by Kerry Leigh
Logan looked at the sky for a moment and turned his head at me, determination gleaming in his eyes. “I don’t want to ruin anything anymore I want to be straight and honest.”
“Duh, I was just having some fun. Logan. You’re doing a good job when you’re not sabotaging yourself.”
“If it were so simple.” He grimaced. “You probably don’t know this, but I’ve been running now, for the past couple years. I’m not some white knight that charges into the villains’ castle and rescues the princess. No, that’s never been me. I fade away and let my life’s problems weigh me down until I can’t breathe. I learnt that this week Jess.” Giving me a guilty look.
“I thought you loved New York.” I mumbled after collecting my thoughts.
Logan took a moment to think and exhaled. “She’s a challenging city," he said. "I love the architecture, the nightlife and my friends””
I laughed at that and patted his thigh. “So, I take it there are parts you’re not a fan of.”
“I don’t or I do but I realize it’s wrong." He balled his fists up and released the tension. "New York has a soul to it. It's inescapable.”
“I get what you mean. Leaving all this behind, my family, Kaitlin... You. It scares me.” I said
Another silent lull passed.
Logan said. “I need an answer from you but you have to promise me the truth.”
“Have I ever held back from you?” She folded her arms across her chest.
A corner of his mouth lifted and he cocked his back in anticipation.
He looked at me, “If I asked you to stay in New York with me… would you consider putting off culinary school?”
My heart pattered with urgency.
“Yes, absolutely.” I said.
Logan’s eyes were red, puffy and watery. We laid in each other’s arms.
“Do you mean that Jess. You'll give me a second chance?”
“I’ve never felt this before. And I know that this is true love Logan.” I said huskily.
“I love you too. I never thought I would hear say that sentence ever again.”
Logan moved his lips from one corner of my mouth to the other, teeth grazing, tongue sliding against mine.
"I’ve had it with a lonely life and a heart wrenching happiness with my family. You understand me like no one else, when I’m with you my world is warm and has life to it. As long as you’re with me, by my side, I can do anything." He searched my eyes and clearly liked what he saw and continued talking.
"My father, I thought the choices he laid before me was wrong trying to make me choose his path. But now it wasn’t that simple. I was obnoxious and young. There were always other ways. Yet I didn’t want to look like I didn’t think I would ever meet a woman that didn’t want a part of me, but not the while pie. I didn’t imagine that one day I could have a family of my own, exactly the way I wanted it. And I want it, Jess. I want to build a life, with you."
I don’t know when but my tears fell down my cheeks as I looked at him. “This feels like a dream.” I brought a shaky hand to my forehead.
I’ve never felt like I belong with someone so perfectly before I met you. I know that this is real I can feel your love. I know what love feels like.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and looked at him. Then we kissed and I felt his tears on my hair.
"Crying - this is new." He said.
I grinned. I didn’t think you were capable but you are a fantastic person. Gosh I can’t believe you chose me.
"You really are my twin soul you know that something pulled me toward you as soon I as I saw you."
Well I need to figure out my future. I thought while we unwound ourselves.
“How will we tell your parents about us, about the baby…”
“As much as I intend to make an honest woman of you, I've got it handled. I told them everything.”
I felt intense heat rise from my chest and laughed uncontrollably. "wow, if only you told them from the start, you wouldn't have gone through so much trouble."
"Yeah but then you wouldn’t have a super rich boyfriend."
"Besides I wanted to shed that part of me before I found you. I don’t want to lie, I am Logan, I do want I want I won’t live my life based on others’ expectations. I want to be with you and be happy forever Jess."
Our life of love and happiness I said and kissed him, my hand on his stubbly cheek.
"Exactly." he said. "As long as I’m with you, everything feels right."
23
LOGAN
The air seemed sweet, and sun shone brighter the morning after when I awoke with Jess’ stunning naked body wrapped in my arms. We had returned to our penthouse suite that evening to quench our passions.
After returning to our suite and having steamy make-up sex, we broke apart from each other and told our friends and family about our plans.
I held her close, into my arms and planted kisses along her brow as she moaned in her sleep. Jess smelled like summertime, fresh and crisp, sweet and warm.
“Darling,” I said as I as I nuzzled against her ear. “We should get up, my parents are waiting for us.”
“Mmm,” Jess sighed, and rubbed tightly against my body. “It would be be easier to say their goodbyes here.”
