Heart of Steel

Chapter 12

“Do you think it’s time?”

She worried her bottom lip between her teeth, unsure. They both stared at the two objects on the table as they tried to decide what to do. “If we don’t do it now you may never have the courage.”

“Which button should I press first?"

"Answering machine first. Then Blackberry," she said.

They both took a deep breath. Logan reached out and tapped the blinking red light. After a series of strange clicking noises, the answering machine rapidly beat out the messages accumulated over the two day period. Logan wrote them out on a notepad while she eased back on the couch, her head settled in his lap.

The thunderstorm had tapered off during the night and left the morning cool and damp. After a leisurely shower and breakfast, Logan dedicated himself to finding a locksmith willing to work on Sunday. After much cash passed hands and Chandler was safely back in her car, she picked up a change of clothes, then headed back to his house.

Still wrapped up in each other, they continued to ignore the real world until the sun sunk low on the horizon. With her head resting comfortably against his thighs, she'd just convinced herself to check her own messages when a deep familiar voice boomed over the speaker. Logan’s pen stilled in mid-air. Chandler winced.

“Logan, I don’t know where the hell you are, but we need to discuss something about Jim Chrisetta. That lovely lady of yours has been causing some trouble around here, and we’d better get to the bottom of it. You know the number. Call me back.”

The machine clicked.

When she looked at Logan’s face she decided to ease herself out of his lap, both for convenience and safety purposes. He frowned. Gray eyes held a deep warning. She quickly gathered her courage and reminded herself they were lovers. She had no reason to fear him.

“Chandler, is there something you forgot to mention this weekend?”

She swallowed hard and cursed her unruly hormones for making her forget to tell him about her little encounter with Thomas Weatherall. “Well, actually, something did slip my mind.”

“Do you know who that was?”

She nodded. He remained silent and put the pad down on the coffee table. She fought the surge of irritation that flooded through her when she realized how fast he reverted back to the cool, logical businessman who had first greeted her. She realized then how much she loved the man who spent the weekend with her.

“Are you going to tell me what happened?”

“If you’d stop acting like my sixth grade teacher who discovered I didn’t do my homework, maybe I’d feel more comfortable.”

One black brow shot up. “This must be pretty bad.”

She rose from the sofa. Words bubbled out as she paced the room and tried to search for a way to describe the situation. “Of course, you know how upset I was when you told me you were going to fire Jimmy. I was going to leave the entire situation up to you, until Jimmy came to me on Friday and said he was going to be fired.”

“How would he know that? Tommy and I spoke privately.”

“He’s a smart man. He knew his screw up was pretty bad, and he could see how Tommy may want to get rid of him before completing the merger. He figured your hands would be tied.”

“So he came to cry on your shoulder?”

Chandler stopped pacing to shoot him a warning look. “He needed to talk to someone, and I’m honored he felt he could trust me. He couldn’t discuss the matter with his wife because he was terrified of not being able to provide for his family.”

“Okay, so you told him to talk to me, and he went on his merry way.”

She pushed the hair away from her face. “Well, not exactly.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I told him he was finally free of his insecurities. I told him he could do what he wanted, explore his options, make a new career for himself. I showed him that working for your company was not what his entire life was about.”

Logan swore. “Why didn’t you tell him to come see me? You had no right to get involved with this.”

“I had every right the moment he came to me for help. And he understood what I was talking about. He actually agreed with me!”

He groaned and rubbed his temple. “Okay, so you encouraged him to quit the business entirely and he agreed. Then what happened?”

Not liking the way he described her advice, she paced more furiously. “Well, then I realized I’d have to do something to help him get his old job back. I knew he wasn’t suited to the one you promoted him to, so I went down to personnel and asked some questions about his old job.”

“Theresa gave you this information?” he asked in amazement.

“Of course. She told me she’s going to start taking classes at the Yoga and Arts Center.” Logan rubbed his temple harder. “I found out there was another position similar to the one he had so I knew we had a shot.” She paused, knowing this was the delicate part of the story. “I decided to talk to Tommy Weatherall.”

He stiffened. Every part of his body grew tense. His nostrils flared slightly. Chandler rushed on and tried to explain before the explosion.

“You have to understand I thought this was the best way. You told me you didn’t have a choice in the matter. I figured if I went to talk to the source of the problem, I’d have a shot at explaining the situation and get him to understand.”

His voice dropped. “Do you realize you could have caused problems in the merger by going behind my back?”

