Finding Him: Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Finding Love Book 1), page 17
He blows out a long breath. “You really want to go somewhere?” It doesn’t go unnoticed that he avoided answering my question.
“Yes, more than anything. I hate that Jake is ruling our lives.”
He lifts me off his lap and stands. “Go shower. I have an idea.”
An hour later we’re standing on the rooftop of his building. He’s holding a large cooler bag laden with goodies, compliments of Jill, but it’s obvious we won’t be having our picnic up here.
I hear it before I see it, and my heart starts to race. “We’re going on a helicopter ride?”
“You deserve to have a day where you’re not constantly looking over your shoulder. We both do,” he says, pulling my body into his.
“You’re too good to me.” But my words are drowned out by the noise of the helicopter hovering above us, preparing to land.
Once Logan helps strap me in, he places headphones over my ears and points to the small microphone attached. “We can communicate through these.” After slipping his own on, he reaches for my hand. “You’re shaking,” he says.
“I’m excited.”
“Have you ever been in a helicopter before?”
“Never.”
He gives my hand a squeeze. “I love how unspoilt you are.”
My eyes move to the window as soon as we start to rise. When I fled Melbourne, I was in no state to enjoy my first time in the air. I plan on making up for that today. “The boats look so tiny,” I say, as we fly over Sydney harbour, heading north.
I spend the entire flight oohing and aahing as I take in all the spectacular scenery below. I can’t believe how different everything looks from up here. On the odd occasion when I glance over my shoulder, I find Logan grinning as he watches me. He seems more interested in me than the view. Given his extravagant lifestyle, he’s probably flown in a helicopter countless times.
The trip takes just under an hour. When we finally land on a vast patch of land, I can’t see any houses or roads anywhere.
“How was that?” Logan asks, sliding his hands under my arms and lifting me down.
“Amazing! How did you organise this in such a small amount of time?”
“I have connections,” he says, shrugging. Of course, he does.
“If you head that way,” the pilot says, pointing towards a line of trees, “you’ll find a track that will lead you to your final destination.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll pick you up in this spot in four hours.”
“Perfect,” Logan says, shaking his hand.
“Smell that fresh air,” I say, as he entwines his fingers through mine.
“Today I don’t want to think about anything but us.” He pulls our conjoined hands towards his face, placing a kiss on my knuckles.
When we reach the end of the long trail and step out from between the trees, I pause, taking in the white sand and crystal-clear water before me. This hidden gem is spectacular. “Wow!”
“Our own private beach for the day,” he says, beaming. “You like?”
“I love it here … I love it so much.”
Logan turns to face me and places the cooler bag on the sand before sliding his arms around my waist, tugging me to him. His expression turns serious as he brushes a strand of wayward hair from my forehead.
“I doubt you love it as much as I love you.”
“You love me?” I can hear the shock in my voice as I speak. That’s the last thing I expected him to say.
“With every fibre of my being … more than I’ve loved anybody or anything in my life?” When I stand there stunned at his confession, he pulls my face into his chest, holding me tight. “You don’t have to say it back. I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me. I know we haven’t been together that long, and you may even think I’m crazy for saying it so soon, but I can’t help how my heart feels.”
Tilting my head back, I look up at him. “I don’t think you’re crazy.” It’s probably not the reply he was hoping for, but I don’t know what else to say.
“When I’m with you, I’m the happiest I’ve ever felt, and when we’re apart, you’re all I think about.” The corners of his mouth turn up into a smile as he speaks. “If I’m being honest, I think you stole a piece of my heart all those months ago back in Melbourne, but you belonged to somebody else then, so there was nothing I could do about it.”
“Oh, Hot Stuff.”
Reaching up, I run my hand tenderly down the side of his face. In my heart, I know I love him too, but I’m not ready to admit that just yet. Pushing up on the tips of my toes, I place my lips against his.
“If I’d known what awaited you the day you left the hospital, I never would’ve let you face that alone.”
“Let’s not talk about that today.”
“You’re right,” he says, looking down at his watch. “We have three hours and forty-two minutes left until the helicopter comes back.” He takes hold of my hand, leading me further down the beach. “What do you think of this spot?”
“It’s perfect.” Just like him.
He places the bag down and unzips it. I see there’s a folded blanket sitting on top. Pulling it out, he shakes it open. “Help me spread this out.”
I’m smiling as I reach for it. I hope he knows how much he means to me.
I open my mouth and take a bite of the plump red strawberry as Logan holds it out to me. Today has exceeded all my expectations.
“We should’ve brought our swimwear,” I say. “The turquoise water looks so inviting.”
“Who needs swimwear?”
Standing, he reaches behind him, grabs the neckline of his t-shirt and pulls it over his head before dropping it down on the blanket. My eyes drink him in. His shorts sit low on his hips, revealing his delicious ‘V’. My gaze travels up his body and over his sculpted abs. He’s so beautiful.
My eyes widen when he pops the button on his shorts, before slowly dragging down the zip. “What are you doing?” I ask.
