Chapter Five
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They had held to their agreement and didn’t discuss anything pertaining to the Hendersons or the Sparks. It was actually a lot easier than she’d anticipated. She found him absolutely fascinating. He was one of the top neurological surgeons in the world, so he should be an arrogant, egotistical ass. But he wasn’t. There was so much more to him than simply his credentials. Surprisingly he had a sense of humor.
He’d wanted to drive her home, but she’d refused. Being alone in the back of a limo would’ve been more pressure or temptation than she was prepared to deal with. So instead, Logan had insisted on paying for her taxi. Somehow he didn’t get that she was a strong and independent woman. Of course, my sister doesn’t seem to get that either. What am I doing wrong that everyone seems to think I need to be taken care of?
It was funny because the first call she received in the morning was from Elizabeth, checking to see if Loras or Shaun should pick her up for the party. If she had thought for one minute she could get out of going, it vanished then. She’d heard the excitement in Elizabeth’s voice. She wasn’t sure if it was for her or the pie she was bringing. Either way, Cori was committed.
This was a casual event, so she opted for a pair of white jeans with sandals and a black tank top with a white heart on the front. It seemed appropriate for celebrating a wedding anniversary. Although they had said not to bring a gift, Cori stopped at the florist on her way and picked up a plant. She didn’t have a green thumb at all so plants didn’t last any longer than cut flowers in her apartment, and she refused to decorate with plastic. So she left the selection to the florist.
Once the taxi pulled up in front of their house, she realized it was going to be nearly impossible to carry both the pie and the plant. “Would you mind helping me carry this to the back of the house?”
She didn’t think it was going to be such a big deal, but he looked at her, shook his head, and said, “I drive only. You owe me twenty dollars.”
Cori was blown away by how rude he was. She dug into her purse and pulled out the money. The only tip she would’ve given him was to get a personality. She tried to balance the pie in one hand while holding the huge plant against her. She wished she’d gotten something smaller, so she could see over the darn thing. Don’t trip. They’ve rescued me enough already.
“Oh my, you look like you have your hands full.” A woman grabbed the pie and said, “Tyler, can you please take this to Grandma in the backyard? No running.” Then she took the plant and said, “Let me give you a hand with this.”
“Thank you, but it’s so large and awkward. I don’t want you tripping either.”
The woman laughed. “I know this walkway like the back of my hand. Probably because I grew up here. My name’s Morgan. You must be Cori. My parents are thrilled you’re coming.”
“Really? Why?”
Morgan led the way in the same direction Tyler had gone. “Simple: you’re new. So when Dad starts telling his stories, there’s fresh ears to listen.”
Cori smiled. She didn’t know if it was because she wanted to be a reporter or because she found people interesting, but she enjoyed hearing people talk about the good ole days.
It was sad that, even in the short time she’d spent with Elizabeth and Loras yesterday, this felt more like family enjoying lunch together than any meal she’d ever had with her own sister. She didn’t blame Sarah. Knowing Loras was one to tell a story or two, Sarah would’ve taken that as her cue to turn and leave before going inside. She and her sister were different people. Sarah was thirty-eight years old and already divorced three times. From what she’d heard, she was working on husband number four.
Cori, on the other hand, was either way too picky or somehow not so appealing to the opposite sex, because she had yet to find husband number one, and she was almost thirty-five. “I’m happy they included me.”
She heard a familiar voice from behind them. “You say that now, but wait a few hours, and you’ll be so full you’ll question why you came.”
Cori noticed Shaun was carrying their little girl, Ginny, in his arms. She was the spitting imagine of her mother, but by the way she held on to Shaun, Ginny was a daddy’s girl.
“Shaun, you stop that. You know you don’t have to eat everything my mother offers.”
“I don’t want to be rude,” Shaun teased.
“What you’re going to be is jogging home. Cori, at the last cookout he ate almost an entire plate of brownies.”
“Your mother—”
“Said have all you want. Who knew you wanted it all?” Morgan teased.
Cori chuckled. “Is that a warning to make sure I snag my dessert first, before it’s all gone?”
Shaun grunted. “Thanks, Morgan. I can see I’m going to need a new strategy today. Actually, I see Tyler holding something that looks pretty tempting right now.”