She stood her ground, glaring at him, hands on hips. “A human being is more important than any business deal. You told me not to get emotional when I tried to explain how I felt about the situation.”

Logan struggled with his temper. “I assume you tried to convince Tommy not to insist I fire Chrisetta?”

She nodded. “Yes. I explained the problem and told him about Jimmy’s dedication to his family and the baby on the way. I told him it would be a mistake to let him go.”

“And he agreed to let him stay?”

She paused. “Not exactly.”

Logan let out an impatient breath. “What exactly did he say?”

“He said he understood my position but he’d have to stay with his original decision.”

“So, you left.”

“No." His eyes narrowed. “I told him most of your employees were very loyal and always stuck together. I explained that once they discovered the real reason Jimmy was fired, they could become very difficult to work with when the merger was completed. I told him the error Jimmy made shouldn’t be counted against him, because the Vicomdata manager used Jimmy’s feelings of friendship and loyalty against him. The man tricked him. Once the other employees discover those circumstances, they’ll back Jimmy up.”

Silence descended. Logan tapped the pen he held against the edge of the coffee table. The rat-a-tat-tat seemed loud and nerve wrangling against the deadly quiet. “You threatened him.”

“No, of course not! I gave him a picture of what the future could hold if he made the wrong decision.”

“You threatened the man who could dissolve this merger for the sake of one employee. This merger will actually create new business and new jobs for many more workers. But worse, you jeopardized my standing in my own company by sneaking behind my back, giving Thomas Weatherall the impression I don’t know how to run my business.”

“No, I didn’t mean—I didn’t want to give him that impression at all. Why can’t you understand?” she cried out. “Dammit, you used a corporate spy! You were totally unethical, and it’s not fair to punish Jimmy because he was acting like a human being!”

The temperature in the room dropped a few degrees. “I don’t involve myself in unethical or illegal activities. I planted Charlie there for certain reasons, and Jimmy was well advised ahead of time. You may not like it, but there are things I need to do for the sake of my company.”

“Why do you always have to be so damn rational and cold-hearted about every decision you make? Why do you have to be such a, such a—businessman!”

With one swift movement he rose from the couch and closed the distance between them. Dragging her against his body, he lowered his head and kissed her fiercely, parting her lips with a single thrust, conquering and invading her mouth with all the hot passion he showed her throughout the weekend. Her body melted against his and she responded just as fiercely to the kiss.

When he pulled away she gasped for breath. Logan’s eyes burned like twin flames of smoke. “Do you think my actions around you are rational and cold-hearted?” He pressed his thumb over her swollen lips. “Do you think when I take you in my arms I’m making the logical decisions you always accuse me of? Lady, from the moment you walked into my office you’ve thrown my life into chaos. Invading my thoughts and dreams was bad enough, but now you’re taking over my business piece by piece.”

He bent toward her. “I’m angry because you didn’t come to me first. You knew how I felt about the situation but you still couldn’t resist trying to save yet another human being from the big, bad world of corporate America. Dammit, do you really think I’m the type of person to make a decision about firing one of my employees without thinking it through? After the time we’ve spent together, in bed and out, I thought you’d at least trust me.”

Chandler looked deep into his eyes and searched for her own answers. Slowly, her instincts grew sharper and she realized she'd made a mistake. This weekend had shown her the depth of the man who many believed had no soul; who possessed a heart of steel. He may be ruthless in the corporate climate, but her heart told her he was a man who made her laugh, a man who made her spirit soar while he brought her endless pleasure. A man like that would not make a decision to hurt someone unless he was positive it was justified or his only recourse.

She needed to trust Logan regarding Jim Chrisetta.

“No,” she answered softly. “I don’t think you’re that type of person at all.”

His arms tightened around her. “Do you trust me?” he asked. “I need to know you have complete trust in me, Chandler. I can’t settle for anything less.”

She slid her arms around his neck. “I have complete trust in you.” She spoke the words against his lips. “I’d never do anything to hurt you. I’m so used to operating on my own instincts and fighting my own battles that I never stopped to think how this would affect you.” She pressed her mouth to his and rubbed back and forth in a light caress. “I love you.”

With a low groan, he pulled her toward him and deepened the kiss. His tongue swept through her mouth as if to collect each sweet word she uttered and pull it deep inside of him.

“Don’t think you’ll win every argument like this,” he growled against her neck as he lowered her to the floor.

Her fingers worked deftly at the buttons on his shirt.

