“My mom calls this her wall of memories,” he whispered as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, causing delicious shivers to run down her back. “This is what I wanted to show you. This, and my family.”
She quirked a smile at him, unsure why they’d traveled so far just for a few dozen photos. But as her eyes traveled over the wall, Logan’s reasoning started to become clear. There were several shots of a chubby little blue-eyed cherub beaming at the camera. She could only assume those were baby shots of Logan. And then progressing photographs of his childhood. A shot of him fishing with Ned. Another of him covered in flour, making Christmas cookies with Nancy. Family photos from every year. Shots of him nestled between his parents, the love between them so evident it almost hurt to look at.
The sight brought tears to the corner of her eyes. Logan may have grown up poor, but he had never lacked for anything real. His family truly loved each other. It was everything she’d ever dreamed of.
“Do you see why I brought you here?” he asked, gripping her hand tightly.
She nodded, holding back the rush of emotions. He didn’t need to convince her anymore. She knew she’d made a mistake. She knew that she was broken inside.
“I know you’re having a hard time trusting,” he said, gently grabbing her shoulder and turning her toward him. “But I need you to hear me. I know the value of love. I would never forsake it, not for all my billions.” He put a finger under her chin and lifted her head until her gaze met his. “Please, trust me.”
She felt foolish for making Logan jump through these hoops. Of course, she trusted him. It was her own stupid heart she didn’t trust. It had hurt the wonderful man standing in front of her. She didn’t deserve him.
At that moment, her future was crystal clear and it included a first-class seat to Paris.
“Logan, I trust you,” she said, clearing her throat and preparing herself mentally for this final break. “I just think...”
At that moment, Nancy came striding up to them, an apron tied around her waist. Logan dropped his hand from Rachel’s chin and took a step back. His mother fixed them both with a cheery smile and rubbed her hands together.
“You two love-birds ready for supper? Ever since I retired from teaching, I’ve been practicing my culinary skills and I think you’re going to be impressed. No more kitchen fires. Ned’s set the table on the deck. We can watch the sunset while we dine.”
Rachel’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. She’d have to find a way to break the news to Logan somehow tonight. The longer it took, the more it was going to hurt.
And she couldn’t imagine anything hurting more.
LOGAN GAZED ACROSS the table at Rachel’s face. She threw her head back and laughed at a bad joke his father had just cracked. Warmth spread throughout his body as he watched her interact with his folks. They’d talked long into the evening and now the last rays of the sunset were throwing vivid red streaks across the sky, made only more beautiful by the pristine reflection on the lake’s surface.
It had taken a little while, but Rachel had finally started to break out of her shell during dinner. Showing her his mother’s wall of memories had helped. He hoped that she was truly convinced now that he wasn’t like her father. That he would never trade love for money. And that he’d never felt this way about anyone before.
It was ridiculous to think that only a couple days ago he’d been fighting his attraction for her. That had been a hopeless battle. He was falling for Rachel and fast. He could only hope that what happened at the gala hadn’t put a wedge between them forever.
“You kids finish up out here,” Nancy said finally, throwing her son a sneaky smile. She tugged on Ned’s arm and pulled him from the table. “The guest rooms are ready for you. Us old folk have an early bedtime. We need to tuck in soon or we’ll forget where we left our dentures tomorrow morning.”
“But it’s only eight-thirty,” Ned protested, looking down at his watch.
Nancy shushed him and pulled him toward the house, nodding conspiratorially at the young couple. Logan wanted to hide his face in his hands. As much as he loved them, sometimes, family could also drive him nuts.
When they’d gone, he peered up from his hands to see Rachel watching him with an expression so sorrowful he thought she was going to burst into tears. The moment their eyes made contact, her face returned to a neutral expression and she stood from her chair to face the lake.
“Rachel?” He wasn’t sure what had caused such a terrible sadness in her, but every muscle in his body ached to comfort her. She leaned on the balcony as he approached and stood next to her. “Is everything okay?”
“Your family is wonderful,” she said softly. Her brown eyes searched the darkening scene before them. “It’s no longer a mystery why you’re such an upstanding guy. I can feel the love here. It’s tangible. Like the water in that lake. You’re so lucky to have them.”
He reached for her hand and held it tight. “I’m lucky to have you, too.”
She glanced up at him, worry clouding her eyes. “Don’t say that.”
“Why?” He softly brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek. She closed her eyes, leaning into him. “It’s true. You’re an amazing woman, Rachel. It didn’t take long for you to work your way into my heart. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”
She uttered a sigh as he cupped her cheek and his thumb brushed across her lower lip. Her mouth parted slightly as her chest rose and fell in forceful breaths. He allowed himself a moment to drink in her face, from her delicate eyelashes splayed over her high cheekbones to her generous lips. He’d never seen her look so beautiful, as she did tonight.
He leaned forward until his lips brushed her ear. He felt a shiver go through her and she clasped tighter onto the balcony.
“I’m going to kiss you,” he said in a husky voice, heat blazing in his gut. “We don’t need anyone’s permission now.”
