“I seriously cannot think of a better designer to represent Preston Interior Design,” she had said as she continued her way through Logan’s home. I should have been proud of what I had accomplished, but instead I felt empty.
I took a deep breath, climbed out of my car and slowly walked to the front door. I hadn’t even knocked before Logan had pulled the door open and stood before me. He wore loose fitting khakis and a tight white t-shirt that showed off every muscle in his upper body. I felt that familiar ache and a rush of heat between my legs as he smiled his classic “come fuck me” smile while leaning against the door frame.
“Morning.”
“Morning. I hope everything is to your satisfaction?” I asked.
“Better than I could imagine,” he said his eyes traveling the length of my body.
“Glad to hear. What time are they coming?”
“The crew should be here in ten minutes, come in and have a cup of coffee.”
I slipped my shoes off, then I followed him into the kitchen, smelling his delicious scent the whole way. I was quiet as I watched his forearm flex when he poured me a cup and handed me the mug, our fingers touching as I took it from him.
We both sat down at the table and each took a sip. Our eyes met and held. “About that night . . .” we both said in unison and then we smiled at one another.
“You go first,” I said waiting for him to speak.
“No, ladies first.”
“Logan, I meant what I said back home. Sex with you was amazing but I can’t do this with you. I know you are only after a fling or whatever you call it, but for me, my clock is ticking, and I want and need to find the real thing. I don’t want to waste your time or mine.”
As the words fell from my mouth, I wished I could take some back as I watched the reaction that fell across his face. It was like I had gutted him in a matter of two seconds.
“After the shoot today, I’m heading home for the weekend. I need to figure out what I am doing with myself and this job. I’m going to ask that you don’t call me or come home too.”
“Leah, I—” The doorbell rang interrupting whatever it was he was going to say. He looked at his watch. “Fuck, she’s here already.”
“Go get the door, I’ll tidy up in here.” I smiled at him.
He looked at me and said, “Just wait a minute—” The doorbell broke into his words again.
“Logan, go, they’re waiting.” I got up from the table and rinsed our mugs before putting them in the dishwasher, ignoring the fact that he stood looking at me waiting to say something.
I looked around, wishing that along with Logan, that this home could be mine too. I had put the finishing touches on his beautiful design and standing here with him in this kitchen, being wrapped in his arms last night, I felt complete. I quickly wiped the tears that built in my eyes, I couldn’t afford to have my makeup run.
Jean walked into the living room and I watched from the kitchen as her crew set up their equipment. Jean had pulled Logan aside to speak to him about the process for today, I stayed in the kitchen out of the way. I knew she wanted to include a small section about me and the firm to go along with the article.
I was hoping to get my part done and over with first so I could get out of here. I sat at the table and checked my emails. The bustle of everyone in the living room as things were set up was a little louder than I wanted. Over it all, I could still hear Logan and Jean talking.
Soon Jean came into the kitchen. “Hello, Miss Tate. It’s nice to meet you. You have done a wonderful job with everything. The house looks stunning.”
“Thank you.” I smiled. “If it’s not too much to ask, could we possibly get my stuff done and out of the way first? I have a flight to catch.”
“I wanted to talk to you about that. We would like you to partake in all the photos as well.”
I couldn’t believe my ears and I looked to Logan. He stood there straight-faced and shrugged his shoulders. “I . . . that is unnecessary.”
“No, believe me it’s necessary. The model we had chosen to help with the shoot fell ill at the last moment and canceled,” she said firmly. I could see there would be no arguing with this woman, so I shut my mouth and followed them both into the living room where we began an entire day of photos. We worked tirelessly to get the right shots done in every room. When the last shot had been taken, Jean began directing her crew and I excused myself, Logan following closely behind me.
“Leah, aren’t you going to stay for the interview?” he asked catching up to me.
“I told you, I have a flight to catch.”
“But I really need to talk to you alone, it’s important,” he said brushing away the strand of hair that had fallen into my eyes.
“There is nothing more to say, Logan. Good luck with everything. You have designed a beautiful home, and some woman will be very lucky to have you.” I leaned into him and placed a long lingering goodbye kiss on his lips. It was wrong to do that to him, but I felt it was necessary for my own closure.