Nine Rules of Engagement (Barrington Billionaire's Series Book 9)

by Jeannette Winters

  As they drove away from the restaurant, Roger asked, “Where would you like to go for dessert? I know a place with awesome strawberry shortcake, and another one known for their truffles.”

  “I have ice cream and hot fudge at my place,” Gia said.

  Interested was an understatement. He’d been aching to get her alone since he’d pulled up to the hospital. Yet taking her home, whether her apartment or his hotel, wasn’t the smart thing to do. He’d never be able to keep his hands off her. Controlling his desires had never been an issue for him before. With Gia, it was different. Fuck, everything was.

  He’d never taken a woman to dinner with his friends. That was too close to admitting they were a couple. Yet Roger didn’t do a damn thing to dispute that assumption when it rose. Was he getting old and tired of this single life? No. He was happy the way things were. Or at least he was until two weeks ago. Those damn green eyes of hers drew him in, and everything else about her captivated him. Roger had no idea how the hell someone like her was still single. Because there’s a lot of stupid men out there. I’m probably one of them.

  “I’m tempted, trust me, very tempted, but I thought you needed to get back to Maplesville tonight?”

  “I told Gary I’d be there early in the morning to relieve him before he leaves for work. Maybe we could call it an early night?”

  Roger reached over and took her hand in his. “Maybe we can call it an early morning, and I drive you to your parents?”

  She smiled and nodded. “I’d like that.”

  He wasn’t sure he was ready to meet her father. He was still recovering from a heart attack, and Roger didn’t want to add any undue stress on him. Gia was his baby girl, and he was going to want to make sure Roger was treating her with respect. He may have slept with her, but one thing Roger knew, he did respect and care very much about Gia. That was something he had no problem telling her father, if asked. Hopefully no one would.

  No matter how much he’d like to avoid the questions, dropping her off at their doorstep would be . . . cheap. That sure as hell wasn’t how he wanted their relationship portrayed. She introduced him before as a friend. Tomorrow they were about to learn just how friendly they were.

  He’d stepped back and gave her space. Even now, space was still needed. But they wanted each other; that was undeniable. He didn’t know if she needed him as much as he needed her. As her fingers entwined with his he had one question. When did I start needing anyone?

  Chapter 12

  Gia’s heart was racing as they pulled up to the house. It was early because Gary needed to be at work by eight. Thankfully Roger had opted to drive his Jeep. The last thing Gia needed or wanted was Gary drooling over Roger’s Maserati.

  No one needed to know how wealthy Roger was. Heck, she didn’t know herself. It would’ve been easy enough to find out if she wanted. If she could find information on people who were born more than a hundred years ago, surely Roger Patrick was less of a mystery. But she’d never googled his name. She wanted to get to know the real man, not the one the internet said he was. And really, she liked who he was. No doubt there was more to him, something in his past he either didn’t want to share or wasn’t ready to, but did that matter? She was looking in only one direction, the future. She just didn’t know if it would include Roger or not.

  “Hope that coffee is for me,” Gary said as he walked outside.

  Gia handed him the paper cup. “Of course. You remember Roger?”

  Gary looked him over and nodded. “Yeah. Did Mom and Dad know he was coming?” Gia shook her head. “Hell, now I want to call out of work.”

  Gia slapped his arm. “That’s not funny. I’m a grown woman who can bring home a gentlemen friend if I want.”

  Gary laughed. “Phrase it any way you want. But since you’ve never brought one before, I think Roger is something special.”

  She heard Roger chuckle from behind her but kept her focus on Gary. “Aren’t you going to be late?”

  He nodded. “Don’t worry about telling me how it goes. I’m sure Mom will fill me in later.” Then Gary shook Roger’s hand and said, “You got your hands full with this one. She’s stubborn.”

  And deadly when riled up. Once they were alone, she said, “You don’t have to come in if you don’t want to.” She had mixed feelings, so whatever he decided was okay with her. She was giving him an out, because Gary was nothing compared to what her mother was going to be like.

