Morgan held her laptop more tightly than she thought possible without breaking it, and bolted out of the office. She wanted to get home, but not as much as she wanted to put some miles between her and Shaun. Maybe I should reach out to Dean and let him know reporting to Shaun was going to be impossible. He’s . . . he’s making me think of things, and I don’t want to. He’s looking at me as though he really cares. If he knew the truth, he wouldn’t, and Dean would probably agree.
She didn’t stop in her office to drop off her laptop. It was coming home with her tonight. Right now she needed out of that building. And if I’m lucky, I’ll still make it home for Tyler. That’s where I belong.
Shaun didn’t have any more details than he’d started with before the meeting. The one thing that was clear, though, was this wasn’t an ordinary difference of opinions. Something serious went down between her and that company. Whatever it was, it left her feeling . . . defeated? Angry? No, it was deeper. He couldn’t put his finger on it.
Pulling out his cell, he called Bennett.
“Any update?”
“I just entered the building and am on my way up to see you.”
“Good, I’m in my office. I want to hear this alone and will decide what Dean needs to know,” Shaun barked.
He expected a smart ass remark, but he got something else instead. “Shaun, mark this day on your calendar, because for the first time I agree with you.”
Shaun didn’t like the sound of that. He knew there was something, but now it sounded as though it was much more personal than he’d expected. Maybe Bennett is right and what happened at WS & Son is none of my business. But I need to know what caused her to be hurt like she was.
That was it. She wasn’t defeated. She’d been hurt, broken by it. I have to know.
His mind was running on overdrive, and it was pissing him off. Bennett was on his way up and had the answers, all he needed to do was wait a few minutes. He’d been on the edge of deals worth millions of dollars and never lost a wink of sleep. What the hell was wrong with him now?
The door was still open from when Morgan left, so he hadn’t even heard Bennett enter.
“Morgan looked like hell leaving the building a few minutes ago. Did you have anything to do with that?” Bennett asked as he made his way to sit on the couch.
All me. He’d pushed her but not as far as he could’ve. If it’d been any other person, they’d have been stuck in that office until he had exactly what he wanted. But he saw her pleading brown eyes. They reminded him of Zoey after their father had punished her. They would ask her what happened, and that was all they got. The look that says the pain was more than she could bear. He knew he should go after her, make sure she was okay. He should tell her he was sorry for bringing it up. But the truth was, he wasn’t sorry. He was glad to see this side of her. She shared it with him even though she might not know it. At any time, she could have gotten up and walked out of his office. But she didn’t. She wants to talk about it. She just doesn’t know how.
“Let’s get down to business. What did you find?”
Bennett nodded. He knew when not to cross the line. That’s why he was so beneficial to the Hendersons. Sometimes he was used for business and other times things were not his business, but they still needed his help. He understood the lines without anyone needing to clarify them for him.
“Let’s start with saying once again, she’s not here as a threat in any way to Poly-Shyn.”
“I agree with you on that. But right now all I want to know is what the fuck went down at WS & Son?” Shaun’s voice filled with anger as he demanded answers. Bennett never flinched. Another reason why you’re invaluable. You’re not intimidated by anyone, Henderson or not.
“You’d better sit. This is going to take a while if you want everything I found out.”
Shaun sat in the armed leather chair across from Bennett. Whatever it was, he’d be there for Morgan, help her through dealing with it, because he knew it still troubled her.
“Start high-level then we’ll dig into the weeds if I say we need to.” Shaun was good at picking out what information was important and what wasn’t. It was the edge he used to be successful. See things before the competition.
“Do you know she has a child?”
Shaun nodded. “Yes, Tyler. I met him last Saturday.”
Bennett raised a brow. “Maybe you should start by telling me what you know.”
“No.” Although what he had was helpful, Elisabeth gave him only the information she wanted to.
“Okay. She, as you know, has a nine-year-old boy, Tyler. She’s raised him alone since the age of three. But if you ask me, it was since birth because she never lived with the father.”
Single mom. Tough job. But that didn’t cause the pain in her eyes. It was more than just that. “Tell me about the father.”
Shaun had only wanted to know what happened at the job; now he was totally invading her privacy. He should stop, but he wasn’t going to. Something in him wanted to know everything about her.
“It’s all linked, Shaun. The entire fucking story is linked to that bastard.”
For the first time, he saw Bennett’s anger. If this information was setting him off, then God knows what it was going to do to him.
“Tyler’s father is Walter Sapp, Jr. He is the son in WS & Son.”
Shaun had done some digging into the company, and they might not be his competition, but they weren’t chump change either. The company’s last estimated worth was over eight hundred million. If he was the father, then why would Morgan and Tyler be living in an apartment and not a nice house someplace with a housekeeper and cook?
“Does Walter know he’s the father?”
“Oh, that bastard knows. It wasn’t easy getting information because the employees all fear they’ll lose their jobs, but I have what you need.”
“Let it rip.”
“They were dating and pretty seriously. She was the senior contract manager and for damn good reasons. She was the top negotiator in pretty much every major deal they had. If it weren’t for her, they wouldn’t be where they are now. Of course, the payback for such loyalty ended as soon as the Sapps found out the child was autistic.”
