Arman
Maddie’s strength of character was one of the sexiest things about her. She hadn’t told me much about her ex, but it was clear she’d been through a lot. On the drive to a local doctor’s office, I thought about how she hadn’t been taken care of well, and ice raced down my spine. Bruises meant she’d been abused. I fought the urge to go find this Bob and beat the shit out of him. I had to remind myself that there was nothing I could have done until she came to me.
I parked, saw my brother’s Porsche, and squared my shoulders. While I couldn’t change the past, I could damn well make sure she was safe now. It was as important to me as my job. I held the doors for her and walked beside her into the doctor’s office.
Once we’d checked in and the nurse waved her inside, I met her gaze. “I’ll wait for you here.”
Her eyes widened. She waved toward the room. “There’s a sheet. Can you come in and hold my hand?”
“Absolutely.” I knew we weren’t together, but her determination to proceed made my heart melt and wish she were mine.
I headed into the simple office, and she climbed up onto the bed. Elon set up the cover, and my pulse sped up as I stood beside her. My brother went out and came back in, holding a file with her name on it. “Hey, you two. Doctor Lichtenberg is next door and volunteered to assist if you want a female doctor.”
Maddie sat up and said quickly, “That’s nice of her.”
The door opened, and a woman in a white coat held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Leah Lichtenberg, and I wanted to help you.”
“Sounds good,” Madeleine said.
She took the file from my brother and read it. “Elon said you had a daddy stitch, and I was in shock. This isn’t normal practice.”
Maddie massaged her shoulder. “I should have asked about it the day my daughter was born.”
A husband should protect a wife, not hurt her when she’s the most vulnerable.
Leah put the file behind her and then brightened the lights in the room. “You’d be the first case like this that I’ve seen in someone under forty. I’m happy to help. I’ve known the Norouzi family for years.”
I had no idea how Leah knew my family or why she’d said that, but I let it go.
Maddie lay back on the bed and fixed her hair to her side. “How long is recovery?”
My brother stared right at me. “Six weeks. We have to reopen you to your natural opening. So absolutely no sex at all.”
Doctor Lichtenberg took over and waved a nurse in. “Okay. We’ll need to start with painkillers.”
A nurse came in with needles. Maddie squeezed her eyes shut and held out her palm. “Hold my hand, Arman.”
“Absolutely.” I immediately did as she asked. For as long as she let me, I would take care of her. I wondered how different my life might have been if she’d stayed near me. Maybe I’d have been happier.
Both doctors and the nurse all were focused on the procedure. When they were done, Madeleine was sleepy. She hobbled into the car, and I helped her.
After I drove her home, I carried her to her room. As I opened the door, Aurora jumped off a window seat and joined us. I placed Maddie on the bed and helped with her shoes as her daughter fixed her blankets and pillows.
Maddie yawned. “How did I get here?”
Aurora kissed her mother’s cheek. “Arman carried you up the stairs. You didn’t tell me you needed surgery, Mom.”
Technically, this wasn’t my family, so I stood, put Maddie’s sneakers in the closet, and said, “I’m leaving now.”
I turned to go, but Maddie said, “Wait.” I turned back and I saw the two of them holding hands. “Aurora… something happened when I gave birth to you that caused me pain. Now, I’ve had an operation to fix it, and in six weeks, I’ll be fine. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you first, but you don’t have to worry about me.” I kept my distance, but Maddie glanced at me. “Arman, thank you.”
Aurora hadn’t moved from her mother’s side. “Next time, tell me. You’re all I have.”
They hugged, and I swore I’d ensure that neither of them ever encountered pain again.
As she let her daughter go, Maddie said, “I will.”
I tiptoed to the door and whispered to myself, “I agree.” Aurora deserved to be treated better, but seeing her with Maddie made my knees weak. They were the closest thing I had to my own family. I would do everything in my power to keep them safe.
I joined my brothers for a movie and then went to bed early. This had been a family vacation, but all I wanted was time with Maddie.
