“Nope. Patricia got shingles. Did I not tell you? Apparently, Sandy got someone else to step in.”
Logan leaned back on an elbow. “Oh, really. And who’s that?”
“Hannah.”
His gaze whipped to her face just as her gaze did the same. Her lips mirrored his as they studied each other. Almost as if someone had said the same thing to her.
“I don’t know…”
“Doctor’s here. I gotta go. I’ll email you the information.”
“Jimmy, I—”
“Thanks! You really are an awesome best man!”
The phone fell silent. Logan pulled it from his cheek and glanced down. The picture of Piper holding up a fish greeted him. Jimmy was gone. His stomach twisted as he feared Hannah’s gaze. He swallowed and looked over. Hannah’s phone rested next to her, and her arms were wrapped around her raised knees.
“Sandy call you?”
She pinched her lips together and nodded. “Yep. You?”
“That was Jimmy.” He slipped his phone into his pocket as silence fell around them. He wished he could read her mind. It would be nice to know what she was thinking. Then their previous conversation flooded back to him. Maybe not. He wasn’t sure he wanted to learn just how much she hated him.
His phone chimed, so he pulled it back out. It was the email from Jimmy. He clicked on it and read the list. He was going to need to get the playlist to the band, grab the tuxedos, and pick up Sandy’s dress. He stared at the list. Had they done nothing in preparation?
When he glanced back up to Hannah, he saw that she, too, was staring at her phone.
“Seriously? I have to pick up Sandy’s dress?”
He snorted. “I’m grabbing Jimmy’s tux.”
Her gaze met his as she smiled. His heart skipped a beat from the way her skin crinkled around her eyes. “Did they do nothing to prepare?”
“It’s Sandy and Jimmy. They’ve always done things by the seat of their pants.”
Hannah glanced down at her phone. “Yeah, I get that. But this is just sad!” She motioned to the glowing screen.
Logan shrugged. He’d learned to accept it by now. “It’ll be fun.”
The look on her face told him that she doubted that.
He cleared his throat. He was desperate for her to tell him that she forgave him. “How hard can it be to spend the next day with me?”
Her lips parted as she studied him. Silence engulfed the air once more. He shot her a peace-offering smile. Why wasn’t she saying anything? Had he messed things up that bad?
A small smile tugged at her lips. “I guess not that bad.”
Relief filled his chest as he glanced down at the time. Crap. He needed to tuck Piper into bed. “Whew. You had me worried there for a moment.”
She stood and brushed off the back of her pants. “Why? We were friends once. I can’t imagine why we couldn’t be again.”
His ears pricked at the word friends. She smiled and turned, slipping back into her room. He stayed until she closed her window and pulled the drapes closed.
Back in his room, he did the same. He paused as he took a deep breath. If being friends was what she needed, he’d do that. He would smile and fake that he wasn’t heartbroken about what had happened between them. He’d ignore the feeling in his gut that told him he wanted so much more.
7
HANNAH
Hannah tried to ignore the bright red numbers that were glowing from the clock beside her. Seven in the morning, which was six Ohio time. Why couldn’t she sleep?
She groaned and flipped to her side. Toward the window she’d slipped through last night. Toward Logan Blake’s house. She chewed her lip as she flipped back over.
Why had she allowed herself to open up to him? Talking and laughing with him felt as natural as breathing. Why couldn’t her broken heart remember how much it had hurt when he betrayed her?
Giving up on trying to sleep, Hannah flung the comforter from her body and sat up. Might as well get on with the day. She had some wedding planning to attend to. Why did Sandy think this was a good idea?
After she slipped on her Bugs Bunny slippers, she padded over to the bathroom and shut the door. Fifteen minutes later, she emerged feeling much more refreshed. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a bun, and she’d put on her standard eyeliner with mascara. Once dressed, she headed down the stairs.
In the kitchen, she pulled open the fridge. The contents were about as pretentious as her mother. Plain Greek yogurt? Egg whites? Nonfat sour cream? She pushed the contents around. Bleh. What was with her mother and fat? Perhaps that’s why she was perpetually upset— she needed fat in her life.
