Naughty, Naughty Prince Charming (Charming 1)

“And sacrificing any semblance of a personal life for the same final result,” Bob said.

“I don’t need a woman after the green,” Logan countered. “You found Angela before you made money. I was born into it. I want a woman who wants me for me just like I want a job I earned fair and square.”

“So because your family has money you will never find ‘the’ woman?” Bob questioned.

“I never said I didn’t want a woman. Just not one who wants me for my money or attaches a ball and chain. Besides, I don’t buy into the storybook ‘happily ever after’.”

“Yet your parents were happily married.”

“And an exception to the rule. All married people, like yourself, defend holy matrimony because they don’t want to believe they are destined for failure.”

Bob shook his head and glanced at his watch. “I need to go. I’m meeting my wife for dinner. Correction. Soon-to-be ex-wife—if your theory holds water—for dinner.” He stood and held out his hand. “Good to see you, man. Call me next month when you’re in town.”

After a few words of goodbye, Bob departed. Logan downed the rest of his whiskey and Cola and scanned the room, looking for the woman who continued to invade his thoughts. And there she was, his brunette angel, still alone. That was all the invitation he needed.

* * * * *

Lucy’s drink appeared on the table in front of her, forcing her eyes up. Her breath caught in her throat, because there stood, in front of the table, her sexy stranger, the one she had spotted as she entered the bar. Tall, dark, and handsome just like her best fantasy man. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly feeling extremely dry.

“Hi,” he said in a deep, resonating voice. “I’m Logan.”

He wore dress pants, and a button-down white shirt, open as if he had discarded a tie. Very GQ and worldly. Unable to help herself, her eyes made a quick sweep of his body. Taking in the broad shoulder, tapered waist, and powerful thighs.

Eyes returning to his face, she forced her voice. “Uh, hi. I’m Lucy.” And you are gorgeous.

“Nice to meet you, Lucy,” he said, with a slight incline of his head. His gaze shifted for just a moment to the chair beside her. “Mind if I join you or are you expecting someone?”

Unbelievable. It was as if she’d willed her best fantasy to life. “Please,” she said. “Feel free. My friend is late and I could use the company.” Lucy silently reveled at the cool way she’d managed to respond.

Without another word, he occupied the chair to her right. Nervous, and needing something to do, she reached for her drink and sipped. The tangy taste of lime filtered into her mouth. And she wondered how he tasted. The pure heat of the thought made her set her glass down.

“I’ve never seen you here before,” he said. “This tends to be the same crowd over and over.”

Lucy glanced at him, debating what she should say. For this to be a fantasy night, her red hot secret, she needed to live it to the fullest. That meant no personal information. No temptation to make it more than a delicious retreat from her focused, career-driven world.

Decision made, she smiled. “I’m visiting from out of town. An old college buddy lives here and we’re hooking up tonight. It was her idea to come here.” Now she just had to make sure Zoe went along with her story. Not that she was overly concerned. Zoe loved little games and would take a quick hint if offered. Lucy glanced at her watch hoping to deter him from asking much about Zoe. “She’s very late.”

“I can’t say I’m sorry,” he said in a low voice. “If your friend wasn’t late, I wouldn’t be sitting here with you…alone.”

“Funny how things work out,” she said softly, unable to hide a hint of a smile. This little flirtation was fun. It had been so long since she’d allowed herself the freedom to enjoy a man.

“So—” he started to speak, but Lucy’s cell phone rang, interrupting his sentence.

“Sorry.” Lucy held up one finger, reaching inside her purse for her phone. “It’s probably my friend.” He nodded as she answered her phone. “Hello.”

Zoe’s panicked voice greeted her. “Oh, God Lucy, I am soooooo sorry. I didn’t even know what time it was. My computer crashed and burned my article for tomorrow morning’s publication. I have been in a total panic mode trying to get it rewritten. I can’t believe this is happening tonight of all nights.”

A flutter of fear raced through her stomach. An escape route from Mr. Sexy had just darted out of reach. It would have been nice to know it was there if she wanted it. “I understand. Business comes first. It has to.”

Zoe exhaled loudly into the phone. “You are too damn nice and understanding, I swear. I deserve to have you go off on me. I hate that you’re there alone.”