  “I don’t know. These blueberry scones smell awfully good. I’m not sure I can resist.”

  She chuckled and said, “I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

  “I have a pretty good idea,” Roger replied as they walked up the front steps.

  But why are you doing it? That’s what has me puzzled. He’d made it clear he liked his secluded beach house. He didn’t enjoy the city. And most of all, he liked being single. Roger didn’t seem to have a business partner.

  Sure enough her mother was sitting at the kitchen table, holding a cup of tea. She didn’t look surprised to see Roger behind Gia, which meant she’d been watching them from the window.

  “Good morning. So nice to see you again. Mr. Patrick, right?”

  “Call me Roger, please.”

  “Only if you call me Claudia.” Gia’s father slowly entered the room. He was looking tired, but that was expected. In a few weeks he could start cardiac rehab, but he’d never be the same. But in her eyes, he’d always be her strong Dad who could move mountains if she asked him to.

  Claudia added, “This is my husband, Andrew. Andrew, this is Gia’s . . . friend, Roger.”

  Roger walked over and shook his hand. “Nice to see you’re feeling better.”

  “Don’t listen to these two. If they had their way, I’d be lying down all damn day and eating only vegetables.” Andrew sat beside Claudia and said, “And that better not be something healthy in that box you’re holding either.”

  Roger placed the box on the table and said, “It does contain fruit, blended in a sweet biscuit.”

  Andrew opened the box and pulled out the largest scones covered with the most sugared glaze. “Now if you’d brought me regular coffee instead of that decaffeinated crap Claudia made, I’d be in heaven.”

  “Dad, we’re trying to make it so you don’t see heaven for many more years. No caffeine, no smoking and no—”

  “Sex. Got it,” Andrew blurted.

  Roger laughed, and Gia stood there, torn between shock and embarrassment. Clearing her throat she said, “I was going to say, alcohol.”

  Andrew turned to Roger and said, “See, they want to keep me out of heaven, by making my life hell. Why don’t you pull up a seat and stay awhile. God knows I’m not going anywhere. Claudia said she misplaced the keys to my truck. I’m calling bullshit on that.”

  Roger sat next to Gia’s father, and she watched as the two chatted up a storm. Gia thought for sure her parents were going to give him the third degree, but instead they talked more about Maplesville and growing up in a small, tight-knit town. Surprisingly, Roger shared stories about his childhood and the loss of his parents.

  Claudia said, “It must’ve been very difficult growing up all alone.”

  “I was lucky and had good friends. But you’re right, they don’t replace my loss,” Roger said. Then he turned to Gia and covered her hand with his. “She’s lucky to have you guys.”

  Claudia said, “No. We’re the lucky ones. Gia is so . . . different from us. We’ve always been laid back. Change never was something we were good at. But Gia has always embraced it. If there was a challenge, she faced it head-on. That’s why, when she decided to move to Boston, we knew she’d do okay. And now with you in her life, we don’t have to worry so much. She’s not alone.” Claudia reached over and patted his hand and added, “Andrew and I are going to celebrate our fiftieth wedding anniversary next month. It seems like just yesterday.”

  Andrew leaned over and kissed Claudia. “I’d do it all over again.” But her
father always had to end things with a joke. “But maybe I’d have sent you to cooking classes first.”

  Claudia slapped him playfully. “Andrew it wasn’t my cooking, it was your taste buds, and you know it.”

  “That’s true. After a year of marriage, I didn’t have any left.”

  Claudia shook her head. “Roger, don’t listen to my husband. He doesn’t have a serious bone in his body.”

  “I sure as hell do. Mess with my pickup truck and all hell breaks loose.”

  Roger laughed. “I hear you. Don’t come between a man and his truck.”

  “I knew I’d like you, young man,” Andrew said.

  Gia sat back, and for the first time in more years than she could remember, this house felt like home again. Was it the fact that her father had almost died and the petty little differences didn’t matter any longer? Or had she changed enough that she found a way to appreciate not just where her future was heading, but her past as well. As she looked at her parents, she realized, her strength had come from them. And my wit from my Dad.

