Coming Home: The Damaged Series - Book Three Read online

  “Stop being such a wuss,” she admonished herself sharply.

  Picking up her signed copy of Bennett Jefferson’s book – the one she hadn’t been able to buy but had checked out of the library twice – she opened it to read the inscription and was showered with dozens of hundred dollar bills.

  Laughing, she murmured, “Sneaky bastard.”

  For Rowan Foxe…a beautiful woman with a refreshing take on the world I haven’t heard in thirty years. You caught my eye and have my interest. Expect to hear from me again.

  Bennett

  His phone number was written under his name with instructions to call should she need anything.

  Her stomach tripped. Disbelieving, she gathered the money as she had a conversation with herself.

  “Bennett Jefferson gave you his cell phone number. Bennett fucking Jefferson called you beautiful and refreshing and gave you his phone number.”

  Replacing the cash inside the book, she placed it on her nightstand. There was no way she could make it to her closet.

  An hour later, there was a knock on her door. Unable to stand, she called for whoever it was to come in.

  “Uh, hello.”

  “Miss Foxe. I’m a medic. Mr. Jefferson sent me to evaluate your ankle. May I?” He gestured at her and she nodded. After a few careful presses that made her wince, he gave her a half-smile. “I think it’s fractured. You’re going to need x-rays.”

  “I don’t have…”

  “Insurance is unnecessary, ma’am.” He released a soft whistle and another man entered who was several inches taller.

  “Uh…”

  “Allow us to assist you, ma’am.”

  When asked if she needed to take anything with her, she replied numbly, “My purse and that book on the nightstand.”

  They handed her what she needed and the taller paramedic carried her down the stairs. She tried to avoid the inquiring looks from the other residents as they took her to a waiting SUV.

  Half an hour later, she was treated at a private clinic. She received a soft cast that could be removed to shower, crutches, and instructions to keep pressure off her foot for at least a week.

  The doctor handed her a prescription for pain. “Bennett requested I give you a mild pain reliever since he doubts you have a high tolerance for medications.”

  “I-I don’t,” she agreed.

  “If you need anything at all, my nurses will arrange to come by to get you.” The elderly doctor smiled. “Do you have any questions?”

  “Oh, yeah. I have a thousand questions but none you can answer so...thanks.”

  “My pleasure, Miss Foxe. Ice that foot and stay off it.”

  The men who’d transported her loaded her back into the SUV. They filled her prescription, chose supplies and a few snacks, and took her back to her dorm. The students who lived in the same building watched her entrance on crutches with as much confusion as Rowan felt.

  The first nurse placed a bag beside her bed that contained ice packs that froze when you broke them, an extra soft cast, and a collapsible cane for later use. “You have the crutches but it might be easier to use the cane back and forth to the bathroom. Can we get you anything else, Miss Foxe?” She shook her head. “Very good. We’ll leave you to get some rest.” He placed a card on the nightstand. “Anything you need, give me a call and we’ll come by.”

  “I-I won’t call.”

  “Mr. Jefferson said you’d say that. You have it in case of emergency. Rest up.”

  “Thank you.” She stared at the door for almost a minute after the men left. “The Lion of Finance is a lot nicer man than anyone would ever guess.”

  She made her way slowly to the bathroom, managed a precarious shower, and changed into her pajamas. By the time she crawled in bed, she was exhausted. The dull throb in her ankle finally made her break down and take a pain pill.

  It knocked her out for nine solid hours.

  The following day, she met with her residential advisor. She needed to vacate her dorm room within three days and the girl offered to help.

  “That’s okay. You don’t have to do that.”

  “How are you going to pack and carry boxes with a cast?”

  “Uh, good point. Let me think about it for a bit and see if I can figure out a plan…”

  A light tap on the door startled them both. A delivery man stood there with a vase of Gerbera daisies.

  “Miss Foxe?” She nodded. “These are for you.”