“Don’t you even think about it, Shaun. That pie is for Loras and me,” Elizabeth said as she came over to greet them. “Cori, don’t you look lovely. Thank you so much for coming. And for the pie.”
Morgan held out the plant and said, “She brought this for you and Dad too. Happy anniversary, Mom.”
Elizabeth took the plant and handed it to Loras, hugged her daughter, then Shaun, and finally gave Cori a warm squeeze as well. She didn’t let go of her. Instead, she took her by the hand and led her into a group of people who were already there. When she was told this was a small party, she realized she thought small meant less than ten. There had to be almost fifty people in the backyard, and she wished she wasn’t one of them.
That was until she heard him. “You should’ve let me pick you up.” His voice was so soft it sent chills down her spine.
Only then did Elizabeth let her hand go. “I’m glad you could come, Logan. It’s been too long since we’ve seen you. I didn’t know you knew Cori. Isn’t life just full of surprises?”
Cori turned and shot him a look. Was he there for them or her? She really hoped it wasn’t the latter. She was nothing in the group. Heck, until this morning, she wasn’t positive she was going to show, because she didn’t belong. They were good people, and she didn’t want them to get hurt in what she was doing.
Yet, here she was and so was the man she truly believed had the answers she was seeking. Last night they had an agreement not to discuss business. Today there was an unspoken one for obvious reasons. So, for now, she’d enjoy the day with them, but tomorrow was Monday, and she was moving forward full force. No more excuses, not even the ones she’d been giving herself.
“Logan, why don’t you show Cori around while I go and help my husband? He looks like he’s about to let those burgers burn because he’s talking.” Elizabeth laughed. “God, I love that man.”
Cori smiled because the look on Elizabeth’s face said there was no place she’d rather be than by her husband’s side. Even to hear his stories.
“I wasn’t sure if you were going to show.”
She turned back to Logan. “Funny. From the sound of it, you were more likely to not show than me. Why is that? They’re wonderful people.” It wasn’t meant to sound like an interview question but how could it not? The look on Logan’s face said it was one he’d prefer not to answer.
He placed his hand on her lower back and guided her to a quiet part of the yard. She prepared herself for a scolding, one that didn’t come.
“I know I shouldn’t have asked,” she said sincerely as she touched his forearm gently.
“If you were anyone else, it’d be a normal question. I’m trying not to hear everything you say as though it’s about to be broadcast on national news.”
“It’s like me wondering, when you ask how I’m doing, if you’re only checking on my medical condition because you’re a doctor.”
He smirked. “So you think I have ulterior motives?”
The way he looked at her sent a rush of warmth through her. Cori whispered to herself, “I sure in hell hope so.” He must’ve heard it because she felt the muscles in his arm tense.
“I want to be your ride home, Cori.” His voice was soft and sensual; she didn’t miss the innuendo.
Cori’s blush confirmed it wasn’t the first time she’d thought salacious thoughts about Logan. Until that moment, she never knew he’d considered it as well. What am I thinking? Of course, he has. He’s a man. Do they think of anything else? But she knew they wouldn’t . . . couldn’t act on whatever attraction they felt. Once he found out what she was truly after, it’d be like putting a bucket of ice in his pants.
“Maybe we should join the others. We’re here for a party, remember?”
He never took his eyes off her, and she couldn’t bring herself to break the contact either. If this was his way of payback for finding out she lied, it was definitely sweet torture. His dark eyes were drawing her in, and she was helpless to stop the lure of them. If he doesn’t kiss me . . .
She didn’t have to wait long for his lips to touch hers. They were warm and gentle but held so much promise. Yet, it was over almost before it started. She was left wanting and wondering if it had been her imagination.
“I see you two don’t need any introductions,” Shaun’s voice boomed as he approached.
Logan lifted his head but didn’t turn from her gaze. She couldn’t help but feel embarrassed, and she was sure he knew it too. She felt like a teenager getting caught necking, and the entire school knew about it. Mostly it was because Shaun’s voice drew unwanted attention to them.
“Is there something you need, Shaun?” Logan asked.
“Morgan sent me to check on you two. Guess she was worried about Cori. Should I tell her you’re okay?” Cori could hear the teasing in his tone.
