Chapter Twenty-Five
T uesday morning, I woke and found a note by my phone from Logan that he would be back around lunchtime. I got up and started my day, making the bed, then I drank the coffee he had left for me on the counter in an insulated mug while I did a few dishes. I went back to his room to change before I left.
I’d taken to stashing workout clothes in the dressing room to wear down so if I encountered Ina, I could pretend I’d gone out early for a walk or jog on the beach.
“I probably should be jogging,” I reminded myself as I rode down in the elevator. I’d decided before coming to Florida that I was going to slow up on the exercise and not be as strict with my diet over the summer.
I did watch my weight, stepping on the scale most days and I was maintaining no problem, so I wasn’t concerned with my decrease in activity. I am getting some exercise, I thought with a grin.
Ina and Fred were in the breezeway as usual.
“Anotha jog, Madison?” Ina shook her head. “Already so thin, you’re gonna waste away. You should come by for some meatballs and marinara, eh? It’s been too long now since we had ya ova for dinner, ain’t it, Fred?”
“What she—” Fred looked up from his magazine at his wife. “I asked for meatballs last week! You said they were too much of a hassle. What’s the deal with that, Catalina?”
Ina waved her hand at him dismissively. “Never mind him, come by for some meatballs already.”
I smiled and nodded as I continued home. “We’ll plan something.”
Ina was chastising her husband as I rounded the corner. “Don’t you bust my balls, Fredrick Anthony Mancini! I put my blood, sweat, and tears into makin’ you meatballs for ova 50 years. I’ll make meatballs when I feel like makin’ em, you old—”
I giggled as I closed the door.
A little after 10 o’clock, I heard a light knock. I went to answer it absently, thinking about how to advise the team member who’d messaged me about an invoicing issue for a client.
Logan was at the door holding a bag from a hardware store.
“Hello, Madison. I know I’m early today but I thought I would get started on changing out the dining room lighting if now is convenient for you. ”
We still put on a little play any time Ina was in the breezeway when he came by.
“Yeah, now is great, thanks.” I laced my fingers through his, pulling him in for a kiss before closing the door.
Logan set the bag on the kitchen counter and noticed the new bar chairs. “Oh, they came.” He ran his hand over the wood and fabric of one. “Very nice.”
He came back to put his arms around me. “I had a light morning and figured I could come by and do some extra work if that’s alright.”
“Hell yeah, Harper. Don’t start thinking I’ll pay you overtime though.” I glanced at the bag he had carried in. “Is that the wires for the dining room lighting?”
“Nah, I already had those. I put them in the box with the lights last night.” He kissed my nose before letting go to walk back to the counter. “This was just a clever use of camouflage to keep Ina off the trail.” He gestured to the bag. “I did come bearing a gift. Sorry, but it’s not electrical.”
I joined him with a pout. “Ahh, shucks.”
Logan wiggled his eyebrows and dramatically stuck his hand in it then pulled out a takeout bag from the cafe.
“Oh! You mind reader you.” I went to the cabinet to grab a plate. “Did you bring something for you as well?”
Logan shook his head. “I ate something earlier.”
“Have a seat and I’ll pour you coffee.”
I went to my desk to grab my mug; my work phone rang so I hit the speaker. “Good morning, this is Madison. ”
I was answered with silence. “Hello? Madison Cage speaking. Can I help you?” A few more wordless seconds went by so I disconnected the call and put my line on DND.
After getting our coffee and settling on the chair beside Logan, I pressed my hands together happily. “Thank you for thinking of me.”
He picked up his coffee as he watched me. “Of course,” he said before raising it to his lips.
I was pulling my scone from the bag when a small, folded piece of paper fell on the plate. I picked it up, throwing Logan a curious glance. “What’s this?”
He tried to look confused but was failing, anticipation in his eyes. “That’s odd, I don’t know.”
“Aren’t lawyers supposed to be expert liars?” I teased.
I sat down the pastry and flipped open the paper to find a handwritten note.
Madison, will you be my girlfriend?
Yes
Hell yes!
Hell yes, you sexy man!
( WAY sexier than Henry Cavill.)
I stared at it, blinking away emotions while my mouth hung open. The last thing I’d been expecting was Logan to turn an embarrassing story from my youth into the sweetest thing I’d ever been asked in my life.
When I looked up, he was wearing an adorable smile, his chin resting in one hand as he lifted the other to offer me a red marker.
Warmth flooded my whole body. I felt like a giddy schoolgirl.
I stared at the marker for a few seconds and raised a brow as if deep in thought, then I looked Logan up and down a few times as if considering before giving him a grimace.
He just raised a brow, not playing along with my antics.
I put the note on the counter, took the marker from him, and checked the first two boxes. I went for the third and intentionally hesitated as I side-eyed Logan.
When his smile dropped as his mouth fell open, I laughed and then checked the last box enthusiastically.
Logan punched the air in victory as I stood, moving between his knees to wrap my arms around him. “I think I’ll keep you.”
He reached into his pocket. “Well, that deserves another present.”
Logan opened his fingers and lying in his palm was a bracelet of shimmering opals. I stared at it as he pulled my arm from his waist and linked it around my wrist before kissing my knuckles. He’d casually asked about the earrings I often wore a few days ago. I’d told him they were my birthstone and thought nothing more of it .
“Thank you, Logan. It’s so beautiful.” I moved my hands to his neck to pull his face toward mine. I stopped when I realized what I’d done, but paused instead of pulling away when my fingers smoothed over his skin, surprised to find it bare. “Where is your chain?” I asked softly.
His face turned peaceful as Logan settled his forehead against mine.
“Somewhere safe,” he murmured before he kissed me.