  Her phone rang and Gia saw it was Allyson. She somehow had forgotten all about the family reunion. “Hello, Allyson.”

  “Hi. I know I said I’d let you sleep in, but I spoke to the others last night, and no one could wait. We want to start planning right away. Did you have time to meet us for lunch?”

  “Lunch? Today?” Gia asked.

  “If you’re free,” Allyson said.

  Claudia nodded. “Don’t you sit around here. Your father and I are dying for some quiet time. He’s going to do his crosswords and I’m finishing a book.”

  Gia looked at Roger. “You volunteered yourself for this.”

  Gia covered the phone, “I think you have a problem with your short-term memory. I’m positive it was you.”

  Andrew laughed, “You sound just like your mother.”

  Claudia huffed. “Gia, you’re exactly like your father, and you know it.”

  Gia rolled her eyes and returned to her phone call. “Lunch will be fine. Just text me the place and time.”

  “Perfect. My sisters-in-law can’t wait to meet you.” Allyson ended the call, leaving Gia wondering why they needed her if they were all pitching in. Maybe at lunch she could convince them she’d really be in the way. Without Roger around to throw me under the bus, I might be able to weasel out of this.

  She slipped her phone into her purse and said, “I guess we better head back to Boston.”

  They got up, and her mother walked over and gave Roger a huge hug. “I hope we see you again soon.”

  “I’m sure you will,” Roger replied.

  Then her father said, “The door’s always open, just stop on by. And feel free to bring dessert anytime you want.”

  “Dad, you know what the doctor said,” Gia warned.

  He nodded and whispered, “Don’t get caught.”

  Gia reached for Rogers hand and said, “We better leave these two alone to discuss this.” Roger grinned as he took hold of her hand.

  Even before they were out the door she heard her mother yapping at her father.

  “Andrew, I can’t believe you are trying to get that nice man in trouble.”

  “Claudia, I don’t think he needs my help for that. Remember, he’s with our daughter.”

  When they got into his Jeep, Gia couldn’t believe how good the visit had been. Was this considered to be a normal family? Who knows? But this is what mine is like.

  Roger hated dropping Gia off, but he had a few things to take care of. Mostly, he needed to find out why the heck Brice had pulled the family together. Had he suddenly changed his mind and decided to let them in on the family’s latest disgusting development? Brice might not be the most tactful person, but he’d never invited everyone. Maybe his brothers, but that would be it.

  Once again, he got voicemail. He wasn’t leaving him a message as this wasn’t critical. Brice was doing what he needed to, being there for his wife and child. That left Roger with some free time. Might as well see what Caydan wanted me for.

  Caydan answered right away. “Figured I’d hear from you.”

  “You mean since your wife dragged—”

  “Your girlfriend away?” Caydan joked.

  “I’m sure that’s not what you wanted to talk about, right?” Roger knew Caydan didn’t like wasting time anymore than he did.

  “No. What I really want to know is what the hell my dear brother Brice is up to? And since when are you so chummy with him?” Caydan demanded.

  This conversation couldn’t take place over the phone. At least it shouldn’t. They’d been friends for too damn long to not clear the air. “How far are you from my hotel?”

  “I’m in the lobby, on my way up.”

  I should’ve known. “Door’s open.”

  A few minutes later his suite’s door swung open, and Caydan shut it behind him. Then he walked to the bar and poured himself a bourbon. “Want one?”

  “I’m good.”

  Once Caydan was seated, Roger did the same.

  “So tell me what’s going on. And none of this bullshit that there’s nothing. You’ve never been a fan of my family, yet I’ve heard you’ve been seen with Brice a few times.”

  “You’re right, and I’m still not a fan. I’m speaking as your friend.” Although he knew the saying, blood was thicker than water, he knew that didn’t always apply.

  “Meaning what you tell me, stays here?” Caydan asked. Roger nodded. “Okay. Spill it.”