“Sure, if you want them to see me in my birthday suit I'm sure that can be arranged.”
“That my dear is not something to be jealous of.” She giggled softly.
We played around in bed until I reluctantly got off the bed, knowing my parents were waiting to see us before they left for Houston. In a great mood, we had a quick shower, dressed up and practically ran out of the lobby floor, we were so late.
I groaned as I had to drive in the New York traffic to make my way to the parent’s mansion. The mansion was huge, and part of a gated neighborhood. The cobblestone road sparkled and the air smelt fresh as we pulled up to the front. We got out of the car, but they were there waiting for us. I saw their eyes burning with happiness and felt so comfortable in their presence.
I felt awful, as if I took a sledgehammer to my chest as I went through the monumental task of breaking the news to my mother. Of course, she rightfully gave me a series of slaps to my face when she found out about her soon to be grandchild.
But she looked happy and proud after I revealed what Jess meant to me - how inseparable we would be. I had to promise her a future grandchild but that's a separate matter itself. I held both of my parents hands and looked at them with loving, hopeful eyes, promising our relationship would be better in the future.
Not to mention the promise of joint holidays every once in a while. But the I don’t know how well I would hold up to that, but I know in that moment I knew I wanted to try.
Jess went shopping with her friend Kaitlin at boutiques and other stores, on my tab of courses and dinner too. She needed this - so I implored her - it was the least I could do. I had to make up for all the drama.
Luckily enough Jess had a couple weeks before she goes on her course. So, we can start thinking about how we’ll live together in Munich or wherever we end up. I insisted she wouldn’t have to work if she wanted to stay with me, but she needs to do this. I understand a thing about dreams, and now I know some things have to give to get what you want. Now that we’re together, we can work it out right?
When she finishes her course, I want to build a life with Jess, to continue working in New York, and add to our family.
After the long day, we got together, our emotions drained from the days tasks. Still, we were happier than we’d ever been, and spent the early morning making love. Then, when dawn arrived our goodbyes were only the beginning in our life together.
I said goodbye to my parents.
My dad cleared his throat and I turned and saw my parents.
“This is the most ridiculous engagement holiday I’ve ever heard of especially within this little circle of friends.” He said.
Jess tugged my hand at that.
She was nervous at the thought my family
would have some resentments toward her for this whole scheme
“I hope it won’t affect your relationship with your glamorous daughter in law.”
“Wait, what when exactly did I propose to you?”
Jess gave her bashful smile, “I mean… I just assumed-”
“You believed... I would want to marry you?” I folded my arms across my chest. “Just like that?”
“Sure, have you seen me,” Jess said acting like a little diva.
I smiled and roared in laughter and pulled her in for a kiss.
My father watched on shaking his head maddeningly but there was an interesting glint in his smile as if this was all right. Finally cementing his approval.
“You two took a long way to get together.”
“That’s something I hadn’t thought of Dad.” I said.
But life lessons rarely apply to some situations.
“We weren’t having a ruse, we didn’t realize what we meant to each other.” Jess finished.
“That’s usually how it happens.” My dad said dryly, then gave a look filled with love to my mother.
“But we have to go back to Houston. I’ve been gone far too long.”
I shook hands with my father, and gave him a real hug, a hug I haven’t ever given in my adult life. My father shook as if he was in shock then gave me a loving pat on my back.
My mother embraced me warmly like when I was a child.
“We’ll send you an invite when the wedding is on. Or if a baby is on the way - whichever comes first." I said while they started walking for the door.
“Definitely the wedding.” Jess shot back.
We exchanged goodbyes and my parents got into their limousine and started their journey for their private charter.
“Take care of my child Jess.” said April.
“I promise I will love him for the rest of time and space.”
THE END
Acknowedgements
I would like thank all of my wonderful readers who bought my book. I hope to continue to keep you entertained for years to come.
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About The Author
Bestselling author Kerry Leigh grew up in Seattle and still lives there spending her time reading and writing. Hot and steamy romance has always been her favourite genre, and now finds that the only thing more satisfying than dreaming up her fantasies in the first place, is writing them down and being able to share them with others.
Kerry now lives in Santa Barbara with her wonderful husband and their four dogs. On most days, she loves to sit by the pool and write her next hot romance.
COPYRIGHT AND DISCLAIMER
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2018 Kerry Leigh
All rights reserved. Without limiting the right under copyright reserved above, no parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a trivial system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized associated, with or sponsored by the trademark owners.
