Bidding On The Billionaire (The Sherbrookes of Newport Book 8)

by Christina Tetreault

  “And why are you here anyway?” Her mom’s voice could’ve turned Narragansett Bay into a skating rink. “If it was to keep Brooklyn company until I arrived, thank you. You can go now. This is a family matter.”

  “Mom!”

  “I’m here, Mrs. Novak, because Brooklyn’s my fiancée, and she needs me,” he said, his anger barely controlled. “When she leaves, I’ll leave. Until then, you’ll have to deal with it.”

  Actual shock spread across her mom’s face, an occurrence Brooklyn hadn’t thought possible considering all the Botox she’d had injected over the years. “Impossible. Donovan intended on convincing her to give her relationship with Trevor another chance.” Her mom turned her full attention toward Brooklyn. “Your father warned you about getting involved with Derek. I know you’d never go against his wishes and agree to marry him.”

  Before she could confirm or deny Derek’s statement, the door opened and an older gentleman wearing scrubs walked inside.

  “Mrs. Novak?” the newcomer said. “I’m Dr. Gable. I’m here to give you an update on your husband.”

  Chapter 13

  After Dr. Gable delivered his update on Novak’s condition, Derek had sat and waited for Brooklyn to confirm their engagement. She hadn’t said a word.

  Instead, she’d gone between pacing and sipping the coffee a hospital employee delivered while they waited for Novak to go from surgery to the coronary care unit. Only her mom, who had demonstrated how nasty a woman she was, spoke occasionally as they waited. Although he wished she’d kept her big trap shut.

  When she wasn’t complaining about the hospital staff or the facility, she blamed Brooklyn for her husband’s heart attack. The first time he defended Brooklyn, Scarlet told him outright to mind his own business. Every time afterward when he made an attempt to rebuff a comment, Brooklyn sent him a look or squeezed his hand, silent gestures to please be quiet. It had killed him, but he’d kept his opinions to himself.

  Although the doctors allowed Brooklyn and Scarlet in to see Novak, their visit had been short. Afterwards he’d offered to drive Brooklyn home and stay with her. She’d quietly insisted it’d be better if she went with her mom instead. That woman was the last person she should be around. No question about it, Scarlet would only continue to blame her for the heart attack. Rather than create a scene, he’d kept silent and driven back to Trent’s place, hoping to grab a few hours of rest and a shower before work.

  Thanks to Kendrick, he doubted he’d gotten more than two hours of uninterrupted sleep. Man, the kid had a set of lungs on him. Derek had no idea how his brother managed get enough sleep to function at work every day.

  Having his nephew wake him every couple hours wouldn’t have been the end of the world if he’d managed to fall right back to sleep afterward. He hadn’t. Each time Kendrick’s cries woke him, his mind went back to the previous night’s events. When he’d told her mom they were engaged, Brooklyn hadn’t said a word. Was she having second thoughts? Had Novak’s threats worked?

  No one wanted to be cut off from family. But most people weren’t faced with such a decision either. And it wasn’t only her family on the line. Novak had threatened to withhold her trust fund too. Regardless of whether or not they married, she didn’t need the trust fund. Still, it was another incentive to fall in line.

  He wanted to believe she loved him enough not to cave to her father’s demands. Her silence the night before raised doubts.

  It’ll work out. He buttoned up his dress shirt, grateful he and Trent were the same size. Shoving his wallet in his back pocket, he checked his smartphone as he walked downstairs. Several new e-mails clogged his inbox, but so far no message from Brooklyn. He’d offered to take the day off and stay with her. After the way Scarlet treated her last night, she’d need all the moral support she could get today. She’d declined the offer, but promised to call or text him if she changed her mind. Evidently, she hadn’t. Either that or she wasn’t up yet.

  Derek walked into the kitchen, but his mind remained several floors below with Brooklyn.

  “You look like hell.” Trent held up a coffee mug from where he stood by the counter. “Want some?”

  “Make it three or four. How do you get any sleep at night?”