“I’ll have to come up with a better way to punish you.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Clothes were removed rapidly as the familiar hunger took hold. It was a while before they realized the phone was ringing insistently. He dragged his mouth from hers and stared into her eyes.

“We should probably answer it.”

“Yep.” His hand moved across her naked breasts and down her soft belly.

Chandler fought for breath. “You answered every message that machine threw at you. It would be criminal to let it keep ringing.”

“You’re right.” His palm settled over the apex of her thighs. Slowly, he pressed. His fingers invaded her core and he watched with interest her emerald eyes cloud over in a sensuous haze.

“It could be a client,” she gasped as his thumb massaged her.

“It could be Tommy.”

“Let it ring.” They laughed as he covered his body with hers.

“I should have known the problem would involve a woman.” Thomas Weatherall let out his breath in disgust.

Logan laughed as he shut the door to his office and walked behind his desk. “You always were a smart man, Tommy.”

“And you look pathetic. You have a sparkle in your eye, and my sources say you came into the office late this morning. You didn’t answer my message until late this afternoon. And I left a 911 message on your cell.”

“I was busy.”

“I’ll bet.” A half smile touched Tommy’s lips. “Okay, dammit, I like Chandler Santell, she’s a hell of a woman. Hell of a lot of trouble too, from the last confrontation I had with her.”

“I’ll never be bored.” Logan tossed the final proposal on the polished wood and leaned back in his chair. The leather creaked gently under the shift of weight. “I assume these are the papers you were waiting for.”

Tommy picked up the contract and gave it a cursory glance. “I’m sure everything is in order, just as we discussed.”

Logan lifted his coffee mug and took a swallow of the strong brew. His gaze cut to the man across the desk. “Jim Chrisetta stays.”

Tommy waited a beat. Then chuckled. “You can’t be serious. I’ve already told you his screw up cost us too much money. There’s no way I’m going to open the door for more mistakes.”

“I was the one who made a mistake by offering him the management promotion. I should have realized it wasn’t suitable to his working style. I want to move him back to a similar position recently vacated.”

Tommy studied him thoughtfully. “Hmmm, so Chandler already said. Are you telling me you agree with her?”

“She has nothing to do with this. She made some points I thought were worth considering, but my decision is my own and it’s final. I don’t cut employees for one mistake in four years. I’ve also taken into account the nature of his mistake. He got caught off guard, Tommy. Vicomdata got wind of it and was looking for confirmation. Jimmy thought he was talking to someone who was a friend of Charles. Unfortunate he cost us money. But not enough to let him go.”

“Profit is profit. I don’t make deals where I can’t be guaranteed efficiency in all operations.”

“Profit can easily be guaranteed and you know it. Good employees are hard to find. Jim is loyal, and he’s a good worker. You’re being a stubborn hard ass, Tommy, and I think you know it.”

Tommy shook his head in amazement. “Hell man, you can’t afford to walk away from a deal like this for one employee. Give him a good reference and he’ll find something else. Don’t let your emotions screw up one of the best deals you’ll ever make. Now let’s stop haggling and get down to it. If he doesn’t go, I don’t sign the contract.”

“Then we don’t sign the contract.” He reached over and buzzed his secretary. “Connie, will you please call Tommy’s lawyers and cancel the meeting for 4:00,” he said. “Then push up my next appointment so I can be out of here early tonight.” The red light on the phone went out. Logan studied Tommy, his jaw tight with determination.

Tommy cursed. “You’re bluffing.”

“You know me better than that.”

Tension swirled in the room between them as Logan waited for an answer. After a few moments Tommy let out a short laugh and shook his head. “You’re a real son of a bitch.”

Logan smiled. “I know. Do we have a deal?”

Weatherall reached for the papers and slipped them into his briefcase. “Do I have a choice?” They shook hands. “Reschedule the lawyers. Let’s do this before I get pissed and change my mind.”

Tommy moved toward the door. “And to think I was worried you could be getting soft on me,” he said in disgust. “By the way, can I tell Laura to stop making pork chops on Tuesdays?”

Logan chuckled. “Tell her I’ll be calling for the recipe. I have a feeling my body can’t take too many vegetables all at once. I’ll go into shock.”

“Yeah, but think of the other benefits your body is getting.” With a laugh, Tommy let himself out of the office.

Logan walked to the window and stared out at the view of the Hudson River. He knew for the first time in his life he had made a business decision not wholly based on clear headed logic. For the first time, he felt an instinct in his gut that told him it had been the right decision.

