I never had time to do anything I enjoyed. I gave it all to my father and the company he loved so much. Hoping one day, he would, in turn, love me that much. That both my parents would wake up and see me. Not the sibling who couldn’t help her brother. Not the girl who let them down. Me.
Except it would never happen.
I buried my face in the pillow and wept.The next morning, I was listless, still exhausted and disconnected. I was grateful it was Friday. If I worked late again, I could take the weekend off. I only had to make it through one more day.
I paused as I stepped outside, the welcome cold hitting me. I inhaled slowly, smelling the snow in the air. Everywhere, it was fresh and white, thanks to the flurries that blanketed the city overnight. I pulled on my mittens, startling when a throat cleared in front of me.
I met Logan’s eyes. He looked as tired as I felt.
“What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you.”
“I didn’t think I’d see you again.”
“I’m sorry about last night.” He stepped forward. “I’m sensitive when it comes to money. I don’t want you thinking I’m some impoverished street person you have to help.”
“I don’t.”
He arched his eyebrow, and I had the grace to look ashamed. “I’m sorry.”
“I think we need to get to know each other better.”
I smiled at him, relief tearing through my body. “I’d like that.”
“You look so tired.”
“I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“Me either. You looked so upset when you left the coffee shop that I almost buzzed up to your place.”
“What?”
“When you walked home.”
“You saw me? You stormed away. You left.”
“I did, but I was outside around the corner. Did you really think I would let you walk home alone? I stayed back and made sure you arrived safely.”
“Why didn’t you come talk to me?”
“I needed to cool off, and I thought you would be too angry with me to talk.”
“I would have. I was sorry I upset you.”
He studied me for a moment. “Lottie, I know we’re different. I know our goals and the way we achieve them are polar opposites. But I think we suit each other on so many levels. I want to explore this further—whatever we have—with you.”
I hesitated.
He held out his hand. “Come with me. Spend the day with me. Come see my world for a few hours. You can show me yours. Maybe we can figure out a way to mesh them.”
“I have to go to work.”
He wrapped his hand around mine, his warmth seeping through the wool that covered my hand. “One day. All I’m asking for is one day. Work will be there tomorrow.”
I was tempted. “Why?” I breathed out.
He hunched down, meeting my gaze. “I lost my father to the rat race of the corporate world. I’ll be damned if I don’t fight to save you from it.”
“Logan…”
His lips touched mine. Featherlight, gentle, and sweet. His touch filled me with yearning. Warmth. Desire. He drew back, and I followed, wanting to feel his touch again. He gathered me into his arms, holding me close. He kissed me harder, passion simmering with his caress.
“Please, Lottie. Come with me. All I want is a chance.”
I rested my head on his chest, feeling the way his arms encircled me so naturally. I felt cherished, and for the first time in many years, safe.
I glanced up into his warm eyes, seeing his care and worry. His rich, whiskey gaze was intense, soulful, and real. Logan looked at me. He saw me.
I wanted to see that gaze every day. I wanted to hear his voice murmur my name. I didn’t want to feel alone anymore.
I wanted to feel alive.
Logan made me feel that way.
I met his golden, anxious gaze.
“Yes.”Chapter 5LottieLogan released me from his embrace and wrapped his hand around mine, tugging me down the steps. I faltered, and he stopped with a frown.
“No, don’t change your mind, Lottie. Please.”
“I’m not.” I indicated my business clothes. “I thought I would change into something a little less formal. And I have to call the office and tell them I’m not coming in. My father will worry, and I can’t simply abandon my responsibilities.”
He shook his head. “Of course not. I wouldn’t expect you to.” He rested back against the wrought-iron railing. “I’ll wait.”
I smiled, feeling shy. “Why don’t you come up? It’s warmer inside.”
He frowned. “You shouldn’t be inviting strange men into your home, Lottie. For all you know, I’m as psycho as you thought I was last night.”
I arched an eyebrow at him. “Are you?”
His grin flashed, lighting his face. “No. But still…”
“Maybe you should be afraid of me.”
He threw back his head in amusement. His laugh was loud and boisterous, cutting through the cold air and uplifting me with its infectious sound. “I think I can take my chances,” he stated once he stopped chortling.