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Chapter Seventeen
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Cori had hung around the apartment, waiting to hear from Logan. She was thrilled when he said he wanted to take her to dinner. But she honestly hadn’t been in the mood to go out. Tonight was important. Without explaining why, she’d talked him into ordering Chinese and eating in.
When he didn’t put up any argument, she figured he thought it was so they could have a replay of last night. Although that sounded wonderful, it was going to have to wait until after they spoke. If she didn’t tell him the truth tonight, she might lose her courage altogether. That wasn’t something she was willing to risk. He might not hate me, but I won’t forgive myself. I’m better than that. I’m not Sarah.
She knew her sister would do and say anything she needed to hold on to someone like Logan. That wasn’t Cori’s style. She wanted him with all her heart but only if he genuinely wanted to be with her. Manipulating him or lying might work, but not long-term. And that’s what I want with him.
Even though they weren’t going out, she was going to make herself pretty for him. She looked one last time in the mirror and was pleased with her choice. It said I’m trying, but not come in and strip your clothes off because I want you. Although this outfit does look damn good on me.
She smoothed her yellow and white sundress one last time and then went to answer the door. Ready or not, it’s show time.
When she opened the door, he once again had flowers. Of course, this time she wasn’t bawling her eyes out, so she actually noticed. “Thank you, Logan, they’re beautiful.”
He handed her the red roses only after placing a brief kiss on her lips. In his other hand, he had a large bag. The aroma filled the room. “And dinner is delivered as requested.”
“That smells almost as good as you do.” She gave him a playful wink as she walked to the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase.
She couldn’t help but notice the pink roses weren’t holding up very well. Probably because they were dropped on the floor and then stayed on the couch, crying out for water all night. Cori was going to give these more TLC.
“I’m glad we’re staying in tonight.”
He came up behind her and kissed her bare shoulder. “Me too.”
Cori wanted to turn around and wrap her arms around his neck, pull him close, and tell him how much she loved him. Instead, she pretended to fuss with the flowers, making them just right. “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get some plates? I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
The only thing she was really hungry for was the conversation to be over so they could move on with their lives.
“That’s a shame. I hear it’s better the next day,” Logan said, giving her a light teasing tap on her bottom before going to sit at the table.
She enjoyed this playful side of him. Cori only hoped it was still there after their talk. Why wouldn’t it be? I’m admitting what I was planning to do. Not confessing that I followed through with it. Somehow she hoped he could see the difference.
Cori set the table and brought the food. “Were you planning on feeding an army, because how much do you think I eat?”
“I was serious about it tasting better the next day. Don’t you like leftovers?”
She smirked. “Are you saying you don’t trust my cooking?”
“Never, sweetheart. I stole a piece of that cherry pie, and hands down, it was the best I’ve ever had.”
“How did you pull that off without getting caught by Elizabeth?”
“I can’t reveal my secrets.” Logan laughed.
“Hmm. Sounds like you had help. Tyler maybe?”
Logan looked shocked. “Who told you?”
“I figured it out all on my own. I’m a reporter, remember?” That was the perfect segue for what she needed to say next. There’s no reason why we can’t talk over dinner. Might even make it easier. I know it will for me.
“Guess I’ll have to be more cautious.”
“You don’t have to worry about me, Logan. I won’t ever do anything to hurt you.”
He arched a brow and asked, “Why so serious?”
Cori laid her fork down and took a deep breath. She didn’t feel ready and knew she never really would be. But it was time.
