“I have something for you.” He walked to the island and picked up a black velvet box she hadn’t noticed when she walked into the room, probably because her eyes had been focused on Logan. He held it out toward her and flipped it open, exposing a dazzling necklace with what appeared to be hundreds of sparkling diamonds embedded in three draping strands.
“Are those real?” she croaked, taking a step back.
“Of course, they’re real.” The boyish grin she’d come to expect slid onto his face. “No one wears costume jewelry to one of Senator Edwards’ political affairs.”
“I thought it was his daughter’s wedding. Now it’s a political affair?”
“Everything is a political affair for Duane Edwards. Why do you think he invited Cole Miller?” Logan tilted the jewelry box, the jewels gleaming in the bright kitchen lights.
“That must be worth a fortune.” Ellery edged backward, poised to make an escape. “I can’t wear it.”
“You don’t like it?”
“Yes, but I might lose it.”
His shoulders lifted and dropped to express his nonchalance, though her heart was hammering. “If you don’t wear it, you’ll hurt my feelings.”
“I thought you only had one feeling.”
“I do,” he said, with an adorable crooked smile, “and it’s very fragile. On the verge of shattering.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Look, I’ll admit I’m showing off a little.”
Her compassion stirred at his downcast gaze. Of course! Logan was going to see Allegra and his old friends. The diamonds would make up for the fact that his date was flawed.
“Okay.”
He set the box down and removed the glittering necklace. His dastardly green eyes captured her, held her mesmerized as he approached. His fingers brushed her skin as he clasped the chain around her neck, her body shivering at the sear of his touch.
“It’s beautiful,” he whispered, his voice almost reverent. “But I don’t think you need to wear this sweater thing.”
She felt a tug. Ever so slowly, the silk shawl slid off, leaving a million chill bumps in its place. Her arms automatically came up to twist around each other, covering as much of the scarred skin as possible.
Logan reached out to unwind her arms, his expression awed, as if he were untying a present. His left hand started at her shoulder and stroked downward, fingers gently tracing their way over the quilted pattern the skin grafts had left behind. His voice came out as a whisper.
“You’re covering up because you think it matters to me. But I’m telling you I don’t care. Just be yourself. You’re beautiful as you are.”
She blinked back the moisture in her eyes. He’d called her beautiful, and her heart ached, wishing he’d meant it. But she’d seen his face the day before, the moment he’d first laid eyes on her scarred cheek…She’d heard the shock in his voice. Months of therapy had taught her that her appearance didn’t matter. She knew it in her head, but she couldn’t quite make her heart believe it.
“That’s nice of you to say.”
“I mean it, Ellery. When you told me your story today, I realized how I’ve been taking my life for granted. I wish I could be like you.”
Because of her skillful acting, Logan assumed she was brave and defiant. He’d put her on a pedestal. But she was destined to fall, because she didn’t really belong there. Her false bravado simply hid her inner scars like the shawl had hidden the outer ones.
“Thanks for coming here to help me, Ellery. And for opening up to me.”
“Maybe you should wait and see how things go before you thank me.”
His fingers lifted her downward-tucked chin until he caught her gaze. Was there a Logan-aholics Anonymous support group for women who’d been on the receiving end of those addicting green eyes?
“It’s already been worth it, just for making me rethink my life. Hopefully, I can keep my resolve when I’m around my old group tonight. And I hope when I drive you back to Austin tomorrow, it won’t be the last time I see you. I know you think we can’t be friends, but I’d like to try…if you’re willing.”
“If you and Allegra start dating again, I doubt she’ll want you to hang out with me in Austin.”
His brows knitted, and he opened his mouth as if he were going to argue the point. But he snapped it closed, obviously recognizing the truth…He and Ellery had no future together, even as friends.
Nancy joined them in the kitchen, wearing a floor-length dress in a soft peach color that made her skin glow.
“Your dress is beautiful.” Ellery retrieved her wrap from Logan. “I tried to find a dress with long sleeves like yours.”
“Dear, you should enjoy wearing sleeveless dresses while you can.” Nancy flapped her bent arms, chuckling. “Before you get these chicken wings.”
“Don’t put yourself down, Mom.” Logan moved to give her a hug. “You look absolutely beautiful. But why aren’t you wearing your diamonds?”
“I think my pearls are less likely to stir things up.” Nancy arched an eyebrow at Logan. “But Ellery’s diamonds are certainly impressive.”
Ellery fingered her necklace, wondering at Nancy’s ominous tone. “They’re too fancy for me, aren’t they?”
“Oh, sweetheart! That’s not what I meant.” Nancy laid a hand on her shoulder. “You look lovely, and the necklace looks great on you. It’s just that my ex gets—”
“He doesn’t like being reminded of my success,” Logan interrupted.
“It’s my fault.” Nancy raised her hand to silence Logan’s objections. “I’ve always loved Logan more than anything, and Chester hated it.”
“That’s why he refused to adopt me,” Logan added.
