We entered the boutique. I feel a little out of place among the luxurious surroundings, but Logan’s presence makes me feel more at ease.
But one thing stands out: we’re the only ones in the boutique. I look around, trying to figure out what’s wrong. He notices me looking around and smiles at me.
“What’s wrong?” he asks me.
“I’m p.. puzzled,” I stutter.
“I bought the whole floor so no one can interrupt our shopping,” he explains.
My eyes widen in shock, I place my hand over my mouth to stifle the scream that threatens to escape.
I’ve already done the calculations in my head – if he’s willing to buy out the entire floor of the boutique just for our shopping, how incredibly wealthy is this man standing before me?
“You don’t have to, Logan,” I say finally, finding my words.
“Yes, I do, my wife,” he replies, taking my hand in his. “Come, let’s go shopping.”
The number of times he’s referred to me as such today makes me think he’s taking this marriage contract more seriously than I anticipated.
“Earth to Nadine, why do you keep zoning out on me?” he asks, looking at me amused.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. “Nothing, Logan. It’s just… you…” I try to say, but he silences me with a finger to my lips.
“You think too much, Nadine. Enjoy the love and let’s see what the future brings,” he says, smiling from ear to ear.
“The love?” I ask again, wanting to be sure I’m not hearing things wrong.
But before Logan can respond, we’re interrupted by a young lady greeting us.
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. West. I’ve been directed to tend to your needs here. Welcome to Gramercy Glamour,” she says politely.
I flashed her a smile and said, “Thank you for having us.” I struck up a conversation with her, asking, “What’s your name, young lady?”
“I’m Cassie, ma’am,” she replied, smiling.
I turned to Logan and noticed he had his cold demeanor on again, which I didn’t like seeing.
I knew he was trying to mask his usual self. He sat on a comfy couch while Cassie brought out different colored gowns for me to choose from. She showed me many stunning options, but I found it difficult to decide.
Then, my eyes landed on a breathtaking gown. I motioned to Cassie to pick it up for me, and she did. It was a floor-length, strapless evening gown in a jewel-toned emerald green color, made of silk fabric.
The corset-style bodice had a lace-up back with intricate beading and embroidery, a flowing A-line skirt with a daring thigh-high slit and a train, and a sweetheart neckline.
I imagined myself in the gown, and Cassie said, “This will look good on you.” I smiled as I headed to the changing room. Honestly, I smile at my reflection in the mirror. I looked hot in this stunning outfit! I couldn’t wait to see the look on Logan’s face when he finally saw me in the gown.
I smile to myself as I step out of the dressing room. He notices my presence and looks up from the magazine he’s reading. His eyes rake over me from top to bottom, filled with a look of lust.
I shudder, thinking about what he’s thinking right now. He finally breaks into a broad smile and says, “This looks exquisite on you. I doubt I’ll be able to keep my hands off you throughout the gala.”
I roll my eyes dramatically. “Oh please, Logan, stop with the pickup lines. I know you have enough women at your beck and call. Stop flattering me with your sweet words.”
I let the words flow out of my mouth, but then I noticed his clenched jaw and his hand forming into a fist.
I step back, confused at his sudden behavior change. I ponder what I said earlier.
“Are you alright?” I ask, confused, not sure how to break the tense atmosphere but that seems to have brought him out of his daze.
He relaxes a bit, rubbing his forehead like he’s trying to clear the fog that’s taken over him.
Then, he looks at me, and I can tell he’s hurt – it’s all over his eyes. I try to think about what I said that could have caused this reaction.
“Logan, what’s wrong?” I ask softly, trying to understand what’s going on. “Did I say something to upset you?”
“Babe, I hate it when you make me feel like I’m pretending about how I feel about you. To be clear, I have no woman at my beck and call except you, my wife. My heart beats for you.”
I stumble back at his words, grateful that Cassie has left us alone. I wasn’t expecting him to say all of this. His heart beats for me?
He stands up instantly and moves closer to me. I try to shake off the thoughts racing in my mind, the thought of the woman I saw with him in the house. What’s her name again?
I think hard, and then the word “Samantha” rolls out of my mouth. I slam my hand to my mouth, knowing he heard me say Samantha.
His eyes snap back to me, looking at me intently. “Samantha is nothing to me,” he says, stepping even closer while I rest my back against the wall. “You mean the world to me.”
We’re just inches apart, and my heart is racing like it’s about to burst out of my chest. I try to push him away, placing my hand on his chest.
“It doesn’t look like she means anything to you, judging from what I saw last time,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
I can feel his heart beating hard in his chest. I feel a lump in my throat, thinking about the compromising position I walked in on them in. It’s like if I hadn’t burst into the living room, they would have given in to their desires.
“I know I haven’t been the best to you, but I promise to prove to you every day that what I feel for you goes beyond the contract we signed.”
I look up at him, searching for any sign of truth in his words. And what I see takes my breath away. He’s vulnerable, his eyes filled with love and emotion. He’s letting it all show, and it’s hard to resist.
Logan takes a step closer, his face inches from mine. “Nadine, I promise to make it up to you. I’ll show you that my heart belongs to you, and only you.”
I feel my resolve weakening. I want to believe him, I do. But I’m scared of getting hurt.
Just as I’m about to respond, he leans in and brushes his lips against mine. It’s a soft, gentle kiss, but it sends sparks flying through my body. I hesitate for a moment, and then I kiss him back.
As we pull back, I say, “I’m sorry, Logan. Can we just pack this up and go home? I’m not in the mood for anything else.”
But he protests, “We just got here. You haven’t even gotten your accessories to go with the gown.”
“True, I’ll leave it to Cassie to choose. Whatever she chooses is fine with me.”
He nods his head, but I notice he’s reluctant. I’m not ready to pay attention to him. I know that whatever I feel for Logan can’t go further, seeing that Samantha still plays a major role in his life.
I wonder why everything that had been sweet since this morning suddenly turned sour.