“What restaurant do you own?” I ask. Of course, I already know, but I don’t want my gorgeous neighbor to think I’ve been google-stalking him. It could be counted as job research, if you think of it that way, but still. Logan doesn’t need to know how many press releases I’ve read about him in the last week, or all the photos I swooned over. Yeah, he definitely doesn’t need to know that I even touched myself once or twice, imagining him between the sheets, so playing it dumb is for the best.
However, the twinkle in his eyes tells me he might not be buying my ridiculous attempt at naivety. Still, he answers.
“I own Eat & Co. in New York City. Have you ever eaten there?”
“No,” I shake my head. “But I’ve heard great things. It’s expensive, right?”
Logan nods.
“Yes, but we try to make it worthwhile for our customers. The food is good,” he promises.
I giggle. “I’m sure it is. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve heard of your restaurant before because I used to live in Manhattan until recently. I just didn’t realize Eat & Co. was yours. But I was struggling in the city to make ends meet, so if I did splurge, it was usually cheap Chinese take-out.”
Logan quirks his head, those blue eyes curious.
“What made you come back to stay with your parents?”
Dropping my eyes to the table, I trace an invisible shape onto the countertop with my finger.
“Well, I lost my job and I couldn’t find anything that made ends meet. Not even when I took the cheap Chinese take-out off the table. So I had to move back here with my parents. Don’t get me wrong because obviously, we live in a really nice area and there are benefits to being in the suburbs. But still, I miss Manhattan.”
Logan nods.
“Yeah, the cost of living on the island is ridiculous. It’s one of the reasons I bought this place. I was tired of paying an arm and leg for an apartment that didn’t have any space for Newton to run, and as you can see, he’s a boisterous guy. He was practically bouncing off the walls at my old place. Besides, I’m sure your parents are happy you’re back. In fact, I’m happy you’re back.”
I purse my lips and mock-frown at him.
“Are you saying you’re happy I lost my job?”
Logan laughs.
“I won’t pretend I’m sorry about it. After all, it sounds like if you hadn’t, then we never would have met. And I’m damn happy we got to meet, sweetheart.”
Smiling, I take the last swallow of my water while all sorts of ridiculous fairytale feelings dance around in my stomach. My heat flutters like I have a crush on a boy from junior high, except Logan isn’t a boy. He’s very much an alpha male who didn’t hesitate to dominate me when I was trapped in the doggy door. He took no quarter, and only a man who’s completely ruthless would do what he did.
Yet I enjoyed it, and hot sparks tingle in my nipples and between my thighs as I remember how Logan claimed me. Down girl, the voice in my head scolds. This man is your boss. You need to keep things even keeled.
Right. That’s the plan. But as I set my empty glass on the table, I notice the clock on the wall and then jump up hastily. Holy shit, I’m going to be late for my next client!
“Thanks for the water, and well, getting me out of a jam literally and figuratively,” I stammer. “I’ve got one more dog walk this afternoon that I’m already late for, so I better get going. Thanks again!”
I scurry to the back door once more, but as I turn the handle, a big palm slides over mine, making my heart jump. Looking up into his blue gaze, I realize we’re suddenly standing very close. Then Logan’s mouth is on mine, and a delighted sigh escapes my lips. He teases my tongue with his own, and nips my bottom lip. He kisses me deeply, making hot shivers run through my sweetest spot, and unconsciously, I moisten again. My breathing comes fast as my nipples harden, and a small moan escapes my mouth when he pulls away.
“I want to see you again,” he growls, those blue eyes intense.
My heart does a little dance and I smile at him.
“I’d like that, Mr. Henley.”
“I mean, I want to see you without Newton. You and me, sweetheart. No dog.”
I giggle again.
“Understood, Mr. Henley. Got it.”
He swats my ass then.
“I’ll call you later, sweetheart. Now, off to your next client.”
With that I leave, waving goodbye as I circle the property. It’s a gloriously sunny day, and as I saunter down the sidewalk, I can’t help but smile. It doesn’t seem real. The worst, most embarrassing event might just turn out to be the best thing that’s ever happened to me because today, I met the gorgeous Logan Henley. Not only that, but we had incredible, hot, steamy sex and he wants to see me again!