Tommy was right. Chandler Santell was a hell of a lot of trouble.

Drumming his pen absently against the windowsill, he admitted his plan to seduce Chandler had been perfectly executed except for one tiny detail. By luring her so carefully into his trap, he had ended up in the same cage.

He was in love with her.

“Logan, I need to speak to you. Immediately.” He turned his head at the intrusion, surprised when he saw Jim Chrisetta standing in his office with a determined look on his face. With an inward sigh he resigned himself to smooth the ruffled feathers of the employee he had just rescued from termination. He had a feeling Chandler’s advice was going to make his job more difficult.

As he waved the younger man into his office and motioned for him to shut the door, he made a mental note to exact punishment from his lover for putting him through a day of hell.

“Tell me what happened.” Chandler practically pulled him into her apartment.

Logan ignored her demanding words and hauled her into his arms for a long, hungry kiss. After the first muffle of protest, she melted against him and responded with equal fervor. When a satisfying length of time passed, he eased the pressure of his mouth and nibbled gently at her lower lip. “Somehow I’d hoped for a different type of greeting.” He slid his hands up and down the length of her spine.

Chandler shivered. “We practiced that type of greeting for two days and nights.”

“Sometimes it takes years to achieve perfection.”

Laughing, she stepped out of his arms and led him into the living room. “You’re early. Dinner won’t be ready for an hour. Now tell me what happened.” She settled herself on the sofa and looked at him with expectation.

Logan’s lips curved in a smile. “I sold Tommy my business and decided to start teaching yoga classes with you. We’ll make an unbeatable team.”

“Logan!”

He laughed and walked to the cabinet to pour a glass of cognac. “After my meeting with Tommy, I had an interesting chat with Chrisetta. Seems he’ll be staying on after all.” He sat beside her, taking a long healthy swallow of the amber liquid. “Also seems one of his important reasons for staying had to do with you. He wanted to make sure the stress management classes would continue under your instruction.”

Chandler’s eyes widened. “Jimmy really asked about my contract with you? Do you realize this means I’ve gotten through to your employees? They’re finally learning to handle their stress and want to continue their training.”

“I think half of the male work force I employ is in love with you. The female portion admires the way you yell at me in class if my mind wanders or if I do the positions wrong.”

“I don’t yell. I have to be firm, since you always insist on arguing with me. You hate to be corrected.”

“I mess up on purpose so I can feel your hands all over my body,” he said wickedly, giving her a naughty wink.

She fought a smile. “Was Tommy angry with you about your decision?”

“He disagreed, but after I persuaded him to see my point of view, he decided to sign. He felt I was basing my business decisions on pleasing my new lover. I quickly discouraged him of that thought.”

“You must have threatened to ditch the whole deal!”

Logan nodded. “He knew me well enough to realize I don’t bluff.”

A dazzling smile lit up her face. He was fascinated by the transformation of her features and the sparkle in her eyes, and thought briefly that he had never seen her look so radiantly beautiful. “You decided not to fire Jimmy even if it meant not signing the contract?”

He shrugged. “I’m not a monster. I thought about it and made the decision I could live with.”

“You chose a person over money.”

He looked puzzled by her tone. “I guess I did.”

A surge of joy raced through Chandler and filled her with an energy that made her feel like she could conquer the world. Logan had made the right decision. When she left her father and her old life four years ago, the only thing she knew was the kind of person she desired to be, and the type of man she wanted to share her life with. Logan had seemed to be the opposite of everything she demanded, but now, suddenly, she realized he was everything she ever wanted. He was a man with enough strength to fight for what he believed in, no matter what the cost. Even if that cost was a major deal to profit his business. Her father couldn’t have walked away from such a temptation.

But Logan had.

He watched her with an odd expression, probably wondering why she looked like she stumbled upon some truth that was about to change her life.

“Chandler? What are you thinking?”

She opened her mouth to tell him she was madly in love with him; that she saw the future in his eyes; that she trusted him with her whole heart and soul. The sound of the doorbell cut off her response.

With a hint of annoyance, Logan rose from the sofa. “Why do I think this is going to be another one of your strays seeking comfort? I think it’s time I inform them your shelter is now full.” He grasped the knob and hurled it open.

Harry rushed through in his usual manner. “Hey, Logan, how are you? Chandler, guess what? I had a big legal dispute to handle at McKenzie & Tetenbaum, and when I walked into the conference room Rachael was waiting for me. So, naturally, I was excited to see her and decided to finally ask her out.”

