“It started in high school didn’t it,” Brooke offered as she gathered up her purse and jacket.
He shoved his arms into the coat he’d left on the back of the chair. Once he had his jacket back on, he replied, “Clearly.” Logan pushed back his chair and stood.
She stumbled to her feet and put on her jacket. “Did you have to pay people to sit with you at lunch?” Brooke jested.
“Still do.” Logan motioned for her to go first. “So, nothing has changed.”
She snatched up her purse and pushed through the throngs of people who squeezed in every nook and cranny of the tight space. Logan followed behind her, close enough she caught the scent of his woodsy cologne. Gosh, the man smelled good.Friends, friends, friends. They finally made it outside.
“Which way?” Logan shoved his hands into the pockets of his peacoat.
Brooke nudged her head in the direction of her apartment. “I’m this way.” It wasn’t far, only a few blocks past the hospital. “I can manage to get home on my own if you live in the opposite direction.”
“I’d like to walk you home,” he stated, without revealing if it was an inconvenience or not.
“Okay.” She twisted on the sidewalk toward her apartment. They meandered at a comfortable pace side by side. “Is that how you win over your friends?” Her lips twitched again. “You buy them off and do nice things for them.”
“It’s usually a good place to start.” The light ahead changed and forced them to stop on one side of the crosswalk. The familiar sound of the L train passing over their heads made him speak louder. “And my mom would never forgive me if I promised to walk a woman home, and I didn’t.”
The idea warmed her heart. She didn’t have any clue what it would feel like to have someone teach you things like that. For a second, she tried to imagine having a parent who cared about her well-being rather than treating her like the worst thing that happened to them. If her parents taught her anything, it was what not to do. She hoped someday she wouldn’t repeat their mistakes.
“Are you close to your mom?” Brooke inquired as she hit the crossing walk button.
“Yes.” Logan popped the collar of his peacoat. “I’m close with my dad too. And my sister loves to be in my business as well. I try to remind her I’m a grown man only two years younger than her, but she conveniently forgets that part. But I don’t mind, she’s given me the cutest twin nieces a guy could ask for.” His eyes shimmered at the mention of them.
It made her like him even more.
“How old are the twins?” she asked.
“Nine months.” The crosswalk changed. They stepped off the curb and walked to the other side. He continued, “They’re still snuggly and warm when you hold them. The best is if they fall asleep in your arms. I have to soak it all up now, because I know once they start walking it’ll be all over.”
“True.” They turned the corner. Brooke spotted her apartment coming into view. “I’m only a half a block away.” She pointed out her building.
“Oh, do you live at the old boiler factory?”
“I do. It was converted to apartments a while back before I moved here.”
“I looked at an apartment there too, but they didn’t have anything available.” He scratched his chin then shoved his hand back into his pocket. “I love how the old factories and buildings in the city have been converted into apartments. The city managed to keep the beauty of the architecture. It’s what makes Chicago special.”
“I agree.” Brooke spotted George at his usual guarding spot outside the front door and waved. “I love my apartment, and my doorman, George.” She pointed him out. Logan glanced in his direction then she added, “He’s like the dad I never had. He listens to me then imparts his wisdom when I ask for help with my problems.”
He studied her for a moment then commented, “Then I’m glad he’s in your life.”
She appreciated he didn’t press her further about her dad.
They made it to the front of her building and halted.
George greeted them. “Good evening.” He opened the door to the inside. “Who’s your friend?” He raised an eyebrow and exchanged a quick look with her.
“George, this is Logan.” Brooke motioned toward him. “He’s a surgeon at the hospital.”
Logan held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” George shook his hand in return.
“Likewise.” George smirked. His eyes shone with delight. “I see you didn’t waste any time taking my advice.”
Heat splashed her cheeks. “Umm— that’s not?—”
“What advice?” Logan’s gaze skidded between George and Brooke.
