“I want to make you proud.”
“You already do.”
“You’re teaching me so much.” She reached out to smooth the collar of his shirt. “I see possibilities I never did before.”
“Stay with me, Rowan.”
Staring into eyes she never tired of looking into, she nodded. “I’ll stay, Bennett.”
* * *
Four weeks after walking into a world - and a role - she still didn’t fully understand, Rowan was cleared to run again. Dressing in shorts and a tank top, she grabbed her MP3 and headed downstairs.
On the bottom step, she re-tied her sneaker. When she straightened, Bennett stood in the hall beside his office.
“Where are you going?”
“Running…?”
“Will you stay on the estate?”
Tilting her head, she walked to him and stared up into Bennett’s face. He wore a pensive expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“I…” His voice trailed away and he looked past her as if to gather his thoughts. Inhaling deeply, he refocused on her. “Please be careful.” One side of his mouth lifted in a smile. “The last time you went running, you were hit by a car.”
She laughed. “I won’t be long. It will take time to work back to where I was. I checked out the trail around the estate on the golf cart so I’ll stay close.” Leaning up, she kissed his jaw. “I’ll be careful.”
As she walked to the front door, she swore she could feel his eyes on her. It gave her goosebumps.
It took two weeks for her body to settle back into running. She was two miles from the house late one morning when she rounded a corner and saw James and Bennett sitting in a golf cart beside the trail.
Bennett called, “I wanted to experience what you love. Keep going, Rowan. I won’t interrupt.”
Regulating her breathing, she yelled, “What’s your top speed on that thing, James?”
“On the trail, not much.”
As she passed them, she said, “Pace me.”
Fifteen seconds later, they carefully pulled up beside her on the trail wide enough for two golf carts to pass. Made from recycled tires, she loved running on it to lower the shock to her joints.
James kept their speed and course steady as Bennett rode in the passenger seat. He wore slacks, a polo, and sunglasses. From her peripheral vision, Rowan could see him watching her.
She took several deep breaths. “Feel the wind on your face, the warmth of the air.” Running was something her body had always loved. “Freedom, Bennett. Since I was a girl, running represented a freedom that was hard to find anywhere else. It makes me feel strong, tuned in to myself.”
A few minutes later, she arrived at the rear of the mansion and walked off the run. Then she went through a series of stretches before approaching Bennett.
“Did you like it?” she asked him quietly.
He reached out and stroked his hand over her ponytail. She was drenched in sweat. “How powerful you are, Rowan. I see why you like it. Thank you for showing me.”
“You can run with me anytime you want.”
Cupping the nape of her neck, he pressed a kiss to her sweaty temple. “I won’t intrude. I wished only to see it up close.”
She circled his wrist with her fingers. “You don’t intrude, Bennett. I always enjoy your company.”
His fingers flexed on her skin before he let his hand fall away. “Go do what you do and I’ll see you in a while.”
Crossing her eyes to diffuse a moment that felt strangely heavy, she said, “My brain is hungry.”
“I hope your body is as well. The kitchen is working on a dish they want you to try.”
“Starved. See you in half an hour.”
With that, she saluted James and jogged into the house. Moving quickly to keep from running into anyone who might want to chat, she went straight to the bathroom in her room.
Leaning on the counter, she lifted her face and met her own eyes in the mirror. The brighter blue, the flush of her skin, and her breathlessness wasn’t because of the run.
Every day she spent in Bennett’s orbit, the more she wanted to stay there. He loved books as much as she did, enjoyed in-depth conversations about any topic they stumbled on, and stimulated her mind as much as her body.
Most nights, she dreamed about him and it was strange to have another man walk through her most private thoughts.
A place only Gage had ever occupied.
From almost the very beginning, Rowan felt herself falling in love with Bennett and nothing short of never seeing him again would have stopped it.
Walking away was the last thing she wanted.
She thought four weeks in the company of such a fascinating man would likely have the same effect on most women. His life experiences and their age difference were the source of many long talks. She asked him deeply personal questions and he never hesitated to answer them.
No one had ever shared so much of themselves with her so openly and honestly. The more he told her, the more she wanted to know.
Stepping into the shower, she quickly scrubbed her hair and body. Leaning against the wall, she imagined Bennett behind her, touching her, and closed her eyes. Pretending the hand on her skin belonged to him, she moved slowly over her breasts, her torso, and between her legs.
Gently stroking her folds, she focused on the way it felt when Bennett held her hand, stroked her hair, or hugged her. Their touches were limited, careful, to keep his blood pressure from climbing. All she wanted to do was touch him.
He represented a future she never imagined but it had nothing to do with money.
Warmth, protection, love.
Bringing herself to climax, she whispered Bennett’s name into the steamy bathroom. Her orgasms were stronger than they’d been in years.
Preparing for lunch in a casual dress and heels, she laughed at herself as she took in her reflection. Bennett’s eyes seemed to stay on her longer when she gave in to the feminine clothing she secretly loved but rarely wore.
She loved the way he looked at her.
She never wanted it to stop.
Chapter Seven
Dressed in a business suit and heels, Rowan walked rapidly to the first floor with her phone on speaker.