“Going for a swim,” he replies, hooking his thumbs into the waistband of his boxer briefs and sliding them down his legs.
“Logan!” My head darts around, as he stands there in all his naked glory.
“Relax. It’s a private beach—just the two of us here. It’s only accessible by air.” He extends his hand. “Join me.”
“You want me to strip naked too?”
A growl permeates in the back of his throat. “You know having you naked is one of my favourite things.”
“I’ve never skinny-dipped before,” I confess as he pulls me to my feet.
“Well, let me be the first to take you to the dark side.” I laugh when he wiggles his eyebrows. “We’ve still got over an hour before the helicopter returns.” I stand there for a moment, contemplating the idea. “Come on. You know I’d never let you get naked if there was a chance anyone else could see you. Your body, Miss Ryan, is for my eyes only.”
I’m smiling as I gather my sun dress in my hands, before pulling it over my head.
“Do you have any idea how sexy you are?” He pulls my body possessively into his as he speaks, and I feel him hardening against my abdomen.
Our eyes are locked as he uses his fingers to unclasp my bra, before moving to my underwear and dragging them down my legs. As soon as I step out of them, I turn and take off towards the ocean. “Last one in the water is a rotten egg,” I call out over my shoulder.
“Hey!” He’s yet to see my competitive side, so when I hear him running behind me, I pick up the pace. I’m grinning like a fool as I sprint into the ocean. I feel his hand swat my arse just as I dive in.
“You tricked me,” he says as my head pops out of the water.
“Is someone upset that he’s the rotten egg?”
I squeal when he lunges at me, tackling me back down under. We’re both laughing when we resurface. “You don’t play fair.”
“All’s fair in love and war, Mr. Cavanagh.” My bottom lip is trapped between my teeth as I wrap my legs around his waist.
“I’d rather love you than be at war with you,” he replies, bringing his mouth to mine.
When we finally come up for air, I smooth my hand over his wet hair. “I’ve had the best day. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Your day’s about to get even better,” he says as his hand moves between us. “We can make water babies.”
I gasp. “No babies!”
“Relax, I’m joking,” he says, chuckling as he skilfully rubs my clit. “I’ll pull out, I promise.” I tilt my head back and moan when he moves his fingers lower, sliding two deep inside me. “I can’t seem to get enough of you, Miss Ryan.”
I know exactly where he’s coming from. He’s like my drug, and I’m slowly becoming addicted.
It doesn’t take him long to drag my first orgasm from me, he knows exactly how to work my body. My fingernails dig into his flesh and I tremble with anticipation, as he removes his fingers and slowly enters me. I’m too lost in the moment to even worry about the fact we’re having unprotected sex out in the open. If I’m honest, there’s something thrilling about it.
Logan draws back his hips before thrusting all the way in, filling me completely. His tongue runs along the length of my neck, from the base of my throat to my chin. “One day I’m going to see my baby growing inside you,” he growls.
I’m still floating from yesterday and because of that, I’m completely unperturbed as one of the security guards escorts me into the lift and back up to the penthouse after my day at the studio. These men have become a permanent fixture in my life.
Pulling out my phone, I type Logan a quick text.
Brooke: I’m home safe and sound. x
His reply comes through within seconds.
Hot Stuff: I’m happy to hear that. You’ve been on my mind all afternoon.
I smile as I read what he’s written.
Brooke: I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight.
The bond we’ve formed in such a short time is crazy.
Hot Stuff: Me too, babe. x
He told me he loved me again this morning before he left for work, but I still couldn’t find the courage to say it back. Hopefully, when he gets home this evening, the opportunity will arise. I know we haven’t been together that long, and there’s a part of me that’s still terrified by the depths of my feelings for him, not to mention the pace at which they have grown. But I can’t deny what Logan and I share runs far deeper than anything I felt for Jake in the five years we were together.
Things with my husband were different, I can see that now. When you’re on the outside looking in, the clarity becomes clearer. Things weren’t all bad, we had plenty of good times, but he was at his happiest when he was getting his own way. It’s taken nine long months of soul-searching to come to the conclusion that I only stayed as long as I did because he was all I had left.
He came into my life when I needed him most, I’d just lost my mum and was all alone. But looking back now, I was the one who put the majority of the work into our relationship, constantly sacrificing my own needs to please him. Jake was selfish, and his wants always rose above others. Logan, on the other hand, goes out of his way to do things just to see me smile.
After changing out of my dance gear and showering, I put on my denim cut-off shorts, the ones Logan seems to love so much. Just thinking about him has my stomach fluttering with nervous anticipation. The feelings he evokes in me are so foreign.
I’m downstairs in the main room, flipping through the channels on the TV, awaiting his return. Jill has already left for the day, so he should be home soon.
A few minutes later the lift dings, and I scramble off the sofa. I only make it halfway across the room when John, Logan’s uncle, steps out. He was the last person I was expecting to see, and I can’t help the disappointment that rises within.