  “Brice asked me to research a photo that his . . . I mean that your father had hidden away.” Roger was never going to get used to calling James Henderson, Caydan’s father. By the look of Caydan’s clenched jaw, neither was Caydan.

  “What did you find?”

  “Actually, more than I thought I would. The Hendersons have cousins out there.”

  “That’s all? I figured there was a ninth child out there.”

  Roger laughed. “I’m not saying there isn’t, but that has yet to be determined.”

  “So what is the big deal? Cousins. Who cares?”

  Roger let out a long exhale. “Has anything ever been that fucking cut and dry with your family?” Caydan shook his head. “All I can say is count your blessings you weren’t raised by that asshole. And you never met your grandmother either. If so we probably wouldn’t be friends now.”

  “I know my grandmother was abusive to James. But I can tell there is more.”

  Roger spent the next hour telling him everything Gia had uncovered. It was probably harder updating Caydan than it had been telling Brice. Caydan had been through enough, and for once, he’d like to deliver him some good news about his family history. It was one fucked-up family tree no one wanted to be on.

  Caydan sat there for a minute afterward as though still trying to process it all. “And Brice doesn’t want us to know, why?”

  “As far as I could tell, the Lawson family has no clue as to what a fucking asshole their great-grandfather was. This knowledge getting out would have a ripple effect. It’s bad enough the Hendersons had to suffer for his actions. What good would it be having the Lawsons do so as well?”

  “Roger, I love my family, but damn it, sometimes I wish I never knew. The hate I had carried inside, at times, is less painful than the love. Not sure that makes much sense.”

  Since he was the one who been there every step of the way, Roger got it. “Ignorance is bliss.”

  “Exactly. Thanks for telling me, but I agree with Brice. We tell no one.”

  “And if it gets out?” Roger asked.

  “Then we do what Henderson blood seems to do best.”

  Roger cocked a brow. “What is that?”

  Caydan downed his drink and said, “We try to make amends for what our ancestors fucked up.”

  From where Roger sat, it seemed like they were going to spend a lifetime doing so. But he had to give them credit. At least they were trying.

  “I’m glad that’s out of the way,” Roger said.r />
  “Me too. So now we can talk about Gia. Why the hell do I need to hear it from Allyson that you are serious about her?”

  “Damn it. Brice was right.”

  Caydan asked, “About what?”

  “They are always a step ahead of us.” Roger laughed. “And I just realized, I’m in fucking trouble.”

  “How so?”

  “Gia is not just with Allyson. She’s meeting up with the Henderson clan of women.”

  Caydan burst out laughing. “You might as well give up and put a ring on her finger now.”

  Roger shook his head. “Don’t you start on my ass too. Besides, it’s too fast. There’s so much we don’t know about each other. And I’m actually looking forward to learning more, at a normal pace. You know, dating. Not sure if you ever heard of it.”

  “So you’re not in love with her,” Caydan stated.

  “I didn’t say that. I’m saying what is wrong with going slow?”

  “Nothing. But you’re in your forties. Life is slipping by my friend. If you want a little Patrick running around, you might want to think about settling down. And Gia is in her early thirties. Women start wanting children around that time. Even women who have careers.”

  Roger rolled his eyes. “I never would’ve believed it.”

  “What?”

  “That meeting her parents was easier than sitting with you. All her father asked me for was to bring him snacks.”

  Caydan nodded. “Right. Translate that into come back so we can have a man-to-man talk. Roger, I’ve known you a long time. If this is the first woman you ever cared enough about to bring around to meet me, never mind meet her parents, just accept it. She’s the one.”

  He didn’t need Caydan to tell him that. He pretty much had deduced that the moment he laid eyes on her. She was the woman he’d take home to his parents, if they were still alive. “I’ll give you that one, Caydan. There isn’t anyone like her. There’s a lot going on right now. She has a new job to deal with, and she’s caring for her elderly parents. But I’m not going anywhere. Looks like Boston will be stuck with me a little longer.”