Page 33 of The Secret Heir Next Door

“Serena!” Lila calls out, standing to greet me with a hug. “You look like you could use a drink.”

“Very much so!”

We sit down, and I take a moment to appreciate the familiar surroundings. The bar’s vintage decor and relaxed atmosphere help soothe me.

“So, spill,” Lila says, leaning in with a mischievous grin. “What’s been going on with you? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

I take a deep breath, ready to unload. “Where do I even start? Work has been crazy. The candy store is busier than ever with the upcoming party for Abby.”

“I can’t believe you offered to do that for him to save the store. It’s genius, really. But it does sound hectic, too!” she sympathizes. “But I’m sure you’ve got it all under control. You always do.”

“Trying to,” I reply with a sigh. “But it’s been a bit overwhelming lately.”

“What’s been overwhelming?”

“The whole Logan thing. It’s pretty intense.”

Lila raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Do tell.”

I glance around, making sure no one is eavesdropping, then lean in closer.

“He kind of blew me off today. We had to go over party details, and he was all business—like nothing happened.”

“That’s confusing.”

“It is,” I admit, sipping my drink. “I don’t understand why he’s acting like it didn’t mean anything. I’m hurt and don’t know what to do next.”

“Did you tell him that?”

“I asked him what it meant,” I shrug.

“Oh Lord, Serena. You can’t have sex with a guy after knowing him for a few days and then confront him to define the relationship.”

“And was I supposed to stop him while he was slamming into me and ask him what it meant?” I groan.

She throws her head back and laughs. “No. I think in the instance that it happened, it’s safe to say that you both just scratched an itch.”

“What does that even mean?”

“Has he ever asked you on a date or made it seem like he’s interested in dating?”

“No, but he…”

“A man who wants more with you will ask you on a date. And if he doesn’t, he’s not the type of man you want in yourlife. You shouldn’t have to make all the moves or take the lead. I know that’s hard for you to grasp because you’re very alpha in everything you do, but it’s the truth.”

“But…I don’t…”

“Like not being in control of things? Scared of the alternative that you like this man and he may not like you? Welcome to the realm of dating, my love,” she teases. “It sucks, but the truth is, rejection is protection whether or not we can see it right now.”

“I told him that I wasn’t a one-night stand or a noncommittal girl. I asked him out tomorrow night and he didn’t answer.”

“He did, just not verbally. What did he say to that?”

“He said he wasn’t saying that he didn’t want us to sleep together again, and I told him that he did. I then told him I had dinner plans for the night and needed to leave.”

“And what was his reaction?”

“He started to say something and then just left.”