I’m sitting out on the back deck thinking about breakfast. All was going fine until Cole strolled in practically naked. Fucker. I’m going to need to talk to all of them. They can’t do that shit with Logan here.
“Hey, man,” Gavin says, stepping out the patio door.
I tilt my head back, acknowledging him.
“What was that earlier?” he questions.
“What?” I’m playing dumb. I know exactly what he’s talking about. Maybe if I play it cool, I won’t have to spill my guts. Then again, it’s not like they don’t know my intentions.
“That shit with Cole.”
“Logan doesn’t need to see the fucking twig and berries flapping in the wind. You all need to keep your junk covered if you’re going to stay here.”
Gavin chuckles at my analogy. We’re both quiet for several minutes when he says, “So, she’s it, huh?”
There is no need for him to elaborate. I know exactly what he means. The four of us grew up together, and we’ve talked about what would happen to the band if any of us found “it,” the one person who is our game changer. I know for me it’s Logan. Crazy, I’ve known her, what, three months, but when you know, you know. I spend every damn day with her, and each day I fall under her spell just a little more than the last.
“Yeah.”
Gavin nods. “I can see it. She’s the total package. Does she know?”
Nope. “She suspects.” I know she sees the difference in me, the way I am around her. I just can’t fight it any longer and I won’t. I need her to realize that ex of hers didn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. He lost the best thing that ever happened to him just to get his dick wet with someone else. I can guarantee that will be a mistake he regrets the rest of his life.
“I’d say, between last night and today, she has a fairly good idea.”
“It’s getting her to believe that she’s what I want, that will be the issue. That douche she was with before really fucked with her head. Broke her heart over and over again. Why she ever stuck it out with him I have no idea.”
“Yeah, she’s made a few comments about him and his ‘breaks’ that he would need. She’s a great girl. Guy screwed up.”
“Damn right he did. He showed up at her place yesterday. Begging her to take him back. I stepped in.”
Gavin grins. “Make your claim?”
“Yes and no. To him, yes. I made him believe she was mine. It kind of threw things into perspective for me. Now I just need to get her on board.”
“Well, as a third party, I watch you two. I see the way you both watch the other when you think no one is looking. Just keep up with what you’re doing. It won’t be long.”
“Doesn’t matter how long it takes, she’s it,” I say with conviction.
Reaching over, he grabs my shoulder. “Good luck, my man, you deserve it. I’m going to run home for a while. I think Tristan and Cole were thinking about the same thing. We thought maybe giving the two of you some time might help.”
“Not necessary, but then again, maybe you’re right.”
“It can’t hurt. Just spend some time with her. Let her set the pace.”
“Well, that’s fine for now, but I’m not holding back. She can wait to be in my bed again, but she will know I want her there, that I want it all.”
“Never thought you would be the first. I figured it would be Tristan.” He laughs.
“The heart wants what the heart wants.”
“Whatever you do, write that shit down.” He taps his chest. “I feel a Soul Serenade ballad coming on.” He smirks.
I throw my head back and laugh. “I can do that, my man. It’s sure to be a hit with Logan for the muse.”
“All right, I’m out. How about I tell the guys we’ll all meet back here tomorrow night?”
“Sounds good, about seven. That gives me time with her.” We say goodbye and he’s gone. I can hear shuffling going on inside. Both Tristan and Cole text me that they’ll see me later, my boys got my back.
I make my way inside, heading toward Logan’s office, when I hear her cell ring. Thinking it might be her ex, I stop and stand just outside the door, hidden from her view.
“Hello?” She pauses. “This is Logan.” Another pause. “Yes, sir,” she says. “I’m currently working, but I could see if I could take a day or two off to come and meet with you.” Another pause. “I’m actually working as a PA for a popular rock band.”
Who in the hell is she talking to? “No, I don’t really want to tell you which band. If I were to get the position, I would want it based on me and what I can bring to your company, not because I’ve met and worked for a famous band,” she says.
What. The. Fuck.
Is she looking for another job? Have I pushed her too far? My mind is racing when I hear her say. “Okay, well, just let me know when you want to do the phone interview. On-sites will be possible, I just have to make sure my current position is covered before I fly out.” She pauses. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”
I hear her set her phone down on the desk and release a heavy sigh. I want to rush in and ask her what the hell she thinks she’s doing. I want to demand answers, but if I know Logan, she’ll balk at that, and it will only push her toward this other position. The guys are gone and it’s just us. I need to use these next twenty-four hours or so to convince her she needs to stay, with me, for me.
I count to one hundred and silently take a few steps back. With a deep breath, I walk heavy on the floor to alert her of my presence. I stop in her doorway. She looks up and her flesh is a light shade of pink. She’s embarrassed, more than likely she’s nervous that I heard her.
“Hey, did you get everything taken care of with Cassidy?”
“Yes. She wanted to know if you all would be willing to visit Children’s Hospital. There is a teenage boy battling cancer and he’s ‘your biggest fan.’ I didn’t even bother asking. I knew you all would agree. I told her to send me some dates and times next week and we would be there.”
“Definitely.”
Logan grins.
“Good, now let’s go for a swim. The guys all went home for the night. They won’t be back until tomorrow evening. Time for a little break.”
“I thought you all wrote through until you finished the album?” she questions.
“That’s our normal routine, but we’re mixing it up.”
“I’m sorry. I can leave. I knew me staying wasn’t a good idea.”
I step into the room and around her desk. Kneeling beside her chair and clasping my hand around the back of her neck, I pull her closer to me. “You staying here is the best idea I’ve ever had. We’re on our own time frame and the guys just wanted to be in their own beds for a night. Besides,”—I run my thumb over the pulse in her neck—“this gives me time with you.”
She opens her mouth to speak, and I place my finger over her lips. “I want to relax with you. Please go change into your swimsuit so we can sit by the pool.” I’ll beg her if I have to.
She looks away and stares off for a few seconds, before those big brown eyes focus back on me. “Okay.” Her words are so soft I barely hear her, but I did hear her and my heart is racing. I’m fucking ecstatic to spend the day with her.
“Perfect. I’ll meet you out by the pool.” I place a kiss to the tip of her nose and saunter out of the room.