Page 29 of The Secret Heir Next Door

“Considering I’m planning his niece’s birthday party, yes. As far as any other capacity, I don’t know.”

“Don’t stress. That man would be crazy not to call you, text you, be obsessed with you.”

“I don’t want any other dudes obsessed with me,” I sigh.

“Girl, Chad was a freak and not mentally stable. That won’t happen again.”

“I want to believe that. But I don’t have the best track record.”

“If you think about it, no one does if they’re single. You’ve done a lot of work on yourself, and you can’t keep saying things like that. This new you doesn’t have a track record.”

“You’re right. I didn’t think of it that way.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” she giggles.

“So, was it amazing? I bet he’s so good in bed. He’s so damn hot. Oh, my goodness, wouldn’t it be horrible if a man that hothad the tiniest of dicks or worse…didn’t want to go down on you or know what to do with his cock.”

“The worst,” I laugh. “I’ve heard stories.”

“Me too,” she laughs.

“It was good. It was…not awkward or weird like other first times with a guy.”

“That’s good. Any messages today?”

“No, but that’s not abnormal. He will randomly show up at the store, though.”

“Give him time. Contrary to popular belief, guys are insecure after sex, too. Few of them want to break the mold and be seen as weak or too clingy by texting first thing in the morning after sex. Or just…”

“Maybe.”

The power outage and the encounter with Logan are still fresh in my mind, a mix of confusion and new emotions swirling around. I’m at the candy store, trying to focus on tidying up the mess left from the previous night.

“I’m serious. Just stay busy and focus on what you need to do. He’ll call or text or show up bearing gifts of love.”

“Stop with that word,” I giggle. “You’re incorrigible.”

“But it got you out of your head.”

“That it did.”

I’m adjusting a shelf when the bell above the door jingles. I look up to see Logan entering, looking both casual and guarded. An undercurrent of awkwardness tempers his usual confident demeanor. I feel it, too.

“Oh hey, Lila, I have to call you back.”

“Is he there?” she gasps before I hang up on her.

“Good morning, Serena,” he smiles. “How’s the shop?”

“Hey,” I reply, forcing a smile. “It’s getting back to normal. What brings you by today?”

“I thought I’d bring you coffee. I’m going to set it down here and then back away, so I don’t end up wearing it again.”

“Ha ha,” I tease. “But thank you, this is really sweet.”

“I have my moments,” he shrugs.

“How was your building? Was it a break-in?”