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“What’s going on in that head of yours?” she asked. “I can see the cogs turning.”
He gulped his lemonade and wished it was something stronger. “I like her, Mum.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“No.” He sighed, unsure how to put his emotions into words. “But I’m not sure that I’m any better for her than Henry was.” Corinne started to interrupt, but he gestured for her to stop. “I’m not a cheater, but that’s only because I’ve never tried to date anyone properly, so I’ve never had to stay faithful. I always figured it wasn’t in my DNA to be a good partner so there was no point trying. Now, I think I’d like to try, but I don’t want to hurt her.”
Corinne watched him steadily. “Why do you think it’s not in your DNA to be a good partner?”
He grimaced. “You remember Dad, right?”
“And?” Her eyebrows drew together. “Is this why you were asking me about him recently?”
“Maybe,” he admitted. “We’re alike. Everyone used to say it.”
Corinne shook her head. “You are not your father. You might bear a passing resemblance to him, but you’re your own man.”
He pulled a face. He got where she was coming from, but had she paid any attention to his dating history—or lack thereof?
She raised her chin. “I’m serious. You’re a much better man than him. Besides, I like to think there’s at least as much of me in you as there is of him, especially considering I raised you.”
“I hope there is.” God forbid every part of him came from Jonathan.
“Do you think I’m incapable of being a good partner?” she asked.
His jaw dropped. “Of course not. You’re great with Lawrence.”
“Exactly.” She leveled him with a look. “If you think DNA plays such a big part in whether or not you can treat someone well, then you need to factor in my contribution to your DNA as well as your dad’s. I’m in a healthy relationship. Lawrence and I respect each other, and we’re happy. Just like you could be happy with Gabby if you gave yourself a chance.”
“Yeah, maybe.” He dragged a hand through his hair. He wanted to believe her, but he’d spent a lifetime telling himself differently, and proving himself right over and over again. He drained the rest of his lemonade. If he wanted answers, perhaps Corinne was the wrong person to talk to. Maybe he should go straight to the source. He hadn’t spoken to his dad in over a decade, but Corinne had given him Jonathan’s email address, and he knew it was saved on his computer.
“I’m going to head upstairs,” he said, taking Corinne’s empty glass. “I’ll wash these. Thanks for the chat.”
“You’re welcome. I hope it helped.”
“It did.” He kissed her cheek and gave her a brief hug. “Are you okay to let yourself out?”
“I’ve done it a thousand times before.”
He waved her out, dealt with their glasses, and went upstairs, where he fired up his laptop and composed an email to his no-good absentee father. He read it several times over before hitting “Send.” It wasn’t perfect, but he’d been polite and asked what he needed to. Now he’d just have to wait and see whether Jonathan would bother to reply. He doubted it. It wasn’t as if the guy had been there any other time Logan needed him.
18
When Gabby turnedinto her drive and spotted Logan’s car parked outside the house, she breathed a sigh of relief. It had been an exhausting day, with an operation and an emergency trip out to one of the neighboring farms to deal with an injured horse. It was nice not to return to an empty house. He’d been spending more time at her place since they first slept together again a couple of weeks ago. They’d slipped into an easy relationship where they had sex but never discussed what it meant. Were they heading for the loving family future she’d always wanted, or was this some kind of temporary arrangement that would end as soon as the babies were born?
More likely, the latter. But she was in denial.
Thelma greeted her at the door, her tail wagging frantically, and Gabby laughed. Nothing could brighten her day like her fur babies. Especially Thelma and Louise, who were always thrilled to see her. Dogs were such a balm for the ego. She loved on Thelma, then cuddled Louise, and eventually made it to her bedroom, where she stripped off a t-shirt that smelled of horse and kicked off her muddy pants. She dropped her clothes in the laundry, pulled on a fresh set and followed the scent of tomato and spices to the kitchen.
Logan stood behind the stove, his board shorts lovingly cupping his ass. He glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “Big day?”
“Do I look that bad?”
“No-o.” He schooled his expression, rested the handle of the spoon against the edge of the pot, and crossed to her. He kissed her gently and smoothed her hair off her forehead. “You’re beautiful.”
She rolled her eyes. “You charming liar.”
“It’s the truth.” His smile softened. “You’re always beautiful to me.”
