Finding Him: Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Finding Love Book 1), page 34
She arches her back, stretching out her body. “Morning.” I love the raspy sound of her voice when she first wakes.
“How’d you sleep?” I ask when she turns to face me.
“Good. It seems weird waking up here though. I’m so used to our bed back in Sydney.” I grin when she says that.
Although it’s been nearly two months since her birthday, the night she officially agreed to move in with me, I still love that she called it our bed.
It’s mid-December, and we arrived in Melbourne yesterday. We’re staying for a week. Brooke’s been busy getting her dance studio ready for its grand opening in January, and Michelle’s been helping her, which has been great. But it means she’s also been away from home a lot, so I’m looking forward to having her all to myself for the next few days.
Tonight is my Melbourne office’s Christmas party. I moved it from its usual Friday night to Saturday. I wanted it to coincide with our anniversary: exactly one year to the day since I first met the love of my life.
Rolling onto my back, I reach into the top drawer beside the bed. “I have something for you,” I say, grabbing the box I stashed there last night while she was in the shower. “Happy Anniversary.”
“Anniversary?”
“Yes. I know we haven’t been together the entire time, but exactly one year ago today, you walked into my life and changed it forever.”
“A year. I’d forgotten about that. So much has happened since then.”
“Some good, some not so good,” I state sliding my arm around her waist. “But I’d go through it all again if it brought me to this exact spot with you.”
“That’s sweet.” She runs her hand softly over my hair. “I’m glad we ended up here.”
“Me too. From the moment I laid eyes on you that night, I knew you were special.”
“You did?”
“Never in my life have I been so deeply affected by another. I was instantly drawn to you … like a moth to a flame.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“You took my breath away the moment I saw you appear in the doorway. You still do that to me now.”
“Who knew back then that we’d end up here … together?” She pauses, averting her eyes. “And that Jake would be …”
When her gaze moves back to mine, she forces out a smile, but the sadness in her eyes is unmissable.
“I’m glad we’re still together, despite all the obstacles we’ve faced.” I’m still haunted by that night as well. I’m not sure that will ever change. “What happened to Jake was a shame, but he chose that path.”
“I know, but it’s still hard to believe.” I place the box on top of the covers so I can use my hand to drag her body closer to mine. “I received a letter from his mother about a week ago, along with a Christmas card.”
“Oh.”
“I was going to tell you.” She shrugs. “I don’t know why I didn’t.”
“It’s okay,” I say, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I’m sure you had your reasons.”
“I feel for them. They’re really struggling to come to terms with his death. He was their only son.”
“I can’t even fathom what it would feel like to lose a child in that way.”
“They were estranged from him, which hasn’t helped their grieving process. His mother said he moved back home when he arrived in Sydney, but after he stole a large amount of money, and some jewellery from them—probably to support his habit—they ended up asking him to leave. They never heard from him again after that.”
“How awful for them.”
“I know.” She blows out a puff of air before continuing. “They feel partly responsible for his death, just like I do.”
“What?” I raise my upper body, hovering over her. I’m shocked that she feels in any way responsible for what happened. She’s the victim here. “You’re not the bad guy, Brooke. You had no control over what he did. You’re—”
She cuts me off by placing her finger over my mouth. “Can we change the subject?”
“I don’t want you to feel responsible. None of that was your fault.”
“I know, but he was my husband, I can’t help feeling I could’ve done more.”
I bite the inside of my cheek, so I don’t end up saying something I’ll regret. The last thing I want is to get into a fight with her over this.
Scooping up the box, I hold it out to her again. “Open it.”
“You spoil me, Mr. Cavanagh.”
“And that will never change.”
“I feel bad that I have nothing for you.”
“Your love is more than enough. It’s all I need.”
“You say the sweetest things, but I still wish I had something to give you in return.”
I use my fingertip to trace her lips. “You have a perfectly good mouth.”
I cock an eyebrow and fight a smile when she rolls her eyes at my suggestion.
“I’m still paying off my dance studio with this mouth. I’m going to end up with lockjaw if you keep adding to my debt.”
Burying my face in the crook of her neck, my body shakes with laughter. I love her wit.
“I don’t expect anything in return, babe,” I say when I pull myself together. “Some terrible things happened to you the first night we met, and I’m in no way trying to dismiss any of that. This gift is something small to celebrate the positive things that came from it.”
“Not everything about it was bad. I met you, didn’t I?”
I release a long breath. “Fuck, do you have any idea how much my heart broke for you that night?”
“You were so kind to me,” she says, bringing her face forward until our lips meet. She’s smiling when she draws back. “My knight in shining armour. I was so grateful to have you there at the hospital.”
It was that very day when I was sitting beside her hospital bed, that I realised there was nothing I wouldn’t do to see her smile. A year later, I still feel that way.
“Are you ever going to open your gift?”
Her eyes widen the moment she removes the lid and sees what’s inside. “Hot Stuff,” she breathes. The earrings were made especially for her, along with a few other pieces that I plan to give her during our stay here in Melbourne. “They’re exquisite.”
