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I sneak into Lana’s, quietly shutting the door behind me.

I slept like I was lying in the middle of a rock concert.

Yes, I was comfortable—more comfortable than I ever thought I could be alone at Logan’s.

It’s unnerving how relaxed I was. But my brain wouldn’t shut off long enough for me to sleep.

I did, however, pretend to be in dreamland when Logan came home two hours after getting the call.

His boots stopped next to the couch and when he saw I was sleeping, pretending to be asleep, he crept upstairs and shut his door.

So right now, I desperately need my bed and a good four-hour nap.

I tip toe for the stairs, but when the fridge slams shut, I jump.

How did I miss that?

“It’s no use trying to sneak off. I’ve been up for an hour. Coffee?” Lana holds out a mug that reads: I’m on Santa’s naughty list .

I sigh. “Sure, why not?” I take it and slump into the chair.

“You look like hell. I thought you’d be glowing from your sleep over with our sexy neighbor.” She grins from over her cup.

“Your plan was never going to work, but nice try.”

She shrugs. “There’s always next time.”

I’m not sure why Lana wants me and Logan together so badly.

“No. There will not be a next time.”

Lana’s face falls. “I see the way you two look at each other. You can’t deny the chemistry.”

Did we have chemistry?

“And how do we look at each other?”

“Like you both want to rip each other’s clothes off and start—”

“Okay. I get it,” I interrupt not letting her finish that sentence.

“Just saying.”

“It’s just. It’s complicated.” The complexity makes me groan.

But it’s also something I haven’t felt before.

When I’m around Logan, my belly flips, my heart races, and I can’t control the heated thoughts.

All I want to do is throw myself at him, into his arms because I like the way they feel around me.

Stupid betraying heart.

“It’s been quite some time now. Maybe you should think about serving your hubby with those papers. He’s obviously hurt you, Sora. The faster you can make it official, the better. Am I right?”

I know what papers she’s referring to. I can’t stay hidden away forever, pretending I don’t have a dangerous husband on the loose, even though it has been nice. But the thought of Jason agreeing to sign me away is laughable. It would never happen.

“As soon as I save up some more, I’ll call a lawyer.”

All she does is nod in agreement. Giving her that much satisfies her curiosity for now and maybe she’ll stop mentioning it for a while because I really have no idea what I am going to do.

Logan has been to the café every morning since our lake swim, trying out all the different recipes from my father. It’s quite adorable. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get giddy waiting for him to show up. It’s the highlight of my morning.

I’m happy my father’s recipes have been such a hit. My gut was yelling at me to share them with the rest of the world. People deserve to enjoy them, and my father would have been thrilled.

“Sora. Did you see the line outside the door this morning?! Your desserts kick ass,” Olivia, our new front register employee, says to me.

“Thank you. But try not to swear. We still have customers sitting over there.”

“Shit. Sorry,” Olivia whispers.

“It’s okay.” I can’t help but chuckle. smile.

Olivia is fresh out of high school, attending the local college in the fall, so working at the coffee shop is a perfect part-time job for her. She fits right in, too.

I head to the kitchen to start cleaning up a little, letting disappointment get the better of me. Logan didn’t come in this morning. Maybe something came up. Of course, something did. His day doesn’t revolve around me.

I fill the dishwasher, pausing when a loud voice carries from the front.

Through the swinging doors, a man is in a heated discussion with Olivia, who looks visibly upset.

Customers may be unsatisfied, but it’s never okay to treat an employee terribly.

And seeing a grown man yell at Olivia pisses me off.

She’s on the verge of tears by how her voice cracks.

The unsettling voice grows louder as I make my way to stand next to her. The man flashes a menacing scowl.

“Can I help you?” I try connecting with my inner politeness. Though, I’d really like to tell this asshole to leave.

He pulls his attention away from Olivia and turns it on me.

He’s wearing a cheap suit with a name tag.

I’m aware of the different brands of suits and tuxedos, unfortunately.

Not that having a cheap suit is a bad thing, but he already screams sleaze ball.

Someone who pretends to be insanely wealthy for attention.

And considering the name tag, he must be on lunch break.

Roger.

“My coffee’s wrong. Again ,” he says through gritted teeth. “I asked for an Americano. And this isn’t what I asked for.” He holds up his cup, the lid on the counter.

I take a glance. “I’d be happy to make you a new one.” I tap Olivia on the shoulder, and she scurries off toward the back in silent tears.

Firing up the espresso machine, I set the rude customer’s cup aside to make him a new order.

I’m glad he’s the only one in line, so other customers don’t have to wait on his behalf. The couple who sat in the corner already left, so it’s just me and him in his knockoff Armani suit.

“Here you go. I apologize if there was any mistake,” I say with a polite smile.

He takes a sip while keeping his angry scowl on me. “It’s watery.”

You’ve got to be kidding .

Deep breath. “I can assure you that’s how we make our Americanos. If you don’t like it, then try something else.” I’m really trying to be nice here.

“Are you getting an attitude with me?”

“Not at all,” I say in a dry yet icy tone.

Fuck this guy.

He glowers, going for another sip. “It’s terrible.”

The bell above the door jingles.

“I’m sorry you feel that way.”