She nodded only the tiniest bit, her eyes still closed. Working his hand into the fine hair at the base of her neck, he claimed her mouth as gently as the urgency in his heart would allow. Her desperate sigh in response to his kiss nearly undid him.
She turned fully toward him and placed her hands on his chest. The flame in his gut roared into a wildfire as they embraced, their lips working together. She deepened the kiss with a passion that made him groan. He wanted her. All of her. And nothing would ever come close to this sensation again.
The sweet taste of lemon creme filled his mouth. It was just what he imagined she would taste like. He moved both his hands to the back of her head, tangling his fingers in her long, sleek hair. He’d never felt anything so soft. Rachel pulled at his shirt, causing him to gasp when her hands splayed across the bare skin of his muscular abdomen. She tugged him closer with his belt buckle, until he couldn’t tell where she began and he ended.
When he was sure they were going to start a fire on his parents’ balcony, he gently pulled away and rested his forehead against hers, his breathing labored. She closed her eyes again and sighed.
“You have no idea how many times I’ve imagined doing that,” he whispered with a chuckle. “But my imagination wasn’t nearly as nice as the real thing.”
She laughed softly, disengaging her hands from under his shirt. “I’d have to agree with that.”
He leaned back just enough to scan her face one more time. Her cheeks had a beautiful pink tint to them and her lips appeared swollen. He could look at her forever and never tire of it. An emotion bubbled up in him, so strong he couldn’t deny it. Before he could stop himself, it had spilled out onto his tongue.
“Rachel, I love you,” he uttered, softly running his hands through her hair.
Her eyelids fluttered open and she pinned him with a startled expression. “You do?”
“Yes.” He placed gentle kisses along her brow, inhaling the floral scent of her shampoo. “I think I have for a while now. I couldn’t help it.”
She grabbed his hand and pulled it to he
r mouth, kissing his knuckles. The smoldering embers in his gut flared to life again, sending his heart into a thumping march.
“I love you, too, Logan,” she whispered so softly he almost couldn’t hear it.
He pulled her into his arms, his heart singing as they gazed over the lake together.
Rachel Knight loved him.
Life would never be more perfect than in that moment.
Chapter Fifteen
Rachel woke up feeling like she’d been wrapped up all night in a warm cocoon. Her eyelids fluttered open and for one tiny moment, she forgot where she was. But then she felt something shift below her and groan and suddenly she recalled how she and Logan had been snuggled up on his parents’ couch late into the night watching movies. She raised her head just enough from his chest to see his eyes open. He smiled sleepily at her and hugged her tight.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Morning.”
A blush came to her cheeks as she remembered all that had happened last night. Dinner with his wonderful family. A passionate kiss on the porch as the sun set. A confession of love.
Logan had swept her away once again. Any thoughts of Paris had been shoved to the back of her mind. But now that the morning sun had peeked its head over the horizon, throwing warm rays through the numerous window panes in his parents’ gorgeous log home, those thoughts came roaring back like a punch in the gut.
Just because Logan had told her he loved her didn’t change anything. She was still damaged goods. Her father’s misguided attempts to raise his children had really done a number on her. Looking back, it was starting to make sense why she’d never had a long-lasting relationship. She didn’t have the ability to trust anyone. To place her heart fully in their care. She’d always told herself that she just hadn’t found the one, but there was more to it than that. Maybe, she’d been stunted by her father’s lack of love. There was no guarantee that she’d ever be able to fully commit to a relationship, even with a guy more achingly perfect than she could’ve ever imagined.
And now, more than ever, she was convinced that Logan deserved better.
“I see that getting the guest rooms ready was a waste of my time,” Nancy said with a laugh as she walked into the living room with Ned by her side.
His parents each cradled a large steaming mug of coffee in their hands. Rachel shoved herself off Logan’s chest, the afghan that kept them warm falling to the floor. She blushed and worked her fingers through her hair, hoping that she didn’t look like a complete disaster. They hadn’t even done anything, but she still felt like a teenager being caught in the act. If only she could disappear forever under that blanket.
“We were watching TV and fell asleep,” Logan said with a good-natured grin, pushing himself up next to her. Even after sleeping on a couch all night with Rachel on top of him, he still looked like a movie star. It wasn’t fair.
“Well, don’t move yet,” Nancy said, rushing to the large flat-screen TV and grabbing the remote. She pushed a few buttons, bringing a show up on the screen. “I recorded Mary Prescott’s show last night for you. I think you’re going to want to see this.”
That perked them both up. They sat on the edge of their seats as Nancy fast forwarded through the majority of Mary’s show, past the cooking demonstration and an audience taste test and giveaway. Finally, she pressed play. Mary Prescott stood in front of the screen in a vivid orange blouse with lime green earrings swinging over her shoulders. Her red lips curled into a charming smile as she addressed the cameras.
“Make sure y’all tune in next week when I feature my special trip to San Jose, California to sample the delectable menu from the hot new gourmet spot, Madison Park. And not to give away any spoilers, folks, but this menu is as hot as its owner. You’ll meet him soon and you won’t be disappointed. See y’all then.”
Rachel gripped her knees, her chest moving rapidly. She turned to look at Logan, who was still staring at the screen.
