comparison to my mother. What you saw today was the best of my family. My father and my aunt are the worst.”
“Is that John’s wife?”
“Yes, my father’s sister.”
“I didn’t see him before we left. I hope he’s feeling better.”
“I think my mum dropped him home earlier.”
“So, your aunt, she didn’t come today because …?”
“Probably the same reason as my dad. My sister and I were scared shitless of them both growing up, especially my aunt. Our nickname for her was the Wicked Witch of the West. My dad has his rare moments, but basically, he’s just a prick.”
“That’s an awful thing to say about your father,” she says.
“It’s true. He wasn’t as bad with my sister, but he was pretty mean to me growing up.”
“Aww, you poor thing,” she says, placing her hand on my leg. “Is he like that with your mother too?”
“No, he’s great with her. He worships the ground she walks on, which I’m thankful for.”
“Me too. Your mum is really nice.”
“Yeah, she is.”
Letting out a contented sigh, Brooke rests her head on my shoulder and closes her eyes. She’s had a big day.
When I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket, I pull it out.
Mike: This just came through … Having fun playing happy family, you fucking WHORE?! I wish I’d snapped your neck the day you left me. When I get my hands on you, I’ll rectify that. You won’t be able to walk away this time because you’ll be DEAD!
Bile rises in the back of my throat as I place my phone face down on the seat beside me. Glancing at Brooke I see her eyes are still closed. I promised to keep her in the loop, and up until now I’ve done just that. But I’m not sure if I want her to see this one. I rest my head back into the seat, exhaling a long-drawn-out breath.
“Are you okay, Hot Stuff?” she asks.
“I’m fine, babe.”
Chapter 29
Brooke
“It’s such a beautiful day out today,” I say, resting my forearms on the railing of the balcony off Logan’s bedroom. “Far too glorious to be cooped up inside.”
We’re not long out of bed, deciding to have our coffees out here this morning. The low rising sun is reflecting off the harbour, giving it a golden hue. He is so lucky to wake up to this view every day.
Reaching forward, he grasps my hips, pulling me back onto his lap. “I wish I could take you somewhere, even for a walk along the harbour-front, but it’s just too dangerous.”
“There’s been no activity from Jake in weeks. He’s probably given up by now.” Logan scrubs his hand over his face, he’s been on edge all week. Is my situation getting too much for him? “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
