“He clocked Ava’s intentions so fast,” I say.
“He had to ask, so notthatfast,” Tamiko says.
A wave of excitement goes through the crowd, and I rise on my toes to peer around. Then I hear “Bishop” coming through the crowd like a murmured prayer.
“He showed up?” I say, a little stunned.
“Oh, that’s interesting,” Tamiko says, wiggling her index finger at me. “Should I be checking with HR about our employee dating policy?”
“No,” I say with a huff. “Besides, there’s no power dynamics at play. He mightthinkI work for him, but I work for the organization, not him.”
“If he didn’t want to work with you anymore, though…”
“It doesn’t matter.” I take a long drink from my Bellerive Blue, which is in the glass I’m holding. “He’s too young, and I’m too…”Damaged. I catch myself before the word slips out. It’s the first time I’ve been conscious of that feeling. Deep down, I know I came out of my relationship with Dalton banged up, but I haven’t wanted to think about all the scars he left. They’re everywhere, though. He marked every layer of my life, and I hate that it’s true.
“There’s no attraction there?” Tamiko asks before letting out a whoosh of air. “Because he’s wearing a well-fitted suit, and it looks like he got a haircut and trimmed his beard.” She tips her head to where he’s talking to a teammate. “And if youwereinto that sort of thing, he’d be certified hot right now.”
“I need another drink.” I drain the last of mine and head for the bar. Tamiko’s laugh tinkles behind me as I walk away.
There’s no denying that Logan Bishop is an attractive human, but it bothers me that I’ve noticed. A few weeks ago, I was chest deep in a relationship that was not good for me, and the last thing I need is to sink into something that’s toxic in a different way. A guy who’s ten years younger than me, wanted by so many, and off the island half the year, can’t be a suitable fit, can he?
I slide my glass onto the bar, and I wait for the bartender to finish the other drink orders to get to me.
A light touch lands on my elbow, and I flinch, pulling away.
Logan stands slightly behind me and to my side, and he’s looking at his hand as though it’s the problem and not my reaction.
“Did I give you a shock?” he asks, and he drags his gaze from his hand to my face, his brow furrowed.
I don’t know if he means literally or figuratively, but my brain is already preoccupied with categorizing his appearance. He looked manly and scruffy before with his too long hair and too long beard, but now he’s polished. So hot it’s almost a painful burn to my senses.
I flush.
His intense focus on me is unnerving, as though he’s trying to memorize everything about me, or maybe analyze, because a hint of a smile tips one corner of his lips.
“You okay, doc?” he asks.
“You took my advice,” I say.
“Not much choice when your sister has my driver take me to a barber.”
“Somehow I don’t see you getting out of the car if you don’t want to.”
He doesn’t say anything, he just slides his suit-covered forearms onto the bar beside me, shoulders hunched, crowding my space but not in a way that might make me uneasy with anyone else. Thereissomething about him, even if I don’t want there to be. He raises a finger to the bartender, and the guy’s eyes widen. A heightened interest in hockey has naturally taken hold with the team here, and it’s clear the bartender knows who Logan is as he makes his way over to take our order.
“I’ll have sparkling water. What do you want, doc?”
“Bellerive Blue,” I say, and the bartender departs to mix drinks. “Not drinking?”
“Not a drop during the season. Socially in the off season sometimes. Are you a big drinker?”
“I might be tonight.” Dalton is in the room somewhere, Logan looks sinful, and my thoughts are a jumbled mess. Might as well add alcohol. “Ava talked you into coming?”
“Not exactly.”
I don’t have a chance to pry before feedback from a mic makes Logan wince.
“Welcome, everyone!” Ava must be on the lower level of the bar, a microphone in her hand. Being the center of attention seems like a natural fit for her. Not sure why she’s so intent on running a product-based company when event planning appears to be a strength. “We got approval from the coaching staff to teach you Bellerive’s version of the bachata.”