  Despite all the times his son woke up during the night, Trent looked well rested and prepared to tackle the day, unlike him.

  “Earplugs.” Trent delivered a large mug of coffee before returning to the counter. “Sleep with them every night when I have to work the next day. On weekends I get up with Kendrick so Addie can get some rest.”

  Derek took a long sip from his coffee, silently willing the caffeine to work its magic. “Would’ve been nice if you shared your secret before I went to bed. Poor Addie. She must be a zombie all day.”

  “Didn’t think of it. Besides, you weren’t much of a conversationalist when you got here.” Trent rejoined him, setting down two plates of food. “What happened last night?”

  When his brother had opened the door, Derek had shared the bare minimum before asking if he could spend the night. It made sense Trent wanted the full story this morning.

  He swallowed more coffee before launching into a detailed version of events. “Yesterday when we got back, Novak was waiting inside Brooklyn’s apartment for her.”

  “He broke in to his daughter’s apartment,” Trent said, his fork raised halfway to his mouth. “I knew he was a jerk, but that’s taking it to a whole new level.”

  “Wait. You’re going to love the rest,” Derek said sarcastically before telling his brother about Novak’s plans for a fall wedding between Brooklyn and Trevor.

  “I take it he had the heart attack when Brooklyn refused to follow orders.”

  “No, he already knew she’d stopped seeing Trevor. He hoped to change her mind last night. He lost it when she told him we’re engaged.”

  Trent choked on the coffee he’d just swallowed. “Engaged? When did this happen?” he demanded when he could speak again.

  “Yesterday. Novak went—”

  “Not when did you ask her. I got the impression you two were only friends.”

  “Things change. Now we’re engaged. Or at least we were. After Novak found out, the son of a bitch threatened to disown Brooklyn.”

  Trent grimaced and shook his head. “I can’t think of an appropriate word to describe Novak. How did she handle it?”

  Excellent question. One he wished he had the answer to. “Don’t know. She asked me to leave so they could talk in private. Not long after, the paramedics showed up.”

  “I don’t think she’s the type to be swayed by threats.”

  “Anything else, I’d agree with you. But we’re talking about family here.”

  “Still don’t think you have anything to worry about.”

  Hope you’re right, Derek thought before starting on the breakfast Trent had brought him.

  Across the table, Trent drained his coffee mug as he stood. “I need to go.” He picked up his breakfast dishes, but before he walked away, he clapped Derek on the shoulder. “Congrats, by the way.”

  Before Derek replied, his smartphone beeped.

  Headed to the hospital. Talk to you later, the short message from Brooklyn read.

  Call if you need anything. Love you, he typed back, relieved the message didn’t contain any bad news.

  Love you too.

  “News?” Trent asked.

  “Nah, she was letting me know she’s headed to the hospital.”

  “You’re welcome to stay here again tonight so you’re close by. Just remember the earplugs.”

  He appreciated the offer, but he hoped Brooklyn’s mother would check in to a hotel today. Assuming she did and Brooklyn would have him, he planned on staying with her for as long as she needed him. “Thanks. I’ll let you know.”

  ***

  Okay, the emotional roller coaster had permission to stop because she needed a breather. In less than twenty-four hours, she’d gone from over-the-moon ecstatic to ang
ry as hell followed by scared to death. The last had gradually faded into worry after they’d spoken to the doctor. While her dad wasn’t out of the woods, his prognosis was good.

  She wished she could say the same about her relationship with her parents.

  The hours sitting around waiting for news hadn’t stopped her mom from voicing her opinion the whole ride back from the hospital. She’d done the same this morning over coffee, and Brooklyn came within inches of telling her to get a hotel room for however long she needed to stay in Providence. She’d been saved from having to. Instead, her mom announced she planned to get a room in the city. Milan, who’d arrived earlier this morning from Greenwich, planned to do the same.

  Unfortunately, Brooklyn couldn’t escape her mom in the waiting room. They’d arrived at the hospital an hour earlier, and they’d both sat with her dad, who’d been sleeping, until her phone vibrated. Since the call had been from work, she retreated to the waiting room outside the CCU, grateful for a chance to get away from the angry glances her mom kept sending her way. The arrival of her mom now meant break time was over.