“And?” Chandler asked.

“Then the most incredible thing happened. She asked me out for coffee. Do you believe it? Maybe she’s been interested all this time but was waiting for me to make the first move.”

She laughed in delight at Harry’s excitement. “I told you! I want to hear the whole story, why don’t you stay for dinner?”

“Sure, I’ll—”

“Excuse me.” Logan tapped Harry’s shoulder. Harry turned. Pure masculine irritation bristled from Logan’s figure. “I think we have a problem.”

Immediately, Harry backed towards the door and grinned. “Oops, I knew I should have called first. Guess I’m still getting used to the idea that Chandler isn’t alone anymore, waiting for news about my life.” He ignored her protests and paused on the threshold. “Sorry about the inconvenience. Maybe we can all meet for a drink one night. Talk to you later.” Harry rushed out as fast as he had rushed in.

The room fell silent.

Chandler crossed her arms in front of her and glared at the man who leaned against the couch in a relaxed stance. He shrugged his massive shoulders and walked into the kitchen. “What are those heavenly smells coming out of the oven?” He breathed in deeply. “It doesn’t smell like tofu is in this recipe.”

“Logan, how could you?”

“Well, we still have some time left. I think I’ll get a refill on that cognac. Want one?”

Chandler followed in his footsteps as he made his way toward the liquor cabinet. “You can’t continue treating my friends like this. I thought you understood my relationship with Harry, yet you practically toss him out the door.”

“All I said is that we have a problem.” He refilled his glass calmly.

“It was the way you said it and the way you looked when you said it.”

“I refuse to give up an evening with you so I can listen to another man’s woes. From now on they can all look for another woman to nurture them.”

“You’re doing it again!” Frustration vibrated through her body. “You’re trying to order me around and give me rules to follow. Just because I’m sleeping with you doesn’t mean I’ll do everything you say.”

He took in her defiant stance and lowered his voice to a silky drawl. “You seemed to be pretty responsive to my instructions last night.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks at the mention of that wildly erotic evening in his arms. “I won’t let you bully me by using seduction.” Her chin lifted. “Why were you rude to Harry when he told you he’s interested in another woman? He specifically came over here to tell me he had date.”

“I knew the moment I set up the date he’d rush over to tell you, and I was right. Harry needs to learn I’m first in your life.”

“That’s ridiculous, he’s always in a rush to tell me things. And of course you’ll always be first in my life, I don’t think that’s even a—what did you say?” She broke off and glanced at him with suspicion. “Did you say you set up their date?”

Logan propped one hand against the side of the easy chair and crossed his ankles like a lazy jungle cat taking a break. “Yep.”

She stared at him with horror. “You’re the one who persuaded Rachael to ask him out?” Logan nodded in satisfaction. “How did you do it?”

“One of my employees does a lot of business with McKenzie & Tetenbaum. I had him make a few phone calls to track down this woman Rachael, and then I paid her a visit. I mentioned Harry did a little work for my company and he thought she was an interesting person. My job got easier from there because she immediately lit up and told me she thought he was one of the nicest men she’d ever met. After a brief discussion, I convinced her to ask him for coffee, and guaranteed he’d say yes. The rest is up to them.”

Chandler opened her mouth, then quickly shut it. She turned on her heel and marched into the kitchen, muttering under her breath as she went to check the pasta and broccoli casserole. Logan followed. After slamming the oven door closed, she threw the hot mitts on the table and faced him. “How could you manipulate poor Harry like that?” she demanded. “If he had any idea you did this he’d be humiliated.”

“If I didn’t step in those two would never get together. I did them a favor.”

“You did this so you could get Harry out of the way.” She glared at him. “You used a person’s weakness to get what you want.”

“Don’t push it, lady. This was the right thing for everyone. Harry has to stop depending on you.”

She threw up her hands. “You make me crazy, Logan Grant! I am usually a calm, focused person. I practice yoga and meditation so I can get in touch with my feelings and approach life with total peace. You are wrecking my concentration! You’re jealous and demanding and stubborn and—don’t even think about it.” She put her hands out in front to ward him off as he started moving toward her. “We will not solve this problem with sex.”

He didn’t listen. She backed away and circled around the sofa to put an object safely between them.

“Come here,” he commanded softly. “When you get into these emotional outbursts there’s only one way to reason with you.”