She pulled away from Logan and said, “Maybe we should get back to the others.” Cori left Logan standing there with Shaun. She anticipated him following, but was torn between relief and disappointment when he didn’t. Sometimes I hate getting what I want.
Logan couldn’t take his eyes off her the entire time, but he made sure to keep a slight distance between them. It was bad enough Shaun had seen them kiss. Not that he cared what Shaun thought, but there still was the issue that she was doing a story on his family. Although he hadn’t shared those details with Shaun, he knew Shaun didn’t trust her. He’d made that extremely clear when Cori left them alone earlier. It wasn’t the first time they’d butted heads, but this time was different. Logan knew Shaun was right but didn’t care. There was something captivating about Cori, and he planned to explore it.
He’d been hoping they would’ve left earlier, but he could see Cori was honestly enjoying herself. From what he knew, she didn’t know most of the people there, nor did he, but she was making her way through the crowd like a pro.
Logan spoke to people he didn’t know all day at work. Right now there was only one person he cared to know better. He needed to find a way to get her to leave. Each time he made his way over to her, Elizabeth seemed to steal her away for yet another introduction. He’d just about given up when he saw her hug Loras. Please tell me you’re saying goodbye.
Sure enough, he saw her walking to Elizabeth next. That was his cue to join her, but Morgan came up to him first.
“You’ve been quiet all afternoon. Aren’t you having a good time?”
He wasn’t about to take his eyes off Cori, because if he wasn’t fast, she’d be out the gate before he could stop her. He hated being rude, but there was no way she was leaving without him. “I had a great time, but I have to go. Will you please tell your parents goodbye for me?”
“Logan, it’ll only take a minute to do that yourself.”
“That’s sixty seconds too long.” He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “I’m sorry.”
“I get it. Now go get her,” Morgan said as he quickly tried to catch up with Cori.
She’d already made it out to the front of the house with her cell phone out, seeming to search for something on it. Logan couldn’t believe it. Is she really going to call for a ride?
He walked up to her, pulled her phone from her hand, and said, “I thought I said I’d take you home.”
She shot him a look between shocked and pissed off. “Excuse me? Please tell me you did not just pull my phone from my hand?” He opened his mouth to speak, but she slammed him again. “I have no idea who the hell you think you are dealing with, but I’m my own woman, and I do not need a man to take care of me.”
Logan had no idea what had come over him. This was the type of behavior he’d seen in his brothers, not him. When did I become the ass? He handed her the phone and knew he needed to apologize. “Cori, I’m sorry. That was . . . rude.”
“You think?” She took the phone from him and slipped it into the back pocket of her white jeans.
“I honestly don’t know what made me do such a thing.”
Cori stared at him as though she didn’t believe one word he spoke. Why should she? He wasn’t even sure why he cared what she thought, but he did. “Cori, I’d really like it if you’d let me drive you home and maybe then I can explain my actions.”
“I’m not sure you can. Or if I honestly want to know.”
He hated doing this, but he had to. What other choice did he have? “Consider it an insider view of the Henderson family.”
Logan saw her eyes widen and the wheels start turning. She couldn’t hold back from the opportunity he offered.
“This isn’t a game to me, Logan. I take my work very seriously. So if you’re saying that so I’ll come with you, then you better be ready to start this interview tonight.”
Logan nodded. Although her body relaxed, the look of doubt didn’t leave her eyes. If anything it shined brighter than before. There was no reason for him to pursue this. Truthfully, it made a hell of a lot of sense to walk away right now. Instead, he agreed. If anyone had witnessed this, they’d tell him it was time for him to have his head examined.
Cori pointed her finger at him when she said, “I promise you the article I write will not portray you in a good light if this is some kind of game, Logan.”
He already knew anyone choosing to write about a Henderson wasn’t going to write something sweet and loving. Who’d want to read it? Cori was out to find some dirt, and he’d known from the moment Bennett informed him what she did for a living. So he was going to give her some. Not about everyone, but just a bit on him, on what it was like growing up under James. We all look like saints compared to him.
Surprisingly, she allowed him to drive her home. He already knew where she lived, but he pretended to need the address. Clearly, they hadn’t been truthful and forthcoming with each other. He wasn’t sure if either of them ever could be. Logan probably was the most reserved of all of them. He never snapped or did anything irrational. At least, not until recently.