“What do you mean ended?”
“I mean the fucking asshole cut off all ties with her and Tyler. He actually accused her of cheating on him one day at work in front of a few of her staff members, saying there was no way that messed-up kid could be his. She quit that day and never went back.”
The pain was starting to make sense now. “Why didn’t she fight? Is it possible he was right?”
“No. She had a DNA test taken, which proved he was the father. He wouldn’t respond to it. From what I hear, she went to his father, the owner, and had Tyler with her. She wanted him to see his grandchild. Let’s just say, Junior’s bad behavior was a carbon copy of his father’s. He threw her out of his office and told her that he never wanted to see that little brat again. And from what I see, neither of them have contacted her or assisted her in any way.”
His head was throbbing. If that bastard were there in front of him right now, Shaun would be going to jail for assault or worse. Until that moment, he never understood how Dean could’ve lost his temper and almost beat someone to death. It was taking everything in him to stay in control. If the man were anywhere close, he would show him what a fucking coward deserved for disrespecting women and children.
“I could keep digging, but I think you have what you need from me. Now you have to decide what you’re going to do with this information.” Bennett stood and walked to the door, but before leaving, he turned back to Shaun. “She’s been through a lot, Shaun. Before you move any further into her life, make sure you’re not going to be another asshole for her to add to the list. Because with everything I’ve found, she’s not your average girl, if you know what I mean.”
Shaun didn’t like the warning, but he appreciated that Bennett cared enough for Morgan to give one.
&n
bsp; Once alone he walked back to his desk, opened the drawer, and pulled out a glass and the bottle of bourbon he stored there for emergencies. He hadn’t touched it since his father died. He hadn’t needed to.
Leaning back in his chair, he pictured her face as he questioned her earlier. Damn it. If I’d known before I never would’ve pressured her.
Shaun wanted to tell her he understood what a mean neglectful parent was all about, but he had no clue what she was feeling. To have a son you love and be accused of the things she’d been accused of, just because Tyler was different. She’s gone through so much. But she can’t let an asshole like him rule her life forever. If she does, he wins. Never let them win.
That’s how he dealt with his own father. It was a horrible way to grow up, but in the end, no matter how hard his father had tried, he hadn’t been able to break him. Morgan was an amazingly strong woman. He knew she had it in her to fight, to demand what was rightfully hers. She should never have needed to struggle to support Tyler when Walter had plenty of money to go around. So why didn’t she? Why walk away and let him go on with his life as though she and Tyler never existed? If it were him, he’d be in there raking Walter’s ass over the coals. I’d make him wish he’d never heard of my name, for an entirely different reason than his child was autistic.
There was a major difference between the two of them. She ran and hid. He wanted to teach her to fight back. Was that a good thing? Maybe not, but he didn’t want to see her get hurt again. Not by Walter or anyone else.
He picked up his cell and scrolled for her number. Before he hit the call button, he thought about what he’d say. Hey, just found out your son’s father is an asshole. Want me to go and punch his lights out?
Shaun decided this was going to require a different course of action. Getting up, he put the phone in his back pocket and left his office. Dean saw him as he shut the door.
“Was that Bennett I heard earlier?”
“Yeah. He came by with some information regarding Morgan.”
“Want to come in and fill me in?”
“No. He was right the first time. She’s not a threat to Poly-Shyn or anyone else. She’s only here for a job. My suggestion is to let her stay and do it.”
There was no need for Dean to know of her past. She had the right to her privacy. Too bad I didn’t respect it, but I needed to know. And I’m glad I do.
“Does that mean you’re vacating the office next door and going back to your own office?”
“Nope.” Turning, he walked down the hall to call it a night. He had a lot of thinking to do and standing there talking to Dean wasn’t going to get it done.
There wasn’t much he needed in life right now. But one thing he knew, he needed to see her. As he got into his limo, he gave his driver her address. As they pulled away from the curb, Shaun said, “I’ve changed my mind. Take me home.”
He was ready for the conversation, but he knew she wasn’t. If he showed up unannounced, all she was going to do was kick his ass out again. He would see her and earn her trust. He could tell her he knew, but instead he wanted her to open up to him. He didn’t know how long it was going to take, but he was willing to wait.
Looks like it’s time for another weekend visit. Planned this time.
Chapter Nine
“Hi, Shaun. If you’re looking for Brice, he’s in the office,” Lena said when she opened the door.
“I’m actually here to talk to you.”
Lena’s look of surprise probably matched his own. Over the last eighteen months they only spoke during their once a month Sunday brunch at her house. She’s family. And probably the only one who can help me right now.
“Come in. Nicholas is napping so let’s sit in the kitchen, and I’ll make some coffee.”
He knew Zoey would kill him if she found out he came to talk to Lena instead of her, but Zoey didn’t have the experience he required. And experience mattered most of all.