“Don’t come near me.” She stumbled over the coffee table in a hasty retreat. “You can’t control me like you do your employees.”

“If you were one of my employees you’d be fired for disobeying a direct order. I’m not trying to control you, Chandler, I’m trying to show all your strays that you won’t have the time to nurture them on a full time basis anymore. Now stop moving away from me and come here.”

With one swift lunge he tackled her down on the sofa and pinned his body over hers. He grasped both her wrists and held them above her head with one hand. Her chest heaved and she let out a sigh. She glared at him as his gaze roamed over her flushed features.

“I won’t let you seduce me,” she said stubbornly. “You manipulated Harry, you’re bullying me, and I have to think about what effect this will have on our relationship.”

“Dammit woman, if I didn’t love you so much I’d put you over my knee instead of doing this!” His mouth took hers in a frustrated assault of emotion, hot and demanding. She melted helplessly beneath him, her lips opening to the thrusting motion of his tongue against hers. His hand released her wrists to peel open her blouse, his palms cupping and squeezing the weight of her breasts, teasing the hard crests. Heat exploded through her as she arched upwards. His mouth moved down her neck, and the words he had spoken suddenly flashed through her mind.

“Logan, what did you just say?”

“Forget anything I said.” His teeth bit at the sensitive curve behind her ear and a shudder ripped through her. “Actions speak louder than words. I’m taking you to bed.”

He scooped her up and walked into the bedroom. She fought the sensual lethargy that clouded her mind. “No, you said something very important.”

He dropped her on the rose comforter and stood over her sprawled body like a warrior with his captive. “About putting you over my knee?” He unbuttoned his shirt and stripped it off his body.

“No, before that.” Her eyes were helplessly drawn to the lean muscled strength of his chest.

He placed one knee on the bed and leaned over her. His thumb gently stroked her lips dragging across the tender flesh as she opened her mouth. Her teeth lightly scraped the pad of his thumb. A low groan rumbled his chest. “I told you I loved you. But surely you knew that already.”

A surge of joy raced through her. She reached up and pulled his head toward her, kissing him hungrily.

He felt her blossom beneath him, all sweetness and light and passion, her emotions reaching out to touch him in an almost visible caress. “I didn’t know,” she whispered. Emerald eyes filled with naked longing. “I hoped in time you’d love me, but I wasn’t sure. All weekend you never said a word.”

His knee slid between her legs and opened her for his more intimate touch. “I showed you how I felt every time I took you in my arms and entered your body.” His hands cupped her face. He let her see every emotion he’d been too afraid to let go of—every feeling he never uttered in words. “Each time I cried your name I told you I loved you.”

She clung to him and wrapped her legs around his. “I needed to hear the words.”

“Never doubt the way I feel for you. I’ll have to show you on a more regular basis.”

She laughed with happiness and urged him closer. “Maybe some actions are better than words.”

He moved over her and joined his body with hers. This time, they both cried out the words as they reached the peak together, and drifted back down as one.

Moonlight beamed through the open window creating shadowy patterns against the dusty rose sheets, throwing Chandler’s features into a hazy glow.

Logan stood beside the bed, naked, watching her. She slept with a deep peacefulness that made a smile touch his lips. She was curled up in the fetal position, one hand tucked under her cheek. Her glorious hair fanned out over the pillow, and the rippling moonlight made the strands seem like a halo.

He had to tell Chandler about her father.

Logan turned away and walked to the window to gaze out at the dots of light sprinkling the night skyline. He rubbed his brow at the thought. The woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with pursued a path of honesty and truth—it was a part of her inner core. He was awed by such qualities, and knew that because he respected her, he must tell her everything. About the deal her father had made him. About the offer of marriage. About Thorne.

Everything.

It was not something he looked forward to.

He sighed as he tapped his fingers against the windowsill in thought. His life was on the brink of change, and the woman lying in bed was the cause. Suddenly, a contract worth millions of dollars was not very important.

He’d never been more satisfied with his life. Being with Chandler softened something inside of him, soothed his emotions, made him want to give all of himself to another person and receive the same back. For the first time in his life he was in love, and he wasn’t going to screw it up.

She stirred and murmured in her sleep. Logan turned from the window and made his decision. Tomorrow night he’d tell her the truth. Then he’d tell her father to go to hell, along with his million dollar contract.

He slipped under the covers, pulling her close to his body. She snuggled against him immediately.

Logan closed his eyes and let sleep wrap its misty fringes around him, until he was lured into a world of blackness.