“Aren’t you getting tired of dealing with me, Marvin? It’s been four months and we’re still going in circles.”
The attorney representing Bennett’s ex-wives and grown children slammed something on the other end of the line. “If you’d just be reasonable! I don’t know what you’re whispering in Jefferson’s ear but…”
She cut him off. “Despite the bullshit rumors from his loving family, Bennett Jefferson remains powerful and fully in possession of his faculties.” As she walked into Bennett’s office, he watched her cross the room to his side. “He’s controlled by no one - he has never allowed others to control him. Don’t underestimate him. You’ll lose your shirt.”
She leaned against the edge of Bennett’s desk and he reached out to take her hand. She set the phone beside her and wrapped his hand in both of hers.
For almost a minute, she listened to the attorney ramble as she stared into Bennett’s eyes.
“They’re owed more, Miss Foxe…”
“I’m going to stop you right there, Marvin. Mr. Jefferson offered a generous allowance of five thousand a month.”
“They deserve…”
“A swift kick in the ass and you know it. Stop wasting my time. When they sign the paperwork, they’ll receive the generous - and rational - settlements for several million each that Mr. Jefferson offered. Until then, they can drive the brand-new Toyotas they were compassionately given, live in the lovely apartments he was kind enough to provide, and somehow make it on more money than ninety percent of the population has.”
Rowan rolled her eyes and Bennett grinned. “If they can’t manage to survive with their housing and transportation taken care of, as well as a generous allowance, then they should get jobs like everyone else.
We’re done. Have a lovely day.”
“Miss Foxe...!”
Ending the call, she smiled at Bennett. “Hello.”
“You’ve been busy, darling.”
“Is it wrong that I get perverse joy from being mean to your horrible family? I think it’s wrong but...it feels so right.”
“Mary-Margaret said you offered to take the worst calls and she couldn’t stop laughing at your conversation with my son.” Lifting her hand, he kissed the back. “I love the way you are, Rowan. Don’t change anything.”
She turned her palm to cup his cheek.
From behind them, Mary-Margaret tapped on the door and said, “I hate to interrupt but I didn’t want to wait on showing you this.” She held out a thick stack of paper. “They’re seeking court-ordered evaluation of your mental faculties, Bennett. They’re accusing Rowan of taking advantage of your weakened mental state.”
“Marvin dared to ask for more money when he knew this was coming? Weakened mental state? I will crucify them.” Rowan straightened and turned to spread the papers over Bennett’s desk. She skimmed them rapidly as she dialed the lead attorney handling the settlements. “Zach. It’s Rowan.”
Zachary Peterson was one of Bennett’s oldest friends. He growled and said, “I just received the papers. Disgusting. What shall I do to slap them?”
“I need you to file counter-motions before end of business today. Make it known that every dime of support will be withdrawn at midnight tonight. They’ll lose access to housing, vehicles, cash, and prizes.”
“I cannot wait…”
“In addition, explain that our team of private investigators will deliver their evidence to the court when we sue for defamation and harassment. Proof of mental, emotional, and sometimes physical abuse of countless people throughout the course of their day, as well as theft, and alcoholic rages in public.”
Through gritted teeth, Rowan added, “We have some excellent videos with crystal clear audio. The photos are in color and I’ve had them blown up to poster size. Also, tell that whiny baby who refers to himself as the heir that his extramarital affairs make for steamy viewing.”
“I’ll call you back in an hour, Rowan.”
“Full teeth, Zach. No muzzle. Rip them apart.”
“It will be my pleasure.”
She ended the call and slapped her hand down on the papers. “They won’t get away with questioning your mind, Bennett. They won’t. I don’t care what they say about me but I won’t let them do this to you.”
“Rowan.”
Looking at Bennett, she inhaled deeply and was mortified when she started crying. “I…”
“Come here, darling.”
She knelt beside his chair and he wrapped her in a hug. Mary-Margaret left the office and pulled the door closed softly behind her.
Rowan wouldn’t remember exactly what she said but there was a lot of rambling about needing to protect Bennett.
“No one has ever cried for me.” Her cheek on his shoulder, he rubbed her back. One hand held the back of her head. “I’ve never met anyone so passionate in their defense of others.” Leaning Rowan back, he withdrew a handkerchief from his suit jacket and carefully wiped her face of her tears. “I love that about you.”
“Bennett…”
“Yes, darling?”
She swallowed hard. Holding back the words on the tip of her tongue, she said instead, “They’re not destroying your reputation. They can’t be allowed to taint what you built. They don’t get to do that. If they want to sling mud, I’ll drop a truck load on their heads.”
“Zach calls you an attack dog.”
Sniffing, she said, “I hope that’s a good thing.”
“He’s not easily impressed. He likes your wit, dedication, and loyalty. Particularly to me.”
Sitting back on her heels, she held his hand. “Being loyal to you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
His fingertips coasted over her cheek. “A rabid fan of my work, you said.”
“A rabid fan of the man behind the work,” she admitted softly.
For a long moment, his green eyes held hers. “For the last four months, you’ve spent every day learning about my life and the organization. How do you feel?”
