“So what you’re saying is, I’m special?”
She was puzzled by that. “And you believe that why?”
He grinned. “Because all of ours have been in person. Why did you break your routine for me? Was it my dashing smile or my wit you couldn’t resist?”
She rolled her eyes. “Oh, no. It was how humble and modest you were. Why don’t we eat in the living room, and we can continue the interview there.”
“Don’t you want your laptop?” He gave her a playful wink.
The heat returned instantly. “I think we’ll pass on that tonight.”
Once they were on the couch, Logan seemed to take over the questioning.
“I’ve read a few of your articles, and I have to admit, you’re a very talented writer.”
“Thank you. But?” She knew it was coming. Why wouldn’t it? He was a successful surgeon from a high-profile family. He, of course, was going to knock what she wrote.
“But what?”
“Go on. Tell me what I write is junk.” She crossed her arms and prepared herself to hear the words she’d been telling herself.
“I don’t remember saying that. Nor do I think it. You approach some extremely different subjects with tact. Not only do you provide factual information, but you’re able to do so in a way that doesn’t degrade or offend anyone. That in itself showcases talent. I’m impressed.”
Cori had never looked at her work in that way. All she wanted was something different, something more. That didn’t mean the work she submitted was subpar by any means. She took pride in each word. They had to represent her best. For Logan to critique her writing and not judge the content brought tears of pride.
She fought to contain her emotions, but Logan’s words were ones she never thought she’d hear. “Thank you, Logan. That means more to me than you know.”
“Cori, hasn’t anyone ever told you that before?” She shook her head. “Not even your sister, Sarah?” She replied the same. Logan reached out and touched her cheek. “Then they’re all idiots for not seeing what is obvious. Journalism is in your blood. It’s what you’re meant to do. If I didn’t think you’d be so honest, I’d never let you do a story on my family.”
Although she appreciated his support, she didn’t like the focus being on her. His last statement was the perfect opportunity to bring the conversation back to where she needed it to be. On the Hendersons.
Logan could tellby the look in her eyes that he never should’ve mentioned his story. It took what was a sharing and caring moment right back to where he didn’t want to be.
With a smile, she said, “I think your interview skills are up to par as well, but let’s not forget the reason why you’re here. And it has nothing to do with me.”
It has everything to do with you.He could answer her questions over the phone. It would’ve been a hell of a lot easier than what they’d been doing. But not nearly as much fun.
“I don’t know. I enjoy hearing about you. Why don’t we continue this tonight and tomorrow we work the interview?”
She shook her head. “Absolutely not. I am beginning to think you’re avoiding this. Do you think if you put it off, I’ll give up?”
He chuckled. “Not for a second. Somehow you don’t seem like the type to walk away.”
Cori smirked. “If I was, there are a bunch of articles I would’ve run from long before yours. So what do you say? Are you ready to start a serious interview?”
He wasn’t ever going to be ready for that. Until Cori, Logan had been able to avoid the spotlight except for articles written about medical procedures and advancements. No one ever asked anything personal. Cori, on the other hand, didn’t want anything professional.
“Where would you like to start?”
Cori stared at him as though she wasn’t sure herself. “Tell me about your mother. I couldn’t find anything listing her name anywhere. I also didn’t find any adoption paperwork. What am I missing?”
The one thing you can’t ever find out.He had rehearsed this several times, knowing damn well that eventually she’d ask.
“I never knew her, or who she was. As I said, my father was a very difficult man. I’m sure that played into why we don’t know her.”
“But you’re the second oldest. Don’t you have even a slight memory of her? Like the sound of her voice, or how she looked? Or maybe just something she read to you at bedtime?”
He fought to contain the raging anger within him. It wasn’t at her. It was at his father for putting him, them, into this situation. He cheated them all of what they’d never get back.