“I think that means she loved it,” she said, putting a hand on his leg. Her insides were about ready to burst. “Mary Prescott loved Madison Park!”
He swallowed, his face turning white. “She loved it.”
“She loved it,” Nancy repeated, beaming at her son.
Ned took his wife’s hand in his and nodded his head slowly. “We’re so proud of you, son.”
Suddenly, Logan burst from the couch and grabbed Rachel by the waist. He swung her around the spacious living room, a smile stretching from ear to ear on his face.
“She loved it!” he shouted.
Rachel squealed excitedly, wrapping her arms around his neck. He set her down gently on the ground and pulled her into a warm kiss. She didn’t even care at the moment that she probably had morning breath. Everything felt right in Logan’s arms. She was so excited for him. It was his dream finally coming true.
When the celebration was over, Rachel remembered her greasy hair and ran her hand self-consciously over her head. If she was going to break it off with Logan today, she wanted to look her best. It might have been a bit vain, but she didn’t want him to remember her like this.
She grimaced, turning to Nancy. “Is it okay if I get a shower?”
“Of course, honey,” she replied pointing down the hallway. “There are towels in the bathroom linen closet. Logan had a set of clothes and toiletries delivered for you early this morning.”
Rachel turned toward him, feeling impressed. “Did you really?”
He shrugged and gave her a sheepish smile. “I had Emily overnight your things. I wasn’t sure how long we’d be staying.”
She stared at him, warmth bursting in her chest. He really was a caring man. No other man she’d dated would’ve thought of such things. Logan was a rare breed. A man among men.
Too bad he wasn’t meant to be hers.
“SHE REALLY IS A WONDERFUL girl,” Nancy said as she sat next to her son on the couch.
The sound of the shower turning on in the bathroom let him know for sure they were alone.
Logan gave her a grateful smile and rubbed his hands through his messy hair. The sweet taste of Rachel’s last kiss still lingered on his lips. “I’m glad you guys like her, because I really think she’s the one.”
Nancy squealed and clapped her hands. She planted a kiss on his cheek and then wiped away the lipstick print from his skin.
“You already know for sure?” Ned asked, leaning against the wall. He’d stuffed one hand into his worn jeans under an oversized flannel shirt. “Didn’t you just reconnect with the girl a few weeks ago?”
“Of course, he knows,” Nancy scolded. She took a sip of her coffee and gave him a smile. “You always said you knew I was the one the first time you set eyes on me.”
“Well, it makes for a good story,” Ned replied, a devious grin on his face. “Truth was, I couldn’t stand you at the time.”
“Oh, you.”
She threw a pillow at him which hit the wall next to him. He held up his hands in surrender and then blew her a kiss.
“You know it was love at first sight, baby,” he said. “You’re the only one for me.”
Logan chuckled as he watched his parents fake fight. They always did this. His father loved to pick on his mother until they made up with some mushy declaration of love. As a kid, he used to find it embarrassing. Now, as an adult, he couldn’t wait to have a love of his own like that.
He’d found it in Rachel. She was his match in every way. If the kiss last night had proven anything, it was that they were made for each other. They’d anticipated each other’s needs as if it were second nature. He could still feel the tingle of her lips on his. Happiness engulfed him, making him grin like a fool. He couldn’t believe his luck. She loved him. It felt like a gift from above. Better than any dollar amount in the bank.
“Are you guys still up for flying in next month to check out the restaurant?” Logan asked, the excitement about Mary Prescott firing him up again. “I’ll send my jet to pick you up.”
> “Of course,” Nancy answered, smacking her lips. “I need to see my little boy’s newest brilliant achievement. I want to try everything on the menu.”
“I just don’t think I’ll ever get over having a billionaire as a son,” Ned muttered from across the room. He shook his head in disbelief. “A private jet. A mansion in Napa. A retirement home for his parents. Will the wonders never cease?”
“Never,” Nancy scolded once again. She waved a hand dismissively. “Our boy’s a hard worker and he’s been blessed for it. We’ve been blessed for raising him right. I won’t question where those wonders come from and neither should you.”
Logan pushed off the couch and slipped into the hallway before he could get wrapped up in another one of his parents’ fake arguments. He found the guestroom where his mother had neatly folded Rachel’s clothing and placed her tan leather purse on top. Logan smiled at the reminder that the woman he loved was currently in the other room.
Now, all he needed was a quick shower to start this wonderful day off right. And then he’d show Rachel the entire lake and maybe even take her into town for an evening date. A real date at a stunning restaurant. The kind she deserved.
He grabbed a pile of the fresh clothes he kept stashed in the guest bedroom dresser and sat on the bed to sort through them for something appropriate for the cooler weather. The movement on the mattress caused Rachel’s purse to come crashing to the floor, spilling the contents of it across the carpet.
He cursed under his breath and rushed to retrieve the mess. Shoving it back into the purse, he marveled at women and how much they carried around with them every day. Rachel had three colors of lipstick, a giant wallet, a bag of makeup, receipts, and more stuffed into that thing. It was a wonder she didn’t fall over from the weight of it.
The Billionaire and the Waitress Page 10
