Curvy Delights: Billionaire Romance BBW Boxset

by Tara Brent

  I have to remind myself that Logan's not out to hurt me. He's in a tough spot. I thought that Jessica was going to leave when he told her that he didn't want to be with her.

  Stupid thought. Her son is here in Texas. Why would she leave now? Because she has left before was the answer I give to myself.

  I turn away from the window and head to bed myself. I can't be late for the second morning in a row Rosie will kill me.

  Chapter 30: Logan

  I try to put the madness behind me. The anxiety. Afraid that Jessica's going to drop the ball. I try to push the thoughts away of the insecurities that Amber has of Jessica. I can't and won't play any game that Jessica might want to play. Amber should know that. She doesn't though, it's going to take time I know that but she has to learn to trust me and that's what gets me upset with her.

  She loves me, I know she trusts me, she's just afraid of getting hurt again. I understand that.

  It's a good thing that Brent has covered all my emails and appointments before he left last night. He's late. I keep tapping my watch to make sure that it's not broken. It's not like him to be late. I don't think he's ever been late.

  His date must've gone on really late into the night. I smile at myself, shaking my head as the phone rings.

  “Sorry, I'm on my way.” Brent's rushed voice rolls into my ear from the other end of the phone.

  “Don't be sorry, I will let you slide this time.” I laugh at him.

  He's not a man that takes his job lightly. He doesn't like joking about it, he laughs but I know it's not a real one. He sounds aggravated.

  I'm not sure if it's with me or with himself. Maybe both. This makes me laugh harder.

  “Do you want me to pick Dustin up for you today?” Brent asks, willing to do me any favor for before heading to the office now.

  “Jessica is going to get him. The daycare already knows. She's already down on the list.” I clear my throat.

  I hear Brent suck his breath in through his teeth but he doesn't say anything. Why is it that everyone does something uncomfortable when I mention her name? I know that she can't take Dustin from me. That's not what I'm afraid of at all. Like I mentioned to Amber yesterday, there's no way that Jessica can take him away from me. Not when I'm the one who has full rights. She gave up that right when she left us.

  I like to think that everyone is just worried about Dustin and me. I have a feeling that everyone is waiting for me to fail and that's not the case. I suddenly feel like everyone I care for thinks I’m doing the wrong thing. Are they afraid Jessica will run off with Dustin? I know her well enough that she doesn’t want to take care of him full-time. They don’t understand that.

  We talk for a few more seconds and then I hang up the phone. It eases my mind a little that Brent is going to be here.

  My phone rings again as I'm checking to see if I have any missed calls on my office phone.

  "Jessica," I answer calmly.

  “Hey, I was wondering if you want to meet for lunch?” Jessica acts like it's the most natural thing in the world.

  “I don't think so. I have a lot going on today.” I reject her, knowing that it won't look good to Amber or anyone else for that matter.

  I wouldn't disrespect Amber like that.

  “Suit yourself.” She doesn't feel the slightest bit hurt that I turn her down. That's a good thing.

  What game is she playing? I’m not going to waste my time trying to figure her out.

  Despite Jessica's abrupt invitation, I feel happy and I decided that I should go out for lunch by myself today. To sit down and enjoy a meal instead of rushing through it like I always do.

  "Late night last night, hey buddy?" I ask, hearing the office door open and watching as Brent pauses in the doorway.

  I see a slight flush on his face and a grin beginning to grow wider into a smile.

  “Well, whoever she is I hope she makes you happy.” I laugh at him.

  Brent only nods his head before he starts collecting the list I need to be done for the day. Most of it is running errands and he's happy to take the paper and rush back out the door. My laughter following him.

  Chapter 31: Amber

  The morning flew by easily, better than yesterday. I look at Rosie and see that there's a smile on her face. She's happier today than she has been in a while.

  “What are you so secretive about over there?” I ask her teasingly.

  “Nothing, I'm just in a really good mood.” But I can see even though she tells me this that she's holding something back.

  I want to joke around with her, could it be another man? Has she changed her mind like she's done a hundred times before? I don't think so though, knowing it's too soon after the Peter episode.

  “When is your wedding day?” Rosie's eyes grow wide, changing the subject on me.

  “Ha, I don't think that we're going to get married any time soon. I have a hard time getting over the fact that Jessica is still here.” I roll my eyes; just her name starts to rile me up.

  “You know that Logan doesn't want anyone but you. You know that if he wanted her back he would have told you already. I thought she would just leave.” Rosie tries to make me feel better.

  “Me too. I thought it was over and done with. When he told her no, I thought she would go back to where she came from. Under a rock somewhere.” I laugh a little, though I do feel bad for what comes out of my mouth.

  I shouldn't speak about her like that knowing that she's one of the reasons Dustin is here enjoying life.

  “You can't let it get to you. Just remember that Logan is with you. Sooner or later he will slip that ring on your finger.” Rosie laughs lightly. Getting back to her original question.

  “I'm going out for lunch. I think that I'm going to try something different today. You want to go with me?” I ask.