Once inside, she offered him a coffee, which he accepted. Then she went into her bedroom and returned with her laptop. He wasn’t going to lie. If she’d changed her mind and decided to slip into something sexy for him, he would’ve been all in. That, of course, was wishful thinking. She was being polite, but she was still angry with him.
He sat on the couch, and she took the seat opposite him. The laptop screen blocked his view of all her loveliness. This wasn’t how he’d envisioned their evening going. Yet it was still early, and he had hopes it would end on a different note. His taste of her lips had been far too brief, so he knew he wanted another. I hope I’ll be able to stop at one.
“So let’s start this interview by telling me why you were such an ass earlier.”
Logan didn’t expect her to hold back any punches. If she did, he’d be disappointed. She was driven, and that required a certain amount of toughness. He knew she possessed it. The question that haunted him was how badly did she want the story and just exactly what was she willing to do to get it?
He leaned back on the sofa, crossed his arms over his head, and looked up at the ceiling. He flashed back to when he was young and it had been drilled into his head to take or be taken. Being a hammer was something he’d fought all his life. Instead of using his anger to crush people he invested it in energy to advance his surgical techniques. How could he possibly explain that to another person?
“That’s a long story.”
“I’m not looking for the edited version.”
He tilted his head to meet her eyes. They were fixated on him but not in a romantic way. This hard-as-nails woman was Cori Sparks the reporter. He had to remember that. Whatever he said not only could, but most likely would, be used against him. Sitting upright again, he decided to give her something she could use and leave the rest buried where it belonged.
“As you know, we grew up without our mother . . .” He needed to watch out not to pluralize anything. It hadn’t been revealed they each had a different mother. It would definitely open more questions than anyone in the family wanted.
Cori nodded. “But you had your father. What was that like?”
She knew exactly where she wanted this conversation to go. Logan had no problem keeping this focus off him and onto James.
“I’m sure you’ve done your homework, so you know what type of businessman he was.”
“I do.”
“Take that cruel, cutthroat mentality, and that still wouldn’t give you the entire picture of what he was like as a father. I’m sure there are people who thought we were lucky to have had him because we grew up in such wealth. I can’t speak for everyone, but I can tell you, I’d have rather grown up in a back alley covered in newspapers than in that house under him.”
Cori got up from her seat and carried her laptop over to sit next to him on the sofa. She didn’t say anything. There was no need. Logan’s words were clear.
“I’m sorry. From what I’ve gathered so far, James was a . . . difficult person.”
Logan chuckled at her choice of words. “Difficult would’ve been a blessing. Let’s just say he tried teaching us his value of human life. Thank God, it didn’t stick.” At least, we believe we’re better than him.
“What was it about him that hurt you the most?” Her voice was so soft and filled with compassion.
“I guess that’s the problem. I haven’t found anything that I liked or respected about him. So what hurts the most I’d say is just being his son. You’re not the first person who’s wanted a story, and I’m sure you won’t be the last. But I don’t think you’re here to learn what good my siblings and I have done. You, like everyone else, just want to know if we’re like him.” Logan searched her eyes as he asked, “Can you tell me you’re any different from them?”
She looked at her computer then back at him and shook her head. “I wish I could.”
Logan reached out and touched her cheek. “So do I.” He got up and said, “I agreed to start the interview today, but I never said when it would end. If you don’t mind, I’d rather we pick this up again tomorrow night, after I get off work and do my rounds at the hospital.”
Cori closed her laptop and walked him to the door. He could tell she didn’t want to do this tonight any more than he did. The problem was, once the interview ended, what would they have to hold them together? The attraction was undeniable, but once she learned how fucked up he was on the inside, she’d run. And she should.
He’d resisted kissing her goodnight, but it haunted him the entire ride home. It didn’t seem right. Not after the way he’d snatched her phone and spoken to her. Logan had never needed to watch or think about how he treated another person. All his connections outside the family were professional. Either they were colleagues, patients, or patients’ relatives. She fit in none of those categories, and he was struggling to figure out exactly what slot to put her in. Professional or personal? He wasn’t foolish enough to believe they could be both.