Nadine’s POV
Logan’s gaze locks on me, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he watches me shower in his bathroom. I’m not sure where this sudden boldness came from, but I know one thing-I want to drive him crazy, tease him, and finally satisfy the ache that’s been building inside me for years.
It’s been four fucking long years, and no amount of toys has ever come close to the way Logan makes me feel. The tension between us has been simmering, and now, I’m ready to enjoy it because he is close by and I’ve been craving it.
Stepping out of the shower, I lean in close to his ear, my breath hot against his skin. “That was a great fuck, how about we do this again-no strings attached?” my lips brushing his ear.
For a moment, he stiffens, his eyes darting away as if trying to compose himself. I catch the trace of emotions in his eyes: desire, conflict, maybe something more.
But before I can read deeper into it, he looks away, leaving me wondering what’s going through his mind.
I know he wants more, but I’ll be damned if I give him the chance. We both need to move on and co-parent our son under better circumstances.
I slowly make my way out of his room, feeling the heat of his gaze piercing my back, sharp like daggers. I could feel the tension between us, but I didn’t turn around. I can’t give in to whatever it is he’s silently asking for.
The moment I step into my room, I slam the door shut, pressing my hand to my chest as my breathing comes in ragged bursts.
I walk to my closet and pull out a comfortable pair of jeans and a T-shirt, eager to escape the intensity of what just happened.
All I want is to spend time with my son today-just him and me. It’s the weekend, after all, and right now, I need the simplicity, his energy, something pure and uncomplicated.
I have a clear vision of how I want to run the flower shop. No betrayal from Sydney and Ethan can dampen my spirit or shake my resolve to continue.
“Shawn!” I call out as I make my way toward the living room.
“Mum!” he calls back, his voice full of excitement. I follow the sound of his giggles, curiosity tugging at me. What’s making him laugh so much?
When I reach the living room, the sight before me stops me in my tracks. Logan is on his knees, playing horse while Shawn rides on his back, squealing with joy. His laughter fills the room, pure and infectious.
I stand at the entrance, watching them in awe. For a moment, it’s as if time slows, and all I see is the joy on Shawn’s face and the tenderness in Logan’s eyes. Then, as if sensing my presence, Logan turns and meets my gaze.
Our eyes lock for just a fleeting second, but it’s enough to send goosebumps down my arms.
“Yes, anything?” I ask when I notice he just stares at me.
Logan furrows his brows, he stops playing for a while as he stops galloping, and Shawn pauses, noticing the shift. He turns and spots me standing in the doorway.
“Mummy!” Shawn calls out, his face lighting up.
“Yes, sweetie,” I say, forcing a smile. “I see you’re having fun with your buddy.”
But Logan’s sharp look caught me off guard, irritation was in his eyes. He tilts his head slightly, as he says, “Don’t you think he should know?”
I know exactly what he means, and my expression hardens. “Don’t you dare Logan,” I snap quietly, my anger rising.
“Seriously, Nadine,” he whispers, his voice tight with frustration. “How long are you going to keep this a secret?” His tone is controlled, but I can tell he’s holding back to avoid alarming Shawn.
Before I can respond, Rosa enters the room, her timing perfect. “Oh, Shawn, come here and grab your fruit,” she says, her voice breaking the tension. Shawn immediately runs toward her, oblivious to the storm brewing between Logan and me.
The moment they’re out of earshot, I glare at Logan. “I’ll keep it a secret as long as I feel it’s right. I’m not ready to risk my son getting hurt.”
Logan’s eyes darken with frustration. “But he’s my son too, Nadine. I have every right he should call me father, just like he calls you mummy,” he says, his voice tight with anger.
“Oh, now you want him to call you daddy?” I snap back, dripping with sarcasm.
“Don’t you dare go down that road with me,” he growls, stepping closer, his anger barely contained. “I know I messed up, but I pay for it every damn day. I looked for you-do you think I just walked away? I was restrained. What the hell do you want me to do?” His words are raw, with the pain of a man desperate for answers, for a chance.
“This between us was a mistake, Logan. It was never supposed to happen,” I say, in resignation. “But I’ll never regret my son. And I’m grateful for how you’ve been there for me. But it’s been over two years, Logan meaning the contract is over.”
His face softens as he steps closer, the anger from before replaced with something more vulnerable. “I know, Nadine,” he says quietly. “But I want more than the contract. I want you and Shawn in my life-as a family. I’ve made mistakes, I know that, but I’m trying to make things right.”
I shake my head, his words pressing down on me. “It’s not as easy as you make it sound. I want to be myself again, and that doesn’t revolve around you.” I pause, taking a breath. “Especially not after everything that happened with you, Sydney, and Ethan.”
The mention of Ethan’s name makes Logan’s jaw tighten, a flash of tension crossing his face. But he later mask it
“I want to be in your life and Shawn’s. He’s my son too. I’ve already missed so many milestones, and I can’t miss anymore. Please, give me a chance to prove that I’ve changed,” Logan says, his voice filled with sincerity.
“Changed?” I echo, with a hardening face. “And what happens to Samantha? I haven’t seen her in a while, but I don’t want her showing up at the last minute after I’ve rebuilt my world and my son’s around you.”
Logan steps closer, with a firm tone. “There is no Samantha. She was with me for all the wrong reasons. I let her go the moment you were out of sight that day.”
I narrow my eyes at him, searching for the truth in his face.
He nods. “Yes, she left that same day. Nadine, I know I wasn’t the man you needed back then, but you’re different now. You’re like the air I breathe, and I’ll be damned if I let you slip away again.”
“Please, I’m not promising to be the best,” Logan says, with a low and steady voice that seems to make my heart pound in my chest.
“I can go along with the conditions you gave me earlier. It might seem like no-strings-attached sex to you but to me… it’s always a joy to feel myself deep inside you.”
A shiver runs through me at his words, and my mind drifts back to the intensity of what we just shared. My pulse quickens, but I force myself to stay grounded. “Logan, I don’t think I’m ready for anything serious right now, it’ll take time. And honestly, I don’t know how long that will be.” I admit, my voice barely above whispers.
He watches me closely, his gaze unwavering. “But there’s one thing I need you to do for me.”
Logan then stretches out a manila envelope I hadn’t noticed he was carrying. He holds it out to me with a steady gaze.
I narrow my eyes, staring into his eyes as if trying to read his thoughts. “What is it?” I ask.
“Take a look,” he replies, still holding the envelope.