Lena poured a cup and took the seat across from him. She sat quietly, waiting for him to speak. He knew exactly what he wanted to ask, but now he wasn’t sure where to start. If Brice were home, he would have to choose his words more carefully. Lena, on the other hand, was born to be a mom. She not only took care of their son, Nicholas, but she looked like she was about to deliver any day now. Nice. Dean and Tessa’s baby will have a cousin to play with. Which I better not mention, because I don’t know who knows what.
“Sometimes it’s easier just to spit it out and let me do the rest.”
“I need to ask you about children.”
He’d shocked her for the second time in a matter of minutes. Her expression softened, and she smiled at him. “Is this your way of saying you’re going to be a father?”
“Hell no.” He didn’t mean that to sound so sharp but being a father was the furthest thing from his mind.
“Okay, guess I was wrong. I’m going to need a little more information if you want my help.”
Shaun gulped his hot coffee, not caring if it burned his mouth. Okay. Let’s get this over with.
“I have a friend who has a child. My experience with children is . . . none. I have none. The only kid I’ve ever been around is Nicholas. He’s easy because he’s like you. You know. Happy.”
“Thank you. But trust me. Nicholas is a lot like Brice.”
“Sorry about that.” Shaun tried to ease the subject with a bit of humor. That’s the way his brother Alex handled every situation. He only hoped it worked as well when he tried. No one’s ever accused me of being funny. Not even a little bit.
“So tell me about this friend of yours.”
“Her name is Morgan. She has a son who is nine. I just don’t know what kids like to do, or what to do with them?”
“What’s his name?”
“Tyler.”
“Boys are so much easier than girls. You could go fishing or bowling or baseball. They like to be active.”
“I may have left out one part that is important. But then again maybe not. Okay, I really know what is important when it comes to children, never mind this one. All I know is I don’t want to hurt him.”
Not hurting someone so innocent. What a concept. Maybe I’m not the carbon copy of my father. She must have.
Lena reached across the table and touched Shaun’s hand. “Then you have exactly what he needs.” Shaun looked at her. He had no idea what that was. “You care about him, Shaun. When you care enough about another person to avoid hurting them, then the rest is easy.”
Easy. I didn’t even know that I started to care. I just wanted to know what not to do. I don’t want to be like Walter. I refuse to be like him. “He’s autistic. How do you connect with him?”
“Morgan would be the best to tell you, as children or adults with special needs all react to things differently. Have you seen him do anything which might provide a hint of what he likes?”
I’ve only met him once. How can I know anything from that? He thought back to that day. What had Elisabeth told him? Had she provided a clue? Yes! The bike ride.
Shaun got up quickly. “Thanks, Lena.”
“Wait! You’re leaving that quickly?”
“Sorry. I have some shopping to do.”
“By the smile on your face, you’ve got your answer.” She stood and rubbed her well-rounded belly. “I’m happy for you. But can I offer one piece of advice?”
He stopped in his tracks and waited for her to slam him for even having the thought. Tell him that he shouldn’t even think about entering into a child’s life. That he was not fit to be around them.
“What is that?”
“Talk to Morgan. Because if I’m right, and I usually am about these things, you’re not just interested in understanding Tyler better, but more like both of them. And I’m sure she’d want to know that. I know I would if I were in her shoes.”
He had every intention of getting to know Morgan, but no plans of talking to her about it. Nope he was going to handle her his own way. Women I understand
. Well, as best as any man can I guess, which is not at all. Oh, fuck. “This is going to get so damn complicated isn’t it?”
Lena laughed. “Oh, the battle of the sexes can be so much fun. As, long as you understand one thing.”
“What is that?”
“That winning isn’t everything.” She reached up on tippy toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “That’s for good luck. Don’t worry. I won’t say anything to your brother.”
“Thank you.”
He left and was actually happy he’d stopped instead of just calling on the phone. He didn’t spend enough time with the family. That’s another thing that needs to change. But one thing at a time. Right now, it’s all about Morgan and Tyler.
He was going to make plans for this Saturday with them. He only hoped she was going to be open to what he’d planned. No risk, no glory.
When he got back in the limo he told the driver to take him to a bicycle shop. The driver looked over his shoulder with a puzzled look as though he hadn’t heard correctly.
“And make it one that carries a bicycle built for three.”
A smile came over the driver’s face, which usually remained emotionless. He couldn’t know what he’d planned. Then he remembered how he’d stayed outside while Shaun had been inside talking to Elisabeth. He would’ve seen the same thing he did. The bicycle built for two. Oh. I’m going to need to remember you’re much more aware of what’s going on than I give you credit for. Not sure I like that.
This week was so much better than the last. With one exception: Shaun’s little interrogation. Morgan had thought for sure he’d try again, but he never mentioned anything. They were even in the same meeting this week, and he’d treated her like any other employee. Not saying that’s a good thing, but at least we’re past what awkwardness there was.
That didn’t mean she felt any different. When she looked at him she secretly hoped he’d be looking at her. Each time she was disappointed. Why? She told him no, and he was respecting that. She should be happy. But she wasn’t. She pushed him away, but she still wanted him. How is he supposed to know what I want, when I don’t know myself?
You & Me Make Three: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book Three Page 9
