Page 121 of Defensive Desire

"So... I'm guessing you've heard about the win? The arena space?" She gestures to the doorway behind her. "I was just showing Emma the layout options."

"I heard on the radio," Logan says, his voice rumbling through his chest and into mine. "Couldn't be prouder."

"Well, this is perfect timing then," Sophia says, her professional polish returning as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "We were discussing next steps, and I'd love your input too, Logan. Especially since—"

"I'm not going to Seattle," Logan interrupts, his voice firm but gentle. "I just told Mike I'm staying."

Sophia's perfectly sculpted eyebrows shoot up.

"You... what?" She blinks rapidly. "But the trade—"

"Isn't happening," Logan finishes.

I twist to look up at him, still not quite believing it myself.

"He's retiring," I explain, the words feeling strange in my mouth.

"Retiring?" Sophia's jaw actually drops. She recovers quickly, though her eyes are still wide. "Logan, that's... wow. Are you sure? This is a major decision."

"Never been more sure of anything," Logan says, not taking his eyes off me.

"Except maybe that my granddaughter's worth it," Grandpa Walt pipes up from his bench, folding his newspaper with a satisfied snap.

"Damn right she's worth it," Logan says, giving a nod to Grandpa Walt while cautiously watching the newspaper tapping against his palm.

His eyes lock back on mine, that intense blue gaze making my heart flutter like it's the first time all over again.

"Besides, I was thinking I might stick around and help renovate that café space for you."

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh, you were, were you?"

"Yeah." His mouth quirks into that half-smile that makes my knees weak. "I know how much you enjoy watching me fix things around your shop." He leans closer, his voice dropping to a rumble only I can hear. "Taking charge. Moving heavy things. Getting all sweaty."

Heat rushes to my cheeks.

"Logan!" I hiss, acutely aware of my grandfather, who's probably already heard too much, sitting just feet away.

"What?" He blinks innocently, but his eyes dance with mischief. "I'm just saying I'm good with my hands."

Grandpa Walt snorts loudly, and Sophia suddenly becomes very interested in her clipboard.

I roll my eyes. "You're really going to help me build Chapter & Grind 2.0?"

"I'll build you whatever you want, Coffee Witch." His tone shifts, the teasing edge softening into something more sincere. "Shelves. Counters. Coffee bars. A new life." He shrugs those massive shoulders. "I'm all in with you. Whatever you want."

I rise up on my tiptoes, pressing my lips to his. The kiss is soft, tender, a promise of its own.

"Well, then… I couldn't think of a better handyman," I whisper against his mouth, "to help make myeverydream come true."

His arms tighten around me, and for a moment, it's just us… standing in the middle of an arena that suddenly feels like home.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Emma

Big Mike and the board said it would take months for this café to feel like home.

That it would be overwhelming, demanding and physically tough launching a new café during hockey season.