Logan sent a text around three saying he was sorry and had lost track of time. I didn’t ask what he was doing at that ungodly hour of the morning. When I arrived at work, I sent him a response stating I hoped he would be able to make the press conference tonight at Ravaged Roadside. He had said he wasn’t the star attraction, but I assumed he would want to be there, even if it was to hear the announcement of the merger anyway.
His reply was simple.
I’ll meet you there.
My melancholy wrapped around me a little tighter as I realized he would not be going with me, but on his own.
Somehow, I hid my emotions all day, performing calmly under the scrutiny of my father. I briefed everyone at the meeting about the press conference and the leak.
“Carmen admits it came from someone at RR. He’s handling it. The bottom line is that we go ahead as planned. Make the announcement, and the rest is up to them. They have an entire event scheduled this evening. Everyone is welcome.”
Another staff member spoke up. “I heard a rumor they have another huge announcement they are making tonight.”
I kept my face and voice neutral. “Nothing they have shared with me. I suppose we’ll find out.”
The rest of the meeting and the day were completed on autopilot. Logan clung to my every thought, no matter how many times I told myself I was being silly.
Brianna called, excited about coming to the press conference.
“I wasn’t aware you were invited,” I drawled.
“Trevor asked me to go with him.”
“Trevor is going?” I said, surprised.
“Yes. Logan asked him, silly.”
“Oh.”
“Lottie, what is it?”
“Nothing.”
She sighed. “You forget how well I know you. You sound off. What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t sleep well last night. I’m a little tired.”
“Logan didn’t fuck you until you were exhausted? The boy is falling down on the job.”
“Logan wasn’t there.”
The words felt heavy between us. She knew how much time we had been spending together.
“Is, ah, everything okay between you?”
I had to clear my throat. “Yes. I mean, I think so. He’s been really busy.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“Nothing,” I lied. “Listen, I’ll see you tonight, okay?”
“Lottie…” She trailed off.
“What?”
“Everything is going to be all right, okay? Blips happen. You guys are too good together for any other outcome.”
“Thanks,” I replied, my voice thick. “I hope so.”Chapter 20LottieThe place was packed. Even fuller than the other night when I’d been here with Logan. RR had insisted on holding the event in their building, and I was fine with that. It was their show—their announcement. They had been firm on that fact. Normally our company issued simple statements on our clients’ behalf and let them follow up however they wanted, but this one was different.
The room was electric. I spied a few of the younger staff in the room as I walked around. I had dressed with care, knowing tonight I was representing Prescott Inc. I wore a simple black skirt and a brilliant blue silk blouse with ruffles around the neck and wrists. I topped it with a blue and black vest, pulling the outfit together. It was sleek and elegant. To tease Logan, though, I wore high-heeled black boots that made me feel sexy and powerful. I wore my hair up, and I kept my makeup simple. Looking around the room, I tried not to laugh. I was one of the most overdressed people there—but that was my role tonight.
I located Carmen and Alfred, shaking their hands. Roxanne hugged me, looking beautiful and sexy as always. I glanced around, hoping for a glimpse of Logan, but I didn’t spot him anywhere. Disappointment hit me, and I wondered if he would come at all.
Carmen smiled widely at someone behind me, and I turned, hoping it was Logan. Instead, Bobby Hayes was approaching, a smirk on his face. He stopped, shook hands with Carmen and Alfred, kissed Roxanne, then grinned at me.
“Lottie, right? We met a while back.”
“Yes.” I extended my hand. He took it, then surprised me when he lifted it to his lips and kissed my knuckles.
“The beautiful muse.”
“I’m sorry?”
He grinned again and took a swig of his drink. “I am honored to be the one who sings of your wonder.”
I frowned. He had to be drunk since I didn’t understand what he was rambling about. Before I could say anything, I saw him.
Logan.
Tall, broad, his hair brushed back and gleaming under the lights. Headed straight toward me, his whiskey eyes dark and intense. He was in full rocker gear tonight. He wore dark jeans, Doc Martens on his feet, a white shirt stretched across his chest and arms, rolled up his forearms, showing his taut muscles. He was wearing a vest, but his was leather, thick and manly. His cuffs, rings, and a heavy silver chain around his neck completed the look. He was sex incarnate as he made his way toward me, an intense need building as he came closer.