Finding Him: Second Chance Billionaire Romance (Finding Love Book 1), page 5
“I’m sure that’s what you meant,” I tease.
“It is.” When I let out a small laugh, he shakes his head and smiles. “Touché.” I swallow a few times trying to get some moisture back in my mouth. “Would you like me to ask the nurse if you can have something to drink?”
“Please.”
I lean back into my pillow and sigh as I stare up at the ceiling. I’m anxious about everything I’m going to have to face once I leave here. It will be tough, I know that, but in time things will work out. Life’s funny like that.
“Nil by mouth until you see the doctor, I’m afraid,” Logan says when he re-enters the room. “But the nurse said you can suck on some ice chips.”
A triumphant smile breaks out on his face as he holds up the paper cup in his hand.
“Thank you.”
Leaning forward, he whispers, “Don’t worry, I didn’t tell the nurse about the flies you’ve eaten. I’ll keep that between us. I’d hate to see you get in trouble.”
“Very funny,” I say, laughing. As he stands to full height, he stares down at me with an endearing look on his face. It’s sweet and a little unnerving. “I hope they’ll let me leave today. I hate hospitals.”
“The nurse said the doctor will be doing his rounds soon, but when I spoke with him last night, he said they’ll be keeping you in for a few days.”
His words deflate me, even though I’m not looking forward to going home to face Jake, I want to get out of here.
I watch as he places his hands on his lower back and stretches. “This seat doesn’t make the most comfortable bed.” He rolls his shoulders and cracks his neck from side to side.
“Why don’t you head home?”
“I don’t want to leave you here alone.”
“I’m fine, honestly,” I say. “I’m no stranger to being on my own.”
“I wouldn’t mind having a shower and changing into some clean clothes. Is there someone I can call to come and sit with you? Your parent’s? A friend?”
“No parents, my mother has passed.” I shrug, and he gives me a sympathetic smile. I refuse to even give my sperm donor a mention.
“No siblings?” He raises an eyebrow in hope.
“Nope, I’m an only child and all my friends live in Sydney.”
“Well, that settles it, I’m staying. Unless of course, you’d like me to get in contact with Jake.”
Just the mere mention of his name hurts. “He’s the last person I want to see.”
There’s a brief silence before he speaks again. “Did you know?”
“Know what?”
“About the affair with his secretary?”
I feel my eyes widen with his confession. “His secretary?”
“Yes.”
“No, no I didn’t,” I say, bowing my head. “I feel like such a fool.”
“I’m sorry.”
I don’t know why he’s apologising; he has nothing to be sorry for. “Go home and shower. If you want to call back later, you can. If not, that’s okay too.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. You’ve already done so much.” I pause for a moment, as my emotions resurface. “I’m extremely grateful for your kindness.”
He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his leather wallet. “If you need anything—and I mean anything—just call.”
“Thank you,” I say when he hands me his business card.
By mid-afternoon, I’m feeling somewhat human again. The nurse came in earlier to help me shower, and she was nice enough to remove the abundance of bobby pins from my hair, so I could wash it. I even managed to get a few more hours of sleep.
Understandably, I’m still feeling down, but I’m trying not to let my situation overcome me. Instead, I’m throwing all my energy into getting well enough to leave this godforsaken place.
Earlier, when the doctor did his rounds, he strongly advised me to stay in the hospital for at least one more day. When I begged and pleaded for him to release me, he promised to call by towards the end of his shift to re-examine me.
If bed rest is all I need to recuperate, I can get that at home. Although what awaits me there won’t be pleasant, it’s got to be better than spending another night here. We have other rooms at the house that I can sleep in, at least until I make new arrangements.
I’m flicking through the channels on the television when someone pops their head through the curtain.
“Are you up for a visitor?”
My heart skips a beat the moment our eyes lock. “You didn’t have to come back.”
“I wanted to. I hated the thought of you being here all alone.”
He draws back the curtain slightly, before entering. The first thing I see is the roses in his hand. Yellow roses. I know he has no idea how significant that type of flower is, but they’re enough not only to bring tears to my eyes, but also a huge smile to my face.
Is it an omen? I’d like to think so. Although my mother is no longer walking this earth, I feel her presence often. And to me, this is another sign. Yellow roses always remind me of her.
At least I have the comfort of knowing my baby is with her in heaven.
“These are for you.”
My gaze moves from the flowers to him. He’s clean-shaven and dressed casually in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but he looks no less debonair than he did last night in his tux.
“Thank you,” I say as he holds them out to me. Taking them from him, I bring them to my nose and inhale their sweet scent. “They’re beautiful.”
“I also got you these.” He places a large, brown paper shopping bag on the bed beside me. “You’ll need something to wear home when you leave. Your dress …” His words drift off, but I already know what he isn’t saying. I vaguely remember being cut out of my clothes before they rushed me into theatre. “Everything should fit, I used what you were wearing last night as a guide. Your clutch purse is in there as well. You left it on the table at The Dome. Claire, my assistant, collected it for you.”