  He placed them on the windowsill and handed her the card tucked inside. With a small salute, he was gone.

  Rowan, you don’t strike me as a rose woman. Daisies are more down-to-earth. They suit you, I think. I do hope you’re feeling better. Let me know if you need anything.

  Bennett

  Rowan sat staring at the vibrant petals for a long time. Her RA shook her from her introspection.

  “New boyfriend?”

  “Uh, no. Not a boyfriend. Just someone who accidentally hit me with their car.”

  “Holy crap! That’s how you hurt your ankle? You deserve flowers then! I’ll let you think for a bit. I’m helping several of the freshmen who aren’t sure what to do during a move-out so it’s no hardship to add you to the list.”

  “Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

  When a huge order from a local Chinese restaurant arrived later that evening, it was enough for more than a dozen people. There was another note.

  Rowan, I can’t imagine you’re able to get around. I can’t have it on my conscience if you starve. Bennett.

  Choosing her favorite spicy chicken and a couple of eggrolls, she called to another student passing in the hall. “Hey! Can you take this down to the common area and tell everyone to help themselves?”

  Eyes wide, the girl asked, “You serious?”

  “Yup.”

  “Hell yeah!” She picked up the box and left the room. A moment later, there was a yell down the hall, “Hey, that bitchy girl from the second floor gave us a bunch of food!”

  It made her laugh. Putting pillows behind her, she ate out of the carton. It was strange how every bite tasted better than any food ever had before.

  The next morning, she was loading boxes with her RA’s help when there was another delivery. This time, it was a stunning gold anklet with tiny stars.

  Rowan, it occurred to me that your casted ankle will draw the eye from your exceptional beauty. Please put this anklet on the other ankle to sooth my guilt for this gross oversight.

  Bennett

  The metal shimmered against her skin. It was the first piece of real jewelry she’d ever owned.

  Mexican food of every variety showed up just in time for dinner and people in her dorm were starting to ask questions about her mysterious benefactor.

  She re-read his note as she moaned in happiness at the guacamole-drenched steak tacos she’d snagged before calling the other residents to enjoy what was left.

  Rowan, I can’t help but wonder whatever you will eat if I don’t send you something. Ramen noodles? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? I can’t allow that. It wouldn’t be right.

  Bennett

  The next day, she made her way to the common area payphone and dialed the number he’d written in his book. “Hello. This is Rowan.”

  “Spectacular. What number are you calling from, darling?”

  “The p-payphone on the first floor.”

  “I want you to return to your room and rest. I’ll contact you within an hour. Is that a good time for you?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll speak to you soon, Rowan.”

  Thirty minutes later, a Blackberry cell phone was delivered by a young man wearing a Verizon polo and a big smile.

  The moment she had it in her hand, it rang. “Hello?”

  “Rowan. Bennett Jefferson. Are you in your dorm room?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Are you dressed, darling?”

  “Uh, I’m in a t-shirt and leggings. Why? Is this one of those calls, M
r. Jefferson?”

  “I do like your spunk, Rowan. Stay right where you are.”

  James appeared in the door of her room. “Ma’am.”

  “Hi.”

  He looked around the room and frowned. “Are you moving out of your dorm?”

  “I-I’m done with classes. Official move out was today but I got an extension for an extra day because of my foot.”

  “Where do you plan to go?” The driver looked legitimately worried. “Do you have an apartment?”

  “I found a place close to downtown…”

  Tilting his head, he asked, “Do you have a car?”

  “Bad idea. I don’t even have a license.”

  “A blank slate. This is going to be incredible.”

  “What is?” she asked.

  Without answering her question, the big golden man approached and smiled. “I need to pick you up, Miss Foxe.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t want everyone to think you’re being kidnapped but I need you to come with me. I’d rather you stay off your foot as much as possible.”

  When she said nothing, didn’t move, or have any clue how to react, he chuckled and gathered her in his arms, lifting her as if she weighed nothing - again.