“Not nearly as exquisite as you, my love.”
Her fingertip lightly glides over the earrings. “I love that the diamonds are heart-shaped.”
“Every time you wear them, you’ll be reminded of how much I love you.”
“Not a moment passes that I’m not thankful for your love.”
I place a soft kiss on her nose before throwing back the covers. As I climb out of bed, I reach for her hand. “Come.”
“Where are we going?”
“To shower. I’m taking you out for the day.”
“Look at you,” I say, pausing in the doorway of our bedroom to admire my girl.
She still manages to steal the air from my lungs. I purposely kept myself busy while she got ready. I didn’t want to see what she was wearing under her dress; I can’t be walking around with a semi in front of my employees all night. Besides, it will add to the excitement of unwrapping her later when we get home.
“You like?” she asks, doing a small twirl.
“I love.” Stepping into the room, I close the distance between us. “The green suits you.”
“It matches your eyes,” she says sliding her arms around my waist.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, and you look handsome in your tux. I like this too,” she says, running her fingers over the stubble on my face. “Very rugged, it suits you.”
“I can’t believe tonight you’ll be walking into that party on my arm.”
“It will be my honour,” she says. I’ve never taken a date with me to any of my company’s functions, but Brooke’s my future and I want to show her off to the world. “I’m wearing the earrings you gave me. See.”
“That reminds me.” Releasing her, I pull a thin, white, rectangle shaped box from my jacket pocket. “This is for you.”
“Logan,” she says, frowning. “You can’t keep doing this.”
“Yes, I can,” I reply with a grin. “Open it.”
It’s a tennis bracelet to match the earrings I gave her this morning. The heart-shaped diamonds form a continuous line and are set in an almost invisible setting. She gasps the moment she opens the lid.
“Oh my god, it’s beautiful.”
“It doesn’t hold a candle to you.” Taking the bracelet from the box, I drape it around her slender wrist and fasten it. “Perfect.”
“You’re perfect,” she replies.
“Hardly,” I say, brushing my lips over her knuckles before letting her hand go. “Are you almost ready to leave? Claire likes to go over all the arrangements with me before the guests arrive.”
“Just let me throw some things in my clutch and I’ll be ready to go.”
“Did you even hear a word I said?” Claire asks, frowning.
“Of course,” I reply glancing over my shoulder once more. “Why would you ask that?”
“You seem off tonight, or should I say preoccupied.”
“I’m fine,” I lie, as I impatiently await Brooke’s return from the bathroom.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” I say forcing out a smile as I fidget with my bowtie.
“If you say so, boss.”
My breath hitches the moment I see my girl appear in the doorway. It’s like déjà vu. My eyes dart to Claire, and she’s studying me intently.
“Did you two have a fight?”
“Of course not.”
“I’ve been working with you long enough to know when something’s up.”
I look down at my watch and see that the guests will be arriving soon. If I’m going to do this, it’s now or never.
“Hold that thought,” I say, leaving her side to head in Brooke’s direction.
Butterflies swarm in my stomach as I approach her. I wasn’t this nervous when I crossed the room to meet her a year ago, but I guess my entire future wasn’t on the line then.
“Hey,” she says when I reach her.
Despite the nerves, I still can’t help but smile as I gaze into her beautiful brown eyes.
“Hey.” Leaning forward, I place my mouth on hers and slide my hands around her waist.
Her flattened palms glide over the satin lapels of my tuxedo jacket. “Are you okay? You’re shaking.”
“I will be in a few minutes,” I reply. Well, I hope I will be. Glancing over my shoulder, I give the DJ a small nod. “Dance with me.”
“Really?” she asks, beaming. “Right now?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.”
As soon as the introduction to ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’ begins, I tug Brooke closer, until our bodies are flush.
The first time she played this song for me on the piano, she said it reminded her of us. Like the besotted fool that I am, I googled the lyrics first thing the next morning when I got to work. When I found a video of Andrea Bocelli and Katharine McPhee’s more recent version on YouTube, I was instantly overcome with emotion as I listened to it. In my mind, it officially became our song.
My emotions are running high as I glide her around the dancefloor. I hope this woman knows just how much she means to me.
“Such a beautiful song,” she says smiling.
“I thought you’d like it.”
“It was the first song I learnt to play on the piano—the Elvis Presley version—it was my mum’s favourite.”
My grip on her tightens as she rests her cheek on my chest. I can hear her humming the tune as our bodies gently sway in unison.
I try not to think about what I’m about to do and focus on this moment instead. Slowly my body starts to relax. Once the music stops, however, my nerves come back with a vengeance.
“That was nice,” she says when I release her and take a step backwards. “I love dancing with you, and the song choice was perfect.”
I smile as I inwardly encourage myself to make my move. I know we’ve gained the attention of the others in the room, but I try to block that from my mind. There have been so many times over the past few weeks when I wanted to do this, but I chickened out every time.
