Page 40

T he dampened grass seeps through my dress and lines my skin when me and Lana fall over laughing. It’s after midnight and the tiredness mixed with the Champagne suddenly hits me. So much for not using alcohol as a bandage. But I don’t want this night to be over.

“I feel dumb.” I pick at the grass, tossing it playfully as far as the pieces can fly.

Lana looks at me, brow arched. “Why do you feel dumb?”

“It’s ridiculous. I’m celebrating winning a town baking contest. How lame is that?” I throw a piece of grass landing on my leg.

“Let me ask you something… is baking important to you?”

“Of course it is, you know that.”

“And winning the contest was important to you?”

“Well yeah. But I suppose it wasn’t just about placing first. I think for once, it was the fact I really had something for myself. Something that is mine.”

“Then it’s not dumb. Not if it matters to you.”

I smile, looking up at the stars. “Thanks, Lana.”

“You’re welcome.” She nudges me. “Hey, why do you look sad right now?”

Thinking about everything gets me in a bind. No matter what, no matter how much fun I’m having, Jason always floats in my mind.

“I don’t want to leave.” I turn to my best friend, who’s watching me intently. “I like it here. I enjoy living in this town. I love working at the café. Most of all, I like being here with you like we’re young again. It’s a safe feeling and the thought of ever leaving scares the shit out of me.”

Lana flashes me with a sorrowful smile. “You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to, Sora.

Stay. Fuck your husband. I know you’ll figure everything out at the right moment.

But for now, enjoy yourself—enjoy not having to answer to anyone.

That’s how it’s supposed to be. This is how it’s supposed to be. ”

I can’t argue with that. Everything feels right. I cast a quick glance at Logan, and my heart slams against my chest as I realize he’s already watching me.

Truth is… I’m falling for this town. My new home. And I am falling for Logan. Hard. No, I already fell.

“I should probably go to bed.” Lana yawns, rising from the dewy grass. “Coming?”

“I will but I wanna stay here just a little longer.”

“Okay. Goodnight.”

“Night.” I pull my knees to my chest and hold my dress behind my thighs as a shiver runs through my body. It’s getting chillier despite the humid hot day.

A shadow looms over me. “Thought you might be cold.” Logan crouches down, draping a blanket over my shoulders, and I sink into it.

“I am. Thank you.”

He goes to stand, but I grab his hand. “Stay. Please.”

His eyes move from mine to my lips before he sits down close. Ever so close.

The crickets fill the silence, and I inhale, smelling the summer night air with a burst of solitude. I could never experience this in the city at the mansion.

Out here, it smells like home.

We don’t say much. It’s kind of like our balcony nights, only we’re in the damp grass and there’s no railing separating us.

“I’m going to make strawberry jam from the ones we picked today.” Conversation comes easy with him, even if he’s not a man of many words. Talking to him seems effortless.

“Can I claim a jar? Or at least an invitation to breakfast.”

I warm with ease. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t want to try my jam.” Heat floods my cheeks. Maybe it’s the slight buzz or just Logan being here with me.

A small noise causes me to flinch and nervously scan the area. I’m a jumpy mess.

“It’s probably Fred.” Logan shifts to glance behind us.

“That damn raccoon,” I mumble under my breath.

“You good?” Logan’s arm brushes mine as he leans closer to me.

“Just constantly on edge.”

The deep sounding breath Logan lets out seems to shake the ground beneath us. “Sora. I will destroy anyone who tries to hurt you. I can promise you that.”

Damn.

The truth in his words reassures me enough to relax, leaning into Logan’s side more.

“I know.”

“You don’t have to be afraid with me.”

“I’m never afraid with you.”

When Logan places a soft kiss to the top of my head, my chest burns. Utterly and uncontrollably, I melt. “Good,” he whispers.

This friend thing really fucking sucks.

“Do you know any moves?” His question throws me off.

“Haven’t you seen me dance? I guess I can use some work but—” I’m cut off at the sound of his deep laugh.

“Yes. Trust me, I’ve seen you dance, but that’s not what I mean. If someone were to grab you, Sora, do you know how to physically defend yourself?”

Not even a little.

“If I said yes, would you believe me?”

“Because you’re asking… no, I don’t believe you.” He rises, holding out his hand for me to take. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow, I’m teaching you some self-defense.”

When I place my hand in his, I’m being pulled up to a stand, landing straight in his body. “Sorry.” I go to step away, but he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me back flush against him. I’m not sure if the fast-beating heart is mine or his.

“Tomorrow,” he whispers, and my gaze falls to his full lips.

My brain isn’t sending any signals for words to leave my mouth, so I just stand there not being able to do a damn thing but stay pressed to this man who is gaining full access to my heart.

With my arms glued to his steel chest, he takes my hand, backing away without losing eye contact, and he pulls me along to my duplex stairs. “Sleep good, dove. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight,” I strain to get out.

He watches me until I am safely inside and then he climbs his stairs, closing his balcony door.