AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Forgive my ignorance, but if this is for Summit Estates, shouldn’t you be the one leading this whole thing?”
He bangs the keys on the keyboard harder than before, ignoring my question entirely. “There’s a list of things we’ll need to take care of to prepare for the event. Since Dad took the liberty of choosing the venue, your job today will be organizing the guest list and coming up with a theme.”
Logan’s always had this undeniable magnetism. His very presence is a powerful current that’s impossible to resist, and it’s infuriating that Silas maintains control over him even now.
“And which charity will the Andersons be donating to?” I ask, not hiding my sarcasm. “One that serves to fill more pockets than actually give back to the community, I presume.”
His eyes capture mine, showing a brief, and unexpected, amount of vulnerability before turning back to his task. “The food bank.”
I carefully sit upright, regretting my tone immediately. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be,” he mutters, but I still am. “We’ll have three meetings to attend after lunch. First, working with the board to set our budget, then we’ll discuss the finer details with the vendors, and lastly, coordinating volunteers.”
“Shit…” Mondays and Saturdays are my days to grab food and other supplies for the group home. I planned to stop by the market before Carrie and I go out tonight, but I can’t do that if Logan’s going to keep me in meetings all evening long.
“Is there a problem?” he asks, cocking his head.
I nibble my lower lip, contemplating how much to reveal. I could tell him about the group home—but now that I’ve seen Logan living in his father’s shadow, it’s more clear than ever that I can’t trust him. He’s lost the tender parts of who he once was, and maybe it’s the momma bear in me, but I’ve vowed to protect those kids at all costs.
I love them far too much to disappoint them.
“I have plans tonight that can’t be rearranged,” I say as sternly as possible.
“Is that right?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but it’s ladies’ night at the Azúcar Lounge, and Carrie scored us and some friends impossible VIP reservations. She’ll kill me if I’m late.” His chair creaks when he gradually sits back, and I’m forced to swallow my pride. “Could Declan go in my place? Just for the last meeting, and I swear, I’ll be extra helpful for the rest.”
He considers me long enough that I squirm.
“She’s only staying with me for another week before ending her vacation at the ranch with our parents. I may never get this much time with her again. Don’t make me beg.”
And quit looking at me like you like the idea of me doing just that.
“All right.”
“Thank you,” I say with a sigh of relief.
Logan’s heels rise to the corner of his desk as he swipes a feather-topped pen across the smirk on his lips. I know he’s up to something before he even speaks. “Declan can take your place, on the condition that he and I accompany you tonight.”
I blanch. “W-what? Why?”
“It’s been a while since I’ve been to Azúcar, and I could use a night out.” He shrugs, perfectly calm and collected when he adds, “You do owe me a date, after all.”
I couldn’t be so lucky for him to forget about that, now could I?
The very idea of the two of us doing anything remotely close to what a couple does on a date induces a flutter of panic.
“You know damn well Carrie’s not going to be happy about this.”
“Your demon-sister doesn’t scare me.” He raps his knuckles on the desk. “In fact, I bet by the end of the night, she’ll even like me.”
Oh boy. My stomach turns at the thought of telling her about this new development.
I try for a different excuse. “You’re aware we’ll be having fun, right?”
“What’s your point?”
“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.” Waving a hand in his direction, I add, “Aside from you being dreadfully unfun.”