  “Paris arrives at noon.” Her mom put her smartphone back in her shoulder bag. Finally Scarlet had managed a sentence that didn’t either heap more guilt on Brooklyn or make her angry. Perhaps the day was looking up. “Is Seth coming too?”

  “Yes, but he’ll fly home tomorrow. Paris promised to stay until Donovan gets released.”

  What’s the point? Couldn’t her brother-in-law take some time and be there for her sister? If she asked, Derek would be right by her side helping in any way he could. And she wished he were there now, but subjecting him to her mom’s snide and ugly comments wouldn’t be fair. He’d received enough of those last night.

  “She reserved a room at the Rhodes too.”

  “That’s good.” As long as no one planned on staying with her, she didn’t care where her family booked rooms. “Is Dad still asleep?”

  “He woke up not long before your sister called.”

  It made sense her mom had come out when Paris called. “How’s he feeling? Did he say anything?”

  Last night they’d been allowed to visit with him for a few minutes, but he’d been asleep then too.

  “He feels as well as you’d expect. Milan’s in with him right now. She got here a little after you got the call from the office.”

  “Since he’s awake, do you mind if I go in and say hello.” Hospital policy for the CCU limited only two visitors at a time. If her mom went back in now, Brooklyn would have to wait until Milan came out.

  Her mom frowned. Perhaps afraid frowning caused wrinkles, she rarely exhibited the expression. If her mom did it now, it didn’t bode well.

  “What’s the matter?” Brooklyn asked, positive she didn’t want to know the answer. “Did the doctor not mention something last night?”

  Her mom didn’t meet her eyes. “He doesn’t want to see you.”

  A knife twisted in the vicinity of her heart.

  “He’ll only see you if you agree to end your involvement with Derek.”

  He’d promised her last night he’d disown her if she stayed with Derek, but she hadn’t expected him to bar her from his hospital room. “I see.” Her eyes filled with tears and she brushed them away.

  “You need to decide. Derek or your father.”

  She doubted a more unfair statement had ever been uttered in the hospital waiting room. In her heart she knew the right decision. It was the only one she could make. Still, it killed her to make it.

  ***

  For the umpteenth time, he checked his smartphone. Other than the short message earlier, he hadn’t heard from Brooklyn. He had no rational reason to think so, but he suspected it wasn’t a good sign. Either Novak had taken a turn for the worse since last night, or she was avoiding him. Both possibilities sucked. He might not like the man or the way he treated Brooklyn, but he didn’t wish him ill either. And if Brooklyn decided their relationship wasn’t worth the consequences, well, he didn’t want to think about how he’d survive that.

  Flipping to the next page in the file, he scanned the contents and tried to focus. Speculating on why she hadn’t called wouldn’t make it happen any sooner. Getting some work done though would pass the time and perhaps act as a distraction.

  “Any word from Brooklyn?” Max Hale stepped inside his office.

  Rather than have her worry about calling in this morning, he’d delivered Brooklyn’s news to Max and the office manager. “No, not yet.”

  “Who’s her father’s doctor? Is it Dr. Gable? He treated me in the hospital. Fabulous doctor. Couldn’t ask for better.”

  “He’s the one who spoke to the family last night.” When the doctor had sat Brooklyn and her mom down to explain Novak’s condition and how they were treating it, he’d seemed competent. If Max was giving him a glowing review, then he must be exceptional. Max didn’t hand out compliments. He maintained high standards and didn’t settle for anything less than the best. When Max didn’t receive the best, he let it be known.

  “Then her father’s in excellent hands. And I suspect he’ll make a full recovery.”

  “Good to hear. When I talk to her, I’ll pass along your reassurance,” Derek said.

  “Be sure to let her know I’m here if she needs anything,” Max said, once again showing his softer side. The side he never showed in the courtroom. “I’m off to enjoy lunch with Carol.”

  “Will do.”

