I am at a loss for words as he corners me, unsure of how to respond. He walks slowly toward me, looking at me as if I’m the only girl that matters.
“I know I haven’t been the best at showing my emotions,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine. “But I want you to know that I care about you deeply and I want us to last.”
My heart skips a beat at his words. Logan isn’t the type to display his emotions easily, but when he does, it feels genuine. Despite my doubts about his understanding of love, his words squeeze a part of my heart tight in my chest.
I nod, but he gently brings his lips closer to my ear. He nibbles on it and says in a low, intense whisper, “Gosh, I can’t get you out of my head. Feel this,” he says, pressing against me, “It throbs for you every time I think about you.”
His words make my knees weak. I try to be cautious, resisting his allure, but it’s nearly impossible not to fall for this gorgeous man straddling me on his big bed.
He moves his lips to mine, kissing me slowly. I let him, throwing all caution to the wind as I gave in to his kiss, meeting him with the same slow, tender affection.
I’m caught in a whirlwind of emotions with Logan. Although I know I’m on a roller coaster of feelings, I decide to go with the flow. But just as I’m starting to lose myself in the moment, he gently pulls away, stopping the kiss.
I look up at him, breathless and slightly disoriented from the intensity of the kiss. His eyes are soft, filled with desire.
“So, tell me about your visit to your mom,” he says, gently brushing my hair away from my face and tucking it behind my ear.
I think about my mom and the shocking revelation she shared. My heart breaks for her; I can’t imagine the pain of not being able to see one of her children. “She’s fine,” I finally say, noticing his eyes on me, waiting for more.
“And I saw Nathalie,” I add. Immediately, Logan’s hand stills on me, as if I’ve said something dangerous.
“What is it?” I ask, sitting up and looking at him.
He avoids my gaze, his eyes darting around. “Nothing. It’s just that I know Nathalie can be a handful. She might have said some mean things that could make your blood boil.”
I watch him closely, sensing his tension. His reaction makes me wonder why he’s so affected.
Logan’s eyes stay averted, and I notice the unease in his posture.
“Nathalie’s words must have been quite upsetting,” I say, trying to get to the bottom of what’s troubling him.
“But you don’t have to be so tense. I’m okay. I can handle it. But wait-do you know her well? Do you two interact?”
He shifts uncomfortably. “Not really. Remember that day at the auction? She said a lot of things I didn’t like.”
I nod, part of me wanting to believe him but another part remaining skeptical. I decided to let it slide for now.
“You know, she said something about you that I don’t quite understand,” I say, watching his expression closely. He looks as tense as before.
I stay silent, waiting for him to respond.
“Okay, go on. What did she say?” he asks impatiently.
I look at him warily. “Are you okay? Because you’re beginning to scare me.”
“Yes, I’m fine, babe. What did she say?”
“She said she would expose all your secrets. What do you and Nathalie have in common, and what does she know about you that I don’t?” I ask, searching his eyes for answers.
Logan takes a deep breath and looks at me seriously. “Nadine, I’m ruthless in business, and I have enemies. They might have information about me that could be used to bring me down. I don’t think Nathalie would be a fan of mine, especially since the island was taken from Jake.”
I absorb his words. “So, you’re saying Nathalie might have some dirt on you because of your business dealings and the island situation?”
He nods. “Exactly. I’ve made a lot of enemies over the years. Nathalie might be using that information against me. It’s not surprising she would threaten to expose me, given our history.”
I take a deep breath, trying to process everything. “This sounds like a lot to handle. I didn’t realize things were so complicated.”
Then a thought strikes me. “But considering the island still carries my name, don’t you think you should change the ownership to yours?”
Logan looks at me in disbelief and shakes his head. “You never cease to amaze me. Some women would be glad to keep things as they are, but you’re different.” He pulls me closer and plants a soft kiss on my lips. I savor the kiss, responding with equal tenderness.
He withdraws, resting his forehead against mine. “Consider it compensation for the pain Jake put you through. I know it must be disheartening seeing Nathalie and Jake together.”
I lower my gaze, feeling the sting of his words hit me directly where it hurts. A lone tear threatens to spill, but before it can, he uses his thumb to gently wipe it away.
“I’m sorry, Nadine,” Logan says, his voice earnest. “But what can I do to make you stop thinking about Jake and see me instead? I care about you a lot, and I want you to be happy.”
I look at him, feeling the weight of his words. “Do you mean what you’re saying? Remember the contract, it states no falling in love,” I respond, pointing out the obvious.
He sighs, frustration creeping into his voice. “You’re such a killjoy. I didn’t mention anything about love; I just said I care about you. You know what, let’s just drop it.” He raises his hand in surrender.
“Let’s go take a shower,” he suggests, taking my hand and pulling me closer. “I want to feel you.”
Before I can say anything, he kisses me with intense fervor. His hands explore my body, and I respond eagerly, my fingers tangling in his hair as I draw him closer. His touch moves to my breast, giving it a light squeeze.
“Gosh, you don’t know how much I’ve wanted this all morning,” he breathes between kisses. “You’re driving me wild.”
I nod, my hand reaching for his belt as I unbuckle it. I want him as much as he wants me.
His mouth remains on mine, but we suddenly freeze when the doorbell rings. Logan groans in frustration as the ringing continues. We pull apart, both of us reluctantly aware of the interruption.
We exchange a glance and, still breathing heavily, make our way to the front door. When we open it, we’re surprised to see Florence standing there.
“Florence, what a pleasant surprise,” I say, trying to mask my flustered state.
I glance past Florence and see Laura and Lily approaching. “Hi,” I say awkwardly.
“Hi, Nadine,” they both respond, their eyes taking in my disheveled appearance. My cheeks flush with embarrassment as I realize why they’re looking at me that way.