17
Bellini
At nine, the bar was hopping. Logan’s group had finished dinner and were playing pool and dancing. Logan was not dancing. I had arrived at noon to work on organizing the burlesque show. There were people to call, tables and chairs to rent, decorations to locate, lighting and tech people to find. I had another three hours here, at least, but I had to rest for a few minutes, especially after that ooh-la-la moment with Logan. He was so strong. He’d moved fast to catch me, like human lightning, as I was tipping straight off that bar. He was protective and romantic and being in his arms felt right. It felt safe.
I took a break and leaned back in the chair behind my mother’s desk in her peaceful office, completely distracted by the utter sexiness of that man. I heard a knock, and it surprised me so much I almost toppled over. “Come on in!” I called out, trying to right myself. I couldn’t. The chair won.
“Hello, amiga,” Javier said. “Logan wants to talk to you. Okay if I send him back?”
“Yes. Sure. Okay. Fine. Yes.” The thought of Logan being in my mom’s office had me imagining all sorts of carnal activities, especially on her long and wide desk.
“Hi, Bellini.”
Wham. I slammed my mother’s chair back down with a thud as soon as I heard that deep voice. It practically gave me whiplash.
“Hi, Logan.” I scrambled to my feet. I moved too fast and hooked a foot under the chair. The chair wobbled. I caught it. I wobbled, too. That chair and I were not getting along. “Thanksso much again for catching me.” I yanked my leg away. I am such a klutz.
“No problem.”
Be still my heart.
“Working hard as always.” He nodded at the lists on my mother’s desk.
“Yes, the Christmas burlesque show, the books, ordering food and alcohol, the usual.”
“It’s nine o’clock.”
“I know.”
“Tired? Hungry?”
“Yes. Both.”I could get rid of my tiredness if I slept with you. I don’t think I’ve slept right since we broke up.Thank heavens I didn’t say that.
“Can I take you to dinner?”
“What?” He looked tall and sexy. I could hardly think.
“Can I take you to dinner?”
I had so much work to do. Books to balance. Beer to buy. Burgers to bring in. A burlesque show to launch. But Logan was right here. In my mom’s yellow office. I had missed him so much. Every day. For years. I knew going to dinner would be a risk. I knew it would make leaving him worse. I knew it could hurt him again, give him the wrong impression, and that was the last thing I wanted to do. I should stay away from him. Far away.
“Yes. I’d love that. Thank you.”Yes?
He grinned. I grinned back and held my breath, feeling slightly overwhelmed, my heart thudding like a fool. Dinner with Logan!
“Let’s go.” He grabbed my red coat and held it open for me to slide into, then handed me my Mrs. Santa scarf and my red mittens.
“We’ll have to sneak around and out,” I said.
“I like sneaking around with you.”
“I do, too. With you. Sneaking with you. Around. You and me.” I shook my head.Why can’t I talk right?“Let’s go.”
We settled into a booth at Scotty’s. Scotty’s is the fanciest restaurant we have in Kalulell. White tablecloths, glass candleholders, quiet, excellent service, and the food is delicious but expensive. Logan had insisted we go there.
“My treat. It’s not every day I get to have dinner with you, Bellini, so we’re going.”
“You may have to roll me out of there.”