  With a nod, Max left, and Derek checked his watch. Sure enough, it was almost lunchtime. Most days his body would’ve alerted him to the time. Today the knot in his stomach took up too much space. Closing the file, he grabbed his keys and phone. He didn’t need lunch, but he’d use this time to find a better distraction. And he knew the place.

  He didn’t shop in Providence often. However, he did know the best jeweler in the state was located on South Main Street. If he wanted to find the perfect engagement ring without traveling far, it would be at Howell and Sons. He just hoped Brooklyn was still willing to accept it.

  Chapter 14

  After her reply to her dad’s ultimatum, she hadn’t waited to hear anymore. Instead, she got in her car and drove with no destination in mind. Sometime around noon she found herself at Scarborough, her favorite beach in Narragansett. For hours she sat watching the surf and contemplating her decision. She’d made the right one, she didn’t doubt it for a minute. Knowing it didn’t make accepting it any easier. It also didn’t make the ache in her chest lessen.

  Her dad was being not only unreasonable but also irrational. She could understand his dislike of Mark Sherbrooke. High school rivals were not unheard of, especially at highly competitive schools. To believe the man had deliberately injured him and then to hold a grudge for all these years, though, was absurd. Transferring those feelings to the rest of Mark Sherbrooke’s family defied all common sense. She’d never change her dad’s mind about the Sherbrookes. His hatred was too much a part of him. That meant she’d have to come to terms with her actions today, something she feared would take a long time.

  When she headed down to the beach, she’d only taken the beach towel she kept in the trunk and her keys. So when the lifeguards left their posts and she returned to her car, she found a bunch of text messages waiting for her. Several were from her cousin Cheyenne and her sister Milan. She also had one from Derek, whom she should’ve called after leaving the hospital. He deserved to know what had transpired today.

  Quickly she sent her cousin and sister messages, promising to call them tomorrow. Then she sent Derek one.

  On my way home. Should be there hopefully in about forty-five. On a perfect day with no traffic, the drive only took a little over thirty minutes. Considering it was the summer, anything was possible.

  Almost right away he sent a message back. Do you want me to meet you there?

  Please. Right now seeing him and having him hold her was the only thing she wanted.

  I’ll be there.

  Either th
e traffic gods sensed her desperation or they figured she’d suffered enough over the past two days, because she made it home in thirty-five minutes, an unheard-of feat in the summer.

  Something had to go right today, she thought, putting her car in park. She passed by the other vehicles in the garage, half expecting to see her mom’s car. An unannounced visit from her wouldn’t surprise her. Especially since she hadn’t stuck around this morning to hear her mom’s thoughts on her decision. Scarlet Novak’s trademark candy-apple red convertible wasn’t there. Thank goodness. She pulled open the stairwell door and jogged up the stairs.

  Since he didn’t have a key to her apartment, Brooklyn assumed Derek would be hanging out with one of his brothers. So when she stepped off the elevator, the sight of him sitting on the bench lifted the weight pressing down on her chest.

  Derek crossed the foyer as soon as he saw her. “Hey, what’s wrong?” He wrapped his arms around her and the tears she’d held back threatened to spill over. “Have you been at the hospital all day?”

  She shook her head while she struggled to keep from bawling like a baby. “I drove down to the beach. I’ve been there since late this morning.”

  Rather than ask why, he took the keys from her hand. In silence he unlocked the door and held it open for her.

  “Sorry I didn’t call earlier,” she said, stalling. He deserved to know what had happened at the hospital, and she wanted to share. Get it off her chest. At the same time, she knew talking about it would only make it more real.

  Cupping her face in his hand, he rubbed his thumb across her cheek. “It’s okay. I understand. Go sit and I’ll get you some iced tea. Then we can talk if you want.”

  Oh, she’d so made the right decision. Hot tears slipped down her cheeks and she saw the concern flare in Derek’s eyes. “I don’t need anything.”

  He swallowed and allowed her to lead him into the living room. “Something is wrong. What happened today?” he asked. “Did your father have a setback?”