Page 86 of Hearts Storm

I bark out a humorless laugh. “That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?” I shove off the stool, needing to move.

Pacing the kitchen, I run a hand through my hair. “He wants her too. He’s already asked her to the charity gala this weekend, and she said yes.”

Mom’s eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “How do you feel about that?”

“Pissed.” I stop pacing, turning to face her. “Brex and I, we have an agreement when it comes to women. He knows I like her, but he didn’t run it by me that he was going to ask her. We’ve talked about the possibility of us both dating her. But this feels different. She’s different. And I think...” I trail off, the words sticking in my throat.

“You think what, honey?”

I blow out a breath. “I think I’m going to go for it.”

She grins. “Sounds like one of those spicy novels your sister likes to read. She let me borrow one, and let me tell you⁠—”

“No!” My head jerks up. “Nope. Pushing me out of my comfort zone, Ma.”

Letting out a soft chuckle, she gestures for me to sit.

As I do, she leans in, cupping a soft hand against my cheek.

“You can’t let what happened in the past define your future. As shitty as it was, when it comes to love, nothing is ever set in stone. Even the greatest loves of all time have had to forge their way through fire, through storms before they found true love, my darling. Love is never perfect. All you need to do is make peace with opening your heart again. Take a chance.”

Her words settle warmly into my bones. I’ve always trusted my mom’s advice, even though there have been plenty of times when I didn’t want to hear it.

“But what if I’m wrong? What if this ruins everything—my career, my friendship with Brex?”

Mom sips her tea, eyeing me over the rim. “And what if it doesn’t? What if it’s exactly what the three of you need?”

I shake my head, unable to wrap my mind around it. “I don’t know if I can share her, Ma. Not completely.”

“You might surprise yourself.” She sets her glass down firmly. “Love isn’t always neat and tidy, Logan. Sometimes it’s messy and complicated, and it sure as hell never fits into the box we always try shoving it into.”

She’s right.

“She offered to save me a dance at the gala. So that’s where I’ll start.”

Smacking both palms lightly against my cheeks, squishing my face together, my mom grins up at me, “That’s my boy. Go get your girl.”

thirty-seven

It’s Saturday and I’m a nervous wreck because the gala starts in less than an hour.

I haven’t seen or spoken to Logan since he stormed out the other day. The memory of his kiss still burns on my lips, making my stomach flutter every time I think about it. Then there’s Brex, who should be here any minute to pick me up.

Yesterday, Sasha helped me pick out my dress.

A deep, exotic red, it’s long, slim, and hugs my curves. A single strap extends from one end of the halter top to the other under my bra line, hugging it to my chest, causing my breasts to practically spill out for all the world to see. The backside dips, grazing just above my ass, exposing my entire back. And the material itself is so soft and slinky over the rest of my body, I have no choice but to go commando.

I’ve pinned my hair up on one side with a sparkly clip, letting it cascade over my opposite shoulder.

Bright red, matte lipstick adorns my lips, and heavily applied smoky black eyeliner makes my eyes pop. Silver heels complete the look, adding three more inches to my five foot ten.

Just as I turn to check my backside one last time, the doorbell rings, making my heart skip into the divot in my throat.

Taking a deep breath, I take one last look in the mirror, grab my small silver clutch off my bed and make my way to the door.

Standing on my front porch in a bespoke black tux stretched taut over his muscular frame, Brex’s freshly cut, dark blond hair is styled away from his face.

I swear the look gives me is one for the record books.