Finding Him: Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Finding Love Book 1), page 26
“I don’t take orders from the help.”
“You’ll do as I say, or I’ll be forced to remove you myself.”
Logan’s aunt squares her shoulders before turning on her heels with a huff.
Jill and I stand there in silence while Kathleen steps into the lift. Needing the last word, she turns to face us once more.
“You’ve been warned,” she barks, pointing her finger at me. “Stay away from Johnathan or you’ll be sorry.”
I don’t bother justifying her threat with a reply. I have no intention of having a relationship with that man anyway.
The moment the doors close, Jill gathers me in her arms. I can feel her body trembling as she holds me.
“Let me look at you,” she says, drawing back.
“I’m fine, Jill,” I reply as tears cloud my eyes. They’re not tears of sadness though; they’re tears of anger and frustration. The nerve of that woman.
“You’re not fine, you poor girl. Come, let me put some ice on your cheek.” She wraps her arm around my shoulder and steers me towards the kitchen. “And don’t listen to a word she said. She’s a nasty piece of work that one.”
Chapter 41
Logan
I’m consumed with rage as I sit on the side of the mattress, watching Brooke sleep. I’m racked with guilt for leaving her again.
The television at the base of the bed is on, but it’s muted. Was she afraid to sleep alone in the dark? The light is enough to illuminate her pretty face, and her long brown hair fanned out on the pillow. A smile tugs at my lips when I spy the t-shirt I was wearing this morning tucked under her chin. She must’ve been missing me as much as I was missing her. It’s scary how close we’ve become in such a short time.
I’m grateful Jill called me and told me what happened. I got back here as quickly as I could. I could’ve caught the red eye, but instead, I chose to charter a flight. It got me back a few hours earlier. I had some loose ends that I intended to tidy up in Melbourne tomorrow, but they’ll have to wait. My priority was, and always will be, Brooke.
My aunt, however, will be feeling my full wrath as a result of her actions. Not only did she put Brooke through more unnecessary drama, but she also probably managed to widen the rift between her and John.
My anger spikes again when I spy a few scrunched-up tissues on the bedside table; Brooke’s been crying. My fingertips gently ghost down the side of her face. I should never have left her; it was far too soon.
Standing, I strip down to my boxer briefs before rounding the bed and climbing in beside her. Sliding my arm under the crook of her neck, I drape the other around her waist and draw her close.
My actions have Brooke stirring. I didn’t mean to wake her. Rolling over, she faces me.
“Hey,” she says in a sleepy voice. “You’re home.”
I force out a smile, trying to mask my true feelings. “Jill called and told me what happened, so I chartered a flight early. Are you okay?”
“I am now that you’re back.”
Leaning forward, I brush my lips against hers. “I’m sorry about what happened. I’ll make sure she never comes near you again.”
Brooke snuggles her body into mine, resting her head on my chest. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I feel responsible.”
“Don’t,” she says, closing her eyes.
She is already drifting back to sleep as I lean down and place a soft kiss on her forehead. I’m too wound up to sleep. I tried to call my aunt the moment I got off the phone with Jill, but she didn’t pick up. I bet she only had the balls to come here last night because she somehow knew I wasn’t home. She may have been able to intimidate me when I was a child, but that shit doesn’t work on me anymore.
“Open up,” I yell as I pound my fist on my aunt’s front door.
“Logan,” she says, placing her hand on her chest like she’s surprised by my visit. Give me a break. Did she honestly think I wouldn’t show up here?
“I’m here to collect the key to my apartment.”
“What?”
I hold my hand out in front of me. “You heard me … the key.”
“But—”
“I won’t ask again. Give me the fucking key.” Her eyes widen in shock. Although I’ve never liked her, I’ve always been respectful. It was how I was raised. But I’m done playing Mr. Nice guy. Someone should’ve put this woman in her place years ago. “I’m waiting.”
“Fine,” she says, squaring her shoulders. Turning, she storms down the hallway. “Here.” She slams it into my hand when she returns, and I have to restrain myself from reacting. It wasn’t her key anyway; I gave it to John.
“If you ever talk to, call, harass, or even look in Brooke’s direction again, so help me god, your life won’t be worth living.”
I hear my aunt gasp as I turn around and make my way down the path towards the limousine. She’s lucky I’m a gentleman. No man should ever raise a hand to a woman, but I’m a big believer in what goes around comes around, and I have a feeling her karma is on its way.
I don’t even make it to my office before I get a call from my father.
“What the hell just happened with Kathleen?”
“I went around there to get my key back,” I reply.
“She was in tears when she called. She said you attacked her.” I roll my eyes.
“She’s a liar, I did no such thing. I bet she left out the part about going to my apartment last night, and not only threatening Brooke but slapping her across the face.”
“She did what?” he bellows down the line.
“Exactly.” My aunt is a professional when it comes to playing the victim; she’s done it her entire life. She has my father wrapped around her little finger. “Open your eyes, Dad. Your sister is a nasty piece of work.”
