“Is that why you holed up in your house?”
His head dipped in an almost imperceptible nod. “Shutting yourself off doesn’t do any good.”
“This seems like a chance to put everything behind you and move on to bigger and better things.”
His eyes focused on hers, his dilating pupils pulling at something deep in her gut. “I would if I could be as strong as you.”
“If you really knew me, you wouldn’t say that.”
“You’re feisty. Defiant. You don’t let anyone push you around. Your strength shows in everything you do and say, and I’m hoping that attitude will rub off on me.”
Tell him the truth, you big fraud! You’re about as strong as tissue paper.
She ignored her conscience.
“Do you want to move on, or do you want to win Allegra back?”
“I guess part of me hopes I can win her back, although I think it’s a shot in the dark.” The muscles in his throat worked as he swallowed.
The more she heard about Logan’s friends and his history with them, the more she wanted to avoid any contact with them. But seeing the pain on Logan’s face made her determined to help him. She was such a sucker for a guy who opened up about his emotions like this. Logan had no idea what he was doing to her. She was feeling more drawn to him by the minute.
“You weren’t planning to act like we’re a real couple, were you?” she asked. There was no way she could handle that kind of pretense without her heart getting involved. Just sitting close to him was giving her chill bumps.
“I wouldn’t ask you to do that.” His voice dropped an octave, the deep masculine sound plucking all the right strings. “Although it would be amazing if you’d be willing.”
He regarded her with poorly disguised hope. Why did he have to look like a sad puppy dog? She couldn’t resist him.
“I guess we could hold hands and dance a little bit, but that’s all.”
His face lit up. “You’d be willing to pretend we’re actually dating?”
“I think I can pull it off, though you’re definitely not my type.” Maybe if she kept telling herself that, she’d believe it. It was sort of true, because she didn’t even know what her type was. Although Logan was checking off quite a few boxes. Swoon-worthy green eyes and a ton of muscles didn’t hurt his standings, that much was for sure.
She had to remember he’d built up those muscles for Allegra, not her. Whatever he did, however he acted toward Ellery, it was all for one purpose…to get Allegra back.
“If Allegra thinks we’re a real couple, it would help my image a lot.” His dimples winked at her, so deep they were still visible under his short beard. “I don’t want her to think I haven’t dated anyone else in the last five years.”
“Have you?”
He crossed his arms, tucking his hands in. “Not many.”
“How many is not many?”
“Okay. None at all. But that’s because I haven’t had time. I’ve been busy working.” His gaze darted toward her and back to the floor.
“You haven’t done anything but work in all this time?”
“I do have some hobbies,” he said. “I’m into kayaking, biking, bouldering…all kinds of sports.”
“No wonder you haven’t been dating. You live in a cave and spend your spare time doing solo sports. When would you have met a woman?”
“I’m not going to fool anyone, am I?” He grimaced. “I’ll be awkward at the wedding, and she’ll know you and I aren’t together.”
“Maybe she’ll think I’m the awkward one. After all, my scars are going to be pretty obvious.” None of the fashionable evening gowns had had long sleeves, so her right arm was going to be exposed for all to see. Granted, the skin grafts had improved the appearance a great deal, but would she be able to hold her chin up and ignore the stares? These were probably the kind of people who started having plastic surgery in their teens so they’d always look perfect.
“Ellery, do you have everything you need?” They both jumped at Nancy’s voice from the doorway. Despite her casual tone, it was obvious from her furrowed brow she disapproved of them being alone in the room together. “Did you find the towels in the linen closet?”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” Ellery edged away from Logan, though they hadn’t even been touching one another.
Nancy took a few steps into the room. “I’m so glad you’re going to the wedding tomorrow. Logan wasn’t coming without a date, and I really didn’t want to go alone.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
“But more importantly,” Nancy said, “I’m glad Logan has found a nice girl to go out with.”
Logan rolled his eyes. “Mom, we’re not—"
“We’re not serious.” Ellery cut him off. “We’re taking it a day at a time.”
Logan shot her a grateful glance.
“That’s smart,” Nancy said. “But I have a good feeling about the two of you. Maybe I’ll get that daughter I always wanted.”
“Mom!” Logan growled.
Ellery laughed. “I bet you’d be a great mother-in-law.” Logan looked a little green until she mumbled, “Don’t worry—just kidding,” under her breath.
Wouldn’t it be nice to be part of a family again? Even a slightly dysfunctional one?