“Motivated. I want those awful people to sign the agreements giving them millions of dollars they don’t deserve so we can focus on your project list.”
There was a long pause. “Mary-Margaret told you about that?” Rowan tugged her lip between her teeth. “You stumbled upon it and got it out of her.” He sighed. “It’s not a project list. Call it what it really is.”
Clearing her throat, she wiped away tears that slipped from the corners of her eyes. Hoarsely, she said, “A-a bucket list.”
“My doctors gave me less than a year to live a week before I met you, Rowan.”
She nodded. “I-I know.” Taking his hand, she whispered, “I want it to be your best year, Bennett.”
“Marry me.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I want you to know I’m here because I want to be. I’m here because of the man, not the money.”
“I already know that, Rowan.”
“A person can never know that for sure, Bennett. I could be a great actress setting herself up to inherit your fortune. It’s happened and I’m sure you’ve seen it.”
He was quiet for almost a minute. “Mary-Margaret said you rejected your salary.”
“I didn’t reject it. I renegotiated it.”
“For less. No one negotiates for less, darling.”
Going up on her knees, she wrapped her arm around his shoulders. “I negotiated for a fair wage commensurate with my education and experience.” She winked. “I have great health insurance and a 401K.”
“Am I matching it?” he asked with a smile.
“You are and I set aside the max.”
“Positively diabolical. In ten years, you’ll be able to buy an economy car outright. You’re focused on the long game.”
“It’s the principle, Bennett. I don’t want you to hand me money I haven’t earned or a position I’m not qualified to hold. Your company is fascinating and I like what I’m doing. It doesn’t feel like work and beating up your family is a bonus.”
“You thrill me.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“Marry me, Rowan.”
“I can’t, Bennett.” Holding the side of his face, she stroked her thumb over his temple. “They’re attacking your mental faculties - saying you aren’t able to make decisions for yourself. If you marry me now, they’ll point to our short association as proof that you’re compromised.”
“I don’t care…”
“I do. I won’t let them make the Lion of Finance a joke in the media. In situations like this, the woman is butchered as a whore but the man is made to appear weak and at the mercy of her wiles.”
“We know neither of those things are true.”
“The truth isn’t what matters, Bennett. Not with someone like me appearing out of nowhere and landing in the life of one of the wealthiest men in the world. Perception is the only thing the masses care about. You marry me while they’re talking shit about your cognitive ability and your reputation will suffer. I can’t - I won’t - see you compromised in such a way.”
“Come here.” He applied gentle pressure to her elbow until she stood. Then he pulled her down to sit on his thigh. “Don’t move, darling.”
Removing his cell from his jacket, he wrapped his free arm around Rowan’s waist. His brilliant green eyes stared into her soul after he dialed a number and put the call on speaker.
His first ex-wife answered before the ring faded.
“Brenda.” She instantly started loudly berating him and he said softly. “Stop at once.” The woman’s shouting stopped abruptly. “Sign the papers. Sign them today.”
“Or what, Bennett? I’ll destroy you in the press. No one will ever take you seriously again. That whore…”
“Shut your mouth and listen carefully.” Rowan placed her palm inside Bennett’s jacket over his heart. He wasn’t irate in the slightest. It seemed steady. “Sign the papers or I’ll provide your son with the DNA test that proves he was the product of your affair with the man who catered our third anniversary party. It will instantly nullify all his claims to any part of my estate. The girls as well.”
“W-wait. Bennett...Johnny is yours, the girls...”
“Lie to me again and our conversation is over.”
“I-I…”
“You’re the ringleader of this fiasco and we both know that, Brenda. Understand that none of you will get a dime after I die so I suggest you take what I’ve offered and do it quickly. Otherwise, you’ll be left with nothing. My team won’t pay a single bill with any of your names on it. Nothing. My will is airtight, witnessed by three judges and two governors.”
“Bennett, you don’t mean it…”
“This is your one and only chance to squeeze a last payday out of me. I plan to keep you and the rest tied up in court until I’m gone and then you’ll never see a cent. I’m not weak-minded. I fully understand what I’m doing and why. I think you do, too. Push me and you’ll be penniless.”
The other end of the line was silent.
“Am I bluffing, Brenda?”
There was a rough exhale and then, “No. No, you’re not bluffing, Bennett.”
“You have one hour to sign the papers. Originally, the deadline was midnight but I refuse to give you whatever minutes I have left.”
After another long pause, the woman asked, “Will you negotiate?”
“It depends. What do you want?” Staring at Rowan, Bennett gave her a slow smile. He knew he’d won.
“Each of us wants a house. You have so many.” She listed the one she wanted and made suggestions for the second wife and the three children they had between them. “It’s not too much to ask, Bennett. We were married.”
Releasing a small laugh, Bennett replied, “For four years. I remember. You and Judy came to me with nothing and left multi-millionaires. I wouldn’t quibble over what you’re owed.”
“For the good times then? What do you say?”
“The settlements as outlined and a house each. If I agree, you and the others stop your theatrics. I’ll have signatures from all of you or you can keep spending money I know you don’t have on frivolous lawsuits.”
Coming Home: The Damaged Series - Book Three Page 6