Sighing, she shut the fridge door. There was no way she’d feel satisfied eating anything in there. Her gaze landed on her phone. She contemplated calling Bert to see if he could take her for some doughnuts. Was it too early to call for a cab?
She picked up and set down her phone about twenty times before she shook her head and turned from the counter. There was no need to bother him. He was probably sleeping. Besides, coffee would work for now.
Her mom walked in just as she was filling her mug. She was dressed in her standard blue scrubs. Hannah cleared her throat. She wasn’t quite sure what to say.
“Sleep good?” her mom asked as she grabbed the coffeepot and filled up a mug.
Hannah nodded. Good, Mom was the first to break the silence. “Yeah, I guess.”
Her mom replaced the pot and turned, leaning against the counter. “Well, I’m going to be pretty busy these next few days. Dr. Porter is expecting and could have the baby any minute. We’re all having to pitch in to help.”
Hannah held her cup. Typical. “I understand.”
Her mom glanced over to her. “I’m happy you’re here. I really want to work on our relationship.” She gave Hannah a small smile.
Relief flitted through her stomach. If Hannah were honest with herself, that was what she wanted as well. “Me, too.”
Her mom finished her coffee and then brought the mug over to the sink and rinsed it out. “Perfect. Well, I should go.”
“Have a good day,” Hannah called out to her mom’s retreating frame. Mom raised her hand and waved, then shut the door behind her.
Hannah refilled her mug, then opened the sliding glass door and stepped out onto the deck. Three porch chairs with multicolored fabric surrounded the glass table. Pulling out a chair, she sat.
She couldn’t help but smile. This was the first semi-normal conversation she’d had with her mom in a long time. For a moment, she felt hopeful. Hopeful that things could change between them. Maybe Bert was right. Christmas time was a magical time.
The sun peeked over the treetops. The air was cool and surrounded her with a salty feel. This was something she never got in Ohio. Oh, how she missed the ocean.
Leaning back, she closed her eyes.
“Excuse me,” a small voice said.
Opening her eyes, she glanced up. The curly-haired girl from the Blakes’ residence stared over at her. Hannah cleared her throat and sat up. “Sorry.” Wait. Why was she saying sorry? This was her house. Well, her mom’s house.
The little girl gave her a pointed look. “Who are you?” She took a step onto the deck. Her princess sneakers lit up in the diminishing shadows.
Hannah eyed her. “Hannah.”
The little girl crossed the deck and stopped in front of a metal can. “Oh. I’m Piper.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder as she pulled hard on the lid. It wouldn’t budge.
“What are you doing, Piper?” Hannah couldn’t help but smile. This girl reminded her of herself. Blunt and to the point. It was refreshing.
“Ms. Bell pays me to fill her birdfeeders.”
Glancing around the yard, Hannah located the hanging feeders in the trees. “Oh. You can reach those?”
Piper gave her a pointed look again. “I’m seven. I’m not a baby.”
Hannah gave her a serious look. “Of course, you’re not. I just�
�”
“I know what I’m doing. I use a ladder and everything.” She nodded over to the folded step stool. Then she leaned over. “And she pays me a dollar a day to do it.” Her lips twitched into a smile.
“Well, that’s pretty awesome,” Hannah said.
Piper nodded. After a few tugs on the lid, it finally relented. She reached down and grabbed a small shovel. After the pail was full, she grabbed the stool, and headed toward the birdfeeders.
Hannah watched as she rose up onto her tippy-toes to unhook one. Then, she’d remove the top and fill it with the seeds. Half the food ended up on the ground, but she worked until they were all finished. When she climbed back onto the deck, she put everything away. Once the lid was replaced, she glanced over at Hannah.
“Why are you here?”
Hannah shifted in her seat. “Ms. Bell is my mom.”
Piper narrowed her eyes. “Why haven’t I ever seen you before?”
“I—um…” Hannah wasn’t sure how to answer that.
