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“Much? How about none. In fact, I’ve done the impossible—I’ve taken several steps backward.”
“What? How’s that even possible?”
Logan moaned aloud. “It’s a sorrowful tale.”
Adrian motioned to the dishes. “It appears we have plenty of time.”
Not leaving anything out, Logan recounted his trip to Jamaica with Dakota.
“That doesn’t sound too bad.”
“Really? Because from where I’m standing, it’s pretty bleak. She hasn’t spoken to me since we got back…well, in person. She’s sent plenty of emails.”
“That’s progress.”
“All about work,” Logan added.
“Hmm…I see your point.”
“Face it, I’ve screwed up. There’s not a chance in hell that we’ll get back what we had at Belle Cove. She was warming up to me, Adrian. Now…it’s back to the Arctic Circle.”
“Logan, I’m married to a woman with a hot temper and a memory like a damned elephant. Believe me, I’m no stranger to deep freezes. I keep a parka in my bedroom closet for emergencies,” Adrian said drily. “Trust me, we can fix this.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“The first order of business is to get your spine back. Stop being so negative. What happened to that man who blew into town hell-bent on winning Dakota back?”
Logan frowned. “I’m still here.”
“Then act like it. With my help, you’ll be back in her good graces in no time. If there’s one thing I know, it’s women.”
Logan snorted. “This coming from someone who’s slept on the couch?”
Adrian smiled. “I’ve never slept on a couch a day in my life. I said I have a parka in my closet for emergencies…I didn’t say I’ve ever used it.”
* * *
Norma Jean closed the door leading into the kitchen without a sound. She backed up and set two plates on the dining room table, then covered her mouth with her hand.
I knew it. Her instincts were telling her that Logan and Dakota had unfinished business. Alarm bells started pealing the moment she saw the look on Dakota’s face when she mentioned Logan returning. She was not surprised, and there was another look in her eyes that Norma Jean knew all too well. Unrequited love.
Logan was back to win Dakota’s heart. Well, she would not allow him and Adrian to screw it up. Dakota had been through so much in her young life and deserved happiness. They needed a pro at the helm. Half the work was already done for her oblivious nephew—Dakota loved him. Now it was time for the Love Broker to step in.
Chapter 9
“Are you going to tell me about it?”
Dakota looked up from her computer screen. “Tell you what?”
“Why all of a sudden you’re in manic mode, and you haven’t spoken Logan Montague’s name aloud since you got back from Jamaica?”
“I’ve said his name.”
Susan leaned on Dakota’s desk. “No, you haven’t—not once. And before you protest again, he hasn’t been by here, either. So I can only assume that you’re avoiding him.”
Dakota opened her mouth to say something, and then closed it.
“Aha!” Susan cried. “I told you. Come on, spill it.”
“It’s stupid. I shouldn’t have let it get comfortable between us again. I should’ve kept things strictly professional.”
“But you didn’t,” Susan said eagerly. She sat down on the chair and scooted it closer to the desk. “You two had sex in Jamaica, didn’t you?”
“What? I…no!” Dakota sputtered. “It wasn’t like that. We just…had a conversation that I overreacted to. It brought back painful memories, that’s all.”
“Has it ever occurred to you that nothing has changed because you won’t let it? Dakota, it’s been ten years. Cut the man some slack and level with him.”
She reared back. “You’re on his side now?”
“Of course not.” Susan crossed her arms. “I’m your best friend. I’ll always be in your corner. I’m merely saying that you’re looking at this with blinders on, Dakota. You two were getting along in Jamaica. You can’t convince me otherwise. It’s time to move forward.” Susan stood up and regarded her friend. “Give it a chance, Dakota. You can’t see it, but you’re stuck in place. You can’t carve out the future until you’ve dealt with the demons of the past.”
“So now you’re a relationship expert?”
“No, but I have a more objective view.”
She turned to leave, but Dakota’s voice stopped her.
