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There’s a huge island in the center, that instantly brings on thoughts of family breakfasts, and late nights sharing ice cream. The counters are tan and brown granite, fitting with the rustic vibe. The living room and semi-formal dining area are all one big space. Natural light cascades in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, which I can now see are not just at the front of the house, but at the back as well, giving a 360 view of the scenery.
“Each of us customized our homes the way we wanted. Mine is sort of based on my parents' house. Everything is open and connected so—” he breaks off, nervously glancing back at me.
“So, your family can be together,” I say softly, nodding my head as I look around. It’s rustic without feeling like a hunter’s cabin. He has a leather couch, faux fur rugs, and dark rich accent colors, but there aren’t any antlers or taxidermy heads on the walls. A fact that I appreciate greatly.
“Exactly,” he murmurs, clearing his throat. “There are two bedrooms and a full bathroom over there, but both are empty. For now.” He gestures to a hallway behind the stairs, opposite a massive stone fireplace. The chimney reaches the vaulted ceiling, disappearing into the beams, making it the focal point of the entire space.
All I can think is how beautiful this room would look decorated for Christmas. A thought that I try to keep to myself but can’t. “Holy shit, Logan. This place would be awesome for the holidays. You could fit the biggest Christmas tree in here.”
Logan points to an open space next to the fireplace and smiles. “What do you think about putting it right there?’
My eyes dart between him and the space, my belly clenching with nerves and excitement. “It would be perfect,” I whisper.
Visions of early Christmas mornings with cocoa and carols, the kids in their pajamas opening presents while Logan and I cuddle in front of the fire, dance through my mind. It’s so potent and visceral, my eyes begin to sting.
I shake it off, pointing to the stairs. “What’s up there?”
Logan smiles softly as he leads me up to the second floor, which opens directly to a huge loft. The biggest TV I’ve ever seen sits above a smaller stone fireplace and across from a comfy-looking, deep, wrap-around couch. It’s large enough that ten people could sit on it at once, with room to spare, and I immediately want to dive in.
“The rest of the bedrooms are on this floor.” He continues down a long hallway, pointing out doors as we go. “There are three bathrooms up here. One’s a half bath, and the others are Jack and Jills, connecting two bedrooms. There’s nothing in any of them yet, but I do have a guest room at the end of the hall.”
“And where is your room?” I ask absently as my eyes dart inside the few rooms with open doors. He wasn’t lying. They’re all empty. Why would he have so many empty rooms? Logan stops walking abruptly, and I slam into his back. He turns slowly, looking down at me.
“On the other end of this floor,” he says, his voice a low rasp. “Why?”
Clearing my throat, I shift from foot to foot. “I thought you were giving me a tour. Are you not showing me your room?”
Logan shakes his head, and my stomach drops. “I’m not taking you to the master bedroom unless you’re going to be sleeping in my bed.”
“What?” I murmur.
He steps into me, aligning our bodies as best he can with his arms full of my stuff. “If you step one foot in my bedroom, I’ll have you sprawled out across my bed, naked and beneath me, before you even know what’s happening, and I won’t let you leave again. You’ll be mine.” Leaning down, so our faces are only inches apart, he growls, “Still wanna check out my bedroom, Babydoll?”
Swallowing, I stare at him, not knowing what to say. Everything inside of me screamsyes, yes, yes¸but indecision has me pausing. He’s serious about all of this. His possession of me lights me on fire, burns me up in the best way imaginable, but something inside me holds me back.
He doesn’t know you can’t give him what he wants. He doesn’t know you’re broken.
My inner voice penetrates through the dreams, the pictures he’s painting, and reality comes crashing down. “Guestroom, please.”
Logan winces, and guilt claws at my insides. I have to tell him.
Iwilltell him.
Tonight.
Chapter Twelve
“Babydoll,I’mhome,”Icall out, stepping through the garage door. I drop my keys and wallet on the island and listen for Shiloh but hear nothing. “What do you think, Tank? Wanna meet your new mama?” He gives a little chuff that I’d like to think meanshell yes, making me grin.
Bending down, I set him on the hardwood, making sure his harness is on straight, and give him a little pat to get going. He hightails it across the slick surface as fast as his tiny little legs can handle. Shaking my head, I dart past him and head upstairs, eager to get back to my girl. It’s been too many hours since I left her, and I’m aching to have her back in my arms.
Earlier, when we’d gone to see the damage at her place, I’d shot a text to Charlie, letting him know I had an emergency and that he’d need to cover for me with the Taylors. As much as he prefers working with his hands, he’s a smart guy and can handle stepping in to handle business when needed. Still, I’m the foreman and had to be the one to do the inspection and sign off on the paperwork, so I had to go in. The whole damn thing ended up taking way longer than I’d intended.
I left Shiloh, fed and lounging on the upstairs couch in front of a fire, giving her free reign of the house and a promise that I’d be back soon. My stomach twists. I feel like such a fucking prick. I left her alone, in a new place with no car, for most of the day. Increasing my pace, I take the stairs three at a time, hoping she’s okay.
Reaching the top step, I come to an abrupt halt when I find her passed out and curled up under a thick wool blanket my mom crocheted when I was a kid. My heart squeezes at the sight.
Stepping closer, I lean over, much like this morning, and take her in. She’s so damn beautiful when she sleeps. Her face is peaceful and relaxed. A small smile tips the corner of her full lips up, and the overwhelming need to kiss her fills me instantly. Her lip twitches, and the sight hardens my cock.
