“Oh, I can’t believe it’s this late. I have to wake up early tomorrow. You don’t have to walk me to the door,” I add when Logan exits the car too.
“I’d ruin my gentleman reputation if I didn’t. Besides, this isn’t a nice neighborhood.”
When we arrive at the building entrance, I fully intend to say good night, but Logan asks, “Are you meeting Alex again tomorrow?”
“In the afternoon, yes. I want to hunt for some places by myself in the morning.”
“Take care with him. Don’t trust him.”
“You’re acting awfully territorial.”
He snaps his gaze to mine, stepping closer to me. “I am.”
“You’re not even bothering to deny it.”
“You like that about me, don’t you? That I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not?”
He lowers his head until our eyes are on the same level, our lips too.
“I do,” I admit. “But you and I. . . It’s not a good idea, Logan.”
He narrows his eyes as if considering his words. “Let’s be honest, okay?”
I nod.
“There is attraction between us.” His tone is firm, yet as he places his hands on my shoulder, the touch is gentle.
I lick my lips, dropping my eyes to the ground. “Yeah.”
“So we—”
“Logan—”
“Nadine.”
“I need to concentrate on my business for a while. I won’t have much to offer to a man.” Before I lost my job, I remember Thomas’s constant complaints that I was working too much, and when I came home, I was too tired to be any fun. Of course, he didn’t seem to mind my hard work when he asked for my money. I can’t believe I stuck with him for as long as I did.
“If anyone’s made you feel that way—” He takes a deep breath as if needing it to calm himself.
Weightlessness overcomes me at his indignation on my behalf.
“You’ve been dating the wrong men, darling. That’s not how it’s supposed to go.”
“How is it supposed to go?” I hate the weakness in my voice.
“A real man will take care of you, spoil you, and fight alongside you for your dreams.”
“That’s the definition of the ideal man. I thought we were being honest, Logan.”
“I am. Let me take you out on a date. If it’s good, we’ll go on a second one. If it’s bad, you can tweet about it. I’m betting I’ll get a second one.”
I chuckle.
“Nadine, I’m not saying we should jump with both feet into a relationship. We’re two adults who like to spend time with each other. We can have a lot of fun together, and if we feel things are moving too fast, we can always re-evaluate, and step away from each other further down the road.”
“Is this a very corporate way of asking me to be your friend with benefits? Jump in your bed when the sun goes down, disappear once it’s up again?” My stomach dips unpleasantly.
His face grows hard. “I’d never do that. That’s no way to treat a woman.”