Pulling open the bag, I peek inside. There sits my clutch on top of some clothes, underwear, and even a pair of shoes. I place my hand on my chest, feeling overwhelmed.
“I have no words,” I say.
He flicks his hand like it’s nothing.
I’ll never forget all he’s done, not only staying with me throughout the night, but the doctor told me earlier that my husband saved my life by getting me to the hospital as quickly as he did.
“Was it you who brought me to the hospital? I remember bits and pieces, but most of it’s a blur.”
“Yes. I followed you outside last night.” He holds both his hands up in a defensive position. “I wasn’t stalking you or anything. I was concerned. When you ran off after …”
I nod because he doesn’t need to repeat that part; I think it will be permanently ingrained in my memory. Such a huge betrayal, committed by the person I loved and trusted most, is not easily forgotten.
Chapter 8
Logan
I’m sitting beside Brooke’s bed, making small talk when the doctor enters. I’ve been here all afternoon.
I know she said there was no need for me to return, but I felt compelled to. She’s all I thought about when I left here earlier.
Jake is all she has, and look how poorly he’s treated her. I’ll take every ounce of pleasure in dealing with him, and his secretary, first thing Monday morning. Any retribution I can get for this poor woman, I will.
“Would you like me to step out?” I ask, standing and moving to the side.
“No, stay,” Brooke answers.
“Mr. Johnston,” Dr. Goldstein says, extending his hand to me. My eyes dart to Brooke, and I can see she’s fighting back a smile. Could this situation get any more awkward?
“Doc,” I say, shaking his hand.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, turning his attention back to his patient.
“A lot better. I haven’t needed any pain medication this afternoon. I’ve eaten and kept it down,” she says like it’s a huge triumph, and it brings a smile to my face. She really is the sweetest. Her eyes dart to me briefly. “And I … umm … managed to use the bathroom.”
Her last sentence comes out more like a whisper, and my smile grows when I see her cheeks flush the prettiest shade of pink.
“Well, that is good news. Good news, indeed.”
“Does that mean I can go home?” she asks with a hopeful look on her face.
My eyes drink her in. She looks completely different to the beauty I first met, in her stunning red dress, formal hairstyle, and heavily made-up face.
The woman before me now is dressed in a simple hospital gown, her long brown hair is down, and there’s not a stitch of makeup on her face, yet she’s equally beautiful, if not more so.
“You know my thoughts on this,” the doctor says. “I’d prefer it if you stayed at least until tomorrow morning.”
“But I can get bed rest at home … in my own bed.”
The doctor’s attention moves to me. “What are your thoughts on this?”
I shrug. I’m kind of agreeing with him. My gaze moves to Brooke and the pleading look she gives me says so much. She’s hell-bent on getting out of here.
“As her husband,” I say, clearing my throat, “I give you my solemn word that she’ll be well cared for.” When I place my hand on my chest for added effect, Brooke bites her lip to fight her smile. “If there are any issues, I’ll bring her straight back.”
The doctor sighs. “Okay. If you promise to get complete bed rest—that includes no heavy lifting or stretching—and see your GP within the next few days, I guess I can let you go home.”
“Thank you,” she says, beaming.
“I’ll get a letter drawn up for your GP, along with your discharge papers.”
“Thanks for everything, doc,” I say, shaking his hand once more.
Brooke slumps back into her pillow and starts laughing the moment the doctor leaves, and I find myself doing the same.
“I’m so lucky to have such a considerate and caring fake husband.”
I puff out my chest. “You better believe it … I’m the best!”
I’m actually disappointed she’s leaving because it means the end of my time with her. I’ll probably never see her again after today, and that thought saddens me more than I care to admit.
“You got everything?” I ask, picking up the brown paper bag that’s sitting on the bed. She already changed into the clothes I bought her. The leggings and fitted tee only accentuate her amazing figure. How Jake would want to stray outside his marriage is beyond me. If she was my wife, I’d treasure her.
“I think so,” she says, looking around the room.
“My card.” I point to my business card sitting on the table beside the bed. “Please take it. If there’s anything you need, just call me.”
“Okay.” I see gratitude in her smile as she picks it up and slides it into her silver clutch purse.
“I mean it, Brooke. Anything.”
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I really do.”
“It’s been my pleasure.”
A comfortable silence settles between us as we walk down the corridor towards the lifts. When we reach the lobby, we both stop walking and face each other.
“Well, I guess this is goodbye,” she says.
“I guess it is.”
“Again, I can’t thank you enough—”
I hold up my hand, cutting her off. “There’s no need to thank me. As I said, it was my pleasure.”
“You’re a good man, Mr. Cavanagh.”
I shrug. “I’m far from perfect.”
“I don’t believe that for a second,” she says playfully poking my side.
“I was trying to play it down,” I admit. “You’re right, I’m pretty incredible.” When she pokes me again, I chuckle. “On a more serious note, what are your plans from here?”
She lifts one shoulder. “I’ll go home, face the music, and take it from there.”
