“This is the den.” She waved her arm about, standing on a multicolored rug. “Ila and I used to bring all our friends over, and they’d crash here on airbeds, sleeping bags—we used to have such fun, until, of course, Ila started dating Dumbass.” She grimaced. “Anyway, this couch actually opens up into a bed; unlike the one we have at the apartment.” She bounded back for the stairs. “Make yourself at home, and come on up when you’re ready.”
After Ray had skipped off, I took in the walls painted in rustic colors. The basement had a cozy feel.
A TV took up space on one wall. A short shelf below it housed a DVD player. There was another shelf crammed with books, two armchairs, and the couch that was my bed.
An old easel leaned against the far wall. A faded sheet covered something else stacked near it. I’d bet my father’s bank that they were all Logan’s paintings.
“It’s getting to be a habit, you sleeping on the couch.”
At her teasing voice, I wheeled around, warmth spreading through me. My tote landed on the floor with a thud. I crossed to her, pulling her into my arms. “It matters little where I sleep as long as you’re close. Don’t you realize that by now? Though with me would be better.”
She laughed and eased away. “I’ll bring the bedding later. There are towels in the bathroom.” She nodded to a door at the far end of the room. “If you need anything else—”
I pulled her to me again. “Yeah, my mouth on yours.”
Color rushed to her face, then a smile appeared, making the small dimple near the corner of her lips take on life. “Later, not with Ray likely to pop in here unannounced. You know, I never did thank you for rescuing her from those thugs who attacked her.”
“It’s not necessary. But I’m glad Ray’s and my path crossed. It led me to you.” I lowered my head and pressed my mouth to hers, feeling as if we’d been separated for hours instead of a few minutes. I sucked her bottom lip. “It was pure torture sitting next to you on the ride over, unable to even hold your hand with Ray in the back. Next time, she takes the damn bus.”
Logan’s laughter turned into a moan as I kissed her again, just lips on lips. She leaned into me, shifting and realigning her sexy little body with mine.
Christ, this girl. She’d have me on my knees. Begging.
“Ila, get Max and come on up, dinner’s almost ready,” Ray yelled.
Yeah, there it was. Why I didn’t deepen the kiss as much as I longed to. With a soft groan, I eased my mouth from Logan’s.
She blinked dreamy, golden eyes at me, a light flush staining her cheeks. The urge to kiss her again took hold like a fever. But with our combined happiness in my hands, I refused to deviate from the path I’d set. “Seems we’re expected upstairs for dinner.”
Logan stared at me for a second longer. “Why do I get the feeling that you’re relieved Ray called?” She narrowed her eyes. “Or do you think I’ll change my mind about what I said—about falling in love? I mean it, Max. I won’t.”
I knew her stance on allowing her emotions to get involved. And it irritated me.
I said instead, “I’d planned to spend hours exploring your sexy body before I take you, but if it’s a quickie you’re after, go ahead, call up and explain we’ll be delayed.” Pissed now, I caught the hem of my t-shirt and pulled it off, popped the button on my jeans. As I went to toe off my boots, she grabbed my arm.
“Wh-what are you doing? Are you crazy?” she squeaked, casting a quick look to the stairs.
I lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “You seem to think I have hidden motives for waiting, so let’s just get the first time—the sex—out of the way so your suspicious mind can relax. Recall, Logan, it was only two days ago that we got together. Both nights, you were locked in with your client until late, and then your friend came over. I refuse to rush when I—” Makeloveto you? She’d run at that word. “—fuck you.”
“Fine, you made your point.” Harrumphing, she pivoted and headed for the stairs. I rebuttoned my jeans, pulled on my shirt, and followed.
Yeah, I’d called her bluff. Never before did I have so much at stake. Whatever this thing was between us, I wanted a chance at it, and for Logan to acknowledge it. Because sex without emotions was just a hookup, and this was far more. Whatever was happening to me, it had me by the balls. For the first time in my life, I wanted a woman to want me for more than my body or name.
***
Dinner was certainly enlightening. Definitely nothing I’d known while growing up. Meals at the mansion were silent, with dinner long, drawn out, five-course affairs I hated. My parents and I sat miles apart at a dining table longer than the Nile.
But this, the small, six-seater table was surrounded by warmth. The table groaned with an abundance of wholesome food. My father’s chef would probably have a coronary at the calorie-laden menu. Roast leg of lamb with baby potatoes and veggies, gravy, and savory rice, along with mac and cheese. The latter I figured was for Ray, who was on a vegan kick. But it all agreed with me.
I sat next to Logan. Far safer I decided than facing her, because then everyone would know my intentions. Ray bounded in with a bowl of salad, set it down, and took the seat opposite me. As we ate, the conversation flowed with Ray filling in her parents on life in the city.
Mrs. Logan turned to me. “Meade-Sinclair—w…would Leland Sinclair be your father?”
If there was one thing I abhorred, it was talking about my father, or myself, but this was Logan’s family, and I couldn’t avoid the one-on-one. “Yes.”
“You have a brother, too, if I recall?”
“No, a cousin. Tanner.” We could be brothers if Tanner weren’t determined to mold himself in Leland Sinclair’s image. The delicious food losing some of its taste, I drank some water, aware that Logan’s father now watched me with a considering stare.
