Chapter Twelve Logan
Chapter Twelve
Logan
I wake up early the next morning, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. The resort is quiet, the only sounds the distant calls of seabirds and the gentle rustle of the ocean breeze. I stretch, feeling the slight ache in my muscles from yesterday’s tension, but there’s also a lingering warmth, a reminder of the night I spent with Grace. Not everything went perfectly, but for the first time in days, I feel like we might actually be heading in the right direction.
Part of me feels a pang of regret—maybe I shouldn’t have joked about sharing the bed. Maybe I should’ve pushed harder to talk about what’s really going on between us. Then I think about how she smiled at me, how she reached out to me on the beach. There’s something there, even if neither of us know what to do about it.
I consider waking her up, maybe teasing her into getting up and joining me for breakfast. The thought of her sleepy smile, of us getting ready together, crosses my mind—maybe even sharing a shower, letting the warm water cascade over us as our bodies press close, exploring each other in that intimate, unhurried way that’s always felt so natural between us. The mere idea sends a jolt of heat through me, stirring something deep inside that’s been on a low simmer since last night.
Then I remember how she was acting off at the end of the night—how she pulled back when I thought we were finally moving forward. I don’t want to push her, don’t want to risk making things more complicated than they already are. Grace needs time, and maybe what she needs more than anything right now is rest, a moment to herself to sort through everything that’s been happening.
With a sigh, I decide to let her sleep. I grab some clothes, and head to the bathroom to get ready for the day. My thoughts are still on Grace as I shower, the water doing little to wash away the worry that’s settled in my chest. I want to believe that we’re okay, that last night meant something real, but I can’t shake the feeling that we’re still teetering on the edge of something fragile.
After getting dressed, I make my way downstairs, hoping a good breakfast will clear my head. The dining area is starting to fill up with the early risers, and I’m about to grab a plate when I spot Samantha across the room. She’s standing with Joseph and my parents, chatting away with that polished, practiced smile of hers.
I hesitate for a moment, not really in the mood to deal with whatever game she’s playing, but something in her posture, in the way she glances over her shoulder as if checking for something, catches my attention. I decide to approach, just in time to catch the tail end of what she’s saying.
“…so strange, don’t you think? Nobody even knew they were dating until the engagement. It’s almost like it came out of nowhere.”
My heart sinks, and I feel a flash of irritation. Here we go again. I step closer, and Samantha’s eyes light up when she sees me, that fake smile widening as if she’s pleased with herself for stirring the pot.
“Logan!” she exclaims, her voice overly cheerful. “We were just talking about you and Grace. It’s such a surprise, isn’t it? Nobody even knew you two were together until the big announcement.”
Joseph turns to me, his eyebrows raised in that questioning way of his. “You know I don’t like to pry, but Grace is my sister.”
I force a smile, trying to keep my tone light despite the frustration bubbling under the surface. “You know how it is. Sometimes things just happen fast, and before you know it, it’s the real deal.”
Samantha tilts her head, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “Really? It all seems so… sudden. Are you sure you’re not rushing into something?”
The way she says it, the implication that there’s something off about our relationship, makes my jaw tighten. I know exactly what she’s trying to do, and I’m not about to let her get away with it.
“It might seem sudden to you,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “But when it’s right, it’s right. Grace and I are good together, and that’s all that matters.”
My parents exchange a glance, but Joseph nods, accepting my words without further question. I can see he’s about to change the subject, probably to something wedding-related, but Samantha isn’t done.
“Well, I just hope you’re both sure about this,” she says, her tone just a little too sweet. “It’s a big step, and it would be such a shame if anything went wrong.”
Before I can respond, Joseph’s mom chimes in, her voice warm but firm. “Logan and Grace know what they’re doing, Samantha. We’re just happy to see them happy. That’s what matters.”
Samantha’s smile tightens, and I can tell she’s not pleased with being shut down so easily. She’s smart enough not to push any further, at least not in front of my parents. “Of course,” she says, her tone shifting back to that pleasant, harmless demeanor. “I’m sure everything will work out just fine.”
I can see through the facade. There’s something in her eyes—a glint of satisfaction, like she’s already planning her next move. As she excuses herself from the conversation and starts to walk away, I know I can’t just let it go. There’s too much at stake, and I can’t have her stirring up trouble, especially not now.