Logan’s here, and it immediately sends my heart into a frenzy. I watch over the asshole’s shoulder as Logan sends me a small nod and smile.

“Hello. Are you even listening to me?” The impatience of this man.

Logan’s smile drops instantaneously. His attention shoots to the man who stands a head shorter than him. If Logan holds that fiery, raging stare any longer, he’s going to burn a hole through the dipshit’s skull.

“You know what? I’d like a new one. And I want it made right now.” He slams a closed fist down on the counter. The suddenness of his outburst startles me.

Is this guy for real?

Who gets this upset over coffee? Clearly this man is fighting an inner battle with himself. Recent breakup? Fired from his job today? Or maybe someone stole his front row parking spot again.

“You want me to make you the same drink me and my coworker already made you and didn’t like? Yeah, I don’t think so.” My patience is running thin.

His eyes grow cold, and the way he leans toward me is threatening.

Logan’s hand flexes at his side.

“I said… make me another.” He slams another fist down, and this time, I take a step back, growing nervous with my breathing turning heavy.

Logan rounds on him, grabbing him by the front of his suit jacket. “Do that again and I’ll break your hand.” Logan shoots him with the meanest glare, and I watch Roger’s eyes grow wide with fear.

“On second thought. This one’s fine.”

Logan drops him from the death grip, and rude guy snatches the first coffee from the counter while still holding the second. He rushes out without a backward glance.

I let out a breath of relief, pressing a hand to my chest. “Fucking hell.”

Logan penetrates me with a look of concern.

“I was taking care of that,” I say, but my voice breaks.

“I know. But the second you went from fearless to terrified, I was stepping in. Are you all right?” His presence. His voice. All so soothing.

“Yes. But I think Roger just gained two free coffees.”

“I think you’re right. I’ve had your coffee, and it’s the best.”

“You also think my desserts are the best.” I chuckle, blushing. “You’re late this morning.” I pause, opening the front case, my hands still trembling. “Not like I was waiting for or anything.” I wince. “That sounded rude. What I meant to say is—”

“I get it. And I got hung up at the shop. But I’m glad I was late.”

Me too.

“You saving me, Logan Beckham, has become a habit.”

With his scone and muffin tucked safely in the little bag, I start his usual coffee, then set the cup down on the counter, nearly spilling it because my damn hands won’t stop shaking. Warmth seeps into them as Logan covers my hands with his.

“You sure you’re okay?”

I stare down at the kind gesture, well aware of what his touch does to me. “Yeah. Just more shaken up than I thought.”

It’s not until Olivia returns to the front, I snatch my hand away, sending disappointment running through his expression.

“I’m drinking this here. Just in case he comes back.” He heads to the small table near the window, and I swallow, involuntarily rubbing the spot where he previously touched.

“I’m so sorry. I hope I’m not in trouble,” Olivia pleads, her eyes heavy with concern.

I place a hand on her shoulder. “You did nothing wrong. That guy is a jerk.”

Apprehension disappears while a relieving smile takes over her face, her stealing glances at the table Logan sat down at. “He’s fucking hot and you’re so lucky he’s in love with you.”

I choke on air, and it sends me into a minor coughing fit. Logan casts a quick glance before taking his scone out of the bag. He has on his usual plain T-shirt with dark jeans and that ridiculously stupid sexy hat he always wears backward.

Yes. He is fucking hot. But no, he’s not in love with me.

“We’re just friends.” I take a hand towel, wiping off the espresso machine.

“If one of my hot guy friends looked at me the way he looks at you, we’d always be naked.”

“Oh my God. Aren’t you too young to be talking like that?” She isn’t, but still.

“I’m just saying. He is fine.” Olivia walks away, busying herself with something and I’m left wiping the same spot on the counter while gawking heavily at Logan.

He bites into his scone and then licks a piece of crumb off his full bottom lip. My heart stutters when his eyes lock with mine, as I’m still pretending to clean. When he takes a sip of coffee, his eyes never leave mine. It’s paralyzing, enough to bring me to my knees.

“I stand by my words,” Olivia whispers close to my ear as she heads to the back, giggling.

Logan might look at me with lust, but that doesn’t mean he feels deeply for me. It could just be a mutual physical attraction.

I spin, grabbing the tray of dirty dishes, almost crashing right into Olivia. The glasses clink and clank together.

I’m still jumpy.

“Oh! I forgot to tell you. A man came in looking for you the other day.”

I freeze.

She wipes down the counter. “That rude ass customer reminded me. It must have been because they both wore suits. Though the other guy was older, and definitely better looking.”

Still holding the tray, my breathing staggers, and I strain trying to catch my breath. “Did he give a name?” I ask, trying to mask the fear in my voice.

Olivia hums. “He wouldn’t say, which was kind of weird. But he was tall. Older. His suit looked expensive. Bought coffee with a splash of cream, no sugar. Men like that don’t come around here very often.”

It’s like time ceases to exist.

The tray suddenly drops from my grip, and dishes crash to the floor, shattering into pieces. The world around me spins, and everything turns muffled, like I’m underwater.

Drowning.

Unable to breathe.

Then… my vision speckles, and I think I am about to faint.