“It was Bruce’s way of claiming her, not as in Paula was an object, but as in she was his.” He shook his head. “The way they looked at one another... I’d never before seen that kind of devotion…sure as hell not growing up.” He inhaled. “Anyway, being with the Mayhands was as if I had been transported into some fifties or sixties television show with a family that actually cared for one another. Margaret included.”
My cheeks rose. “I wish I could know Paula’s husband.”
“When he was diagnosed, I promised him that his family would be taken care of. I’ve kept my word.” He grinned. “I usually do.”
“Usually—that’s intriguing.”
“No, it goes back to what I told you from the beginning. I’m not a good man. I’ve made deals and then changed course when a better option became available. When it gets to the bottom line, it’s about more and better.”
“Helping the Mayhands isn’t about the bottom line?”
“No. Granted, they are the exception, not the rule.”
I recalled the Sherman Brothers deal and the lawsuits. “You’re doing all of this with the Mayhands at the exact same time you were fighting lawsuits and slander over the lost retirement funds from Sherman Brothers.” I shook my head. “This is an example of the dichotomy that is Donovan Sherman.”
“No, Julia. I’m straightforward—more, bigger, better.”
“No, you’re not. While all that legal trouble was hovering over you and you were being persecuted by the press, you vowed to take care of a family, one you now employ.”
Van leaned back in the corner of the sofa, one of his long legs bent with his sock-covered foot on the floor. The other leg was extended on the sofa, that foot near me. He’d placed the plate with his mostly eaten dinner on the large table between the sofa and fireplace and settled back with his glass of wine. “I would say that I call her Mrs. Mayhand out of respect for Bruce.”
Taking another bite of breadstick, I wondered how long it would truly take to get to know the man with me. I was becoming well-versed on the physical man, the hard muscles and warm skin. I could close my eyes and see him standing nude above me or lain out on the bed. I could accurately imagine the way his expressions changed as he claimed what I’d willingly given and the way his hardened cock filled me.
It was the inside of Van that held more mysteries.
Each insight he offered was a gift, an understanding into a man who gave few people that opportunity. Knowing I was in the minority gave me a warm feeling as I basked in that light of his gift.
“How is your research coming?” he asked.
“I feel like I need more. I’ve decided to visit the executive offices tomorrow.”
Van sat forward, concern furrowing his brow. “I have meetings until three. They’re virtual; however, if I cancel them, it’ll be a rescheduling nightmare.”
I squeezed his toes through his sock and grinned. “I’m a big girl, Mr. Sherman.”
“I’m aware.”
“I’m capable of taking an Uber or taxi to the offices.” Before Van could speak, I shook my head and corrected myself. “Michael, sorry…the driver. Now, I remember your decree.” I lifted my right hand. “I solemnly swear I will use the driver.”
“It’s not a decree.”
“I was also thinking of stopping by Vicki’s if she’s home. I’d like to see her one more time before we head north.”
I watched as the tendons tightened in his neck as his jaw clenched. “Tell me, can Michael drop me off at the door and wait in the car or will he need to enter her apartment? How exactly do we handle bathroom breaks?”
Van’s eyes closed as his nostrils flared.
When his eyes opened, the intensity within was consuming. “This isn’t a joke, Julia.”
Seeing his reaction, I realized that I might have taken it too far.
“Van, I get it. I was teasing, kind of. I’m not a fan of the whole bodyguard thing, but if you think it’s important as long as we’re here in Chicago, I have no reason to argue.”
Van hadn’t confided in me that he’d hired a security team until after my parents’ party. I commented about seeing the same man off and on, feeling like he was watching me. It turned out that he was.
“If I could keep you in our home forever, miles from anyone, I would. I’d lavish upon you anything your heart desired. I’d lock the front gates, keep everyone away, and keep you safe.”
“I’m not a porcelain doll that can break.”