Suddenly, Piper’s face saddened. “I don’t see my mom a lot, either. She’s really busy.” She dug at the wood slat with the toe of her shoe.
“Piper, I’m so sorry.”
She nodded as she kept her gaze down. Hannah wished there was something she could say that would help her feel better. “Is your mom gone a lot?”
Piper nodded.
Hannah leaned in. “Mine too.”
Piper’s bright blue eyes rose to meet hers. “Wanna know a secret?”
Hannah gave her a small smile and nodded. “Of course.”
“I’m saving my money for when my mom comes to visit. She promised to take me to the American Girl Doll store once she’s saved up some money.” Piper giggled. “I’m going to surprise her with what I earn here and at my grandma’s. I just hope it will be enough to get her to come.”
“That’s so sweet. Your mom’s a lucky lady to have you as a daughter.” Inside, her heart broke. What kind of mom abandoned her daughter like that? Especially after losing her spouse. Hannah gave Piper a wide smile. “You know, I loved the American Girl dolls growing up. In fact, I have some of the original dolls upstairs in my room.”
Piper’s eyes widened as she glanced toward the house. “Really?”
“Yeah. Maybe, sometime, I can show them to you.”
Piper nodded her head. “Yes! I can bring my dolls and we can play together.”
“Sounds like a date.”
“Piper?”
Hannah’s heart sped at the sound of Logan’s voice.
“Piper? Where are you?”
“Talking to Miss Hannah,” Piper called out as she twirled around on the deck.
“Oh…” Logan’s voice grew louder as he neared. His blue eyes met Hannah’s, and her resolve to forget her past feelings for him dissolved. “Why are you bugging Miss Hannah?”
“Actually, I was bugging her. She was over here doing her job.” Hannah raised her eyebrow at Logan.
He nodded. “Well, Grandma Blake is waiting with a full dishwasher. Said she’ll pay fifty cents to anyone willing to unload it. I figured I’d give you first dibs.”
Piper sprinted down the steps. “I’ve got it!” she called. Her voice grew faint the farther she got.
Hannah smiled as she watched her disappear. “She’s a sweet girl.”
Logan nodded. “Yeah. We’re lucky to have her around. My mom loves it.” His voice had softened so Hannah peeked over to him. There was something there. A sadness in his stance that made her wonder what had happened.
“It must be good for her. You know, helps with the loss.”
Logan’s gaze met hers and a funny look passed over his face. “Yeah. She took it the hardest when Bobby passed.”
Hannah gave him a small smile. What an awful thing for a little girl to go through. “Well, it’s good that you all banded together.”
Logan shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “Hannah, I’m not sure—”
“What’s the plan for today?” Hannah interrupted. The tone of his voice and the longing in his gaze made her stomach flip. The less they talked about their feelings the better. They had a strictly best-man-and-maid-of-honor relationship. She needed to keep that in mind.
Logan pulled out his phone from his back pocket. After a few seconds, he spoke. “We have to finalize the songs with the band and pick up the dress and tuxedos.”
“I still can’t believe we are doing this for them.”
Logan returned his phone to his pocket and nodded. “I’ve gotten used to it. Last year, while they were on a cruise, they had me give their dog a bath for a dog show they’d entered it into, but forgot about when they booked their tickets.”
“Oh, really?”
Logan nodded. “Yeah. Worst part? I was the guy who had to show the dog.”
Hannah burst out laughing. The image of Logan running sprints across a dog obstacle course was too much.
Logan smiled. “Hey, now. We won.”
Hannah’s sides hurt. “You’re a jack of all trades. So talented.”
His cheeks reddened as his gaze swept over her. For a moment, there was happiness that surrounded them. This was so familiar. And Hannah’s heart ached for the familiarity.
Logan’s face stilled. “We should probably get going.”
Hannah nodded as she stood. “Let me grab my shoes, and I’ll be right back.” She grabbed her mug and headed into the house. As she rinsed her cup out at the sink, her thoughts turned to Logan. How was she going to survive the day with him when the butterflies swarming in her stomach wouldn’t go away?