“Look—”
“No, you look.” I blow out a long breath, trying to compose myself before continuing. “What’s going on between Kathleen and John has nothing to do with Brooke.”
“Although I wholeheartedly disagree with what she did, Kathleen seems to think Brooke’s the reason John has asked for a divorce. She thinks you all are conspiring against her.”
“Bullshit. Do you honestly believe that? You know as well as I do that Kathleen is the sole reason John’s leaving. It’s been a long time coming. The way she treats him is deplorable. In my opinion, he should’ve done this years ago.”
Although my dad can be a jerk at times, he’s never been disrespectful towards my mother, so he of all people should understand. He’s seen that woman at her worst. Christ, he’s had a front-row seat to it for years.
“She’s my sister, Son.”
“That may be true, but this has nothing to do with you, me, or Brooke for that matter. It’s between Kathleen and John and we need to stay out of it. She made her bed, now she can lie in it.”
With that, I hang up. I’m done with this conversation.
I take a few deep breaths before dialling my sister’s number. “Michelle, it’s me.”
“Hey, big brother, how are you? How’s Brooke?”
“News travels fast.”
“What news?”
“You haven’t heard about what happened last night?”
“No, what? Is Brooke all right? You guys didn’t split up, did you?”
“No, of course not.”
“Thank god.”
“Kathleen came to my apartment while I was in Melbourne and slapped Brooke across the face.”
“Oh my god. Why would she do that?”
“You really need to ask? You know what she’s like.”
“God, I hate that woman. Poor Brooke.”
“She was pretty shaken up by it. That’s actually why I’m calling. She’s at work most of the day, but do you think you could call over this afternoon. I’m sure she’d love to see you, and I’ve got a big day ahead of me. I don’t want her to be alone.”
“Of course. I need to get Lara from school, but we can head over after that.”
“Perfect,” I say. “Oh, and please don’t bombard her with questions. If she wants to open up to you, she will.”
“You really need to ask me that? I’m not Mum.”
“Right,” I say, making us both laugh. “I should be home around six. We’re going to Mum and Dad’s for dinner tonight. I hope the old man is in one of his rare good moods.”
“I hope so too,” Michelle says. “The last thing poor Brooke needs is the alternative, especially after what she endured from Kathleen.”
I’m already in two minds about going, but I know my mother will be devastated if we bail.
The first thing I hear when I step out of the lift is music. Michelle spots me straight away, but Brooke and Lara are so engrossed in what they’re doing, they don’t even realise I’m here.
I grin as I watch them, Lara is perched on Brooke’s lap as they play the piano together. It’s great to see my two favourite girls getting along.
My sister stands and makes her way towards me. “Hey,” she says, kissing my cheek.
“Hey, sis. How’s she been?”
“Good, considering. I didn’t know she played the piano though. She’s amazing.”
“Isn’t she?” I say, my smile growing.
“She’s so good with Lara too. I don’t want to impose, but do you think she’d consider giving her some lessons? Lara doesn’t like the teacher she has now. She thinks she’s mean.”
“You can ask.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not,” I reply. I’d love for Brooke to become more involved with the good side of my family.
“Okay, I’ll ask her when I get the chance. I was thinking of inviting her out for lunch one day this week.”
“She’d like that.” I’d like that.
“Can you text me her number later?”
“Sure.”
“I should think about going,” Michelle says, looking down at her watch. “I know you’ve got dinner at Mum’s, and Craig will be home from work soon.”
“You should come to Mum’s with us.”
“It might be better if just the two of you go. You know how Dad gets when there’s too many people around.”
“Right,” I say, chuckling.
God, I hope he doesn’t embarrass me tonight. I’m still mortified by the way my aunt treated Brooke.
“Hey, babe,” I say crossing the room.
“Hot Stuff.” I love how her face lights up when she sees me.
Leaning down, my lips brush hers.
“Ooh, kissy, kissy,” Lara says, making me laugh.
“Sounds like someone’s jealous,” I retort, scooping her up off Brooke’s lap and dipping her in my arms. She squirms when I blow raspberries on her neck.
“Stop, Uncle Logan!” she squeals.
“We’re going to head off,” Michelle says to Lara when I place her back on her feet. “Say thank you to Brooke.”
“I had the best time playing the piano with you, Aunty Brooke.”
Brooke’s smile brightens when Lara throws her arms around her neck. “I had the best time too. We should do it again sometime.”
“I’d like that,” Lara says. “Can I come back again, Mum?”
“Yes.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow, you have netball practice.”
“The day after tomorrow?”
“We’ll see.”
That day’s out too … it’s the night I’m taking Brooke to the ballet, but I don’t mention it because it’s a surprise. I can’t wait to see the look on her face.
“Your house is lovely,” Brooke says when Mum greets us in the hallway.
“Thank you. I’m so happy you’re finally here.” She gives Brooke a big squeeze before hugging me. “Come. Your dad’s in the kitchen. He’s looking forward to meeting Brooke.”