Man the fuck up Cavanagh.
I retreat another step as I slide my hand into my pocket. “I’ve been carrying this around for weeks.” I pause as I pull out the small white box. “I’ve been waiting for the right time, but since meeting you, I’ve realised there’s never a wrong time when it’s with the right person.”
Brooke’s eyes widen as I proceed down to one knee. I swallow hard when her hand flies up to cover her mouth.
“One year ago to the day, you walked through that very door,” I say, flicking my head in that direction. “The moment I laid eyes on you, you awoke something inside me. But timing was not on our side, or maybe it has been all along.” I release a nervous chuckle. “One thing I am sure of, meeting you was the start of something beautiful. A moment that would change both of our lives. Eight months later, fate brought us together again, and although it’s only been a-hundred-and-twenty-eight days since you officially became mine, I already know,” I say as I gesture my hand between us, “this is something I want for the rest of my life.”
“Oh, Hot Stuff,” she whispers, tears filling her eyes. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad sign.
“Will you marry me, Brooke, and be my forever?” I open the box to reveal the five-carat, heart-shaped diamond ring that matches the earrings and bracelet I gave her earlier today.
I’m left holding my breath as she remains silent and unmoving. It’s not the reaction I was hoping for. When I see a tear cascade down her pretty face, my heart drops. Have I fucked up? Although I’ve known for a while this is what I want, is it too soon for her? With every second that passes, my desperation grows.
“Are you going to put me out of my misery?” I eventually ask, standing and bracing myself for her answer.
“Yes.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Yes, you’re going to put me out of my misery, or yes, you’ll marry me?”
“Yes, I’ll marry you, silly,” she says, as a huge smile bursts onto her face.
I intake a sharp breath and pull her into my arms. “Thank fuck,” I murmur into her hair. For a moment I thought this was going to blow up in my face. “I love you so much.”
“I love you more,” she says, before throwing her arms around my neck.
“I think we’ve already been over this,” I retort, drawing back so I can see her face. “I love you the most—the end. I win!”
“You suck,” she says, lightly pinching me. It makes me laugh.
“Not half as good as you, babe.” Her mouth gapes open as I wink at her.
Cupping her face in my hands, my lips meet hers. And for the first time in days, I can finally breathe easier—I have what I’ve always wanted: her.
Finding Forever
Keep reading for a sneak peek of Finding Forever (Book 2)…
Nobody said it would be easy, nothing worth having ever is.
At first glance, she stole all the air from my lungs, and a year later, nothing has changed. There’s no doubt in my mind Brooke’s the one I’ve been longing for. She’s awoken something inside me … something that’s been lying dormant for ten long years.
Life for her had been hard, but she has me now, and not only am I one hundred percent committed to this woman, I am prepared to move mountains to see her happy.
However, life has a way of screwing you over when you least expect it; and we’d soon find out that the universe had other plans. What lay ahead has the potential to destroy us, but my forever girl, and our future are worth fighting for.
Logan Cavanagh was the answer to all my prayers … a man who came into my life when I needed him most. He owns my heart, and with him by my side, my future looks bright.
I’ve been knocked down many times in my past but continuously managed to dust myself off and forge forward. My strength and resilience are something I’ve always prided myself on—they are traits I inherited from my mother.
But I’d soon realise, even the strongest person has a breaking point.
Prologue
I lean back into my chair and release a long, frustrated breath when I see my aunt’s number on the screen. I’ve been waiting for this call, but this is not how I wanted my Friday afternoon to end. She must have just been served with the court papers and is seeking retribution.
“What do you want, Kathleen?” I snap the moment I answer the phone. I know my greeting is harsh, but this isn’t a cordial call. She’s not stupid. She knows I’m the reason behind my uncle’s change of heart. Like him, I’m over this woman and her constant mind games. This bullshit needs to stop.
“How rude,” she quips, and I roll my eyes. “I shouldn’t have expected anything more.” She’s been anything but affable with me throughout my life. She epitomises rudeness and indifference.
“That’s rich coming from the likes of you.”
She pauses briefly before releasing her attack. “I’m disgusted by your behaviour. How could you treat your own flesh and blood this way? I … I demand you stop representing that man and filling his head with garbage. So help me god, if you don’t put a stop to this ridiculousness, you’ll feel my full wrath.”
I pull the phone away from my ear. She is yelling so loud Rose can probably hear her in reception.
“I can’t do that, I’m afraid.”
“Ugh!” The pure frustration in her voice makes me smile.
After everything she’s put my poor uncle through over the past few months, it gives me a sense of satisfaction. I cannot be manipulated like John and my father and that gets under her skin.
“John has been more than compliant with your demands up until now, but no more. You’ve gone too far this time.”
She is quiet for a moment before deciding to take a different approach. “You have no idea how hard this is on me, Logan,” she says, changing her tone to sweet and adding in a sniffle for extra effect. “I’m all alone now. I’m devastated that I don’t have your support. We’re family, after all.”
