Page 15

“Thank you, dear. Not sure how much longer I’ll be able to make them, but until that time comes, I won’t be giving it up anytime soon.

” Her motivation is admirable. “Well, these boxes aren’t going to unpack themselves.

It was nice meeting you, Sora.” Mrs. Clark bids me a farewell then busies herself on the other side of her display table.

When I turn to face Logan, he’s giving a final tug on the canopy, his shirt riding up revealing the muscles I vividly remember.

I jerk my eyes away. “Logan.”

He clears his throat, nodding my way. “Sora.”

We’re locked in each other’s gazes before a hand shoves its way between us. Being polite, I accept her handshake. “I’m Claire. I own a boutique across the street. Perhaps I can give you some free fashion advice.” She glances over me before basically snarling.

Okay, bitch.

I’ve been around women like her. She’s nothing I can’t handle.

“I’m all right, thank you.” I match her energy with a fake smile. “But like you, I too can give brilliant advice… like how to keep your hands to yourself.”

Her fake smile fades, and she eyes me with disdain. “I’m sorry?”

“Touching someone without permission isn’t polite and can make that person feel uncomfortable. Consider this a friendly suggestion,” I say, my veins burning red hot. For some reason, I hold a protection for Logan. He doesn’t seem the assertive type who’d tell her to leave.

She scoffs. “Well, can’t say it was nice meeting you. I’ll see you around, Logan.” Claire turns quickly, sending her hair flying as she stomps away.

Satisfaction grows bigger. I don’t need an enemy, but I do not like her.

Logan rubs the back of his neck. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I could tell you were uncomfortable. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thanks.” Logan holds my blistering stare.

Mrs. Clark throws her hands on her hips, making a sound of disgust, breaking us apart. “If you want my opinion, she’s a troublemaker and you can do better than her any day, Logan.” She winks, darting her glance between us both and then goes to her car to fetch more boxes from her trunk.

“She may be right on that,” I say, rubbing a hand down my arm. I should have clarified what exactly I was agreeing on. Not the other thing Mrs. Clark was, not so subtly, hinting about.

I glance at my dress, fixing an invisible wrinkle.

“You look good,” Logan reassures me, and I pretend Claire’s words don’t affect me.

My face burns as I smile. “So, um. I haven’t seen you around the house lately.”

Logan’s face flashes with a less tense expression before fading away. “Work’s been busy.”

“Right.” There’s a brief pause. “Well. I hope to see you around more.” I go to leave, but Logan snags my wrist. His rough hand startling me into a jolt, but after the surprise panic wears off, my skin sizzles under his touch.

Oh God.

“Sorry.” He drops his hand as if he too can feel the fire beneath it, but something tells me it’s because of my jumpiness.

“No, it’s okay. You can touch me.” Did I just tell him he can touch me? “I mean…” Heat takes over my entire body and I’m just going to shut up.

He looks around, seemingly to avoid eye contact. We’re still in an awkward place from the other day. So, what, two grown adults were soaking wet, pressed against each other for a moment. Not the end of the world. His stone cock grinding into me. Also, no big deal.

“Can we move on from the water incident, please? Shit happens, and it’s already forgotten on my end.

Besides, you have nothing to be embarrassed about with all that hardness you got going on.

” I snort, mentally cursing myself. “Muscles! I’m talking about your hard muscles.

Not the other thing.” I blow out a breath of defeat. “For fuck’s sake.”

The subtle creases at the corners of his eyes let me know he’s amused. He’s certainly laughing at me on the inside.

“Forget it. Truce?”

He accepts my outreached hand with those creases visible again. His is rough mixed with warmth, strength, and years of strenuous labor. “You’re an interesting woman, Sora.” Silk and a low husky tone laces his voice.

“I hope that’s a good thing.”

“It is.”

I swallow as his eyes find my soul. Somewhere in between my senseless blabbing, he moves closer. His body blocking any view, appearing as if we’re the only two here.

Desperation shoots out from me. “I’ll be at our usual spot tonight. Not that you probably care or anything. I just really enjoy sitting with you.” I loathe how dumb that sounds, but I did enjoy the nights on the balcony. Looked forward to them immensely so.

Pivoting on my heels, my back facing Logan, his voice sounds from behind.

“I’ll be there.”

Good thing he can’t see the grin lining my face as I stroll down the blocked off roads, passing individuals along the way.

Most are friendly, like Mr. Campbell, who owns the hardware store.

He gave me a rundown on how he started his business.

To be honest, I’m glad he felt he could engage with me.

If only everyone shared the same fondness.

After my conversation with Logan, I find myself on a mission, and don’t stop until the giant wheel with blinking lights is staring me down.

“Just you, miss?”

I smile at the ride operator and nod.

He tilts his head and opens the Ferris wheel door.

Once I’m in, he closes it and latches the hook.

This is it. I’m going to experience my first ever carnival ride.

I am excited but when the bucket jerks at the start, my body goes tense.

It’s not until the third round, I relax.

I’m giddy and grin like an idiot by myself inside the cart.

The square appears tiny from this height, and I've never felt such exhilaration. Now I understand the reason behind roller coasters being so fun.

There’s a lone figure standing at the short distance watching me with curiosity, or perhaps something more.

Logan peers up at me, following the movement of the wheel.

I’m unsure if he knows I can see him, but it did something to me.

An unfamiliar something. His stare is always so intense and penetrating.

I rip my gaze away, stretching both arms out like a bird. I feel like I’m flying as the cart goes in circles, with the wind rushing through me. In this very moment, I am a bird.

Free. Happy. And alive.