“You deserve better than him,” I say. It’s none of my business, but it needs to be said.
“Thank you.” Her gaze drops down to her feet. “I should be going.”
“Can I at least give you a lift? My car’s parked outside.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I think it’s best if I take a cab.”
I want to insist, but I don’t. I wish I could take her back to my place and care for her like I promised the doctor I would, but she’s not mine to keep.
“Bye,” she says, taking a step forward and encircling her arms around my waist. It’s a move I wasn’t expecting, but I’m certainly not complaining. I wrap my arms around her also, holding her tight for the briefest moment. “I’ll never forget you, or the kindness you’ve shown me.”
I won’t forget her either, but I don’t voice that out loud.
Letting me go, she gives me one last smile before turning and walking away. Shoving my hands into the pockets of my jeans, I stand there and watch her go.
My gaze shifts to the ground and I blow out a long breath as she climbs into the back of the taxi and drives out of my life.
I can’t even put into words the depth of sadness that sweeps through my entire body. Call me crazy, but I can’t help feeling like I just lost something monumental.
Chapter 9
Brooke
Butterflies churn in my stomach as the cab pulls up outside my house. Our car is parked in the driveway so I know Jake’s home. I have no idea what I’m going to say to him when I get inside, but one thing is for sure, our marriage is over.
After paying the driver, I exit the vehicle. I only make it halfway across the lawn when Jake comes barrelling out of the house.
“Thank God,” he says. “I’ve been going out of my mind.”
His arms are outstretched as he approaches. “Don’t,” I say, holding my hand out in front of me.
“Don’t what?” he asks as his arms drop down by his side.
“Don’t touch me.”
His facial expression turns from confused to angry as I sidestep him and continue towards the house.
“Hey,” he snaps, following me into the front foyer. “What’s your problem?”
“My problem? That’s rich, coming from you,” I huff, heading towards the staircase.
“You’re angry at me?” He grabs hold of my arm and swings me around before getting up in my face. “You’re the one who left last night, and then disappeared for twenty-four hours. So, tell me, Brooke, where the fuck have you been?”
“I saw you last night, Jake. I saw you with that woman.” Angry tears sting my eyes, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.
“What woman?” Although he’s playing dumb, the fact that his face pales tells me he knows exactly what woman I’m referring to.
“The blonde in the blue dress.”
“What?”
“The one you were kissing.” His unwillingness to even acknowledge what he’s done only infuriates me more. “Let go of me,” I say, pushing on his chest. “You disgust me.”
“Brooke, baby,” he pleads. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.”
“You’re a piece of work. You don’t remember having her pushed up against the wall last night?”
“It wasn’t like that, I swear.”
“It wasn’t just a peck, Jake. You were all over each other.” Never in my life have I been so mad. We’ve had a few arguments over the years, but it’s never been this volatile.
“You’re reading too much into this.”
I shake my head in a combination of disbelief and repulsion. Does he think I’m stupid? “I have eyes, Jake. I know exactly what I saw. All those late nights and weekends you claimed to be working, you were with her, weren’t you?” His silence speaks volumes. “Well, you know what,” I say, as tears fill my eyes, “she can have you.”
“Brooke.” He reaches for my arm again, but I manage to turn away before he grabs hold.
“I want a divorce.”
I only make it up the first step before he grabs hold of me and pins me against the wall. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do. You disgust me, Jake. I’m done with you. I should’ve known better than to get involved with a lawyer; you’re all the same.”
“I’m nothing like your father,” he screams.
“You’re right, you’re worse!”
His fingers splay across my collarbone, as his hand rests at the base of my neck, but I stare him down. I’m not afraid of him.
“You don’t mean that, baby.”
“I mean every single word.” And I do. I never thought I could despise a man as much as the one who helped create me, but Jake has somehow managed to top the list.
His facial expressions change, as something inside him snaps. His beautiful blue eyes, the ones I have always loved, suddenly look black. His hand moves up a fraction, and the grip on my throat tightens.
“You bitch!”
His murderous glare penetrates me as he shoves my head roughly into the wall. He’s never been violent towards me before, but the pressure of his hold tells me he’s trying to do me harm.
“Jake,” I cry, but my plea goes unheard.
“You’re not going anywhere—you hear me?”
I struggle to get air into my lungs, but it’s fruitless. His hold is so tight, it’s cutting off my airway. Panic sets in as my lungs start to burn and my vision becomes blurred.
Dropping the bag in my hand, I grab hold of his arms and desperately try to pry his hands off me, but he’s too strong. When that doesn’t work, I try to claw at his face, but Jake draws his head back out of reach.
“You’re my wife, you belong here with me!” Raising my leg, I use every ounce of strength I have left, kneeing him in the balls. “Ah shit,” he groans, letting me go and crumbling to the floor with a thud.
I cough and splutter as I breathe in as much air as I can, barely holding on to consciousness. Jake is withering in pain on the floor by my feet, blocking my exit to the front door as he clutches his balls in his hands.