I roll my eyes because my father never looks forward to meeting anyone, but I hope at the very least this means he’s in a good mood.
It feels like there’s a lot riding on tonight, which is why I was in two minds about coming.
I’m the first to enter the room. “Son,” my dad says, rising from the table and extending his hand to me.
“Dad.” I wait for Brooke to join me before introducing her. “Brooke, this is my father, Robert.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” he says, also extending his hand to her.
“It’s nice to finally meet you too,” she replies, stepping forward. But instead of grasping his hand, she wraps her arms around his waist.
I instinctively hold my breath as I await his reaction. My father is not a hugger.
At first, he looks a little shocked, but then he slowly—and very awkwardly—raises an arm and pats her on the back. When a hint of a smile curves at his lips, my eyes dart to my mother, and she’s grinning as she watches them. I, on the other hand, am waiting for the storm to hit, but surprisingly, it doesn’t come.
When Brooke lets him go and retreats a step, my father clears his throat. Releasing a soft chuckle, he shakes his head. Maybe he’s just as stunned by his own pleasantries as I am.
That introduction couldn’t have gone better if I had scripted it myself. However, the night is still young, so my scepticism remains.
I take a step towards the table and pull out a chair for Brooke.
“Can I get either of you a drink?” my mum asks.
“I’ll get them. Would you like another beer, Dad?”
“Sure.”
“A wine for you?” I ask Brooke as I place my hands on her shoulders. I smile down at her when she looks up at me.
“Yes, please.”
I follow my mother into the kitchen, where we both have a clear view of the dining room table. Brooke says something to my father, and this time I’m not mistaken by his grin.
“Did you slip something into dad’s drink before we got here?”
“Logan,” my mum says, slapping my arm. “I’d never do anything like that.”
“Is he drunk?
“Of course not.”
“Huh, I wasn’t expecting him to be so … nice,” I say, opening the fridge.
“Your father is capable of being nice,” my mother scolds, grabbing two wine glasses from the cupboard.
Seldom, I want to add, but I refrain. The man my mother sees is very different than the one I do.
I crack the top off both beers before crossing the room to hand one to my father. The home phone starts ringing, and when my mother goes to answer it, my dad holds up his hand to stop her. “Just let the machine take it, love.”
The room falls silent as the recorded message clicks in. “Hi, you have reached the Cavanagh’s residence. I’m sorry we aren’t able to take your call at the moment, please leave your name and number after the tone, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”
The beep sounds and my aunt’s voice comes over the machine. Just hearing it makes me inwardly cringe. “Robert, it’s me, Kathleen. The hospital just called to say Johnathan is being released tomorrow.” I roll my eyes when I hear her sniffle. “He’s not welcome here after the way he’s treated me. When I expressed that to the discharge nurse, she said if a family member can’t take him in, he’ll be transferred to a nursing home until he’s fully recovered and able to care for himself. Under no circumstances is he welcome to stay with you, do you hear me?”
“That bitch,” my mother mumbles under her breath. “How could she.”
“Did you really expect anything less from her? You know what she’s like,” I say, seething. “He can’t go to a nursing home, he’ll hate that.”
“I agree,” my father replies. “But I can’t go against my sister’s wishes, she’s going through a really tough time right now.”
As usual, my father is wearing his rose-coloured glasses. Why can’t he see that his sister is a bully and an emotional blackmailer? Personally, I’m done with her games.
I place Brooke’s drink down in front of her and seat myself at the table. The moment I do, I take a long chug of my beer, now wishing it was straight scotch.
“She deserves everything she gets. She’s a gaslighting narcissist, and she brought this on herself.” My words are laced with venom, but I can no longer hide my disdain for that woman.
“He needs to be around family,” my mum says. “Not with strangers.”
I agree. I’d take him in a heartbeat if I didn’t have Brooke living with me, but I can’t force him on her right now. Their situation is fragile.
“He can’t stay here, Patricia.”
“But Robert.”
“No buts,” my father says, putting his foot down.
There’s no way my mother is going to disagree with my father in front of us. Growing up, she never did. She’d keep her opinions to herself until my sister and I were safely tucked away in bed, and then she’d let him have it. It didn’t happen often, but it felt like retribution when it did. She’s the only one who can get away with speaking to him like that.
My gaze moves to Brooke, and I find her staring down at her lap. I reach for her hand under the table, wrapping it in mine. I’ll sort something out. I don’t want her worrying about this.
Chapter 42
Brooke
My cheek is resting against Logan’s bare chest, as his hand lightly skims over my hair. We’ve been lying here in silence for the past twenty minutes.
“You’re quiet this morning.”
“I’m just tired, I didn’t sleep well last night.”
His hand stills. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Like what?”
“John.”
Logan shifts, rolling onto his side to face me. “That isn’t your concern, babe,” he says, gently brushing the hair from my forehead with the tips of his fingers.
“I’m not sure a nursing home is the best place for him.”
“We’ll work something out.”