LOGAN
Logan settled down on the deck chair that Hannah had just vacated. His thoughts flew around in his mind. She’d met Piper. They’d talked. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. For a moment, it seemed as if he was going to be able to confess to Hannah just what had happened on prom night. But she always changed the subject.
He scrubbed the stubble on his chin with his hand. Once the story was finally out in the open, he’d feel better. But he wasn’t going to push her. They’d get there in time.
His phone chimed. Glancing down, he scrolled through his messages.
Sandy says the dress shop opens at eight-thirty. But the tuxedos won’t be ready until ten. Think you can make that?
Logan inwardly groaned, but answered, Will do.
His heart pounded harder at the thought of spending the day with Hannah. Their conversation last night left him wanting more. More memories relived, more laughs, more… kisses. He still remembered the feeling of her lips on his.
“I’m ready,” her soft voice said from behind him.
He jumped and turned. His heart sped from the way the sun lit up behind her. Afraid that his voice would betray him, he just nodded.
They walked to his car in silence. She shot quizzical glances his way. When their gaze met, he smiled.
“I got a text from Jimmy,” he said as he pulled the door open for her.
She nodded as she climbed in. “What did he say?”
Logan shut the door and jogged around to the driver’s side. “We need to grab the dress at eight thirty and then the tux at ten.” He started up the car and Jingle Bells blared through his speaker. Piper had insisted on Christmas music on the way home from Girl Scouts last night. He peeked sheepishly over at Hannah as he reached over and turned it down. “Sorry.”
She smiled. “I love this song. You can leave it.”
The music filled the cab as Logan drove down the street. From the corner of his eye, he saw Hannah’s shoulders relax.
“It’s romantic,” she said, her voice almost a whisper.
“What is?”
“Getting married at Christmastime.” She wrapped her arms around her chest as she stared out the window. He knew that stance. She was attempting to protect herself. How could he show her that she could trust him?
Hannah shifted and pressed her hand against her stomach. “Do you think it might be possible to stop by Litt
le Mama’s bakery?”
Logan glanced over at her. “You’re hungry? Did you not get breakfast?”
She shook her head. “Nope. My mom seems to have gotten rid of every fatty food there is. I’m starving.”
“You’ve got it.” He flipped on his blinker and merged into the left lane. Three minutes later, he pulled into the parking lot. He opened the door and the smell of fried food wafted around him. His stomach grumbled in response.
He waited for her to round the hood of the truck and then he fell into step with her on the way to the bakery’s door. As he reached out to grab the handle, Hannah did the same. His fingers brushed hers and tingles erupted from the touch. He swallowed and glanced down at her.
“I’m… sorry,” she whispered, her gaze meeting his.
She was close. So close. If he wanted to, he could reach out and embrace her. And for a moment, the look in her eye told him that’s what she wanted as well.
But just as quickly as the moment had happened, it disappeared. Hannah cleared her throat and stepped back. “You first,” she said as she pulled her purse strap higher up on her shoulder.
Logan pulled the door open. “After you.”
She hesitated, then walked into the bakery. Logan paused as he glanced down the road, hoping to gather his emotions. Feeling like an idiot, he rolled his shoulders and followed after Hannah. He needed to get a grip, and now.
8
LOGAN
After Hannah paid, Logan placed his order for a cream-filled long john. The peppy girl behind the counter smiled widely at him as she placed the doughnut down. He wasn’t in the mood to flirt, so he nodded and grabbed it. The wrapper crinkled under his fingertips.
When he turned, he zoned in on Hannah who’d sat down at the table situated against the window. The sun burst through the glass and surrounded her. His heart sped up as he approached. From the way emotions raced through his body, Logan knew he was in trouble.
The legs of the chair made a scraping noise as he pulled it out and sat down. Hannah’s raspberry-filled doughnut was half gone.
Forgiving the Billionaire (A Clean Billionaire Romance Book 2) Page 5
