Page 60 of My Destiny

“You’re sweet.” Getting up on the tips of her toes, she places her lips against mine. “I’m cooking dinner, I hope you don’t mind,” she says. “I gave Jill the rest of the day off.”

“I don’t mind one bit. Does this mean you’re no longer upset with me?”

“I never was. I appreciate the lengths you’re going to, to keep me safe—I really do. I’m just not used to so much attention.” I find that hard to believe. She may be oblivious to it, but her beauty attracts attention wherever she goes. I saw the way strangers were looking at her the other day when we were shopping together. I was no different the first time I laid eyes on her.

I find myself grinning as I think back to that day. I was instantly besotted, and nothing’s changed. I’m still completely captivated by her.

“I just don’t want anything to happen to you,” I say, brushing the hair back from her face. “I care about you.” I more than care about her, but I’m not about to tell her that. She’s already having reservations about how fast things are moving between us. I understand her apprehension, but when your heart knows, it just knows.

“I care about you too.” Her confession makes me smile, but I already knew that. I can feel it whenever we’re intimate.

“What’s for dinner?”

“I’m cooking a roast chicken, and cashing in the rain check on the dessert you missed out on when you came to my place.”

“I was hoping to have you for dessert,” I say, raising an eyebrow.

“Nice try, Hot Stuff, but I’m not on the menu.”

That’s what she thinks. I’m an expert when it comes to the law, and I know for a fact it’s not a crime to have two desserts. “That reminds me,” I say. “I have a gift for you.”

“For me? What’s the occasion?”

“I know things have been difficult lately, and I just wanted to brighten your day.”

“Really?” Reaching up, her hands cup my face. “What did I do to deserve you?” she says, brushing her lips against mine. I shove my hand into the pocket of my suit pants, pulling out a small black box. Her eyes widen when I hold it out. “What’s this?”

“Your gift. Open it.” Her hand slightly tremble as she takes it from me.

“Logan,” she breathes the moment she opens it.

“It’s your birthstone.” I bought her a four-carat pink tourmaline on a white gold band; the semi-precious gem is surrounded by tiny white diamonds. I learnt today that tourmalines come in a variety of colours, but I distinctly remember her telling me that the ring her mother bought her had a pink stone in it. “I know it will never replace the one you lost, but I wanted to buy it for you anyway.” Her eyes move from the ring to me, and my heart drops when I see they’re brimming with tears. “You don’t like it?”

“I love it,” she says. “But it’s too much.”

“You’re worth so much more.”

“You don’t have to buy me, Logan.”

And that’s one of the many things I love about her. “I know.” Using the pad of my thumb, I brush away the stray tear that leaks from her eye. “I just wanted to see you smile.”

The corners of her lips turn up. “Just being with you makes me smile.” And that right there is my reward.

“I wasn’t sure of your finger size, but the jeweller will resize it if need be.”

“Thank you. This is the sweetest and most thoughtful gift. I’ll treasure it.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Brooke

“What are you doing?” Logan asks, entering the kitchen. “I woke up and you were gone.”

“Making cupcakes for Lara’s party.” I’m both eager and nervous about meeting his family.

“Really?” he says, sounding both surprised and happy. “She’ll love them. Sometimes she comes over on the weekends to hang out. There’s a great bakery not far from here. We always go there for cupcakes and milkshakes.”

“That’s sweet. You’re a big softy, Mr. Cavanagh.” When he slides his arms around my waist from behind, I turn my head and kiss him over my shoulder.