“I don’t want you to come just because of an agreement. I want you to come becauseyouwant to. Our deal was for a few days in New York, not the extended stay you’ve already done.”
“I’ll go with you, Logan. I’ve… found the atmosphere in New York interesting.”
He let out a soft, knowing laugh. “What a liar. You’re LA-born and you hate the cold.”
How could I argue? He was absolutely right.
“If we’re staying somewhere with a heating system as good as the Holloways’ apartment, I’ll survive.”
“I’ll make sure of it. Well, that’s all I wanted to tell you.”
“Logan…” I said, before he could say goodbye. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“Of course. What is it? Is it about the girls?”
“No. Well, indirectly, yes. Peter, my ex… he’s been calling me.”
“Your ex? The one who was a complete jerk to you?” I sensed an immediate shift in his tone. Even through the phone, his irritation was palpable.
And I hadn’t even told him the worst part. The fact that he was reacting this way had to mean something—jealousy, concern, or maybe I was just imagining it.
The words tumbled out in a rush. “He’s blackmailing me. He threatened to tell the press I’m not the girls’ mother. He demanded money to stay quiet, and I was stupid enough to pay him. Now he’s back, asking for more. And… I think he’s involved with drugs.”
Logan was silent for a long moment, processing.
Finally, he spoke, his voice calm and decisive. “Text me his number. Better yet, give me his address.”
“I don’t have his address; he moved recently,” I lied. The last thing I wanted was for Logan to confront him. If Peter was mixed up with dangerous people, he might have a gun.
“Then send me the number. I’ll handle it. But I can tell you right now, he won’t get a single cent.”
“Logan, he could tell everyone—”
“Don’t worry about that, Evy. I’ll sort it. You have no reason to apologize. But for tonight, let’s rest. You must be exhausted from the trip and looking after the girls alone.”
“Okay. You get some rest, too.”
“Goodnight. And… Evy?”
“Yes?”
“You’re so much more than just a nanny to the girls. And to me, too.”
After he hung up, I held the phone to my ear for a long time, his final words echoing in my mind, sending a wave of warmth through my heart—even as I hated the possibility that I might just be fooling myself.
Chapter Thirty-Two
LOGAN
The next morning, I left Sebastian’s house early, leaving Michael in charge. I had urgent matters to attend to, but I didn’t plan on being long.
Although I’d never been there before, I still had the digital invitation from the bookstore’s opening last year—an event I’d missed, as usual, due to my surgery schedule. The address was right there in my gallery.
The place was spacious and cozy, busier than I expected for a morning. My eyes scanned the room and quickly found her: Jenna, Camila's grandmother, chatting with a customer, expertly recommending a book. I waited until the man made his purchase before approaching.
Jenna, a warm woman in her seventies whom I’d met at Michael’s wedding, smiled in recognition, though a flicker of concern crossed her face.
"Dr. Turner," she said. "Is everything alright? Is Evy okay?"