  “Uh...my purse.” He bent so she could grab it and she was glad she’d put Bennett’s book inside.

  She blushed brightly as James carried her from her room, down the hall, down the stairs, through the main floor, and outside. Students stared in awe at the unusual sight.

  Quietly, she asked through the phone she’d forgotten she was holding, “Why am I being carried out of my dorm?”

  Bennett’s voice was calm, reassuring. “No one will hurt you or take advantage of you in any way, Rowan. You have my word. Ah, there you are. James is thankfully very strong.”

  “Is that a fat joke?” she asked with a smile in her voice.

  “Not in the slightest, darling. You’re curvy. What I personally feel embodies the essence of all things woman. Hmm. Allow me to correct myself…being a woman embodies the essence of all things woman. Your shape has nothing at all to do with it.”

  “How progressive,” she murmured.

  “I do try.” James carried her to the limo where Bennett stood waiting in the open door. He tucked his own phone into an inner pocket of his suit. “Hello again, Rowan.”

  “I was just calling to say thank you,” she told him nervously. “Nothing else. I promise.”

  James deposited her carefully on the backseat and Bennett slid in beside her. As the door closed, Rowan felt strangely cocooned with one of the most powerful men on the planet. She had no doubt that she telegraphed her wariness and confusion.

  “Rowan, what do you know about me outside the financial world?” She shrugged her shoulders delicately. “You’ve done no research on my personal life?”

  “I know what’s in your public bio. I didn’t go digging if that’s what you’re asking. I just needed basic facts for the introduction of my paper. I didn’t examine your blood type or sexual kinks, you know.”

  He chuckled softly. “You know I’ve been married twice before?” She gave a small nod. “That I have three children from those marriages?” Another nod. “Do you realize my ex-wives, in all their gold-digging wisdom, are partnering with my grown children to have my competence questioned in order to seize control of my holdings?” Rowan gasped. “Does this surprise you?”

  “Unfortunately, no,” she answered honestly. “It doesn’t surprise me at all, Mr. Jefferson.”

  “Call me Bennett, Rowan. Why does this information not come as a shock?”

  “Uh…”

  “It’s alright. I’d appreciate your honesty.”

  “I’ve extensively studied the wealthy. I chart their movements within the market to find patterns, to determine how people like you make choices and how average people can do the same.” Clearing her throat, she added carefully, “I’ve seen other patterns emerge as well. Powerful and successful men like you, while attracting the best the world has to offer in professional relationships, tend to also attract beautiful women - or men - who are willing to trade themselves as currency in exchange for the lifestyle to which they wish to become accustomed.”

  Refusing to look away no matter how awkward the topic, she continued, “Since these relationships are built on the superficial, often solely sexual or financial, they’re doomed to failure. Whether due to boredom, lack of common interests, horrible behavior, or plain greed…they don’t tend to last long. I’ve also noted that the less financially secure party tries to include children in the arrangement as quickly as possible to increase their long-term earning potential when things head south.” She shrugged. “It’s cold, calculating, but ultimately lucrative. A horrible way to earn a living.”

  Rowan folded her hands on her lap and regarded him carefully. Bennett’s breathing was rapid and his color wasn’t good. “Sir, you don’t look well. Are you alright?”

  Sitting back against the seat, he removed a small bottle from his jacket and took one of the pills inside. He sat silently for a long time before turning his head on the leather.

  “No, Rowan. I’m not alright. My heart is failing.”

  “I’m sorry. Am I a donor match or something?”

  He stared at her intently for a moment before reaching out to take her hand. “Rowan, of the many regrets a man of my years and position gathers, I think not being in prime health when I manage to find the one woman guaranteed to keep my attention may be the worst of all.” He smiled gently. “Did you just offer me your heart?”

  She smiled sadly. “A new heart might give you another twenty years to make a difference in the world. I’m not connected to anyone. Not really.”

