But he knew, given the chance, she’d run from what they shared instead of facing it. He’d finally found the one woman who liked everything in his life that was real and nothing that was related to the Montgomery wealth or status.
If he had his say, she wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Chapter Seven
Catherine woke to the sun streaming in through the window. Logan’s window, Logan’s room. She glanced over, but his side of the bed was empty. She heard the sound of the shower and lay back against the pillows. Every pull of her muscles reminded her of last night. And, Catherine admitted to herself, she felt good.
At first, she’d been afraid of the aftermath, afraid he’d find himself with a woman he’d had enough of. But when she’d rolled away, giving him the option of space, he’d rejected it. Everything before and since had been like a dream.
She’d been so depleted she barely remembered making her way from the den to the bedroom, and after he’d returned from putting out the fire, she’d curled into his warmth and fallen fast asleep.
There hadn’t been time nor energy for second thoughts then, but she had plenty of opportunity now. Yet the one thing she couldn’t do was regret her night with Logan. He’d been a generous and giving lover, attuned to her wants, her needs, and her feelings. But it did figure.
The
only one-night stand in her life and she had to pick the wrong man. Oh, he was the right man in every way—just not for her. She was petrified their worlds would collide and destroy what they had shared.
The jarring ring of her cell shattered her thoughts. Good thing since she didn’t like the direction they were taking. She glanced at the screen to see Emma’s name and she reached for the phone. “Hi, Emma.”
“Too tired for an amusing greeting. That must be a good sign.”
Catherine laid her head against the pillow. It was no wonder Logan gave up trying to control the older woman. She probably had more stamina and antics up her sleeve than the two of them put together.
“So glad you recognized my voice, dear.” Catherine didn’t bother to remind her that her name had popped up on Catherine’s cell. “Long nights can sometimes cloud the brain. How are you feeling this morning?” Emma asked.
She refused to succumb to the bait. “Just fine. And you?”
“Just fine means my grandson’s technique needs work.”
Catherine choked at Emma’s blunt statement and a heated flush rose up her naked body. Logan’s technique had been beyond amazing, not that it was any of his grandmother’s business.
Catherine wondered how long it had been since anyone had given Emma a run for her money. She adored the older woman, but a lesson was in order.
“You know, you’re right,” Catherine said. “Maybe it was the long drive or the run through the rain, but he just wasn’t up to what I’m sure is his normal… potency.”
Emma coughed. And Catherine realized the bathroom door had already opened, in time for Logan to have caught the end of the conversation. He stood by the bed, his jeans riding low on his narrow waist, a towel hanging over his shoulders, and an eyebrow raised in blatant disbelief.
“Emma,” Catherine mouthed, pointing to the phone.
Logan placed a finger over his lips and motioned for Catherine to hand him the cell. She nodded and did as he asked. He hit the speaker button.
“You do realize sometimes men aren’t up to snuff their first time with a woman, but I’m sure it’ll get better, dear.”
Catherine couldn’t help it. She burst out laughing.
Emma sniffed. “I know you’re there, Logan, and speakerphones are so rude. Have I taught you nothing about class and refinement?”
It was Logan’s turn to laugh. “Everything I learned, I learned from you. Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to pry?”
“I was just having a nice conversation with Catherine, wasn’t I, dear?”
Catherine bit down on her lower lip. “Yes, ma’am. But you should know I stayed because of the storm. Nothing happened last night.” She crossed her fingers behind her back as she spoke.
Logan’s steamy gaze met hers. “Liar,” he mouthed as he lowered himself beside her on the bed.
The distinct masculine scent of spicy soap and aftershave aroused her in an instant. She pulled the sheet up around her, but the effort was too little too late. He’d already seen it all—and more.
“Well, of course, nothing happened. I raised my grandson to be a gentleman. And you’re every inch the perfect lady. For him,” Emma added. “Now, I’ve got to run. I’m hanging up now, bye.”