The next morning, I woke up early and knocked on her door. It swung open, and I saw her sleeping alone. I’d assumed Aurora would be here still. I was about to step back out, but Maddie waved me in.
I squared my shoulders and stepped in. “How’s the patient?”
Her smiling face had a glow of happiness. “Morning, Arman. I’m feeling fine.” She sat up in bed as if she hadn’t just had surgery.
“We can cancel sailing and the carnival tonight.”
She shook her head. “No. It’s our last night here in town. Tomorrow, we’ll move to New York with you. And I’m happy to get out of bed.”
That was true. Normal life would start the next day. I would find out then exactly how well we worked together in my regular life. “No helping me with the anchor, then. I won’t let you hurt yourself.”
“I want to go fast today.”
And I wanted her safe. I saluted. “Whatever you want, as long as you’re healthy.”
Aurora came into the room, which was my cue to leave. She said, “Mom? You’re up. I left to get my breakfast. You need to rest today.”
“I’m fine. I just told Arman not to cancel anything.” Maddie pressed her hand on my shoulder to keep me close. “We’re all going out later.”
I nodded at her, but then Aurora met my gaze and said, “I’m going to finish my book, but keep her safe, Arman. I’m counting on you.”
Truer words were never said. I said, “I’ll guard her with my life.”
As I headed out, Aurora walked me to the door. “And thanks for taking care of her yesterday. We’ve probably needed you around for years.”
The past was the past, but from now on, the two of them were important to me. I’d be there for both of them.
Chapter Seven
Madeleine
I tossed on a sundress that had appeared in my closet, though I wasn’t sure who’d given it to me. Arman’s mom was always so nice to me, so I didn’t question her gifts. When I twirled, I was quite sure I would look good to Arman. I’d caught him staring at my legs. That day, I felt weak but steady. I was moving on from my past.
Hopefully, Jeff could fix my divorce fast. This time, there was no way I would let Arman out of my life. Leaving him before was the biggest mistake I’d ever made. The only saving grace of my past choices was Aurora, who’d been my mother hen back in Montana. The night before, she’d mentioned that sailing wasn’t her thing and that she enjoyed Roxanne Nourozi’s tea and company.
Arman and I hoisted off without me doing much of anything except enjoying the water and the ride. As we made it to the edge of the bay, his phone rang. He let me steer as he took the call, rubbing between his eyes.
When he finished his call, I asked, “What’s wrong?”
He tucked his phone in his pocket. “A potential collaborator objects to us having few women-centered games.”
Gaming wasn’t something I knew a lot about. “Is that a lack? And why would that be an issue? If she says no, how are you ever going to get more women designers anyhow?”
“I don’t know, but I do need more women-centered games.” He shrugged. “And her ideas were right on the money. She’s creative, and her game insight is respected.”
I squeezed his hand, and the sparks rushed through me. “Set up an appointment in person, and say just that to her face. We both know you’re persuasive.” I traced his stubbly chin with that adorable afternoon shadow and let him go.
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He stood taller. “Glad you think so, and thanks for talking sense into me.”
I winked and handed him the wheel. “That’s one of the perks of the new job, it seems.”
He shook his head and kept me driving. “Only you would see steering me as a perk.”
He was easy to work for. I laughed. “You were definitely hiring the wrong people, then.”
He placed his hand on my shoulder. The tingles in my skin spiked when he said, “Until you.”
The wind blew my hair, and I tapped his shoulder. “Less flirting. Catch that wind.”
He took over, and I sat down. If I hadn’t been more tender than normal, I’d have helped so he could maneuver the sails. I held onto my seat as he said, “Anything for you.”
A rope needed to be tied. I pointed, “I can—”
“Stay seated.” He grabbed it and fixed the ship so we would fly. “I won’t risk your daughter’s wrath.”