  “No, that's okay. I have a lot to catch up on around here. I brought my lunch with me today.” Rosie declines and I take the van keys that belong to the shop.

  Tired of the same old food I want to enjoy a meal. Anything other than sandwiches.

  Driving around town I find this cute diner that serves different types of food. Pulling off the road I shut the van off.

  Before I get out though I see two people in a window talking and laughing with each other. I get a happy feeling, that's until I see that the two people are Jessica and Logan! My heart sank and I felt myself tremble.

  My hunger is now gone, replaced with anger. I can't go in there and cause a scene. Logan would never forgive me and I would look insecure more than I already do in front of Jessica.

  Closing my eyes I take a deep breath before opening them and starting the van. Lunch is over for me. The best thing I can do is get back to work and push the image of the two of them out as if I'd never seen it.

  “That was quick.” Rosie's eyes grow wide.

  "Yeah, I guess I'm not hungry after all," I mutter, putting the keys back on the hook.

  I want to tell her what I saw but there's a customer coming into the shop and the last thing I want anyone to think is that this shop is full of drama.

  Rosie gives me a look that she wants to know what's going on when we have a minute. Only there is no minute to spare when men and women come into the shop looking for floral arrangements to be delivered and they want it done today!

  Every man that comes into the shop looking for flowers for their girlfriends/wives I wonder what they've done wrong.

  I shouldn't think that way. But now it just seems that maybe they feel guilty about something their partner doesn't know about.

  After seeing Logan and Jessica at the diner I can't stop thinking about what they could've been laughing about. What they were talking about.

  I'm not going to be able to keep this to myself and I shouldn't have to. Though I'm glad that I didn't go in there.

  My anger has simmered just a little and grateful that I didn’t storm in there and make a scene and said something that I would later regret.

  My phon
e is going off like crazy in my pocket; I don't even have time to see who it is. The only person it could be is Logan. I would guess Rosie, but she's right here beside me. I could guess Grace, but she's probably busy with her own day. She rarely ever calls me.

  Rosie, on the other hand, every time I glance her way she's checking her phone. Though there is a hint of a smile on her face she doesn't say anything to me about it. If I had the chance to ask her I would, but I'm up to my neck in notebooks for weddings, first dates, and dinners.

  As soon as the rush is gone I look at the clock. Almost time to go home. I can't wait; maybe I will just sink into a bubble bath and wish the rest of the day away. Start fresh again tomorrow.

  “Someone's outside waiting for you.” Rosie nods her head towards the window.

  Being so busy and wanting to escape as soon as I can from reality I forget that Logan is picking me up tonight.

  “Is there anyone in the car with him?” I ask her, not wanting to look at him.

  “No, should there be?” She asks, giving me a confused look.

  "No, it just means that Jessica kept up to her end of the bargain on picking up Dustin and taking him for the night," I mutter.

  I should be happy but I'm not. I thought that she would drop the ball the first chance she got.

  “Remember, he wants you and only you.” Rosie points at me.

  I give her the best smile I can. If only she had seen the way the two of them were laughing at lunch.

  “I will see you first thing in the morning!” Rosie shouts to me as I throw a wave over my shoulder and hear the doorbell chiming; letting Rosie know that someone was leaving.

  I get into the car without saying a word to him. He's a smart man he will figure out that something's not right. It will be easier to explain why I'm acting this way.

  Chapter 32: Logan

  I can tell before she gets into the car that something's weighing on her mind, either that or she's just tired from the work day but I know her like the back of my hand.

  “I called you three times today.” I test the waters as she buckles up and I pull away from the shop.

  “We've been extra busy today. One of our busiest days actually.” She isn't smiling though. Not even a hint of one on her face.

  “So, you're moody because of your work day?” I ask, better to get to the problem now so that we can enjoy our night.

  “No. I went out for lunch today. Was starving, wanted to try a different place. You know sit down and enjoy my meal. I saw this little diner and well the sight made me change my mind.” Amber's voice was cool, calm, and collected.

  I know what she's talking about. I know what she thinks she saw.

  "I went to the diner for lunch myself. I sat down and shortly after Jessica showed up. She had also been thinking the same thing. To enjoy a nice lunch! She sat with me and we started talking about Dustin and his routine since she hasn't had him in her home in a long time overnight. I didn't want the routine broken just because he's staying with her." I explain to her simply.

  “You were laughing about that?” She’s surprised.

  "No, we laughed about numerous things, Amber. All to do with Dustin. None of the conversations that we had strayed anywhere else. Well, it did once." I correct myself.

  Amber is staring at me, making it noticeable.

  “Yeah?” She finally asks.

  "Yeah, I asked her if she'd been to any good restaurants here. What would she recommend? That I wanted to take you someplace really nice. I even mentioned your name" I tell her as calmly as I can.

  Out of the corner of my eye I see her biting down on her lip. Sitting back in her seat and she turns her head towards the window and looks outside.

  I know how she's feeling now. She's feeling stupid and she isn't. It's all just a misunderstanding until it's explained.

