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“Thirteen.” Her voice cracked on the number, and she swallowed. “Thirteen going on thirty.”
“What happened to you? You said you never knew your father.”
She shrugged. How had she allowed the subject to veer from Jason to her own troubled childhood? “Foster homes.”
Trey grimaced. “I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, but I was luckier than most. I got out okay.”
“Why lucky?”
“You don’t want to hear this.”
“Yes, I do.”
“A police officer—” She hesitated and took a sip of wine. Why was she telling Wentworth this messy story? She’d never told anyone. “He took me under his wing and looked out for me in the system. He was a good guy, the reason I became a cop.”
“What happened to him?”
“He retired last year, moved to Daytona Beach.”
“It’s nice to have a mentor.”
“I guess your father was your mentor,” she said, pleased she’d found a way to switch the subject back to Wentworth.
Trey laughed harshly. “Oh, yeah. My old man has guided me through life like a kindly and wise sage.”
Kelly stared at Trey. Interesting that he had issues, serious issues apparently, with dear old Dad. No one’s life was perfect. So maybe Trey did understand that stacks of cash didn’t solve every problem. And maybe his relationship with his father was another reason he treated Jason like royalty. He wanted to do a better job at parenting, make sure his son knew he was loved. Maybe she should give the guy a break.
Or maybe she’d had too much wine.
At least Wentworth knew his father.
She set her glass on the bar. She needed to get away from this man. She was actually starting to feel sorry for a billionaire.
“Listen, Trey, about that bodyguard…”
“You want me to call him off.”
She nodded.
“Then it’s done,” Trey said.
“Thanks.” She came to her feet. “I need to get some sleep. It’s been a crazy couple of days.”
“I understand.”
She hesitated. “If you really want to thank me, I do have a suggestion.”
“Just name it.”
“Ask Greta to prepare food that’s a little less, you know, fattening.”
Trey laughed softly. “You got it.”
“Thanks. Would you mind if I swam a few laps before I turn in?”
“Please, Kelly. You don’t have to ask. Everything in my home is at your disposal,” he said, giving her such a slow sexy smile that her heart began to gallop again. “Everything.”
* * *
THE NEXT MORNING Trey moved into his office with his second cup of coffee determined to tackle the mail he’d ignored since the kidnapping. The coffee was gone but he’d made little progress when the phone rang. Caller ID revealed Brian Howell, his attorney.
“Good morning, Trey. How is Jason?”
Trey sat back and rubbed his eyes. “The same. He’s in session with Dr. Carico right now.”
“Does he still think Officer Jenkins is his mother?”
“He says he does.”
“What do you mean by that? Do you think he’s faking?”
“I honestly don’t know, but you have to admit the whole idea is nuts.”
“What does Carico say?”
“Donna’s opinion is Jason truly believes Kelly is his mother.”
“Surely Jason couldn’t fool a professional,” Brian said.
“You’d think not.”
“And why would he pretend?”
“Kelly would say it’s because he’s spoiled and used to getting his own way.”
“Is she there now?”
“She’s on duty. She left before nine.”
“I see. Well, you’ll be glad to know the background check on Officer Jenkins came in this morning. It’s attached to an email I just sent you. That’s one reason for my call.”
“Hold on.” Trey swiveled to his computer, found Brian’s message and sent its attachment to his printer.
“That was quick,” Trey said. “Thanks. Does the report reveal any problems?”
“I’ll let you decide that for yourself.”
“What’s the other reason for the call?”