The boat jolted as it gained speed. With the wind and droplets of water hitting my face, my smile grew wider. “She is stubborn with her opinions.”
“Did she get that from her dad?”
“I don’t know. I always tried to shield her from Bob when he was at his worst.” My smile faded as I thought about what my daughter had seen in her short ten years.
“Kids see what’s going on, no matter how much we wish they didn’t. Hold on to your seat.”
I pressed my lips together and wished I wasn’t holding back. I hadn’t meant to bring up my ex, but the words slipped out. We went faster and faster, and I let out a long-held scream. It felt liberating to break through the water. It was so much fun. I felt alive.
As the wind left us and we slowed, I rocked and met his brown eyes. “That was amazing.”
He came to my side and squeezed my hands. “We were like kids again.”
The day at the race when we’d worked together, we hadn’t won, but he’d told me he loved me. I longed to hear those words from him now. But we weren’t kids anymore. I shook off the memory as we sailed back to shore. Not helping him felt wrong, but the situation was temporary.
After we docked, he helped me off as if I was frail. His strong hand on mine made me feel more powerful, but I kept that to myself.
On our way back in the house, he said, “Let’s get your girl to the carnival so she can enjoy herself too.”
“Sounds good.”
As we walked up the hill, he said, “Happy to help.”
I put my hands in my back pockets. “Why?” I felt a little lightheaded. I ignored it and reminded myself that I’d be fine.
He smiled and placed his hand on my back as if he would catch me if I fell. I wouldn’t, but his nearness was nice. “Because you make my life… better just from being here.”
Warmness grew in my heart. He came closer, and my lips tingled as if we were about to kiss. This wasn’t good.
I shook my head as he opened the door. “Let’s talk about the velvet chairs I’m wanting to rent for your party.”
He waited for me to pass through. “You’re the professional. I trust you.”
I wasn’t ready for more, even if every cell in my body wanted him. “I’m not. Party planning is just taking me back to a passion.”
He smiled like he was proud of me. “Well, if you want to get a degree, I can—”
“You’re doing enough,” I interrupted before he offered to pay for something else in my life.
He rubbed the back of his neck, and his face reddened as we headed to the stairs. “Maybe it’s a bad time to have you go into your room.”
My heart pounded with adrenaline as I rushed to the stairs. “What? Why?” As I pushed open my room door, I saw the closet open and dresses, shirts, and pants hung up. I turned toward Arman, who stood in the doorway. “What’s this?”
He held out his hands. “Surprise.”
I intended to hack my way through the first few weeks of work and buy myself clothes. I let out a long breath. “You bought me a wardrobe?”
He played with his earlobe. “Yeah. This is just a sample for you and your daughter.”
What is he saying? Does this mean the apartment he’s arranged will already be stocked for us? I tensed. I needed to repay his kindness. I wiped away tears from the corners of my eyes as I stared at him. “Why did you do this?”
He shrugged and came toward me. My bed was behind me. Heat rushed into my veins as he said, “You’ll be in Manhattan tomorrow, and you’ll represent my company. I need you looking sophisticated.”
I tried to calm down. The clothes were about appearances, not intimacy. I moved closer to him. “This is too generous.”
He took my hands and gazed down his nose at me. I felt safe. “You’ll accept because you need it. I called a client and secured Aurora’s spot at Dalton.”
My head cleared, and I widened my eyes. My daughter was the most important person in my life. “Is that private?”
He nodded and squeezed my palm. “I didn’t think you’d want her in the all-girls school or Trinity, and the public schools would have way more people in them than anything you’re used to.”
“Why did you think that?” I asked even though it was true.
His eyes grew darker. “Because you want a different life for your daughter than you were allowed.”
“You know me well.” My lips ached to kiss him.
He stared down at me, and I almost went up on my tiptoes as I said, “I like to think so.”
But I let him go. I was not ready to take a chance. Arman was seriously the perfect guy, but I wasn’t in his league. It was better that we keep our relationship professional.