  “How casually you talk about sacrificing your life to give me twenty more years when I’ve squandered most of what I’ve already had.”

  “Untrue. Your charity work is incredible. You give away more money than any other organization on the planet.”

  “I’ve always done well at work. It was people and their emotions that always managed to create the biggest obstacles. I can’t seem to navigate them effectively.”

  “I know what that’s like. How can I help you, Bennett?”

  He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. “A new heart isn’t an option with my condition. I wouldn’t survive the operation.”

  Unusually choked up, she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

  “That I can never truly have you causes me pain that is unexpected considering our short acquaintance.”

  “What do you mean?” His eyes closed and she watched as he focused on his breathing. “You need something from me.”

  “I’d like to discuss a personal and business venture. It’s unorthodox, I grant you, but I ask you to consider everything I have to say before you reject me. Are you willing to listen with an open mind?” She nodded. To James, he added, “To the house, please.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Deep emerald eyes met hers and he said with a smile, “Please tell me you spent the money in the book on something frivolous, Rowan.”

  She replied cheekily, “Not one dime.”

  Chuckling, he said, “You’re the most enigmatic woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of speaking with, Rowan. That’s saying something. I’ve lived a long life and met many fascinating women.”

  “I can only imagine.”

  “Your unique beauty was, naturally, the first thing I noticed. Silken hair, flawless skin, and captivating blue eyes. However, your plain manner of speaking, outlook on life, and your place in it…were so strikingly different. I had to know you.”

  His hand was cool but she could feel the strength in it. She also realized it had been years since a man’s touch hadn’t made her flinch in discomfort.

  Gage’s touch had been the last.

  He confessed, “I’ve run intensive background checks on you, Rowan.”

  “Not surprising,” she answered with a shrug.

  “You’re
exactly as you’ve portrayed yourself to be, which is yet another shock to my system.” He was unable to hide a primal hunger and she wondered at his interest in her. “You could prove to be the most outrageous experience I’ve ever had. And yet, I must be completely honest with you from this moment. I cannot exert myself in any way, Rowan. The slightest rise in my blood pressure could send me into cardiac arrest.” An expression of disgust crossed his face. “I’m unable to even assist you from the car. A pathetic end for a man who has lived his life as I have.”

  “You could never be pathetic. You’ve lived every moment of your life balls-to-the-wall and though slowing down so drastically must be agonizing to a man such as yourself, I hope you find comfort in the great memories you’ve accumulated over your lifetime. I’m sure there are few things you haven’t seen or done.”

  “I’m as stricken by your compassion as your beauty.”

  “Thank you, Bennett.” Rowan cleared her throat delicately. “As far as sex, you picked the least experienced person in the world to discuss that with.” His eyes flicked down to her breasts.

  “I’m sorry. Your words confuse me, Rowan.” His eyes snapped to hers. “Are you saying you’re a virgin?”

  “I am. Does that bother you?”

  A strangled laugh bubbled up his throat and he mumbled, “I’ve never felt such temptation.” He pressed his eyes with the fingers of his other hand and took several deep breaths. “If I asked for an examination to confirm your virginity, would you think me barbaric?”

  “I wouldn’t but you should know that lots of women don’t have an intact hymen. I guess men think there’s a way to prove such a thing but it’s not always true. I’m a runner. Maybe that delicate bit of skin is there, maybe it’s not...but I’ve never had sex with anyone.”

  He released a full laugh and Rowan felt her heart stumble a bit in her chest.

  “Has anyone ever asked for proof of your virginity?”

  “Of course not. I don’t interact with people, remember? I assume if you want that, there’s a reason...or a kink. I don’t know, but I don’t care. If you get your proof, fine. If you don’t, it won’t change my life at all. I know the truth.” Inhaling deeply, she tried to decipher their odd conversation. “Bennett, you don’t need to talk in circles.”