“Dude, there’s no need to pretend with Pippa,” Daniel says. “She knows who we are. Good thing she also loves us, faults and all.”
“So, what do you think?” Blake asks Daniel while eyeing Alice and Summer. “Should we save Alice before she turns deaf?”
Soon enough, Daniel and Blake gather around Summer. Alice inconspicuously leaves, winking at me.
***
We make a lot of progress. It’s pitch dark outside when we finish, and I offer to buy everyone dinner, even though money is tight. It’s the least I can do. They refuse, bringing up some very dubious excuses. I suspect it’s because they want to leave Logan and me alone. Everyone leaves, except for Logan’s parents and Blake.
“Nadine, I can come by this week and help,” Mr. Bennett says.
“It’s not necessary.”
“Please, humor this retired man. I have nothing to do all day, and my wife refuses to let me repair the damn roof. I feel useless.”
I glance at Logan to make sure I’m not crossing any boundaries, but he’s smiling at his father. I nod. “Thank you.”
“You’re doing me a favor,” Logan tells me as his parents bicker over Mr. Bennett’s stubbornness.
“But you said you don’t want your dad to do dangerous construction stuff,” I reply.
“Trust me, there’s nothing dangerous here. If he stays at home, he’ll want to repair that damn roof.” Dropping his voice to a whisper, Logan adds, “I had a brilliant idea. I can have someone repair the roof while he’s here.”
“Actually,” Blake says loudly from across the room, “I’ll join you and Dad, Nadine. I have some time off,” he explains at my questioning glance.
“Thanks.”
After the three of them leave, I stretch and say, “Why is your family doing all this?”
Logan pulls me into a hug, kissing my neck. I love being in this man’s arms. No place in the world seems safer. “Because I asked them to, and we always back each other up. As opposed to Sebastian and Pippa, who are the epitomes of self-sufficiency, I ask for help when I need it.”
I push him away with a smile. “So, that makes you perfect, doesn’t it?”
“Oh, I have plenty of defects. Wait till you discover them all.”
“What have you told them to convince them?” I insist.
“That I believe in you and your dream.”
“How is it that you always have the right words?”
“It’s all documented in my secret book of how to charm a woman.” He pulls me into a kiss—dirty, raw, and perfect. I fist his hair, pressing my torso to his. His hard chest feels amazing against my breasts. A groan reverberates in his throat, masculine and dominant. It sends a jolt of heat between my thighs. Damn, this man can kiss. His strong hands cup my ass, sending more heat to my tender spot.
Then he pushes me away. “Come on, let’s grab some dinner on the way home. I’m starving.”
“We can buy a sandwich. The coffee shop is still open.”
Logan snickers. “I need more than a tiny sandwich. I’m a big boy.”
Naturally, my mind immediately goes to the gutter at the words “big boy.” I sigh, remembering his lovemaking in the shop and later on his couch yesterday. “Mmm. You are a big boy indeed.”
“I didn’t mean that.” Logan throws his head back, laughing.
“I didn’t realize I said it out loud.” Blushing, I lick my lips.
“I’m not complaining.” A boyish glint dances in his eyes. “So, I’m big?”
I narrow my eyes. “You know you are.”