Madeleine
Jeff texted that the papers were signed. I was free. I had questions to ask him later. My heart had hardly had time to process this.
Arman, Aurora, and I walked out of the parking lot together as if we were a family. The air at the carnival smelled like the beach mixed with cotton candy. And I wasn’t cold despite the lack of sun in the evening, thanks to my new sweater.
Watching Aurora laugh as she played with her friends was a highlight of the night out. I would talk to her later about the news. Then I laughed. I hadn’t gone thirty seconds without being grateful that Arman was beside me. His being with me was the best gift I’d ever received. The bright lights and games people played all around us tinged the air with possibilities. Maybe life was like a game and it was possible to level up.
As we headed to the dock to look out at the water, my gray-haired mother stepped in front of us, holding a potted fiddle-leaf fig tree. I stepped back. “Mom, you normally hate carnivals.” I turned to Arman. “Can you give us one minute?”
He nodded. “My brother’s right there. I won’t be far.” He stepped back about ten feet.
Once Arman was far enough away, my mother said, “I wanted to say goodbye to you both.”
I narrowed my eyes, and my ears buzzed as I expected a lecture. “That’s it?”
She shoved the plant at me. “Yes, and I wanted to give you this and say I’m sorry I haven’t been the mother you wanted me to be.”
My mother thought plants were the only things she could relate to. I held her gift, which rose higher than my head. “Thank you.” Then I put it down and offered her my hands. “I wouldn’t have come this far if you hadn’t offered to take us in.”
She reached out and cupped my face. “I just want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. If he makes you happy, who am I to judge?”
Honestly, I’d had no idea she would have a change of heart that fast. The image of being Arman’s girlfriend played in my mind, as if I suddenly had permission. I shook it off. “I thought our cultures were too different.”
She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “I am trying to be more open, but I worry about you. You’re my daughter, and I never want anything bad to happen to you.”
Good Mom tonight. Sometimes her words were worse than bee stings that pierced the skin. I wished she were always a caring perso
n.
I stepped back, thankful I could pick up the small tree as a shield. “Now, that sounds more like you. Thank you for the plant, Mom.”
She took my shoulders. “If you don’t want to go to New York, you are welcome to stay with me. I didn’t mean to kick you both out.”
At least for the moment. But she’d never exactly been reliable. I’d taken a chance, and she’d proven to be exactly as I remembered. I shuffled the plant in my hands. “Mom, you are allowed to have an opinion about more than just plants. Maybe one day, you’ll miss us enough to come visit.”
“Doubtful.”
I carried the fiddle-leaf fig over to Arman, who stood with four of his brothers. I tapped on his side and noticed that he was staring directly at his brothers in the distance. “Arman, what’s going on?”
He took the tree from me. “We’ll put the plant in the car, and I’ll explain.”
“Okay.”
We passed Aurora and her friends and waved to let her know we’d be back. She didn’t seem to mind, and we weren’t going far. As we made it into the paved lot, he asked in a low voice, “Remember Dr. Leah Lichtenberg?”
She’d been sweet when we talked. I nodded. “Of course.”
He tipped the tree sideways to get it into the back and tucked the stem behind his seat. The drive home would be green with branches in the rearview mirror, but there was still room for Aurora. He wiped his hands together. “She mentioned she’d gone to school with Cyrus.”
I was on pins and needles, waiting for more. “You’re only telling me things I know.”
He met my gaze. “Well, she… she just told him that he’s the father of her son.”
My mouth couldn’t quite close. My mind buzzed, and I couldn’t quite think clearly. “No way.”
He locked the car door behind us and placed his hand on my lower back to walk with me to the carnival. “She moved here a few months back, with the baby, but none of us had been here. I’m not sure she even knew that our family vacations here or if she planned to tell Cyrus about the baby. Right now, my mind is spinning, and I’m sure my brother is worse.”
Honey Bun: Virgin Cove Trillionaire Single Brothers Page 7