  "It's a good thing that I didn't stomp in there and demand what's going on when I saw the two of you at the booth," Amber grumbles.

  "It's a very good thing because I have Dustin. You and I both have to remember that. You more than me because I practice being nice. You can't take matters into your own hands; you have to remain calm if there's something that neither of us likes. That way Jessica can't think that Dustin would be better off with her." I explain to her.

  There are many times I don't like what Jessica has to say but I keep calm because the only one that matters out of us is Dustin. I don’t want to give her any reason to try and take Dustin away from me.

  “She must've been surprised that you asked her where to take me for dinner.” Amber grins at me.

  The worry and uneasiness wash off her face.

  “I think she was. That doesn't matter though; I'm not hiding anything about you.” I take one hand off the wheel and cover hers with it.

  Assuring her that she once again has nothing to worry about.

  “In fact when I pick Dustin up tomorrow night I'm going to bring you with me. Dustin wants to see you. I know he's going to ask when he's going to see you again.” I know it's time to move ahead.

  With Amber and me together it's time that we start doing things together with Dustin. Including picking him up from his mother's.

  “So where are you taking me to dinner?” Amber brightens at the thought of going with me.

  I won't have it any other way. For her to get over this insecurity I'm going to bring her with me as much as I can when it comes to Dustin and sooner or later she's going to see that I am true to my word when it comes to her.

  “I'm not quite sure yet. I'm going to think more about it while I drop you off at your house so that you can get ready.” I grin.

  “What do you want me to wear?” She asks.

  “Anything you want, you look sexy in everything that you have.” I point out to her.

  She just rolls her eyes at me and laughs.

  The Amber that I know is back.

  My smile grows wider because her attitude has changed, her mood is different. I’m glad we got this off of our chests. I always want to be upfront with her.

  We're great for each other. I know this and I'm never letting her go.

  As soon as I drop her off she kisses me hard on the mouth before she gets out and goes into the house.

  I laugh, shaking my head as I head over to Grandma's while she gets ready. Jessica suggested a candlelit restaurant but I'm going to see what Grandma suggests. If nothing else we will have another home cooked meal but I want to get Amber away and have her all to myself. It feels as if we haven't had that much time together. Though when we do spend time together it feels like it goes by too fast.

  Chapter 33: Amber

  I feel silly, but happy at the same time. Finding myself humming as I get into the shower. Wanting to make it quick.

  I do take my time, however, knowing that Logan is going to Grace's while I doll myself up.

  I feel like an idiot as well. When am I going to see that there's nothing there between the two of them? That maybe Jessica is taking no for an answer and just wants to be around Dustin? I feel bad about that. I do, and maybe one day I will put all my insecurities aside. I have to before it drives Logan up the wall. Or even drive him back to Jessica. I shudder at the thought.

  Logan wanting to take that step and involve me more with Dustin is a big one. And wanting to show Jessica that even though he has Dustin he has moved on with his life. That he has me in this life. That's a good way for me to see that there's nothing going on between the two of them.

  I wash my hair three times. I’m a bit annoyed with myself that I sounded more like a lawyer when I got into the car with Logan. I need to stop worrying. I need to get back to being my fun-loving self; the one Logan knows and loves. The person I truly am.

  “Stop overthinking it.” I shake my head, washing my body for the third time. I don't know how that's going to happen.

  It's not like I can just train myself the way Logan is doing right now. He's a stronger person than I am. I guess he has to be when it comes to Dustin and
the choices that he makes for him.

  Getting out of the shower I wipe off the fogged window to take a look outside. The sky is turning gray and it does look like we're in for a storm. So instead of going with a dress, I go with a black pair of slacks and a white shirt.

  Putting on a light shade of lipstick and checking myself over a hundred times before I stepped outside and locked the door.

  Logan's car was still in front of Grace's but he must've been looking out the window because he stepped out before I reached his car.

  “You look beautiful!” Logan whistles and he unlocks the door and I get in.

  I will never get used to him calling me that. Giving me compliments. It’s almost as if he knows just when to say it.

  There's a spark in his eye and I wonder what he and Grace had talked about.

  “Have you decided where we are going?”

  “Yes.” He nods confidently.

  I wait for him to tell me but I see that he's not going to. There's nothing that will make him change his mind.

  I sit back and enjoy the ride as we chit chat about our day. A little drained from work and overthinking, but happy as hell that I'm beside Logan and it's just the two of us.

  Before we get to our destination the rain comes down, just like I knew it would when I looked out the bathroom window.

  It's a big downpour and Logan has to pull over onto the side of the road because he can't see.

  "It will stop in a few minutes," I tell him, not letting the rain get me down.

  “Yeah, I remember the rain storms we used to have.” Logan laughs.

  The way he laughs makes my heart sing and dance. I've always loved his laugh.

  The rain pelts down on the car, that's all we hear. There's no point in talking over the rain because we're not going to hear each other. The only way to hear is to yell and I don't want to do that.

  Logan leans over and starts to kiss me on the mouth. He laughs and says that we should use this time wisely.