“Anyway, I turned thirty a few months ago. If not now, when?” I smile at him genuinely. Oh, God. I just blurted out my age to a man, which I’ve never done. It’s all his fault; I just feel so at ease around him.
“If you want to do something, go for it. If there’s anything, we can do to help, tell me. After all, Bennett Enterprises is in the luxury industry too.”
“I know.” I don’t bother to hide the longing in my voice. “Your jewelry is so beautiful. I feel like crying every time I see photos in a magazine.”
“They make you cry?” He creases his forehead. “I would’ve hoped they made you smile.” Leaning in closer, he adds, “You light up when you smile.”
Right. He’s definitely flirting. I lick my lips, shifting my weight from one leg to another. The problem is I like his flirty side, and I have no business liking that. Since I broke up with Thomas, I’ve put up solid walls around me. Apparently, they’re not as solid as I thought, or maybe Logan is exceptionally good at dismantling them. At any rate, I will work on solidifying said walls.
Logan pulls back a notch. “Have you looked at retail spaces?” His tone is all businesslike now.
“Not yet. I’ve been busy finding a place to live. I’ll start hunting for a space next week.”
“I have a friend who’s an excellent realtor. I can hook you up with him.”
“That’d be great.” To have this practical stranger immediately offer his su
pport is... Wow.
Logan’s stance changes from carefree to tense in a fraction of a second. “On second thought, I’ll go with you when you meet the first time.”
“It’s really not necessary.” I eye him curiously, trying to decipher the reason behind the change.
“I insist.”
“You don’t take no for an answer, do you?”
Not taking his eyes off me, he says, “Never.”
My skin tingles, my pulse pounding furiously. I whistle loudly, hoping to hide the effect he has on me. “I guess the things I’ve heard about you are true after all.”
“Ah. That didn’t earn me points for the ego thing, did it?”
“No, but I’m willing to wait for more proof.”
“Very generous of you. This realtor friend of mine is a notorious womanizer. I’d feel much better knowing you’re not meeting him alone.”
“I can take care of myself.”
“I have no doubt. I’m still coming with you,” he says.
“Who’s to say I’ll be safe with you? I just met you.”
“Ah, but I have the Bennett name to back me up. Haven’t you heard? I’m the nice brother. I’m safe and trustworthy.”
To his credit, Logan says this with a straight face, even though mischief flickers in his eyes. Ah, I love a man with humor. Unfortunately, I disagree with him. He may be trustworthy, but he’s not safe. A man who can make me laugh with a few words and ignite me with his gaze all at the same time is anything but safe.
“So, I’ll be joining you when you meet my friend.” His tone is final, and I don’t insist. I know how to pick my battles, and I have a suspicion there are many to come where Logan is concerned. “Now, I suggest we join the group inside. I’m starving.”
“Okay.”
I walk in front of Logan, sensing his eyes on me the whole way. My body simmers with awareness. I’m in big trouble, and I have a suspicion it’s about to get worse.
***
Logan
The dinner goes by fast and, at some point, Alice joins us. After dessert, Ava and Nadine inform us they’re leaving. To my surprise, this disappoints me.