Only then did Elizabeth let her hand go. “I’m glad you could come, Logan. It’s been too long since we’ve seen you. I didn’t know you knew Cori. Isn’t life just full of surprises?”
Cori turned and shot him a look. Was he there for them or her? She really hoped it wasn’t the latter. She was nothing in the group. Heck, until this morning, she wasn’t positive she was going to show, because she didn’t belong. They were good people, and she didn’t want them to get hurt in what she was doing.
Yet, here she was and so was the man she truly believed had the answers she was seeking. Last night they had an agreement not to discuss business. Today there was an unspoken one for obvious reasons. So, for now, she’d enjoy the day with them, but tomorrow was Monday, and she was moving forward full force. No more excuses, not even the ones she’d been giving herself.
“Logan, why don’t you show Cori around while I go and help my husband? He looks like he’s about to let those burgers burn because he’s talking.” Elizabeth laughed. “God, I love that man.”
Cori smiled because the look on Elizabeth’s face said there was no place she’d rather be than by her husband’s side. Even to hear his stories.
“I wasn’t sure if you were going to show.”
She turned back to Logan. “Funny. From the sound of it, you were more likely to not show than me. Why is that? They’re wonderful people.” It wasn’t meant to sound like an interview question but how could it not? The look on Logan’s face said it was one he’d prefer not to answer.
He placed his hand on her lower back and guided her to a quiet part of the yard. She prepared herself for a scolding, one that didn’t come.
“I know I shouldn’t have asked,” she said sincerely as she touched his forearm gently.
“If you were anyone else, it’d be a normal question. I’m trying not to hear everything you say as though it’s about to be broadcast on national news.”
“It’s like me wondering, when you ask how I’m doing, if you’re only checking on my medical condition because you’re a doctor.”
He smirked. “So you think I have ulterior motives?”
The way he looked at her sent a rush of warmth through her. Cori whispered to herself, “I sure in hell hope so.” He must’ve heard it because she felt the muscles in his arm tense.
“I want to be your ride home, Cori.” His voice was soft and sensual; she didn’t miss the innuendo.
Cori’s blush confirmed it wasn’t the first time she’d thought salacious thoughts about Logan. Until that moment, she never knew he’d considered it as well. What am I thinking? Of course, he has. He’s a man. Do they think of anything else? But she knew they wouldn’t... couldn’t act on whatever attraction they felt. Once he found out what she was truly after, it’d be like putting a bucket of ice in his pants.
“Maybe we should join the others. We’re here for a party, remember?”
He never took his eyes off her, and she couldn’t bring herself to break the contact either. If this was his way of payback for finding out she lied, it was definitely sweet torture. His dark eyes were drawing her in, and she was helpless to stop the lure of them. If he doesn’t kiss me...
She didn’t have to wait long for his lips to touch hers. They were warm and gentle but held so much promise. Yet, it was over almost before it started. She was left wanting and wondering if it had been her imagination.
“I see you two don’t need any introductions,” Shaun’s voice boomed as he approached.
Logan lifted his head but didn’t turn from her gaze. She couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, and she was sure he knew it too. She felt like a teenager getting caught necking, and the entire school knew about it. Mostly it was because Shaun’s voice drew unwanted attention to them.
“Is there something you need, Shaun?” Logan asked.
“Morgan sent me to check on you two. Guess she was worried about Cori. Should I tell her you’re okay?” Cori could hear the teasing in his tone.
She pulled away from Logan and said, “Maybe we should get back to the others.” Cori left Logan standing there with Shaun. She anticipated him following, but was torn between relief and disappointment when he didn’t. Sometimes I hate getting what I want.
Logan couldn’t takehis eyes off her the entire time, but he made sure to keep a slight distance between them. It was bad enough Shaun had seen them kiss. Not that he cared what Shaun thought, but there still was the issue that she was doing a story on his family. Although he hadn’t shared those details with Shaun, he knew Shaun didn’t trust her. He’d made that extremely clear when Cori left them alone earlier. It wasn’t the first time they’d butted heads, but this time was different. Logan knew Shaun was right but didn’t care. There was something captivating about Cori, and he planned to explore it.
He’d been hoping they would’ve left earlier, but he could see Cori was honestly enjoying herself. From what he knew, she didn’t know most of the people there, nor did he, but she was making her way through the crowd like a pro.
Logan spoke to people he didn’t know all day at work. Right now there was only one person he cared to know better. He needed to find a way to get her to leave. Each time he made his way over to her, Elizabeth seemed to steal her away for yet another introduction. He’d just about given up when he saw her hug Loras. Please tell me you’re saying goodbye.
Sure enough, he saw her walking to Elizabeth next. That was his cue to join her, but Morgan came up to him first.
“You’ve been quiet all afternoon. Aren’t you having a good time?”
He wasn’t about to take his eyes off Cori, because if he wasn’t fast, she’d be out the gate before he could stop her. He hated being rude, but there was no way she was leaving without him. “I had a great time, but I have to go. Will you please tell your parents goodbye for me?”
“Logan, it’ll only take a minute to do that yourself.”