I wait a beat, then follow her out of the dining area. I catch up with her just as she reaches a quieter part of the resort, away from prying eyes and ears. “Samantha,” I call out, my voice laced with frustration.
She turns to face me, her expression calm, almost bored, as if she’s already forgotten our conversation. “Logan,” she replies, her tone cool and measured. “Is there something you need?”
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my temper in check. “What was that back there? I’ve told you to stay out of this, to leave Grace and me alone. What are you trying to do?”
Samantha’s eyes narrow slightly, a hint of that familiar, calculating expression slipping through. “I’m not trying to do anything, Logan. I was just making conversation. Isn’t that what old friends do?”
“Don’t play games with me,” I snap, my patience wearing thin. “You’re up to something, and we both know it. I’m asking you to stop, for once. If you don’t care about embarrassing me, at least think about Emily and Joseph. This is their wedding, their time to be happy. Don’t ruin it with whatever scheme you’ve got in mind.”
Samantha’s smile turns cold, the pretense of friendliness dropping. “Oh, please, Logan. Don’t act like you’re so noble. This whole thing— this little charade you’re putting on—it’s all just a game to you too. You’re only upset because I’m messing with your carefully crafted lie.”
I step closer, my voice low and firm. “You’re angry I broke up with you, I get it, but that’s no excuse to ruin this vacation. Stop being so bitter.”
She lets out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Bitter? Is that what you think, that I’m jealous of your little act with Grace? Please. I’m just having a bit of fun, watching you squirm. Honestly, it’s been more entertaining than I expected.”
My jaw tightens, the anger simmering just below the surface. “This isn’t a game, Samantha. Not anymore. Grace means something to me, and I’m not going to let you hurt her—or anyone else here—just to get back at me.”
Samantha’s eyes flash with something—anger, or maybe something deeper, but she hides it quickly behind that practiced smirk. “If Grace means so much to you, why are you messing her around like this?”
I swallow hard, knowing she’s trying to get under my skin, trying to make me question everything. I won’t give her the satisfaction. “That’s between Grace and me,” I say, my voice steady. “If you care about Emily and Joseph at all, if you have any respect for them, you’ll back off. Let them have their wedding in peace.”
For a moment, Samantha just stares at me, her expression unreadable. Then she sighs, as if I’ve exhausted her, and shrugs. “Fine, Logan. I’ll play nice—at least for now. Don’t expect me to just disappear. I’m not going anywhere.”
I open my mouth to respond, but before I can say anything, I hear someone approaching. I turn to see Joseph heading our way, a curious look on his face as he takes in the scene between Samantha and me.
“What’s going on here?” Joseph asks, his tone light but laced with curiosity. His eyes flick between the two of us, clearly picking up on the tension in the air.
“Nothing,” I say quickly, forcing a casual tone. The last thing I want is for Joseph to get caught up in this mess. “Just talking.”
Joseph raises an eyebrow, not entirely convinced, but he doesn’t press the issue. Instead, he turns his attention to Samantha, who’s now sporting a polished, serene smile, as if the confrontation that just took place didn’t even happen.
“Hey, Sam,” Joseph says, giving her a friendly nod. “You’re not going to be at the beach bar tonight, are you?”
Samantha’s smile falters just a fraction, and she shakes her head. “No, I have other plans. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”
“Cool, cool,” Joseph says, nodding again before turning back to me. “We’re having a little party at the beach bar tonight. You in?”
I hesitate for a second, my mind still on Samantha and the conversation we just had. The idea of a night out, away from all this tension, sounds like exactly what I need. Especially if Samantha isn’t going to be there.
“Yeah,” I say, managing a smile. “I’m in. Sounds like a good time.”
“Great,” Joseph says, clapping me on the shoulder. “We’ll have a good time, unwind a bit. You could use it.”
I nod, appreciating his easy-going nature. “Yeah, I could,” I admit.
Joseph glances at Samantha again, clearly sensing the weird vibes, but he doesn’t say anything about it. “Alright, I’ll see you there, man,” he says, before giving Samantha a polite nod and heading off.
As soon as he’s out of earshot, Samantha turns back to me, that smirk still playing on her lips. “Enjoy your party, Logan,” she says, her voice dripping with something I can’t quite place. “I’m sure it’ll be… fun.”
I don’t bother responding, just give her a curt nod before turning on my heel and walking away. I don’t have the energy to deal with her anymore, not today.