Who could be interrupting my moment with Nadine? I curse inwardly as I move away from her to retrieve my phone.
My heart beats fast in my chest when I realize it’s Samantha calling.
“What does she want?” I whisper to myself, aware that Nadine is watching my every move.
I need to be careful; Samantha is many things, and I don’t think I want to agree with what she wants from me.
I swipe my phone to answer the call, getting straight to the point. “What is it?” I ask, not beating around the bush.
I know I used to feel something for her before, but I guess it’s all in the past. She dumped me at the altar, after tagging me along for so long.
I thought she loved me; we were perfect together until I noticed she started drifting away.
I asked her many times to know the reason, but she didn’t tell me. I loved her too much to let go, thinking the love I had for her would overshadow whatever uncertainty she had about us, but I was wrong.
On my wedding day, I was left alone at the altar, waiting for my bride who developed cold feet and didn’t show up.
I felt lost and in a dark place, and alcohol became my companion, helping me numb the pain I felt inside. But the truth is, no matter how much I drank, it couldn’t quench the pain.
“What do you say to the help I’m asking from you?” Samantha asked over the phone, and I could imagine her batting her eyelids, forgetting I was not there with her.
I ran my hand through my hair in frustration and said, “Can we talk about it when we see each other?” I didn’t want to continue the conversation with Nadine watching me.
“Okay, I understand,” Samantha says, knowing that Nadine’s presence was the reason I didn’t want to say anything.
“Let’s talk some other time.” I hung up the phone and turned back to Nadine, kissing her cheek and trying to move closer.
But she attempted to stay away from me, and I could sense her hurt.
I wasn’t giving up yet, so I kissed her cheek again, and this time, a smile broke out on her face.
I know she wants to know who I was on the phone with, but I wasn’t ready to reveal it was Samantha, the same person who had caused us to drift apart at the boutique.
“Can I just cuddle?” I ask Nadine with a smile, hoping to ease the tension between us.
Nadine looked at me warily, but then her expression softened, and she nodded.
I wrapped my arms around her, holding her close as we sat together on the bed. I could feel her tension slowly easing, and her body relaxing into mine.
“The charity gala is tomorrow, and I want you to look your best,” I say to Nadine. “A professional will be coming to style your hair and makeup.”
She turns around and looks at me, “Oh, Logan, you don’t have to go that far. I can handle my makeup.”
“No, Nadine, it’s going to be an exquisite event. Top business personalities and people who matter in society will be attending, and I don’t want my wife to look left out.”
A smile breaks out on her face. “My wife,” she says, as if thinking hard. “Yes, my wife,” I repeat, kissing her softly on the lips. She doesn’t protest, so I smile and kiss her again.
I love this woman in my arms. I remember the first day I laid eyes on her; she was on a shopping spree with a friend.
I was lovestruck by the way she effortlessly carried herself. I was at my lowest point then, a year after my failed wedding with Samantha, but I knew instantly that Nadine was the one for me.
My heart tugs as I think about what I did to win her over and how my contract with her is only for two years. I hope I can win her over completely.
She touches my forehead, and I look at her with a smile. “Why are you thinking hard?” she asks. “Your brows are furrowed, indicating that you’ve been thinking deeply.”
“You consume my every thought, Nadine,” I say, noticing her cheeks flush with a shade of pink.
“Logan, sometimes I wonder if you truly mean all these cheesy words you say to me,” she says.
I’m hurt by her words, but I know I shouldn’t be, based on the terms and conditions that brought us together. Still, I chuckle and pull her close.
“Every word, every gesture, every kiss – I mean it all, Nadine,” I say as I capture her lips again.
Our day passes with us cuddling in bed, and watching movies on TV. I can’t help but be drawn to her as she giggles at every scene that tickles her fancy.
When we’re famished, we head downstairs to eat. That’s when I realized Asher is still around.
Asher looks guilty when he sees Nadine, but she reassures him, “I’m fine now, and that’s all that matters.”
Asher’s face reflects relief, and he says, “Good to see you well again. I’ll step outside if you lovebirds will excuse me.”
I wonder if it’s obvious that I’m in love with Nadine and if she feels the same way. I don’t want to pressure her, given her past betrayal by Jake.
We eat in silence and return to our room, cuddling and sleeping off the day’s exhaustion. It feels so right that I want to bask in these loving feelings.
The next morning, I know I can’t stay any longer – I have a job to return to. I turn to look at Nadine’s peaceful face, her eyes fluttering open as she adjusts to the room’s light.
“Good morning, beautiful, I say with a smile, I can’t believe I woke up to this stunning face.”
“Cheesy,” she replies with a smile, “and you’re dressed for work.”
“Yes, do you want me to stay?” I ask, but she shakes her head.
“Nope,” she says, popping the “p”. “I have work too, remember?”
She tries to make her way out of the room, but I stop her, drawing her closer to me. She flushes as she smiles up at me.
“Let me go and freshen up, Logan. We’ll meet downstairs for breakfast,” she says, trying to wriggle free from my grip.
I move a strand of hair behind her ear, my eyes locked on hers. I lean in and kiss her softly, and she responds, our lips dancing in sync. It’s a gentle kiss, but I pour my emotions into it.
Suddenly, she pulls away. “Let me freshen up, and I’ll meet you downstairs,” she says with a smile.
I nod, still smiling. Once she leaves, I can’t help but smile, knowing she’s happy with me. I finish dressing and head downstairs.
I notice Asher and Kayla deep in conversation. They seem to have a connection, but what do I know about the matters of the heart?
As I approach, they sense my presence, and Asher turns to look at me. I give him a warm smile as I take my seat.
“Good morning, Mr. West,” Kayla greets me.
“Good morning, Kayla,” I replied.
Asher looks at me like he has something to say. I know he still feels guilty, but I’ve gone way past staying angry at him. Just then, my phone notifications dinged.
I pull it out of my pocket and swipe to take a look. But the message on it is something I’m pleased with.