Chapter Twenty-Five
LOGAN
My surgical precision and hand-eye coordination were great for many things besides operating. Decorating cookies, however, was definitively not on that list. Even the girls giggled at the lopsided, ghastly faces I attempted to draw on the gingerbread men with icing.
Yet, the day was nothing short of incredible. It had been years since I’d experienced a Christmas that felt so special. For so long, I’d let the day pass by as if it were any other.
After the cookies, we spent the afternoon watching children's Christmas movies. Evelyn had thoughtfully selected films with simultaneous sign language translation.
That night, as I put them to bed, Aurora spent a long while recounting her day. I still struggled withsign language, but somehow, we were managing to hold a conversation. With Anna, however, things remained difficult. As soon as I tucked her in, she turned onto her side and closed her eyes, pointedly ignoring the kiss I placed on her cheek.
Once Aurora’s eyes grew heavy with sleep, I adjusted her covers, kissed her forehead, and whispered goodnight. Then I left for my own room.
Evelyn was already in her pajamas, sitting on the bed and scrolling through her phone. She set it aside the moment I entered.
“Anna still hates me,” I announced, sinking onto the mattress beside her.
She laughed. “Stop being dramatic. She doesn’t hate you.”
“Yes, she does,” I insisted, the frustration evident in my voice. “Is it terribly immature of me to want her to like me so much?”
“No, it’s not. I know material things can’t buy affection, but your kindness—rushing out on Christmas Eve to get those bikes in their favorite colors—that certainly earned you some points.”
“Oh, but that wasn’t me,” I countered with a wry smile. “That damn Santa Claus got all the credit.”
“Someday they’ll know it was you. But like I said, the gifts are the least of it. Anna is stubborn and proud… too much for someone so small… but she’s softening toward you.” She brought her hand to my face, her touch gentle, and I met her gaze. “Maybe it’s not just her. You’ve surprised me in the best way, Dr. Logan Turner.”
“Maybe because your first impression of me was the worst possible.”
“Actually,” she said, a playful glint in her eye, “my first impression was two weeks earlier, at Camila and Michael’s wedding.”
“Oh, really? And what was it?”
“You know exactly what it was. It shouldn’t be news to you. Especially since I have a thing for doctors…”
“I know… because of that silly TV show you like…”
She immediately became serious, as if I’d committed a grave personal offense. “Grey’s Anatomyis not a ‘silly show.’ It’s the best medical series of all time. You should watch it.”
I laughed, keeping to myself the fact that there was no way I’d waste my time on it. But I couldn’t deny how endearing I found her irritated expression.
I closed the distance, bringing my lips to hers. Evelyn surrendered completely to the kiss. Her hands fisted tightly in the fabric of my shirt, pulling me closer with a desperate urgency. And I, too, gave in completely to the desire that consumed us.
I pulled back just enough to undress her, my mouth finding hers again in a desperate kiss. She tore at my shirt, her hands sliding down my chest, mapping the planes of muscle as I leaned over her, covering her body with mine on the mattress.
Soon, she was naked except for her panties. I broke the kiss, my eyes drinking her in, worshipping every curve.
“You’re beautiful,” I breathed, the words a reverent truth.
Her gaze was a tangible caress, trailing over my abs, chest, and arms, her fingers following the same provocative path.
“I told you we weren’t going to have sex, Logan…” she murmured, her voice husky. “But maybe I changed my mind.”
“Maybe?” I teased, lowering my head to nuzzle her neck.
“Perhaps…”
“Let me know the moment you’re sure,” I whispered against her skin. “Or the instant you want me to stop.”