“Hi.”
He pauses the moment he sees me. “Brooke, I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”
“I’m staying with Logan for a while,” I say, not bothering to elaborate further.
I’m just getting to know his family, and it concerns me that my current situation may cause them to see me in a different light.
“Oh, I didn’t know that.” He gives me a pleasant smile that doesn’t seem judgmental. I know from the outside looking in, it would seem weird because we haven’t known each other long, but this arrangement is only temporary.
“Logan isn’t home yet, but you’re more than welcome to wait. He should be here soon.”
“I’d like that, thank you. It will give me time to get to know you better.”
“Logan was concerned for you at Lara’s party; I hope you’re feeling better.”
“Yes, and no,” he says, shrugging.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Please. Something strong if you have it.”
“It’s been one of those days, has it?” I ask.
“You could say that.”
“Sit,” I say, walking towards Logan’s bar. “Is scotch okay?”
“Perfect.”
“Ice?”
“Please.” I’ve noticed that’s how Logan likes his scotch. “Thank you,” he says when I hand it to him before taking a seat. “You’re not joining me?”
“No. I’ll have a wine with dinner when Logan gets home.”
“Fair enough.”
There’s a slight shake to his hands as he brings his drink to his mouth, downing the amber liquid in one gulp. I barely know this man, so I’m not sure if that’s a common occurrence. Logan did mention that his wife isn’t the nicest person, which immediately makes my heart go out to him. My eyes scan over his handsome face. He looks like a kind man, and I trust Logan’s judgement.
After a brief awkward silence, he finally speaks. “So, I’m curious, how did you two meet?”
“I met Logan last year when he was down in Melbourne.”
“You’ve known him that long?”
“Our first meeting was only a brief one,” I say, leaning back on the sofa. “I ran into him again weeks ago and things kind of progressed from there.”
“You’re originally from Melbourne?”
“No, Sydney. I moved to Melbourne for a few months, but it ended up not being for me.”
“What about your family, are they still in Sydney?”
“Umm … no.”
“Oh.”
Placing his empty glass on the coffee table, he crosses one leg over the other, resting his ankle on his knee. The curious look on his face as he observes me is unnerving.
“What do they do for a living, your parents, I mean?”
“I don’t see the relevance.”
Maybe it’s my paranoia, but I feel like I’m being grilled. Or possibly it’s because I’m worried my answers won’t be enough for him. Will he think I’m not good enough for his nephew?
“I’m sorry,” he says, leaning forward. “I hope you don’t think I’m overstepping the line. I can see how much you mean to Logan, and I was just hoping to get to know you better. That boy is like a son to me.”
“Can I get you another drink?” I ask, trying to steer him away from this conversation.
“Please.” Standing, I collect his glass.
“Where in Sydney did you grow up?”
“Surry Hills.”
“Oh, not that far from here.”
“No.”
“And your family, were they originally from that area?”
Again with the questions about my family. There’s no denying we’re from two different worlds, but just because my mother didn’t have a lot of money doesn’t make her—or me, for that matter—a bad person.
“No, my mother grew up in Strathfield.”
“And your father?”
I hand him his drink before taking a seat. “I have no idea where my father grew up.” His eyes slightly widen at my answer, and I can’t help but feel like I’m being judged. It’s not the first time in my life I’ve felt this way. Even when I was young, kids at school often teased me for not having a dad. I hated the way it made me feel back then, and nothing’s changed. “I was raised by my mother, but everything she did more than made up for only having one parent. She worked hard her entire life and did the best she could with what little we had.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
His shoulders slump as his gaze moves down to the polished floor, and my temper rises a little. I shouldn’t have to justify my upbringing to anyone.
When his gaze moves back to me, I can see the pity in his eyes. “I grew up in humble conditions,” I say, straightening my spine. “But if you think I’m here to get my hands on your nephew’s fortune, then you’re mistaken. I’m not—and never will be—interested in his money.”
“Please, you have me all wrong.” He holds his hand up in front of him as he speaks. “I just wanted to clarify a few things before saying something that’s completely off the mark. How old are you, Brooke?”
“Twenty-five. I’ll be turning twenty-six next month. Why?”
He pauses for a moment. “What’s your last name?”
“Ryan.”
“I knew it,” he whispers under his breath. “Is your mother’s name Maree?”
“Yes,” I say, with surprise in my voice. “How did you know that?”
“Your mother never mentioned me to you?”
“No. Why would she? Did you know her?”
He stands and digs into his back pocket to retrieve his wallet before closing the distance between us. “You’re probably going to think this is crazy, but maybe showing you this will help explain.”
An uneasiness settles over me as he opens his wallet and pulls out a tattered photograph. The moment he holds it out in front of me, I clamber backwards on the sofa.
“Why do you have a picture of her in your wallet?”
“I’ve carried that picture around for over twenty-seven years. When I saw you on Saturday, I knew straight away who you were. You look so much like her.”
